Real-time Line Scan Focusing via Multi-sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto-focus methods in microscope imaging systems, such as laser-based interferometers and image content analysis, face challenges with focusing accuracy for tissue samples with large height variations and incur time delays due to the need for multiple image acquisitions at different focus depths.
Innovation Solution
A multiple independent linear sensor apparatus that performs real-time focusing by using a focusing sensor and an imaging sensor in conjunction, where the focusing sensor captures image data ahead of the imaging sensor, allowing for instantaneous or near-instantaneous focusing during line scan imaging by determining optimal focus heights and adjusting the objective lens accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser-based interferometer is used for sensing slide position, then global focus information can be obtained, but focusing accuracy for tissue samples with large height variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the focusing task into multiple independent linear sensors, each responsible for a specific region or depth range. This segmentation allows each sensor to independently measure focus information for its designated area, enabling accurate focusing across tissue samples with large height variations that would be impossible for a single global interferometer measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point interferometric measurement to distributed linear sensor arrays that provide focus information across multiple dimensions (spatial and depth). This dimensional expansion enables the system to capture focus status at multiple locations and depths simultaneously, resolving the limitation of global focus information.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image acquisitions at different focus depths are performed, then focusing accuracy can be improved, but time delays between focusing and imaging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs focusing sensors to perform preliminary focus detection and measurement before the actual imaging process. By pre-determining the optimal focus position using the focusing sensor array, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming multiple image acquisitions at different depths, achieving both accurate focusing and real-time imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces focusing sensors as intermediary devices that mediate between the objective lens and the imaging sensor. These focusing sensors provide real-time focus information that directly controls the lens positioning, eliminating the need for iterative image acquisition and processing loops that cause time delays.
3Device complexity
If conventional auto-focus methods are used, then system complexity can be maintained at acceptable levels, but productivity of digital pathology process deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the focusing function and imaging function into a unified real-time operation by using multiple independent linear sensors that simultaneously provide focus information and capture images. This integration eliminates sequential operations and improves productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous focusing and imaging operations by using the multiple independent linear sensors to continuously monitor and adjust focus position during the scanning process. This continuous action eliminates interruptions and time delays, significantly improving the productivity of the digital pathology process.
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 approach eliminates time delays in image scanning, provides accurate real-time focusing, and ensures high-quality digital image acquisition by optimizing focus heights for each position on the sample, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the digital pathology process.
Implementation Method 1
a focusing sensor and an imaging sensor in conjunction, where the focusing sensor captures image data ahead of the imaging sensor, allowing for instantaneous or near-instantaneous focusing during line scan imaging by determining optimal focus heights
Data Source
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AI summary
System for acquiring a digital image of a sample on a microscope slide. In an embodiment, the system comprises a stage configured to support a sample, an objective lens having a single optical axis that is orthogonal to the stage, an imaging sensor, and a focusing sensor. The system further comprises at least one beam splitter optically coupled to the objective lens and configured to receive a field of view corresponding to the optical axis of the objective lens, and simultaneously provide at least a first portion of the field of view to the imaging sensor and at least a second portion of the field of view to the focusing sensor. The focusing sensor may simultaneously acquire image(s) at a plurality of different focal distances and/or simultaneously acquire a pair of mirrored images, each comprising pixels acquired at a plurality of different focal distances.