U.S. patent application number 15/644540 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-26 for fluorescence module with a plurality of filters and light sources and an optical guide.
The applicant listed for this patent is Echo Laboratories, Inc.. Invention is credited to Anthony Beatty, Eugene L. Cho, Derek Fuller, Dorian Raymer, Adam Rusch, Giacomo Strollo.
Application Number | 20170307867 15/644540 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56622030 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170307867 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cho; Eugene L. ; et
al. |
October 26, 2017 |
FLUORESCENCE MODULE WITH A PLURALITY OF FILTERS AND LIGHT SOURCES
AND AN OPTICAL GUIDE
Abstract
Aspects of the subject technology provide a fluorescence module
that is configured to provide a selectable light source for
fluorescence microscopy, e.g., through independent paired selection
of a light source (emitter) and a corresponding light filter. An
optical guide having one or more mechanically actuatable reflective
surfaces is used for directing light emitted from the light source
along a light path to the corresponding light filter.
Inventors: |
Cho; Eugene L.; (San Diego,
CA) ; Fuller; Derek; (San Diego, CA) ; Raymer;
Dorian; (San Diego, CA) ; Beatty; Anthony;
(San Diego, CA) ; Rusch; Adam; (San Diego, CA)
; Strollo; Giacomo; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Echo Laboratories, Inc. |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56622030 |
Appl. No.: |
15/644540 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15046282 |
Feb 17, 2016 |
9703087 |
|
|
15644540 |
|
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|
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62117379 |
Feb 17, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 7/16 20130101; G02B
21/0076 20130101; G02B 21/361 20130101; G02B 21/16 20130101; G02B
26/007 20130101; G02B 21/082 20130101; G02B 21/06 20130101; G02B
7/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 21/36 20060101
G02B021/36; G02B 21/16 20060101 G02B021/16; G02B 7/00 20060101
G02B007/00; G02B 21/06 20060101 G02B021/06; G02B 7/16 20060101
G02B007/16; G02B 26/00 20060101 G02B026/00; G02B 21/08 20060101
G02B021/08 |
Claims
1. A fluorescence module configured for providing illumination to a
microscope specimen, the fluorescence module comprising: a
plurality of light sources configured to emit light along a light
path; and a plurality of light filters configured to receive the
light in the light path, wherein the plurality of light filters are
configured to be actuated independently from the plurality of light
sources.
2. The fluorescence module of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
light filters are mounted on a filter turret, and wherein rotatable
actuation of the filter turret facilitates placement of at least
one of the light filters into the light path.
3. The fluorescence module of claim 2, further comprising: an
optical sensor configured to verify proper rotation of the filter
turret for selection of at least one of the light filters.
4. The fluorescence module of claim 1, further comprising: an
optical guide comprising one or more mechanically actuatable
mirrors, the optical guide configured for reflecting, using the one
or more mechanically actuatable mirrors, the light emitted from at
least one of the plurality of light sources and directing the light
along the light path.
5. The fluorescence module of claim 1, further comprising: a mirror
cube for receiving an emission light path originating from the
specimen, and wherein the mirror cube is configured for directing
the emission light path toward one or more of: a charge coupled
device (CCD) sensor, or a photodetector, a complementary
metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera, a color camera, or a bayer
mosaic camera.
6. The fluorescence module of claim 1, wherein each of the light
filters comprises one or more of: an excitation filter, an emission
filter, or a dichoric mirror.
7. The fluorescence module of claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of light sources comprises one or more light emitting
diodes (LEDs).
