Digital Microscope Pivoting Stand Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital microscopes with pivoting stands face challenges in calibration, particularly for inexperienced users, as they require complex adjustments to align the optical and pivoting axes, leading to misalignment and instability, and existing solutions are costly and inefficient, limiting the system's usability and stability.
Innovation Solution
A digital microscope with a pivoting stand equipped with a motorized mechanism, angle sensors, and a calibration method that adjusts pivot angles to correct focus and image center tracking, allowing for pre-calibration at the factory and optional user calibration, enabling automatic focus and image center tracking across various pivot angles without requiring precise axial alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment mechanisms (three knobs) are used to align the optical axis with the rotational axis, then alignment precision can be improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the complex adjustment process and instability during manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system (three knobs) with an automated motorized adjustment system. The control unit automatically actuates the focus mechanism and pivot arm based on calibration data, eliminating the need for manual knob adjustments and providing precise alignment without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-calibration at the factory where the optimal calibration data is determined and stored in the control unit before the microscope reaches the user. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex on-site adjustments by inexperienced users, as the system is pre-configured with the correct alignment parameters.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustment knobs are provided for alignment, then manufacturing precision can be improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential loss of adjustment and system instability during manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the unreliable manual knob adjustment system with a motorized adjustment system controlled by a control unit. The motorized mechanism provides stable and repeatable adjustments without the risk of inadvertent changes, while the control unit stores calibration data to ensure consistent alignment across different pivot angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where angle sensors detect the current pivot angle and the control unit uses this information to automatically adjust the focus and stage position. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the system maintains proper alignment regardless of pivot angle changes, eliminating the reliability issues associated with manual adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If factory pre-calibration is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional calibration mechanisms and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the calibration functionality into the existing control unit that already manages focus and stage positioning. The same motorized mechanisms and sensors used for normal operation are also utilized for calibration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated calibration hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic calibration using its own built-in components (motors, sensors, control unit) without requiring external calibration equipment or complex manual procedures. The control unit automatically executes the calibration process based on stored calibration data, making the system self-sufficient and reducing operational complexity for users.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital microscope having a pivoting stand, a method for calibrating said stand and a method for automatic focus tracking and image center tracking upon actuation of the pivoting stand. The pivoting stand includes an angle sensor for determining a current pivot angle of the pivot arm (07). The current pivot angle is processed in the control unit to execute automatic focus tracking and/or center tracking upon actuation of the pivot arm (07). Calibration is performed using two pivot angles, wherein deviating focus and image center positions are ascertained, and a pivot-angle-dependent function for focus and the image center position is ascertained therefrom.