Microscope Connecting Unit for Multi-Device Optical Path Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscope devices cannot simultaneously use three or more devices such as observation, stimulation, and image-capturing devices without increasing the device size or reducing working efficiency, due to extended focal lengths and branching mechanisms that affect lens diameters and magnification factors.
Innovation Solution
A microscope connecting unit with multiple connection ports and light-path combining units that optically connect the microscope with irradiating or detecting units, allowing simultaneous use of multiple devices without increasing the device size or reducing efficiency, using a relay optical system to form and relay primary images and prevent image degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the focal length of the image forming lens is extended to enable three light paths, then multiple devices can be used simultaneously, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate functional modules: the microscope body remains unchanged, while a connecting unit with multiple connection ports is added. Each light path (observation, stimulation, detection) is routed through separate ports, allowing independent connection of multiple devices without extending the focal length of the image forming lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting unit acts as an intermediary component between the microscope and multiple external devices. It provides multiple connection ports and light path combining units that merge light from different sources without requiring changes to the microscope's internal optical path or focal length.
2Adaptability or versatility
If branching means is added between the image forming lens and primary image point, then three light paths can be used simultaneously, but the lens diameter becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding branching means within the microscope's optical path, the patent segments the light path management to the connecting unit. Multiple connection ports receive light from different sources, and light path combining units merge these paths externally, avoiding the need to increase the diameter of the microscope's internal lenses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the objective lens and image forming lens is extended, then multiple devices can be connected, but the device size increases and working efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit serves as an intermediary that provides multiple connection ports and light path combining units. This allows multiple devices to be connected without extending the distance between the objective lens and image forming lens, thereby maintaining the microscope's compact design and working efficiency.
4Volume of moving object
If a single light path is used for observation and image capturing, then the device remains compact, but three or more devices cannot be used simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit provides multi-functionality by incorporating multiple connection ports and light path combining units. This single component enables the microscope to simultaneously support observation devices, stimulation devices, and detection devices without increasing the overall device size, as the light path combining occurs within the compact connecting unit.
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 the simultaneous use of multiple devices connected to a microscope without size increases or efficiency losses, allowing for immediate observation of sample responses and high frame rates for capturing quick events like calcium ion responses.
Implementation Method 1
two or more light-path combining units that are disposed between the microscope connector and the connection ports and that combine light paths optically connecting the microscope with the irradiating unit or the detecting unit
Implementation Method 2
combine light paths optically connecting the microscope with the irradiating unit or the detecting unit
Implementation Method 3
a relay optical system that forms the light paths and that relays a primary image of the sample formed by the microscope
Data Source
AI summary
Three or more devices can be connected to a microscope and can be used simultaneously. Provided is a microscope connecting unit including a microscope connection port that is connected to a microscope used to observe a sample; three or more unit connection ports to which a stimulating unit that irradiates the sample with light or a confocal observation unit or an image capturing unit that detects light generated at the sample is connectable; and two or more light-path combining units that are disposed between the microscope connecting port and the unit connection ports and that combine light paths optically connecting the microscope with the confocal observation unit, the stimulating unit, and the image capturing unit.