Contact Dark-Field Imaging for Self-Luminous Biological Sample Films

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging methods for self-luminous objects on biological sample films involve complex operation processes, long imaging times, and systems with large size, high cost, and difficulty in carrying, among other issues.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus with a darkroom inside the housing that uses a photoelectric conversion element to capture first and second dark-field images, followed by correction to obtain a target image, and optionally includes a light source for bright-field imaging, allowing for higher-definition images with a simple and portable setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensitive film technology is used for imaging self-luminous objects, then image quality can be obtained, but the operation process becomes complicated and imaging time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidimaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical chemical development process of sensitive film with a digital photoelectric conversion system. The imaging sensor directly converts light signals to digital data, eliminating the need for chemical developers and manual processing steps, thus significantly reducing imaging time while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a photoelectric conversion element to create a digital copy of the self-luminous object image. This digital copy can be immediately processed, stored, and analyzed without requiring physical film handling or chemical development, thereby reducing both time and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of manufacture

If camera shooting technology is used with long distance between camera and self-luminous object, then digital images can be stored directly, but optical signal acquisition rate decreases and sensitivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedigital image storageVSAvoidoptical signal sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from long-distance optical imaging to contact imaging by placing the imaging sensor in direct proximity to the self-luminous object on the film. This dimensional change from remote to contact imaging dramatically increases optical signal collection efficiency and sensitivity while maintaining digital image storage capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If traditional imaging systems are used, then imaging function is achieved, but device size becomes large and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging functionVSAvoiddevice portability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the imaging sensor, darkroom environment, and sample holder into a single integrated compact device. By combining these previously separate components into one unified system, the patent achieves full imaging functionality in a portable format that can be easily transported and operated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent nests the imaging sensor and darkroom environment within a compact housing structure. The self-luminous object is placed within the darkroom space that contains the imaging sensor, creating a nested configuration that maximizes functionality while minimizing overall device size and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 method achieves higher-definition images efficiently with a compact, affordable, and easy-to-use apparatus, reducing imaging time and improving image accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric conversion element arranged in the housing, wherein the photoelectric conversion element is used for obtaining a first dark-field image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

Two types of biological self-luminous detection technologies are commonly used currently... the use of sensitive film technology... that fits the self-luminous object with a photosensitive film tightly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemiluminescence: Chemiluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3951356B1Apparatus and method for imaging self-luminous object on biological sample film
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 SHANGHAI E BLOT PHOTOELECTRIC TECH CO LTD
  • EP3951356B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3951356B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3951356B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Provided are a method and apparatus for imaging a self-luminous object on a biological sample film (A); said imaging apparatus comprises a housing (1), an optical-electrical conversion element (2), and an image correction device (3); the inside of the housing (1) constitutes a darkroom space; the optical-electrical conversion element (2) is arranged in the housing (1); the optical-electrical conversion element (2) is used, when the biological sample film (A) is not inserted, for obtaining a first dark field image inside the housing (1); after affixing the biological sample film (A) to the surface of the optical-electrical conversion element (2), the optical-electrical conversion element (2) is also used for obtaining a second dark field image inside the housing (1); the image correction device (3) is used for correcting the second dark field image according to the first dark field image to obtain a target image corresponding to the self-luminous object. The imaging apparatus and imaging method can effectively and more accurately obtain a higher-definition target image of the self-luminous object; the operation process is simple and the time required for imaging is short; furthermore, the imaging apparatus has the advantages of a small structure, low cost of manufacture, convenient operation, and portability.