Immersion Medium Control via Autofocus Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopy methods face challenges in automatically detecting and controlling the supply of an immersion medium between the front lens and a preparation in automated microscopes, as manual application is elaborate and difficult to evaluate, and prior solutions either require additional hardware or are complex to implement.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an autofocus device with a detection unit that records and evaluates the autofocus signal and reflection of a modulation object to automatically adjust and control the immersion medium supply, differentiating between states using intensity changes and refractive index differences, without requiring additional hardware components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a sensor unit is attached to the objective to detect the immersion film state, then the detection capability is improved, but the structural complexity of the microscope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing autofocus device is made to serve dual purposes: its original focusing function and the new function of detecting immersion medium presence. By evaluating the autofocus signal and reflection characteristics, the system detects immersion state without adding dedicated sensing hardware, thus achieving multi-functionality of existing components
Solution Approach 2:
The autofocus system serves itself by using its own operational signals (autofocus signal and reflection characteristics) to detect the immersion medium state. The system leverages signals already present in its operation rather than requiring external or additional sensing mechanisms, making the system self-diagnostic
2Device complexity
If focal coordinate evaluation is used to detect immersion fluid, then the detection method is simplified, but the determination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the autofocus signal intensity and reflection characteristics to determine immersion medium presence. By continuously monitoring these signals during the autofocus process, the system can detect immersion state without complex focal coordinate measurements, using simple intensity threshold evaluation instead
3Measurement precision
If manual application of immersion medium is used, then the control precision is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when immersion medium is needed and controls its supply without operator intervention. The autofocus signal evaluation triggers automated immersion medium dispensing, eliminating the need for manual application while maintaining precise control through objective-based detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the autofocus signal continuously monitors the immersion film region state and automatically triggers immersion medium supply when deficiency is detected. This closed-loop control replaces manual operation with automated decision-making based on real-time optical feedback
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 and automatic detection and control of the immersion medium supply, detecting foreign bodies and ensuring the required amount is available, while avoiding hardware modifications and simplifying the evaluation process.
Implementation Method 1
evaluates the autofocus signal of the light source and/or a reflection of a modulation object arranged in the intermediate image plane of an incident light illumination
Implementation Method 2
Recording the autofocus signal as back reflection from an autofocus device and/or recording the reflection of the modulation object
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting and controlling supply of an immersion medium into an immersion film region between the front lens of a microscope objective and a preparation, particularly in automated microscopes, using a light source which is reflected into the microscope beam path by means of a beam splitter. The state of the immersion film region is recorded and evaluated in a detection unit of the microscope or a detection unit of the autofocus device through an autofocus signal of the light source and/or a reflection of a modulation object arranged in the intermediate image plane of an incident light illumination, and is transmitted to a control unit for the purpose of a change or an error treatment of the immersion process.