Microscope Spatial Light Modulator for 3D Perspective Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopes are limited to generating two-dimensional images, and existing methods for obtaining three-dimensional views, such as axial depth scanning and light field microscopy, are either computationally slow or suffer from severe spatial resolution trade-offs, making it difficult to effectively capture three-dimensional images of samples.
Innovation Solution
A microscope configuration that includes a spatial light modulator positioned at a pupil plane or equivalent conjugate plane in the illumination or detection light path, allowing for the acquisition of perspective images at various angles, enabling the generation of three-dimensional views by adjusting the perspective angle of the view imaged at the light detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If axial depth scanning is used to acquire 3D images, then three-dimensional information is obtained, but the computation required makes these techniques slow and non-real time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular dimension by capturing images at multiple perspective angles simultaneously using a light field microscope with microlens array. This allows 3D information to be obtained from a single axial plane capture, eliminating the need for slow axial depth scanning while maintaining 3D reconstruction capability through angular information synthesis.
2Loss of information
If light field microscopy with microlens array is used to resolve angular information, then angular information is obtained for multiple image pixels, but severe spatial resolution trade-off occurs for viewing micrometer-sized samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the angular information capture by using a movable aperture that selectively captures light from specific angular ranges. This allows the system to capture sufficient angular information for 3D perception while maintaining spatial resolution by limiting the angular spread that would otherwise degrade pixel-level spatial detail in light field microscopy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the aperture position and orientation parameters to optimize the trade-off between angular information capture and spatial resolution. By adjusting the aperture's angular parameters, the system can adaptively capture perspective information at different angles while preserving spatial resolution for micrometer-sized samples.
3Measurement precision
If discrete axial sampling is used to capture depth information, then 3D views are generated, but limited 3D information or artifacts in the 3D view result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces discrete axial sampling with continuous angular sampling by capturing images at multiple perspective angles from a single axial plane. This provides continuous 3D information across the depth range without the artifacts caused by discrete sampling intervals, as the angular perspectives collectively reconstruct complete depth information.
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 the rendering of three-dimensional views with parallax cues, providing intuitive depth separation and improved spatial resolution, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by enabling real-time capture of three-dimensional images without significant spatial resolution trade-offs.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator configured for adjusting the perspective angle of a view imaged at the light detector, wherein the spatial light modulator is positioned at a pupil plane or an equivalent conjugate plane thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope includes a spatial light modulator configured for adjusting the perspective angle of a view imaged at the light detector. The spatial light modulator is positioned at a pupil plane, or at an equivalent conjugate plane thereof, in the illumination light path or in the detection light path. The microscope enables perspective views of a sample at different angles, which may be utilized to generate a three-dimensional image of the sample.