Pan Tilt Imaging Device Time-Lapse Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices lack the capability to perform time-lapse imaging using a pan and tilt mechanism, which is necessary for capturing images at specific intervals while adjusting the imaging direction, leading to inconsistencies in exposure time and focal depth issues, especially in microscope applications.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device equipped with a pan and tilt mechanism, live view image output, and input units for manual operation and instruction inputs for specifying camerawork, allowing for automatic time-lapse imaging by controlling the pan and tilt angles and exposure settings based on user inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If long time exposure is performed to image very low luminance subjects in fluorescence imaging, then imaging quality is improved, but the exposure time becomes longer than the imaging interval, causing contradiction in time-lapse imaging conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of time-lapse imaging conditions before actual imaging begins. The control unit calculates the imaging interval by adding the exposure time to the operator-designated interval, and only starts imaging after confirming that the calculated interval matches the operator's intended timing. This preliminary verification ensures that long exposure times do not compromise time-lapse imaging consistency.
2Measurement precision
If the imaging interval is extended to accommodate long exposure time, then imaging quality is improved, but the actual imaging interval becomes significantly different from the intended interval, preventing desired subject imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the control unit verify the calculated imaging interval against the operator's intended interval before starting imaging. The control unit determines whether the sum of exposure time and designated interval matches the expected timing, and only proceeds with imaging if the conditions are consistent. This feedback mechanism ensures precise control over actual imaging intervals even when long exposure times are used.
3Measurement precision
If the microscope system uses a shallow focal depth, then imaging resolution is improved, but the nucleus cannot be observed for long time if it moves above the focus depth area or focal position shifts with temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the focal position of the objective lens during time-lapse imaging. The control unit manages autofocus operations to track the nucleus as it moves through the focal depth area, compensating for temperature-induced focal shifts. This dynamic focal adjustment maintains the nucleus within the shallow depth of field throughout the extended observation period, preserving both resolution and observation duration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation of pan and tilt mechanism is required for each image, then imaging flexibility is improved, but the imaging process becomes time-consuming and cannot be automated
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the operator to pre-set pan and tilt angles and imaging directions before time-lapse imaging begins. The control unit stores these predetermined settings and automatically executes them during the imaging sequence, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of each individual image. This preliminary configuration maintains imaging direction flexibility while enabling full automation and significantly improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an imaging device and a time-lapse imaging method capable of simply realizing time-lapse imaging using a pan and tilt mechanism. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, an imaging device includes a pan and tilt mechanism that rotates an imaging unit in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction relative to a device body, transmits a live view image to a smartphone, displays the live view image on a display and input unit, and receives an instruction input for specifying camerawork in time-lapse imaging using the display and input unit. Accordingly, the instruction input for specifying camerawork for performing time-lapse imaging using the pan and tilt mechanism can be simply input. The imaging device controls at least the pan and tilt mechanism based on the instruction input for specifying camerawork and controls the imaging unit to perform time-lapse imaging.