Imaging System Refraction Compensation via Reference Object
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging systems face challenges in accurately determining the position and size of imaging subjects when a light transmitting member is interposed on the imaging optical axis, leading to refraction and distortion of optical paths, which affects the precision of cell and tip end opening positioning in medical and biological research applications.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that includes an imaging device and a calculation unit to acquire data on the position and size of the imaging subject based on image information, with the calculation unit correcting for changes caused by the interposition of a light transmitting member by measuring focal extension amounts or size change rates, allowing for accurate determination of positions and sizes despite optical refraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light transmitting member is interposed on the imaging optical axis to enable imaging through transparent containers and bases, then imaging capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to optical refraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of refractive index by introducing a reference object with a known refractive index different from the light transmitting member. This allows the system to compensate for refraction effects caused by the container and base, enabling accurate position and size measurements while maintaining imaging capability through these components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference object as an intermediary element in the imaging path. This reference object serves as a mediator to measure and compensate for the refraction effects introduced by the light transmitting member, allowing both imaging capability and measurement precision to be maintained simultaneously.
2Extent of automation
If autofocus mechanism is used to determine tip end opening position, then automation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to refraction through light transmitting members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the autofocus mechanism by incorporating refraction compensation based on the refractive index parameters of the light transmitting member. The system adjusts the focal position calculation to account for the optical path changes caused by the container and base, maintaining automated tip positioning while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the position of the reference object is used to calculate and compensate for refraction effects in real-time. This feedback loop allows the autofocus mechanism to automatically adjust for optical distortions, maintaining both automation and precision in tip end opening position determination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If imaging through transparent base and container is performed, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to refraction effects
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring high manufacturing precision for the transparent components, the patent changes the approach by measuring and compensating for refraction effects using a reference object. This allows the use of standard transparent containers and bases without stringent manufacturing tolerances, while still achieving accurate imaging and measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful refraction effect into a useful measurement parameter. By using the refraction caused by the light transmitting member to determine the position of a reference object, the system calculates compensation values that improve overall measurement accuracy, turning the optical distortion into a beneficial feature for calibration.
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 precise determination of positions and sizes of imaging subjects, even when light transmitting members cause optical refraction, thereby improving the accuracy of cell and tip end opening positioning in medical and biological research applications.
Implementation Method 1
the position and size of the cells and the position of the tip end opening of the tip are not accurately determined because of the interposed light transmitting member such as the container and the base that causes refraction of optical path
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes an imaging device configured to image an imaging subject on an imaging optical axis, and a calculation unit configured to acquire data relating to a position and/or a size of the imaging subject based on image information acquired by the imaging device through the imaging. The calculation unit acquires change information relating to condition change in the imaging and/or change in the imaging subject on the image. The change is caused by interposition of a light transmitting member when the light transmitting member is interposed on the imaging optical axis during the imaging, and the calculation unit corrects the data based on the change information.