Confocal Scanner Linear Light Source Moving Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing confocal microscopes face challenges with expensive scanning mirrors, large optical systems, and the need for specialized equipment due to the requirement for a scanning mirror at the pupil position of the objective lens and the necessity to move the entire optical system for scanning, which complicates integration with manual microscopes and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A confocal scanner system that uses a linear light source and detector with a moving mechanism to maintain a conjugate positional relationship within the imaging surface of the microscope, allowing for orthogonal movement and integration with a general-purpose microscope, reducing the need for expensive components and specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a scanning mirror is used for high-speed scanning, then scanning speed is improved, but the system cost increases due to the expensive scanning mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scanning function from the expensive scanning mirror and implements it through a simpler mechanical translation mechanism. By removing the scanning mirror component entirely and using only translational movement of the objective lens assembly, the system achieves scanning capability without the high cost associated with precision scanning mirrors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, precision-critical scanning mirror with a simpler, less costly mechanical translation system. The scanning function is achieved through basic linear motion mechanisms rather than expensive optical scanning components, effectively substituting a cheap mechanical solution for an expensive optical one.
2Measurement precision
If a scanning mirror is disposed at the pupil position of the objective lens, then scanning performance is improved, but the optical system size increases due to the need for relay lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the scanning mirror from the pupil position and extracts the scanning function to a mechanical translation of the entire objective lens assembly. This eliminates the need for relay lenses that would be required to maintain the pupil position relationship, thereby reducing the overall optical system size.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the light path through a scanning mirror at the pupil position, the patent inverts the approach by physically translating the objective lens assembly itself. This reverses the conventional scanning architecture and eliminates the need for additional relay optics.
3Ease of operation
If the entire optical system is translationally moved for scanning, then scanning capability is achieved, but integration with manual microscopes becomes difficult requiring specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the microscope system into a fixed manual microscope portion and a movable confocal scanner portion. By making only the objective lens assembly and associated detectors movable while keeping the main microscope body stationary, the system can be integrated with existing manual microscopes without requiring the entire optical system to be specialized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal scanning module that can be mounted on standard manual microscopes. The movable objective lens assembly with confocal detectors functions as a standalone scanning unit that interfaces with the fixed microscope body, allowing the same scanning mechanism to work with various manual microscope platforms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~4A
AI summary
A confocal scanner mounted on a microscope includes a linear light source configured to emit linear light, a linear detector including a linear detection unit detecting incident light for each line, and a moving mechanism configured to translationally move the linear light source and the linear detector with respect to the microscope. The linear light source and the linear detector are disposed so as to have a positional relationship in which the linear light source and the linear detector correspond to each other within an imaging surface at conjugate positions with respect to a focal plane of the microscope.