A long-time focusing control method applied to an objective lens

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of focusing locking of an objective lens, and discloses a long-time focusing locking control method applied to an objective lens, which comprises the following steps: after focusing on a sample by using the objective lens, obtaining the image data definition of the sample, and continuously monitoring the sample image data in the process of observing the sample by using the focusing locking of the objective lens; setting a picture definition threshold, comparing the sample image data definition with the picture definition threshold, and using a displacement motor to control the objective lens adjustment to refocus when the sample image data definition is smaller than the picture definition threshold. The application can use the displacement motor to control the objective lens adjustment to refocus when the image definition is insufficient in the process of continuously observing the sample by using the objective lens, and can judge the blurring degree of the observation picture and improve the image data of slight blurring by using the image data adjustment, so that the image data can be used.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of objective lens focusing technology, specifically to a long-term focusing control method for objective lenses. Background Technology

[0002] Objective lenses are an important component of optical instruments, especially in microscopes. They are located closest to the sample being observed, and typically several objectives with different magnifications are available. The quality and sharpness of the objective lens directly affect the accuracy and clarity of the observation results. Depending on the design and intended use, its magnification, optical quality, and field of view may vary.

[0003] However, when using an objective lens to observe a sample for an extended period of time, the sample itself will undergo thermal expansion and contraction due to temperature changes during prolonged static placement. This can cause deformation or displacement of the sample on the slide. This is especially true in the observation of biological samples, where cells or tissues are more susceptible to expansion or contraction due to temperature changes. Vibrations in the environment (such as airflow, ground vibrations, or mechanical vibrations of the equipment itself) can also cause slight changes in the focal position. Even minor vibrations can lead to focal drift, blurring the originally clear image observed by the objective lens and affecting the accuracy and quality of the observation results.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention provides a long-term focus-locking control method for objective lenses. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a long-term focus-locking control method for objective lenses, which can adjust the objective lens focus based on real-time detection when the sample itself undergoes deformation or displacement, causing focus drift, during long-term observation of the sample by the objective lens, so that the objective lens can maintain accurate focus for a long time.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a long-term focus-locking control method for objective lenses, comprising the following steps:

[0007] After focusing the sample with the objective lens, obtain the image data clarity of the sample and continuously monitor the sample image data while the objective lens is locked in focus for observation.

[0008] Set an image sharpness threshold, compare the sharpness of the sample image data with the image sharpness threshold, and when the sharpness of the sample image data is less than the image sharpness threshold, use a displacement motor to control the objective lens adjustment to refocus;

[0009] After adjusting the objective lens using the displacement motor, the sharpness of the image data acquired by observing the sample through the adjusted objective lens is compared with the image sharpness threshold. If the sharpness of the image data after objective lens adjustment is greater than or equal to the image sharpness threshold, the new focus will be locked to continue long-term observation of the sample; if the sharpness of the image data after objective lens adjustment is less than the image sharpness threshold, the sharpness of the image data after objective lens adjustment will be compared with the lowest sharpness threshold, and a corresponding response will be made based on the comparison result.

[0010] If the image data clarity after objective lens adjustment is less than the minimum clarity threshold, personnel should be notified to readjust the sample placement to eliminate the effects of sample deformation or displacement; if the image data clarity after objective lens adjustment is greater than or equal to the minimum clarity threshold, the image data clarity should be improved through image data adjustment.

[0011] In some implementations, the specific method for adjusting the image data is as follows: gradually enhance the contrast of the edges in the image, improve the sharpness of the edges, and compare the image data clarity with the image clarity threshold during the gradual adjustment process. When the image data clarity reaches the image clarity threshold, the adjustment is stopped.

[0012] In some implementations, a maximum contrast threshold and a maximum sharpness threshold are set. After adjusting the image data, the enhanced contrast and sharpness are compared with the maximum contrast threshold and the maximum sharpness threshold, respectively. When the enhanced contrast is higher than the maximum contrast threshold or the enhanced sharpness is higher than the maximum sharpness threshold, the adjustment of the image data is stopped, and personnel are notified to readjust the sample placement position to eliminate the effects caused by sample deformation or displacement.

