Microassembled Imaging Cytometer Microlens Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cytometry systems are not compact enough for portable use or efficient in screening circulating tumor cells, lacking the capability for high-resolution imaging and classification of cells in a small clinic setting.
Innovation Solution
A microassembled imaging cytometer with a focusing element that creates focused illumination spots or lines, combined with an array light sensor and collection lens, allowing for relative motion with cells to generate digital images based on light intensity and distribution, and optionally incorporating a sorting mechanism for classified cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional cytometry systems are used, then basic cell counting and characterization can be performed, but the systems are not compact enough for portable use and lack high-resolution imaging capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the illumination function into multiple focused illumination spots created by a microlens array, allowing parallel illumination of different cell regions. This segmentation enables high-resolution imaging across the entire cell while maintaining a compact system size, as each microlens element contributes to the overall imaging resolution without requiring a large single illumination source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point illumination to a two-dimensional array of focused illumination spots, enabling simultaneous multi-point imaging. This dimensional expansion allows the compact system to capture high-resolution images across the entire cell area by projecting multiple focused spots in parallel, effectively increasing imaging resolution without proportionally increasing system volume
2Ease of operation
If a compact cytometry system is designed for portable use, then portability is achieved, but the capability for high-resolution imaging and classification of cells is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single compact platform: the microlens array simultaneously provides high-resolution illumination and imaging, the array light sensor captures both spatial and intensity information, and the processing unit performs real-time cell classification. This multi-functionality enables portable use while maintaining high cell classification accuracy through integrated optical and computational capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with a static microlens array that creates multiple focused illumination spots simultaneously. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical movement components, enabling portability while maintaining high imaging resolution through the optical arrangement of the microlens array and array light sensor
3Measurement precision
If multiple focused illumination spots are used to illuminate the cell, then imaging resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lens functions into a single microlens array component, where each microlens element creates a focused illumination spot. This consolidation achieves high imaging resolution through multiple focused spots while reducing device complexity by integrating what would otherwise require multiple separate optical components into one unified array structure
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array creates multiple copies of the focused illumination pattern across different spatial locations simultaneously. Each microlens element produces a focused spot that is a copy of the illumination pattern, enabling high-resolution imaging across the entire cell area without requiring complex optical paths for each individual measurement point
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 high-resolution imaging and classification of cells, facilitating efficient cytometry in compact systems suitable for portable use and circulating tumor cell screening with improved resolution and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a focusing element. The focusing element focuses light from the light source to a plurality of focused illumination spots at the sensing location
Implementation Method 2
an array light sensor and a collection lens that collects and refocuses light emanating from the cell onto the array light sensor
Implementation Method 3
Light source 103 illuminates each cell 101 as it passes a measurement location. Light from light source 103 is scattered by the cell 101 being measured
Implementation Method 4
the array light sensor comprises an array of pixels and produces signals indicating the intensity and distribution of light falling on the pixels
Data Source
AI summary
A microassembled imaging cytometer includes a sensing location that undergoes relative motion with a cell. Light from a light source is focused by a focusing element to a plurality of focused illumination spots or lines at the sensing location, illuminating the cell as the cell traverses the sensing location. A collection lens collects light emanating from the cell and refocuses the collected light onto an array light sensor. The focusing element may include an array of microlenses having spherical or aspheric surfaces. The system may include a processing unit that constructs a digital image of the cell based at least in part on signals produced by the array light sensor indicating the intensity and distribution of light falling on the array light sensor. The system may characterize cells using light emanating from the cells by fluorescence.