Microscope Eucentric Alignment via Automated Stage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microscopes require manual and complex operations to maintain the observation target within the visual field during inclined observation, leading to inefficiencies and potential loss of focus.

Innovation Solution

A microscope with a placement section movable in a horizontal direction, a lower stage lifting section, and driving mechanisms to automatically align the observation target with the eucentric position, allowing for automatic matching and focus adjustment without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual operation is used to adjust the stage position for eucentric observation, then the observation target can be aligned with the swinging axis, but the operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts the stage position to achieve eucentric alignment without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously calculates and executes the stage movement based on detected observation target information, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the troublesome manual adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system. The control unit uses electronic signals to drive the stage positioning mechanism, substituting the mechanical manual operation with an automated electro-mechanical system that achieves the same alignment function more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the imaging section is inclined for detailed observation, then the shape of the observation target can be observed in detail, but the observation target may get out of the visual field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservation detailVSAvoidvisual field stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary alignment of the observation target with the swinging axis before inclined observation begins. By pre-positioning the target at the eucentric position, the system ensures that when the imaging section is inclined, the target remains centered in the visual field, preventing it from going out of view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit detects the position of the observation target and uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the stage position. This closed-loop control ensures that the target is continuously maintained at the correct eucentric position during inclined observation, preventing visual field loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If automatic focusing is used, then focus adjustment is simplified, but the observation target may automatically come into focus while still being out of the visual field during inclined observation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adjustment easeVSAvoidvisual field coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it not only controls focusing but also simultaneously manages stage positioning to maintain eucentric alignment. This multi-functional approach ensures that both focus and visual field coverage are maintained together, preventing the target from being out of view during inclined observation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from position detection to coordinate both focusing and stage positioning operations. The control unit receives position information and adjusts both the focus mechanism and stage location accordingly, ensuring that the target is both in focus and within the visual field during inclined observation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9726873B2Microscope and magnifying observation method using the same

Publication Date: 2017.08.08 KEYENCE CORP

AI summary

In a microscope which can incline an imaging section, a height position of an observation target is automatically matched to a eucentric position. The microscope includes: a placement stage on which an observation target is placed; a lower stage lifting section that vertically movably supports the placement stage; a first driving mechanism that drives the lower stage lifting section; an imaging section that captures an image of the observation target; and an upper stage lifting section that vertically movably supports a fitting member along an optical axis and is swingable about a swinging axis orthogonal to the optical axis, wherein the first driving mechanism can drive the lower stage lifting section such that the surface of the observation target placed on the placement stage is matched to a focal position of imaging unit, or a height position of the swinging axis.