Microscope Automatic Focusing via Depth Sampling and Sharpness Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical microscope systems struggle to acquire accurately focused images, which is crucial for the accuracy of machine learning algorithms used in augmented reality applications.
Innovation Solution
The proposed microscope system includes an objective lens, a beam splitter, an image projector assembly, a camera assembly, and a focusing device. This system uses an automatic focusing method that involves obtaining multiple images at different depths, calculating defocusing amounts based on index information values, and triggering focus adjustment when the defocusing amount exceeds a preset threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual focus adjustment is used in conventional optical microscope systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the image focusing accuracy deteriorates and requires operator skill and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-focusing by automatically capturing multiple images at different depths, calculating sharpness metrics, and determining the optimal focal plane without requiring manual operator intervention. The focusing device autonomously adjusts the camera position based on algorithmic analysis of image quality metrics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical focus adjustment with an automated system combining a focusing device, image capture system, and computational algorithm. The mechanical focusing action is substituted by an automated feedback loop that uses image sharpness analysis to drive focus adjustments.
2Measurement precision
If automated focusing with multiple image capture is implemented, then image focusing accuracy improves, but the acquisition time and number of operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures a limited set of images at predetermined depth intervals rather than continuously scanning through all possible focal planes. This partial sampling approach achieves sufficient focusing accuracy while minimizing the number of images captured and processing time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-determines optimal focal planes by capturing images at multiple depths before final selection. By preparing and analyzing multiple candidate images in advance, the system can quickly identify the best focus without time-consuming sequential adjustment during observation.
3Reliability
If conventional camera systems are used without dedicated focusing mechanisms, then device complexity remains low, but the reliability of obtaining focused images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images at different focal depths, providing sharpness metric calculation, and enabling automated focus determination. This multi-functional design integrates focusing capability into the camera system without requiring separate dedicated focusing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by calculating sharpness metrics from captured images and using this information to automatically adjust the focusing device. The feedback loop continuously monitors image quality and drives focus adjustments until optimal sharpness is achieved, ensuring reliable focused image acquisition.
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
The microscope system effectively ensures that images acquired by the camera are more accurately focused, improving the reliability of image analysis and reducing the need for manual focus adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter, disposed on the second end
Implementation Method 2
an image projector assembly, comprising a first lens and an image projection device, the image projector assembly being in communication with the beam splitter and being configured to generate light entering the beam splitter through the first lens
Implementation Method 3
an objective lens, comprising a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other, the first end facing a to-be-observed sample
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure discloses a microscope system, a smart medical device, an automatic focusing method, and a storage medium. The smart medical device includes an objective lens, a beam splitter, an image projector assembly, a camera assembly, and a focusing device. The objective lens includes a first end and a second end, and the first end faces a to-be-observed sample. The beam splitter is disposed on the second end. The image projector assembly is in communication with the beam splitter, the image projector assembly includes a first lens and an image projection device, and light generated by the image projector assembly enters the beam splitter through the first lens. The camera assembly includes a camera. The focusing device is disposed on the camera assembly, and the focusing device is configured to perform focus adjustment on the camera.