Lensless Image Sensor with Segmented Mask for Cell Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image generating apparatuses for observing cultured cells become bulky when attempting to extend light and dark patterns over an entire image sensor, making it difficult to combine lensless microscopy with light and dark inversion using digital micro-mirror devices.
Innovation Solution
An image generating apparatus comprising a first and second light source, an image sensor, and a mask with a light-transmitting and light-blocking part, where the image sensor acquires images under different illumination conditions to generate a third image highlighting scattered or refracted light, eliminating the need for a lens and allowing miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light and dark patterns are extended over the entire image sensor to improve imaging capability, then a lens becomes necessary, but the apparatus becomes more bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple pixel regions, with different light sources illuminating different regions. The mask is segmented into multiple light-blocking parts corresponding to different pixel regions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive imaging coverage without requiring a single large lens, thus maintaining compact apparatus size while improving imaging capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to improve imaging of translucent materials, then the apparatus becomes bulky, making it difficult to combine with lensless microscope
Solution Approach 1:
Different light sources are positioned to illuminate different local regions of the image sensor through the mask. Each light source provides optimized illumination for its corresponding pixel region, improving the visibility of translucent materials like cells. This local quality approach allows multiple light sources to be used effectively without requiring a bulky apparatus configuration, making it compatible with lensless microscope design.
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 clear imaging of translucent materials like cells with reduced bulkiness, improving the visibility of cell positions and allowing for the determination of cell abnormalities without the need for fluorescent staining.
Implementation Method 1
a mask (142) including a light-transmitting part that transmits light from the first light source (141A) and the second light source (141B), and a light-blocking part that blocks the light
Implementation Method 2
One factor for the low contrast is the scattering or refraction of light due to the medium around the subject to be imaged and the subject itself
Implementation Method 3
One factor for the low contrast is the scattering or refraction of light due to the medium around the subject to be imaged and the subject itself
Data Source
AI summary
An image generating apparatus is provided with a first light source and a second light source, an image sensor, a mask including a light-transmitting part and a light-blocking part, and a dark image processing unit. The image sensor acquires a first image of the material when illuminated by the first light source, and acquires a second image of the material when illuminated by the second light source. The image sensor includes a first pixel region and a second pixel region. The light-blocking part is positioned between the first pixel region and the first light source. The light-blocking part is positioned between the first pixel region and the first light source. The dark image processing unit uses first pixel information corresponding to a first pixel region in the first image and second pixel information corresponding to a second pixel region in the second image to generate a third image.