Automatic Focusing Microscope Using Optical Definition Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopic imaging systems in urine analyzers have fixed-focus mechanisms that are prone to positional inaccuracies due to mechanical and thermal deformations, leading to blurred images and requiring manual focusing, which is inefficient and unsuitable for fully automatic systems.
Innovation Solution
An automatic focusing method and system that uses a microscope, a photographing device, and a controller to detect an initial focusing position, calculate focal compensation values based on optical definitions of a mark image, and adjust the objective lens and object stage to achieve precise focusing, ensuring high-quality image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-focus mechanism is used with predetermined stepping motor movement, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the image becomes blurred due to mechanical gaps, backlashes, and thermal deformation causing positional inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic focusing system that uses a photographing device to capture images of a mark on the object stage, calculates optical definition of the captured image, and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts the object stage position based on the optical definition calculation, creating a closed-loop feedback system that compensates for mechanical gaps, backlashes, and thermal deformation, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple structure and focusing accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual focusing is required to achieve high-quality images, then image quality can be maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates and the system cannot be fully automated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the microscopic image detecting instrument to perform self-focusing through an automatic focusing system. The system automatically captures images of a mark, calculates optical definition, determines the sharpest focus position, and adjusts the object stage without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains high image quality while dramatically improving ease of operation and enabling full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical focusing operations with an automated optical-mechanical system. Instead of relying on user manipulation of focusing mechanisms, the system uses a photographing device to capture images, a processor to calculate optical definition, and an automated control system to adjust the object stage position, thereby substituting human operation with automated optical and mechanical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the object stage and objective lens move during switching and measurement, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to changes in object distance causing blurred images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically performing focus detection and adjustment before actual image measurement begins. The system captures images of a mark, calculates optical definition, and pre-adjusts the object stage to the optimal focus position before the measurement process starts. This preliminary focusing action ensures that subsequent measurements maintain reliable focus even during lens switching and object stage movements.
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 system enables fully automatic focusing, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving image sharpness by compensating for mechanical and thermal inaccuracies, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of microscopic image detection.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens configured to focus on and magnify the object to be measured
Implementation Method 2
The photographing device is set above the objective lens and configured to photograph an image presented by the objective lens and output image data
Data Source
AI summary
A microscopic image detecting instrument includes a microscope, a photographing device, a driver, a mark having a predetermined distance from an object, and a controller coupled to the photographing device and the driver. The microscope includes an object stage for holding the object and an objective lens for focusing on and magnifying the object. The photographing device is set above the objective lens to photograph an image presented by the objective lens. The controller controls the driver to move at least one of the object stage and the objective lens to an actual focusing position, according to an actual focal length to the object. The actual focal length to the object is calculated by the controller according to a comparison between an optical definition of a mark image taken as a preliminary target of focus against a predetermined definition calibration curve and the distance between the mark and the object.