Microscope Focus Control via Phase Difference Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscope systems face challenges in achieving high-speed and high-accuracy focus adjustment.
Innovation Solution
The proposed microscope system includes an irradiation unit that emits line illumination parallel to a first direction, a stage that supports the specimen and is movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a phase difference acquisition unit, an objective lens, a derivation unit that derives relative position information between the objective lens and the specimen based on phase difference information, and a movement control unit that adjusts the position of at least one of the objective lens and the stage based on the relative position information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional contrast method or feature point extraction method is used for focus adjustment, then focus adjustment can be performed, but focus adjustment speed and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical focus adjustment methods (contrast method requiring image capture and feature point extraction) with an optical phase difference measurement system. The phase difference acquisition unit measures phase differences of light waves directly, and the derivation unit calculates relative position information from these phase differences, enabling high-speed and high-accuracy focus adjustment without mechanical image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase difference information as an intermediary parameter between the optical system and the focus adjustment control. Instead of directly processing image contrast or feature points, the system measures phase differences of light waves and uses these as intermediaries to derive relative position information, which then drives the focus adjustment mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If multiple feature points are specified from the specimen for focus adjustment, then focus accuracy may improve, but system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential phase difference information from the light waves passing through the specimen, eliminating the need to identify and process multiple feature points. The phase difference acquisition unit captures the phase difference signal directly, and the derivation unit extracts relative position information from this signal, simplifying the system while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase difference measurement system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures focus position, determines relative position between objective lens and specimen, and provides data for focus adjustment control. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate feature point detection and processing systems.
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 configuration enables high-speed and high-accuracy focus adjustment, allowing for robust and stable focus control without the need for specifying multiple feature points from the specimen, thus improving focus adjustment speed and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens that focuses the line illumination on the specimen
Implementation Method 2
a phase difference acquisition unit that acquires phase difference information regarding an image of light emitted from the specimen
Data Source
AI summary
High-speed and high-accuracy focus adjustment is achieved. A microscope system (1) includes: an irradiation unit (18) that emits line illumination parallel to a first direction; a stage (26) that supports a specimen and is movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a phase difference acquisition unit (60I) that acquires phase difference information regarding an image of light emitted from the specimen by being irradiated with the line illumination; an objective lens (22) that focuses the line illumination on the specimen; a derivation unit (60E) that derives relative position information between the objective lens and the specimen based on the phase difference information; and a movement control unit (60F) that causes at least one of the objective lens and the stage to move in a third direction vertical to each of the first direction and the second direction based on the relative position information.