Microscope Illumination Screen for Moving Objective Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopy techniques face challenges in implementing enhanced contrast methods while allowing for the transverse movement of the objective lens relative to the specimen, often requiring complex hardware configurations with moving parts like condenser lenses.
Innovation Solution
A microscope imaging system with a stationary illumination screen and a translation stage for the objective lens, using a controller to align a light pattern axis with the image input axis, eliminating the need for a condenser lens and enabling seamless movement of the objective without disrupting illumination alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a condenser lens is used to align illumination with the objective lens, then illumination alignment is achieved, but device complexity increases and mechanical reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the condenser lens from the traditional illumination system and replaces it with a display device that directly generates light patterns. This extraction of the condenser lens eliminates the mechanical alignment requirements and associated reliability issues while maintaining the illumination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical alignment system (condenser lens) with an electronic control system. The display device electronically adjusts light pattern position and characteristics to align with the objective lens, substituting mechanical adjustments with electronic control for improved reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the objective lens is made translatable for movement, then adaptability improves, but maintaining illumination alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic alignment system where the display device can adjust light pattern position in real-time to track the objective lens movement. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain illumination alignment despite the translational movement of the objective lens, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the position of the objective lens and automatically adjusts the light pattern position on the display device accordingly. This feedback loop ensures continuous illumination alignment during objective lens translation, enabling adaptability while managing alignment complexity through automated control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional illumination systems are used, then illumination alignment is maintained, but the system cannot support objective lens translation without disrupting alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The display device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the illumination source and the alignment reference. By integrating these functions into a single device that can dynamically adjust light pattern position, the system achieves universal functionality that supports both illumination and alignment tasks, enabling objective lens translation without sacrificing alignment reliability.
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 configuration simplifies the imaging system, enhances image contrast, and allows for robust and reliable movement of the objective relative to the specimen, reducing mechanical complexity and improving imaging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination screen may further include an array of light emitting pixels and a flat illumination surface
Data Source
AI summary
Microscope imaging and illumination systems and methods are included that may be used to image multiple specimens at different locations relative to a specimen fixture without the need for repositioning a source of illumination. In some cases, light patterns emitted from illumination screens may be repositioned and reconfigured electronically as needed with an illumination signal communicated to such illumination screens. Specialized microscope imaging techniques such as phase contrast microscopy may also be used with the systems and methods discussed herein.