Microscopy System Merging Bright and Dark Field Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy systems for biological samples, particularly for embryo assessment, are limited by their reliance on either bright field or dark field illumination, which restricts the accuracy and completeness of observations, and existing systems are often bulky, costly, and inadequate for custom dish geometries.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that contemporaneously capture both bright field and dark field images using a composite lens system with isolated light paths, allowing for simultaneous illumination and image capture, and a compact design that fits within standard incubators, utilizing a single PCA with concentrically arranged LEDs for bright and dark field illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bright field microscopy is used for viewing biological samples, then the setup is simple and operation is easy, but the contrast is insufficient for unstained samples and resolution is restricted to about 0.2 μm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bright field and dark field microscopy systems into a single integrated apparatus with a common optical path. The system includes both a bright field light source and a dark field light source that can illuminate the sample simultaneously or alternately through the same objective lens and camera system, allowing both imaging modes to be achieved without requiring separate microscopes or complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If dark field microscopy is used for viewing unstained samples, then contrast is improved, but the tissue requires strong illumination which may damage delicate samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bright field and dark field microscopy systems into a single integrated apparatus with a common optical path. The system includes both a bright field light source and a dark field light source that can illuminate the sample simultaneously or alternately through the same objective lens and camera system, allowing both imaging modes to be achieved without requiring separate microscopes or complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
3Reliability
If separate bright field and dark field microscopy systems are used, then each technique can be optimized independently, but the device size increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bright field and dark field microscopy systems into a single integrated apparatus with a common optical path. The system includes both a bright field light source and a dark field light source that can illuminate the sample simultaneously or alternately through the same objective lens and camera system, allowing both imaging modes to be achieved without requiring separate microscopes or complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional microscopy system where a single apparatus can perform both bright field and dark field imaging. The common optical path, objective lens, and camera system serve both imaging modes, making the system universal and eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment while maintaining the advantages of both techniques.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional microscopy systems are used for embryo assessment, then the setup is standard, but the accuracy and completeness of observations is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bright field and dark field microscopy systems into a single integrated apparatus with a common optical path. The system includes both a bright field light source and a dark field light source that can illuminate the sample simultaneously or alternately through the same objective lens and camera system, allowing both imaging modes to be achieved without requiring separate microscopes or complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
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 enhances the accuracy of embryo viability assessment by combining the contrast and morphological analysis capabilities of both techniques, providing more comprehensive data for improved embryo selection and reduced system size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
Sample illumination is transmitted, for example, white light illuminated from below and observed from above, and contrast in the sample is caused by absorbance of some of the transmitted light in dense areas of the sample
Implementation Method 2
Dark field microscopy or 'dark ground microscopy' describes microscopy methods which exclude the unscattered beam from the image. Only light that is scattered by the sample and enters the objective lens is seen as an image in dark field
Implementation Method 3
A method and apparatus that contemporaneously capture both bright field and dark field images using a composite lens system with isolated light paths, allowing for simultaneous illumination and image capture
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for assessing biological samples for developmental viability utilising microscopy by contemporaneously capturing bright field and dark field images of a biological sample within a time lapse measurement interval.