[0013] In some implementations, a primary temperature fluctuation threshold is set. When the clarity of the sample image data is lower than the image clarity threshold, the temperature difference is compared with the primary temperature fluctuation threshold, and a corresponding response is made based on the comparison result.

[0014] In some implementations, the specific method for obtaining the temperature difference is as follows: when the objective lens completes the initial focusing and locking of the sample, the ambient temperature around the sample is detected by the sensor and recorded as a standard temperature value. When the image data clarity of the sample is lower than the image clarity threshold, the real-time temperature value around the sample is obtained by the sensor. The temperature difference is obtained by subtracting the standard temperature value from the real-time temperature value, and the absolute value of the temperature difference is taken.

[0015] In some implementations, the specific reaction after comparing the temperature difference with the primary temperature fluctuation threshold is as follows: if the temperature difference is greater than the primary temperature fluctuation threshold, the image sharpness threshold will be dynamically lowered; if the temperature difference is less than or equal to the primary temperature fluctuation threshold, the operation of adjusting the objective lens using the displacement motor will continue.

[0016] In some implementations, the specific method for lowering the image sharpness threshold is as follows: the image sharpness threshold lowering value Tz = Fc × k1 is obtained by using the temperature difference Fc and the first proportional coefficient k1, and the image sharpness threshold is reduced accordingly based on the image sharpness threshold lowering value.

[0017] In some implementations, a secondary temperature fluctuation threshold is set, and the secondary temperature fluctuation threshold should be greater than the primary temperature fluctuation threshold. When the temperature difference is greater than the primary temperature fluctuation threshold, the temperature difference is compared with the primary temperature fluctuation threshold and the secondary temperature fluctuation threshold, and a corresponding response is made based on the comparison result.

[0018] In some implementations, the specific response after comparing the temperature difference with the primary temperature fluctuation threshold and the secondary temperature fluctuation threshold is as follows:

[0019] If the temperature difference is between the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold and the second-level temperature fluctuation threshold and is closer to the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold, or is in the middle of the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold and the second-level temperature fluctuation threshold, then the normal operation of lowering the image clarity threshold will be performed.

[0020] If the temperature difference is between the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold and the second-level temperature fluctuation threshold and is closer to the second-level temperature fluctuation threshold, then the second proportional coefficient k2 is used in combination with the temperature difference Fc to obtain the image clarity threshold reduction value Tz = Fc × k2, and the second proportional coefficient k2 is less than the first proportional coefficient k1, and the image clarity threshold is adjusted according to the new reduction value.

[0021] If the temperature difference is greater than the secondary temperature fluctuation threshold, the image sharpness threshold will not be lowered, and the operation of using the displacement motor to control the objective lens to adjust the focus will be performed.

[0022] The present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which is executed by a processor to implement the above-described long-term focus-locking control method for an objective lens.

[0023] The technical solution provided by this invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0024] Firstly, this invention can use a displacement motor to control the objective lens adjustment to refocus when the image clarity is insufficient during continuous observation of the sample. Furthermore, when changes in the sample cause the objective lens to become out of focus, it can determine the degree of blur in the observed image and use image data adjustment to improve slightly blurred image data, making it usable.

[0025] Secondly, by setting a first-level temperature fluctuation threshold, this invention can identify the impact of changes in the optical properties of the sample on the clarity of the sample image data, and avoid misleading the adjustment of focus due to changes in image data caused by temperature fluctuations, which helps to continue observation without changing the focus.

[0026] Third, the present invention can dynamically adjust the image clarity threshold according to different temperature differences, and has high adaptability. Regardless of whether the temperature fluctuation is small, moderate or large, it can intelligently determine the necessity of focus adjustment and avoid unnecessary interference caused by over-adjustment. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a long-term focus-locking control method for objective lenses according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It is understood that the term "a" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element can be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element can be multiple, and the term "a" should not be understood as a limitation on the number.

