Intermittent Microscope Autofocus Drift Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermittent photo-taking devices for microscopes face challenges in maintaining focus due to sample displacement along the optical axis caused by temperature changes or natural settling, leading to unfocused images over time.
Innovation Solution
An intermittent photo-taking device equipped with an autofocus system that adjusts the relative position between the objective lens and the sample stage, using an axial drive controller, autofocus device, and auto-scanning XY stage to maintain focus by setting and correcting focus positions relative to a predetermined reference position at each photo-taking timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If intermittent photo-taking is performed with a fixed focus position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to sample displacement along the optical axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focus adjustment by equipping the stage with an axial drive mechanism that can move along the optical axis. The control system continuously monitors focus status and automatically adjusts the stage position to maintain proper focusing during intermittent photo-taking, transforming a static focus system into a dynamic one that adapts to sample displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the control system monitors the actual focus position and compares it with the reference focus position. When displacement is detected, the system automatically generates correction commands to the axial drive mechanism, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains measurement precision despite sample movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stage is displaced along the optical axis due to temperature changes or natural settling, then the adaptability to environmental changes is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates as images become unfocused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary focus adjustment by establishing a reference focus position before intermittent photo-taking begins. The control system pre-configures the axial drive mechanism and focus detection system, enabling rapid correction when environmental changes cause displacement, thus maintaining precision while adapting to temperature variations and settling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the axial position parameter of the stage along the optical axis in response to detected focus deviations. The control system adjusts the stage's Z-position coordinate to compensate for environmental effects, transforming the system's response from passive to active parameter adjustment that maintains image quality.
3Measurement precision
If autofocus movement is performed at each photo-taking timing, then the measurement precision is improved, but the time required for photo-taking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial autofocus action by performing focus adjustment only when necessary rather than continuously. The control system determines the actual need for autofocus based on detected displacement events, executing autofocus movements selectively at moments when focus deviation occurs, thus reducing unnecessary time while maintaining precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic focus checking and adjustment at predetermined time intervals or upon detecting specific displacement conditions. Rather than continuous autofocus, the system performs periodic measurements and corrections, balancing the time required for focus precision with the overall photo-taking timeline by acting only at critical moments.
Data Source
AI summary
Providing an intermittent photo-taking device capable of correcting a focus drift in the optical axis direction by moving a stage to focus on a plurality focus position of a sample. The intermittent recording device 9 receives setting of a photo-taking timing for the intermittent recording, sets to a driving system 2 a plurality of focus points to take photographs of the sample in each photo-taking timing as relative positions with respect to a predetermined reference position, at each photo-taking timing, obtains a focus position as a reference position by the autofocus movement, varies the relative position between the microscope 1 and the stage 51 to focus on the set photo-taking position of the sample S on the basis of the obtained reference position and the relative positions, makes the photo-taking device 8 take photograph of the sample in each focus position, and captures the taken images.