Single-Sensor Multiband Microscope for Reflectance and Fluorescence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes lack versatility in utilizing imaging sensors for both fluorescence and reflectance imaging, often requiring separate sensors for each mode and limiting simultaneous operation.
Innovation Solution
A microscope design that includes a light emission module capable of emitting light in multiple wavelength bands and one or more imaging sensor modules that can independently sense these bands, allowing for controlled operation in different modes to perform both reflectance and fluorescence imaging simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensors are used for fluorescence and reflectance imaging, then imaging functionality is comprehensive, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single imaging sensor to perform both fluorescence imaging and reflectance imaging through temporal separation of operations. The sensor is configured to receive both fluorescence light (emitted at different wavelength) and reflectance light (reflected at same wavelength), allowing one sensor to replace multiple dedicated sensors while maintaining comprehensive imaging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging process into distinct temporal phases: a first phase for capturing fluorescence light and a second phase for capturing reflectance light. This temporal segmentation allows the single sensor to distinguish between different imaging modes through timing, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each mode while preserving complete imaging capability.
2Device complexity
If a single sensor is used for both fluorescence and reflectance imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic operation modes where the single sensor alternates between capturing fluorescence light and reflectance light based on operational requirements. The system dynamically switches between temporal phases to capture different types of light, enabling the sensor to adapt to different imaging functions rather than being fixed for a single mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic temporal separation where fluorescence imaging and reflectance imaging are performed in alternating time phases. This periodic action allows the single sensor to systematically capture both types of light information through repeated cyclic operations, maintaining comprehensive imaging versatility while using minimal hardware.
3Measurement precision
If multiple wavelength bands are used for imaging, then imaging precision is improved, but light emission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the wavelength band of emitted light between temporal phases. In the first phase, light at a first wavelength band is emitted for fluorescence imaging, while in the second phase, light at a second wavelength band is emitted for reflectance imaging. This parameter change enables the system to optimize imaging precision for each mode while using a single sensor.
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
Enhances the versatility of imaging by enabling simultaneous reflectance and fluorescence imaging using a single sensor, improving flexibility and efficiency in capturing multiple images with different parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a light emission module for providing illumination for a sample of organic tissue in a plurality of wavelength bands
Implementation Method 2
one or more imaging sensor modules configured to independently sense light in a plurality of mutually separated wavelength bands
Implementation Method 3
as reflection (i.e. at the same wavelength as emitted)
Implementation Method 4
as fluorescence (i.e. at a wavelength that is different from the wavelength of the emitted light)
Data Source
AI summary
Examples relate to a microscope, and to an apparatus, method and computer program for a microscope. The microscope comprises a light emission module for providing illumination for a sample of organic tissue in a plurality of wavelength bands. The microscope comprises one or more imaging sensor modules configured to independently sense light in a plurality of mutually separated wavelength bands of the plurality of wavelength bands. The microscope comprises a processing module configured to control the light emission module such, that in a first operating mode light in a first subset of the plurality of wavelength bands is emitted towards the sample of organic tissue, and that in a second operating mode light in a second subset of the plurality of wavelength bands is emitted towards the sample of organic tissue. The first and second subset of wavelength bands are at least partially different. The processing module is configured to use the one or more imaging sensor modules to perform reflectance imaging and fluorescence imaging in each of the plurality of mutually separated wavelength bands based on the light emitted in the first and second operating modes.