[0030] This invention provides a long-term focus-locking control method for objective lenses, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0031] After focusing the sample using the objective lens, acquire the image data sharpness of the sample and continuously monitor the sample image data while the objective lens is locked in focus. When the sample expands, contracts, or shifts, it indicates a change in the distance between the sample and the objective lens, making the previously set focus may no longer be applicable. This will be reflected in the sample image data, showing a decrease in image sharpness (brightness fluctuations, decreased contrast, reduced sharpness, poor edge detection, increased noise, etc.). A sharpness threshold should be set, and the sharpness of the sample image data should be compared with the sharpness threshold. When the sharpness of the sample image data is less than the sharpness threshold, it indicates that the deformation and shift of the sample have caused the objective lens to be unable to observe clearly under its original focus. In this case, use the displacement motor to control the objective lens adjustment to refocus.

[0032] The purpose of adjusting the objective lens using a displacement motor is to restore the image sharpness of the sample to above the image sharpness threshold, ensuring that the objective lens remains in accurate focus during prolonged observation of the sample. However, for high-magnification objectives, the depth of field is very shallow, and any slight change in the sample's shape can cause defocusing, exceeding the objective lens's focal length adjustment range, making it impossible for the objective lens to return to a sharp focus. Therefore, by comparing the image sharpness acquired after adjusting the objective lens with the image sharpness threshold, if the image sharpness after objective lens adjustment is greater than or equal to the image sharpness threshold, it indicates that after sample deformation or displacement, the image sharpness can be restored to a sharp focus. Adjusting the objective lens focus allows for accurate refocusing, enabling continued observation of the sample over extended periods. If the image data sharpness after objective lens adjustment is less than the image sharpness threshold, it indicates that after sample deformation or shift, adjusting the objective lens focus cannot restore it to a sharp focus. This suggests that the sample deformation or shift exceeds the objective lens's focus adjustment range. The image data sharpness after objective lens adjustment should be compared to the minimum sharpness threshold, and appropriate action taken based on the comparison results. The minimum sharpness threshold should be less than the image sharpness threshold; for example, it can be set to 80% of the image sharpness threshold.

[0033] If the image data clarity after objective lens adjustment is less than the minimum clarity threshold, it indicates that the image clarity is still not ideal after adjusting the objective lens with the displacement motor. Personnel should be notified to readjust the sample placement to eliminate the influence of sample deformation or displacement. If the image data clarity after objective lens adjustment is greater than or equal to the minimum clarity threshold, it indicates that the observed sample image data only has slight blurring after adjusting the objective lens with the displacement motor. In this case, image data clarity can be improved by adjusting the image data.

[0034] The specific method for adjusting image data is as follows: gradually enhance the contrast of the edges in the image and improve the sharpness of the edges. Contrast enhancement is achieved by increasing the difference between bright and dark areas in the image, making the details of the image more obvious. Sharpening can effectively improve the image clarity, making the edges clearer and the details more prominent, thereby improving the clarity of slightly blurry image data. During the process of gradually adjusting the image data, the image data clarity is compared with the image clarity threshold. When the image data clarity reaches the image clarity threshold, the adjustment is stopped.

[0035] In summary, this method involves several steps. First, after initial focusing of the sample, the image data sharpness is continuously monitored. When the sample expands, contracts, or shifts, reduced image sharpness can be detected through features such as brightness fluctuations, decreased contrast, and reduced sharpness in the image data. This indicates that the focus may no longer be suitable. In this case, a displacement motor is used to adjust the objective lens and refocus, restoring the image sharpness to above the set image sharpness threshold. However, for high-magnification objectives, due to the very shallow depth of field, even slight sample deformation can cause the focus to fail to recover. Therefore, the image data sharpness after adjustment is compared with the image sharpness threshold. If the sharpness meets the standard, the objective lens locks the new focus and continues observation. If the sharpness does not meet the standard, it is further evaluated by comparing it with the lowest sharpness threshold. If the image data sharpness after objective adjustment is still unsatisfactory, personnel are notified to adjust the sample position to eliminate the effects of deformation or shift. If the sharpness is only slightly blurred, the system will improve the image sharpness by enhancing the edge contrast and sharpness until the image data reaches the image sharpness threshold.

