Articulated Microscope Autofocus for Rapid Repositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated microscopes face challenges in efficiently adjusting focus when repositioned, leading to inefficiencies and potential inaccuracies during tasks that require flexible positioning and observation of objects from various angles.
Innovation Solution
An articulated microscope with an autofocus system that utilizes sensors, such as gyroscopes and external position sensing means, to determine the microscope's position and adjust focus accordingly, minimizing manual intervention and ensuring rapid, accurate focusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual focus adjustment is used in articulated microscopes, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming focus adjustments when repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary focus adjustment based on predicted microscope position before the user actually needs to observe. The autofocus system uses position sensors to anticipate where the microscope will be moved and pre-adjusts focus for that position, eliminating the delay between repositioning and achieving accurate focus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where position sensors continuously monitor microscope location, the controller processes this position information, and the focus mechanism adjusts accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic focus maintenance as the microscope is repositioned during use.
2Productivity
If autofocus system is added to articulated microscope, then productivity improves through automated focus adjustment, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical positioning of the microscope while also housing or supporting the position sensors that enable autofocus. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The position sensors act as intermediaries between the mechanical movement of the microscope and the focus adjustment mechanism. Rather than directly coupling mechanical position to focus, the sensors provide positional information that the controller uses to drive focus adjustment, decoupling these functions while enabling automation.
3Measurement precision
If frequent focus adjustments are made during repositioning, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases due to continuous adjustment cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system predicts where the microscope is being moved and performs focus adjustment in advance, so that when the microscope reaches the target position and the user is ready to observe, focus is already accurate. This eliminates the time lag between arrival at position and achievement of focus.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus adjustment is made dynamic and continuous rather than static and discrete. The system continuously monitors position and makes real-time focus adjustments that match the dynamic movement of the microscope, maintaining precision without requiring multiple discrete adjustment cycles.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A first aspect of the present disclosure is related to an articulated microscope with an autofocus, configured to: - be mounted in a first position; - obtain information that the microscope has been moved from the first position to a second position; - adjust the focus to observe an object based on the information that the microscope has been moved to the second position.