Turretless Objective Lens Changer for Compact Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopy systems for biological samples are large, cumbersome, and complex, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming image acquisition, especially in high-content screening, where high sample motion can affect the quality and interpretation of results.
Innovation Solution
A compact microscopy system with a stationary sample holder and a linear optical scanner that moves relative to the holder, featuring a turretless objective lens and autofocus unit, along with multiple CCD cameras for high-throughput imaging, allowing precise control and efficient scanning of large areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sample holder is moved to capture images at different locations, then the field of view can be scanned, but high acceleration motion adversely affects image accuracy and quality
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the sample holder to scan different locations, the patent inverts the approach by moving the objective lens relative to the stationary sample holder. This allows the optics to scan the sample while keeping the sample holder stationary, thereby eliminating acceleration-induced image degradation while maintaining scanning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sample holder movement system with an optical scanning system where the objective lens and associated mirrors move to scan the sample. This substitution eliminates the need for high-acceleration sample holder motion, resolving the contradiction between scanning speed and image accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple objective lenses are used to cover large areas, then imaging capability is improved, but the system becomes large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic objective lens changer that allows a single compact microscope body to switch between multiple objective lenses as needed. This dynamic configuration provides versatile imaging capability across different magnifications and fields of view without requiring all lenses to be simultaneously present, thus maintaining a compact system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging function by using multiple objective lenses that can be individually selected and exchanged. Each lens handles specific imaging tasks, and the modular lens changer allows the system to adapt to different imaging requirements without expanding the overall system footprint.
3Productivity
If the sample holder is moved at high acceleration to cover large areas quickly, then productivity is improved, but image quality and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the scanning approach by keeping the sample holder stationary and moving the objective lens instead. This allows rapid scanning through optical movement while the sample remains stable, ensuring high image quality and reliability without compromising scanning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sample holder movement with an optical scanning mechanism where the objective lens and mirrors move to scan the stationary sample. This substitution enables high-speed scanning while maintaining sample stability, thus preserving image quality and reliability.
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 system enables high-precision, high-throughput imaging with reduced sample motion, improving image quality and efficiency, and allowing for the acquisition of a large number of images within a feasible time frame while maintaining accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens which is movable along three generally mutually orthogonal axes
Implementation Method 2
a first mirror which reflects incident electromagnetic radiation to and from the objective lens
Implementation Method 3
a second mirror which reflects incident electromagnetic radiation to and from the first mirror
Implementation Method 4
an autofocus unit which directs incident electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength toward the sample holder along said optical input axis and collects reflections at said wavelength
Implementation Method 5
an electromagnetic radiation capturing unit for acquiring images from said sample holder which are transmitted along the optical input axis, said electromagnetic radiation capturing unit including at least one sensor
Implementation Method 6
a tube lens positioned along said optical input axis, the tube lens focusing electromagnetic radiation of a third wavelength on said electromagnetic radiation capturing unit
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an apparatus for magnifying and capturing images of one or more samples, as well as an apparatus for changing objective lenses. Methods of using the apparatuses, and other embodiments, are also disclosed.