Focus Control Unit Using Preliminary Macro Imaging for Segmented Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image capturing apparatuses face an increase in processing time due to the need for pre-focus adjustments when imaging segmented regions, especially when the imaging range is divided into a large number of regions, which can lead to reduced focus accuracy and longer imaging times.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus that includes a stage, a light source, a light guiding optical system with a light dividing unit, a first imaging unit, a second imaging unit, and a focus control unit that analyzes images to control the focus position, storing control results from previous segmented regions to determine the initial focus position for subsequent regions, thereby simplifying the pre-focus process and reducing processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-focus adjustment is performed for each segmented region, then focus accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a macro image capture of the entire sample region before dividing it into segmented regions. The focus map is created in advance from this macro image, showing focus positions for all segmented regions. This preliminary focus map creation eliminates the need for time-consuming pre-focus adjustments during subsequent high-magnification imaging of each segmented region, as the objective lens can directly move to predetermined focus positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a focus map in advance that stores focus positions for multiple segmented regions. This focus map is generated from a macro image captured before the detailed imaging process. By having this preliminary focus information available, the system avoids performing repetitive pre-focus adjustments during the actual segmented region imaging, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining focus accuracy.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of segmented regions is increased to cover a larger imaging range, then imaging coverage is improved, but the number of pre-focus operations increases leading to longer processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a comprehensive focus map in advance that covers all segmented regions within the entire imaging range. This focus map is generated from a macro image that captures the full sample area, allowing the system to pre-determine focus positions for all segmented regions regardless of how many regions are created. This eliminates the need to perform pre-focus operations for each region during imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the imaging process into two segments: a preliminary macro imaging stage that captures the entire sample area to create a focus map, and a subsequent high-magnification imaging stage that processes segmented regions using the pre-created focus map. This segmentation allows the system to handle large imaging ranges by creating once a comprehensive focus guide that serves all segmented regions.
3Productivity
If focus acquisition positions are decreased to reduce processing time, then imaging speed is improved, but focus accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary macro imaging of the entire sample area to create a comprehensive focus map that contains focus position information for all segmented regions. This preliminary action provides accurate focus position data without requiring multiple focus acquisition operations during high-magnification imaging, thus maintaining focus accuracy while improving imaging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a focus map that serves as a copy or representation of the focus information for the entire sample area. This focus map is generated from macro image data and contains predetermined focus positions for all segmented regions. By using this focus map copy, the system avoids performing repeated focus acquisition measurements during actual imaging, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving speed.
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
This approach allows for a significant reduction in processing time necessary for imaging by accurately determining the initial focus position using control results from previous regions, maintaining focus accuracy even with a large number of segmented regions.
Implementation Method 1
a light guiding optical system including a light dividing unit which divides an optical image of the sample into a first optical path for capturing an image and a second optical path for focus control
Implementation Method 2
a first imaging unit which captures a first image by a first optical image divided into the first optical path
Implementation Method 3
a second imaging unit which captures a second image by a second optical image divided into the second optical path
Implementation Method 4
a focus control unit which analyzes the second image so as to control a focus position of an image pickup by the first imaging unit based on the analysis result
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus is configured to store the control result of a focus position during scanning of segmented regions 40 and determine an initial focus position in scanning of the (n+1)th segmented region 40, based on the control result stored during scanning of the nth (n is an integer of 1 or more) or earlier segmented region. The foregoing technique allows this image capturing apparatus to roughly determine the initial focus position in the next-scanned segmented region 40 by making use of the control result of the segmented region 40 the scanning of which has been already completed. This can suppress increase in processing time necessary for imaging, by simplification of pre-focus.