Microscopy Autofocus via Tilted Epi-Illumination Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy systems require capturing multiple images and adjusting focus, which is time-consuming and inefficient for high-throughput scanning due to small specimen height variations causing focus issues when transitioning between image areas.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with an epi-illumination module and a controller that captures a single image using a focusing mechanism tilted in the light path, analyzing the image to determine focus direction and distance for automatic focusing, allowing for rapid adjustment and maintaining focus without sequential image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured and focus is adjusted sequentially, then focus quality is improved, but scanning time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by projecting a focus pattern onto the specimen before capturing the main image. This pre-established optical reference enables the system to determine focus status from a single image without requiring sequential capture and adjustment, thereby resolving the contradiction between focus quality and scanning time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a focus pattern as an intermediary element between the light source and the specimen. This pattern serves as a reference that, when captured in the single image, allows the processor to calculate focus metrics and determine whether additional images are needed, thus eliminating the need for sequential multi-image capture while maintaining focus quality
2Measurement precision
If focus adjustment is performed by capturing multiple images, then accurate focus determination is achieved, but system productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-projecting a known focus pattern onto the specimen area before image capture. This allows the processor to extract focus information directly from the captured pattern in a single image, achieving accurate focus determination without requiring multiple sequential captures, thereby maintaining high system throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The focus pattern serves a dual function: it illuminates the specimen for imaging while simultaneously providing the reference data needed for focus determination. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate focus measurement procedures, improving both accuracy and productivity
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
Enables rapid and accurate autofocus in microscopy systems by analyzing a single image to determine focus direction and distance, significantly reducing scanning time and improving throughput.
Implementation Method 1
The epi-illumination module includes a focusing mechanism in a first primary optical path of a light generated by the illumination source. The focusing mechanism is tilted in relation to a plane perpendicular to the first primary optical path.
Data Source
AI summary
A microscopy system and method of focusing the same are disclosed herein. The microscopy system may include an objective, and imaging device, an illumination source, an epi-illumination module, and a controller. The imaging device is configured to capture a single image of a specimen positioned on a stage of the microscopy system. The illumination source is configured to illuminate the specimen positioned on the stage. The epi-illumination module includes a focusing mechanism in a first primary optical path of a light generated by the illumination source. The focusing mechanism is tilted in relation to a plane perpendicular to the first primary optical path. The controller is in communication with the illumination source. The controller is configured to focus the microscopy system based on a pattern produced by the focusing mechanism on the single image captured by the imaging device.