Solid-State Microscope Imaging via Microlens Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical microscopes require complex adjustments and full scanning to observe objects, limiting the ease and efficiency of viewing entire specimens, especially when magnification increases.
Innovation Solution
A microscopic imaging device with a solid-state imaging device featuring microlenses and a light receiving unit, allowing objects to be mounted on or above the microlenses, enabling simultaneous imaging and display of the entire specimen without the need for observational optical systems or complex adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional optical microscope with observational optical system is used, then imaging function is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple lenses requiring adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the observational optical system (objective lens, ocular lens, and other lenses) from the microscope structure. The solid-state imaging device with integrated microlenses directly images the object without requiring separate observational lenses, thereby eliminating the complexity of lens adjustments while maintaining imaging precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid-state imaging device integrates multiple functions: the microlenses perform both light collection and focal plane formation, while the photodiode array simultaneously captures the image. This multi-functional integration replaces the traditional multi-component optical system, reducing device complexity without compromising imaging capability.
2Productivity
If fixed field of view microscope is used, then imaging structure is simplified, but productivity decreases due to requirement of full scan for whole object observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into multiple pixels in the photodiode array, each corresponding to a microlens. This pixel-level segmentation enables parallel capture of multiple field points simultaneously, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning while observing the entire object, thereby improving productivity without adding scanning mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential one-dimensional scanning to simultaneous two-dimensional parallel imaging by utilizing the pixel array dimension. Multiple pixels capture different spatial positions at the same time, converting a time-consuming sequential process into an instantaneous parallel process, thus dramatically improving observation efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If conventional optical microscope is used, then observation function is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated lens adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The solid-state imaging device performs self-focusing through its integrated microlens-photodiode structure. The microlenses are positioned to directly focus light onto corresponding photodiodes, eliminating the need for manual lens adjustment by the operator. The system automatically achieves optimal focus, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens adjustment system with an electronic solid-state imaging system. Instead of mechanically moving lenses to achieve focus, the microlenses are fixed in position with their focal planes aligned to the photodiode array plane, converting a mechanically complex adjustment system into a simple electronic imaging system.
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 easy and efficient observation of entire specimens at various magnifications without the need for complex optical system adjustments, allowing real-time, whole-field imaging of objects mounted on the device.
Implementation Method 1
each of the pixels including a microlens configured to collect light
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving unit configured to receive the light collected by the microlens
Data Source
AI summary
A certain embodiment provides an observation method using a microscopic imaging device which has a solid-state imaging device having a plurality of pixels arranged at predetermined intervals, each of the pixels including a microlens configured to collect light, and a light receiving unit configured to receive the light collected by the microlens. The observation method includes mounting an object to be observed on the microlenses or above the microlenses by disposing a specimen containing the object to be observed on the microscopic imaging device, and imaging the object to be observed, mounted on the microlenses or above the microlenses by a solid-state imaging device.