Microscope Stage Slide Orientation Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscope systems are unable to accurately reproduce observation positions or still image capturing positions, especially when slides are replaced, due to deviations in parallel and rotational directions, which is a critical issue for pathological diagnosis requiring high precision.
Innovation Solution
A microscope system that includes a stage capable of moving in the X and Y directions and a mechanism to align a mark on the slide with the X or Y direction of the stage, allowing for precise correction of rotational errors and accurate position management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slide is replaced or repositioned on the stage, then the observation can be resumed, but positional accuracy deteriorates due to parallel and rotational deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment by detecting the mark on the slide before observation begins. The alignment unit detects the rotational angle of the mark and rotates the stage to align the mark with the reference direction, pre-correcting any rotational deviations that would otherwise affect position accuracy during observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the position and orientation of the mark on the slide using the detection unit. When the slide is repositioned, the system detects the new mark position and rotational angle, then automatically adjusts the stage rotation to realign the mark, providing closed-loop feedback control that maintains positional accuracy throughout the observation process.
2Ease of operation
If the XY stage is used to move to coordinates of past observation positions, then navigation is simplified, but position matching fails due to slide rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the stage rotation angle based on the detected mark orientation. Instead of using a fixed coordinate system, the system continuously updates the reference frame by detecting the mark's rotational angle and rotating the stage accordingly, allowing the coordinate system to adapt to the slide's current orientation and maintain position matching accuracy.
3Device complexity
If no mark alignment mechanism is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but position management reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a mark on the slide as an intermediary reference element that mediates between the physical slide position and the digital coordinate system. The detection unit reads this mark to determine the slide's rotational angle and position, translating physical orientation into digital reference information that enables accurate position management without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A microscope system comprises a microscope body, a stage configured to place a slide as an observation target and move in an X direction and a Y direction. The microscope system changes an arrangement of the placed slide with respect to the stage so as to cause a direction indicated by a mark provided on the slide placed on the stage to align with one of the X direction and the Y direction of the stage.