Microscope Illumination Area Switching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current microscope systems cannot simultaneously observe multiple areas or rapidly switch between them without mechanically moving the stage, limiting the efficiency of brain science research on information transmission between cells.

Innovation Solution

A microscope system incorporating an objective lens, an illumination-area switching unit, and a variable-focus optical system that allows switching between illumination areas outside the objective optical axis and adjusting the focus position, enabling rapid observation and three-dimensional imaging of multiple areas without mechanical movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple areas are observed by moving the stage, then multiple areas can be observed, but simultaneous observation or rapid switching between areas is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservation speedVSAvoidtime for stage movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical stage movement system with an optical switching system. Specifically, it uses a beam splitter to divide the illumination light path into multiple paths, allowing simultaneous illumination of multiple areas without mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates the time loss associated with stage movement while maintaining the capability to observe multiple areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the illumination light path using a beam splitter into multiple independent illumination paths. Each path can be directed to a different area on the specimen, enabling simultaneous observation of multiple areas. This segmentation allows the system to observe multiple regions without requiring mechanical repositioning, thereby improving observation speed and eliminating time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If illumination light is radiated onto areas outside the objective optical axis, then multiple areas can be observed, but the optical system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination area coverageVSAvoidoptical system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that enables illumination of areas outside the objective optical axis. The beam splitter divides the incoming illumination light into multiple paths, directing them to different areas on the specimen. This intermediary component adds minimal complexity while significantly expanding the illumination area coverage and versatility of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simultaneous and rapid switching between multiple areas on and outside the objective optical axis, allowing for efficient three-dimensional observation of specimens, thereby enhancing the capability to observe and image multiple regions of a specimen simultaneously.

Implementation Method 1

an objective lens that focuses, on a specimen, illumination light produced by a light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 2

an illumination-area switching unit that is disposed between the objective lens and the specimen and that switches an illumination area irradiated with the illumination light focused by the objective lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a variable-focus optical system that is disposed on the objective optical axis between the light source and the objective lens and that can change the focus position of the objective lens in a direction along the objective optical axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVariable focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS10281699B2Microscope system configured to irradiate focused light onto an area of a specimen outside of an optical axis of an objective lens

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 EVIDENT CORP

AI summary

A microscope system includes an objective lens that focuses, on a specimen, illumination light produced by a light source. An illumination-area switching mechanism is disposed between the objective lens and the specimen and switches an illumination area irradiated with the illumination light focused by the objective lens among a plurality of illumination areas on the specimen that are located outside an objective optical axis of the objective lens. An inner focus lens is disposed on the objective optical axis between the light source and the objective lens and changes a focus position of the objective lens in a direction along the objective optical axis.