Automatic Grating Changer for Optical Imaging Depth Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing devices for increasing depth discrimination in optical imaging systems require time-consuming manual intervention to change grating-like patterns when switching between microscope objectives, which is disproportionate to the frequency of objective changes, especially with multi-objective changers.
Innovation Solution
A fully or semi-automatic grating changer system connected to the electronic control system of the optical imaging system, which automatically selects and inserts the appropriate grating-like pattern into the illuminating beam path based on the selected objective, eliminating the need for manual intervention by using motor-driven substrates or a spatial light modulator to manage multiple grating patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is used to change grating-like patterns when switching objectives, then the system can adapt to different objectives, but the time and effort required increases disproportionately
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects which objective is currently in use and autonomously selects and positions the corresponding grating-like pattern without requiring manual intervention. The electronic control system coordinates between the objective changer and grating changer to实现自适应匹配
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system receives feedback about the currently selected objective and uses this information to automatically control the grating changer to position the appropriate grating-like pattern, creating a closed-loop adaptive system
2Reliability
If multiple grating-like patterns are provided for different objectives, then the system can optimize performance for each objective, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single grating changer mechanism serves multiple functions by being able to position any of the several grating-like patterns into the beam path as needed. The electronic control system universally manages both objective changes and grating selections through a unified control interface
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for objective selection and grating pattern selection are merged into a single electronic control system that automatically coordinates between the two, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms and simplifying the overall system architecture
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
Significantly reduces the time and effort required to change grating-like patterns, enabling seamless operation with multiple objectives without manual handling, thus enhancing the efficiency of optical imaging systems like microscopes.
Implementation Method 1
means for structuring illumination light in an illumination beam of the optical imaging system by means of a grating-like pattern provided in a conjugated object plane of the optical imaging system
Data Source
AI summary
A device for increasing the depth discrimination of optical imaging systems includes elements for structuring illumination light in an illumination beam of the optical imaging system by application of a grating-like pattern in a conjugate object plane of the optical imaging system. The device further elements for varying the position of the grating-like patterns along an optical axis of the illuminating beam, and elements that vary the position of an image of the grating-like pattern on a specimen in an object plane. The invention may include a grating changer connected to an electronic control system or to a control program of the optical imaging system for automatically changing the grating-like pattern to at least one further grating-like pattern and/or for removing the grating like pattern from the illuminating beam path.