Programmable LED Microscopy for Stable Multi-Contrast Live Cell Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-contrast microscope systems are not stable and require complex hardware configurations, limiting their application to different samples, especially for live cell imaging, and lack a miniaturized, low-cost solution.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized, low-cost, multi-contrast label-free microscopic imaging system using a programmable LED array illumination source, a miniaturized lens, and a control unit for six imaging modes, including bright field, dark field, rainbow dark field, DPC, and QPI, integrated into a compact 14*16.5*20 cm³ structure with software-controlled mode switching and quantitative analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional aperture diaphragms and complex optical imaging systems are used to achieve diverse microscopic imaging methods, then multiple visualization results and quantitative data can be obtained, but the hardware configuration becomes complex and the system is not adaptable to different samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple imaging modes (bright-field, dark-field, differential interference contrast, phase contrast) within a single fixed system configuration by using a programmable LED array to generate different illumination patterns. This eliminates the need for mechanical movement or hardware reconfiguration, allowing the system to adapt to different samples while maintaining a simple, stable structure suitable for live cell imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical aperture diaphragms and moving parts with a programmable LED array that uses software-controlled illumination patterns to achieve different imaging modes. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical/electronic control enables mode switching without physical movement, improving system stability and adaptability
2Volume of moving object
If smartphone-based multi-contrast microscope systems are used to achieve miniaturization and low cost, then the system size is reduced, but the stability is compromised and it cannot be applied to live cell imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a miniaturized lens with a focal length of only 4.25mm to create a compact microscope system that can be placed inside an incubator. The system is segmented into discrete components (LED array, miniaturized lens, color camera, 3D displacement stage) that can be precisely controlled independently, achieving both miniaturization and the stability required for live cell imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter of lens focal length to 4.25mm, enabling system miniaturization while maintaining imaging quality. The programmable LED array allows dynamic adjustment of illumination parameters (intensity, pattern, wavelength) to optimize imaging stability for different samples and conditions
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 stable, high-quality, diverse multi-contrast observations and quantitative phase measurements without mechanical movement, suitable for live cell imaging and integration within an incubator, while maintaining a low-cost hardware configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a programmable LED array illumination source
Implementation Method 2
a miniaturized lens, used as an objective lens
Implementation Method 3
a color camera
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a miniaturized, low-cost, multi-contrast label-free microscopic imaging system. The imaging system is based on an inverted microscopic structure, a highly integrated optical system is designed by adopting a micro lens having a fixed focal length, and a complex optical system of a traditional microscope system is replaced, such that the whole microscope is highly integrated. The system uses a programmable LED array as an illumination light source; the LED array is controlled by a computer to display different illumination modes, six imaging functions of a bright field, a dark field a rainbow dark field, Rheinberg optical dyeing, differential phase contrast, and quantitative phase imaging are achieved; and diversified unmarked imaging methods are provided for biological applications. The invention provides a matching control system, which can realize system hardware control and algorithm execution and display, comprises functions such as illumination control, camera parameter adjustment quantitative phase reconstruction recovery, two-dimensional/three-dimensional result display, and quantitative profile analysis, and can realize diversified information obtaining and analysis of unmarked samples.