Fourier Aberration Correction for Incoherent-Light 3D Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current microscopy techniques struggle with Fourier space aberrations, particularly in thick biological and medical samples, leading to distorted imaging results and inadequate resolution.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for Fourier space aberration correction using incoherent light, which measures light intensities under multiple illumination patterns, extracts aberration information, and corrects the aberrations using a gradient descent algorithm to generate a corrected tomogram.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional microscopy techniques are used for imaging, then the optical system structure is simple, but Fourier space aberrations significantly degrade image quality and resolution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical system structureVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational process (Fourier space aberration correction algorithm) that mediates between the simple optical system and the desired high-quality image. The algorithm processes the captured image data to remove aberrations, acting as a computational intermediary that bridges the gap between simple hardware and high-quality output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical correction systems with a computational approach. Instead of using complex optical components or mechanical adjustments to correct aberrations, the system uses digital signal processing in the Fourier domain to achieve aberration correction, substituting mechanical complexity with computational algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If aberration correction methods are implemented, then image quality improves, but the measurement and correction process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcorrection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by capturing multiple images with different illumination patterns before the final correction step. This pre-capture of diverse data enables the subsequent aberration correction algorithm to work more effectively, separating the complex measurement phase from the correction phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the aberration correction problem from spatial domain to Fourier domain, adding a dimensional perspective to the processing. By working in the frequency domain rather than directly in spatial domain, the algorithm can more effectively separate and correct different types of aberrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If multiple illumination patterns are used for aberration measurement, then aberration correction accuracy improves, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaberration correction accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic action by systematically varying illumination patterns in a structured sequence. Multiple illumination patterns are applied in a periodic manner, allowing the system to collect comprehensive aberration information efficiently while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4610710A1Method and device of fourier space aberration correction for high resolution refractive index imaging using incoherent light
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 TOMOCUBE INC
  • EP4610710A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4610710A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4610710A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Disclosed is a method and device for Fourier space aberration correction for three-dimensional (3D) high-resolution refractive index using incoherent light, which may measure each of light intensities transmitted from a specimen under at least two illumination patterns using an incoherent light source, may extract Fourier space aberration information from overlapping information of the measured light intensities, and may correct the Fourier space aberration information for an original tomogram acquired using the incoherent light source and generate the corrected tomogram.