Digital Microscope Camera Alignment for Perspective-Free Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital microscope systems face limitations due to perspective differences in images captured by multiple camera systems with laterally offset optical axes, which hinders the creation of a single overall image with high imaging quality.
Innovation Solution
A digital microscope system with camera systems aligned along parallel optical axes, where a controller orchestrates the movement of camera systems and the microscope stage orthogonally to the optical axes, allowing for selective alignment of camera systems to avoid perspective differences and enable seamless image superimposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple camera systems are arranged side-by-side with laterally offset optical axes to image different target regions, then the imaging coverage is improved, but perspective differences occur in the generated images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from lateral arrangement (horizontal dimension) to vertical stacking (vertical dimension) of camera systems. By arranging camera systems one above another with vertically offset optical axes, the system maintains multiple imaging angles while eliminating lateral perspective distortion, thus resolving the contradiction between imaging coverage and perspective accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric vertical arrangement of camera systems with different optical axis orientations. The first camera system images along a first vertical direction while the second camera system images along a second vertical direction, creating an asymmetric configuration that captures different target regions without introducing perspective distortion
2Adaptability or versatility
If camera systems are moved laterally to selectively align with target regions, then imaging flexibility is improved, but perspective differences and image distortion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables camera systems to move in the vertical direction rather than laterally. The first camera system can move vertically to align with different target regions along the first vertical direction, while the second camera system moves along the second vertical direction. This vertical movement provides imaging flexibility without creating lateral perspective distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic positioning where camera systems can be selectively moved to different vertical positions to image different target regions. The positioning device enables real-time adjustment of camera system positions, allowing the system to adapt to different imaging requirements while maintaining alignment accuracy through controlled vertical movement
Data Source
AI summary
A digital microscope system includes a plurality of camera systems for imaging a target region of an object, each camera system having a digital camera and an optical imaging system being aligned along an optical axis of the camera system, wherein the optical axes of the camera systems are parallel to each other; a microscope stage, on which the object is to be arranged; a positioning device; and a controller configured to control the positioning device to move the plurality of camera systems and the microscope stage relative to each other orthogonally to the optical axes of the camera systems for selectively aligning any one of the camera systems with the target region of the object.