Light Field Microscopy with Rotating Microlenses for 3D Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence microscopes face challenges in capturing high-resolution 3D images due to distortion from sample movement and reduced spatial resolution in light field microscopes caused by lens array gaps, which also necessitate reducing pixel size for high sensitivity applications.
Innovation Solution
A light field microscope-based image acquisition method and apparatus that acquires a multi-lenslet image group by rotating and linearly moving a disk with microlenses, superimposing image frames, and converting them into a focal-stack image to enhance spatial resolution without increasing lens array size or reducing sensor pixel size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a light field microscope uses a lens array to capture 3D image information in one shot, then the acquisition speed is improved, but the spatial resolution deteriorates due to gaps between lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lens array movable by rotating the microlens array disk, allowing dynamic repositioning of lenses to different angular positions. This enables the system to capture multiple views from different angles sequentially, synthesizing high-resolution 3D images without being constrained by fixed lens gaps, thus resolving the contradiction between fast acquisition and high resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds temporal dimension to the imaging process by capturing multiple images at different time points as the microlens array rotates. This transforms a single static capture into a sequence of dynamic captures, allowing synthesis of high-resolution images through temporal integration while maintaining the speed advantage of light field microscopy
2Measurement precision
If the size of microlenses is reduced to decrease gap effects, then the spatial resolution is improved, but the pixel area of the image sensor must be reduced, affecting sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of statically reducing microlens size, the patent dynamically positions microlenses at different angular locations during rotation. This allows each microlens to effectively utilize a larger portion of the sensor area over time, maintaining both resolution and sensitivity without requiring smaller pixels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines information from multiple microlens positions captured at different angles into a single synthesized image. This merging of data from multiple temporal and angular perspectives allows the system to achieve high resolution equivalent to larger lenses while maintaining the sensitivity benefits of appropriate pixel sizes
3Measurement precision
If multiple slice images are captured at different z-axis positions to reconstruct 3D images, then the 3D information accuracy is improved, but the acquisition time increases due to repeated capturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic rotation of the microlens array to capture multiple angular views within a single time frame rather than sequentially moving the focal plane through multiple z-positions. This dynamic angular sampling captures equivalent 3D information simultaneously, eliminating the time loss associated with repeated captures at different depths
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating microlens array performs periodic angular sampling, capturing images at regular angular intervals during one rotation cycle. This periodic action efficiently gathers multi-angle data needed for accurate 3D reconstruction without requiring multiple separate capture passes, thus reducing total acquisition time while maintaining precision
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 faster and more accurate acquisition of high-resolution 3D images, preventing spatial resolution deterioration and reducing manufacturing costs by optimizing microlens arrangement and maintaining large pixel areas for high sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array is added to the conventional fluorescence microscope structure, and it is possible to convert an image acquired from the corresponding optical structure into a 3D image
Data Source
AI summary
Light field microscope-based image acquisition apparatuses and methods are provided. The light field microscope-based image acquisition apparatus includes a lenslet synthesis processing unit configured to acquire a virtual lenslet image using a multi-lenslet image group; a sub-aperture image conversion unit configured to convert the virtual lenslet image generated in the lenslet synthesis processing unit into a sub-aperture image; and a 3D conversion unit configured to convert the sub-aperture image generated in the sub-aperture image conversion unit into a focal-stack image.