Predictive Autofocusing for Continuous Stage Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices face challenges in achieving rapid and accurate autofocusing, especially in real-time image acquisition applications, due to limitations in focusing techniques that often result in unfocused images and time delays, particularly when accounting for mechanical variations during continuous scanning.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining a measured focus value for a first logical image segment, using it to image the segment, and then predicting a focus value for subsequent segments using stored focus variation parameters, with an imaging device equipped with both primary and auxiliary image sensors and a controller that adjusts the focus value between the objective lens and sample, allowing for enhanced scanning speed and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple images are obtained at multiple focal distances for accurate autofocusing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to acquisition delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs autofocus calculations and adjustments in advance while the stage is in continuous motion, rather than waiting for the stage to stop. By predicting focus values based on stored focus variation parameters and performing adjustments proactively, the system achieves both accurate autofocusing and rapid acquisition without time delays.
2Productivity
If autofocus calculations are performed while the stage is in continuous motion to meet scan speed requirements, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to mechanical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses stored focus variation parameters that capture mechanical variations from previous operations as feedback. By incorporating this feedback information into focus predictions for upcoming image segments, the system compensates for mechanical variations and maintains measurement precision even while the stage moves continuously at high speed.
3Loss of time
If a single reference point is used for rapid autofocusing, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs autofocus calculations and adjustments in advance while the stage is in continuous motion, rather than waiting for the stage to stop. By predicting focus values based on stored focus variation parameters and performing adjustments proactively, the system achieves both accurate autofocusing and rapid acquisition without time delays.
Data Source
AI summary
In an imaging device having an objective and a stage for holding a sample to be imaged, a method for autofocusing is presented. The method includes determining a measured focus value corresponding to at least a first of a plurality of logical image segments. Further, the method includes imaging the first logical image segment using the measured focus value. The method also includes determining a predicted focus value for a second of the plurality of logical image segments using the measured focus value and a stored focus variation parameter. In addition, the method includes imaging the second logical image segment using the predicted focus value.