Optical System Depth of Field for Blood Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic image analysis systems for blood samples are time- and resource-intensive due to the need for multiple image captures at different focal planes and focusing operations, leading to inefficient data acquisition and analysis.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that enable three-dimensional analysis of samples by using a light emitting diode (LED) with near-parallel light, a lens arrangement with a depth of field greater than the sample thickness, and image data processing techniques to exclude overexposed and underexposed regions, generate low pass filtered data, and identify high intensity pixels, allowing for improved detection of objects at different distances from the image sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple images are taken at different focal planes to achieve three-dimensional analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image analysis to three-dimensional analysis by increasing the depth of field of the optical system. This allows objects at different distances from the image sensor to be captured in a single image plane, eliminating the need for multiple focal plane captures while maintaining spatial analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is pre-configured with a large depth of field design that anticipates the need to capture objects at various depths simultaneously. This preliminary design choice eliminates the need for subsequent focusing operations between image captures, reducing time loss.
2Illumination intensity
If a large aperture is used to improve light gathering, then illumination intensity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to reduced depth of field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by designing a optical train with specific focal lengths and spacing that produces a large depth of field. This parameter configuration allows the system to maintain adequate illumination while achieving the required depth of field for three-dimensional analysis.
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 allows for more accurate and efficient analysis of objects in blood samples by providing better image data quality and object representation, reducing the need for extensive focusing and image acquisition, while maintaining detectability of objects despite deteriorated detail resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting diode (LED) with near-parallel light
Implementation Method 2
an optical system and a sample onto an image sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for determining positions of objects contained within a sample. The apparatus comprises an image sensor configured to transform incident light to image data, an optical system comprising a lens arrangement and an aperture, a light emitting device configured to generate light towards said image sensor, and an image data processor configured to receive image data from said image sensor and to determine positions for objects in said image data. The optical system is configured such that a depth of field of said optical system is larger than or equal to a thickness of said sample.