Nano-position stage for super-resolution imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices are limited by their resolution, which restricts the quality of captured images and subsequent post-processing tasks like BRDF analysis, and replacing them with higher-resolution devices is costly.
Innovation Solution
A computing device coupled with a moveable nano-position stage and imaging device uses a super-resolution restoration method to capture images at different locations, enhancing image resolution without needing a higher-resolution imaging device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a higher-resolution imaging device is used, then image resolution is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is mounted on a moveable stage that can dynamically adjust its position to capture multiple images at different locations. This dynamic positioning allows the system to overcome the resolution limitation of a fixed, lower-resolution device by synthesizing higher-resolution information from multiple captures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of improving resolution within the same imaging plane, the system adds a spatial dimension by capturing images at multiple different positions. The moveable stage enables translation in X and Y directions, creating a multi-dimensional capture approach that synthesizes higher-resolution output through computational processing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured at different locations, then image resolution is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using a single high-resolution imaging device with a computational system that processes multiple lower-resolution images. The moveable stage automates the capture process, and software algorithms efficiently synthesize the final high-resolution image, reducing manual intervention and optimization time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of image capture location by moving the imaging device to multiple positions. By varying the spatial parameters of capture and using computational processing, the system achieves high-resolution output without requiring proportionally longer capture times that would be needed with manual methods.
3Measurement precision
If a moveable stage is added to the imaging system, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable stage serves multiple functions: it positions the imaging device for capturing images at different locations, enables the super-resolution process, and can potentially support other imaging operations. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing resolution enhancement capabilities without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable stage acts as an intermediary between the imaging device and the object being imaged. Rather than modifying the imaging device itself or the object, the stage provides a mechanical mediation that enables positional adjustment, allowing the system to achieve super-resolution through a relatively simple additive component.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, the disclosure describes a nano-position stage, an imaging device coupled to the nano-position stage, and a controller comprising instructions to: instruct the imaging device to capture a first image of a subject, instruct the nano-position stage to alter a position of the imaging device a distance based on a pixel size of the first image, instruct the imaging device to capture a second image of the subject at the altered position, and generate a third image of the subject utilizing the first image and the second image.