Microscopy System Spherical Aberration Correction Estimator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microscopy systems require multiple image data acquisitions across various settings of the correction collar to determine the optimal setting for correcting spherical aberration, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when the observation target plane depth changes.

Innovation Solution

A microscopy system that includes an estimator to calculate the amount of spherical aberration based on medium information between the objective and the observation target plane, using image data and contrast values to determine the target set value for the correction device, thereby reducing the need for multiple data acquisitions and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple image data acquisitions are performed across various correction collar settings to determine optimal spherical aberration correction, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of spherical aberration correction determinationVSAvoidtime required for data acquisition

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary estimation of the spherical aberration amount based on medium information (refractive index, thickness) before actual image acquisition. This preliminary action provides an initial correction setting that guides subsequent image data acquisition, reducing the need for extensive multiple acquisitions across all possible settings while maintaining determination accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from contrast value calculations of acquired image data to iteratively refine the correction collar setting. By comparing the measured contrast with expected contrast values, the system adjusts the correction setting and determines when optimal correction is achieved, enabling accurate determination with fewer acquisitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple image data acquisitions are performed across various correction collar settings, then reliability of correction determination is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of spherical aberration correctionVSAvoidobservation throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The estimator calculates the spherical aberration amount in advance based on medium information, providing a reliable initial correction setting. This preliminary estimation ensures that the subsequent image acquisition process starts from an optimized position, maintaining correction reliability while reducing the total number of acquisitions needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines the optimal correction setting by calculating contrast values from acquired image data and comparing them with expected values. This self-service capability eliminates manual intervention and iterative adjustment, maintaining high reliability while improving productivity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to determine correction settings, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases due to multiple acquisition requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection setting determination accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of data acquisition process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The estimator acts as an intermediary between the medium information and the image acquisition process. It calculates the spherical aberration amount based on refractive index and thickness, providing a bridge that guides the correction process without requiring complex multiple acquisitions. This intermediary function simplifies the overall system while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment of the correction collar with automated calculation based on contrast values and medium information. This substitution of mechanical iterative adjustment with computational determination simplifies the操作流程 while maintaining or improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10288877B2Microscopy system, determination method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 EVIDENT CORP

AI summary

A microscopy system includes a microscope apparatus. The microscope apparatus has an objective and a correction device correcting for a spherical aberration, and obtains image data. The microscopy system further includes an estimator that estimates, on the basis of information on a medium placed between the objective and an observation target plane, an amount of spherical aberration that occurs in the microscope apparatus. The microscopy system determines, by use of a contrast value calculated from the image data obtained by the microscope apparatus and an amount of spherical aberration that is estimated by the estimator, a target set value that is a set value of the correction device, the set value corresponding to the amount of spherical aberration that occurs in the microscope apparatus.