CMOS Slide Imaging Layout for Brightfield and Fluorescence Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital pathology scanners face issues such as limited manufacturer diversity leading to non-interchangeable line-scan sensors, registration errors due to sensor separation, and inability to perform both brightfield and fluorescence imaging.
Innovation Solution
A CMOS image sensor with a castellated optical element and pixel columns for focus, line-scan, and two-dimensional imaging areas, combined with color filtering elements, enables bi-directional dynamic focusing and simultaneous brightfield and fluorescence imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple line-scan sensors are used for digital pathology imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but registration errors occur due to physical separation between sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple line-scan sensor arrays into a single integrated sensor unit with shared electronics and processing circuitry. This merging eliminates the physical separation between sensors while maintaining the ability to capture multiple spectral bands, thereby improving registration accuracy without sacrificing imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal sensor platform that can perform multiple imaging functions (brightfield, fluorescence, and multiple spectral bands) using a single sensor array. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors, reducing registration errors while maintaining versatile imaging capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If line-scan sensors from different manufacturers are used, then device availability is improved, but optical and electronic interchangeability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a universal sensor interface standard that allows different manufacturer sensors to be interchangeably mounted on the same platform. The standardized mechanical, optical, and electronic interfaces enable easy replacement and interchangeability while maintaining full functionality, thus improving ease of manufacture without sacrificing sensor availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the sensor module into independent, standardized components that can be easily replaced. The sensor array, optics, and electronics are designed as modular units with standardized interfaces, allowing individual sensor modules from different manufacturers to be swapped without affecting the overall system integration.
3Device complexity
If a single sensor is used for both brightfield and fluorescence imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but optical configuration becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic optical switching mechanisms that can rapidly reconfigure the optical path between brightfield and fluorescence modes. The optical system includes switchable filters and illumination sources that can be dynamically adjusted, allowing a single sensor to handle multiple imaging modes without permanent optical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal optical platform with integrated illumination sources and filter sets that can support both brightfield and fluorescence imaging through a single sensor. The optical configuration uses switchable components that enable the same hardware to perform multiple functions, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized optical paths.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a versatile imaging system that reduces registration errors and allows for interchangeable sensors, enhancing imaging capabilities to include both brightfield and fluorescence modes.
Implementation Method 1
The castellated optical element may be formed of sections such that each section may have a different refractive index. One section of the castellated optical element may be disposed over a portion of the first set of columns such that light may converge on a first focal plane separated by a first distance from an object plane
Implementation Method 2
The color filtering elements may filter light into a first red wavelength band and second red wavelength band, filter light into a first green wavelength band and second green wavelength band, and filter light into a first blue wavelength band and second blue wavelength band
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein pertain to systems and methods for imaging. An imaging system may include a castellated optical element, a CMOS image sensor, and color filtering elements. The CMOS image sensor may include focus areas, a line-scan area, a 2D imaging area, and look-ahead gaps. The imaging system may be configured scan and capture bi-directionally, forward-focused brightfield and fluorescence images of one or more slides comprising at least one biological material.