Laser Autofocus for Surgical Microscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autofocus systems in surgical microscopes face delays and inaccuracies in focusing, particularly in determining the nonfocal position of a scattering source, leading to troublesome focus adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An autofocus device with a movable focusing lens and laser beams configured to pass through the lens, detecting laser scatter from nonfocal positions to determine the scattering source's position and adjust the lens accordingly, ensuring rapid and accurate focus adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional autofocus methods are used, then the system can achieve focus, but the focusing process experiences delays and inaccuracies in determining nonfocal position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces laser beams as an intermediary tool to probe the scattering source position. The laser scatter detection serves as a mediator between the imaging system and the nonfocal position determination, enabling rapid and accurate measurement without direct mechanical scanning or complex computational analysis of the entire image field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical autofocus mechanisms (such as manual focusing or mechanical scanning systems) with an optical-based laser scatter detection system. This substitution eliminates mechanical delays and inertia, enabling faster and more precise nonfocal position determination through light interaction with the scattering source.
2Productivity
If laser scatter detection is implemented, then rapid and accurate focus adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the laser beam system multi-functional by using it both for scatter detection and for verifying focus accuracy. The same laser infrastructure serves multiple purposes: determining nonfocal position, confirming focal plane alignment, and providing feedback for continuous focus maintenance, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The scattering source itself serves the dual purpose of being both the object of interest and the target for laser scatter detection. The natural scattering properties of the sample enable the system to self-diagnose its focus state without requiring external reference targets or additional calibration objects, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
The device enables rapid and robust autofocus capabilities by accurately determining the nonfocal position and moving the focusing lens to bring the scattering source to the focal plane, improving both speed and accuracy of focus adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam which is configured to pass through the focusing lens toward a focal plane; and a detector configured to collect laser scatter from a nonfocal position outside of the focal plane
Data Source
AI summary
An autofocus device is disclosed, including a focusing lens which is movable. A laser beam passes through the focusing lens toward a focal plane; and a detector collects laser scatter from a nonfocal position outside of the focal plane. The device determines, from the collected laser scatter, the nonfocal position of the scattering source, and moves the focusing lens, based on the determined nonfocal position, such that the scattering source is at an origin of the focal plane.