Multi-Spectral Fast Focusing via Stepper Motor Offset Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-spectral focusing methods are inefficient due to the need for precise focusing in each spectral band, which slows down the process of achieving clear multi-spectral images.
Innovation Solution
A fast focusing method and device that utilize similarities in distribution curves representing focus measures across spectral bands, combining coarse-tuning and fine-tuning focusing operations with a stepper motor, and calculating offset values to achieve precise focusing positions efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional focusing methods are used to achieve precise focusing for each spectral band, then the focusing precision is improved, but the focusing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary coarse-tuning focusing to obtain an initial focusing position before fine-tuning. This preliminary action reduces the search range for subsequent precise focusing, thereby improving overall focusing efficiency while maintaining precision. The coarse-tuning step prepares the system by bringing the focus close to the optimal position, so that the subsequent fine-tuning requires fewer adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the focusing process into two separate stages: coarse-tuning focusing and fine-tuning focusing. Each stage serves a specific purpose - coarse-tuning provides a rough focus position quickly, while fine-tuning achieves precise focus. This segmentation allows the system to balance between speed and precision by optimizing each stage independently rather than using a single uniform approach.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of focusing positions is increased to achieve clear multi-spectral images, then the image quality is improved, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses coarse-tuning focusing as a preliminary step to quickly establish an initial focusing position before performing fine-tuning. This preliminary action significantly reduces the number of positions that need to be tested during the subsequent fine-tuning stage, thereby reducing time consumption while still achieving high image quality through the combined two-stage approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing coarse-tuning at multiple positions to map the focus characteristics, then using this information to guide the fine-tuning process. Rather than performing exhaustive fine-tuning at all coarse-tuning positions, the system strategically selects positions for fine-tuning based on the coarse-tuning results, reducing overall time consumption while maintaining image quality.
3Measurement precision
If multi-spectral imaging is performed with multiple spectral bands, then the spectral resolution is improved, but the focusing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a mapping relationship between spectral bands and focusing positions that can be reused across multiple spectral bands. Once the mapping is determined through the two-stage focusing process, it can be applied universally to all spectral bands, reducing the complexity of focusing control for multi-spectral imaging while maintaining high spectral resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of focusing position based on the spectral band being imaged. By establishing a mapping relationship between different spectral bands and their optimal focusing positions, the system can adjust the focusing parameter according to the current spectral band, thereby managing the complexity of multi-spectral focusing while maintaining high spectral resolution.
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
Significantly reduces the number of focusing positions required, increasing efficiency by 57% compared to conventional methods, allowing for faster and clearer multi-spectral image acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
Optical filters and imaging lenses used in multi-spectral imaging have different refractive indexes in different spectral bands, which results in differences between equivalent focal lengths for imaging in these spectral bands
Data Source
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AI summary
Fast focusing methods and devices for multi-spectral imaging are disclosed. The method comprising selecting one of a plurality of imaging channel as a reference channel, adjusting rotation positions of a stepper motor, calculating focus measures corresponding to all rotation positions of the stepper motor, and obtaining a first distribution curve; in each of the other imaging channels, selecting at least three rotation positions of the stepper motor, matching focus measures at the selected rotation positions with the first distribution curve to obtain a second distribution curve and a offset value between the first distribution curve and the second distribution curve, and calculating a clear focusing position of the imaging channel to be focused according to the offset value; performing a fine-tuning focusing, and thereby obtaining a more precise clear focusing position. A fast focusing for multi-spectral imaging and obtain clear multi-spectral images is obtained.