Optical Imaging Stage Calibration with Image Offset Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern optical imaging systems require complex and time-consuming alignment processes between the stage and imaging device, which are disrupted by shocks or device changes, leading to user dissatisfaction and distorted image views.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines an offset between initial and displaced image data to calculate a conversion parameter, allowing automatic compensation for rotational and scaling offsets between the stage and imaging device, ensuring intuitive user control and accurate image display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment and calibration between stage and imaging device is performed, then alignment precision is improved, but alignment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A calibration pattern is placed on the stage before imaging to establish reference points for automatic calibration. The system captures images of this pattern and automatically calculates transformation parameters, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures images of the calibration pattern, automatically detects feature positions, calculates offset and rotation parameters, and uses these parameters to transform subsequent images. This closed-loop feedback process replaces manual alignment with automated computational correction.
2Measurement precision
If complex alignment procedures are implemented, then image orientation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment procedures with computational image transformation. Instead of manually adjusting the physical orientation of the imaging device or stage, the system captures images and applies mathematical transformations (rotation, translation, scaling) to correct orientation errors in software.
Solution Approach 2:
A calibration pattern serves as an intermediary element placed on the stage. This pattern provides easily detectable reference features that enable the system to automatically determine the relationship between stage coordinates and image coordinates, simplifying the calibration process.
3Ease of operation
If automatic calibration is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration pattern is designed and placed before imaging begins, providing pre-established reference points with known geometric relationships. This preliminary setup enables subsequent automatic detection and calibration without requiring high precision during the actual imaging operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an optical imaging system, and to methods, systems, and computer programs for such an optical imaging system. The methods comprise obtaining first image data of an imaging device of the imaging system, the first image data comprising a representation of a pattern. The methods comprise obtaining second image data of the pattern from the imaging device after the pattern has been displaced by a stage of the optical imaging system by a distance in a dimension defined relative to the stage. The methods comprise determining an offset between the patterns of the first and second image data in two dimensions. The methods comprise calculating a conversion parameter based on the offset and the distance. A first method comprises controlling a drive unit configured to displace the stage based on the conversion parameter.