Servo-Focused Fluorescence Microscope Without Eyepiece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence microscopy systems are bulky and inconvenient to carry due to their large size, and they often require cumbersome focusing methods, such as using an eyepiece, which limits their portability and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence microscopy imaging system with a focusing servo function that includes a module for detecting fluorescence and a module for focusing control, utilizing a servo light source generator, dichroic optical elements, a servo light beam reflecting film, and an actuator to control the objective lens, allowing for precise focusing and planar scanning without interfering with the fluorescence signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional fluorescence microscope with eyepiece focusing is used, then focusing function is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and inconvenient to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the eyepiece component from the conventional fluorescence microscope structure. By extracting the eyepiece and its associated focusing mechanism, the system eliminates the bulky component while retaining the essential fluorescence detection and focusing functions through alternative means (objective lens focusing with servo control).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical eyepiece focusing system with an automated servo-controlled focusing system. The mechanical focusing mechanism in the eyepiece is substituted with an electronic servo system that controls the objective lens positioning, enabling precise focusing without the bulk of the eyepiece structure.
2Ease of operation
If an eyepiece-based focusing mechanism is used, then focusing is achieved, but the device complexity increases and usability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service focusing system where the servo mechanism automatically adjusts the objective lens position based on feedback signals. The system performs focusing autonomously without requiring manual intervention through an eyepiece, thereby simplifying user operation while reducing the complexity of manual focusing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback-based servo control system that continuously monitors and adjusts the focusing position. The feedback mechanism enables automatic focusing adjustment, eliminating the need for complex manual focusing mechanisms and improving usability by allowing the system to self-regulate.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact fluorescence microscope is designed, then portability is improved, but focusing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces coarse mechanical focusing mechanisms with a precision servo system that uses electronic control for fine focusing adjustments. This substitution enables high focusing precision in a compact design, as the servo system can make precise positional adjustments without requiring the bulk of traditional mechanical focusing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic focusing system where the objective lens position can be continuously adjusted through servo control. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain optimal focusing precision in a compact form factor, as the lens can be rapidly and precisely positioned according to sample requirements without the constraints of fixed mechanical focusing 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
Enables a compact and portable fluorescence microscopy system that can accurately focus and scan samples, improving usability and image resolution while maintaining the ability to observe internal tissue structures without the need for an eyepiece-based focusing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorescence excitation light source generator is capable of generating an excitation light beam having a first wavelength to excite a sample to emit fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
The dichroic optical element is used for coupling the servo light path and the light path of the fluorescence detection, such that the servo light beam passes through the objective and reaches the servo light beam reflecting film
Implementation Method 3
The servo light beam reflecting film is disposed on an observation plane of the sample. The return beam signal reflected back by the servo light beam reflecting film is guided to the focusing detection device
Implementation Method 4
The excitation light beam passes through an objective and focuses on a position to be tested of the sample to excite the sample to emit fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
A fluorescence microscopy imaging system is used for detecting a fluorescence signal of a sample, and includes a module for detecting fluorescence and a module for focusing control. The module for detecting fluorescence includes a fluorescence excitation light source generator (FELSG) and a fluorescence detector. The FELSG is capable of generating an excitation light beam having a first wavelength to excite the sample to emit fluorescence. The fluorescence detector is used to read the fluorescence signal of the sample. The module for focusing control generates a servo light beam having a second wavelength. A servo light beam reflecting film disposed on an observation plane is used to reflect the servo light beam. A return beam signal is analyzed using a focusing detection method. An actuator is used to move the objective for focusing, so as to enable the fluorescence excitation light beam to excite the sample to emit fluorescence.