Image Recognition Laser Ablation Position Recall

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Solution Overview

Problem

Analytical laser ablation systems face precision issues due to bi-directional repeatability errors in XYZ positioning systems, leading to inaccurate laser placement on zircon crystal grains, which can result in missed targets and skewed data, especially when handling a large number of small grains.

Innovation Solution

Software-based image recognition is used to compare saved XYZ stage coordinates and kernel images of the ablation pattern with current camera/microscope views during an experimental run, allowing for corrective movements to ensure precise laser placement by calculating and applying offset moves to correct positioning errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If an open-loop XYZ positioning system is used for laser ablation, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates due to bi-directional repeatability errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning system complexityVSAvoidlaser placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures images at intended laser locations and uses image recognition to detect actual grain positions, comparing them with the planned pattern. This feedback loop identifies positioning errors and enables corrective actions, resolving the precision issue in open-loop systems without adding complex hardware feedback mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces reliance on mechanical positioning precision with a software-based image recognition and pattern matching system. Instead of depending on the mechanical XYZ stage accuracy, the system uses visual detection and computational methods to locate and correct positioning deviations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual operator intervention is used to correct positioning errors, then positioning precision can be maintained, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming corrections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser placement precisionVSAvoidexperimental run efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects positioning errors through image recognition and calculates corrective offsets without requiring manual operator intervention. The software autonomously compares actual grain positions with intended locations and determines necessary corrections, enabling the system to self-correct positioning deviations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Automatic feedback through image comparison enables real-time detection and correction of positioning errors during experimental runs, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining both precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the laser ablates at incorrect positions due to positioning errors, then data accuracy deteriorates, but the positioning system operates without additional complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning system complexityVSAvoiddata accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary image capture and pattern recognition before laser ablation at each location. By verifying the actual position matches the intended position beforehand, the system prevents inaccurate ablation and ensures data reliability before the analytical measurement occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method significantly improves the precision of laser placement in open-loop XYZ stage control systems without requiring additional hardware, ensuring accurate targeting of zircon crystal grains and reducing the need for manual operator intervention.

Implementation Method 1

The ejecting may be done for example by laser ablating a portion of the target with one or more laser pulses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

the ejected particles are typically entrained by the flowing carrier gas and transported to an analysis system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS10026195B2Image recognition base ablation pattern position recall

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 ELEMENTAL SCI LASERS LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention exemplarily described herein relate generally to saving XYZ stage coordinates for intended laser locations as well as a kernel image of an ablation pattern placed during a scan placement process, and comparing the kernel image to a current image of the current field of view of a camera/microscope that includes the location a laser would be fired at. This comparison is used during an experimental run to correct for any built up error. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses and methods for software based image recognition to correct errors in open looped systems for positioning a sample relative to a laser in analysis systems for zircon crystal grain dating.