Microscope Camera Field of View Adjustment for Optical Fiber Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical variability and technician error can cause a microscope to erroneously move a camera, leading to duplicate images of the same optical fiber, missed images, or other errors during the analysis of optical fibers in an optical cable.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with a camera and processor is used to capture and compare images of interstitial material associated with optical fibers, determining if the expected set of optical fibers is present and adjusting the field of view as needed to correct for errors in camera movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual review and inspection of captured images is performed to identify errors, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification by automatically comparing captured images against expected parameters (optical fiber positions, interstitial material patterns) to identify errors without human intervention. The microscope system itself conducts the quality control function that would traditionally require manual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where captured images are immediately compared against reference data, and error information is fed back to operators or used to trigger automatic corrections. This real-time feedback mechanism eliminates delays associated with manual review while maintaining high detection accuracy.
2Productivity
If automated image comparison and error detection is implemented, then productivity is improved and loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microscope system is designed to perform multiple functions: primary imaging, automated quality verification, error detection, and field-of-view adjustment. By making the system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated verification equipment, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while still achieving automated error detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection processes with automated computational image analysis. Software-based comparison algorithms substitute for human operators, and automated field-of-view adjustment replaces manual camera repositioning, reducing the need for complex mechanical intervention systems.
3Measurement precision
If the field of view is adjusted to correct camera movement errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microscope system automatically detects field-of-view errors through image comparison and self-corrects by adjusting the camera position. The system performs its own alignment and positioning functions without requiring external intervention or complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from image comparison results to drive automatic field-of-view adjustments. Error detection outcomes directly inform camera repositioning actions, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains precision without requiring complex manual intervention mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may capture, using a camera associated with a microscope, a first image of interstitial material associated with a first set of optical fibers in a field of view of the camera. The device may perform a comparison of the first image of interstitial material and a second image of interstitial material associated with a second set of optical fibers. The device may determine that the first set of optical fibers does not include an expected set of optical fibers based on a result of performing the comparison. The device may determine an amount by which to adjust the field of view of the camera based on the result of performing the comparison. The device may perform one or more actions.