Image Conversion Module Using MEMS Optical System for Enhanced Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical instruments, such as microscopes, face limitations in achieving enhanced depth of field and acquiring additional data like spectral, polarization, and geometric properties simultaneously, which restricts their imaging capabilities and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image conversion module incorporating a microelectromechanical optical system with a beam splitting element and dual optoelectronic submodules, allowing for enhanced depth of field imaging and simultaneous acquisition of additional data on a sample, utilizing a microelectromechanical optical system with moveable micromirrors and exchangeable sensors for various data types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single optical path is used in conventional microscopes, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to simultaneously acquire multiple data types (spectral, polarization, geometric) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is segmented into multiple subpaths using beam splitting elements, allowing different optical configurations to process different portions of the light simultaneously. This enables multiple data types to be acquired in parallel without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The microscope system is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. Exchangeable sensors and configurable optical elements allow the same hardware platform to acquire various data types (spectral, polarization, geometric) depending on the configuration, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Measurement precision
If conventional imaging is used without depth enhancement, then the imaging speed is high, but the depth of field is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic focusing at different depths combined with computational processing to achieve enhanced depth of field. By rapidly switching between different focal planes and synthesizing the information, the system maintains high imaging speed while extending the effective depth of field beyond what a single focal plane can provide.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to acquire additional data, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Beam splitting elements act as intermediaries that direct different portions of the optical path to different sensors or detection modes. This intermediary approach allows multiple sensors to be integrated into the system without requiring each sensor to have its own complete optical path, thereby reducing the overall complexity while maintaining the ability to detect multiple imaging parameters simultaneously.
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 simultaneous recording of images with enhanced depth of field and additional data, improving imaging properties by enhancing depth of field and field of view, and allowing multiple imaging parameters to be detected at predefined depths and views, thereby improving imaging quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The image conversion module comprises a beam splitting element on the optical path. That beam splitting element is configured for splitting a beam entering the optical interface on the optical path into a first optical subpath and a second optical subpath.
Implementation Method 2
The image conversion module comprises a microelectromechanical optical system that is configured for enhancing a depth of field on the first optical subpath that is directed to the image sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns an image conversion module (09) that comprises an optical interface (10) for establishing an optical path (07). The image conversion module (09) further comprises a beam splitting element (13) on the optical path (07). The beam splitting element (13) is configured for splitting a beam entering the optical interface (10, 11) on the optical path (07) into a first optical subpath (14) and a second optical subpath (16). The image conversion module (09) further comprises a microelectromechanical optical system (17) that is configured for enhancing a depth of field on the first optical subpath (14) that is directed to a first optoelectronic submodule (21). The image conversion module (09) further comprises a second optoelectronic submodule (24) having an electronic sensor (26) on the second optical subpath (16). The second optoelectronic submodule (24) is configured for acquiring additional data on the sample (02).