Multi-Direction Image Pickup Apparatus for Rapid Stereoscopic Shape Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscope apparatuses require time-consuming specimen rotation to measure stereoscopic shape in multiple directions, and may face accuracy issues due to shape changes over time or under gravity, especially when using a single observation optical system.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with multiple observation units positioned to observe the specimen from different directions, each equipped with an objective lens, lens array, and image pickup element, allowing simultaneous measurement of stereoscopic shape information using a common reference point and marker projection or scatterer for accurate depth mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single observation optical system is used to measure stereoscopic shape, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement time increases due to specimen rotation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The observation system is segmented into multiple independent observation units (first, second, and third observation units), each capable of observing the specimen from a different direction simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel measurement of stereoscopic shape from multiple angles, eliminating the time-consuming rotation process while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-direction observation approach to multi-directional observation by adding observation units positioned at different spatial angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°). This dimensional expansion in the observation space enables simultaneous capture of stereoscopic information from multiple perspectives, resolving the time-loss contradiction
2Device complexity
If a single observation optical system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to shape changes over time or under gravity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple observation units are positioned in advance to observe the specimen from different directions simultaneously before any shape changes occur. This preliminary multi-angle observation captures the true stereoscopic shape at a single moment in time, preventing measurement errors caused by time-dependent shape changes or gravitational effects during rotation
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple observation units create multiple simultaneous copies of the specimen image from different angles. These parallel optical paths capture identical temporal snapshots of the specimen's stereoscopic shape, eliminating measurement errors that would arise from temporal variations or gravitational distortion during sequential observation
3Productivity
If multiple observation units are added to observe from different directions, then measurement speed and accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each observation unit is designed as a universal module capable of observing the specimen from its specific angle using the same optical components (objective lens, lens array, image pickup element). This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve rapid multi-angle measurement while controlling device complexity through standardized, interchangeable modules that perform the same function at different positions
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 acquisition of stereoscopic shape information without the need for specimen rotation, maintaining precision by imaging the specimen from multiple angles simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
receives light with the image pickup element, the light being modulated by the object and passing through the objective lens and the lens array
Implementation Method 2
the lens array, and an image pickup element, receives light with the image pickup element, the light being modulated by the object and passing through the objective lens and the lens array
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus includes observation units that observe an object from different directions and an image processor. Each of the observation units includes an objective lens, a lens array, and an image pickup element, receives light with the image pickup element, the light being modulated by the object and passing through the objective lens and the lens array, and outputs image signals having a phase difference. The image processor measures a shape of the object in terms of the relative distance from a reference point based on the image signals from the observation units.