Oblique Scale Measurement for Optical Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the depth of field in optical setups, such as microscopes, are inefficient and inaccurate, especially when objects cannot be easily placed or move rapidly, and autofocus or multifocus methods are not feasible due to focusing speed limitations.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a transparent body and oblique measuring scale that aligns with the optical axis, allowing direct and reproducible measurement of the depth of field without mechanical shifting, using a glass prism or slide with laser-engraved scale for precise reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a calibration pattern is shifted in depth using a precise shifting mechanism, then the depth of field can be determined, but the measurement process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring scale is pre-positioned at a known angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to the optical axis on the measurement object, eliminating the need for real-time mechanical shifting during measurement. This preliminary arrangement allows direct depth of field determination from a single image, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time consumption.
2Speed
If autofocus or multifocus methods are used, then focusing speed can be improved, but they are not feasible for rapid moving objects or droplet sprays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical focusing mechanisms with an optical measurement approach. By positioning a measuring scale at a known angle and capturing a single image, the system determines depth of field without mechanical movement, enabling measurement of rapid moving objects and droplet sprays that would be impossible with traditional autofocus methods.
3Ease of operation
If a measuring scale is positioned perpendicular to the optical axis, then it is easy to read, but it cannot provide depth information
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring scale is positioned at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to the optical axis rather than perpendicular to it. This angular positioning adds a depth dimension to the otherwise two-dimensional scale reading. The known angle allows conversion of the scaled reading into depth information, simultaneously maintaining readability and providing depth measurement capability.
4Measurement precision
If the measuring device is placed on the measurement object, then direct measurement is possible, but positioning and alignment become critical
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is designed to be universally applicable to various measurement objects (microscope slides, flow channels, etc.). The scale is attached directly to the object surface at a known angle, making the object itself the measurement carrier. This eliminates the need for complex separate positioning and alignment mechanisms, as the object's own geometry provides the reference framework.
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 accurate and reproducible determination of the depth of field with minimal effort, eliminating mechanical displacement and reducing measurement errors, suitable for various optical setups including microscopes and flow measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the device body is optically transparent at least partially along the measuring axis
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a measuring device (10) and a method for determining the depth of field of an optical setup (100). The measuring device comprises a device body (12) with a measuring axis (14), wherein the device body (12) is designed such that it can be placed in a stable position on a support surface of the optical setup in such a way that the measuring axis (14) of the device body (12) coincides with an optical axis of the optical setup, wherein the device body (12) has a measuring scale (18) applied along a scale line (16) such that the scale line (16) forms a scale angle ϕ greater than 0° and less than 90° with the direction of the measuring axis (14), and the measuring scale (18) is optically detectable by the optical setup (100) for determining the depth of field in the measuring position of the device body (12).