Microscope autofocus imaging system

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of automatic focusing control technology, and discloses an automatic focusing imaging system for a microscope. The system includes a controller and a camera, a microscope device, and an XYZ-axis moving platform, all connected to the controller. The microscope device is connected to the controller and provides feedback on defocus information. The XYZ-axis moving platform carries the object under test and is positioned below the microscope device. Its movement along the Z-axis is driven by a Z-axis motor, which is connected to the controller. The camera is located above the objective lens switch and is used to acquire the image focused by the microscope device. The controller controls the Z-axis motor to adjust the height of the XYZ-axis moving platform based on the defocus information. This solution achieves automated focusing and imaging of the microscope, significantly improving the automation and intelligence levels of the microscope. It also frees the adjustment efficiency of microscope imaging from reliance on human operating experience, thus improving operational efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automatic focusing control technology, and more specifically to an automatic focusing imaging system for a microscope. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional microscopes typically involve manually adjusting the objective lens height by turning mechanical knobs and moving the stage to obtain a clear image for observation. This process requires a certain level of operator experience to achieve a clear image. Because microscopes are precision instruments, manual adjustment often relies on individual observation, making it difficult to achieve optimal results. While motorized microscopes exist to address these issues, current models only utilize electric actuators and knobs; actual adjustments still require manual intervention, and the level of automation and intelligence has not been significantly improved. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to solve the problems in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model embodiment is to provide a microscope autofocus imaging system that can integrate the electric drive of each axis to realize automated and intelligent adjustment of microscopic imaging.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an automatic focusing imaging system for a microscope, including a controller and a camera, a microscope device, and an XYZ axis moving platform respectively connected to the controller. The microscope device is connected to the controller and is used to provide feedback on the amount of defocusing. The XYZ axis moving platform is used to carry the object under test. It is located below the microscope and moves along the Z-axis by a Z-axis motor. The Z-axis motor is connected to the controller. The camera is located above the objective lens switch and is used to acquire images focused by the microscope. The controller is used to control the Z-axis motor to adjust the height of the XYZ-axis moving platform according to the defocusing information, so that the microscope equipment can automatically focus.

[0005] Preferably, the system further includes a host computer electrically connected to the controller and the camera, for sending instructions to the controller, including autofocus, objective lens switching, XY axis movement and peripheral function configuration, and receiving image data returned from the camera.

[0006] Preferably, the XYZ axis moving platform includes: Hollow structure movable base to ensure light transmission path; The closed-loop control submodule integrates a linear encoder and a servo driver; The dual-mode control interface supports both host computer command control and handwheel signal control.

[0007] Preferably, the microscope equipment includes an objective lens switcher and a defocus sensor. The defocus sensor uses coaxial laser confocal technology and is adapted to the corresponding objective lens parameters through a host computer to ensure accurate defocus feedback. The defocus sensor has a built-in laser for feeding back defocus information to the controller. The objective lens switcher is either a linear objective lens switcher or a rotating objective lens switcher.

[0008] Preferably, the controller includes: The handwheel interface module is used to receive the handwheel's magnification, speed, axis gear switching or movement signals, and convert them into movement signals for the XYZ axes; The position trigger interface module is used to receive position feedback from the XYZ axis moving platform, configure position triggering, and output a camera trigger signal to enable camera image stitching. The Z-axis drive module is used to drive the Z-axis motor to move and, in conjunction with the built-in control algorithm, enables the microscope equipment to automatically focus. The XY-axis encoder interface is used to receive encoder feedback signals from the XYZ-axis moving platform. The XY axis drive module is used to drive the XYZ axis moving platform to move horizontally according to the encoder feedback signal.

[0009] Preferably, the controller further includes a power interface and multiple peripheral I / O interfaces, which are connected to limit devices, emergency stop devices, or light source devices.

[0010] Preferably, the controller implements system control in the following manner: Receives commands from the host computer or handwheel input signals to drive the XYZ axis moving platform; And / or, implement Z-axis closed-loop focus control based on feedback from the defocus sensor; And / or, generate position-triggered pulses to synchronize camera imaging; And / or, control the objective lens switch to achieve magnification conversion and perform refocusing operation.

[0011] Preferably, the system does not include an eyepiece.

