Transmitted-Light Microscope With Automated Conjugate-Plane Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes with integrated phase or modulation rings lack flexibility in adapting to different imaging requirements, necessitating multiple specialized lenses and manual adjustments, which are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A microscope with an automated control device that positions a modulation element onto a conjugate plane to the exit pupil of the objective lens, allowing automatic adjustment for different lenses and imaging modalities, including fluorescence imaging, without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized lenses are used to adapt to different imaging requirements, then imaging versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single objective lens that can perform multiple imaging functions by dynamically switching between different modulation elements (phase ring, modulation ring, or no modulation) positioned in the conjugate plane. This universal lens design eliminates the need for multiple specialized lenses, achieving both high versatility and reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically switchable modulation elements that can be automatically positioned in the conjugate plane based on the imaging mode required. The system transitions from static, fixed-lens configurations to a dynamic architecture where modulation elements can be selectively activated and positioned, enabling adaptive imaging without requiring multiple physical lenses.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustments are performed for different lenses and imaging modalities, then imaging precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting the required imaging mode and positioning the appropriate modulation element in the conjugate plane without manual intervention. The control device monitors imaging parameters and autonomously configures the optical system, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustments while maintaining high imaging precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control device monitors imaging conditions and automatically adjusts the position of modulation elements based on detected parameters. This closed-loop control ensures precise imaging configuration while eliminating the need for manual realignment, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing measurement precision.
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 flexible and efficient imaging with homogeneous contrast across the field of view, reducing the need for multiple lenses and manual adjustments, and facilitating quantitative image analysis and reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
a lens system for forming an intermediate image of an exit pupil of any one of the number of objective lenses placed onto the optical axis. The intermediate image is formed at a respective conjugated plane conjugate to the exit pupil.
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope for imaging a sample by a transmitted light contrasting method includes an objective lens holder configured to place an objective lens of a number of objective lenses onto an optical axis of the microscope. The microscope further includes a lens system for forming an intermediate image of an exit pupil of any one of the number of objective lenses placed onto the optical axis. The intermediate image is formed at a respective conjugated plane conjugate to the exit pupil. The microscope further includes a control device configured for automatically positioning a modulation element onto the optical axis at a positon related to the respective conjugated plane.