Microscope Dichroic Mirror Alignment for Automatic Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope systems face challenges in aligning the optical axis of the automatic focus unit with the observation light path, leading to deviations in the light path of the infrared light used for automatic focus processing, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of focus determination.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dichroic mirror that can be moved to a predetermined arrangement position on the observation light path, correlated to each objective lens, to ensure alignment with the optical axis of the microscope main body, thereby optimizing the light path for automatic focus processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dichroic mirror is mounted to introduce infrared light for automatic focus processing, then the automatic focus function can be achieved, but the dichroic mirror may deviate from the observation light path causing misalignment between the infrared light path and the optical axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the optimal arrangement position of the dichroic mirror for each objective lens before actual observation. The system stores correspondence between objective lenses and their optimal dichroic mirror positions, so when an objective lens is selected, the dichroic mirror is automatically positioned at the pre-determined location, ensuring accurate alignment without requiring real-time adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the detection light receiving unit to monitor the automatic focus signal and comparing it with reference values. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the dichroic mirror position to optimize the alignment between the infrared light path and the observation light path, ensuring consistent focus determination accuracy.
2Device complexity
If the dichroic mirror position is fixed, then the structure is simplified, but the alignment between different objective lenses and the observation light path cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the dichroic mirror position adjustable rather than fixed. The dichroic mirror moving mechanism allows the mirror to be dynamically repositioned according to the selected objective lens, enabling optimization of the light path alignment for each lens while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves universality by creating a standardized interface between the dichroic mirror positioning system and multiple objective lenses. The control unit stores correspondence data for different objective lenses and automatically selects the appropriate mirror position, making the system adaptable to various lenses without requiring complex individual adjustments for each lens type.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual adjustment of the dichroic mirror is used, then the system is easier to manufacture, but the alignment accuracy and repeatability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically positioning the dichroic mirror based on the selected objective lens without requiring manual intervention. The control unit retrieves the pre-stored correspondence between objective lenses and optimal mirror positions, then automatically commands the dichroic mirror moving mechanism to achieve precise alignment, ensuring consistent and repeatable results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system. Instead of relying on operators to manually position the dichroic mirror, the system uses electronic control signals to drive the dichroic mirror moving mechanism, substituting human operation with automated mechanical positioning that provides higher precision and repeatability.
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 solution reduces variations in automatic focus signal characteristics and ensures precise focus determination by preventing deviations between the infrared light path and the optical axis, enhancing the overall automatic focus performance.
Implementation Method 1
a dichroic mirror arranged so as to be inserted on or to be deviated from the observation light path and configured to reflect the detection light emitted from the light source in a direction of the optical axis of the objective lens while transmitting visible light
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope system includes: a microscope main body including an objective lens arranged in such a manner that an optical axis of the objective lens is aligned with an observation light path of the microscope main body; and an automatic focus unit including a light source, a dichroic mirror arranged so as to be inserted on or to be deviated from the observation light path and configured to reflect light emitted from the light source in a direction of the optical axis of the objective lens, and a dichroic mirror moving mechanism. The microscope main body further includes a controller having a dichroic mirror movement control unit configured to control the dichroic mirror moving mechanism to move the dichroic mirror to an arrangement position of the dichroic mirror on the observation light path, the arrangement position being correlated to the objective lens in advance.