Pyramid Focal Structures for Sample Holder Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample holders for image-based analysis of microscopic objects, such as bioparticles and cells, face challenges in efficiently and accurately focusing on multiple locations, particularly when high magnification and high density of focus structures are required, leading to increased complexity and manufacturing difficulties with groove-based designs.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder with an optically flat surface featuring multiple pyramid-shaped focal structures, which are easier to manufacture and provide reliable focus reference points, allowing for accurate imaging and analysis of multiple samples with reduced manufacturing complexity and increased focus structure density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If groove-based focus structures are used in sample holders, then focusing capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The focus structure is segmented into multiple discrete pyramid-shaped features distributed across the sample holder surface, each providing localized focusing capability. This segmentation allows simpler manufacturing compared to continuous groove structures while maintaining overall focusing performance across multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using grooves that require complex machining operations to create precise focusing surfaces, the invention inverts the approach by using pyramid-shaped features with simpler geometric forms that can be more easily manufactured while achieving the same focusing function through their vertex geometry.
2Area of stationary object
If high density of focus structures is required, then imaging coverage is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The focus structure is divided into multiple small pyramid-shaped elements distributed densely across the sample holder. This segmentation enables high imaging coverage through many individual focus points while each element remains simple in form and easy to manufacture using standard molding or etching techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The pyramid shapes are designed with specific dimensional parameters (height, base size, angle) that optimize both the focusing performance and manufacturability. By carefully controlling these parameters, high density is achieved without excessive manufacturing difficulty, as the consistent geometry allows for efficient production processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If pyramid-shaped focal structures are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but focus reference precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The pyramid shapes are designed with specific dimensional parameters (height, base size, angle) that are optimized for both manufacturability and focus reference precision. The angles and dimensions are carefully selected to ensure that the vertex provides an unambiguous focus point while the overall geometry remains simple to manufacture using standard processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pyramid focus structures can be efficiently manufactured by copying a master template or mold design, allowing precise replication of the same geometric form across multiple locations. This copying approach ensures consistent focus reference precision while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized production processes.
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 pyramid-shaped focal structures enable efficient and accurate image-based analysis of multiple samples by simplifying the manufacturing process and ensuring clear focus across a high number of locations, reducing the time required for imaging and improving the reliability of microscopic object detection.
Implementation Method 1
the angled sides with the angle of the angled sides set such that, in use, a majority of light incident from beneath the pyramid shaped indentation is reflected internally within the sample holder
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~6
AI summary
A sample holder 100 for use in a device for image-based analysis of multiple samples, the sample holder comprising: an optically flat surface 10; multiple locations of interest 16, 18 dispersed across the optically flat surface 10 that each, in use, correspond to locations of a sample of the multiple samples; and multiple focal structures 12 associated with the multiple locations of interest 16, 18; wherein the focal structures 12 each comprise at least one pyramid shaped indentation 30 in the optically flat surface 10.