Lensless Imaging Sensor Displacement for Spatial Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lensless imaging techniques face limitations in achieving sufficient spatial resolution for precise characterization of biological samples, particularly due to the inherent low resolution of single images acquired without adequate magnification optics.
Innovation Solution
The method involves fixing the sample relative to the light source while moving the image sensor using a piezoelectric transducer, allowing for random displacement between successive image acquisitions, which maximizes the useful field of observation and enhances spatial resolution by combining multiple images with subpixel-level precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If lensless imaging is used to simplify the device and reduce cost, then device complexity is reduced, but spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image sensor movable rather than stationary. The sensor is displaced along the optical axis between successive image acquisitions, allowing multiple images to be captured at different focal planes. This dynamic positioning enables super-resolution reconstruction without requiring complex magnification optics, thus maintaining device simplicity while improving spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from capturing images in a single plane to capturing images across multiple depths along the optical axis. By adding the depth dimension (z-axis displacement) to the traditional two-dimensional image capture, the system gathers additional spatial information that enables super-resolution reconstruction, effectively resolving the resolution limitation without adding lateral complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are acquired with light source shifting to improve spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the light source relative to the sample (as in conventional approaches), the patent inverts the approach by moving the image sensor relative to the fixed light source-sample configuration. This inversion achieves the same effect of capturing multiple perspectives for super-resolution while simplifying the mechanical implementation, as sensor movement is more easily controlled and measured than light source positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical light source positioning systems with a simpler sensor translation mechanism. By using a piezoelectric transducer or precision linear stage to move the sensor along the optical axis, the system achieves sub-micrometer positioning accuracy without requiring complex mechanical assemblies, thereby improving resolution while minimizing added device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If image sensor position is shifted between successive images to improve resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms to measure and record the actual displacement of the image sensor between successive image acquisitions. By using encoders, interferometers, or other precision measurement devices to track sensor position, the system compensates for any positioning errors and accurately correlates each image with its corresponding focal plane position. This feedback enables precise super-resolution reconstruction even when achieving sub-micrometer positioning accuracy.
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 approach results in a high-resolution image with improved spatial resolution, enabling better characterization of sample particles through enhanced diffraction pattern analysis, as demonstrated by experimental tests with silica particles and blood samples.
Implementation Method 1
The image sensor is attached to a piezoelectric transducer. The image sensor's position is shifted by activating the piezoelectric transducer
Implementation Method 2
The image formed by interference patterns between the light wave emitted by the source and transmitted without diffraction by the sample, and diffraction waves resulting from the diffraction, by the sample, of the light wave emitted by the source
Implementation Method 3
The image formed by interference patterns between the light wave emitted by the source and transmitted without diffraction by the sample, and diffraction waves resulting from the diffraction, by the sample, of the light wave emitted by the source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and method for forming an image of a sample, comprising: • illumination of the sample (10) by a light source (11); • acquisition of a plurality of images of the sample using an image sensor (16), the sample being arranged between the light source and the image sensor, no magnification optic being arranged between the sample and the image sensor, the image sensor extending along a detection plane, the image sensor being moved (19) in relation to the sample between two successive acquisitions, such that each acquired image is respectively associated with a position of the image sensor in the detection plane, each position being different from the others; and • formation of an image, referred to as a high resolution image, from the images thus acquired.