Microscope Scanner Position Feedback for Distortion-Free Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscope scanners face issues with spatial distortions in digitized images due to fluctuations in sample movement velocity, leading to inefficient image capture and increased scan duration, as they rely on constant velocity assumptions rather than measured positions.
Innovation Solution
A microscope scanning apparatus with a detector array and a sample holder that moves relative to each other, controlled by a position monitoring system, allowing image capture at measured positions rather than assumed positions, enabling image capture during acceleration and deceleration phases and reducing the impact of external vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If image capture is triggered by assumed position based on constant velocity assumption, then the system is simpler to operate, but spatial distortions occur in the digitized image
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a position sensor that provides real-time feedback on the actual position of the sample holder. The controller uses this feedback information to trigger image capture at precisely the correct moments, eliminating spatial distortions while maintaining ease of operation. The feedback loop continuously monitors and adjusts the timing of image capture based on actual position rather than assumed position.
2Device complexity
If the sample moves at constant velocity during scanning, then image capture timing is simpler, but velocity fluctuations cause images to occur at wrong locations
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor continuously monitors the actual position of the sample holder and provides feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need to assume constant velocity, as the system adapts to actual velocity variations in real-time. Image capture is triggered based on measured position feedback rather than predetermined timing based on assumed constant velocity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system waits for constant velocity before imaging, then spatial accuracy is improved, but scan duration increases due to dead-time
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor begins monitoring the sample holder position from the start of the scan, including during acceleration and deceleration phases. The controller is ready to trigger image capture immediately when the correct position is reached, without waiting for constant velocity to be established. This preliminary monitoring eliminates dead-time while maintaining spatial accuracy through position-based triggering.
4Stability of the object's composition
If external vibrations disturb the movement between sample holder and detector, then system stability deteriorates, but position-based triggering reduces the impact of these vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor provides real-time feedback on the actual position of the sample holder, compensating for disturbances caused by external vibrations. The controller adjusts image capture timing based on this feedback, ensuring that images are captured at the correct positions even when vibrations cause deviations from the ideal motion path. This feedback mechanism reduces the impact of vibrations on image position accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope scanning apparatus is provided comprising a detector array for obtaining an image from a sample and a sample holder adapted to hold the sample when in use and to move relative to the detector array along a scan path. A controller is further provided to monitor the position of the sample holder relative to the detector array and to trigger image capture by the detector array in accordance with said monitored position.