Microscope Stage Visual Marker Tracking for Thermal-Accurate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope systems with movable sample stages face inaccuracies in X-Y positioning due to thermal expansion mismatches between linear encoders and the sample stage, especially when imaging objects with weak visual contrast or repetitive patterns, leading to difficult image stitching.
Innovation Solution
A visual approach using a visual marker integrated with the sample stage, where an optical imaging sensor determines the stage's position based on image data, ensuring thermal expansion compatibility and allowing continuous movement for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a linear encoder is used to determine the position of the sample stage, then the position can be measured, but thermal expansion mismatches between the encoder and the sample stage cause positional inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A visual marker is introduced as an intermediary element that is integrated with the sample stage. The marker serves as a reference that moves with the stage, allowing position determination through image analysis rather than through a separate encoder system that is subject to thermal expansion mismatches
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linear encoder system is replaced with an optical imaging system. Instead of using mechanical encoders that physically contact or are mounted near the stage, the system uses an imaging sensor to capture images of the visual marker, thereby determining position through optical means that are not affected by thermal expansion differences
2Measurement precision
If the sample stage stops at each desired X-Y position to capture an image, then image alignment can be performed, but the throughput of the imaging system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static imaging approach (stopping at each position) to a dynamic approach where the sample stage moves continuously. The visual marker and imaging system adapt to the motion, allowing position determination and image capture to occur during movement rather than requiring stationary positions
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging process becomes continuous rather than discrete. The sample stage moves continuously through the imaging area, and the system continuously captures images and determines positions along the movement path, eliminating the stop-start cycle and maintaining productive action throughout the entire imaging process
3Productivity
If the sample stage moves continuously to increase throughput, then productivity improves, but motion artifacts may occur in the images
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the visual marker to provide continuous feedback on the actual position of the sample stage during motion. This positional information is used to correct or compensate for motion effects in the images, allowing the system to maintain image quality even while the stage is moving
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical positioning with optical tracking. Instead of relying on mechanical precision and stopping to capture images, the system uses optical imaging of the visual marker to track position continuously during motion, thereby eliminating motion artifacts through computational correction rather than mechanical precision
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 method enhances positional accuracy and throughput by continuously moving the sample stage while imaging, reducing motion artifacts and enabling efficient image stitching without stopping at each position.
Implementation Method 1
an optical imaging sensor is used to generate image data of an image showing the visual marker
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope system with a corresponding control system, method and computer program. The microscope system includes a microscope that generates images of a sample being arranged on a sample stage. The microscope system has a sample stage that carries the sample. The sample stage has a visual marker. The method uses an optical imaging sensor that provides image data of an image showing the visual marker of the sample stage. The method uses a control system that determines a position of the sample stage based on the image data of the image showing the visual marker.