Flat-Form Light Encoding Layer for Microscopic Object Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological imaging systems are limited by their large size and ability to monitor only a few samples at a time due to the need for sample amplification, resulting in long sample-to-result times and restricted field of view, making it difficult to analyze biological material effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of a flat-form imaging system with a light encoding layer, such as a lens-less computational imaging layer or meta-lens array, combined with an array of electrodes generating a non-rotating, non-uniform electrical field, allows for simultaneous imaging of multiple wells in a well plate, enabling wide-field view and three-dimensional modeling of microscopic objects by rotating them for multi-angle capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional microscopy systems are used to image biological samples, then image quality can be maintained, but the system size becomes large and only a few samples can be monitored at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging task into multiple independent fields of view captured simultaneously by a single camera sensor. The light encoding layer segments the optical path to enable parallel imaging of multiple wells, transforming a single-point imaging system into a multi-region parallel imaging system without requiring multiple large microscopy systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical microscopy systems with a computational imaging approach using light encoding layers. Instead of using complex mechanical lenses and optical paths, the system uses programmable light modulation and computational algorithms to achieve imaging functionality, dramatically reducing system size while enabling wide-field simultaneous imaging of multiple samples.
2Measurement precision
If sample amplification is performed to increase detection capability, then sensitivity improves, but sample-to-result time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images from multiple angles and uses computational processing to reconstruct enhanced views of samples. Instead of performing full amplification processes, the system takes partial actions (multi-angle imaging) and uses computational methods to achieve enhanced detection capability, thereby improving sensitivity without the time penalty of complete amplification workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple virtual copies of sample views from different angles through computational reconstruction. By capturing light from multiple perspectives and reconstructing three-dimensional information, the system generates enhanced virtual images that improve detection sensitivity without requiring physical sample amplification or replication.
3Quantity of substance
If a single field of view is used for imaging, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to analyze multiple samples simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light encoding layer serves multiple functions: it modulates light to encode spatial information, enables multi-angle imaging, and facilitates computational reconstruction of three-dimensional sample views. This single component performs what would traditionally require multiple separate imaging systems, increasing sample capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light encoding layer acts as an intermediary between the light source and the camera sensor, transforming simple light transmission into a complex information-carrying signal that encodes spatial and angular information about multiple samples. This intermediary layer enables the system to handle multiple samples simultaneously while keeping the overall architecture relatively simple.
4Measurement precision
If objects are rotated for multi-angle imaging, then three-dimensional modeling capability improves, but imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic rotation of samples at controlled speeds to capture images from multiple angles. By rotating samples continuously or in periodic steps and synchronizing image capture with rotation phases, the system efficiently collects multi-angle data without requiring manual repositioning or complex mechanical stage movements, thereby reducing total imaging time while maintaining three-dimensional modeling accuracy.
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
This approach enables efficient and cost-effective imaging of a large number of samples simultaneously, reducing sample-to-result times and enhancing the ability to analyze biological material by capturing images from multiple directions and reconstructing three-dimensional models.
Implementation Method 1
The light encoding layer may be a lens-less layer to provide computational imaging (e.g., an amplitude mask or a diffuser) or a flat-lens array (e.g., meta-lens array). The light encoding layer may encode the light from a light source passing through the cells in the well plate.
Implementation Method 2
Each well is provided with an array of electrodes to generate a non-uniform, non-rotating electric field. The electric field creates an electrical torque to cause microscopic objects in the wells to rotate.
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus includes a well plate having an array of wells, a light encoding layer positioned under the well plate, an imaging layer to capture an image of the well plate encoded by the light encoding layer, an array of electrodes positioned on a surface of a bottom floor of the at least one well, and a controller. The light encoding layer is to encode light passing through a microscopic object in at least one well of the array of wells. The light encoding layer has a substantially flat form. The controller is to direct electrical voltage to the electrodes to generate a non-rotating, non-uniform electrical field, the electrical field being to rotate an object in the electrical field.