Scanning Light Microscope Filter for Phase Change Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning light microscopes face limitations in generating images of samples using various observation methods, particularly for colorless transparent objects, as they struggle to detect phase changes and direction changes as changes in brightness, especially in bright-field, oblique illumination, and inversion contrast observations.
Innovation Solution
The sample observation apparatus incorporates a light source unit, an illumination optical system, an observation optical system, a light detection element with a two-dimensional array of photoelectric conversion elements, and an image processing device that uses filters with specific regions to generate images based on predetermined images and signals, allowing for various observation methods by adjusting the filter's regions and values to detect phase changes and direction changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bright-field illumination is used to observe samples, then the apparatus can obtain bright-field images, but it cannot effectively detect phase changes in colorless transparent objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the illumination method adjustable and changeable. The system can dynamically switch between bright-field illumination and other illumination methods (phase-contrast, oblique illumination, dark-field, inversion contrast) based on the observation requirements. This is achieved through the image processing device that generates different types of images from the same set of signals obtained by scanning the sample with a light spot.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single scanning light microscope system that can perform multiple observation functions. The same hardware configuration (light source, objective lens, photodetector with two light-receiving elements) is used to obtain signals that can be processed to generate bright-field images, phase-contrast images, oblique illumination images, dark-field images, and inversion contrast images, making the apparatus versatile for different sample types and observation needs.
2Measurement precision
If conventional light microscopes illuminate the entire sample, then the observation coverage is comprehensive, but the detection precision for phase changes in transparent samples remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sample observation into multiple scanning points. Instead of illuminating the entire sample at once, the apparatus scans the sample with a light spot that moves across different positions. The photodetector collects light at each scanned position, and the image processing device reconstructs the complete image from these segmented measurements, enabling precise phase change detection at each point while covering the entire sample area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the scanning light microscope uses two light-receiving elements to obtain sum and difference signals, then it can generate differential phase contrast images, but it cannot generate inversion contrast images without additional hardware modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical system modifications with signal processing operations. Instead of adding physical components like phase plates or beam splitters to generate different image types, the system uses the signals already obtained from the two light-receiving elements and applies different computational methods in the image processing device to generate bright-field images, phase-contrast images, oblique illumination images, dark-field images, and inversion contrast images.
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 generation of images similar to those obtained in bright-field, oblique illumination, and inversion contrast microscopy, effectively detecting phase changes and direction changes, even for colorless transparent objects, by using filters that adjust image brightness and area accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
the light detection element includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a two-dimensional array
Data Source
AI summary
A sample observation apparatus includes a light source unit, an illumination optical system, an observation optical system, a light detection element, a scanning unit, a holding member, and an image processing device. A light spot is formed by the illumination optical system. The scanning unit moves the light spot and the holding member relative to each other. A pupil of the observation optical system and the light detection element are positioned at a position conjugate to a pupil position of the illumination optical system. The image processing device generates an image of a sample based on a predetermined image and a filter, and the predetermined image is an image based on a signal output from the light detection element. The filter includes a first region and a second region, and a value in the first region is greater than a value in the second region.