Chessboard Calibration Plate for Digital Microscope Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration methods for digital microscopes are either user-intensive, prone to errors, or lack accuracy due to reliance on user intervention and sensitivity to production tolerances, brightness variations, or limited one-dimensional magnification calculations.
Innovation Solution
A calibration plate with a chessboard-like pattern of periodically arranged grid cells, where boundaries and apexes can be identified by the digital microscope's optical imaging system, allowing for automatic, accurate calibration through image processing algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a graduated ruler pattern is used for calibration, then the calibration process can be performed with a reference object of known size, but the calibration accuracy depends on user operation and requires too much user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The chessboard pattern enables the calibration system to automatically identify and measure grid intersections without human intervention. The software autonomously detects the pattern, calculates pixel distances between intersections, and determines magnification factors, eliminating the need for users to manually select measurement points while maintaining high calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement operations with automated image processing algorithms. Instead of users physically measuring and inputting data, the system uses computer vision to automatically analyze the chessboard pattern in captured images, perform coordinate transformations, and calculate calibration parameters through software-based image processing
2Ease of manufacture
If theoretical calibration is used by calculating total magnification, then magnification can be derived from component specifications, but it cannot take into account individual device production tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from theoretical magnification parameters (based on nominal component specifications) to actual measured parameters (pixel distances between chessboard intersections). By capturing real images of the calibration pattern and measuring actual geometric relationships, the system accounts for production tolerances and individual device variations, achieving higher accuracy while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical calibration pattern through image capture. The chessboard pattern is photographed by the microscope's camera, and the software analyzes this digital representation to extract precise measurement data. This copying approach allows the system to measure actual physical dimensions including manufacturing variations without requiring complex mechanical measurement apparatus
3Measurement precision
If pitch magnification calibration is used with repeatable identical features, then precision of magnification calibration is significantly improved, but brightness variations affect the accuracy of pitch value determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves from one-dimensional brightness-based pitch measurement to two-dimensional geometric relationship measurement. Instead of relying solely on signal intensity maxima and minima along a single scan line, the system analyzes the spatial coordinates of chessboard intersection points in the image plane, using geometric constraints and coordinate transformations that are insensitive to brightness variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the chessboard intersection points as intermediary reference features. These intersections serve as stable geometric mediators that connect the physical calibration pattern to the digital image coordinate system. By measuring distances between these intermediary points rather than directly analyzing brightness values, the system eliminates the harmful effect of brightness variations while maintaining calibration precision
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
Enables simple, reliable, and precise calibration of digital microscopes by automatically calculating magnification using the known positions and relative relationships of grid cell boundaries and apexes, reducing user error and manufacturing tolerances impact.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of boundary and/or at least some of the apexes of each grid cell can be identified by an optical imaging system of the digital microscope
Implementation Method 2
a calibration area (2) formed with a surface structure which includes a plurality of grid cells arranged periodically
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration plate for measuring calibration of digital microscope and methods of using the same. The calibration plate comprises at least one calibration area formed with a surface structure which includes a plurality of grid cells arranged periodically, wherein at least part of boundary and/or at least part of apexes of each grid cell can be identified by an optical imaging system of the digital microscope. The invention also includes a digital microscope system equipped with the calibration plate.