OCT Focus Adjustment via Container Wall Refraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging techniques struggle to accurately adjust the focus position and optical path length when imaging through an optically transparent container wall, due to refraction effects that vary with container thickness and refractive index, making it difficult to achieve high-quality tomographic images.
Innovation Solution
An imaging method and apparatus that utilize low coherence light to detect interference between signal light reflected from an imaging object and reference light, allowing for the calculation of focus position adjustments based on the refractive index and thickness of the container wall, enabling precise specification of the focus position in tomographic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If imaging is performed via an optically transparent container wall, then non-contact observation of cells is achieved, but refraction effects cause difficulty in accurately adjusting focus position and optical path length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation method that uses the container wall's refractive index and thickness as mediating parameters to correct the focus position. By calculating the actual focus position based on these intermediary parameters, the system compensates for refraction effects without requiring direct contact with the imaging object, thus maintaining non-contact observation while achieving accurate focus positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the focus position and reference optical path length based on calculated values derived from the container wall's refractive index and thickness. This allows the system to adapt to different container specifications and maintain accurate imaging parameters across various experimental conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the container wall thickness and refractive index vary, then imaging flexibility is improved, but the difficulty of specifying focus position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by calculating the focus position adjustment based on the container wall's refractive index and thickness. This allows the system to adapt to various container specifications (different materials, thicknesses) while maintaining accurate focus position specification through mathematical correction, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and measurement difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment methods with a calculation-based approach. Instead of mechanically trial-and-error adjusting the focus position, the system uses optical calculations involving the refractive index and thickness parameters to determine the correct focus position, thereby simplifying the process and improving accuracy across different container types.
3Manufacturing precision
If focus position and reference optical path length are adjusted manually, then imaging quality can be optimized, but the complexity of operation increases for users without detailed knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the system automatically calculate and adjust the focus position and reference optical path length based on the container wall's refractive index and thickness. This eliminates the need for users to manually adjust these parameters, as the system performs the optimization automatically, thus maintaining high imaging quality while significantly simplifying user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the calculated focus position and reference optical path length values to automatically configure the imaging system. The system feeds back the calculated parameters to the appropriate components (e.g., focus adjustment mechanism, reference mirror position) to achieve optimal imaging conditions without requiring user intervention or detailed knowledge of the underlying optics.
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
This approach allows for accurate specification of the focus position relative to the container's principal surfaces, even when the thickness and refractive index are unknown, ensuring high-quality imaging by adjusting the focus position and reference optical path length, facilitating precise control over the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
signal light is condensed via the container wall part. A focus position on the imaging object may be different from a focus position when the signal light is condensed without via the container due to the refraction of the signal light in the container
Implementation Method 2
detecting interference light of reflected light (signal light) from the imaging object and reference light having a known optical path length
Data Source
AI summary
In an OCT imaging, a focus position in a tomographic image is determined by a first distance, a second adjustment amount, a third adjustment amount and a refractive index of a medium. The first distance is a distance between a first surface and a second surface of a wall part of a container. The second adjustment amount is a focus position adjustment amount of an objective optical system at which an intensity of reflected light from the second surface is maximized when a reference mirror is positioned at a position where an object optical path length to the first surface and a reference optical path length are equal in a condition that the objective optical system is focused on the first surface. The third adjustment amount is a focus position adjustment amount in the imaging.