8. A method of illuminating a specimen, comprising: selecting a
light source from among a plurality of light sources, wherein the
light source is configured for providing light along a light path
via an optical guide; and selecting a light filter, from among a
plurality of light filters, wherein selection of the light filter
comprises actuating the light filter into the light path.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein selecting the light source
further comprises: actuating one or more mirrors in the optical
guide to reflect light emitted by the light source into the light
path.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein selecting the light filter
further comprises: rotatably actuating a filter turret using a
drive motor; and verifying a proper rotation of the filter turret
using an optical sensor.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving, at a
mirror cube, an emission light path originating from the specimen;
and directing, using the mirror cube, the emission light path
toward one or more of: a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor, or a
photodetector, a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)
camera, a color camera, or a bayer mosaic camera.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the optical guide comprises one
or more mechanically actuatable reflective surfaces for directing
light emitted from at least one of the plurality of light sources
along the light path.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein each of the filters comprises
one or more of: an excitation filter, an emission filter, or a
dichoric mirror.
14. A method for assembling a fluorescence module, comprising:
mounting a plurality of light sources adjacent to an optical guide,
wherein the optical guide is configured for receiving light emitted
from at least one of the plurality of light sources and directing
the light along a light path; and mounting a plurality of light
filters on a filter turret, wherein rotatable actuation of the
filter turret places at least one of the light filters into a
position for receiving the light from the optical guide.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the directing the light along a
light path comprises actuating one or more mirrors in the optical
guide to reflect light emitted by the light source into the light
path.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising coupling a motor to
the filter turret, the motor configured to rotatably actuate the
filter turret.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising using an optical
sensor to verify a proper position of the filter turret.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the optical guide comprises one
or more mechanically actuatable reflective surfaces for directing
light emitted from at least one of the plurality of light sources
along the light path.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein each of the filters comprises
one or more of: an excitation filter, an emission filter, or a
dichoric mirror.
20. A fluorescence module comprising: a plurality of light sources
adjacently disposed to an optical guide, wherein the optical guide
is configured for receiving light emitted from at least one of the
plurality of light sources and directing the light along a light
path; and a filter carriage comprising a plurality of light
filters, wherein linear actuation of the filter carriage on a
linear track places at least one of the light filters into a
position for receiving the light from the optical guide.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of non-provisional
application Ser. No. 15/046,282, filed Feb. 17, 2016, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/117,379 filed Feb.
17, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The systems and methods disclosed herein relate generally to
a microscope fluorescence module, and more particularly to a
fluorescence module configured for use with a reconfigurable
microscope.
INTRODUCTION
[0003] Conventionally, there are two types of microscope
configurations, upright and inverted. Upright and inverted
microscopes differ in the manner by which a specimen and an
objective are respectively arranged. For example, in an upright
microscope, the objective is arranged so that it is disposed above
the specimen. In an inverted microscope, the objective is disposed
below the specimen. Accordingly, an optic train, (i.e., the
arrangement of lenses within a housing) that is used for image
formation (of the specimen), is arranged either above or below the
specimen along with the objective.
[0004] A microscope with a fluorescence module may be used to study
properties of organic or inorganic substances using fluorescence
instead of, or in addition to, reflection and absorption.
Fluorescence is based on the phenomenon that certain material emits
energy detectable as visible light when irradiated with the light
of a specific wavelength. A specimen can either be fluorescing in
its natural form (like chlorophyll) or it may be treated with a
fluorescing stain. A fluorescence microscope typically includes a
light source and several filters that correspond to a wavelength
matching the fluorescence stain. Specifically, an excitation filter
is provided for selecting an excitation wavelength of light from
the light source, and a dichroic beam splitter is used to reflect
light from the light source to illuminate the specimen. The
illuminated light is separated from the much weaker emitted
fluorescence with an emission filter. The fluorescing areas can
then be observed in the microscope.
[0005] Fluorescence microscopes typically use a powerful lighting
system to view a specimen that has been treated with a fluorescent
stain. The lighting system requires a light source that outputs a
high level of light at certain key wavelengths that correlate to
peak excitation wavelengths of corresponding fluorescent stains.
The light source must be very powerful since the vast majority of
the light needs to be filtered to produce a nearly monochromatic,
dichromatic, or trichromatic source. Most manufacturers currently
use either mercury or xenon light sources, or in some cases, metal
halide sources. Recently, manufacturers have also started using
light emitting diodes (LEDs).
