Automatic Focusing Assembly for Microscopic Imaging Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopic imaging systems face challenges in maintaining clear images due to external interference, such as vibrations, bubbles, and surface imperfections, which can cause focusing failures and blurred images during sequencing processes.
Innovation Solution
An imaging method and system that utilize an automatic focusing assembly to detect position information and output target electric signals, allowing the objective lens and/or preset region to be moved to achieve clear images of objects in a preset region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic focus tracking is implemented to maintain clear images during sequencing, then image clarity can be preserved, but the system complexity increases due to additional focusing assembly and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs focus calibration before sequencing by detecting position information of beads in the preset region and establishing a mapping relationship between position coordinates and focus values. This preliminary action stores optimal focus settings in advance, allowing the system to quickly retrieve and apply pre-determined focus parameters during sequencing without requiring complex real-time focus tracking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical focus tracking with a computational approach. Instead of using additional mechanical actuators to continuously adjust focus during sequencing, the system uses image processing algorithms to detect bead positions and retrieves corresponding pre-stored focus values from a lookup table, substituting mechanical adjustment with information processing.
2Reliability
If the imaging system continuously adjusts focus to compensate for external interference such as vibration, then image quality can be maintained, but the acquisition time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calibrates focus values for multiple positions in the preset region before sequencing begins. During actual image acquisition, the system simply retrieves the pre-determined focus value corresponding to the detected bead position, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time focus adjustment and maintaining rapid acquisition speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the detected position information of beads is used to query the pre-established mapping relationship and retrieve the appropriate focus value. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the correct focus parameter is applied based on the actual bead position, maintaining image quality without requiring continuous manual intervention or complex real-time optimization.
3Measurement precision
If focus calibration is performed for multiple positions in the preset region, then focus accuracy across the entire region improves, but the calibration time and number of required images increase
Solution Approach 1:
The preset region is divided into multiple discrete positions, and focus calibration is performed separately for each position. By segmenting the calibration process into distinct positional points, the system can efficiently capture images at each location and build a comprehensive focus map without overwhelming computational complexity, achieving high accuracy across the entire region through systematic subdivision.
Solution Approach 2:
All focus calibration images for multiple positions are captured in advance during a dedicated calibration phase before sequencing begins. This preliminary action consolidates the time-consuming multi-position imaging into a one-time setup process, allowing the system to store all calibration data and then rapidly retrieve appropriate focus values during sequencing without repeating the calibration process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables automatic focus tracking, ensuring clear images are acquired even when external interference occurs, by adjusting the position to eliminate interference and maintaining focus lock during image acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
receiving the first light beam reflected from the preset region for focusing detection
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an imaging method using an imaging system to image an object, wherein the object is positioned in a preset region, the imaging system comprises an objective lens and an automatic focusing assembly coupled with the objective lens, and the automatic focusing assembly is configured for detecting position information of the object positioned in the preset region and outputting a target electric signal of the object when the imaging system acquires a clear image of the object. The imaging method comprises: moving, according to the detected position information of the object of interest in the preset region and the output target electric signal of the object of interest by the automatic focusing assembly, the objective lens and/or the preset region to a position where the clear image of the object of interest can be acquired, so as to acquire the clear image of the object of interest using the imaging system. According to the target electric signals of objects, automatic focus tracking can be achieved for different objects in the preset region, and clear images can be acquired. The present disclosure further provides an imaging system and a storage medium.