Microscope Camera Module with Adjustable Focal Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope camera modules require adjustments to the microscope settings to record images outside the focal plane, which is inconvenient and limits the ability to capture microscopic images with an extended depth of field.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with an optical interface and mechanical interface that allows integration into the microscope's imaging beam path, featuring a functional element for altering the focal position and correcting aberrations, enabling image capture at multiple focal positions without modifying the microscope settings, using a combination of micromirrors and optical assemblies to achieve extended depth of field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the microscope settings are adjusted to record images outside the focal plane, then images at different focal positions can be captured, but the operation becomes inconvenient and the microscope settings are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera module as an intermediary device between the microscope and the image sensor. This module contains optical elements (lens, mirror) that can be adjusted independently to capture images at different focal positions without changing the microscope's original settings. The camera module acts as a mediator that handles the focal plane adjustment functionality separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the imaging system into two independent parts: the microscope (which maintains its original settings) and the camera module (which handles focal position adjustments). This segmentation allows the camera module to provide extended depth of field functionality without affecting the microscope's operation or requiring adjustments to the microscope itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the microscope settings are altered to capture images outside the focal plane, then extended depth of field imaging is possible, but the microscope configuration is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module serves as an intermediary that provides extended depth of field imaging capability without requiring changes to the microscope's configuration. The optical elements within the camera module (adjustable lens and mirror) handle the focal plane variations, preserving the microscope's original settings and configuration stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module incorporates dynamically adjustable optical elements (lens and mirror) that can change their position or configuration to achieve extended depth of field imaging. This dynamic adjustment occurs within the camera module itself, leaving the microscope's static configuration unchanged.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional optical components are added to the microscope to capture images outside the focal plane, then imaging flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the focal plane adjustment functionality with the camera assembly, merging the optical elements (lens, mirror) and adjustment mechanisms into a single integrated camera module. This consolidation provides imaging flexibility while containing the complexity within a unified component rather than adding separate elements to the microscope system.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module is designed as a universal component that provides multiple functions: capturing images at the nominal focal plane, capturing images at extended focal positions, and potentially adjusting magnification. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single module, avoiding the need for multiple separate additions to the microscope.
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
Enables recording of images with an extended depth of field without altering the microscope settings, facilitating flexible imaging without the need for modifications or extensions to the microscope, while maintaining high image sharpness and correcting spherical aberrations.
Implementation Method 1
The camera module comprises a functional element for altering an intermediate image plane, wherein a distance along the beam path between the functional element and the optical interface and/or a distance along the beam path between the first optical assembly and the optical interface is alterable so that an image of an exit pupil of the microscope is incident on the functional element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates first to a camera module for a microscope. The camera module comprises an optical interface for inserting the camera module into an imaging beam path of the microscope, which imaging beam path images a nominal intermediate image. Furthermore, the camera module comprises an electronic image converter and a functional element for changing an intermediate image plane, which functional element is arranged in a beam path of the camera module between the optical interface and the image converter. The camera module also comprises a first optical assembly having an optical power, which first optical assembly is arranged in the beam path between the optical interface and the image converter. According to the invention, a distance between the functional element and the optical interface along the beam path or a distance between the first optical assembly and the optical interface along the beam path can be changed. The invention further relates to a method for operating the camera module.