Microscope Light Source Position Calibration via Image Error Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microscope apparatuses face challenges in quickly and accurately calibrating the position of a light source, leading to image noise and increased time in finding the accurate position, due to shifts during manipulation or transport.
Innovation Solution
A microscope apparatus and method that utilize a light source unit with a light emitting element array, an optical unit, and a processor to radiate multiple beams of light, acquire and combine subject images, calculate image errors, and calibrate the light source position based on these errors, minimizing noise and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position estimation techniques are used to find the actual position of a shifted light source, then the position can be determined, but it takes long time to find out the position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating the light source position using a reference sample before actual measurement. The system performs initial position estimation and compensation, so when the light source shifts during operation, the impact on image quality is already minimized. This preliminary calibration step reduces the time needed for subsequent position finding while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical position estimation methods with computational image processing techniques. Instead of using complex mechanical positioning systems to find the light source position, the system uses algorithms to analyze image data and calculate position errors, significantly reducing calibration time while maintaining measurement precision.
2Productivity
If the light source position is not calibrated, then the microscope apparatus can operate quickly, but image noise increases due to position error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring image quality metrics and using this information to adjust the light source position calibration. The system calculates position errors based on captured images and automatically compensates for shifts, ensuring that image noise is minimized without requiring time-consuming manual calibration before each operation. This feedback loop maintains both high productivity and low image noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the calibration approach from fixed mechanical positioning to dynamic parameter adjustment. The system adjusts light source position parameters based on detected position errors, allowing rapid recalibration through software parameter changes rather than physical repositioning. This enables quick adaptation to position shifts while maintaining image quality, resolving the contradiction between operational speed and image noise.
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 approach enables the acquisition of high-quality, high-resolution images by accurately calibrating the light source position, reducing noise and the time required to find the accurate position, thereby improving image quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit configured to radiate light onto an subject
Implementation Method 2
an optical unit disposed in parallel with the subject and configured to form enlarged images of the subject receiving the radiated light
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a microscope apparatus and method for calibrating the position of a light source according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A microscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a light source unit configured to radiate light onto an subject and including a light emitting element array having a plurality of light emitting elements; an optical unit disposed in parallel with the subject and configured to form enlarged images of the subject receiving the radiated light; an image sensor configured to generate enlarged pictures of the subject based on the enlarged images formed through the optical unit; and a processor operably connected with the light source unit, the optical unit, and the image sensor, and calibrating a position of the light source unit based on a plurality of images generated by the image sensor.