Microscope Setup Automation Using Image and Parameter Embeddings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern biomedical imaging instruments require significant domain expertise for proper operation, leading to potential errors and degraded image quality due to complex setups and varied terminology among manufacturers, limiting user capability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a pre-trained image model to predict embeddings of instrument parameters and compare them with pre-computed values to assist in setting up imaging instruments, providing automated adjustments and recommendations for better image quality without extensive human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation of imaging instrument is used, then user can control instrument settings, but user requires significant domain expertise and setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing the acquired image and adjusting instrument parameters without requiring manual intervention. The AI model evaluates image quality metrics and autonomously optimizes settings, eliminating the need for users to have extensive domain expertise or spend time manually adjusting parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-computing embeddings for various instrument parameter combinations during system initialization. These pre-computed embeddings are stored and ready for rapid comparison with actual image embeddings during operation, enabling fast parameter optimization without time-consuming real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual operation of imaging instrument is used, then user can control instrument settings, but potential errors increase and image quality degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring image quality metrics and using the AI model to evaluate whether current parameter settings are optimal. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts parameters to improve image quality, reducing errors that would otherwise occur due to manual operation limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated AI-based system. The AI model substitutes human decision-making with algorithmic analysis of image embeddings and parameter relationships, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated parameter optimization is implemented, then setup time decreases and image quality improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary layer consisting of pre-computed parameter embeddings and an AI evaluation model. This intermediary translates complex parameter optimization problems into simpler embedding space comparisons, enabling automated optimization without requiring the entire system to become overly complex. The intermediary handles the computational complexity while presenting a simple interface for image acquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If domain expertise is required for operation, then image quality can be optimized, but number of capable users decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiduser capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically compensating for the lack of user expertise. The AI model embedded in the system possesses the domain knowledge required for optimization, eliminating the need for individual users to acquire extensive domain expertise. Any user can operate the system and achieve optimized image quality through automated parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4650853A1Assistance and automation of microscope setup based on images and semantic parameter embeddings
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH
  • EP4650853A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4650853A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4650853A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method (100) of operating an imaging instrument comprises using an image as an input for a pre-trained image model (110), the pre-trained image model generating a prediction of embeddings of keys and associated predicted values as an output. The method (100) further comprises comparing the prediction of the embeddings of the keys and the associated predicted values of the pretrained image model with pre-computed embeddings of the keys and the associated values used to generate the image (120). The method (100) comprises generating information on a quality of the values used to generate the image (130).