Lightsheet Microscopy VOI Detection From Multi-Axis Object Borders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining a volume of interest in samples for lightsheet microscopy are imprecise and time-consuming, particularly for transparent samples, as they rely on manual user selection and lack automated precision.
Innovation Solution
An optical system and method for a lightsheet microscope that processes scanning image data to automatically determine the borders of objects along multiple axes, defining a volume of interest (VOI) that includes these borders, allowing for accurate and fast identification of the VOI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual user selection is used to determine volume of interest, then user expertise can be applied, but precision and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical selection process with an automated optical system that uses light sheet scanning and image processing to automatically determine the volume of interest. The processor analyzes scanning image data to identify object borders and define the VOI, eliminating the need for manual user selection while improving both precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the optical system to automatically determine the volume of interest without requiring user intervention. The processor independently analyzes the scanning image data, identifies object borders, and defines the VOI based on predefined criteria, making the system autonomous in its VOI determination function.
2Productivity
If automated methods are used for volume of interest determination, then speed is improved, but precision is reduced due to difficulty in identifying objects in transparent samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment with an automated optical scanning system that uses light sheet illumination and systematic image processing. This substitution enables both high speed automation and high precision by using the optical system's scanning data to objectively identify object borders through algorithmic analysis rather than subjective visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces scanning image data as an intermediary between the light sheet microscope and the volume of interest determination. The processor uses this intermediate data representation to automatically identify object borders and define the VOI, bridging the gap between raw optical data and precise volumetric measurement.
3Reliability
If the entire sample is analyzed, then completeness is ensured, but analysis time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the relevant portion of the sample by automatically determining the volume of interest that contains the objects of interest. The processor analyzes scanning image data to identify object borders and defines the VOI to include only the necessary region, excluding irrelevant areas of the sample. This extraction maintains analysis completeness for the objects of interest while significantly reducing the total analysis volume and time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an optical system for a lightsheet microscope, the optical system comprising a processor configured to carry out a method for determining a volume of interest, VOI, in a sample, the method comprising processing scanning image data obtained by scanning through the sample with a lightsheet in at least one scanning direction, wherein processing the scanning image data comprises determining borders of an object in the scanning image data along at least two axes; and defining a proposed volume of interest, VOI, based on the determined borders such that the borders along each of the at least two axes are included in the proposed volume of interest, VOI.