Phase Difference Observation Spatial Modulator Meniscus Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase difference observation apparatuses face challenges in reducing the size of the apparatus while preventing deterioration of the phase difference image due to meniscus effects, which requires additional imaging units for adjusting ring slits and condenser lenses.
Innovation Solution
A phase difference observation apparatus with a spatial modulator that changes the intensity distribution of illumination light based on acquired position information, eliminating the need for an additional imaging unit by using a control unit to adjust the intensity distribution of illumination light to correct for meniscus effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional imaging unit is provided to adjust the positions of the ring slit and condenser lens, then the phase difference image quality is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of imaging the aperture ring and phase plate from the main observation path. Instead of providing a separate imaging unit with its own optics, the system uses the existing image sensor to capture images of the aperture ring and phase plate by directing light through them during the observation process. This eliminates the need for additional imaging hardware while maintaining the ability to adjust ring slit and condenser lens positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor serves multiple functions: it captures the observation target image, and also captures images of the aperture ring and phase plate for position adjustment calculations. By making the image sensor multi-functional, the system avoids adding dedicated imaging units for adjustment purposes, thereby reducing overall apparatus size while maintaining image quality improvement capabilities.
2Reliability
If the ring slit and condenser lens positions are adjusted to prevent meniscus deterioration, then the phase difference image quality is improved, but the apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by capturing images of the aperture ring and phase plate, calculating their positions, and using this information to adjust the ring slit and condenser lens. The control unit processes the captured images, determines the necessary adjustments, and controls the movement of optical components to optimize phase difference image quality, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains image quality without requiring overly complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
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 reduces the size of the apparatus and effectively suppresses the deterioration of phase difference images, allowing for clearer observations without the need for additional imaging units.
Implementation Method 1
due to the curve of the liquid surface of the culture solution by the surface tension (i.e., due to meniscus), light is refracted to be reflected in a phase difference image
Data Source
AI summary
A phase difference observation apparatus includes a light source; an illumination guide to guide illumination light from the light source to an observation target object in a cell culture vessel; an optical imager to form an optical image of the observation target object on an image sensor; and a controller. The illumination guide includes a spatial modulator to change an intensity distribution of the illumination light; the controller contains intensity distribution correction information associating a position of the imaging guide with respect to the cell culture vessel with an intensity distribution of illumination light at the position of the optical imager; the controller acquires imaging system position information, which is the position of the optical imager; and the controller changes an intensity distribution of illumination light in the spatial modulator on the basis of the imaging system position information and the intensity distribution correction information.