Microscope Shared Optical Path Focus Drift Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microscopes face challenges in maintaining a selected focal plane over time due to focus drift caused by temperature changes, mechanical shocks, or vibrations, which affects imaging quality, and existing solutions require a dedicated imaging path for focus correction, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A microscope design that uses a shared optical path for both imaging and focusing, employing a projection optical system to project a test image onto the object and an imaging optical system to image this test image, allowing for focus adjustment without the need for a separate focus correction system, thereby reducing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate dedicated imaging path is used for focus correction, then focus drift compensation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the focus correction function with the existing imaging optical path by using a beam splitter to direct a portion of the imaging light to a focus detection camera. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated imaging path for focus correction, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining focus drift compensation capability. The beam splitter integrates multiple functions (imaging and focus detection) into a single optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging optical path is designed to serve dual purposes: primary imaging and focus detection. By using the same objective lens and optical path for both functions, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring additional dedicated components. The focus detection camera captures focus information while the main imaging camera captures the primary image, allowing the system to perform both functions through a shared optical path.
2Reliability
If a separate dedicated imaging path is used for focus correction, then focus drift compensation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines focus correction and imaging functions into a single integrated optical path, eliminating the need for separate dedicated imaging components for focus correction. This merging reduces the total number of components required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining focus drift compensation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own imaging light and optical path to perform focus detection, rather than requiring separate illumination and detection systems. The beam splitter directs a portion of the existing imaging light to the focus detection camera, allowing the system to self-service its focus correction needs without additional expensive dedicated components.
3Device complexity
If focus correction is performed using the same optical path as imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging quality may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light path using a beam splitter that divides the imaging light into two separate paths: one to the primary imaging camera and another to the focus detection camera. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path - the main imaging path maintains high quality for primary imaging, while the focus detection path is optimized for focus measurement, thereby preserving imaging quality while enabling focus correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary element that separates the imaging and focus detection functions while allowing both to share the same initial optical path. This intermediary enables the system to maintain high imaging quality by directing the majority of light to the imaging camera while providing sufficient light to the focus detection camera for accurate focus measurement without compromising the primary imaging path.
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 approach effectively compensates for focus drift without a dedicated imaging path, reducing the expense and complexity of the microscope while maintaining high imaging quality by utilizing the same objective and camera for both imaging and focusing.
Implementation Method 1
a first beam splitter is included in said imaging optical system in said first optical path, and wherein said projection optical system is configured to project said test image onto said object by means of said first beam splitter. Said beam splitter may be configured to split light from said optical projector into first and second portions, and to direct said first portion to said objective
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope comprises a microscope objective, a camera and an imaging optical system for imaging an object through the objective to the camera along a first optical path. A projection optical system is provided for projecting a test image onto the object through the objective, and the imaging optical system is configured to image the projected test image from the object to the camera through the objective and along at least part of the first optical path. A focus adjustment system is provided for focusing the test image at the camera. Using the same objective and the same camera for both imaging and focusing allows reduction of the cost of the microscope in comparison with known microscopes that provide separate focusing systems.