SUMMARY
[0006] Aspects of the subject technology provide a fluorescence
module that is configured to provide a selectable light source for
fluorescence microscopy, e.g., through the paired selection of a
light emitter and a corresponding filter. In some implementations,
filter and/or light selection is controlled through the rotation of
multiple filters (e.g., filter cubes) and/or light cubes on
supporting turrets. Any particular filter cube may be selected by
bringing the selected cube into proper alignment with respect to a
light pathway.
[0007] It is understood that other configurations of the subject
technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from the following detailed description, wherein various
configurations of the technology are shown and described by way of
illustration. The disclosed technology is capable of other and
different configurations and its several details are capable of
modification in various respects without departing from the scope
of the subject technology. Accordingly, the detailed description
and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive
in nature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in
the appended drawings. However, the accompanying drawings, which
are included to provide further understanding, illustrate disclosed
aspects and together with the description serve to explain the
principles of the subject technology. In the drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a reconfigurable (i.e.,
invertible) microscope, including a fluorescence module, according
to some aspects of the subject technology.
[0010] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an example
fluorescence module.
[0011] FIG. 2B illustrates an example top view of a fluorescence
module.
[0012] FIG. 2C illustrates another example perspective view of a
fluorescence module.
[0013] FIG. 2D illustrates an example bottom perspective view of a
fluorescence module.
[0014] FIG. 2E illustrates an example cut-away top view of an
optical guide.
[0015] FIG. 2F illustrates another example cut-away top view of an
optical guide.
[0016] FIG. 2G illustrates an example cut-away view of a filter
cube.
[0017] FIG. 3A illustrates a front and side view of an example of a
substantially perpendicular arrangement of a filter turret and a
light turret.
[0018] FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a substantially parallel
arrangement of a filter turret and a light turret.
[0019] FIG. 3C illustrates an example of a rotating mirror
configuration, according to some aspects of the technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of various configurations of the subject technology and
is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the
subject technology can be practiced. The detailed description
includes specific details for the purpose of providing a more
thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will
be clear and apparent that the subject technology is not limited to
the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without
these details. In some instances, structures and components are
shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring concepts of
the subject technology.
[0021] Generation of luminescence through excitation of a molecule
by ultraviolet or visible light is a phenomenon termed
photoluminescence, which is formally divided into two categories:
(1) fluorescence; and (2) phosphorescence, depending upon the
configuration of the excited state and the emission pathway.
Fluorescence is the property of some atoms and molecules to absorb
light at a particular wavelength and to subsequently emit light of
a longer wavelength after a brief interval, i.e., fluorescence
lifetime. The process of phosphorescence occurs in a manner similar
to fluorescence, but with a much longer excited state lifetime.
[0022] The general function of a fluorescence microscope is to
permit excitation light to irradiate a specimen and separate less
intense re-radiating fluorescent light from brighter excitation
light. Thus, only emission light reaches the eye or other light
detectors. The resulting fluorescing areas shine against a dark
background with sufficient contrast to permit detection. In some
implementations, the darker the background of the non-fluorescing
material, the more efficient the instrument.
[0023] Aspects of the subject technology relate to a fluorescence
module that can be used to irradiate a specimen using a selectable
light source. Although various light sources may be used (depending
on the desired configuration), in one example light emitting diodes
(LEDs) are used to provide light at a specific wavelength or color.
One or more LEDs can be physically packaged into discrete units
("light sources" or "light cubes") used to provide incident light
for specimen irradiation. When implemented, light emitted from a
respective light cube (corresponding with a specific color), can be
directed to a corresponding exciter filter, before being provided
onto the specimen. In some aspects, each exciter filter is
associated with different light wavelengths (i.e., a different
light cube), and configured to provide filtration of the light
transmitted onto the specimen. As discussed in further detail
below, the selection/pairing of a particular light cube/filter cube
set can be controlled using mechanical actuation of one or more
mirrors, as well as the corresponding actuation of filter cubes
and/or light cubes.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a reconfigurable (i.e.,
invertible) microscope 100 including a fluorescence module 104, as
implemented in some aspects of the technology. Reconfigurable
microscope 100 includes a base (stand) 102, nose piece 106,
objective lens 108, stage quick release 110, a stage 112A, specimen
insert 112B, condenser 114, optical arm 116, and display cradle
118.
