Inverted Pyramidal Well for Simultaneous 3D Specimen Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D microscopy techniques are limited by the need for mechanical scanning of entire object volumes, which restricts image acquisition speed and fails to provide simultaneous imaging of multiple planes, hindering rapid and reproducible measurement of small changes in object shape over time.
Innovation Solution
A multi-plane imaging system that uses an inverted pyramidal well with reflective surfaces to simultaneously image six planes of a 3D specimen, allowing for top, side, and bottom views, along with a computer-readable storage medium for rendering and displaying a 3D image and determining the index of refraction of the illuminated solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If confocal scanning microscopy is used to achieve 3D imaging, then out-of-focus signal is filtered out, but image acquisition speed is limited by pixel-by-pixel mechanical scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system of confocal microscopy with a parallel optical imaging system. Multiple focal planes are imaged simultaneously using reflective surfaces and multiple objectives, eliminating the need for pixel-by-pixel mechanical scanning while maintaining 3D image quality through optical sectioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-plane 2D imaging to multi-plane 3D imaging by introducing vertical dimensionality through multiple focal planes. The inverted pyramidal well structure with reflective surfaces enables simultaneous capture of multiple z-planes, converting sequential scanning into parallel volumetric imaging.
2Productivity
If conventional microscopy is used to image specimens, then a single focal plane is captured, but multiple planes cannot be imaged simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging volume into multiple discrete focal planes, each captured by dedicated optical pathways. The inverted pyramidal well creates distinct reflective surfaces that direct light from different z-planes to separate detectors, enabling simultaneous multi-plane imaging while maintaining high imaging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system achieves multi-functionality by capturing top views, side views, and bottom views of specimens simultaneously through the inverted pyramidal structure. This universal imaging capability allows a single system to perform multiple imaging functions that would otherwise require separate microscopes or scanning sequences.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical scanning of entire object volumes is performed, then 3D reconstruction is achieved, but measurement of small changes over time is hindered by slow acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of specimen shape changes by maintaining simultaneous imaging of multiple focal planes throughout the specimen volume. This continuous parallel acquisition eliminates the time gaps inherent in sequential scanning, allowing real-time measurement of dynamic shape changes with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverted pyramidal well structure with pre-positioned reflective surfaces and multiple objectives is configured beforehand to capture the entire specimen volume in a single exposure. This preliminary arrangement of optical pathways eliminates the need for time-consuming scanning during measurement, enabling rapid repeated measurements of shape changes.
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 rapid and reproducible measurement of small changes in object shape over time by providing a 3D mesh reconstruction of the specimen, facilitating the observation of micro-motions like bladder wall changes during filling.
Implementation Method 1
an inverted pyramidal well with reflective surfaces to simultaneously image six planes of a 3D specimen, allowing for top, side, and bottom views
Implementation Method 2
The body also includes a specimen mounting system positioned horizontally equidistant from the at least four reflective side surfaces; and, positioned vertically from the base horizontal plane a predetermined vertical distance. The aforementioned predetermined vertical distance, the at least four reflective side surfaces, and the angle θ comprise a reflection image plane for reflecting the specimen bottom views.
Implementation Method 3
The instructions also include determining an index of refraction associated with the regulated and illuminated first solution.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-plane imaging system for imaging multiple reflection planes of a regular or irregular shaped three-dimensional (3D) specimen having top, side and bottom views simultaneously. The system includes an inverted watertight pyramid well having at least four reflective side surfaces for reflecting the specimen side views, wherein each of the at least four reflective sides surfaces define an angle, θ, relative to the base horizontal plane, and wherein each reflective side surface comprises a plurality of reflective zones; A specimen is positioned horizontally equidistant from the at least four reflective side surfaces and positioned vertically from the base horizontal plane a predetermined vertical distance; wherein the predetermined vertical distance, the at least four reflective side surfaces, and the angle θ comprise a reflection image plane for reflecting the specimen bottom views.