Microscope Image Acquisition Using Region-Specific Light Amplitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy techniques face limitations in simultaneously improving spatial and temporal resolution, as increasing spatial resolution often compromises temporal resolution, and existing methods are complex or damaging to living cells when using short-wavelength light.
Innovation Solution
An image acquisition method that distinguishes dynamic and static regions within an image and controls light amplitude differently for each region, using a processor to generate super-resolution images from static regions and high-speed widefield images from dynamic regions, with an optical microscope capable of irradiating plane and sinusoidal wave patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If super-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques (SMLM or STED) are used to overcome the diffraction limit, then spatial resolution is improved, but temporal resolution decreases due to requiring multiple images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different light irradiation patterns to different regions of the sample: sinusoidal wave patterns (structured illumination) are applied to static regions requiring super-resolution, while plane wave patterns are applied to dynamic regions requiring high temporal resolution. This spatial differentiation of illumination quality enables simultaneous optimization of both spatial and temporal resolution in different image regions.
2Measurement precision
If light with short wavelength is used to increase spatial resolution beyond the diffraction limit, then spatial resolution is improved, but the method becomes much more complicated and may damage living cells due to high energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of light irradiation pattern (from simple plane waves to structured sinusoidal waves) rather than changing wavelength. This allows achieving super-resolution using visible light with the same wavelength, avoiding the complexity and cellular damage associated with short-wavelength UV or electron beam methods while still overcoming the diffraction limit through computational processing of multiple structured illumination images.
3Measurement precision
If a large numerical aperture lens is used to obtain high spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but the physical limit of increasing numerical aperture is reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into multiple regions with different motion characteristics (static and dynamic regions). By processing these segmented regions differently through computational algorithms, the system achieves super-resolution for static regions without requiring increased numerical aperture, thereby overcoming the physical limits of lens design while maintaining versatility.
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 approach allows for simultaneous improvement of spatial and temporal resolution within a single image, enabling detailed observation of microstructures and rapid dynamics without damaging living cells, effectively addressing the limitations of existing microscopy techniques.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the optical microscope so as to respectively irradiate lights having different amplitudes onto the dynamic region and the static region
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for simultaneously acquiring a super-resolution image and a high-speed widefield image are disclosed. The image acquisition method includes receiving a first image signal from an optical microscope, generating, by using the first image signal, a first plurality of entire images, distinguishing, based on movements of a plurality of objects included in the first plurality of entire images, a dynamic region with respect to the first plurality of entire images and a static region with respect to the first plurality of entire images, and controlling the optical microscope so as to respectively irradiate lights having different amplitudes onto the dynamic region and the static region.