Observation Device Simultaneous Phase and Dark Field Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems and flow cytometers face challenges in simultaneously acquiring rich morphological information of cells with high spatial resolution, due to limitations in illumination patterns, image processing time, and restricted image types.
Innovation Solution
An observation device is developed, comprising an illumination optical system with a light source and aperture member, and an observation optical system with an objective lens, optical structure, and detector. The optical structure includes a blocking portion and transmitting portion, and the detector captures dark-field light, enabling simultaneous phase difference and dark field information acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a plurality of illumination patterns using LEDs are sequentially applied, then rich morphological information can be acquired, but simultaneous measurement is not possible and measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple illumination patterns (transmitted light, dark field, phase difference) into a single simultaneous imaging process using a microscope, eliminating the need for sequential measurement while acquiring rich morphological information
2Device complexity
If a CCD image sensor is shared for multiple illumination patterns, then device complexity is reduced, but deterioration of resolution is inevitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single CCD image sensor perform multiple functions by capturing transmitted light, dark field, and phase difference information simultaneously through optical structures, maintaining high resolution while reducing device complexity
3Loss of information
If image reconfiguration is performed to acquire multimodal image, then rich morphological information is obtained, but image processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary optical modulation using structural illumination patterns and optical structures before detection, encoding multiple morphological information types directly in the captured image to eliminate time-consuming post-processing reconfiguration
4Productivity
If the size of lens array, spatial filter, or multi-sensor is decreased to shorten measurement time, then productivity improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical array structures (lens arrays, spatial filters, multi-sensors) with computational ghost imaging methods using a single sensor, enabling high-speed measurement without sacrificing measurement precision
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 observation device allows for rapid acquisition of richer morphological information with high spatial resolution, enhancing productivity by combining phase difference and dark field information, and supporting additional detection methods like fluorescence.
Implementation Method 1
the optical structure includes a blocking portion that blocks light and a transmitting portion that transmits light
Implementation Method 2
the detector detects dark-field light passing through the optical structure
Implementation Method 3
the observation optical system includes an objective lens, an optical structure, and a detector
Data Source
AI summary
An observation device includes an illumination optical system and an observation optical system. The illumination optical system includes a light source and an aperture member. The observation optical system includes an objective lens, an optical structure, and a detector. The optical structure is disposed at a first position which is the position conjugate with the aperture member. The optical structure includes a blocking portion that blocks light and a transmitting portion that transmits light, the blocking portion having a shape including the shape of an image of an aperture of the aperture member which is formed on the optical structure. The detector detects dark-field light passing through the optical structure.