Microscope Autofocus Using Reference Positions to Reduce Detection Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope systems require significant time to detect Z-positions for objective lenses over a large area, leading to delays in starting image acquisition during time-lapse observation.
Innovation Solution
A microscope system with an electrically powered stage, scanner, low-magnification and high-magnification objective lenses, and an autofocus mechanism that uses reference positions to quickly adjust and focus the high-magnification lens, allowing for faster detection of focal positions and reduced time before image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If Z-positions for objective lenses are detected within a search range in the Z-axis direction over a large area, then the detection can cover the entire observation area, but the detection time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection process into two stages: first detecting Z-positions at multiple reference positions (first detection), then using these references to quickly determine Z-positions at other positions (second detection). This segmentation reduces the search range for each individual detection operation, significantly cutting down detection time while maintaining coverage of the entire observation area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of Z-positions at multiple reference positions before actual image acquisition. These pre-detected reference Z-positions are stored and then used to rapidly determine Z-positions at other locations through calculation rather than direct detection, eliminating the need for time-consuming full-area search during the actual observation process.
2Productivity
If Z-positions are detected over a large area before starting observation, then all positions can be prepared in advance, but the time required before starting image acquisition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into reference position detection (performed in advance) and target position determination (performed quickly using references). This allows the system to prepare reference data beforehand while maintaining high productivity during actual operation by avoiding repeated full-area detections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mapping relationship between reference positions and other positions in the observation area. Instead of directly detecting every position, the system uses the detected reference Z-positions to calculate and determine Z-positions at other locations, effectively copying the detection results through mathematical relationships rather than direct measurement.
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 configuration reduces the time required for focal position detection, ensuring timely image acquisition and maintaining focus during time-lapse observation, even with multiple observation positions and potential focus drift due to temperature changes or aberrations.
Implementation Method 1
a scanner that scans laser light with which the specimen placed on the electrically powered stage is irradiated
Implementation Method 2
a low-magnification objective lens that focuses the laser light scanned by the scanner onto the specimen
Implementation Method 3
an image-acquisition portion that acquires an image of the specimen by detecting return light that returns from the specimen due to the irradiation with the laser light
Implementation Method 4
an autofocus portion that adjusts a distance in an optical-axis direction between the revolver and the electrically powered stage based on a luminance of the return light
Data Source
AI summary
A desired observation timing is ensured, and simultaneity of observation among different observation positions is ensured. Provided is a microscope system including an electrically powered stage, a scanner, objective lenses, a revolver, an image-acquisition portion, an autofocus portion, a first storage portion that stores one of the focal positions of the low-magnification objective lens as a reference position, a focal-position setting portion that sets a focal position at which an image is acquired with reference to the reference position for the low-magnification objective lens, an acquisition-position setting portion that sets acquisition positions for partial images, and a map-image generating portion that generates a map image based on the partial images acquired at the set focal position, wherein the autofocus portion detects a focal position of the high-magnification objective lens at an observation position set on the map image with reference to the reference position for the low-magnification objective lens.