Microscope Optical Path Splitting for Autofocus and Color Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscope devices face challenges in achieving highly accurate auto-focusing and satisfactory color reproducibility due to insufficient light splitting, which results in inadequate focusing signals and spectrum information.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging method guides light from a test specimen along multiple optical paths, allowing for differential contrast detection and spectrum information acquisition without excessive light attenuation, enabling precise focal adjustment and color tone correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light is split into three paths (imaging, AF, spectrum detection) using conventional beam splitters, then all three functions can be performed simultaneously, but the light intensity reaching each detector is insufficient, resulting in poor focusing signals and inadequate spectrum information
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into two independent subsystems: a first optical system for imaging that transmits light directly to the imaging device, and a second optical system for AF and spectrum detection that reflects light to a beam splitter for further division. This segmentation prevents excessive light loss by allowing the imaging path to receive full light intensity while the AF/spectrum path receives a controlled portion.
Solution Approach 2:
A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary component in the second optical system to divide the reflected light into separate AF detection and spectrum detection paths. This intermediary allows efficient light distribution to multiple detectors without the excessive attenuation that would occur with multiple sequential beam splitters in a single-path configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light is excessively attenuated through multiple beam splitters, then all detection functions can be implemented, but the focusing signals become insufficient and color reproducibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection functions are segmented into two independent optical systems: the first optical system dedicated to imaging with full light transmission, and the second optical system dedicated to AF and spectrum detection with controlled light reflection. This segmentation ensures that the AF detection receives sufficient light intensity for accurate focusing signals while maintaining the ability to perform spectrum detection for color correction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optical paths are assigned different light transmission qualities based on their specific requirements: the imaging path receives high-intensity light for quality image capture, while the AF/spectrum detection path receives controlled-intensity light sufficient for accurate measurement. This local optimization of light quality ensures each function operates at its optimal performance level.
3Device complexity
If a single optical path is used for all detections, then device complexity is reduced, but it is impossible to achieve both accurate auto-focusing and satisfactory color reproducibility simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into two independent optical systems with distinct functions: the first optical system for imaging and the second optical system for AF and spectrum detection. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific detection requirements, achieving high measurement precision for both focusing and color reproduction while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second optical system serves multiple detection functions (AF and spectrum detection) through a unified beam splitter configuration, demonstrating multi-functionality. This universal approach allows the system to perform both accurate auto-focusing and color reproducibility correction without requiring separate independent optical paths for each function.
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 allows for more accurate auto-focusing and improved color reproducibility of acquired image data by minimizing light attenuation and optimizing the use of light across different optical paths.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter 1411 and a beam splitter 1412 that are located on the optical axis of the objective lens 1406 and that divide the light from the test specimen 1401
Implementation Method 2
a condenser lens 1405 that condenses light from the light source 1404
Implementation Method 3
an objective lens 1406 that is formed by a plurality of lenses in such a manner that it faces the test specimen 1401
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging method may include a first step in which light from a test specimen is guided to an imaging unit, a second step in which light from the test specimen is guided to an autofocus unit, a third step in which the light guided to an autofocus unit is split, and is guided on a third optical path and a fourth optical path, a fourth step in which a focal point of the imaging unit is adjusted such that an image of the test specimen that is created by the light from the test specimen guided on the first optical path is formed on an imaging surface of the imaging unit, a fifth step in which an image of the test specimen is acquired and image data is created, a sixth step in which spectrum information for the test specimen is detected, and a seventh step in which a color tone of the image data is corrected.