Microscope Autofocusing Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autofocusing methods in microscopes, particularly surgical microscopes, are inefficient and time-consuming, especially at high magnifications, due to fixed focusing speeds that do not adapt to the microscope's magnification and marker spacing, making it difficult to achieve rapid and precise focusing.
Innovation Solution
An autofocusing method that adjusts the speed of the focus drive based on the spacing of spot-shaped markers, with the speed proportional to the marker spacing, using a polynomial or exponential function, and incorporating microscope magnification to optimize focusing speed, and employing point light sources and beam splitters to generate and detect markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed focusing speed is used in existing autofocusing methods, then the system structure remains simple, but the focusing becomes time-consuming and inefficient especially at high magnifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focusing speed adjustment by making the focus drive speed variable based on real-time marker spacing measurements. The control unit continuously adapts the focusing speed during the autofocusing process, transitioning from fixed to dynamic speed control, which resolves the contradiction between productivity improvement and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of focusing speed from a fixed value to a variable parameter that depends on marker spacing. By using mathematical functions (linear, quadratic, or exponential relationships) to determine speed based on measured marker distances, the system achieves adaptive focusing that improves productivity without requiring fundamentally new hardware.
2Measurement precision
If high magnification is used to achieve better image quality, then the detail resolution improves, but the autofocusing becomes more time-consuming due to smaller marker spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by measuring the actual marker spacing at different magnifications and using this information to adjust the focusing speed accordingly. The evaluation unit measures marker spacing, and the control unit uses this feedback to optimize the focusing process, ensuring that high magnification operations do not excessively increase focusing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts focusing speed based on the current magnification level and corresponding marker spacing. At higher magnifications where marker spacing is smaller, the system automatically reduces focusing speed to maintain precision while minimizing time loss, creating a dynamic adaptation to different operating conditions.
3Productivity
If the focus drive speed is increased to reduce focusing time, then the productivity improves, but the precision of focus alignment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed adjustment where the focus drive speed varies during the focusing process. The system starts with higher speeds when marker spacing is large and automatically reduces speed as markers approach their final position, maintaining both productivity and precision through continuous adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic measurement and adjustment cycles, where the marker spacing is continuously monitored and the focusing speed is periodically updated based on the current state. This periodic feedback ensures that precision is maintained during the high-speed focusing process by making real-time adjustments.
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 method enables rapid, precise, and adaptive autofocusing regardless of microscope magnification, preventing the focus adjustment from being perceived as time-consuming and ensuring accurate alignment of the working plane with the focal plane.
Implementation Method 1
at least two, in particular spot-shaped, markers are generated on an object... the spacing of which from one another representing an indication of the defocusing of a working plane in the object from the focal plane of the microscope
Implementation Method 2
an autofocus evaluation unit to which a detector beam path is delivered by means of a deflection element, said detector beam path representing the radiation, reflected from the object, of the autofocus beam path
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for autofocusing in a microscope (11), wherein two preferably spot-shaped, markers (12) are generated on an object, the spacing (d) of the markers representing an indication of the defocusing of a working plane (9) in the object from the focal plane (10) of the microscope (11). A focus drive (6) displaces the working plane (9) into the focal plane (10) as a function of the marker spacing (d). In order to allow rapid and exact focusing to be performed, a detector (4) acquires an image of the markers (12) generated on the object, an evaluation unit (7a) determines the spacing of the markers (12), and a control unit (7b) adjusts, as a function of the determined marker spacing (d), the speed of the focus drive (6) at which the working plane (9) is displaced into the focal plane (10).