Reference-Image Feedback for Optical Imaging Drift Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Long-term optical imaging measurements are prone to image drift due to environmental instabilities such as temperature fluctuations, leading to incorrect information and the need for improved imaging techniques.

Innovation Solution

A device for an optical imaging system that includes a data processing circuit to receive sensor data for a reference image, trigger data for drift determination, and control the recording of a drift image. The device determines a pixel offset between the reference and drift images and generates correction data to adjust for this offset.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If long-term measurements are performed to capture detailed specimen information, then measurement completeness is improved, but image drift occurs due to environmental instabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement durationVSAvoidimage accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent records a reference image at the beginning of the measurement sequence before drift occurs. This preliminary reference image is then used to calculate pixel offsets for subsequent images, allowing drift compensation throughout the long-term measurement without interrupting the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where pixel offsets are continuously calculated by comparing subsequent images to the reference image. Correction data is generated based on these calculated offsets and applied to compensate for drift, creating a closed-loop system that maintains image accuracy throughout long-term measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If drift correction is performed continuously to maintain image accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent calculates pixel offsets only for subsequent images relative to the single reference image, rather than performing continuous pairwise comparisons between all images. This partial correction approach maintains adequate image accuracy without the computational overhead of exhaustive drift analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The reference image is captured once at the beginning of the measurement sequence, establishing a baseline for all subsequent drift corrections. This single preliminary reference eliminates the need for continuous reference updates, reducing processing time while maintaining correction effectiveness throughout the measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250292435A1Device, optical imaging system, method and computer program

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH

AI summary

A device for an optical imaging system includes a data processing circuit and a memory. The data processing circuit is configured to receive sensor data indicative of a reference image, receive trigger data indicative of a trigger event for determining a drift of the optical imaging system, control recording a drift image triggered by the trigger event, receive further sensor data indicative of the drift image, determine a pixel offset between the reference image and the drift image, determine correction data for correcting the pixel offset based on the pixel offset and send the correction data to correct the pixel offset.