Microscope-Guided Pattern Illumination for High-Content Axial Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack the capability to perform high-content, automated, image-based localized photo-triggered processes for illuminating specific patterns on biological samples, such as photobleaching, photoactivation, or light-triggered release of reactive oxygen species, due to insufficient axial precision and lack of high-content capability.
Innovation Solution
A microscope-based system integrating optical, photochemical, and mechatronic designs, utilizing a microscope, imaging light source, digital camera, processing modules, and pattern illumination devices like galvanometer scanning mirrors or digital micromirror devices, enables image-guided illumination at 300 milliseconds per field of view, allowing rapid processing of proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids based on user-defined microscopic image features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual STOMP technique is used, then axial precision is achieved, but productivity is insufficient and high-content capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated image processing and computer-controlled illumination systems. Image processing algorithms automatically identify regions of interest, and computer-controlled scanners deliver precise illumination, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining axial precision and dramatically improving processing speed and high-content capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated image-guided processes. The microscope system automatically captures images, processes them to identify target regions, and executes illumination without manual intervention. This automation enables high-content processing of multiple samples while maintaining the precision previously achievable only through manual techniques.
2Ease of operation
If LCM system is used, then tissue isolation is achieved, but axial precision and high-content capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical laser cutting with optical illumination guided by image processing. Instead of physically cutting tissues, the system uses computer-controlled optical scanners to deliver precise illumination to specific regions identified through image analysis, achieving superior axial precision while maintaining ease of operation for tissue processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies of the sample structure through imaging, then uses these digital representations to guide precise illumination. The image processing system creates a digital map of the sample, and the illumination system follows this map to deliver light to exact locations, achieving high precision without direct mechanical contact.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing pattern illumination systems are used, then localized illumination is achieved, but high-content capability and processing speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated processing where image capture, image processing, and illumination occur in a seamless workflow. The system continuously cycles through multiple fields of view and samples without interruption, maintaining precise localized illumination while dramatically increasing processing throughput through continuous automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image capture and processing before illumination. By pre-identifying regions of interest through image analysis, the system optimizes the subsequent illumination process, achieving both high precision in localized illumination and increased productivity through efficient workflow sequencing.
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 high-content processing of biomolecular samples for proteomic analysis by rapidly illuminating varying patterns through multiple fields of view, facilitating photo-induced molecular tagging and studies of proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics with high axial illumination precision.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination light source, a shutter, a pattern illumination device such as a pair of galvanometer scanning mirrors
Implementation Method 2
a digital camera, a first processing module, a second processing module such as field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)
Implementation Method 3
a pattern illumination device such as a pair of galvanometer scanning mirrors
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for image-guided microscopic illumination are provided. A processing module controls an imaging assembly such that a camera acquires an image or images of a sample in multiple fields of view, and the image or images are automatically transmitted to a processing module and processed by the first processing module automatically in real-time based on a predefined criterion so as to determine coordinate information of an interested region in each field of view. The processing module also controls an illuminating assembly to illuminate the interested region of the sample according to the received coordinate information regarding to the interested region, with the illumination patterns changing among the fields of view.