Phase Contrast Microscope for Hair Internal Structure Observation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hair observation methods fail to clearly visualize the internal structure of hair, hindering detailed observation and accurate diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

A hair observation method using a phase contrast microscope system that irradiates infrared light to capture infrared images and visible light to capture bright field images, allowing for simultaneous display and comparison of both, enabling detailed observation of hair structures like the cortex and medulla without cutting the hair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electron microscope is used to observe hair internal structure, then observation detail is improved, but preparation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservation detailVSAvoidpreparation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electron microscope system with a phase contrast microscope system that uses visible light and phase contrast optics instead of electrons. This substitution eliminates the need for complex ultrathin sectioning preparation while achieving sufficient observation detail for hair internal structure analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates optical copies (images) of the hair internal structure using phase contrast microscopy. By capturing and processing optical images through phase contrast techniques, the system reproduces detailed internal structures without requiring physical sectioning or complex sample preparation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional phase contrast microscopy is used to observe hair, then preparation work is reduced, but image clarity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreparation workVSAvoidimage clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the lighting parameters by using specific wavelength light sources and adjusting the phase contrast optical parameters (phase plate selection, condenser aperture settings). These parameter optimizations enhance the contrast and clarity of hair internal structures while maintaining the simplicity of direct observation without sectioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces phase contrast optics as an intermediary between the light source and the image sensor. The phase plate and condenser system act as mediators that convert subtle phase differences in light passing through hair structures into visible amplitude differences, thereby enhancing image clarity without requiring sample preparation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If infrared light is used for phase contrast observation, then internal structure visualization is improved, but color information is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal structure visualizationVSAvoidcolor information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges infrared phase contrast images with visible light bright field images. By combining the high-contrast internal structure information from infrared phase contrast imaging with the color and surface detail information from visible light imaging, the system achieves comprehensive hair analysis that preserves both structural detail and color information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 easy and detailed observation of hair internal structures, improving diagnostic accuracy by clearly visualizing both the internal and surface structures of hair.

Implementation Method 1

performing phase contrast observation by irradiating infrared light to the hair

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase contrast:

Implementation Method 2

irradiating infrared light to the hair; capturing an infrared image of the hair using an image sensor capable of detecting infrared light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

performing bright field observation by irradiating visible light to the hair; capturing a bright light image of the hair using an image sensor that is capable of detecting visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11209348B2Hair observation method, phase contrast microscope system, and preparation

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 RIKEN CO LTD

AI summary

Provided are a hair observation method, a phase contrast microscope system, and a preparation. The hair observation method includes capturing an infrared image of the hair using an image sensor that is capable of detecting infrared light. A phase contrast microscope system includes: a stage having a sample placed thereon; an infrared light irradiation source for irradiating infrared light to the sample placed on the stage; an image sensor that is capable of detecting infrared light and configured to capture an infrared image of the sample; and a display apparatus configured to display the infrared image captured by the image sensor. The preparation includes a microscope glass and a plurality of hair pieces that are obtained by cutting one hair and arranged on the microscope glass in a manner parallel with one another from one end to another end in a cutting order.