Lensless Microscopy Imaging via Computational Mask Reconstruction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional microscopes face a tradeoff between size and performance, where downsizing results in reduced light collection and a smaller field of view, limiting their suitability for novel applications.
Innovation Solution
A lens-free imaging system comprising an image sampler, a radiation source, and a mask, which processes signals from scattered radiation to estimate an image of the scene using a transfer function, allowing for high-resolution imaging without the need for lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional microscopes are downsized, then device size is reduced, but light collection capability and field of view deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lens component from the microscope system entirely, extracting the focusing function and replacing it with a lens-free computational imaging approach using coded aperture masks and signal processing algorithms to achieve high-resolution imaging without traditional optical lenses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical lens-based imaging system with a computational imaging system that uses coded aperture masks and mathematical algorithms (transfer functions) to process scattered radiation signals, substituting physical optical components with computational methods
2Volume of moving object
If conventional microscopes are downsized, then device size is reduced, but field of view deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from direct spatial imaging to a computational dimension by capturing scattered radiation patterns and reconstructing images through mathematical processing, allowing wide field of view capture in a compact form factor by operating in the computational domain rather than purely optical domain
3Device complexity
If lens-free imaging is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but image estimation accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coded aperture masks as intermediary components between the radiation source and image sampler, and uses transfer functions as mathematical intermediaries to relate scattered radiation signals to the original scene, enabling accurate image reconstruction despite the absence of traditional lenses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational model (transfer function) that copies the relationship between scattered radiation and the original scene, allowing accurate image estimation by processing signals through this mathematical model without requiring physical optical components
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 high-resolution 2D and 3D imaging with a wider field of view and improved light collection, making it suitable for compact, high-performance microscopy applications, including in-vitro and in-vivo imaging and biometrics.
Implementation Method 1
obtains signals from the image sampler that is exposed, through the mask, to radiation scattered by the scene
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a lens-free imaging system. The lens-free imaging system includes: an image sampler, a radiation source, a mask disposed between the image sampler and a scene, and an image sampler processor. The image sampler processor obtains signals from the image sampler that is exposed, through the mask, to radiation scattered by the scene which is illuminated by the radiation source. The image sampler processor then estimates an image of the scene based on the signals from the image sampler, processed using a transfer function that relates the signals and the scene.