[0012] Through the above technical solution, this application achieves automated control of the integrated camera, microscopic equipment, and XYZ axis moving platform. The XYZ axis moving platform introduces a coaxial defocus sensor in the Z-axis direction, which works with the microscopic equipment for automatic focusing. This eliminates the need for personnel to observe the eyepiece and adjust the Z-axis height on the microscope. The movement of the stage in the XY axis direction is controlled by commands from the control card, and the encoder trigger signals of each axis can be used for automatic camera imaging. In conjunction with a line scan or area scan camera, all images can be stitched together, thus realizing automated focusing and imaging of the microscope. This significantly improves the automation and intelligence level of the microscope, making the adjustment efficiency of microscopic imaging no longer dependent on human operating experience, thereby improving operational efficiency.

[0013] Other features and advantages of this utility model embodiment will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the embodiments of the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic focusing imaging system for a microscope according to this utility model. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the core control framework of the objective lens switcher in this embodiment of the utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0016] This utility model provides an automatic focusing imaging system for a microscope, such as... Figure 1 The aforementioned includes a controller and a camera, microscopic equipment, an XYZ axis moving platform, and a host computer, all connected to the controller. The microscope device is connected to the controller and is used to provide feedback on the amount of defocusing. The XYZ axis moving platform is used to carry the object under test. It is located below the microscope and moves along the Z-axis by a Z-axis motor. The Z-axis motor is connected to the controller. The camera is located above the objective lens switch and is used to acquire images focused by the microscope. The controller is used to control the Z-axis motor to adjust the height of the XYZ-axis moving platform according to the defocusing information, so that the microscope equipment can automatically focus; The host computer is electrically connected to the controller and the camera, and is used to send instructions to the controller, including autofocus, objective lens switching, XY axis movement and peripheral function configuration, as well as to receive image data returned from the camera.

[0017] The camera can be a high-resolution line scan or area scan camera, used to image and display the object under test, and transmit the graphic data back to the host computer software for visualization, subsequent image processing and analysis, etc. In addition, the line scan and area scan cameras can receive position trigger signals from the XY axis encoders through the controller for image stitching, which helps to construct a complete image of the entire object under test. Even with the camera, the need for a traditional microscope eyepiece can be eliminated.

[0018] The host computer is generally a computer with matching host computer software installed. It connects the controller and motor through communication cables and is used to send commands such as autofocus, lens switching, XY axis movement and peripheral function configuration. It is the carrier for realizing electric drive operation.

[0019] Furthermore, the XYZ axis moving platform includes: a hollow structure moving base to ensure a light transmission path; The closed-loop control submodule integrates a linear encoder and a servo driver; The dual-mode control interface supports both host computer command control and handwheel signal control.

[0020] The XYZ axis moving platform is used to move the object under test and the stage in the X, Y, and Z directions. Since imaging generally requires light transmission, the XY axis plane of the platform is typically designed as a hollow moving platform. The drive method is not limited to motors; an encoder (linear encoder feedback) is typically included for the controller to construct closed-loop motion control. Movement of the XYZ axis moving platform in the XY axis direction can be achieved via commands from a host computer through the controller, or by receiving handwheel signals from the controller. Additionally, the controller can generate position trigger signals for the cameras based on the encoder position signals. For example, a pulse can be triggered every 1 µm for a line scan camera to trigger frame imaging, or a position trigger signal can be triggered every 1 mm for an area scan camera to capture images at different positions, and the positions can be recorded for subsequent image processing. The Z-axis motor drives the entire stage to move up and down, and, combined with feedback signals from the defocus sensor received by the controller, is used for focus control to achieve precise focusing of different magnification lenses. The Z-axis motor is not limited and can be a linear motor, stepper motor, or servo motor, etc.

[0021] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the microscope equipment includes an objective lens switcher and a defocus sensor. The defocus sensor employs coaxial laser confocal technology and adapts to the corresponding objective lens parameters via a host computer to ensure accurate defocus feedback. The defocus sensor has a built-in laser for feeding back defocus information to the controller. The objective lens switcher is either a linear objective lens switcher or a rotating objective lens switcher.

