A collimation calibration device for a digital slide scanner
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522591293.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-12-05
AI Technical Summary
The optical alignment of existing digital slice scanners relies on mechanical structures, and the observation interface is small and lacks intuitive digital display, resulting in large human observation errors, inaccurate calibration results, and difficulty in traceability.
Design a collimation and calibration device that includes a light source, a first crosshair, a semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror, a collimator, a plano-convex lens, and an objective lens, all integrated within a fully enclosed housing. The device enables electronic visual calibration of the optical path via a camera and a screen, providing a wide field of view and digital recording.
It improves the stability of the optical path and the repeatability of calibration, reduces human error, achieves long-term accuracy maintenance of the optical path, and supports the upgrade of digital traceability and intelligent identification functions for quality management.
Smart Images
Figure CN224933870U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of digital pathology equipment technology, specifically to a collimation calibration device for a digital slide scanner. Background Technology
[0002] In digital pathology diagnosis, digital slide scanners need to convert pathological tissue on glass slides into high-resolution digital images. The collimation accuracy of their optical system directly determines the image clarity and diagnostic reliability. Currently, the optical alignment schemes of mainstream digital slide scanners mainly rely on the processing and assembly precision of the mechanical structure. For example, the relative positions of the light source, objective lens, and camera are fixed by precision guide rails, ensuring that the optical path is roughly aligned with the platform supporting the glass slide through a "rigid positioning" method. In the global digital slide scanner market, the collimation-related core structures of high-end models are mostly imported from Japan, and the mainstream solutions in China are mostly imitations or simple modifications of imported structures.
[0003] Existing general-purpose instruments often rely on human observation and judgment through eyepieces, resulting in a small observation interface and a lack of intuitive digital display. Prolonged observation can easily lead to visual fatigue and introduce human observation errors. Furthermore, the observation process is difficult to record and reproduce, hindering traceability and quality control of the calibration process, further affecting the accuracy and reliability of the calibration results. Therefore, this paper proposes a collimation calibration device for digital slice scanners to address the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a collimation calibration device for a digital slice scanner to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a collimation calibration device for a digital slice scanner, comprising a light source, a first crosshair, a semi-transparent mirror, a collimator, a plano-convex lens, and an objective lens arranged coaxially from left to right along the principal optical axis. The semi-transparent mirror is located between the first cross and the collimator, and its reflected optical axis extends to the right in a direction perpendicular to the principal optical axis. The second cross and the camera are arranged sequentially on the reflected optical axis. The camera is used to acquire the image of the first cross transmitted through the semi-transparent mirror and the image of the second cross reflected by the mirror, so as to achieve optical path collimation calibration.
[0006] Furthermore, the center of the semi-transparent mirror intersects with the principal optical axis, and its mirror surface forms a 45° angle with the principal optical axis; a semi-transparent mirror knob is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the semi-transparent mirror, and the tilt angle of the semi-transparent mirror can be finely adjusted by rotating the knob so that the reflected optical axis is strictly perpendicular to the principal optical axis.
[0007] Furthermore, the collimator is a cylindrical structure with openings at both ends. Its left end is aligned with the transmission optical axis of the semi-transparent mirror, and its right end is coaxially fixed to the left end face of the plano-convex lens. The focal point of the plano-convex lens is located on the axis of the collimator, and the focal point is collinear with the center of the first cross fork along the main optical axis, which is used to convert the incident light of the first cross fork into a parallel beam.
[0008] Furthermore, the objective lens is positioned to the right of the plano-convex lens, and the optical axis of the objective lens coincides with the principal optical axis; the objective lens is slidably connected to the device base via a linear guide rail assembly, and the distance between the objective lens and the plano-convex lens can be adjusted along the principal optical axis direction, so that the parallel light beam is focused on the center of the imaging target surface of the digital slice scanner after passing through the objective lens.
