Moving Sample Imaging With Encoder-Synchronized Pulsed Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging systems struggle to collect sufficient photons from objects in motion within a limited field of view, requiring high precision components like TDI cameras and DPSS lasers, which impose tight tolerances and performance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a camera, stage, and illumination source captures multiple exposures of a moving sample container, using pulsed illumination and encoder-based co-registration to overcome blurring, allowing for effective imaging without continuous high-precision components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If continuous illumination is used to collect sufficient photons from moving objects, then image quality is improved, but motion blur increases and equipment precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed illumination instead of continuous illumination. The illumination source is activated in discrete pulses synchronized with the stage movement, delivering sufficient photons during specific exposure windows while minimizing overall illumination time. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining adequate photon collection (improving image quality) while reducing the need for high-precision continuous tracking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning using the stage to bring the sample into the camera's field of view before illumination occurs. The stage movement is controlled to ensure the sample is correctly positioned and stationary relative to the field of view during the brief illumination pulse, eliminating the need for high-precision real-time tracking during illumination.
2Measurement precision
If high precision components like TDI cameras and DPSS lasers are used to maintain image quality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex high-precision components (TDI cameras, DPSS lasers) with simpler, more affordable alternatives. A standard camera with a movable field of view is used instead of a TDI camera, and a simple illumination source with pulsed control replaces the need for precision laser tracking. This achieves adequate image quality through clever control strategies rather than expensive hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical precision systems with optical/control-based solutions. Instead of using mechanical precision to track and stabilize the sample position in real-time (requiring high-precision stages and lasers), the system uses a movable camera field of view and pulsed illumination timing to achieve the same result with simpler mechanical components.
3Productivity
If the field of view is limited and illumination time is short, then productivity is improved, but photon collection efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsed illumination system delivers concentrated photon bursts during each exposure window, maximizing photon collection efficiency during the limited illumination time. The periodic timing ensures that sufficient photons are collected in each pulse to maintain image quality, while the rapid cycling between pulses enables high imaging throughput and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous productive operation by rapidly cycling through multiple exposure-illumination cycles. The stage continuously moves to present new samples to the field of view, and the pulsed illumination continuously captures images at high speed. This continuous operation maximizes both productivity and photon collection efficiency by eliminating idle time between measurements.
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 solution enables clear imaging of moving samples by collecting sufficient photons efficiently, reducing the need for high-precision equipment and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a camera to capture images comprising pixels
Implementation Method 2
an illumination source to illuminate the field of view of the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A method is used to generate an analysis image of a moving sample based on one or more exposures. An illumination source illuminates a field of view of a camera for one or more pulses while the sample moves through the field of view. The distance moved by the sample during each of these one or more pulses may be less than the size of one pixel in an image captured by the camera.