Dual-Camera Optical Microscopy for Wide-Field High-Resolution Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical microscopy systems face challenges in achieving high spatial resolution while maintaining a wide image field without inducing vibrations in fragile samples and ensuring fast image acquisition.

Innovation Solution

An optical microscope with an imaging module comprising two cameras and a reflective scanning device that allows simultaneous acquisition of wide-view and high-resolution images without mechanical movement, using a beam splitter to split the image beam into two paths with different magnifications and a scanning device to orient the first camera for high-resolution image acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the spatial resolution is increased by changing the optical system or switching objectives, then the spatial resolution of the microscopy image is improved, but the image field on the camera is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidimage field

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image acquisition into two separate channels: a first optical system with high magnification for high-resolution imaging of specific regions, and a second optical system with low magnification for wide-field imaging of the entire sample. This segmentation allows both high resolution and wide field of view to be achieved simultaneously without compromising either aspect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spatial dimension by using a beam splitter to separate the optical path into two independent channels with different magnifications. This dimensional separation allows the system to capture both high-resolution and wide-view images simultaneously, effectively adding a new dimension to the traditional single-channel imaging approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If a sample-holder displacement stage is used to bring regions of interest to the centre, then the field of view is maintained, but mechanical movements induce vibrations harmful to fragile samples

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidvibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical displacement stage with an optical solution using a beam splitter and dual optical systems. Instead of physically moving the sample to reposition regions of interest, the system uses optical path separation to simultaneously capture wide-field and high-resolution images of the same stationary sample, eliminating mechanical vibrations entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If mechanical movements are used to reposition samples or switch optical components, then the field of view is maintained, but the system becomes relatively slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidimage acquisition speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous simultaneous acquisition of both wide-field and high-resolution images through the beam splitter architecture. While traditional systems require sequential operations (moving sample, capturing image, moving sample again), this system continuously captures both types of images at the same time, dramatically increasing productivity and eliminating gaps in image acquisition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables rapid, vibration-free acquisition of high-resolution mosaic images over a wide field without mechanical sample movement, enhancing image resolution and field of view while reducing mechanical stress on samples.

Implementation Method 1

a beam splitter adapted to receive the image beam of the image plane and to form a first image beam and a second image beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam splitting:

Implementation Method 2

a reflective scanning device arranged in or near the image Fourier plane, optically conjugate with the Fourier plane of the optical microscope

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12546982B2Augmented-field-of-view, high-resolution optical microscopy method and optical microscope

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 UNIVERSITE DE BORDEAUX

AI summary

The invention relates to an optical microscope (100) and a microscopy method. According to the invention, the microscope comprises an imaging module (200) comprising an optical beam splitter (40), a first optical system (41, 42, 43), a first camera (51), a second optical system (44, 45, 46, 47) and a second camera (52), the second optical system (44, 45, 46, 47) and the second camera (52) being configured to acquire a low-magnification image, and the first optical system (41, 42, 43) comprising a reflective scanning device (42, 48) placed in a plane (72) optically conjugate with the Fourier plane (71) of the optical microscope (100), a controller (300) being configured to angularly orient the reflective scanning device (42, 48) so that the first camera (51) acquires at least one first image (61, 62, . . . , 6N) of a portion of the object field of the microscope objective (21, 22, 23).