[0009] Furthermore, the first cross fork is a circular glass substrate with a translucent cross engraved in the center. Its edge is fixed to the right end face of the light outlet of the light source by a positioning pin, and the center of the cross engraving is coaxial with the light emission center of the light source. The structure of the second cross fork is exactly the same as that of the first cross fork. The center of its cross engraving is located on the reflective optical axis of the semi-transparent mirror, and the distance between the center of the second cross fork and the semi-transparent mirror is equal to the distance between the center of the first cross fork and the semi-transparent mirror.
[0010] Furthermore, the optical axis of the camera lens coincides with the reflective optical axis of the semi-transparent mirror, and the center of the camera's photosensitive chip is collinear with the center of the second crosshair along the reflective optical axis. The camera's signal output terminal is electrically connected to the screen via a data cable. The screen is located on the right side of the camera and is used to display the superimposed image of the first and second crosshairs in real time. The optical path coaxiality error is determined by observing the center offset of the two crosshairs.
[0011] Furthermore, the light source is a white surface light source with a circular light-emitting surface, and the center of the light-emitting surface is aligned with the center of the first cross fork along the main optical axis. The outer periphery of the light source is fixed to the device base by a bracket, and its light-emitting surface is perpendicular to the main optical axis, which is used to provide a uniform and stable backlight to the first cross fork.
[0012] Furthermore, a reflector is provided on the right side of the objective lens. The center of the reflector surface is located on the principal optical axis, and the reflector surface is perpendicular to the principal optical axis. The reflector surface is connected to the device base through a height-adjustable bracket, and its height can be adjusted to align with the scanning lens of the digital slice scanner. When performing autocollimation calibration, the reflector reflects the light beam emitted from the objective lens back to the collimator along the original path, and then reflects it to the camera through the semi-transparent mirror, forming a closed calibration optical path.
[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: By integrating the light source, collimator, first crosshair, and plano-convex lens into a fully enclosed housing, a non-adjustable integrated optical path structure is formed. This ensures long-term stability of the optical path and eliminates the need for focusing operations, guaranteeing the long-term stability of the optical path reference. It effectively avoids optical path deviation caused by vibration and deformation, exhibits good calibration repeatability, and maintains accuracy without drift over long-term use. By incorporating a camera and screen, the innovative electronic visualization system not only provides a wider field of view and clearer image display but also enables digital recording and traceability of the calibration process, providing a reliable basis for quality system management. The system also reserves ample space for future upgrades such as intelligent recognition and automatic alignment. Attached Figure Description
[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In all drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention in application scenario 1; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention in scenario 2.
[0016] In the diagram: 1. Light source; 2. First crosshair; 3. Semi-transparent mirror; 4. Semi-transparent mirror knob; 5. Collimator; 6. Plano-convex lens; 7. Mirror; 8. Objective lens; 9. Second crosshair; 10. Camera; 11. Screen. Detailed Implementation
[0017] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," and "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0019] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0020] Please see Figure 1-3 This utility model provides a collimation calibration device for a digital slicing scanner: A collimation calibration device for a digital slicing scanner includes a light source 1, a first crossbeam 2, a semi-transparent mirror 3, a collimator 5, a plano-convex lens 6, and an objective lens 8, arranged coaxially from left to right along the main optical axis. By integrating the light source 1, collimator 5, first crossbeam 2, and plano-convex lens 6 into a fully enclosed housing, a non-adjustable integrated optical path structure is formed, ensuring long-term stability of the optical path and eliminating the need for focusing operations. This ensures the long-term stability of the optical path reference, effectively avoiding optical path deviation caused by vibration and deformation, providing good calibration