Microscope-Guided Pattern Illumination for Precise Photo-Triggered Targeting
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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 speed.
Innovation Solution
A microscope-based system with integrated optical, photochemical, and mechatronic designs, utilizing a controllable camera, pattern illumination devices, and processing modules to achieve image-guided illumination at 300 milliseconds per field of view, enabling high-content processing of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual operation or conventional systems are used for localized photo-triggered processes, then operational simplicity is maintained, but automation capability and processing speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (imaging, image processing, pattern illumination control, and stage coordination) into an integrated automated system. The processing module serves as a central hub that receives images from the imaging device, processes them to identify regions of interest, and automatically controls the pattern illumination device and stage, eliminating manual operation while coordinating multiple components through a unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the processing module automatically performs image analysis, determines illumination patterns, and controls execution without human intervention. The system processes images, identifies target regions, generates illumination patterns, and executes photo-triggered processes autonomously, with the only human input being the initial sample placement and parameter setting.
2Productivity
If conventional illumination systems are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but illumination speed and processing throughput are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the pattern illumination device, which can rapidly change illumination patterns and positions based on real-time image processing results. The system dynamically adjusts illumination parameters and coordinates stage movement to process multiple fields of view sequentially at high speed, adapting to different regions of interest without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous productive action by coordinating the stage movement with pattern illumination to process multiple fields of view without idle time. The automated control ensures that imaging, processing, and illumination activities are continuously performed across different sample regions, maximizing throughput by eliminating manual intervention delays.
3Loss of time
If high-speed illumination is implemented, then processing time is reduced, but precision in targeting specific regions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from image processing to precisely determine illumination targets. The processing module analyzes images to identify regions of interest with high precision, then uses this information to generate accurate illumination patterns. This feedback loop ensures that even at high speeds, the illumination is precisely targeted to the correct subcellular regions or features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the illumination process into discrete controllable steps: image acquisition, image processing to identify specific regions, pattern generation for each region, and executed illumination. This segmentation allows precise control over each step, ensuring that high-speed processing does not compromise the precision of region targeting, as each region can be individually identified and illuminated with appropriate patterns.
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 rapid, high-content illumination of varying patterns across multiple fields of view, facilitating efficient collection of biomolecular samples for proteomic analysis and other studies within a reasonable duration.
Implementation Method 1
A femtosecond laser may be used as the illumination light source to generate a two-photon effect for high axial illumination precision.
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.