Synchronized Stage and Imaging for Microscopy Tile Scan
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image acquisition methods, such as the tile scan scheme, are inefficient due to the inclusion of unnecessary images during sample irradiation, leading to increased time for combining images.
Innovation Solution
An image acquisition device and method that synchronizes the movement of the field of view with a two-dimensional imaging element's frame rate, allowing only necessary images to be captured by setting the movement velocity based on the imaging element's characteristics, ensuring overlapping regions for seamless image combination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the stage is moved continuously without stopping to acquire partial images, then the acquisition time is reduced, but unnecessary images are captured during periods when the sample is not irradiated with light
Solution Approach 1:
The light source emits light periodically in synchronization with the stage movement, illuminating the sample only during specific intervals when the field of view is positioned over the sample region of interest. This periodic illumination ensures that the imaging element captures images only when necessary, eliminating waste during non-irradiation periods while maintaining continuous stage motion
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit coordinates the stage position, light source timing, and imaging element operation based on feedback about the current field of view position. By monitoring when the field of view is properly positioned over the sample, the system triggers light emission and image capture only during appropriate moments, preventing capture of unnecessary images while maintaining efficient continuous scanning
2Area of stationary object
If a large number of partial images are captured during continuous stage movement, then complete coverage of the sample is achieved, but the time required to combine all images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and captures only the necessary partial images that contain actual sample information, excluding frames captured during non-irradiation periods or when the field of view is not positioned over the sample. This selective extraction reduces the total number of images requiring combination while ensuring complete sample coverage through the continuous scanning approach
3Measurement precision
If the tile scan scheme is used with repeated stage movement and stopping, then precise image acquisition is achieved, but the overall acquisition time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, stop-and-capture approach to a dynamic continuous scanning mode where the stage moves continuously while the light source and imaging element operate in synchronization. This dynamic approach maintains image acquisition precision through coordinated timing while eliminating the time waste associated with repeated stopping and starting of the stage
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 required for acquiring and combining partial images into a complete image, enhancing the speed and efficiency of the image acquisition process.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting means for emitting instantaneous light
Implementation Method 2
a light guiding optical system including an objective lens arranged to face the sample on the stage; an imaging element for capturing an optical image of the sample guided by the light guiding optical system
Data Source
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AI summary
In this image acquisition device (1), a stage driving unit (11) (driving unit) moves a position of a field of view of an objective lens (25) relative to a sample at a predetermined velocity, and a two-dimensional imaging element (6) sequentially captures an optical image of the sample (S) at a predetermined frame rate. Therefore, time required for acquiring partial images over the entire sample (S) is shortened. Further, in this image acquisition device (1), the moving velocity of the position of the field of view is a velocity set based on a frame rate of the imaging element (6). Therefore, the movement of the position of the field of view and the imaging of the imaging element (6) are synchronized with each other, and it is possible to capture only necessary partial images. Therefore, in this image acquisition device (1), the acquisition of the partial images and the combination of all the images can be executed at high speed.