Camera Array Parallel Imaging Focus Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-content screening microscopy systems face inefficiencies and complexity in achieving accurate focus across multiple measurement locations due to variations in sample holder thickness and curvature, which can be exacerbated by the need to individually focus multiple imaging devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a camera array with multiple imaging devices that positions itself at different distances from the sample holder to acquire images, with a pre-processing module updating candidate images based on selection criteria such as focus quality, allowing for the generation of in-focus images across multiple locations in parallel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple imaging devices are used to image a plurality of wells in parallel, then imaging efficiency is improved, but the time required to focus each objective eliminates the efficiency gains and increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the focus adjustment mechanism across multiple imaging devices by coupling all objectives to a single focus drive mechanism. This allows parallel imaging to maintain focus simultaneously across all devices without requiring individual focus control for each objective, thereby preserving imaging efficiency while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single focus drive mechanism serves as a universal control system for all imaging devices in the array. This multi-functional approach allows one mechanism to perform the focusing function for multiple objectives simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate focus control systems and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the objective position is adjusted to bring samples into focus at each measurement location, then image quality is improved, but variations in sample holder thickness and curvature prevent accurate focus and require corrective adjustments at each location
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary focus adjustment by positioning the objective at a predetermined distance from the sample holder before imaging begins. This preliminary positioning accounts for expected variations in sample holder thickness, allowing the system to maintain focus across multiple measurement locations without requiring time-consuming corrective adjustments at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the focal parameter by adjusting the objective distance to a predetermined value that compensates for sample holder variations. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain accurate focus across locations with varying thickness and curvature, reducing the need for repeated focus corrections and minimizing time loss.
3Reliability
If focus maintenance is automatically performed at each measurement location, then image quality is maintained, but the time required for focusing reduces the efficiency of parallel imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the focus control function across all imaging devices by coupling objectives to a single focus drive. This allows simultaneous focus maintenance across the entire camera array during parallel imaging, ensuring image quality consistency without sacrificing the efficiency gains from parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single focus drive mechanism enables continuous focus maintenance across all imaging devices throughout the parallel imaging process. This continuous action ensures that all objectives remain in focus simultaneously without interrupting the parallel imaging workflow, maintaining both image quality and imaging efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of generating in-focus images of measurement locations of a sample holder in a microscopy imaging system is provided. A camera array is positioned at a first distance from the sample holder. A first image of a measurement location is acquired using an imaging device disposed on the camera array. A candidate output image associated with the imaging device is developed in accordance with the first image. The camera array is positioned at a second distance from the sample holder and a second image of the measurement location is acquired using the imaging device. A portion of the candidate output image is updated in accordance with a portion of the second image in accordance with a selection criterion. The updated candidate image is transmitted.