Structured-Light Single-Pixel Imaging for High-Speed Visible Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies face limitations in achieving high-speed, high-sensitivity, and cost-effective imaging due to electrical and mechanical constraints, particularly in the visible light range, making them unsuitable for applications in life sciences and medicine.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed imaging method utilizing an optical system with a structured lighting pattern and a small number of pixel detectors, where the relative positions between the object and the optical system are changed to detect optical signals and reconstruct images, allowing for efficient signal detection and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If array type detecting elements are used for imaging, then detection coverage is improved, but imaging speed is limited due to electrical restrictions and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple sequential measurements with different structured lighting patterns, where each pattern provides partial information that is later synthesized. This allows using a single detector element while achieving comprehensive spatial coverage through temporal multiplexing of different lighting patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the time dimension by sequentially applying different structured lighting patterns and measuring their reflections. This temporal dimension compensates for the lack of spatial multiplexing in single-pixel detectors, enabling full spatial coverage without requiring array-type detectors.
2Device complexity
If single pixel detector is used for imaging, then device cost and size are reduced, but imaging speed is limited due to mechanical/electrical constraints in spatiotemporal illumination changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic modulation of the structured lighting patterns at high frequencies, synchronizing the illumination changes with the single pixel detector's measurement cycle. This periodic action enables rapid sequential measurement of multiple patterns without mechanical moving parts, overcoming the speed limitations of mechanical scanning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with electronically controlled spatial light modulators that can change illumination patterns rapidly without physical movement. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic control eliminates the speed limitations imposed by mechanical inertia and friction.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical spatial scanning with laser is used in confocal microscope, then imaging precision is improved, but imaging speed is limited and high-speed capture is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging field is segmented into multiple regions illuminated by different structured lighting patterns simultaneously or sequentially. Each pattern encodes spatial information from specific regions, and the single pixel detector measures reflections from all regions in rapid succession, reconstructing the full image without mechanical scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple measurement signals from different structured lighting patterns into a single detection stream. By combining the temporal signals corresponding to different spatial patterns, the system achieves comprehensive spatial coverage with a single detector, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning while maintaining imaging precision.
4Speed
If STEAM is used for imaging, then imaging speed is improved, but sensitivity in visible light range is limited and device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the wavelength parameter of the light source to operate in the visible range rather than using long-wavelength lasers required by STEAM. By using visible light sources combined with structured lighting patterns and single pixel detection, the system achieves both high speed and high sensitivity in the visible spectrum.
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 enables high-speed imaging with a high signal-to-noise ratio, reduces costs, and achieves compactness, surpassing the speed limits of traditional imaging technologies while enabling visible fluorescence imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system with a structured lighting pattern
Implementation Method 2
one or a small number of pixel detectors... detecting element configured to detect optical signals
Data Source
AI summary
Any one or both of an optical system with a structured lighting pattern and a structured detecting system having a plurality of regions with different optical characteristics are used. In addition, optical signals from an object to be observed through one or a small number of pixel detectors are detected while changing relative positions between the object to be observed and any one of the optical system and the detecting system, time series signal information of the optical signals are obtained, and an image associated with an object to be observed from the time series signal information is reconstructed.