Fluorescence Intensity Normalization for Changing Optics Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluorescence microscopy and endoscopy devices face challenges in accurately determining fluorophore concentration due to the influence of optics setting parameters, which affect fluorescence intensity.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that automatically adjust exposure control parameters, such as detector gain and light intensity, based on optics setting parameters like working distance and magnification, using a controller with calibration data or interpolation, to maintain constant fluorescence image brightness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If optics setting parameters are changed to adapt to different observation conditions, then the observation capability and versatility are improved, but the fluorescence intensity measurement accuracy deteriorates due to the functional relationship between sensitivity and optics settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation capabilityVSAvoidfluorescence intensity measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying optics setting parameters (such as objective lens numerical aperture, excitation power, detector gain) and recording the corresponding fluorescence intensity measurements. These parameters are then used in a normalization calculation to compensate for their effect on intensity measurements, allowing accurate quantification across different optical configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual fluorescence intensity under each optics setting and using this information to calculate normalization factors. The system continuously monitors and adjusts for optics parameter effects, creating a closed-loop approach that maintains measurement accuracy despite changes in observational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If automatic adjustment of exposure control parameters is implemented to maintain constant brightness, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine and adjust exposure control parameters based on the current optics settings. The controller autonomously calculates the required adjustments to detector gain, exposure time, or light source intensity to maintain consistent fluorescence image brightness without user intervention, making the system self-regulating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating or pre-storing the relationships between optics setting parameters and required exposure control adjustments. When an optics parameter is changed, the system has already prepared the corresponding exposure parameter adjustments, enabling immediate automatic compensation without complex real-time calculations during observation.

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

The method and device effectively counterbalance the effects of changing optics settings, ensuring consistent fluorescence intensity and fluorophore concentration measurement without user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

a light source configured to emit illumination light for exciting fluorophores to emit a fluorescence light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3514600B1Method for fluorescence intensity normalization
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 LEICA INSTRUMENTS (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
  • EP3514600B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method, in particular a fluorescence microscopy or endoscope imaging method for intensity normalization, a non-transient computer readable storage medium (101) and a controller (51) for an endoscope (3) or microscope device (5). In the prior art, common observation devices (1) as surgical microscopes, endoscopes (3) or microscopes (5) have the disadvantage that it is ambiguous whether a detected intensity (97) is due to fluorophore (29) concentration or due to optics setting parameters (73). The inventive method overcomes said disadvantages by automatically adjusting at least one exposure control parameter (83) if at least one optics setting parameter (73) is changed. The inventive non-transient computer readable storage medium (101) is adapted to run a program for executing the inventive method and the inventive controller (51) comprises an input section (67) for receiving optics setting data (71); an output section (69) for outputting exposure control data (81); and a determination module (53) for determining at least one exposure control data (81) dependent on at least one optics setting data (71).