[0025] The optical components of reconfigurable microscope 100
(including fluorescence module 104) are configured to be rotated
between an upright position and an inverted position, e.g., about
base 102. In operation, fluorescence module 104 is configured to
provide incident light of different wavelengths onto a specimen
(not shown) via a light path of "excitation light" (e.g., an
excitation light path). As discussed in further detail below, in
some aspects the excitation light path begins at one or more light
cubes (see FIG. 2A), and is directed by an optical guide to one of
a plurality of filter cubes that are selectable/addressable on a
rotating turret (e.g., a filter turret).
[0026] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of fluorescence
module 200, identifying excitation light path 203 and emission
light path 205. As illustrated, fluorescence module 200 includes
light cubes 202, optical guide 204, filter cubes 206, filter turret
208, mirror cube 210, and a camera 212.
[0027] Light cubes 202 may contain one or more light emitting
elements or light sources, such as one or more light emitting
diodes (LEDs), for emitting light at different wavelengths or
colors. Optical guide 204 may also contain one or more reflective
surfaces, (e.g., mirrors) or other optical reflective surfaces for
directing the excitation light from the selected light source to
the optical guide 204 and toward a selected filter cube 206.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2G, each of filter cubes 206 may include
an excitation filter 214, a dichroic mirror 215, and an emission
filter 216. However, other filter cube configurations are possible
without departing from the scope of the invention. As understood by
those of skill in the art, an excitation filter (e.g., excitation
filter 214) can be a bandpass filter that passes only the
wavelengths absorbed by a specimen administered fluorophore, thus
minimizing excitation of other sources of fluorescence and blocking
excitation light in the fluorescence emission band. The dichroic
mirror 215 can be configured to function as an edge filter used at
an oblique angle of incidence (for example 45.degree.) to reflect
light in the excitation band and to transmit light in the emission
band. The emission filter 216 can include a bandpass filter, for
example, that passes wavelengths emitted by the fluorophore and
blocks undesired light. By blocking unwanted excitation energy,
including ultraviolet (UV) and infra-red (IR), or sample and system
autofluorescence, optical filters ensure the darkest
background.
[0029] In some aspects, filter cubes with narrower passbands may be
preferred when imaging a sample labeled with multiple fluorophores.
For example, narrower passbands can help to reduce crosstalk by
allowing only the strongest portion of the fluorophore emission
spectrum to be transmitted, thus reducing autofluorescence noise
and improving the signal-to-noise ratio in high background
autofluorescence samples. Such filter sets can be preferential for
samples with ample fluorescent signal level.
[0030] As discussed in further detail below with respect to FIGS.
2E and 2F, selection of a particular light cube 202 may be
accomplished, for example, by mechanically actuating one or more
mirrors in optical guide 204 to reflect light emitted by the
selected light cube 202 toward a selected filter cube 206.
Referring to FIGS. 2E and 2F, a series of mirrors 207A-D may be
positioned within the optical guide 204 and aligned such that when
actuated into an active or reflecting position, light emitted by a
selected light cube 202A-D is reflected and directed towards a
corresponding one of filter cubes 206. Each mirror 207A-D may be
pivotably mounted to the housing of optical guide 202 and
configured to be actuated between the active position (light
reflecting position) and a passive position (away from the optical
path in the optical guide 204). Actuation of each mirror may be
accomplished by mechanical movement of the mirror via a linear or
rotating actuator.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 2A, in operation, filter cubes 206 are
mounted on filter turret 208 and are configured to rotate as filter
turret 208 is rotatably actuated. Notably, filter cubes 206 and
light cubes 202 are not housed within the same housing, rather they
are mounted on different components thereby allowing filter cubes
206 to independently rotate with respect to light cubes 202. In
other words, filter cubes 206 and light cubes 202 may be
independently actuated.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, excitation light path 203,
originating at one of light cubes 202, is directed to a selected
one of filter cubes 206 via optical guide 204. Light received by
the corresponding filter cube is first received by an excitation
filter 214 for selecting an excitation wavelength of light from the
light cube 202. The light is then directed onto a specimen (not
illustrated) via a dichroic mirror 215 (see FIG. 2G) which reflects
light from the light cube 202 to illuminate the specimen. The light
is re-radiated from the specimen (e.g., emission light path 205) to
the selected filter cube 206. An emission filter 216 is adapted to
transmit fluorescence from the specimen and block any reflected
excitation light. The light is then passed through to mirror cube
210 before being provided to a camera 212 (e.g., such as a
monochrome CCD camera).
