Multi-line Detection Method for Microscopy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current rolling shutter microscopy methods require long exposure times per row, leading to prolonged image acquisition times and low refresh rates, limiting their application in certain experimental contexts.
Innovation Solution
A method for multi-line detection using a single sensor, where regions on a two-dimensional detector are exposed in rolling shutter mode, allowing for simultaneous exposure of multiple lines and reducing overall image acquisition time, thereby increasing the refresh rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single rolling shutter exposure method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image acquisition time increases and refresh rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple independent regions (first region, second region, third region) that can be exposed and read out independently. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different image lines across multiple regions, reducing the total image acquisition time while using a single detector device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the exposure process by utilizing multiple regions on the detector simultaneously. Instead of sequentially exposing single lines, the system exposes multiple lines across different regions in parallel, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the time-multiplexed rolling shutter approach.
2Productivity
If multiple illumination lines are detected simultaneously, then the refresh rate increases, but the device complexity increases requiring multiple sensors
Solution Approach 1:
A single two-dimensional detector is designed to perform multiple functions by dividing it into multiple regions that can independently detect different illumination lines. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors while achieving parallel detection of multiple lines, thereby increasing refresh rate without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection regions into a single integrated sensor device. By merging the functionality of what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors into one unified detector with multiple independently controllable regions, the system achieves parallel multi-line detection while reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If long exposure times per row are used, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the image acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous parallel exposure across multiple detector regions while sequentially reading out data. This allows the useful detection action to continue uninterrupted across different regions, maintaining adequate exposure times for good signal-to-noise ratio while overlapping the exposure and readout processes to reduce total acquisition time.
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 significantly shortens image acquisition time and enhances the refresh rate by enabling parallel detection across multiple regions of a sensor, minimizing specimen bleaching and geometric distortions while maintaining uniform detection conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a number M of regions R1, R2, . . . , RM to be read on a two-dimensional detector, connected to an actuator, which comprises a number of detector rows is specified
Data Source
AI summary
A method for multi-line detection, in which a number M of regions Rm to be read, with m=1, . . . , M, is specified on a two-dimensional detector connected to an actuator. In each region to be read, a number J of row groups in each case of adjacent detector rows is specified, wherein each row group comprises a predefined number N of detector rows. In order to be able to record light in several areas on the detector at the same time, integration process are started successively in all participating rows and, after these have been ended, read processes are started. A read time is available for the reading of each row, this read time also corresponds to the temporal offset in which the integration processes are started row by row. An actual exposure, controlled via a corresponding signal, is effected only when integration processes have actually been started in all participating rows and the first integration process has not yet been ended again. In this way, a simultaneous detection in different areas on the sensor under identical conditions is possible.