3D Microscope Continuous Imaging via Diagonal Sample Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional digital imaging techniques face significant bottlenecks in processing speed, leading to prolonged imaging times due to frequent pauses and interruptions, especially when imaging large samples at high resolutions, as they require relative movements between fields of view and excitation/detection axes, resulting in inefficient throughput.
Innovation Solution
A microscope with three-dimensional imaging capability that implements relative movements neither parallel nor perpendicular to the excitation and detection axes, allowing continuous imaging without pauses, using a combination of excitation and detection devices configured for light-sheet illumination and synchronized operation, with a movement mechanism that minimizes blurring through de-convolution and refractive index matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional three-dimensional digital imaging is used to image large samples at high resolutions, then imaging quality is maintained, but imaging time is significantly prolonged due to frequent pauses and interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous relative movement between the sample and detection device without pauses or interruptions during imaging. The movement mechanism maintains constant motion to eliminate dead time between fields of view, ensuring the useful action of imaging continues uninterrupted while maintaining high resolution through precise movement control and de-convolution processing.
2Area of stationary object
If relative movements are implemented between fields of view during imaging, then coverage of large samples is achieved, but throughput is reduced due to interruptions and blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous relative movement between the sample and detection device throughout the imaging process, eliminating interruptions between fields of view. This continuous motion approach allows coverage of large sample areas while maintaining high throughput by preventing dead time and reducing the need for repeated positioning and focusing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic relative movement between the sample and detection device, where the movement mechanism continuously adjusts positions during imaging. This dynamic approach replaces static positioning with continuous motion, allowing the system to cover large areas efficiently while maintaining image quality through real-time movement compensation and de-convolution algorithms.
3Device complexity
If conventional imaging with pauses and interruptions is used, then processing complexity is reduced, but effective imaging time is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous imaging without pauses or interruptions, maximizing the duration of effective imaging action. The movement mechanism ensures uninterrupted data acquisition throughout the imaging process, significantly increasing effective imaging time compared to conventional methods that require repeated stopping and repositioning between fields of view.
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 significantly reduces imaging time and enhances throughput by eliminating interruptions and blurring, enabling faster acquisition of high-resolution three-dimensional images without compromising resolution, as demonstrated by applications such as whole-brain imaging of a mouse.
Implementation Method 1
at least one excitation device, which is configured to generate a detectable contrast in a detection target region of a sample which is to be detected, in an excitation principal axis direction
Implementation Method 2
at least one detection device, which is configured to detect the contrast as generated from the detection target region of the sample in a detection principal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope having three-dimensional imaging capability and a three-dimensional microscopic imaging method are provided, the microscope including: at least one excitation device configured to generate a detectable contrast in a detection target region of a sample which is to be detected, in an excitation principal axis direction; at least one detection device, configured to detect the contrast as generated from the detection target region of the sample in a detection principal axis; and at least one movement mechanism, configured to generate a relative movement of the sample relative to the excitation device and the detection device; the relative movement is in a direction neither parallel to nor perpendicular to the excitation principal axis direction or the detection principal axis direction.