KR101987548B1 - Microscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

A microscope system according to one embodiment includes: a sample accommodating portion for supporting a sample; A light source unit disposed in the sample accommodation unit and emitting light to the sample; A signal detector for detecting a signal generated in the sample by the light emitted from the light source; And a control unit for controlling operations of the light source unit or the signal detection unit, wherein the light source unit includes RGB LEDs, and the wavelength-dependent signal for the sample in the signal detection unit can be independently detected by the RGB LEDs , The control unit may synchronize the operation of the light source unit and the signal detection unit by a lock-in function.

Description

MICROSCOPE SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a microscope system, and more particularly to a microscope system capable of measuring and imaging multi-channel microphotographs.

Fluorescence microscopy is an essential tool for diagnosis in medical and biology. A fluorescence microscope is a device for measuring fluorescence emitted by excitation light by administering various fluorescent substances to a living body or a cell.

Commercial devices consist of white light or short wavelength excitation light (compound light source), fluorescent filter, eyepiece, color camera, high sensitivity monochrome camera, computer and monitor.

The fluorescence microscope has better signal sensitivity than general microscope, which reduces the accuracy and time consuming in diagnosis.

Current fluorescence microscopes are expensive and costly to maintain equipment, such as size and cost of purchase, or require skilled personnel.

Low-cost fluorescence microscopy is an indispensable device for diagnosing remote or in vitro diagnostics in a country or a marginal area of medical technology biotechnology where social infrastructures are limited.

For example, Patent Application No. 10-2017-0059360, filed on November 16, 2015, discloses "an apparatus and method for obtaining a portable multi-channel shape image."

An object of an embodiment is to provide a microscope system capable of acquiring diagnostic images related to microfluidic and tissue and capable of measuring and imaging multi-channel microfluorescence signals.

An object of the present invention is to provide a microscope system capable of imaging light from a low magnification to a high magnification and capable of generating light of a specific wavelength using RGB LED and capable of acquiring a high signal by transmitting light to a sample without signal attenuation .

The object of the present invention is to provide a microscope system capable of remote image transmission and data acquisition by combining with wireless transmission / reception equipment and thus helping to analyze a specimen and to set a medical care direction in a remote place.

An object of the present invention is to provide a microscope system capable of synchronizing a light source and a signal detection unit and reducing noise while amplifying a signal through signal synchronization.

An object according to an embodiment is to provide a microscope system in which the color, the concentration, or the wavelength of light emitted from the light source portion can be controlled by the combination of light individually adjusted in the concentration of light, .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a microscope system which is miniaturized to improve mobility and is easy to separate and assemble.

An object according to an embodiment is to provide a microscope system which is applicable to biology, diagnosis, biosensor, nano, inspection, especially telemedicine field or mobile medical service, and which can be diagnosed early and can reduce diagnosis cost or medical cost will be.

An object of the present invention is to provide a microscope system capable of 65535 color representations using RGB LEDs, zooming up to 200 times, and increasing signals by more than 100 times.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a microscope system including: a sample storage unit for supporting a sample; A light source unit disposed in the sample accommodation unit and emitting light to the sample; A signal detector for detecting a signal generated in the sample by the light emitted from the light source; And a control unit for controlling operations of the light source unit or the signal detection unit, wherein the light source unit includes RGB LEDs, wherein the RGB LEDs independently detect a wavelength-dependent signal for the sample in the signal detection unit, The control unit can synchronize the operation of the light source unit and the signal detection unit by a lock-in function.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the color, concentration, or wavelength of light emitted from the light source unit can be controlled by a combination of the light individually adjusted in the concentration of light by the control unit and the individually adjusted concentration of light.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may control operations of the light source unit and the signal detection unit such that the light source unit and the signal detection unit are synchronously driven at a ratio of 1: 4.

