Hypercentric Microscopy Aperture Positioning for 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopy devices struggle to create three-dimensional images of objects during ongoing production processes, especially when the object transport direction is not aligned with the optical axis, due to limitations in depth-of-field and the need for multiple scans or image combinations.
Innovation Solution
A microscopy device with a hypercentric perspective projection system, featuring an objective lens arrangement, a tube lens arrangement, and a sensor, where the aperture is positioned between the common focal plane and the tube lens arrangement, allowing for increased depth-of-field and enabling three-dimensional reconstruction using a structure-from-motion algorithm, while maintaining compact design and avoiding obstruction of the illumination beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional microscopy is used with shallow depth of field, then high lateral resolution is achieved, but three-dimensional reconstruction requires multiple scans and object stopping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hypercentric projection geometry where the aperture is positioned in front of the objective lens, creating a perspective projection that encodes depth information in the lateral image plane. This dimensional transformation allows depth-of-field extension without sacrificing lateral resolution, enabling continuous 3D reconstruction during object transport.
2Loss of information
If multiple scans at different distances are performed for 3D reconstruction, then depth information is captured, but object transport must be stopped and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hypercentric projection system captures depth information continuously during object transport in a single pass. The perspective projection geometry allows depth encoding in the lateral direction, eliminating the need for multiple scans at different axial positions and enabling uninterrupted inline inspection.
3Ease of operation
If aperture is positioned in conventional location (between objective and object), then standard microscopy is maintained, but depth of field remains shallow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the aperture from its conventional position between the objective lens and object, and relocates it to a position in front of the objective lens. This extraction and repositioning creates a hypercentric projection geometry that extends depth of field while preserving ease of operation with standard microscopy systems.
4Measurement precision
If hypercentric projection is implemented with aperture in front of objective, then depth of field is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hypercentric projection objective lens serves multiple functions: it provides both the magnification function of a conventional objective and the depth encoding function of a perspective projection system. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate depth-sensing components.
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 continuous three-dimensional reconstruction of objects during production, with improved depth and lateral resolution, and the ability to view objects from different angles, facilitating uninterrupted inline inspections without the need for object stopping or additional external attachments.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens arrangement (1) with an objective lens focal length f1 and an objective lens focal point F1
Implementation Method 2
a tube lens arrangement (2) with a tube lens focal length f2 and a tube lens focal point F2
Implementation Method 3
the aperture is positioned between the common focal plane and the tube lens arrangement, allowing for increased depth-of-field
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~5
Figure 6a~7c
AI summary
The invention relates to a microscopy device (100) for producing three-dimensional images of objects (4) located in a planar object area (g), comprising an objective lens arrangement (1) with an objective lens focal length (f1), a tube lens arrangement (2) with a tube lens focal length (f2), and a sensor (3), wherein the objective lens arrangement (1) and the tube lens arrangement (2) have a common optical axis, wherein an object area (g) for arranging objects (4) to be examined is arranged at a distance from the objective lens arrangement (1) in the area of the objective lens arrangement (1) facing away from the tube lens arrangement (2), and wherein the sensor (3) is arranged at a distance from the tube lens arrangement (2) in the area of the tube lens arrangement (2) facing away from the objective lens arrangement (1). is trained to reproduce images of objects to be examined (4),in particular to record, - wherein an aperture (B) is provided, through whose aperture opening (D) the common optical axis passes, wherein the aperture (B) and/or the aperture opening (D) is located in a region of the common optical axis between the sensor (3) and the focal point (F1) of the objective lens arrangement (1) which is located between the objective lens arrangement (1) and the tube lens arrangement (2).