Fluorescence Macro Imaging for Accurate Micro Image Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image acquisition methods struggle to achieve clear macro images and appropriate micro image acquisition conditions.

Innovation Solution

An image acquisition apparatus that obliquely emits excitation light in multiple wavelength ranges, uses a fluorescence filter unit with specific wavelength ranges, and a setting unit to set micro image acquisition conditions based on fluorescence macro image data, allowing for clear fluorescence imaging and accurate setting of exposure time, focus measurement, and tissue recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional image acquisition methods are used, then the process is simple, but the macro image clarity and micro image acquisition condition accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicro image acquisition condition accuracyVSAvoidimage acquisition system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary macro image acquisition and tissue region detection before micro image acquisition. The setting unit determines exposure time, focus measurement positions, and other acquisition conditions based on the macro image, preparing optimal parameters in advance for subsequent high-precision micro imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The macro image acts as an intermediary between the specimen and the micro image acquisition process. By analyzing the macro image to detect tissue regions and determine optimal parameters, the system mediates the transition from low-magnification overview to high-magnification detailed imaging with optimized conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If exposure time is set without macro image analysis, then the process is fast, but the exposure time accuracy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposure time accuracyVSAvoidacquisition condition setting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The setting unit determines the exposure time in advance by analyzing the macro image data before actual micro image acquisition. This preliminary determination of exposure time based on tissue region characteristics from the macro image ensures accurate exposure settings are prepared beforehand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If focus measurement positions are not predetermined, then the process is simple, but the focus measurement accuracy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocus measurement accuracyVSAvoidfocus measurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The setting unit determines focus measurement positions in advance by analyzing the macro image to identify tissue regions. This preliminary determination of where to measure focus based on detected tissue characteristics ensures accurate focus measurement is prepared before micro image acquisition begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 accurate setting of micro image acquisition conditions by clearly detecting tissue regions and focusing measurement positions, thereby improving the precision of exposure time and tissue recognition.

Implementation Method 1

a fluorescence filter unit having a plurality of reflection wavelength ranges corresponding to the plurality of excitation wavelength ranges and a transmission wavelength range between the reflection wavelength ranges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

imaging fluorescence generated from the specimen in response to the emitted excitation light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP4660683A1Image acquisition device and image acquisition method
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP4660683A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4660683A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4660683A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The image acquisition apparatus is an image acquisition apparatus to acquire a macro image of the sample, and includes the second emission unit configured to obliquely emit excitation light in at least 1 excitation wavelength range among a plurality of excitation wavelength ranges onto the sample, a macro observation camera including a fluorescence filter unit having a plurality of reflection wavelength ranges corresponding to the plurality of excitation wavelength ranges and a transmission wavelength range between the reflection wavelength ranges, an imaging lens configured to form an image of fluorescence from the sample corresponding to the emitted excitation light, and an image sensor configured to capture an optical image formed by the imaging lens and output fluorescence macro image of the sample, and a control apparatus configured to set an acquisition condition of a micro image of the sample based on the fluorescence macro image.