Microscope Illumination Control via Spatial Light Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope systems face challenges in optimizing the intensity distribution of illumination light to enhance image quality based on observer preference, particularly in bright-field and phase-contrast microscopes, as they rely on fixed aperture shapes and wavelengths, which do not adapt effectively to varying test object structures.
Innovation Solution
The microscope system employs a spatial light modulation device and a computer-controlled system that adjusts the intensity distribution and wavelength of illumination light based on observer feedback, using evaluation functions and algorithms like hill-climbing and genetic algorithms to optimize the illumination settings for improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed aperture shapes and wavelengths are used in traditional microscope systems, then the device structure is simple, but the image quality cannot be optimized based on observer preference and test object structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming fixed apertures into dynamically adjustable ones. A spatial light modulation device is introduced to control the aperture shape and illumination light intensity distribution, allowing real-time adjustment based on observer preference and test object characteristics, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple structure and optimized image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by enabling variable aperture shapes and wavelengths. The system allows observers to select different aperture shapes (circular, rectangular, triangular, etc.) and wavelengths, with the spatial light modulation device adjusting corresponding parameters to optimize image quality for different observation needs
2Measurement precision
If aperture shape and wavelength are varied to optimize image quality, then image quality improves according to observer preference, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where observer preference is input and the system automatically adjusts aperture shape and wavelength through the spatial light modulation device. The control unit processes observer input and generates appropriate control signals, creating a closed-loop system that simplifies operation while maintaining optimization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial light modulation device as an intermediary between the observer and the illumination system. This intermediary component translates observer preferences into precise control of aperture shape and light intensity distribution, simplifying the control interface while achieving complex optimization goals
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed illumination settings are used, then the illumination system is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying test object structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the illumination system dynamic by enabling real-time adjustment of aperture shape and light intensity distribution through the spatial light modulation device, allowing adaptation to different test object structures while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing an illumination system that can perform multiple functions through a single spatial light modulation device. The device can generate various aperture shapes (circular, rectangular, triangular, etc.) and control intensity distribution, making the system adaptable to diverse test objects without requiring multiple specialized components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An imaging apparatus (100) includes an imaging unit (80) that images a test object, an analysis unit (202) that outputs a feature amount of an image which is captured by the imaging unit, a storage unit (206) that stores an evaluation function which has the image feature amount as a variable, for evaluation of the image, a selection unit (203) that selects one image from two or more images including an image specified based on a value of the evaluation function, and a changing unit (204) that changes the evaluation function based on the one image in a case where the one image selected by the selection unit is different from the specified image.