Microscope Camera Rotation Alignment for Blank-Free Image Stitching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microscopy systems face challenges in determining the rotational orientation of the microscope camera relative to the sample stage, leading to issues like blank image areas in aggregate images due to misalignment, which requires manual calibration and is time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize an overview camera to capture an image and a microscope camera to determine the rotational orientation of the microscope camera relative to the sample stage by analyzing image structures in both images, without the need for a calibration sample, using image analysis and potentially machine learning models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration with a calibration sample is used to determine rotational orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational orientation determination accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an overview camera to capture an overview image of the sample carrier, which serves as a reference copy. This overview image contains image structures that can be automatically analyzed to determine rotational orientation, replacing the need for manual calibration samples and procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with automated image analysis. By using image processing algorithms to analyze the overview image and determine rotational orientation, the system eliminates time-consuming manual positioning and focusing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If microscope camera rotation is not corrected, then ease of operation is improved (flexible positioning), but manufacturing precision worsens (blank areas in aggregate images)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera positioning flexibilityVSAvoidaggregate image quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the rotational orientation of the microscope camera is automatically determined by analyzing image structures in the overview image. This feedback information is then used to correct the camera orientation or adjust the image stitching process, ensuring high-quality aggregate images while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12591125B2Microscopy system and method for checking a rotational position of a microscope camera

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY GMBH

AI summary

In a method for checking the rotation of a microscope camera, an overview image is captured with an overview camera of a microscope, wherein a rotational orientation of the overview camera relative to a sample stage of the microscope is known. In addition, a microscope image is captured with a microscope camera of the microscope. A rotational orientation of the microscope camera relative to the sample stage is calculated based on a relative rotation between the microscope image and the overview image, wherein the relative rotation is established by means of image structures in the microscope image and the overview image and using the known rotational orientation of the overview camera relative to the sample stage.