Dynamic Autofocus for Microarray Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical imaging systems face challenges with slow image acquisition rates due to separate focus mechanisms that require initial focus measurements and adjustments before capturing images, leading to increased cycle time and potential misalignment of focal planes.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic focus control method and system that scans a sample with an optical assembly, shifts the focal setting during scanning, analyzes images to obtain focus scores, and adjusts the focus setting based on these scores to maintain optimal focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate focus mechanism is used to maintain focus before image capture, then focus accuracy is improved, but image acquisition speed deteriorates due to increased cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the focus detection and image capture functions into a single integrated system. The same illumination source and detector are used for both focus measurement and image acquisition, eliminating the need for separate focus mechanisms and reducing cycle time while maintaining focus accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs focus measurements continuously during the scanning process rather than before image capture. By incorporating focus detection as part of the regular imaging sequence, the system maintains ready focus information without adding preliminary steps that would increase cycle time.
2Measurement precision
If a separate focus mechanism with separate components is implemented, then focus control capability is improved, but system complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source and detector serve dual purposes: they are used both for image capture and for focus measurements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated focus mechanism components, reducing system complexity while maintaining focus control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own imaging components (illumination source and detector) to perform focus measurements, rather than requiring external focus measurement devices. The system essentially measures its own focus state using the same hardware already present for imaging.
3Manufacturing precision
If focus measurements are performed before image capture, then focus alignment accuracy is improved, but time between image captures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs focus measurements continuously during the scanning process rather than in discrete pre-capture steps. Focus detection is integrated into the continuous scanning and imaging operation, maintaining focus alignment accuracy while eliminating idle time between measurements and captures.
Solution Approach 2:
Focus information is obtained as part of the regular scanning sequence, preparing focus data in advance for subsequent image capture without requiring separate preliminary measurement steps. The scanning process itself generates the focus information needed for accurate alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for scanning a microarray, including (a) providing a microarray to an optical scanner, wherein the microarray includes a surface having features having different target molecules; (b) scanning the surface in the x or y direction to acquire optical signals from the features at sequential regions of the surface, wherein the focus setting between the optical scanner and the surface is dynamically controlled in real time by repeatedly (i) adding a predetermined focal offset, thereby introducing an error in the focus setting, and (ii) adjusting the focus setting to reduce the error in the focus setting, thereby acquiring the optical signals from different regions at different degrees of focus such that a subset of the regions that are scanned have an introduced focus error; and (c) analyzing the optical signals that are obtained at the different degrees of focus to identify the different target molecules.