Microlens Array for Selective ROI Magnification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scientific imaging applications, a significant portion of the image captures non-relevant information due to low ROI fill factor, leading to underutilization of imaging sensors, as existing systems struggle to selectively magnify regions of interest while excluding non-relevant areas.
Innovation Solution
A microlens array is interposed between the target and the imaging system, combined with a region rejection component to selectively magnify regions of interest by reflecting light at an angle greater than a predetermined value, thereby replacing non-relevant areas with magnified relevant content within the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional imaging system captures the entire target area, then the complete target is imaged, but the sensor pixels are underutilized due to low ROI fill factor
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides the target into multiple regions of interest (ROIs) and uses a microlens array to capture multiple ROI images simultaneously. Each microlens focuses light from a specific ROI onto corresponding sensor pixels, segmenting the imaging task to improve pixel utilization while maintaining high resolution for each ROI.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from capturing a single large-field image to capturing multiple high-magnification ROI images simultaneously through the microlens array. This dimensional change in imaging approach allows the sensor to focus on multiple small regions at once, effectively increasing the fill factor and pixel utilization.
2Measurement precision
If the imaging system magnifies regions of interest, then the detail resolution is improved, but the field of view is reduced and non-ROI areas are excluded
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array segments the field of view into multiple independent imaging channels, each capturing a magnified ROI. This allows simultaneous high-magnification imaging of multiple regions without requiring sequential scanning, effectively multiplying the usable field of view while maintaining high resolution in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple ROI images captured by different microlenses into a single composite image or processes them as a set. This combining approach allows the system to achieve both high magnification for detailed analysis and comprehensive coverage of multiple regions within a single imaging operation.
3Productivity
If multiple regions are imaged simultaneously, then the imaging speed is improved, but the complexity of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array provides self-service functionality by automatically directing light from multiple ROIs to corresponding sensor regions without requiring active control or adjustment mechanisms. Each microlens independently focuses light from its corresponding ROI, eliminating the need for complex steering mirrors, moving parts, or active beam control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical scanning or switching mechanisms with a static microlens array optical structure. Instead of using moving mirrors, galvanometers, or mechanical shutters to select and magnify different ROIs sequentially, the microlens array provides simultaneous optical routing of multiple ROIs to the sensor, dramatically simplifying the mechanical complexity while maintaining high imaging throughput.
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
This approach enhances imaging efficiency by selectively magnifying regions of interest, reducing the image area containing non-relevant information and allowing for high-resolution composite images to be generated, thereby improving the utilization of sensor pixels and temporal resolution in applications like kinetic imaging plate readers.
Implementation Method 1
A lens is an optical device which transmits and refracts light, converging or diverging the beam
Implementation Method 2
A microlens array is interposed between the target and the imaging system, and a region rejection component configured to prevent light reflected from non-ROI portions of the target from reaching the microlens array
Implementation Method 3
The microlens array and the region rejection component being configured to reflect light incident on the lens at an angle greater than a predetermined value
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for imaging a target as for example a multiwell plate. A plurality of regions of interest are selected on the target at a system control. The selected plurality of regions of interest are simultaneously imaged to provide an image with the plurality of regions of interest selectively magnified by a microlens array (30) and the regions that are not of interest are rejected by means of a mirrored aperture array, a mask, or selective illumination of the regions of interest of the target.