Filter Set for Simultaneous Fluorescence Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filter sets for fluorescence observation cannot simultaneously observe fluorescent and non-fluorescent regions of an object with maximum color fidelity, and existing solutions that allow simultaneous observation are complex and expensive to produce.
Innovation Solution
A filter set comprising an illumination filter designed as a low-pass filter and an observation filter designed as a high-pass filter, with specific wavelength-dependent transmittance profiles that ensure maximum color fidelity by maintaining a constant product of transmittances over the visible wavelength range, avoiding overlap and ensuring efficient transmission and attenuation of light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional filter sets use narrowband wavelength ranges with high transmission in both illumination and observation filters, then fluorescent and non-fluorescent regions can be observed simultaneously with color fidelity, but the filters become difficult and expensive to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmittance parameters of the filters by defining specific wavelength ranges with complementary transmission characteristics. The illumination filter has high transmission in blue-green range (450-550 nm) while the observation filter has high transmission in red range (600-780 nm), creating a parameter set that enables simultaneous observation with color fidelity without requiring complex narrowband filters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the visible spectrum into distinct wavelength ranges with different transmission characteristics. By dividing the spectrum into blue-green (for illumination) and red (for observation) segments, the filter design achieves the dual goal of simultaneous fluorescent and non-fluorescent region observation while maintaining manufacturability through broader, simpler filter bands
2Reliability
If the illumination filter allows only fluorescence-excitation light to pass, then fluorescence observation is optimized, but non-fluorescent regions become dark and cannot be observed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wavelength-range mediator approach where the illumination filter transmits blue-green light (450-550 nm) that can both excite fluorescence and provide illumination, while the observation filter transmits red light (600-780 nm) that captures both fluorescent emission and reflected illumination. This intermediary wavelength separation enables simultaneous observation of both fluorescent and non-fluorescent regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional separation by using different wavelength dimensions for illumination and observation. Instead of using the same wavelength range for both functions, the illumination filter operates in blue-green wavelengths while the observation filter operates in red wavelengths, creating a dimensional separation that allows dual observation modes simultaneously
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 observation of fluorescent and non-fluorescent regions with high color fidelity, while being easy and inexpensive to produce, by efficiently transmitting and attenuating light to prevent overexposure and maintain accurate intensity representation.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination filter is arranged in a beam path between an illumination light source and the object to be observed
Implementation Method 2
The illumination filter allows substantially only light to pass that can excite the fluorescence of a fluorescent dye
Implementation Method 3
an observation filter is arranged between the object to be observed and an observer
Implementation Method 4
The observation filter allows fluorescent light to pass and substantially does not allow light to pass that the illumination filter allows to pass
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a filter set, to a fluorescence observation system and to a method for simultaneously observing fluorescent and non-fluorescent regions of an object. The filter set comprises an illumination filter and an observation filter. The illumination filter is configured such that it efficiently transmits visible light having short wavelengths and efficiently blocks light having a long wavelength. The observation filter is configured such that it efficiently blocks visible light having short wavelengths and efficiently transmits light having a long wavelength. The illumination filter and the observation filter are configured such that the product of the transmittance of the illumination filter TI(λ) and the transmittance of the observation filter TO(λ) are very constant over a high proportion of the visible wavelength range.