repeatability, and maintaining accuracy without drift over long-term use. The semi-transparent mirror 3 is located between the first crossbeam 2 and the collimator 5, and its reflected optical axis extends to the right in a direction perpendicular to the main optical axis. The reflected optical axis is sequentially equipped with... A second crosshair 9 and a camera 10 are placed. The camera 10 is used to acquire the image of the first crosshair 2 transmitted through the semi-transparent mirror 3 and the image of the second crosshair 9 reflected by it, so as to achieve optical path collimation calibration. The center of the semi-transparent mirror 3 intersects the principal optical axis, and its mirror surface forms a 45° angle with the principal optical axis. A semi-transparent mirror knob 4 is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the semi-transparent mirror 3. By rotating the knob, the tilt angle of the semi-transparent mirror 3 can be finely adjusted so that the reflected optical axis is strictly perpendicular to the principal optical axis. The collimator 5 is a cylindrical structure with open ends. Its left end port is aligned with the transmission optical axis of the semi-transparent mirror 3, and its right end port is coaxially fixed to the left end face of the plano-convex lens 6. The focal point of the plano-convex lens 6 is located on the axis of the collimator 5, and the focal point is collinear with the center of the first crosshair 2 along the principal optical axis, so as to convert the incident light of the first crosshair 2 into a parallel beam. Objective lens 8 is positioned to the right of plano-convex lens 6, and its optical axis coincides with the principal optical axis. Objective lens 8 is slidably connected to the device base via a linear guide assembly, and its distance from plano-convex lens 6 can be adjusted along the principal optical axis, so that the parallel light beam is focused onto the center of the imaging target surface of the digital slice scanner after passing through objective lens 8. The first cross fork 2 is a circular glass substrate with a translucent cross-shaped engraving at its center. Its edge is fixed to the right end face of the light outlet of light source 1 by a positioning pin, and the center of the cross-shaped engraving is coaxial with the light emission center of light source 1. The structure of the second cross fork 9 is exactly the same as that of the first cross fork 2. The center of its crosshairs is located on the reflective optical axis of the semi-transparent mirror 3, and the distance between the center of the second crosshair 9 and the semi-transparent mirror 3 is equal to the distance between the center of the first crosshair 2 and the semi-transparent mirror 3. The lens optical axis of the camera 10 coincides with the reflective optical axis of the semi-transparent mirror 3, and the center of the image sensor of the camera 10 and the center of the second crosshair 9 are collinear along the reflective optical axis. The signal output terminal of the camera 10 is electrically connected to the screen 11 via a data cable. By setting up the camera 10 and the screen 11, the innovative electronic visualization system not only provides a wider field of view and clearer image quality, but also... The image display also realizes the digital recording and traceability of the calibration process, providing a reliable basis for quality system management. The system also reserves sufficient space for subsequent upgrades such as intelligent recognition and automatic alignment. The screen 11 is set to the right of the camera 10 to display the superimposed image of the first cross 2 and the second cross 9 in real time. The optical path coaxiality error is judged by observing the center offset of the two cross images. The light source 1 is a white surface light source 1 with a circular light-emitting surface, and the center of the light-emitting surface is aligned with the center of the first cross 2 along the main optical axis. The outer periphery of the light source 1 Fixed to the device base by a bracket, its light-emitting surface is perpendicular to the main optical axis, which is used to provide a uniform and stable backlight 1 to the first cross 2. A reflector 7 is also provided on the right side of the objective lens 8. The center of the mirror surface of the reflector 7 is located on the main optical axis, and the mirror surface is perpendicular to the main optical axis. The reflector 7 is connected to the device base by a height-adjustable bracket, and its height can be adjusted to align with the scanning lens of the digital slice scanner. When performing autocollimation calibration, the reflector 7 reflects the light beam emitted from the objective lens 8 back to the collimator 5 along the original path, and then reflects it to the camera 10 through the semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror 3, forming a closed calibration optical path.
