Integrated LED Pulse Controller for Fluorescence Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED control systems for fluorescence microscopy lack flexibility and precision in controlling pulse generation and synchronization of multiple LEDs, requiring external pulse generators and complex cabling, which increases costs and experimental complexity.
Innovation Solution
An integrated pulse controller within the LED light source that uses a processor to generate control signals for multiple LEDs and peripherals, allowing independent control of timing and relative phase of pulsed operations with respect to a common timing reference, eliminating the need for external generators and cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external pulse generators and BNC cable connectivity are used for controlling multiple LEDs, then individual pulse control flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cabling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple pulse generation channels into a single LED driver unit, combining what previously required separate external pulse generators and BNC cables into one integrated device. The LED driver internally generates and distributes pulse signals to multiple LEDs with different wavelengths, eliminating external cabling while maintaining individual pulse control flexibility for each LED channel.
2Measurement precision
If separate pulse generators are used for each LED with different pulse characteristics, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LED driver is designed as a universal control device that performs multiple functions: it drives multiple LEDs with different wavelengths and provides independent pulse generation for each channel. The integrated pulse generator can configure different pulse characteristics (timing, duration, intensity) for each LED simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate pulse generator devices while maintaining precise control.
3Ease of operation
If integrated pulse control is implemented within the LED light source, then ease of operation is improved, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component within the LED driver that manages pulse generation and timing. This internal controller acts as a mediator between the user interface and the LED drivers, providing simplified operation through integrated control while maintaining precise synchronization through dedicated timing circuits and reference clocks that ensure accurate pulse delivery to each LED channel.
Data Source
AI summary
An LED (Light Emitting Device) light source (100), a pulse controller or pulse control module (130) for an LED light source, and a method are provided, for controlling relative timing and phase of LED light pulse generation and operation of peripheral devices, relative to a common timing reference. A system is provided comprising a pulse controller (130) for controlling synchronization of multiple LEDs (144) and/or other devices and peripherals (164), relative to a common timing reference. The pulse controller (130) comprises a processor (131) that programmatically executes a time based sequence of digital control signals (141) from received inputs (121) indicative of a pulse generation sequence. The pulse controller provides for multiple pulse trains where improved control of relative timing of several events is required, such as for control of multiple high intensity LED light sources and synchronized control of peripheral devices such as detectors, for applications, such as, fluorescence microscopy and other spectroscopic applications.