Optical Observation Device Stage Movement Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for creating overall images using optical microscopes are time-consuming, especially at high magnifications, due to the need for manual confirmation of stage movement completion, which increases the total capture time.
Innovation Solution
An optical observation device with a movement information retaining system, a moving mechanism, an imaging data acquisition system, and discrimination information provision, allowing continuous image capture during stage movement and rest, and distinguishing between the two to reduce the need for manual confirmation of stage stillness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the stage movement completion is manually confirmed for every small area, then the image acquisition accuracy is improved, but the total capture time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback mechanism using position sensors to detect stage movement completion. The sensor continuously monitors stage position and automatically signals when movement is complete, eliminating manual confirmation while maintaining acquisition accuracy. This feedback loop enables the system to proceed to the next small area without human intervention, significantly reducing total capture time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of stage position through integrated position sensors. Rather than requiring external manual confirmation, the imaging system automatically checks stage position, determines when movement is complete, and triggers the next imaging sequence. This self-service capability maintains precision while eliminating time-consuming manual operations.
2Productivity
If the stage moves quickly between positions, then the productivity is improved, but the image quality may deteriorate due to motion blur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by implementing a cycle of rapid stage movement followed by brief pausing at each small area position. The stage quickly transitions between positions to maintain productivity, then pauses momentarily at each position to allow stable image capture. This periodic pattern of move-pause-move enables high-speed operation while preventing motion blur during actual imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts stage velocity based on operational phase: high speed during inter-position travel to maximize productivity, and zero or minimal speed during image capture to ensure quality. This dynamic velocity control, coordinated with the imaging sequence, resolves the contradiction between fast capture and sharp images.
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 significantly shortens the total exposure time by allowing continuous image acquisition and eliminating the need for manual confirmation of stage movement completion, thereby enhancing the efficiency of creating overall images.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging optical system for forming an image of the light from an object to be observed placed on a sample stage
Data Source
AI summary
An optical observation device having an imaging optical system for forming an image of light from an object on a sample stage, a movement information retaining unit for retaining the movement information on the sequence of the movement to each relative position and a plurality of relative positions of the sample stage to the imaging optical system, a moving unit for moving the sample stage and allowing the stage to rest at each relative position, an imaging data acquisition unit for continuously acquiring the imaging data of observation images obtained by the imaging optical system at a time interval shorter than the time to move the stage to each relative position and the time of rest at each resting position, and a discrimination information providing unit for providing to the imaging data discrimination information for distinguishing whether the imaging data is imaged at a timing when the stage is moving.