Macro Stereo Imaging Specimen Rotation and Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing macro photographic systems are inadequate for capturing high-resolution, three-dimensional focus stacked images of small specimens, as they often result in out-of-focus images due to shallow depth of field and are not suitable for capturing the entire surface area of a specimen, with known apparatuses being cumbersome and affecting image quality due to stability and vibration issues.
Innovation Solution
A macro photographic apparatus and method that includes a rigid longitudinal member with a camera mount and a translation device for moving the specimen along a static line of focus, combined with a rotation device allowing 360-degree rotation around two perpendicular axes, enabling the capture of focus stacked images from multiple angles to create a three-dimensional image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a camera is moved to capture focus stacked images, then the depth of field coverage is improved, but image stability deteriorates due to vibration and backlash
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the camera along the optical axis to achieve focus stacking, the patent inverts the approach by moving the specimen along the optical axis toward and away from the camera. This inversion resolves the technical contradiction because the specimen is much lighter than the camera, allowing precise positioning without inducing vibration or backlash that would compromise image stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a translation device as an intermediary mechanism between the specimen and the camera. This device enables precise movement of the specimen along the optical axis while isolating the camera from mechanical disturbances. The translation device acts as a mediator that achieves the required focus depth coverage without transmitting vibration to the camera system.
2Manufacturing precision
If a massive camera is moved to create a stack of images, then the focus stacking capability is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the movement mechanism by inverting which component is moved. Instead of designing a robust, complex mechanism to move a massive camera, the system moves the lightweight specimen using a simple translation device. This inversion dramatically reduces device complexity and power requirements while maintaining focus stacking capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the camera is fixed at a single position, then image stability is improved, but the ability to capture the entire surface area of a specimen deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational movement around two perpendicular axes as an additional dimension to the single-axis translation. This combination of linear translation along the optical axis and rotation around perpendicular axes enables the specimen to present its entire surface area to the camera while the camera remains fixed, thereby capturing complete surface coverage without compromising image stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the specimen holder dynamic by enabling rotation around two perpendicular axes while keeping the camera fixed. This dynamic positioning of the specimen allows different surface areas to be presented to the stationary camera, achieving complete surface coverage without requiring camera movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A macro photographic apparatus for creating focus stacked images of a specimen may include a rigid longitudinal member having a longitudinal axis and including a camera mount thereon. A translation device may be fixed to the member for translating the specimen along the member toward and away from the camera mount. A rotation device may be mounted on the translation device. The rotation device may support the specimen and enable rotation of the specimen around first and second axes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the member. At any single position of the translation device along the longitudinal axis of the member, as the specimen is rotated around the first and second axes, the spatial location of the specimen remains substantially the same.