[0036] It should be noted that while enhancing contrast and sharpness in image data helps improve detail and edges, thus enhancing image usability, excessive adjustments can cause image artifacts. This can result in unnatural halos, over-sharpened lines, or irregular variations in brightness at image edges, and may also distort colors, especially in color transition areas. Image gradations may become unnatural, color transitions may be uneven, and noticeable color banding or blockiness may appear. To avoid these issues, maximum contrast and sharpness thresholds are set. After adjusting the image data, the enhanced contrast and sharpness are compared to these maximum thresholds, respectively. If the enhanced contrast exceeds the maximum contrast threshold or the enhanced sharpness exceeds the maximum sharpness threshold, the image data adjustment is stopped, and personnel are notified to readjust the sample placement to eliminate the effects of sample deformation or displacement.

[0037] Furthermore, when the objective lens finds a suitable focus and locks onto the sample for long-term observation, the clarity of the observation result is judged by comparing the changes in the sharpness of the sample image data with the image sharpness threshold. However, the sharpness of the image data is mainly reflected in the fluctuations of key parameters such as brightness and contrast. Under long-term focus-locked observation conditions, the properties of the sample (such as refractive index and surface reflectivity) will change under different temperature conditions. For example, the sample surface may evaporate due to temperature changes. Especially under microscopic observation, the phenomenon of changes in the sample can be observed even when the temperature fluctuation is not high, resulting in changes in its optical properties. Such changes will cause fluctuations in the brightness or contrast of some areas in the image data, but this does not mean that the focus of the objective lens has drifted. The magnitude of the sample's contraction or expansion may still be within the suitable focus of the objective lens, but the magnitude of the change in optical properties is greater. To avoid unnecessary focusing due to the aforementioned situation, when initially focusing and locking the sample using the objective lens, the ambient temperature around the sample should be detected and recorded as a standard temperature value using a sensor. When the image sharpness of the sample data is lower than the image sharpness threshold, the real-time temperature value around the sample should be obtained through the sensor, and the standard temperature value should be subtracted from the real-time temperature value to obtain a temperature difference value. The absolute value of the temperature difference value should be taken, and a first-level temperature fluctuation threshold should be set. The temperature difference value should be compared with the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold, and an appropriate response should be made based on the comparison result. Specifically, if the temperature difference value is greater than the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold, it indicates that the ambient temperature around the sample has changed significantly during the long-term focused observation of the sample, which may lead to changes in the optical properties of the sample. The decrease in image data clarity is caused by temperature fluctuations. Therefore, the image clarity threshold will be dynamically lowered. The lowering value of the image clarity threshold, Tz = Fc × k1, is obtained by using the temperature difference Fc and the first proportional coefficient k1. After reducing the image clarity threshold accordingly, the focus adjustment can be avoided due to image data changes caused by temperature fluctuations, which helps to continue observation without changing the focus. If the temperature difference is less than or equal to the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold, it indicates that the ambient temperature around the sample has not changed significantly during the long-term focus-locked observation of the sample, and the impact on the optical properties of the sample is also weak. The main reason for the decrease in image data clarity is attributed to the deformation or displacement of the sample. In this case, the operation of adjusting the objective lens using the displacement motor will continue.

[0038] However, when the temperature difference exceeds the primary temperature fluctuation threshold, the sample may experience significant temperature fluctuations, leading to thermal expansion and contraction and substantial deformation. Lowering the image sharpness threshold further in such cases could cause misjudgment, resulting in the objective lens remaining in a blurry observation state for an extended period. To avoid this problem, a secondary temperature fluctuation threshold should be set, and this threshold should be greater than the primary threshold. When the temperature difference exceeds the primary threshold, the temperature difference should be compared using both the primary and secondary thresholds.

