Fluorescence Microscope Channel Re-Snapping to Reduce Bleaching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence microscopy requires re-snapping all images if one optical channel's image is of low quality, leading to excessive sample exposure and wasted time, as the entire series must be re-captured in a predetermined order.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating fluorescent photographs using a fluorescence microscope with multiple optical channels, allowing for separate snapping and merging of images, enabling re-snapping of individual channels without re-capturing already snapped channels, thereby reducing light exposure and snapping time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all fluorescent images are re-snapped in predetermined order when one channel's image is low quality, then image quality can be ensured, but sample exposure time increases and time is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluorescent image acquisition process into independent optical channels, allowing each channel to be snapped and stored separately. When one channel's image quality is insufficient, only that specific channel needs to be re-snapped rather than all channels, thus resolving the contradiction between ensuring image quality and reducing time loss.
2Reliability
If all fluorescent images are re-snapped in predetermined order when one channel's image is low quality, then image quality can be ensured, but sample bleaching occurs due to excessive exposure
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the image acquisition into independent channels with separate storage, the patent enables selective re-snapping of only the problematic channel. This reduces the total light exposure duration on the sample, thereby minimizing sample bleaching while still ensuring the final merged image meets quality standards.
3Productivity
If fluorescent images are snapped separately and merged, then re-snapping individual channels is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by snapping and storing all fluorescent images from different optical channels in advance before merging them. This preliminary separation and storage enables flexible re-snapping of individual channels without requiring complex real-time coordination during the merging process, thus improving productivity while keeping the added complexity manageable.
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 reduces sample bleaching and saves time by allowing targeted re-snapping of low-quality images without re-capturing other channels, improving the efficiency of image acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
The sample is illuminated with light of a particular wavelength (or band), and the incident light is absorbed by the fluorophore, causing the sample to emit fluorescence with longer wavelengths.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for generating a fluorescent photograph using a fluorescence microscope, wherein after a fluorescence image generated by the light of an optical channel is snapped, the fluorescent image generated by the light of the optical channel can be re-snapped and the original fluorescent image can be replaced with the re-snapped fluorescent image, without re-snapping a fluorescent image generated by the light of other optical channel which has already been snapped. Therefore, the time during which the sample is exposed to light is reduced, the sample is prevented from being bleached and the snapping time is saved.