Optical Measuring Device Wedge Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration procedures for microscopic imaging systems are complex, time-consuming, and require skilled technicians, making them inefficient for precise and accurate measurement of optical properties such as magnification, focal length, field curvature, distortion, and depth of focus.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the imaging of uniformly periodic linear elements at an acute angle with respect to the optical axis, allowing for the calculation of optical properties using a structure on a wedge device, where the optical axis is oriented vertically, simplifying the calibration process and enabling automatic determination of properties like magnification, focal length, field curvature, and distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration procedures are used, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target contains machine-readable identification that enables the system to automatically identify the target and retrieve pre-stored calibration parameters, allowing the system to calibrate itself without requiring external intervention or complex manual procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Calibration parameters are pre-calculated and stored in memory associated with specific calibration targets before actual measurement operations. When a target is placed in the field of view, the system automatically retrieves the corresponding pre-stored parameters, eliminating the need for real-time complex calibration computations
2Measurement precision
If traditional calibration procedures are used, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but skilled technicians are required to perform them
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies the calibration target through machine-readable codes and retrieves the appropriate calibration parameters from stored memory, performing the entire calibration process autonomously without requiring skilled technicians to manually configure or compute calibration settings
Solution Approach 2:
Manual calibration operations performed by technicians are replaced by an automated system that uses machine-readable identification and computer-controlled retrieval of calibration parameters, substituting human expertise with automated electronic processes
3Ease of operation
If simple calibration tools are used, then ease of operation improves, but measurement accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A machine-readable identification system serves as an intermediary between the simple calibration target and the complex calibration parameters, allowing the system to maintain ease of operation with a simple physical target while accurately retrieving and applying sophisticated pre-calculated calibration data through the identification mediator
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration target is designed as a simple physical object with machine-readable identification that copies or represents complex calibration information in an accessible form, allowing the simple target to convey precise calibration parameters to the system without requiring the target itself to be complex
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of calibrating and measuring optical properties of an imaging optical device is disclosed in which a structure of uniformly periodic linear elements is imaged using the optical device being calibrated. This image is obtained with the optical axis of the device at an angle α with respect to a normal to the uniformly periodic structure. This is done by situating the linear elements on the hypotenuse of a wedge, i.e., a right-angled triangular prism. The image is then taken with the optical axis of the optical device oriented vertically. An advantage of the arrangement is that the structure of uniformly periodic linear elements does not need to be carefully focused making the system quick and easy to implement.