Fluorescence Microscope Settings Controlled by Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern microscope systems, particularly surgical microscopes, face limitations in fluorescence imaging due to low illumination intensity, which restricts the ability to process fluorescence image data, limiting the availability of functionalities and parameters even when image quality is sufficient.
Innovation Solution
A system that analyzes the quality of fluorescence imaging data to determine suitable user settings, controlling changes within a dynamic range to maintain image quality, preventing unsuitable adjustments and providing notifications for potential changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the range of allowable user settings is restricted during fluorescence imaging to ensure sufficient headroom for processing, then the reliability of image data processing is improved, but the adaptability of the microscope system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the range of allowable user settings based on real-time assessment of image data quality and processing headroom. Instead of using fixed static limits, the system continuously monitors fluorescence signal characteristics and adapts the permissible setting ranges accordingly, allowing maximum flexibility when quality is sufficient while maintaining reliability when headroom is limited
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters defining the allowable settings range based on the assessed quality of image data. By evaluating fluorescence signal intensity, noise levels, and processing capacity, the system adjusts the permissible values for zoom level, working distance, and illumination settings, transforming the rigid parameter constraints into flexible, context-dependent ranges
2Manufacturing precision
If the zoom level is increased to improve image detail, then the manufacturing precision of the image is improved, but the light intensity from fluorescent dye deteriorates due to lower illumination intensity at higher zoom
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the quality indicator of fluorescence image data and using this information to assess whether changes in zoom level or other settings are permissible. The feedback loop evaluates the relationship between zoom level, light intensity, and image quality, allowing the system to maintain optimal settings that balance detail resolution with sufficient fluorescence signal intensity
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
Enhances the flexibility and reliability of fluorescence imaging by allowing safe adjustments to user settings, ensuring adequate image processing and visualization, while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
light is emitted towards the surgical site in a first wavelength band (also called the fluorescence excitation wavelength band). If a fluorescent dye is used in the surgical site, the emitted light excites the dye, and light is emitted in a second wavelength band (also called the fluorescence emission wavelength band)
Implementation Method 2
This light can be recorded by a camera sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Examples relate to a microscope system (100; 400) and to a corresponding system (110), method and computer program for a microscope system. The system comprises one or more processors (114) and one or more storage devices (116). The system is configured to determine a quality indicator of a quality of image data of a fluorescence imaging sensor (122) of a microscope (120) of the microscope system. The system is configured to identify, for one or more user settings of the microscope, a range of values that are suitable in view of the quality indicator. The system is configured to control a change of the one or more user settings based on the range of values that are suitable in view of the quality indicator.