Microscopic Digital Imaging With Segmented Emitter-Detector Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopy devices that do not rely on optical components for magnification are large, heavy, and expensive due to the need for a large separation between light sources and detectors, limited spatial resolution, and complex architectures.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a monolithic emission module and detection module with independently arranged light emitters and detectors, where target light emitters and detectors are activated iteratively to form a digital image, allowing for a compact design and improved spatial coherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large separation between light source and detection module is used to illuminate the required area homogeneously, then the illumination homogeneity is improved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The emission module is divided into multiple independently controllable light emitters arranged in a matrix, and the detection module is divided into multiple detection zones. By segmenting both modules, the system can illuminate specific regions homogeneously without requiring large overall separation distances, thus reducing device size and weight while maintaining illumination quality.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of light detectors are used to achieve high spatial resolution and large field of view, then the spatial resolution is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection module is segmented into multiple detection zones, each associated with specific light emitters. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high spatial resolution by activating only relevant detection zones for each image region, reducing the total number of detectors needed and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically activates specific light emitters and detection zones based on the imaging requirements. This dynamic activation allows the same physical hardware to achieve high spatial resolution without requiring all detectors to be physically present or active simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the observation zone is made larger to reduce diffraction effects, then the field of view is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the emission and detection modules into multiple elements, the system can create a virtual observation zone that covers a large area without physically increasing the distance between modules. The segmented structure allows for expanded field of view while maintaining compact device volume.
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
The method and device achieve high-quality microscopic digital images with reduced manufacturing costs and smaller, lighter devices, improving spatial coherence and reducing interference, while enabling flexible and efficient image acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
an emission module, comprising a plurality of light emitters
Implementation Method 2
a detection module arranged parallel and opposite to said emission module, said detection module comprising a plurality of light detectors
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and device for obtaining microscopic digital images, using an emission module, a detection module and an observation zone arranged between said modules, the method comprises arranging a sample in said observation zone and:-determining at least one target light emitter of said emission module;-determining at least one target detection zone of said detection module each zone corresponding to one target light emitter;-activating the target light emitter(s) and reading the light detectors of the target detection zone(s);-determining a plurality of target pixels of said digital image and obtaining each of said target pixels from said reading of said target light detectors;and, iterating until all the image pixels of said digital image are obtained, thus obtaining said microscopic digital image of said sample.