Light Sheet Microscope Neural Network Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light sheet microscopic examination methods struggle to reproducibly determine the state of optimum focusing, especially for unknown specimens, due to the reliance on visual inspection and the complexity of specimen preparation.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a neural network to analyze images and determine whether the light sheet plane is at least partially in the focal plane of the detection objective, allowing for objective and reproducible focusing, potentially with automatic adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection is used to determine focusing state, then user flexibility is maintained, but reproducibility and objectivity of focusing determination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection method with an automated image analysis system using a neural network. The neural network processes images captured by the detection objective to automatically determine the focusing state, substituting human visual judgment with an automated computational system that provides objective and reproducible results without requiring user expertise or subjective assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-assessment of its own focusing state through automated image analysis. The neural network evaluates the captured images to determine whether the light sheet plane is in the focal plane, allowing the system to self-regulate and self-optimize without external human intervention, thereby improving both objectivity and reproducibility
2Reliability
If complex specimen preparation is used, then examination quality is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback through automated focusing determination, allowing users to achieve optimal examination quality without complex preparation procedures. The neural network continuously evaluates the focusing state and guides adjustments, enabling users to obtain high-quality results through simple iterative adjustments rather than requiring expert-level preparation skills
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual preparation and assessment procedures with automated image analysis. The neural network system handles the complex task of determining optimal focusing conditions, allowing users to operate the system with minimal training while maintaining high examination quality through automated optimization
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 enables reproducible and objective determination of optimum focusing, reducing user dependency and improving the consistency of light sheet microscopic examinations.
Implementation Method 1
the specimen is illuminated with a light sheet by means of an illumination objective
Implementation Method 2
Light emitted by the specimen is imaged onto an area-type detector by means of a detection objective
Data Source
AI summary
A method for light sheet microscope examination of a specimen, the specimen being illuminated with a light sheet by an illumination objective, and a light sheet microscope for performing the method. Light emitted by the specimen is imaged onto an area-type detector by a detection objective. An optical axis of the detection objective encloses with an optical axis of the illumination objective an angle that differs from 0° and from 180° and intersects the light sheet in a light sheet plane. The area-type detector records an image. A neural network analyzes the image to determine whether the light sheet plane is located in a focal plane of the detection objective, and/or in which direction along the optical axis the light sheet plane is located from the focal plane, and/or at what distance, measured along the optical axis of the detection objective, the light sheet plane is from the focal plane.