Microscope-Guided Pattern Illumination for Real-Time Region Targeting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 at high speed, such as photobleaching, photoactivation, and light-triggered release of reactive oxygen species, which are essential for processes like protein labeling and isolation.
Innovation Solution
A microscope-based system integrating 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 by determining interested regions through real-time image processing and controlling illumination devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation or conventional systems are used for localized photo-triggered processes, then operational simplicity is maintained, but processing speed and high-content capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the illumination process into discrete controllable units using a digital micromirror device (DMD) that can independently control individual pixels or regions. This allows parallel processing of multiple fields of view while maintaining automated image-based guidance, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The microscope-based system integrates multiple functions including imaging, real-time image processing, automated illumination control, and coordinate mapping into a single platform. This multi-functionality enables high-content processing and rapid sequential illumination of multiple fields of view, improving productivity while consolidating system components
2Productivity
If conventional illumination systems are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the capability to illuminate varying patterns through multiple fields of view at high speed is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a digital micromirror device (DMD) that dynamically reconfigures illumination patterns in real-time based on processed images. The DMD can rapidly switch between different patterns and fields of view, enabling both high-speed sequential illumination and adaptable pattern control without mechanical moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a digitally controlled DMD for pattern generation and beam steering. This substitution enables faster switching between patterns and fields of view while maintaining precise spatial control, thereby improving illumination speed and versatility simultaneously
3Measurement precision
If real-time image processing is implemented, then automated illumination accuracy is improved, but processing time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs real-time image processing immediately after image acquisition, before the illumination step. By processing images sequentially and maintaining a pipeline approach where processing of one field occurs while preparation for the next is underway, the system minimizes total processing time while ensuring accurate coordinate extraction for precise illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by overlapping image processing, stage positioning, and illumination preparation across multiple fields of view. The DMD can pre-load illumination patterns while the stage is positioned, and processing continues without idle transitions, reducing overall processing time while maintaining accuracy
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 by optimizing scanners, shuttering devices, and real-time image processing.
Implementation Method 1
a pattern illumination device such as a pair of galvanometer scanning mirrors
Implementation Method 2
A femtosecond laser may be used as the illumination light source to generate a two-photon effect for high axial illumination precision
Implementation Method 3
a digital micromirror device (DMD)
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.