Fluorescence Observation Apparatus Light Distribution Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescence observation apparatuses face challenges in normalizing fluorescence measurements due to variations in distance and angle between the excitation-light source and the observation target, leading to inconsistencies in fluorescence intensity.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an illumination unit that emits both illumination and excitation light, a fluorescence-image acquisition unit, a return-light-image acquisition unit, a light-distribution-characteristics-information storage unit, an image correcting unit, and an image normalizing unit. The image correcting unit corrects the fluorescence and return-light images by equalizing their light distribution characteristics, allowing for normalization based on the return-light image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence normalization is performed using reflected light intensity, then the influence of distance and angle variations is reduced, but inconsistencies remain due to different light distribution characteristics of the optical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light distribution characteristics correction unit that acts as an intermediary between the fluorescence image and return light image. This unit equalizes the light distribution characteristics of both images before normalization, serving as a mediator that reconciles the differences caused by distinct optical systems. The correction uses stored light distribution characteristics data to adjust either the fluorescence image, return light image, or both, ensuring consistent normalization results.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical systems are used for fluorescence and return light acquisition, then each can be optimized for its specific purpose, but the different light distribution characteristics cause normalization inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing the light distribution characteristics of both optical systems in advance. Before performing fluorescence normalization, the system retrieves these pre-stored characteristics and uses them to correct the images. This preliminary preparation ensures that when normalization occurs, the light distribution differences have already been accounted for, maintaining both optical system optimization and normalization 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 enhances the quantitativeness of fluorescence observation by minimizing the influence of light distribution characteristics, resulting in a more precise and consistent fluorescence image.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescence-image acquisition unit that captures an image of fluorescence generated by the object due to the object being irradiated with the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluorescence observation apparatus including an illumination unit that irradiates an object with illumination light and excitation light; a fluorescence-image acquisition unit that captures an image of the fluorescence generated by the object, thereby acquiring a fluorescence image; a return-light-image acquisition unit that captures an image of the return light returning from the object, thereby acquiring a return-light image; a light-distribution-characteristics-information storage unit that stores information with regard to the light distribution characteristics of optical systems; an image correcting unit that corrects at least one of the fluorescence image and the return-light image using the information so that the light distribution characteristics contained in the fluorescence image and the return-light image are made equal to each other; and an image normalizing unit that normalizes the fluorescence image on the basis of the return-light image, using the corrected fluorescence image and return-light image.