[0021] In use, the LED light source 1 is turned on, and the position of the first crosshair 2 is adjusted up and down so that the image of the first crosshair 2 is at the focal point of the plano-convex lens 6. A portion of the light passes through the semi-transparent mirror 3 and along the collimator 5, forming parallel light below the plano-convex lens 6, which is the virtual image of the first crosshair 2 at infinity. The parallel light, i.e., the virtual image of the first crosshair 2 at infinity, is reflected by the reflector 7 onto the plano-convex lens 6. After passing through the semi-transparent mirror 3, a portion of the light is reflected and converges at the focal point of the plano-convex lens 6, entering the camera 10. The position of the camera 10 with the second crosshair 9 is adjusted back and forth so that the camera's shooting surface is at the focal point. At this time, the image of the crosshair 2 can be clearly captured. By adjusting the semi-transparent mirror knob 4, the first crosshair 2 is made to completely coincide with the crosshair center of the camera 10, completing the optical path alignment, which is clearly and conveniently displayed on the screen 11. At this time, the optical axis of the camera 10 is perpendicular to the objective lens 8, and the semi-transparent mirror 3 is at a 45-degree angle, completing the autocollimator calibration.
[0022] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A collimation calibration device for a digital slice scanner, comprising a light source (1), a first crosshair (2), a semi-transparent mirror (3), a collimator (5), a plano-convex lens (6), and an objective lens (8) arranged coaxially from left to right along the principal optical axis, characterized in that: The semi-transparent mirror (3) is located between the first cross (2) and the collimator (5), and its reflected optical axis extends to the right in a direction perpendicular to the main optical axis. The second cross (9) and the camera (10) are arranged sequentially on the reflected optical axis.
2. The collimation calibration device for a digital slice scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The center of the semi-transparent mirror (3) intersects with the principal optical axis, and its mirror surface forms a 45° angle with the principal optical axis; a semi-transparent mirror knob (4) is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the semi-transparent mirror (3).
3. The collimation calibration device for a digital slice scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collimator (5) is a cylindrical structure with openings at both ends. Its left end port is aligned with the transmission optical axis of the semi-transparent mirror (3), and its right end port is coaxially fixed to the left end face of the plano-convex lens (6). The focal point of the plano-convex lens (6) is located on the axis of the collimator (5), and the focal point is collinear with the center of the first cross (2) along the main optical axis.
4. The collimation calibration device for a digital slice scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The objective lens (8) is located on the right side of the plano-convex lens (6), and the optical axis of the objective lens (8) coincides with the main optical axis. The objective lens (8) is slidably connected to the device base through a linear guide rail assembly. The distance between the objective lens (8) and the plano-convex lens (6) can be adjusted along the main optical axis direction so that the parallel beam is focused on the center of the imaging target surface of the digital slice scanner after passing through the objective lens (8).
5. The collimation calibration device for a digital slice scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first cross fork (2) is a circular glass substrate with a light-transmitting cross engraving in the center. Its edge is fixed to the right end face of the light outlet of the light source (1) by a positioning pin. The center of the cross engraving is coaxial with the light-emitting center of the light source (1). The structure of the second cross fork (9) is exactly the same as that of the first cross fork (2). The center of its cross engraving is located on the reflection optical axis of the semi-transparent mirror (3). The distance between the center of the second cross fork (9) and the semi-transparent mirror (3) is equal to the distance between the center of the first cross fork (2) and the semi-transparent mirror (3).
6. The collimation calibration device for a digital slice scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical axis of the lens of the camera (10) coincides with the optical axis of the reflection of the semi-transparent mirror (3), and the center of the photosensitive chip of the camera (10) is collinear with the center of the second cross (9) along the direction of the reflection optical axis; the signal output terminal of the camera (10) is electrically connected to the screen (11) through a data cable, and the screen (11) is located on the right side of the camera (10).
7. The collimation calibration device for a digital slice scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source (1) is a white surface light source with a circular light-emitting surface, and the center of the light-emitting surface is aligned with the center of the first cross (2) along the main optical axis. The outer periphery of the light source (1) is fixed to the device base by a bracket, and its light-emitting surface is perpendicular to the main optical axis.
8. The collimation calibration device for a digital slice scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that: A reflector (7) is also provided on the right side of the objective lens (8). The reflector (7) is fixed on the main optical axis and the mirror surface is perpendicular to the main optical axis.