[0039] If the temperature difference is between the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold and the second-level temperature fluctuation threshold and is closer to the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold, or is in the middle of the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold and the second-level temperature fluctuation threshold, it indicates that the fluctuation range of the ambient temperature around the sample is small, which may cause changes in the optical properties of the sample, but usually will not cause significant deformation. In this case, the normal operation of lowering the image clarity threshold will be performed.

[0040] If the temperature difference is between the first-level and second-level temperature fluctuation thresholds and is closer to the second-level threshold, it indicates that the ambient temperature fluctuation around the sample is moderate. In this case, the change in image clarity may be due to changes in optical properties or deformation. Therefore, a second proportionality coefficient k2 is used in conjunction with the temperature difference Fc to obtain the image clarity threshold reduction value Tz = Fc × k2, where the second proportionality coefficient k2 is less than the first proportionality coefficient k1. For example, the value of the second proportionality coefficient k2 can be half of the first proportionality coefficient k1. The image clarity threshold is then adjusted according to this new reduction value, thereby reducing the impact of lowering the image clarity threshold, increasing the tolerance to uncertainties caused by temperature fluctuations, and balancing the influence between changes in optical properties and deformation.

[0041] If the temperature difference is greater than the secondary temperature fluctuation threshold, it indicates that the ambient temperature around the sample fluctuates greatly, and the sample is likely to undergo thermal expansion and contraction deformation. In this case, the image sharpness threshold should not be lowered, but the operation of using the displacement motor to control the objective lens to adjust the focus should be performed.

[0042] This is because the temperature fluctuations required to change the optical properties of a sample are usually smaller than the amplitude that causes sample deformation (thermal expansion and contraction). Specifically, low-amplitude temperature fluctuations may cause changes in the optical properties of the sample (such as changes in refractive index, surface reflectivity, etc.), while large temperature fluctuations may cause sample deformation (e.g., expansion or contraction). Therefore, when the temperature difference is between the primary and secondary temperature fluctuation thresholds, the impact of changes in the sample's optical properties should be considered first, while when the temperature difference is greater than the secondary temperature fluctuation threshold, the impact of sample deformation should be considered first. By monitoring the sharpness of sample image data in real time and considering the impact of temperature changes, the objective lens is ensured to maintain accurate focus during long-term observation. First, the ambient temperature around the sample is monitored by a sensor, and a standard temperature value is set. The temperature difference is calculated, and the image sharpness threshold is dynamically adjusted. When the temperature difference is greater than the primary temperature fluctuation threshold, if the temperature fluctuation is small, the system lowers the sharpness threshold to adapt to the change in optical properties; if the temperature fluctuation is large, the sharpness is restored by adjusting the objective lens focus. Furthermore, to avoid misjudgment, when the temperature fluctuates significantly, the system sets a secondary temperature fluctuation threshold to balance the effects of changes in optical properties and sample deformation.

[0043] In summary, this invention presents a long-term focus-locking control method for objectives, addressing the problem of difficulty in maintaining precise focus during prolonged objective observation when sample deformation or displacement causes focus drift. This invention utilizes a displacement motor to control objective adjustment for refocusing when image sharpness is insufficient during continuous sample observation. Furthermore, when sample changes cause objective defocusing, the invention assesses the degree of blur and uses image data adjustment to improve slightly blurred image data, making it usable. By comparing image data sharpness with a sharpness threshold, the invention accurately determines whether focus adjustment is needed and whether the objective can regain a sharp focus. Through the setting of a first-level temperature fluctuation threshold, this invention can identify the impact of changes in sample optical properties on sample image data sharpness, avoiding misleading focus adjustments due to temperature fluctuations, thus facilitating continued observation without changing the focus. This invention can dynamically adjust the image sharpness threshold according to different temperature differences, exhibiting high adaptability. Regardless of whether temperature fluctuations are small, moderate, or large, it can intelligently determine the necessity of focus adjustment, avoiding unnecessary interference from over-adjustment. This design, through dynamic adjustment of the temperature fluctuation threshold combined with the image sharpness threshold, along with intelligent focus adjustment and image processing technology, can ensure accurate focusing of the objective lens and image sharpness under complex conditions of temperature changes and sample deformation. It effectively improves focus stability during long-term observation and minimizes the impact of temperature fluctuations on the quality of microscopic observation.