[0033] To select a different light cube 202 (e.g., light source
having a different color/wavelength), the optical guide 204 may be
reconfigured by actuating an appropriate mirror (see FIG. 2E-F,
mirrors 207A-D) to select the desired light cube 202. Light emitted
from newly selected light cube 202 may then be directed to filter
cube 206 via optical guide 204. To select a different filter cube
206, the filter turret 208 may be rotated. In this manner,
selection of different light sources and filters may be performed
to permit fluorescence microscopy with reconfigurable microscope
100.
[0034] FIG. 2B illustrates an example top view of fluorescence
module 200, in which a top surface of light cubes 202, optical
guide 204, filter cubes 206, optical encoders 217, and filter
turret 208, are visible.
[0035] Filter turret 208 can be mechanically rotated using belt 211
and drive motor 213, wherein optical encoders 217 (e.g., one or
more optical sensors) are configured for selecting/verifying a
position of filter turret 208. It is understood that turret
rotation and/or position verification may be performed using any
means of rotating filter turret 208 or addressing the turret
position, without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0036] The examples of FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate configurations
with four light cubes 202 and five filter cubes 206; however, it is
understood that other configurations are possible. For example, a
greater (or fewer) number of light cubes 202 and/or filter cubes
206 may be implemented, without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0037] FIG. 2C illustrates another perspective view of a
fluorescence module (e.g., fluorescence module 200). In the
illustrated view, mirror cube 210 and camera 212 are illustrated.
In this example, light cubes 202, filter cubes 206 and turret 208
are also illustrated on a bottom surface of fluorescence module
200. In practice, emission light from a specimen (not illustrated)
is received at the mirror cube 210 and transmitted to camera 212
for detection and image processing. Although camera 212 can be
implemented using various optical sensing devices, such as a charge
coupled device (CCD), in some implementations camera 212 may be a
monochromatic camera. In other implementations, camera 212 may be
any device capable of registering an optical signal, including but
not limited to: a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)
camera, a color camera, and/or a bayer mosaic camera, etc.
[0038] FIG. 2D illustrates another example perspective view of a
fluorescence module (e.g. fluorescence module 200). In the
illustration of FIG. 2D a mirror cube 210 and camera 212
arrangement are illustrated. As noted above, camera 212 can include
(or be replaced by) various types of optical sensing devices,
depending on the desired implementation. By way of example, camera
212 may be configured to detect low intensity signals on the return
emission light path, for which additional image processing can be
performed to generate an image of an irradiated specimen.
[0039] FIG. 2E illustrates an example cut-away perspective view of
optical guide 204, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 2B.
Optical guide 204 includes mirrors 207 (e.g., mirrors 207A-D), that
are positioned adjacent to light cubes 202 (e.g., light sources
202A-202D). In the illustrated example, motors 209 (e.g., motors
209A-D) are configured to actuate corresponding mirrors 207, for
example, about an associated pivot point. In practice, optical
guide 204 is configured to reflect light received by light cubes
202 into excitation light path 203, which is provided to a selected
filter (e.g., one of filter cubes 206), as discussed above.
