Interchangeable Illumination Filter Set for Structured Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional confocal microscopy systems face limitations in imaging speed and complexity due to the need for precise synchronization of pinholes and detectors, particularly in multi-point systems like spinning-disk confocal imaging, which requires complex synchronization and is slower than single-point systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence imaging system that uses a structured illumination approach with a pinhole mask to project an in-focus pattern of light onto a sample, allowing only emissions from the illuminated sample to pass through to the sensor, and includes a mounting structure for easy installation within an imaging system, enabling the generation of composite confocal images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-point confocal systems use spinning-disk configuration with multiple pinholes, then imaging speed is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the illumination path into multiple independent channels, each with its own pinhole and detector pair. These segmented channels operate in parallel without requiring complex synchronization, as each channel independently captures confocal information from different spatial locations simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal imaging module that can function as both single-point and multi-point confocal systems. The same basic confocal unit (illumination source, pinhole, detector) is replicated and configured to serve multiple functions, eliminating the need for specialized synchronization mechanisms while maintaining high imaging speed.
2Device complexity
If single-point confocal systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging speed deteriorates due to sequential point-by-point scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the single scanning beam into multiple parallel beams, each passing through its own pinhole and detected by a dedicated detector. This segmentation allows simultaneous acquisition of multiple points without increasing overall system complexity, as each segment remains a simple confocal unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal scanning (sequential point-by-point in time) to spatial parallelism (multiple points simultaneously in space). By adding the spatial dimension of parallel processing while maintaining the simplicity of individual confocal units, the system achieves high speed without complexity.
3Device complexity
If conventional widefield imaging is used, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision deteriorates due to out-of-focus light contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the widefield illumination into multiple focused confocal spots through the pinhole mask, allowing each spot to independently reject out-of-focus light while maintaining the overall simplicity of the widefield approach. This segmentation enables optical sectioning without complex scanning mechanisms.
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 solution enhances imaging speed and reduces complexity by allowing multiple imaging apparatuses to be easily integrated, improving signal-to-noise ratio and optical resolution while maintaining high-quality image capture without the need for complex synchronization.
Implementation Method 1
imaging optics configured to focus illumination from an illumination source such that an in-focus pattern of light corresponding to a pattern on a photomask is projected onto a sample
Implementation Method 2
a filter apparatus, comprising one or more filters mounted within the housing, the filter apparatus configured to allow only emissions from the illuminated sample to pass through to the sensor
Implementation Method 3
a reflector mounted within the housing and configured to reflect the illumination to a sample
Implementation Method 4
The sample can either be fluorescing in its natural form (like chlorophyll) or it may be treated with a fluorescing stain
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for generating structured illumination images, comprising a housing; imaging optics mounted within the housing, the imaging optics configured to focus illumination from an illumination source such that an in-focus pattern of light corresponding to a pattern on a photomask is projected onto a sample; a reflector mounted within the housing and configured to reflect the illumination to a sample; a filter apparatus, comprising one or more filters mounted within the housing, the filter apparatus configured to allow only emissions from the illuminated sample to pass through to the sensor; and mounting features on the housing, the mounting features configured to allow the apparatus to be installed within an imaging system.