According to one aspect, the light source section is excited at f (frequency), the signal detection section is triggered at 4f, and the light source section may be phase locked by the control section.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the signal detecting section accumulates four basic signal data having a phase difference of 90 degrees, derives a final signal from the four basic signal data according to the following equation,

Where A is the intensity of the final signal,

? Is the phase of the final signal,

I ^{0 °} is the intensity of the signal at phase 0 °,

I ^{90 °} is the intensity of the signal at phase 90 °,

I ^{180 °} is the intensity of the signal at 180 ° phase,

I ^{270 °} may be the intensity of the signal at phase 270 °.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit includes a user interface, and the control unit may generate an operation control signal for the RGB LED according to the color, density, or wavelength of light input to the user interface.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit includes a user interface, and the control unit may generate an operation control signal for the RGB LED according to the color, density, or wavelength of light input to the user interface.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the user interface is provided with a plurality of buttons, and the plurality of buttons include: a first button for selecting a color, a density, or a wavelength of light by a user; And a second button for which a lock-in function is selected by the user, and the lock-in function can be selectively performed by the second button.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a fluorescence material is contained in the sample, and the fluorescence material is excited by the light emitted from the light source unit, so that an image signal for the excited fluorescent material can be obtained in the signal detection unit.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the signal detecting unit is disposed below the sample accommodating unit, and the signal detecting unit may be a USB microscope or a CMOS camera.

The microscope system according to one embodiment can acquire diagnostic images related to microfluidic and tissue, and can measure and image multi-channel microscopic fluorescence signals.

According to the microscope system according to one embodiment, imaging can be performed from a low magnification to a high magnification, light of a specific wavelength can be generated using the RGB LED, and light can be transmitted to the sample without signal attenuation to acquire a high signal .

According to the microscope system according to one embodiment, remote image transmission and data acquisition can be performed by combining with the wireless transmission / reception equipment, and thus it can be helpful for sample analysis and direction setting of the remote site.

According to the microscope system according to the embodiment, the light source and the signal detection unit can be synchronized, and the noise can be reduced while amplifying the signal through signal synchronization.

According to the microscope system according to one embodiment, the light intensity can be individually controlled in the RGB LEDs, and the color, concentration, or wavelength of light emitted from the light source portion can be controlled by a combination of individually adjusted light.

According to the microscope system according to the embodiment, the miniaturization can improve the mobility and the separation and assembly can be convenient.

The microscope system according to one embodiment is applicable to biology, diagnosis, biosensor, nano, inspection, especially in the field of telemedicine or mobile medical services, enabling early diagnosis and reducing diagnostic or medical costs.

According to the microscope system according to the embodiment, 65535 kinds of color representations are possible using the RGB LED, and zooming up to 200 times can increase the signal by 100 times or more.

Figure 1 schematically depicts a microscope system according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 shows a manner of controlling the concentration of the RGB LED by the control unit.
Figure 3 shows the CIE color diagram.
Fig. 4 schematically shows a lock-in function by the control unit.
Figures 5 (a) and 5 (b) are data for signals obtained in a conventional microscope system and in a microscope system according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that, in adding reference numerals to the constituent elements of the drawings, the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference symbols as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the best of an understanding clear.

In describing the components of the embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are intended to distinguish the constituent elements from other constituent elements, and the terms do not limit the nature, order or order of the constituent elements. When a component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, Quot; may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected. &Quot;

The components included in any one embodiment and the components including common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the description of any one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted in the overlapping scope.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a microscope system according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the concentration of RGB LEDs is controlled by a control unit, FIG. 3 shows a CIE color diagram, and FIG. Figures 5 (a) and 5 (b) schematically illustrate a lock-in function, and are data for a signal obtained in a conventional microscope system and in a microscopy system according to an embodiment.

1, a microscope system 10 according to an embodiment may include a sample storage unit 100, a light source unit 200, a filter unit (not shown), a signal detection unit 300, and a control unit 400 have.

The sample accommodating portion 100 can be accommodated in the sample (A).

Hereinafter, a case where the sample (A) is loaded on the fluid element, the fluorescent substance is contained in the sample (A) at a wavelength of 450 to 700 nm, and the fluid element is accommodated in the sample accommodating portion 100 will be described as an example.

For example, the sample receiving portion 100 may include a chamber cover 102 and a slide deck 104.

The chamber cover 102 is for forming the sample accommodating part 100 as a dark room and can prevent noise emitted from the light emitted from the light source part 200 or from external light, have.

The slide deck 104 may be coupled to or disconnected from the lower end of the chamber cover 102.

