Fluorescence Imaging Pixel Shift Histogram Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging apparatuses with low pixel counts struggle to achieve satisfactory resolution despite high optical resolution, leading to suboptimal image quality, particularly in fluorescence observation where pixel shifting techniques introduce checkered patterns due to fading of fluorescent agents.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a pixel shift unit that adjusts the relative position of the imaging unit to capture images at multiple positions, combined with an image correction unit using histograms to correct gray-scale levels and an image combination unit to combine corrected data, effectively addressing the fading issue and enhancing image resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pixel shifting technique is used to improve resolution, then image resolution is improved, but checkered patterns occur due to fading of fluorescent agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing multiple images at different relative positions before the fluorescent agent fades completely. By acquiring image data at multiple positions (first, second, and third relative positions) during the observation period, the system preserves information before the harmful fading effect occurs, enabling later reconstruction of the complete image without checkered patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple discrete captures at different positions. Instead of taking a single image that suffers from fading, the system divides the observation into separate image acquisition steps at different relative positions, then combines these segmented images through processing to reconstruct the complete image, eliminating the checkered pattern while maintaining high resolution.
2Measurement precision
If number of pixels is increased to improve resolution, then image resolution is improved, but production cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the imaging unit movable relative to the sample. The imaging unit is shifted to different relative positions (first, second, and third positions) during the imaging process. This dynamic positioning allows a single imaging unit with limited pixels to capture multiple views, and through combination processing, achieve the resolution equivalent of having many more pixels, thus avoiding the complexity and cost of increasing the actual pixel count.
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
The solution enables the generation of high-resolution, high-quality images by correcting for fading-induced brightness differences, thereby suppressing checkered patterns and maintaining image quality over time.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit having a solid-state image pickup device for performing an optoelectric conversion
Implementation Method 2
for a fluorescent sample
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit for capturing an image of a fluorescent sample; a pixel shift unit for changing the relative position of the imaging unit for the image; an image correction unit for correcting the gray-scale levels of plural pieces of image data using the histograms of the image data acquired by the imaging unit at different relative positions; and an image combination unit for combining the plural pieces of image data corrected by the image correction unit.