Dual Magnification Microscopy via Spectral Pixel Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopy systems cannot simultaneously obtain two images of the same sample at different magnifications without moving the sample or the optical system, limiting their ability to provide detailed observations and field views simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a dual optical system with separate magnifications, where a first optical system forms a first image and a second optical system forms a second image, both using the same image sensor, without moving the sample or optical components, by employing a semi-reflective blade and spectral filters to direct light waves through distinct spectral bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional microscopy uses different objectives to obtain images at different magnifications, then magnification adaptability is improved, but the ability to obtain two images of the same sample simultaneously at different magnifications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the image sensor into two distinct groups of pixels, where the first group captures light in a first spectral band and the second group captures light in a second spectral band. This segmentation allows each pixel group to independently form images at different magnifications from the same sample simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between magnification adaptability and simultaneous image acquisition capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sample or optical system is moved to obtain images at different magnifications, then magnification change is achieved, but system complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical approach of moving the sample or optical system with an optical approach using spectral separation. By using a first spectral filter for the first group of pixels and a second spectral filter for the second group of pixels, the system achieves different magnifications through optical path differentiation rather than mechanical movement, thereby reducing system complexity and operation difficulty.
3Measurement precision
If two images of the same sample at different magnifications are obtained sequentially, then image quality is maintained, but observation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables continuous simultaneous image acquisition at two different magnifications by assigning the first group of pixels to capture the first spectral band and the second group of pixels to capture the second spectral band. Both images are formed concurrently from the same sample without sequential switching, thereby maintaining high image quality while eliminating the time loss associated with sequential observation.
4Device complexity
If a single optical system is used to observe the sample, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to provide both wide-field and detailed views simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the image sensor universal by enabling it to simultaneously perform two functions: the first group of pixels observes the sample in the first spectral band at one magnification, while the second group of pixels observes the same sample in the second spectral band at a different magnification. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor to provide both wide-field and detailed views simultaneously without requiring separate optical systems.
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 simultaneous formation of two images of the same sample part at different magnifications, allowing for both wide-field observation and detailed visualization without sample or system movement, enhancing the capability to characterize particles like spermatozoa by providing high field and high magnification views.
Implementation Method 1
a first separator (13), of the semi-reflecting blade type, configured to transmit a first component (14 1) of the light wave of interest (14) according to a first spectral band (Δ 1) and to reflect a second component (14 2) according to a second spectral band (Δ 2)
Implementation Method 2
an objective (16 a), arranged between the support plane and the first separator, as well as: a first tube lens (16 b), extending in the first optical channel, the first tube lens forming, with the objective, the first optical system
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Device (1) for observing a sample (10) comprising: • a light source (11), configured to emit an incident light wave (12) according to a first spectral band (Δ1) and a second spectral band (Δ2), the first spectral band being different from the second spectral band; • an image sensor (20), comprising a first group of pixels (201), sensitive to the first spectral band and a second group of pixels (202), sensitive to the second spectral band; • a support (10s), configured to hold the sample according to a support plane (Ps), the support plane extending between the light source (11) and the image sensor (20), such that when the sample is held by the support, under the effect of its illumination by the incident light wave (12), a light wave of interest (14) propagates towards the image sensor;• the device being configured to direct, towards the image sensor, a first component of the light wave of interest, according to the first spectral band, as well as a second component of the light wave of interest, according to the second spectral band.;