Masked Illumination System for Microplate Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging solutions for samples in well plates and petri dishes are labor-intensive and not suitable for real-time monitoring within incubators, as traditional microscopes are bulky and alignment-sensitive, and existing illumination systems fail to provide efficient, high-resolution imaging due to light reflections from side walls.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system with a mask that allows light to pass through only to the bottom surface of the container, preventing side wall illumination, and an adjustable configuration to match the light projection with the container's shape and size, combined with an imaging system using scattered and non-scattered light to form an interference pattern for holographic imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional microscopes are used for imaging samples in well plates and petri dishes, then image acquisition can be performed, but the system becomes bulky and alignment-sensitive, making it unsuitable for real-time monitoring within incubators
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into distinct functional components: a light source, a mask with specific aperture patterns, and optical elements positioned at defined distances. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system performance, enabling compact design without sacrificing image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specific spatial dimension by positioning the mask at a defined distance from the light source (e.g., 10-100 mm) and configuring the aperture size and shape to control light propagation angles. This dimensional control enables the system to achieve parallel light beams that reduce alignment sensitivity while maintaining imaging precision
2Illumination intensity
If conventional illumination systems illuminate samples in containers, then the sample can be illuminated, but light reflects off the side walls causing noise and reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is designed with non-uniform aperture distribution, creating different light transmission properties in different regions. The aperture size, shape, and position are locally optimized to direct light specifically onto the bottom surface of the container while preventing illumination of side walls, thus eliminating reflections at problematic locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of light diffusion into a beneficial parallel beam structure by using a carefully designed aperture mask. The mask transforms divergent light from the source into controlled parallel beams that illuminate only the intended area, turning what would be unwanted scattered light into a precise illumination tool
3Measurement precision
If manual image acquisition is performed by operators using traditional microscopes, then images can be obtained, but the process becomes labor-intensive and real-time monitoring is not feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is designed to be self-aligning through its geometric configuration. The mask aperture size and position automatically define the light beam geometry, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments by operators. This self-service characteristic enables automated, high-throughput imaging without labor-intensive setup procedures
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 efficient, high-resolution, real-time imaging of samples within their native environment by minimizing light reflections and optimizing illumination, reducing noise and improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
the mask comprises an opaque portion, preventing light from passing through the mask, and an at least partially transparent portion, allowing at least part of the light from the light source to pass through the mask
Implementation Method 2
an imaging system using scattered and non-scattered light to form an interference pattern for holographic imaging
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
According to an aspect there is provided an illumination system for illumination of a sample in a container, such as a well of a microplate or a petri dish, the container comprising a bottom surface and side walls which together define a volume for receiving the sample, the illumination system comprising: at least one light source; a mask comprising an opaque portion, preventing light from passing through the mask, and an at least partially transparent portion, allowing light to pass through the mask; wherein the illumination system is adapted to be positioned such that the light generated by the light source, passing through the mask, illuminates the sample in the container; and wherein the light source and the mask are configured such that a shape, a size, and a position of a projection of the light passing through the mask, onto a plane of the bottom surface, match a shape, a size, and a position of the bottom surface.