Mesoscope Imaging System Large Field of View High Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional microscopy systems fail to simultaneously observe multiple neural signaling modalities across large brain areas with high resolution and speed, due to trade-offs between field of view, resolution, and imaging speed, as well as challenges with synchronizing multiple excitation sources and rolling shutter detectors.
Innovation Solution
The development of a mesoscope system that utilizes CMOS sensors with synchronized multi-channel illumination, enabling high-speed multi-spectral imaging while eliminating spatiotemporal artifacts associated with rolling shutter operation. This system includes high numerical aperture lenses for enhanced light collection, precise LED synchronization with rolling shutter mechanisms, and dual-channel detection pathways for flexible experimental design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional microscopy systems are used to image large brain areas, then field of view is improved, but spatial resolution and temporal resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple detection channels (e.g., red channel and green channel) that can simultaneously capture different spectral ranges. Each channel is optimized for specific resolution requirements, allowing the system to maintain high spatial resolution across large field of view by processing different regions or spectral bands through specialized pathways.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional microscopy systems are used to image large brain areas, then field of view is improved, but imaging speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple cameras operating in parallel to capture images simultaneously across different spectral channels. This continuous parallel acquisition eliminates sequential imaging delays, maintaining high imaging speed while covering large field of view. The system continuously collects data from multiple modalities without interruption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple excitation sources are used for multi-spectral imaging, then spectral discrimination is improved, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple excitation sources and detection channels into a unified optical system with integrated synchronization control. By merging the control of multiple LEDs and cameras into a coordinated framework, the system achieves precise spectral discrimination while managing synchronization complexity through unified timing and triggering mechanisms.
4Productivity
If rolling shutter mechanism is used in CMOS sensors, then frame rate is improved, but spatiotemporal artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent synchronizes the rolling shutter exposure timing with periodic pulsed illumination from LEDs. By aligning the exposure windows of different sensor rows with the periodic light pulses, the system maintains high frame rates while eliminating spatiotemporal artifacts such as intensity gradients and stripes that would otherwise appear in the images.
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
The mesoscope system achieves unprecedented combinations of large field-of-view, high temporal resolution, and spatial resolution, allowing for simultaneous monitoring of diverse neural signals across large brain regions with improved signal-to-noise ratios and efficient light utilization.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens with a numerical aperture of at least 0.2, providing a minimum field of view of 5 mm and a lateral optical resolution of 15 micrometers or better, configured to transmit the illumination to a specimen plane and detect fluorescence signals
Implementation Method 2
an optical illumination system with one or multiple light sources, configured to provide illumination across distinct spectral bands
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a microscopy imaging system with high spatial and temporal resolution and large field of view. One embodiment provides a combination of large field-of-view (8 mm) with high numerical aperture (0.47), superior temporal resolution (up to 1000 Hz) while maintaining high spatial resolution (i.e., less than 6 μm), dual-channel synchronized imaging capability, enhanced light collection efficiency (˜85% transmission), and LED synchronization with rolling shutter mechanism of the sCMOS cameras.