Microscope Detection Circuit Dynamic Gain Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microscope systems face challenges in achieving high signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range observation due to limitations in gain adjustment and response characteristics of detection elements, leading to suboptimal image quality and resolution.

Innovation Solution

A detection device with a detection element having linear and nonlinear response characteristics, coupled with a detection circuit capable of switching between high and low amplification factors, allows for adjustable gain settings to optimize brightness signal generation based on the response characteristics of the detected light, enabling both high-resolution and wide-dynamic-range observations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single amplification factor is used in the detection circuit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and dynamic range are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoiddetection circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection circuit is designed with dynamic gain switching capability, allowing the amplification factor to be changed based on the input signal intensity. The circuit switches between a first amplification factor for low signal levels and a second amplification factor for high signal levels, enabling the system to adapt to different measurement conditions and maintain high measurement precision across a wide dynamic range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the amplification parameter of the detection circuit based on the detected light intensity. By switching between different amplification factors (gain settings) according to the signal level, the system optimizes the signal-to-noise ratio for both dim and bright samples, effectively resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If high amplification factor is used for dim samples, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but saturation occurs for bright samples

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratio for dim samplesVSAvoidbrightness-signal range for bright samples
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection circuit dynamically adjusts its amplification factor based on the intensity of the input signal. For dim samples, it uses a first amplification factor to amplify weak signals and improve signal-to-noise ratio. For bright samples, it switches to a second amplification factor to prevent saturation, thereby maintaining measurement precision across the full brightness range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The detection range is segmented into different intensity zones, each handled by a specific amplification factor. The first amplification factor handles low-intensity signals (dim samples) while the second amplification factor handles high-intensity signals (bright samples), allowing optimal performance for both ranges without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If low amplification factor is used for bright samples, then saturation is prevented, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates for dim samples

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio for bright samples
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the appropriate amplification factor based on the sample brightness. When observing bright samples, the second amplification factor is used to prevent saturation and maintain dynamic range. When observing dim samples, the first amplification factor is selected to maximize signal-to-noise ratio, thus achieving high measurement precision across the entire brightness spectrum.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If automatic gain setting is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter setting convenienceVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection circuit is designed to automatically select the appropriate amplification factor based on the detected signal intensity, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustment. The system performs self-service by adapting its gain setting according to the sample brightness, improving ease of operation while keeping the control mechanism integrated within the detection circuit itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration allows for high-resolution imaging with quantitative characteristics in linear response ranges and wide-dynamic-range observation without saturation, maximizing the utility of the detection element's properties for specific observation purposes.

Implementation Method 1

a detection element that has a linear response characteristic, in which an output signal changes linearly with respect to an input light intensity smaller than or equal to a predetermined value, and a nonlinear response characteristic, in which the output signal changes nonlinearly with respect to an input light intensity larger than the predetermined value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a detection circuit that is capable of switching between a first amplification factor based on which the output signal within a linear response characteristic range falls within a predetermined brightness-signal taking range and a second amplification factor that is lower than the first amplification factor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS10425592B2Detection device and microscope system
Publication Date: 2019.09.24 EVIDENT CORP
  • US10425592B2 patent drawing
  • US10425592B2 patent drawing
  • US10425592B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Observation in which the properties of a detection element are utilized is performed. Provided is a detection device including: a detector that has a linear response characteristic, in which an output signal changes linearly, and a nonlinear response characteristic, in which the output signal changes nonlinearly, and that detects light from a sample and outputs the output signal in accordance with the intensity of the light; a light detection circuit that is capable of switching between a first amplification factor and a second amplification factor, the light detection circuit amplifying the output signal output from the detector based on the first amplification factor or the second amplification factor so as to generate a brightness signal; and an input unit with which a user is allowed to switch the amplification factor for the output signal to be used between the first amplification factor and the second amplification factor.