Microscope Slide Color Filter Array for Digital Image Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital microscopy systems lack a standardized method for ensuring color accuracy and consistency across different illumination conditions, making it difficult to replicate images of samples under varying lighting conditions and modify RGB values effectively without prior illumination and transmittance spectra data.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a microscope slide with an integrated color filter array, a processor capable of generating CIE tristimulus values, and an optional spectrophotometer to calibrate and analyze images, allowing for the creation of synthetic images representing samples under desired lighting conditions by conditioning the filter-array transmission spectra on numerical-aperture settings and using real or ideal spectral power distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If digital imaging technology is used to capture microscope images, then image capture capability is improved, but color accuracy and consistency across different illumination conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating the microscope slide system with a color filter array before actual imaging. The transmission spectra of the color filters are measured and stored in advance, creating a reference framework that enables accurate color reconstruction under varying illumination conditions without requiring real-time recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary color filter array integrated into the microscope slide. This array acts as a mediator between the illumination source and the sample, providing known spectral references that enable the system to calculate and correct color values. The color filters serve as intermediary elements that bridge the gap between different illumination conditions and maintain color consistency.
2Ease of operation
If images are modified in image editing suites, then desired appearance can be achieved, but color fidelity is altered and lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary color calibration by capturing images of the color filter array under the actual illumination conditions and calculating the transformation matrix in advance. This pre-processing step establishes the correct color mapping before any sample imaging, ensuring that subsequent image modifications preserve color fidelity rather than altering it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the known transmission spectra of the color filters to continuously reference and correct color values. The system compares captured colors against the pre-measured filter spectra and applies corrections based on this feedback loop, maintaining accurate color representation even when images are processed or transmitted.
3Ease of manufacture
If interference filters are used in the color filter array, then manufacturing ease is improved, but angle-dependence of transmitted light spectrum creates measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the angle-dependence issue by measuring and storing the transmission spectra of the interference filters at multiple angles of incidence. The system then selects or interpolates between these pre-measured spectral data based on the actual numerical aperture and viewing angle conditions, effectively compensating for the angle-dependence through parameter selection rather than physical modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of the interference filter transmission spectra at various angles before actual use. These pre-characterized spectral data are stored and referenced during operation, allowing the system to account for angle effects without requiring real-time measurement or complex optical adjustments.
4Measurement precision
If numerical-aperture-conditioned calibration is implemented, then color accuracy under specific microscope settings is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces operational complexity by performing all numerical aperture conditioning and spectral calculations in advance during the calibration phase. The system pre-calculates transformation matrices for different numerical aperture settings and stores them for direct lookup during imaging, eliminating the need for complex real-time computations while maintaining high color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified copies or representations of the complex optical relationships through pre-calculated transformation matrices. Instead of performing complex spectral integrations during each imaging operation, the system uses these pre-computed matrices to rapidly transform RGB values to CIE tristimulus values, maintaining accuracy while reducing computational complexity.
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 accurate color management and modification of images to represent samples under various lighting conditions, ensuring color fidelity and consistency across different microscope settings, thereby addressing the limitations of existing systems in color accuracy and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission-microscope slide with a color filter array integrated therewith
Implementation Method 2
an optional spectrophotometer or colorimeter in order to generate spectral power distribution (SPD) of the real microscope illuminant
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a system and method for calibration and adjustment of the pixel color values represented within a digital image of a sample by a transmission microscope. Furthermore the present invention is directed to providing sufficient color information in order to generate a color mapping matrix that allows for the creation of a synthetic image to depict the sample under a desired illumination. The system and method provides a solution that generates a destination-device independent image that is configurable to any calibrated display device.