[0022] The defocus sensor is a precision displacement feedback sensor using coaxial laser confocal technology. It has a built-in laser and, after processing by the objective lens, feeds back defocus information to the controller for autofocus control via Z-axis drive. Specifically, when switching between different magnification objectives, the data from the defocus sensor is adapted to the corresponding objective lens parameters by the host computer, ensuring accurate defocus feedback. Common objective lens switchers include linear and rotary objective lens switchers. The drive motors are commonly linear motors and stepper motors, but the type of motor is not limited. Objective lenses of different magnifications are typically mounted on the switch. When different magnifications are required for imaging, the controller drives the switching between different magnification objectives. After switching, the controller needs to refocus.

[0023] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the controller includes: The handwheel interface module is used to receive the handwheel's magnification, speed, axis gear switching or movement signals, and convert them into movement signals for the XYZ axes; The position trigger interface module receives position feedback from the XYZ axis moving platform, configures position triggering, and outputs a camera trigger signal. For line scan cameras, it performs rapid camera shooting; for area scan cameras, it stops shooting. Image data is combined using common camera data frame stitching algorithms and displayed on the monitor. Rapid camera shooting is a common industrial usage mode. After receiving an external trigger command, the camera begins exposure for a predetermined duration, and outputs a frame image after the exposure ends, enabling camera image stitching. The Z-axis drive module is used to drive the Z-axis motor to move and, in conjunction with the built-in control algorithm, enables the microscope equipment to automatically focus. The XY-axis encoder interface is used to receive encoder feedback signals from the XYZ-axis moving platform. The XY axis drive module is used to drive the XYZ axis moving platform to move horizontally according to the encoder feedback signal. The device includes a power interface and multiple peripheral I / O interfaces, which are connected to limit devices, emergency stop devices, or light source devices. Generally, it is connected to peripherals. Common peripheral I / O ports required by autofocus motion control devices include: laser LED driver output, focus success output, motion axis positive and negative limit input, emergency stop signal input, etc.

[0024] The controller is the core component of the entire system, including the following functions: it communicates with the host computer for data transmission, command processing, and function configuration; it provides position trigger signals to the camera for imaging based on position information; it collects feedback from the defocus sensor and drives the Z-axis motor for autofocus based on the built-in focus control strategy; it drives the objective lens switcher to switch between different magnification lenses according to actual imaging needs; and it can receive movement commands from the host computer software or handwheel switching commands to drive movement in the XY axis directions according to the testing requirements of the object under test. In addition, according to the actual system protection and peripheral requirements, it is equipped with I / O ports for peripheral driving and protection, such as common LED peripherals and soft limit photoelectric switches for each axis. A DC power supply is used to power the controller; I / O peripherals such as lasers, emergency stop signals, and photoelectric switch limit switches are common supporting peripherals; the handwheel is a common industrial accessory that can switch axes and movement speeds, and the movement position of the XYZ axes can be switched by rotating the knob. In the system of this embodiment, it is an optional module, and the software host computer can replace the physical handwheel.

[0025] Furthermore, the controller also includes the following modules: The MCU and core algorithm module are used to implement the above-mentioned autofocus motion control algorithm, including three control modes: autofocus long-distance focusing, close-distance focusing, and follow focus. See the autofocus motion control method, system, storage medium, and processor disclosed in the invention patent (application number 2024102571203); the motor closed-loop control algorithm corresponding to the objective switcher includes encoder reading, electrical signal sampling, three-loop control, FOC control framework, and objective switcher position planning. See the integrated drive autofocus microscopic control system disclosed in the invention patent (application number 2024107484150); the movement control of the XYZ axis moving platform, such as receiving handwheel signals and converting them into XY axis movement commands, receiving movement commands from the host computer and converting them into XY axis movement commands, receiving XY axis encoder feedback, and configuring position triggering function through the host computer for camera imaging triggering.

[0026] The host computer communication module is connected to the host computer and the MCU and core algorithm module. It is used to receive instructions from the host computer and send them to the MCU and core algorithm module, and to upload the data information of the MCU and core algorithm module to the host computer. Data communication can be carried out through RS232 / RS485 and other methods. It can also send and receive instructions to control the movement function of autofocus and objective lens switcher.

[0027] The defocus distance acquisition module is communicatively connected to the autofocus sensor and the MCU and core algorithm module. It is used to acquire the defocus distance feedback value from the autofocus sensor and feed it back to the MCU and core algorithm module. The defocus distance feedback value can be acquired through digital communication such as RS232 / RS485, or it can be acquired through analog ADC sampling.

