3D Optical Microscope Pattern Projection Depth Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical microscopes provide only two-dimensional images, failing to offer reliable and accurate three-dimensional imaging, especially on samples with little or no contrast, and are often costly and complex to convert into three-dimensional systems.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost modification to conventional optical microscopes, incorporating a pattern generator, focusing adjustment device, and processor to project and remove patterns from the focal plane, capturing images at multiple focus steps and using software algorithms to create three-dimensional images, regardless of sample contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a confocal microscope is used to generate 3-D images with quantitative depth measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital micromirror device (DMD) to project a coded pattern onto the sample, creating a virtual reference that encodes depth information. This copied pattern approach replaces complex confocal optical paths with a simpler digital projection system that achieves similar 3-D imaging capabilities through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems (such as spinning Nipkow discs or laser scanning mechanisms) with a digital micromirror device that uses electronic control to project patterns. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic/digital systems reduces complexity while maintaining 3-D imaging functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If image analysis methods are used to create 3-D images from stacked images at various focus positions, then cost is reduced, but reliability and accuracy deteriorate on samples with little or no contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects a coded pattern (analogous to introducing a visual marker) onto the sample that creates detectable variations in the captured images. This pattern acts as a reference that enables reliable depth extraction even from low-contrast samples, similar to how color or intensity changes provide detectable signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the projected coded pattern with the sample's natural features to create a composite image signal. This composite approach merges the reliable depth information from the known pattern with the sample's actual features, enabling accurate 3-D reconstruction regardless of the sample's inherent contrast.
3Measurement precision
If a pattern of light is projected onto the sample surface for depth sensing, then depth measurement capability is improved, but the pattern interferes with capturing true sample features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a coded pattern with specific periodic or structured characteristics that can be mathematically separated from the sample features during image processing. This periodic structure in the projection allows the system to distinguish between the projected pattern and the sample's true features, preventing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the projected pattern serves as a known reference that is subtracted or separated from the captured images during processing. This feedback approach uses the known pattern information to isolate and extract the sample's true features without the pattern's interference.
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 creation of reliable and accurate three-dimensional images from both high and low contrast samples, making it easy and affordable to convert conventional microscopes into three-dimensional imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one objective lens to form an optical image of a sample
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor capable of acquiring said optical image
Data Source
AI summary
A 3-D optical microscope, a method of turning a conventional optical microscope into a 3-D optical microscope, and a method of creating a 3-D image on an optical microscope are described. The 3-D optical microscope includes a processor, at least one objective lens, an optical sensor capable of acquiring an image of a sample, a mechanism for adjusting focus position of the sample relative to the objective lens, and a mechanism for illuminating the sample and for projecting a pattern onto and removing the pattern from the focal plane of the objective lens. The 3-D image creation method includes taking two sets of images, one with and another without the presence of the projected pattern, and using a software algorithm to analyze the two image sets to generating a 3-D image of the sample. The 3-D image creation method enables reliable and accurate 3-D imaging on almost any sample regardless of its image contrast.