Fourier Ptychography Illumination Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopy techniques using Fourier ptychography face limitations due to imperfections in illumination devices, such as limited coherence, inhomogeneous illumination, and restricted illumination directions, which degrade image quality and are not easily integratable with conventional microscopes.
Innovation Solution
A method that accounts for beam shape properties of illumination fields by adding and removing their effects during image evaluation using Fourier ptychography techniques, allowing for the determination of high-quality images even with imperfect illumination, and enabling simpler and more cost-effective microscopy device designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a matrix-shaped LED array is used to provide coherent illumination from different directions, then illumination coherence and resolution are improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of providing coherent illumination from different directions without requiring a complex matrix-shaped LED array. By using a simpler illumination device that can still achieve the necessary coherence and angular diversity, the invention removes unnecessary structural complexity while maintaining the core functionality needed for Fourier ptychography.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from modifying the physical structure of the illumination device to modifying the parameter handling in image evaluation. By incorporating beam shape properties into the reconstruction algorithm, the system achieves high-resolution imaging without requiring complex illumination hardware, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If LEDs at the edge of the array are used to provide strongly deflected illumination directions, then illumination angle diversity is improved, but light output and illumination homogeneity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beam shape properties as an intermediary parameter that mediates between illumination direction diversity and light output quality. By characterizing and compensating for the beam shape effects of edge LEDs in the image evaluation process, the system can utilize a broader range of illumination directions without sacrificing illumination homogeneity or light output, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and illumination intensity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional Fourier ptychography techniques are used without considering beam shape properties, then image evaluation simplicity is maintained, but image quality deteriorates due to illumination imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing the beam shape properties of the illumination device and incorporating this information into the image evaluation process. This preparation step allows the system to maintain relative simplicity in operation while significantly improving image quality, as the beam shape compensation is automatically applied during reconstruction without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
4Device complexity
If a simple illumination device is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but illumination quality and coherence deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical approach of improving illumination quality through complex hardware with a computational approach. By using algorithms that account for beam shape properties in image evaluation, the system achieves reliable, high-quality illumination effects using a simple illumination device, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and illumination quality.
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
This approach enhances image quality by diversifying illumination fields and correcting aberrations, making it suitable for a wide range of microscopy devices without requiring complex or high-quality illumination systems, thus improving resolution and robustness while reducing implementation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination field is assigned to each of the at least two images and illuminates the object when the respective image is captured
Implementation Method 2
a phase and amplitude distribution of the object is then calculated using an iterative algorithm, for example an error reduction algorithm, a hybrid input-output algorithm, and/or a Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm (image evaluation). This can be saved and displayed as a result image, which has a comparatively high resolution. Instead of the object itself, a spectrum of the object is reconstructed by the algorithm so that the phase and amplitude distribution of the object can be obtained using a further Fourier transformation.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the invention, at least two images of an object (100) are obtained, each of which is assigned an illumination field (110-1 - 110-3) which is associated with predetermined beam shaping properties (111-1 - 111-3). An effect of the beam-shaping properties (111-1 - 111-3) is added for each of the at least two images to a predetermined approximation of the object (100), the approximation is then adapted by means of techniques of the Fourier ptychography in the k-space on the basis of the respective image and, subsequently, the effect of the beam-shaping properties (111-1 - 111-3) is removed from the adapted approximation of the object (100).