[0028] The controller achieves system control in the following ways: Receives commands from the host computer or handwheel input signals to drive the XYZ axis moving platform; And / or, implement Z-axis closed-loop focus control based on feedback from the defocus sensor; And / or, generate position-triggered pulses to synchronize camera imaging; And / or, control the objective lens switch to achieve magnification conversion and perform refocusing operation.

[0029] All axes in this application can use linear motors, servo motors, stepper motors, voice coil motors, etc. For example, the Z-axis commonly uses stepper motors or voice coil motors. The corresponding linear motors and servo motors generally have a three-phase bridge drive inverter circuit in their drive modules, while the stepper motors use a dual H-bridge drive circuit; the voice coil motors can use a single H-bridge drive circuit.

[0030] This application introduces a closed-loop control system. First, the objective lens switching system allows for switching between different magnifications. Second, the autofocus control system ensures accurate focusing. Each axis control system works in conjunction with the moving stage and transmits trigger signals to the camera for imaging, displaying the image on a host computer. This enables rapid coordination between axis motion control and autofocus control for camera imaging. All operations can be performed on the computer. Due to the implementation of autofocus, all operational steps are simplified, eliminating the need for operators to constantly monitor and adjust the eyepiece. This significantly improves efficiency and automation, potentially even enabling production line integration. Therefore, the fully electric microscope control system designed in this application significantly enhances the automation and intelligence of the microscope, freeing microscopic imaging adjustments from reliance on human experience and improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, it incorporates current camera imaging characteristics, allowing for configurable position triggering to achieve full-image stitching on the host computer, facilitating subsequent image processing and analysis. This is particularly significant in today's era of big data and intelligent technology.

[0031] It should also be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0032] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A microscope autofocusing imaging system, characterized by, It includes a controller and a camera, microscopic equipment, and an XYZ axis moving platform, all connected to the controller. The microscope device is connected to the controller and is used to provide feedback on the amount of defocusing. The XYZ axis moving platform is used to carry the object under test. It is located below the microscope and moves along the Z-axis by a Z-axis motor. The Z-axis motor is connected to the controller. The camera is located above the objective lens switch and is used to acquire images focused by the microscope. The controller is used to control the Z-axis motor to adjust the height of the XYZ-axis moving platform according to the defocusing information, so that the microscope equipment can automatically focus.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The system also includes a host computer electrically connected to the controller and the camera, used to send instructions to the controller, including autofocus, objective lens switching, XY axis movement and peripheral function configuration, and to receive image data returned from the camera.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, The XYZ axis moving platform includes: Hollow structure movable base to ensure light transmission path; The closed-loop control submodule integrates a linear encoder and a servo driver; The dual-mode control interface supports both host computer command control and handwheel signal control.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, The microscopic apparatus includes an objective lens switcher and a defocus sensor. The defocus sensor uses coaxial laser confocal technology and is adapted to the corresponding objective lens parameters through a host computer to ensure accurate defocus feedback. The defocus sensor has a built-in laser for feeding back defocus information to the controller. The objective lens switcher is either a linear objective lens switcher or a rotating objective lens switcher.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein, The controller includes: The handwheel interface module is used to receive the handwheel's magnification, speed, axis gear switching or movement signals, and convert them into movement signals for the XYZ axes; The position trigger interface module is used to receive position feedback from the XYZ axis moving platform, configure position triggering, and output a camera trigger signal to enable camera image stitching. The Z-axis drive module is used to drive the Z-axis motor to move and, in conjunction with the built-in control algorithm, enables the microscope equipment to automatically focus. The XY-axis encoder interface is used to receive encoder feedback signals from the XYZ-axis moving platform. The XY axis drive module is used to drive the XYZ axis moving platform to move horizontally according to the encoder feedback signal.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein, The controller also includes a power interface and multiple peripheral I / O interfaces, which are connected to limit devices, emergency stop devices, or light source devices.

7. The system of any of claims 1-6, wherein, The controller achieves system control in the following ways: Receives commands from the host computer or handwheel input signals to drive the XYZ axis moving platform; And / or, implement Z-axis closed-loop focus control based on feedback from the defocus sensor; And / or, generate position-triggered pulses to synchronize camera imaging; And / or, control the objective lens switch to achieve magnification conversion and perform refocusing operation.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein, The system does not include an eyepiece.

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