Micro Image Acquiring Apparatus with Dynamic Focus Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of virtual microscopy, existing image acquisition systems face challenges in efficiently acquiring high-resolution images of samples containing multiple objects, as they require complex and repetitive image acquisition processes due to the need for precise focus control across multiple image acquiring ranges.
Innovation Solution
An image acquiring apparatus and method that utilize a micro image acquiring unit capable of scanning samples at a predetermined resolution, with an image pickup device that can acquire one-dimensional or two-dimensional images, and a control system to set and switch focus information between different image acquiring ranges, allowing for the acquisition of partial images by scanning in one direction and repeating the process while changing the image pickup position in another direction, enabling focus control across multiple objects within a sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate image acquisition processes are performed for each object in a sample, then focus control precision for each object is improved, but operational complexity and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sample into multiple image acquiring ranges, each corresponding to a different object or region. For each range, separate focus information (such as focus maps) is acquired and stored. During image acquisition, the system automatically selects and switches between different focus information based on the current scanning position, enabling precise focus control for each object while maintaining a unified acquisition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching of focus information during the image acquisition process. As the imaging head scans through different regions of the sample, the system automatically switches between different focus maps based on which image acquiring range is currently being scanned. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal focus for each object without requiring manual intervention or separate acquisition processes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate image acquisition processes are performed for each object, then focus control precision is improved, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary acquisition of focus information for multiple image acquiring ranges before the actual image acquisition process. Focus maps for all objects are acquired in advance and stored in memory. During subsequent image acquisition, the system simply switches between pre-acquired focus information based on the current scanning position, eliminating the need to perform focus acquisition repeatedly for each object and significantly reducing total acquisition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous image acquisition across multiple objects by implementing automatic switching between different focus information during a single scanning process. The system maintains uninterrupted scanning through the sample while dynamically adapting focus settings for each region, eliminating the need to stop and restart acquisition for each object, thus maintaining continuous productive action throughout the process.
3Productivity
If a single image acquisition process is used for multiple objects, then operational efficiency is improved, but focus control precision for individual objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different focus information to different regions of the sample based on local characteristics. Each image acquiring range has its own optimized focus map that accounts for the specific depth, orientation, and focus requirements of objects in that region. The system selects and applies the appropriate local focus information based on the current scanning position, ensuring optimal focus control for each object while maintaining a unified acquisition process.
4Manufacturing precision
If focus information is switched between multiple image acquiring ranges, then image quality across multiple objects is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic focus information switching system that self-manages the complexity of handling multiple focus maps. The system automatically determines which image acquiring range is currently being scanned and switches to the corresponding focus information without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach allows the system to handle complex multi-object focus requirements through automated decision-making and switching, maintaining high image quality while reducing operational burden.
Data Source
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AI summary
In acquisition of a micro image of a sample S by a micro image acquiring unit 30, when a plurality of image acquiring ranges are set for the sample S as an object of image acquisition, a plurality of corresponding focus information are set, and furthermore, when a plurality of partial images acquired by scanning the sample S by the micro image acquiring unit 30 include a partial image including mixing of a plurality of image acquiring ranges, the focus information is switched in the middle of scanning of the partial image. With such a structure, even when a plurality of objects are contained in the sample S, images of the respective objects can be preferably acquired. Thereby, an image acquiring apparatus, an image acquiring method, and an image acquiring program which are capable of preferably acquiring images of a plurality of objects are realized even when the plurality of objects are contained in a sample S.