The sample A can be supported on the slide deck 104 and the replacement of the sample A in the sample accommodating portion 100 can be easily performed by the slide deck 104. [

The light source unit 200 may be disposed in the sample accommodation unit 100 described above.

For example, the light source unit 200 may be mounted on the upper inner surface of the slide deck 104, and the light source unit 200 may be mounted anywhere if the light source unit 200 can emit light to the sample A.

The light source unit 200 may include RGB LEDs, that is, a RED LED, a GREEN LED, and a BLUE LED. This means that the signal obtained by the signal detector 300 by the light source 200 can be composed of multiple channels.

At this time, the light source unit 200 may emit light to the sample A to excite the fluorescent substance contained in the sample A.

Also, the color, concentration, or wavelength of the light emitted from the light source 200 can be controlled through the individual operation control of the RED LED, the GREEN LED, and the BLUE LED, which will be described in detail below.

On the other hand, although not specifically shown, a filter unit may be disposed between the light source unit 200 and the sample A.

The filter unit may be, for example, a low-cost bandpass sheet filter, and may be any filter capable of filtering light in a predetermined wavelength region from the light emitted from the light source unit 200.

The filter unit is disposed between the sample A and the signal detecting unit 300 to filter a signal in a predetermined wavelength region among the signals generated in the sample A by the light emitted from the light source unit 200, ).

In this way, the signal detector 300 can separately detect the wavelength-dependent signal for the sample A by the filter unit.

For example, excitation signals generated in the sample (A) with respect to light having wavelengths of 500 nm, 600 nm, and 700 nm by the filter unit can be individually detected in the signal detecting unit 300.

The signal detector 300 may be disposed below the sample receiver 100.

The signal detector 300 may include a USB microscope or CMOS camera 302 and a holder 304 for fixing the USB microscope or the CMOS camera 302.

Also, the signal detector 300 can detect a signal generated in the sample A by the light emitted from the light source 200.

For example, when the fluorescent material is contained in the sample A as described above, the fluorescent material is excited by the light emitted from the light source unit 200, and the image signal for the fluorescent material excited by the signal detecting unit 300 Can be obtained.

The controller 400 may be connected to the light source 200 or the signal detector 300.

For example, the controller 400 may be a micro controller or a function generator such as an add-on board, and may be configured to control operations of the light source 200 or the signal detector 300 .

The control unit 400 may be connected to the light source unit 200 to control the operation of the light source unit 200.

Specifically, the controller 400 can individually adjust the concentration of light emitted from the RED LED, the GREEN LED, and the BLUE LED, as shown in FIG.

For example, the RED LED, GREEN LED, and BLUE LED can each have a light intensity ranging from 0-255.

As described above, after the light intensity is individually adjusted in the RED LED, the GREEN LED, and the BLUE LED, the color of the light emitted from the light source unit 200, as shown in FIG. 3, Up to 65535 can be represented.

In other words, light of various colors or densities can be emitted from the light source unit 200 through the control of the light emitted from the RED LED, the GREEN LED, and the BLUE LED. This allows light of a different wavelength to be emitted from the light source unit 200 It can mean that it is possible.

2, the control unit 400 includes a user interface 402 and controls the individual operation controls for the RGB LEDs in the control unit 400 according to the color, the density, or the wavelength of the light input to the user interface 402. [ Signals can be generated, so that the operation control of the light source unit 200 can be performed more easily.

Alternatively, the user interface 402 may be provided with a plurality of buttons, for example. The plurality of buttons may include a first button for selecting a color, a brightness, a density, or a wavelength of light by a user, and a second button for selecting a function to be locked by a user. Thereby, the lock-in function is performed by the user selection at the time of the fine sample inspection, the inspection can be performed in the lock-in mode, and the lock-in function may not be performed in some cases.

The control unit 400 may be electrically connected between the light source unit 200 and the signal detection unit 300 to synchronize the operation of the light source unit 200 and the signal detection unit 300.

At this time, the control unit 400 can synchronize the operations of the light source unit 200 and the signal detection unit 300 by a lock-in function.

In general, the lock-in function extracts the phase change by using a pulse or a modulation signal. For example, the lock-in function is often used in a non-destructive inspection for detecting internal defects of a building or object by using an infrared camera and an external stimulus source Function.

