Fluorescence Microscope Illumination Control After Light Path Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fluorescence microscopy, the illumination intensity at the sample changes unpredictably when objective lenses or other components in the light path are modified, necessitating manual and time-consuming adjustments to maintain consistent illumination and imaging intensity.
Innovation Solution
A control system that automatically determines the illumination intensity of the light source based on pre-change settings, physical models of the light path, and imaging characteristics, using iterative methods to quickly converge on desired illumination parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If manual adjustment of illumination intensity is performed after changing objective lenses or light path components, then consistent illumination intensity at the sample can be achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically determines the new illumination intensity setting by itself using a physical model, without requiring manual user adjustment. The system self-corrects the illumination intensity after objective or component changes by calculating the appropriate control value based on the physical model that accounts for imaging characteristics of the changed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a physical model that incorporates imaging characteristics of optical components to predict how illumination intensity will change after component swaps. This model-based feedback mechanism allows the control system to pre-calculate the necessary illumination adjustment, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error adjustment and reducing time loss.
2Illumination intensity
If manual reset of illumination intensity is performed after objective change, then desired illumination intensity can be restored, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary calculation of the required illumination intensity adjustment using the physical model immediately after detecting an objective or component change. This pre-calculation determines the optimal control value before actual imaging begins, preventing time loss during the imaging process and maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system independently handles the illumination intensity reset process without requiring operator intervention. By self-determining the appropriate control value based on the physical model and automatically applying it, the system eliminates the manual adjustment step that previously reduced productivity.
3Speed
If automated control system using physical model is implemented, then illumination intensity adjustment speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of illumination intensity with an automated electronic control system. The physical model, implemented as software or firmware, calculates the appropriate control value based on imaging characteristics of optical components, substituting the need for manual operator intervention and simplifying the user interface while increasing automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the control parameter (illumination intensity setting) automatically based on calculations from the physical model. By monitoring changes in imaging parameters such as objective magnification or numerical aperture and using the physical model to determine the corresponding illumination adjustment, the system achieves fast automated parameter optimization without complex manual procedures.
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
Ensures rapid and accurate adjustment of illumination intensity after changes in the light path, reducing energy consumption and sample irradiation time while maintaining consistent imaging quality.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one light source is used for stimulating at a fluorophore in a sample
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for automatedly determining an illumination intensity of at least one light source of a fluorescence microscope is provided. The control system is configured to automatedly determine, after a change in a light path, a control value for the illumination intensity of the at least one light source in order to achieve a desired value of an inspection parameter characterizing sample inspection. The light path comprises at least one of: an illumination path from the at least one light source to the sample and an imaging path from the sample to at least one detector. Determining the control value is based on: (i) a value of the illumination intensity that was set before the change in the light path, (ii) a value of the inspection parameter used before the change in the light path, and (iii) a physical model of the light path.