Lensless Microscope Illumination Mask for Translucent Cell Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image generating apparatuses, such as lensless microscopes, face challenges in miniaturization due to bulkiness and difficulty in combining light and dark inversion using digital micro-mirror devices, especially when observing translucent materials like cultured cells, which are nearly colorless and transparent, leading to low contrast in optical microscopy.
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 light and dark patterns, and a processing circuit generates a third image by deriving the difference in luminance values between the first and second images, reducing noise from scattered or refracted light without the need to change the positions of complex structures like digital micro-mirror devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lensless microscope uses multiple images taken with illumination radiated from multiple different positions to generate high-resolution images, then image quality is improved, but the apparatus becomes bulkier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources and their illumination paths into a single integrated illumination system. The first and second light sources are positioned at different locations but are part of the same apparatus, allowing simultaneous or sequential illumination from multiple positions without requiring separate imaging systems or complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the imaging process by capturing images at different time points with different light sources. Instead of requiring complex spatial arrangements, the system uses time-separated illumination from multiple positions, transforming a spatial problem into a temporal solution.
2Measurement precision
If a lensless microscope uses digital micro-mirror device for light and dark inversion to improve image contrast, then image contrast is improved, but the apparatus becomes bulkier and harder to miniaturize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light and dark inversion function from the complex digital micro-mirror device and implements it through a simpler mask structure. The mask with light-transmitting and light-blocking parts performs the inversion function directly in the optical path, eliminating the need for programmable mirror arrays and their associated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a physical mask as a static copy of the light and dark pattern, replacing the dynamic control of digital micro-mirrors. Instead of electronically steering light with programmable mirrors, the system uses a fixed mask that replicates the desired illumination pattern, significantly reducing device complexity and enabling miniaturization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical microscopy is used to observe translucent materials like cultured cells, then observation capability is provided, but image contrast is low due to light scattering and refraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using a mask to block scattered and refracted light before it reaches the image sensor. The light-blocking parts of the mask are positioned to prevent harmful scattered light from reaching the sensor, while allowing direct light to pass through, thereby pre-combating the contrast reduction problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful scattered and refracted light into beneficial information by using differential imaging. By capturing images with and without the mask and computing their difference, the system isolates the direct light component that carries useful information about the sample, while the scattered light (present in both images) cancels out in the subtraction.
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 configuration allows for the miniaturization of the image generating apparatus and generates high-quality images with reduced noise by using images taken in two light and dark states, improving contrast and clarity, especially for translucent materials like cultured cells.
Implementation Method 1
a mask including a light-transmitting part that transmits light from the first light source and the second light source, and a light-blocking part that blocks the light
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
AI summary
An image generating apparatus is provided with: first and second light sources that illuminate a material; an image sensor on which the material is disposed; a mask which includes a light-transmitting part that transmits light and a light-blocking part that blocks light, and which is positioned between the image sensor and the first and second light sources; and a light and dark image processing unit. The image sensor acquires first and second images of the material when illuminated by the first and second light sources, respectively. The light and dark image processing unit derives a difference between a luminance value of a pixel included in the first image and a luminance value of a pixel included in the second image at the same position as the pixel included in the first image, and thereby generates a third image of the material.