4, the control unit 400 may control the operations of the light source unit 200 and the signal detection unit 300 such that the light source unit 200 and the signal detection unit 300 are synchronously driven at a ratio of 1: 4 .

For example, the control unit 400 may excite the light source unit 200 at f (frequency), the signal detection unit 300 may be triggered at 4f, and the light source unit 200 may be phase locked .

At this time, the signal detector 300 may accumulate four basic signal data having a phase difference of 90 degrees, for example, basic image data, and derive a final signal, for example, a final image, from the four basic signal data.

Specifically, information on the final signal can be derived by the following equation.

At this time, I ^deg The equation is a formula for obtaining the result by integrating and averaging the acquired background image F (t) and the image K (t) for the wavelength modulation reaction.

Specifically, A is the intensity of the final signal,

? Is the phase of the final signal,

I ^{0 °} is the intensity of the signal at phase 0 °,

I ^{90 °} is the intensity of the signal at phase 90 °,

I ^{180 °} is the intensity of the signal at 180 ° phase,

I ^{270 °} can be the intensity of the signal at 270 ° phase.

In particular, referring to FIG. 5 (a) and FIG. 5 (b), the signal obtained in the conventional microscope system can be confirmed from that shown in FIG. 5 (a) The signal obtained in the microscope system 10 according to the example can be confirmed and the signal can be amplified about 100 times in the microscope system 10 according to the embodiment.

By deriving the final signal from the four basic signal data having a phase difference of 90 degrees by the synchronization operation of the light source unit 200 and the signal detection unit 300, even when a small amount of fluorescent material is contained in the sample, The generated signal can be amplified by about 100 times, and the zoom can be performed by about 1 to 200 times, so that the micro image can be measured.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, And various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the spirit of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described, and all of the equivalents or equivalents of the claims, as well as the claims set forth below, fall within the scope of the present invention.

10: Microscope system
100: Sample accommodating portion
200: light source
300:
400:

Claims (9)

A sample receiving part for supporting the sample;
A light source unit disposed in the sample accommodating portion and including RGB LEDs and emitting light for the sample;
A signal detector for detecting a signal generated in the sample by the light emitted from the light source; And
A control unit for controlling operations of the light source unit and the signal detection unit such that the light source unit and the signal detection unit are synchronously driven at a ratio of 1: 4;
Lt; / RTI >
A signal for each wavelength of the sample is independently detected by the signal detector in the RGB LED,
The control unit is a diagnostic fluorescence microscope system for synchronizing the operation of the light source unit and the signal detection unit by a lock-in function,
The light source unit is excited at f (frequency), the signal detection unit is triggered at 4f, the light source unit is phase locked by the control unit,
Wherein the signal detecting unit accumulates four basic signal data having a phase difference of 90 degrees and derives a final signal from the four basic signal data according to the following equation,

At this time, A is the intensity of the final signal,
? Is the phase of the final signal,
I ^{0 °} is the intensity of the signal at phase 0 °,
I ^{90 °} is the intensity of the signal at phase 90 °,
I ^{180 °} is the intensity of the signal at 180 ° phase,
I ^{270 °} is the intensity of the signal at phase 270 °.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a color of the light emitted from the light source unit is controlled by a combination of the light intensity of the RGB LEDs individually controlled by the control unit and the concentration of the light is adjusted individually.
delete delete delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit includes a user interface,
Wherein the control unit generates an operation control signal for the RGB LED according to a color, a concentration, or a wavelength of light input to the user interface.
The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the user interface comprises a plurality of buttons,
Wherein the plurality of buttons comprises:
A first button for selecting a color, a density, or a wavelength of light by a user; And
A second button for selecting a lock-in function by a user;
/ RTI >
And the locking-in function is selectively performed by the second button.
The method according to claim 1,
The sample contains a fluorescent substance,
Wherein the fluorescence material is excited by light emitted from the light source unit, and an image signal for the excited fluorescent material is obtained in the signal detection unit.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the signal detecting portion is disposed below the sample accommodating portion,
Wherein the signal detecting unit is provided with a USB microscope or a CMOS camera.

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