Microscope Manipulation Position Determination via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In microscopy, finding and manipulating samples, especially small phase objects, is challenging due to difficulties in orienting samples quickly and performing manipulations in the sample-adjacent region without losing association with overview images, which is crucial for navigation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving recording an overview image, evaluating it through image analysis to locate suitable regions for manipulation, determining a manipulation position, and moving the microscope's objective or table to enable precise manipulation within the sample-adjacent region, allowing for tasks like applying immersion media or cleaning without disturbing the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sample is moved to enable manipulation in the sample-adjacent region, then accessibility for manipulation is improved, but the association between the overview image and the sample is lost, compromising navigation capability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the sample to enable manipulation, the patent inverts the approach by moving the microscope table relative to the sample. This allows the manipulation space to be accessed while keeping the sample stationary on the table, thereby maintaining the association between the overview image and the sample position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordinate transformation system that maps positions between the overview image coordinate system and the manipulation coordinate system. This allows the manipulation position to be determined in the sample-adjacent region without physically moving the sample, preserving navigation capability while enabling accessibility
2Loss of information
If the sample is kept stationary to maintain image association, then navigation capability is preserved, but accessibility for manipulation in the sample-adjacent region is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coordinate transformation and table movement control that adapts to different manipulation requirements. The system dynamically determines the optimal manipulation position within the suitable region and controls the table movement accordingly, enabling flexible manipulation access while keeping the sample stationary
Solution Approach 2:
The patent operates in the dimension of coordinate space transformation rather than physical sample movement. By working with coordinate systems and transforming positions mathematically, the system enables manipulation access without altering the physical position of the sample, thus preserving both navigation and manipulation capabilities
3Device complexity
If manual manipulation is performed without automated positioning, then device complexity is reduced, but precision and efficiency of manipulation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically determining the suitable region and manipulation position based on overview image analysis. The microscope table is automatically controlled to move to the determined manipulation position, enabling precise manipulation without requiring complex manual coordination while keeping the overall system relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a manipulation position of a microscope for a manipulation in the sample-adjacent region, and a microscope and a computer program for determining such a manipulation position.To determine a manipulation position of a microscope for a manipulation in the sample-adjacent region, an overview image is recorded and evaluated as to whether at least one region is present at which a sample-adjacent manipulation can be performed. If this is the case, the precise manipulation position is sought out within a suitable region and a travel movement is determined to move an objective and/or a table of the microscope to the manipulation position.