Dynamic Phase Ring Microscope for Adaptive Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase-contrast microscopes have limited adjustability in illumination light distribution, relying on fixed phase ring shapes and observer experience, making it difficult to optimize image observation conditions.
Innovation Solution
A microscope system with an illumination optical system, imaging optical system, spatial modulation elements, and a calculation section that dynamically adjusts the amplitude transmittance distribution of light to optimize specimen observation, using a DMD and liquid crystal element to change the illumination and phase modulation regions based on image sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed phase ring shape is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability of illumination light distribution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the phase ring shape changeable rather than fixed. The phase ring can be dynamically adjusted to different shapes (circular, square, rectangular, etc.) through a modulation section that varies the transmission axis direction, enabling flexible adaptation of illumination light distribution to different observation requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If phase ring shape selection is based on observer experience, then the device operation is simple, but the observation image quality is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the image sensor to detect the observation image quality and automatically feed this information back to the control section. The control section then automatically selects and adjusts the appropriate phase ring shape based on the detected image characteristics, eliminating the need for observer experience-based manual selection and ensuring optimized image quality through automated feedback control.
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 flexible adjustment of light distribution for improved specimen observation, allowing for optimal image conditions by calculating and adjusting the amplitude transmittance distribution in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal element which changes a phase of the light
Implementation Method 2
a liquid crystal element which changes a phase of the light
Implementation Method 3
a digital micromirror device which changes an intensity distribution of the illumination light
Data Source
AI summary
A phase-contrast microscope system includes: an illumination optical system that illuminates a specimen with an illumination light from a light source; an imaging optical system that forms an image of the specimen from a light from the specimen; a first spatial modulation element that is disposed in a position of a pupil of the imaging optical system and changes an amplitude transmittance distribution of the light from the specimen; an image sensor that detects the image of the specimen by the imaging optical system and outputs a picture signal; a calculation section that calculates the amplitude transmittance distribution of the light from the specimen appropriate for observing the specimen on the basis of the output data detected by the image sensor and the amplitude transmittance distribution of the light from the specimen formed by the first spatial modulation element.