[0040] In the example of FIG. 2E, mirror 207A is positioned for
reflecting light emitted by corresponding light 202A (e.g., into
excitation light path 203). In the illustrated configuration,
mirrors 207B, 207C and 207D are not used for reflecting light
emitted by their corresponding light sources. Each of mirrors
207A-D may be mechanically actuated by using one or more electrical
motors (e.g., motors 209).
[0041] FIG. 2F illustrates another cut-away perspective view of
optical guide 204, for example, in which light emitted by light
202C is reflected into excitation light path by mirror 207C. As
discussed above, each of light cubes 202A-D can include a light
emission source (such as an LED), that is configured for emitting
light at a different wavelength and/or color.
[0042] It is understood that other mechanical systems, including
various well known linkage and gearing systems, may be implemented
for actuating one or more of mirrors 207. For example, belt and/or
gear driven systems may be used for actuating a mirror using one or
more mechanical motors (e.g., motors 209) located inside (or
outside) optical guide 204. Additionally, it is understood that
optical guide 204 can include a greater (or fewer) number of
mirrors 207 for reflecting light emitted by a greater (or fewer)
number of light cubes 202.
[0043] In the example described above, selection of filter cubes
206 is accomplished by rotating filter turret 208. There are,
however, other methods for selecting filter cubes 206. For example,
in other aspects, selection of a filter cube 206 may be performed
by mounting filter cubes 206 on a rail (e.g., a linear rail). In
such an arrangement, selection of a desired filter cube 206 may be
accomplished by addressing/biasing/moving/sliding the filter cubes
206 along the rail until the desired filter cube 206 is positioned
into the excitation light path 203. In this example, the filter
cubes 206 may be mounted on a sliding rail that is actuated by a
linear actuator or a rotating actuator in combination with
well-known linkage and gearing arrangements. As discussed above,
mirrors within optical guide 204 may be actuated to reflect light
emitted from a selected or desired light cube 202 to thereby cause
the emitted light from the selected light source to be directed
towards a selected or desired filter cube 206.
[0044] The foregoing examples illustrate methods of providing
fluorescent illumination to a specimen by selecting a stationary
light source (e.g., one of light cubes 202), and providing an
excitation light path 203 to an actuatable filter. However, other
embodiments are contemplated without departing from the scope of
the subject technology. For example, independent actuation of one
or more light sources and/or filters may be used for viewing a
specimen with a fluorescence microscope. By way of example, FIG. 3A
illustrates an example embodiment in which light cubes may be
actuated, in addition to, but independently from, actuation of one
or more filter cubes.
[0045] In particular, FIG. 3A illustrates an example of an
actuatable filter turret 304 that is substantially perpendicular to
an actuatable light turret 308. In the example of FIG. 3A one or
more filter cubes 302 are disposed on a surface of filter turret
304, in which actuation of filter turret 304 causes a corresponding
rotation of filter cubes 302, e.g., in the rotational plane of
filter turret 304. Likewise, one or more light cubes 306 are
disposed on a surface of light turret 308, in which actuation of
light turret 308 causes a corresponding rotation of light cubes
306, e.g., in the rotational plane of light turret 308. Actuation
of filter turret 304 and/or light turret 308 can be accomplished
with a drive motor (not illustrated), for example, using either a
gear or belt drive system.
[0046] In practice, excitation light path 303 can be directed to a
specimen 312 on stage 310 through selection of a desired light
cube/filter cube combination. Light is re-radiated from the
specimen 312 via emission light path 305 to the selected filter
cube 302. Light and filter cube selection can be accomplished via
rotation of both filter turret 304 and/or light turret 308 such
that light emitted by a desired light cube is provided to the
corresponding selected filter cube 302. It is understood that other
orientations of filter turret 304 and/or light turret 308 may be
implemented, without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0047] FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a substantially parallel
arrangement of filter turret 304 and light turret 308. In the
example of FIG. 3B, filter turret 304 and light turret 308 are
disposed in a substantially parallel orientation, such that
actuation of filter turret 304 causes rotation of filter cubes 302
in a rotational plane that is substantially parallel to the
rotational plane of light turret 308. Similar to the example of
FIG. 3A, excitation light path 303 can be provided to specimen 312
(on stage 310) and is re-radiated from the specimen 312 via
emission light path 305 to the selected filter cube 302 when a
selected light cube/filter cube combination are brought into
optical alignment.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 3B, the filter turret 304 and light turret
308 may be belt driven (e.g., using a motor 332 and belt 330)
and/or otherwise coupled so that actuation of one turret causes
actuation of the other turret. Alternatively, filter turret 304 and
light turret 308 may be coupled together and actuated via a gearing
arrangement. In one aspect, selection of a particular light source
may result in selection of a corresponding filter.
