Light Regulation Plate for Parallel Illumination Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biological specimens imaged under diffused light often lack sufficient contrast due to cells being close to transparent, and switching to parallel light illumination is complicated, requiring expertise in optics and additional apparatus functionality.
Innovation Solution
A light regulation device with a flat plate member and through holes arranged to convert diffused light into parallel light, allowing for improved contrast without modifying existing imaging apparatus or specimen containers, using a perforated panel that absorbs light components with large incident angles and directs closer-to-parallel light to the specimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If diffused light is used for illumination, then the imaging apparatus configuration remains simple, but the contrast of transparent biological specimens is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A light regulation device is introduced as an intermediary component between the diffused light source and the specimen container. This device includes a plate member with light-guiding paths that have light absorbing side walls, which selectively absorb oblique light components and transmit primarily perpendicular light components, thereby converting diffused light into parallel light without requiring modification of the illumination apparatus itself
Solution Approach 2:
The light regulation device changes the angular distribution parameter of the illumination light by using light-guiding paths with specific geometric parameters (width, length, side wall absorption properties) to transform the light from a diffused state with wide angular distribution to a parallel state with narrow angular distribution, improving contrast while keeping the apparatus simple
2Measurement precision
If parallel light is generated by adding a light regulation device, then image contrast is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light regulation device is designed as a simple, inexpensive plate member that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. It does not require complex mechanical structures, motors, or expensive optical components, making it a cost-effective solution for improving image contrast
Solution Approach 2:
The light regulation device serves as a simple intermediary component that can be placed between the existing illumination source and specimen container, requiring no modification to the existing imaging apparatus and adding minimal complexity while significantly improving contrast
3Measurement precision
If the illumination light source is modified to generate parallel light, then contrast is improved, but the ease of operation and accessibility for inexperienced users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light regulation device is a ready-to-use intermediary component that automatically performs the function of converting diffused light to parallel light when placed in the imaging system. Inexperienced users simply need to place the device in the system without requiring knowledge of optical principles or complex adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The light regulation device automatically regulates the illumination light properties based on its fixed geometric structure (light-guiding paths with absorbing side walls), performing the parallel light generation function autonomously without requiring user adjustment or expertise in optics
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 convenient imaging under parallel light illumination without the need for generating parallel light within the imaging apparatus, enhancing contrast and avoiding imaging failures due to improper illumination, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a side wall surface of each through hole has a light absorbing property. components having a relatively large incident angle, out of the light incident on the one principal surface side of the light regulation device, are absorbed by the light regulation device
Implementation Method 2
each through hole is a light-guiding path having a uniform cross-sectional shape along a normal direction to the one principal surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A technology is provided which enables imaging to be more conveniently performed under parallel light illumination without requiring an imaging apparatus to have a function of generating parallel light. Imaging is performed with a regulation plate 2 having a multitude of fine through holes penetrating in a vertical direction placed between an illuminator 12 for emitting diffused light L1 and a well plate WP for carrying biological specimens serving as an imaging object in wells W. Inner wall surfaces of the through holes are blackened to suppress light reflectance to be low and an image with good contrast is obtained by irradiating only light incident at a small incident angle on the regulation plate 2 to the wells W.