Reflected Structured Illumination for Imaging Transparent Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging techniques struggle to capture high-resolution images of optically transparent, translucent, or opaque materials, particularly the surfaces of liquids and engineered materials, as they often fail to reveal features like liquid-solid and liquid-liquid interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The use of Imaging using Reflected Illuminated Structures (IRIS) devices, which project and capture structured patterns onto and from these surfaces, adjusting settings like structure type, size, intensity, and periodicity to enhance contrast and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging techniques are used, then the imaging process is simple, but the resolution and contrast of images from optically transparent, translucent, or opaque surfaces are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system segments the illumination into multiple discrete structured patterns (e.g., alternating black-and-white squares, stripes, or other geometric shapes) that are projected onto the surface. By dividing the illumination into distinct spatial segments, the system enhances contrast at interfaces and features, allowing high-resolution imaging of optically complex surfaces without requiring complex optical hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes illumination parameters including structure type (squares, stripes, circles), structure size, intensity, and periodicity to optimize imaging for different surface characteristics and features of interest. This parameter adjustment capability enables high-resolution imaging across diverse optical conditions without increasing hardware complexity
2Loss of information
If uniform illumination is used, then the setup is simple, but features like liquid-solid and liquid-liquid interfaces cannot be revealed
Solution Approach 1:
The structured illumination patterns create local variations in light intensity and direction across different regions of the surface. By tailoring the illumination structure to specific local features (e.g., using smaller structures for fine details, different orientations for various interface types), the system reveals surface features without requiring complex multi-component illumination systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system projects two-dimensional structured patterns onto three-dimensional surfaces, creating a optical copy or representation of the surface topology through reflected light. This copying approach allows conventional cameras to capture surface features that would otherwise be invisible under uniform illumination, without requiring complex 3D imaging hardware
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution imaging is achieved through conventional methods, then detailed features are captured, but the method is destructive or requires complex sample preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical or chemical sample preparation methods with optical structured illumination. Instead of physically sectioning, staining, or mounting samples for high-resolution imaging, the method uses projected light patterns to enhance contrast and reveal features in intact samples, eliminating destructive preparation steps while maintaining high resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The structured illumination pattern automatically adapts to the surface being imaged by capturing reflected light from the surface itself. The surface features serve as the contrast mechanism, with no external tags, stains, or preparations needed. The system uses the surface's own optical properties to generate the imaging contrast
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
IRIS provides high-resolution, non-destructive imaging of optically complex surfaces, revealing features like surfactant production and swarming patterns in bacteria, and discerning micron-sized details through enhanced contrast and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
capture, using the camera, image data comprising a reflection of the plurality of illuminated structures from the optically transparent, translucent, or opaque surface of the object
Data Source
AI summary
Imagining using reflected illuminated structures (“IRIS”) in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, an IRIS device is provided, the IRIS device comprising: a projector; a camera; a processor operatively connected to the projector and the camera; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the image capture device to: project, using the projector, a plurality of illuminated structures onto an object having an optically transparent, translucent, or opaque surface; and capture, using the camera, image data comprising a reflection of the plurality of illuminated structures from the optically transparent, translucent, or opaque surface of the object.