[0049] FIG. 3C illustrates an example of a rotating mirror
configuration, in which a rotating mirror 340 is used in
conjunction with a (stationary) light turret 318 to select a
desired light cube 306 for providing light to specimen 312. In this
example, rotating mirror 340 is disposed in the center of a
stationary light turret 318, which includes light cubes 306
disposed radially on an outer edge of light turret 318. In this
arrangement, light cubes 306 are positioned to emit light toward
the center of light turret 318, e.g., to the rotating mirror 340.
Upon selection of a desired light source, the selected light cube
306 emits light and rotating mirror 340 is actuated to reflect the
emitted light toward a selected filter cube 302 on filter turret
304. The light is re-radiated from the specimen 312 via emission
light path 305 to the selected filter cube 302.
[0050] In some aspects, light source selection can also correspond
with a rotation of filter turret 304, for example, to move a
respectively selected filter cube 302 into position for receiving
excitation light (e.g., via excitation light path 303) from the
selected light cube 306. Upon selection of another light source, a
different light cube 306 emits light and the rotating mirror 320
rotates so that the light emitted from newly selected light cube
306 is reflected toward the appropriate filter cube 302. Selection
of the appropriate filter cube 302 and/or actuation of rotating
mirror 340 can be accomplished using mechanical actuation means, as
described above.
[0051] Although the example of FIG. 3C, illustrates light turret
318 and filter turret 304 disposed in a substantially perpendicular
orientation, other configurations are possible, without departing
from the scope of the subject technology. For example, light turret
318 and filter turret 304 may be substantially parallel, similar to
the configurations discussed with respect to FIG. 3B, above.
[0052] The description of the subject technology is provided to
enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various
embodiments described herein. While the subject technology has been
particularly described with reference to the various figures and
embodiments, it should be understood that these are for
illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limiting the
scope of the subject technology.
[0053] There may be many other ways to implement the subject
technology. Various functions and elements described herein may be
partitioned differently from those shown without departing from the
scope of the subject technology. Various modifications to these
embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art,
and generic principles defined herein may be applied to other
embodiments. Thus, many changes and modifications may be made to
the subject technology, by one having ordinary skill in the art,
without departing from the scope of the subject technology.
[0054] A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to
mean "one and only one" unless specifically stated, but rather "one
or more." The term "some" refers to one or more. Underlined and/or
italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only,
do not limit the subject technology, and are not referred to in
connection with the interpretation of the description of the
subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents to
the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this
disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of
ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by
reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology.
Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to
the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly
recited in the above description.
[0055] It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of
steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary
approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that
the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be
rearranged, or that only a portion of the illustrated steps be
performed. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. For
example, in certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel
processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various
system components in the embodiments described above should not be
understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it
should be understood that the described program components and
systems can generally be integrated together in a single software
product or packaged into multiple software products.
[0056] The previous description is provided to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described
herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles
defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims
are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are
to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims,
wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to
mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather
"one or more."
[0057] A phrase such as an "aspect" does not imply that such aspect
is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies
to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure
relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or
more configurations. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or
more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as a "configuration"
does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject
technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations
of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration
may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A
phrase such as a configuration may refer to one or more
configurations and vice versa.
[0058] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other aspects or designs.
* * * * *