[0044] Furthermore, the specific method of using relevant parameters in this invention is as follows:

[0045] Experimental Data Acquisition and Statistical Analysis: Under various conditions (samples, ambient temperatures, and objective lenses with different magnifications), a large amount of experimental image data was collected, measuring key indicators such as brightness, contrast, and sharpness. By comparing the various indicators of the image after initial focusing with the image data affected by sample deformation, temperature fluctuations, etc., technicians derived a quantitative standard for measuring image sharpness, and thus determined the image sharpness threshold. The minimum sharpness threshold is often set as a percentage of the image sharpness threshold (e.g., 80%), mainly based on the finding in comparative experiments that the image still has basic usability at this level.

[0046] Image Processing and Artifact Control: To ensure that edge contrast and sharpness after image data adjustment do not produce artifacts or color distortion due to over-enhancement, engineers conducted extensive experiments to identify the critical values ​​most prone to producing unnatural phenomena during image enhancement: the maximum contrast threshold and the maximum sharpness threshold. These parameters were obtained based on experimental observation and image processing algorithm debugging, by comparing changes in image quality under different parameter settings, human visual evaluation, and automatic feature detection results.

[0047] Temperature fluctuations and changes in sample properties: Considering the different effects of temperature fluctuations on the optical properties and deformation of samples, long-term observation of samples under controlled temperature conditions was conducted to collect corresponding data on temperature changes and changes in image sharpness. Based on this, a primary temperature fluctuation threshold was determined, meaning that when the temperature change reaches a certain magnitude, it will only cause optical property changes rather than actual deformation. Simultaneously, a secondary temperature fluctuation threshold was set to distinguish situations where higher ambient temperatures may cause thermal expansion and contraction deformation of the sample.

[0048] Determination of Proportional Coefficients: In practical applications, through regression analysis and fitting of the relationship between temperature difference and the degree of image sharpness reduction, technicians determined a first proportional coefficient k1 and a second proportional coefficient k2. k1 is used for threshold reduction when temperature fluctuations are small, and its value reflects the sensitivity of subtle temperature changes to image sharpness. When the temperature fluctuation range is between the first and second thresholds, a smaller k2 is used to avoid locking onto an unclear focus due to excessive threshold reduction. k2 is usually half or lower than k1, and its setting is based on the statistical regression results of multiple sets of data.

[0049] The processes described above with reference to the flowcharts in the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be implemented as computer software programs. Embodiments of this invention include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via a communication component, and / or installed from a removable medium. When the computer program is executed by a central processing unit, it performs the functions defined in the methods of this application. It should be noted that the computer-readable medium described above in this application can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination of the two. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection having one or more conductor segments, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory, a read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory, an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this application, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In this application, a computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium can also be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, which can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wireless segments, wire segments, optical cables, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0050] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0051] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A long-term focus-locking control method for objective lenses, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: After focusing the sample with the objective lens, obtain the image data clarity of the sample and continuously monitor the sample image data while the objective lens is locked in focus for observation. Set an image sharpness threshold, compare the sharpness of the sample image data with the image sharpness threshold, and when the sharpness of the sample image data is less than the image sharpness threshold, use a displacement motor to control the objective lens adjustment to refocus; After adjusting the objective lens using the displacement motor, the sharpness of the image data acquired by observing the sample through the adjusted objective lens is compared with the image sharpness threshold. If the sharpness of the image data after objective lens adjustment is greater than or equal to the image sharpness threshold, the new focus will be locked to continue long-term observation of the sample; if the sharpness of the image data after objective lens adjustment is less than the image sharpness threshold, the sharpness of the image data after objective lens adjustment will be compared with the lowest sharpness threshold, and a corresponding response will be made based on the comparison result. If the image data clarity after objective lens adjustment is less than the minimum clarity threshold, personnel should be notified to readjust the sample placement to eliminate the effects caused by sample deformation or displacement. If the image data sharpness after objective lens adjustment is greater than or equal to the minimum sharpness threshold, then the image data sharpness is improved by adjusting the image data.

