Mosaic Scan Filter Array for High-Resolution Color Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning microscope technologies face challenges in efficiently imaging large specimens with high-resolution, full-color information without the need for interpolation or demosaicing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mosaic scan filter array with a plurality of identical tiles, each comprising N rows and M columns, where N is equal to or greater than 1 and M is equal to or greater than 2. This array is designed to cover the detector array with a base pattern repeated laterally offset, allowing for full-color information to be captured in each pixel without interpolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional filter array is used in a scanning microscope, then color information can be captured, but interpolation or demosaicing is required which reduces image resolution and quality
Solution Approach 1:
The filter array is segmented into distinct tiles, each containing a complete set of color filters (e.g., RGBW). Each tile independently captures full color information, eliminating the need for interpolation. The segmentation allows each pixel to have access to all color channels through the scanning motion, resolving the contradiction between resolution and filter complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a static spatial arrangement of filters to a dynamic temporal-spatial arrangement. By introducing the scanning dimension, the system captures color information across multiple passes, allowing each pixel position to accumulate data from different filter tiles over time. This dimensional transformation eliminates interpolation requirements while maintaining high resolution.
2Measurement precision
If multiple scans are performed to capture full color information without interpolation, then image quality improves, but scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter array is pre-configured with tiles that contain complete color information sets. During scanning, the system is designed to efficiently collect data from multiple tiles in sequence, with the computer coordinating the scanning motion to gather all necessary color data in a minimized number of passes. This preliminary structuring of the filter array enables faster data collection compared to adaptive or post-processing approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system maintains continuous motion during data collection, with the computer coordinating the scanning speed and filter tile activation to ensure uninterrupted capture of color information. The continuous scanning eliminates idle time between passes and optimizes the utilization of each scanning motion, reducing total scanning time while maintaining complete color data acquisition.
3Loss of information
If a mosaic scan filter array with multiple tiles is used, then full color information is captured in each pixel, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter array uses identical or highly similar tiles throughout the array, each containing the same complete set of color filters. This homogeneity simplifies the overall system design, as the computer can use the same data collection and processing algorithms for all tiles, reducing the complexity burden despite the increased number of filter elements. The repetitive structure makes the system more manageable and easier to control.
4Measurement precision
If sequential frame images are captured and combined, then high-resolution full-color images are produced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the scanning motion itself to automatically align and register the sequential frame images. The computer tracks the scanner position and applies corresponding transformations to the captured frames, eliminating the need for complex external alignment procedures. The scanning process inherently provides the registration information needed for accurate image combination, reducing processing 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
This solution enables the production of high-resolution, full-color images of large specimens with increased signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range, achieved through the mosaic scan filter array's ability to capture distinct color information in each pixel without the need for interpolation or demosaicing.
Implementation Method 1
Each identical tile of the mosaic scan filter array has MxN filters selected from the group of one or more of the following: red filters, green filters, blue filters, white filters
Data Source
AI summary
A mosaic scan filter array has a plurality of identical tiles, each tile have n rows and m columns where n is equal to a greater than 1 and m is equal to a greater than 2. One row of tiles extends a width of a detector array and constitutes a base pattern. The base pattern is repeated M times and each repetition is laterally offset in one direction by one pixel width. The base pattern and laterally offset repetitions constitute a repeat pattern. There are MxN filters selected from the group of one or more of the following: RGBW filters, fluorescence emission filters and a series of narrow spectral band filters covering a continuous spectral range. The mosaic scan filter arrays can be used with a scanning microscope or a scanning camera.