Image Acquisition Device with Beam Splitter for Focus Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image acquisition devices face difficulties in performing optical adjustments, particularly when the scanning direction changes, due to the complexity of adjusting the optical surface forming the optical path branching means, and issues with light entering the imaging surface of the second imaging means through a half mirror and mirror configuration.
Innovation Solution
The device includes a beam splitter that branches light into a first optical path for focus control and a second optical path for image acquisition, with a pupil dividing element to create separate optical images, allowing for sub-array reading and focus control before capturing images with the second imaging element, which is positioned behind the first in the scanning direction, enabling easy optical axis alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a half mirror and mirror configuration is used to branch optical paths, then image acquisition is enabled, but optical adjustment becomes difficult when scanning direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror-based optical path branching system with a beam splitter that uses polarization or wavelength-based optical properties. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical angle adjustments and complex optical alignment when changing scanning directions, as the beam splitter maintains its functionality through its inherent optical characteristics rather than mechanical positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical path into separate channels using a beam splitter, creating distinct optical paths for different scanning directions. This segmentation allows each path to be independently optimized and adjusted, reducing the complexity of overall optical alignment and enabling easier adjustment when scanning direction changes.
2Device complexity
If focus control is performed after image capture, then image acquisition is simplified, but focus accuracy deteriorates due to scanning position variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs focus control before image capture by using a preliminary imaging element to capture focus information at the current scanning position. This preliminary action allows the focus position to be determined and adjusted in advance, ensuring accurate focus when the main image capture occurs, thereby maintaining both simplicity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where focus information captured by the first imaging element is fed back to the control unit, which then adjusts the objective lens focus position before the second imaging element captures the main image. This feedback loop ensures continuous focus accuracy despite scanning position variations.
3Device complexity
If a single optical path is used for both focus control and image acquisition, then device complexity is reduced, but functional interference occurs between the two processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into two separate channels using a beam splitter: one path for focus control (through the first imaging element) and another for main image acquisition (through the second imaging element). This segmentation prevents functional interference between the two processes while maintaining overall system simplicity through shared optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a multi-functional beam splitter that can route light to either the first imaging element for focus control or the second imaging element for main image acquisition. This universal component enables both functions to coexist in a compact optical system without requiring completely separate optical paths, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining functional independence.
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 configuration allows for easy optical adjustment and improved focus control, enabling accurate image acquisition while simplifying the alignment of optical axes, even when the scanning direction varies.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter configured to branch the first irradiation light and the second irradiation light guided by the objective lens into a first optical path for controlling a focus and a second optical path for acquiring an image
Implementation Method 2
a pupil dividing element configured to divide an optical image of the sample in the first optical path into a first optical image and a second optical image
Implementation Method 3
a first imaging lens configured to form each of the first optical image and the second optical image
Implementation Method 4
a first imaging element configured to include an imaging surface having a plurality of pixels arranged in two dimensions, and acquire first image data by sub-array reading for at least a part of each of the first optical image and the second optical image formed on the imaging surface by the first imaging lens
Implementation Method 5
a second imaging lens configured to form an optical image of the sample in the second optical path
Implementation Method 6
a second imaging element configured to capture an optical image of the sample formed by the second imaging lens and acquire second image data for forming an image of the sample
Data Source
AI summary
An image acquisition device includes: a stage on which a sample is placed; a drive unit; a first irradiation optical system; a second irradiation optical system; a beam splitter; a pupil dividing element; a first imaging lens; a first imaging element; an analysis unit; a control unit; a second imaging lens; and a second imaging element, a first irradiation light irradiation range captured by the first irradiation optical system includes a second imaging region captured by the second imaging element, the second imaging region is located behind a first imaging region in a scanning direction, and the control unit controls a focus position of an objective lens based on focus information before capturing the second imaging region by the second imaging element.