Optical Microscope Spiral Tomography for Living Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical tomography methods are time-consuming and unsuitable for imaging living organisms due to their requirement for multiple angle projections and shallow depth of focus, which limits resolution and is stressful for samples.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an optical microscope that rotates and displaces the sample in a smooth spiral trajectory to record images from different angles, reducing the need for repeated direction changes and allowing for continuous movement, thereby accelerating the recording process and minimizing stress on the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If optics with low numerical aperture are used to achieve large depth of focus, then the depth of focus spans the entire sample depth, but the resolution of images is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sample rotation stage movable and adjustable, allowing the sample to be rotated to different angles and positions dynamically during the imaging process. This enables the system to capture images at multiple angles with high-resolution optics while maintaining adequate depth of focus through computational reconstruction rather than relying solely on optical depth of focus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional optical focus problem to a multi-dimensional solution by adding angular rotation as another dimension. Instead of relying on the optical system's depth of focus alone, the system rotates the sample through multiple angles and uses computational algorithms to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure, effectively solving the depth of focus limitation through dimensional expansion.
2Measurement precision
If optics with high numerical aperture are used to achieve superior resolution, then the depth of focus becomes shallow, requiring a stack of images to be recorded for each angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by rotating the sample continuously through multiple angles while capturing images in a systematic sequence. Rather than stopping and repositioning between images, the system maintains continuous rotational motion, allowing the imaging process to proceed without interruption. This continuous action significantly reduces the total recording time while still capturing all necessary angular information for three-dimensional reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-planning the rotation path and image capture sequence before beginning the actual imaging process. The rotation stage is programmed with predetermined angular positions and timing, allowing the imaging system to capture images efficiently without requiring real-time adjustments or repositioning during data collection.
3Area of stationary object
If the focus is displaced to image different sections sharply from each angle, then the full extent of the sample is covered, but the process becomes very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a rotating sample stage that can dynamically adjust the sample's orientation and position during imaging. Instead of manually displacing the focus for each section, the system rotates the sample to bring different sections into the optimal imaging position, allowing rapid coverage of the entire sample volume through continuous rotational motion rather than sequential focus adjustment.
4Productivity
If rapid movements are performed to rotate and reposition the sample repeatedly, then all angles are captured, but living samples suffer stress and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by using smooth, continuous rotational motion of the sample stage throughout the imaging process. The sample rotates continuously at a controlled speed without abrupt starts, stops, or direction changes, which minimizes mechanical stress and vibration on living samples while still capturing images at all necessary angles for complete three-dimensional reconstruction.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time and stress on samples by allowing continuous movement and imaging in a spiral pattern, achieving high-resolution tomograms with minimal artifacts and deformation, while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
setting the focus of the lens to a particular focal plane
Implementation Method 2
rotating and displacing the sample in a smooth spiral trajectory
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~3e
Figure 4a~4e
AI summary
The invention is directed to a method for creating an optical tomogram, which comprises the steps providing an optical microscope, arranging a sample (1) in the optical coverage region of a lens (5) of the microscope, setting the focus of the lens to a particular focal plane (2), recording an image of the sample through the microscope, rotating the sample through an angle α, optionally displacing the sample along the longitudinal axis (z) of the lens (5) and/or perpendicular to the plane of the previously recorded image (9) and continuing the method with step d) until a predetermined number of section images (9) of the sample (1) have been recorded, wherein the sample (1) is displaced along the longitudinal axis (z) of the lens (5) and/or perpendicular to the plane of the previously recorded image (9), in accordance with step f), at least once during a rotation of the sample through 360°. Furthermore the invention is directed to an optical microscope for creating tomograms, which comprises at least one lens (5), at least one sample suspension device (10) and at least one illumination device (6), wherein the sample suspension device (10) is rotatable about an axis (3) arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (z) of the lens (5) and is displaceable along the longitudinal axis (z) of the lens (5).