2. The long-term focus-locking control method for objective lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific method for adjusting image data is as follows: gradually enhance the contrast of edges in the image, improve the sharpness of edges, and compare the image data clarity with the image clarity threshold during the gradual adjustment process. When the image data clarity reaches the image clarity threshold, the adjustment is stopped.

3. The long-term focus-locking control method for objective lenses according to claim 2, characterized in that, Set the maximum contrast threshold and the maximum sharpness threshold. After adjusting the image data, compare the enhanced contrast and sharpness with the maximum contrast threshold and the maximum sharpness threshold, respectively. When the enhanced contrast is higher than the maximum contrast threshold or the enhanced sharpness is higher than the maximum sharpness threshold, stop adjusting the image data and notify personnel to readjust the sample placement to eliminate the effects caused by sample deformation or displacement.

4. The long-term focus-locking control method for objective lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that, A primary temperature fluctuation threshold is set. When the clarity of the sample image data is lower than the image clarity threshold, the temperature difference is compared with the primary temperature fluctuation threshold, and a corresponding response is made based on the comparison result.

5. The long-term focus-locking control method for objective lenses according to claim 4, characterized in that, The specific method for obtaining the temperature difference is as follows: when the objective lens completes the initial focusing and locking of the sample, the ambient temperature around the sample is detected by the sensor and recorded as a standard temperature value. When the image data clarity of the sample is lower than the image clarity threshold, the real-time temperature value around the sample is obtained by the sensor. The temperature difference is obtained by subtracting the standard temperature value from the real-time temperature value, and the absolute value of the temperature difference is taken.

6. The long-term focus-locking control method for objective lenses according to claim 5, characterized in that, The specific response after comparing the temperature difference with the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold is as follows: if the temperature difference is greater than the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold, the image sharpness threshold will be dynamically lowered; if the temperature difference is less than or equal to the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold, the operation of adjusting the objective lens using the displacement motor will continue.

7. The long-term focus-locking control method for objective lenses according to claim 6, characterized in that, The specific method for lowering the image sharpness threshold is as follows: obtain the image sharpness threshold lowering value Tz = Fc × k1 through the temperature difference Fc and the first proportional coefficient k1, and reduce the image sharpness threshold accordingly based on the image sharpness threshold lowering value.

8. The long-term focus-locking control method for an objective lens according to claim 7, characterized in that, Set a secondary temperature fluctuation threshold, which should be greater than the primary temperature fluctuation threshold. When the temperature difference is greater than the primary temperature fluctuation threshold, compare the temperature difference with the primary and secondary temperature fluctuation thresholds, and take appropriate action based on the comparison results.

9. A long-term focus-locking control method for an objective lens according to claim 8, characterized in that, The specific response after comparing the temperature difference with the primary and secondary temperature fluctuation thresholds is as follows: If the temperature difference is between the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold and the second-level temperature fluctuation threshold and is closer to the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold, or is in the middle of the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold and the second-level temperature fluctuation threshold, then the normal operation of lowering the image clarity threshold will be performed. If the temperature difference is between the first-level temperature fluctuation threshold and the second-level temperature fluctuation threshold and is closer to the second-level temperature fluctuation threshold, then the second proportional coefficient k2 is used in combination with the temperature difference Fc to obtain the image clarity threshold reduction value Tz = Fc × k2, and the second proportional coefficient k2 is less than the first proportional coefficient k1, and the image clarity threshold is adjusted according to the new reduction value. If the temperature difference is greater than the secondary temperature fluctuation threshold, the image sharpness threshold will not be lowered, and the operation of using the displacement motor to control the objective lens to adjust the focus will be performed.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that is executed by a processor to implement a long-term focus-locking control method for an objective lens as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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