Predictive Focus Tracking for High-Speed Imaging Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanners face latency issues during focus tracking, particularly when imaging samples in larger containers, due to variations in sample locations caused by bending or thermal changes, which slows down the imaging process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of predictive focus tracking systems and improved actuators that derive focus tracking error signal information in advance by adding additional points to the optical system's field of view and using history files to store focusing information for sample containers, allowing for pre-determination of focus settings and reduced latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time focusing is performed at each sample location during scanning, then focus accuracy is maintained across samples in different focal planes, but latency increases and imaging speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining focus settings for future sample locations in advance before the optical stage reaches those locations. The drive circuit calculates and prepares drive signals for upcoming focus adjustments based on pre-determined focus settings, allowing the actuator to execute focus changes without waiting for real-time feedback at each sample location. This predictive approach maintains focus accuracy while eliminating the latency associated with real-time focusing.
2Loss of time
If additional points are added to the optical system field of view to obtain focus information in advance, then focus tracking latency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the optical system multi-functional: the same optical components and detectors used for imaging current sample locations are also used to gather focus information for future sample locations. The system performs both imaging and predictive focus measurement using the same hardware infrastructure, avoiding the need for separate dedicated focus sensing components and reducing overall system complexity while still achieving reduced latency.
3Productivity
If faster actuators are used to increase focusing speed, then imaging throughput improves, but manufacturing precision and focus control accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the exact focus settings and drive signal parameters needed for future sample locations before the optical stage arrives there. This allows faster actuators to execute pre-planned focus adjustments with high precision, as the control system has already determined the optimal focus position and required actuator movement, eliminating the need for slower real-time feedback loops while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system may include a sample stage comprising a surface to support a sample container, the sample container including a sample having a plurality of sample locations; an optical stage to image the sample at the plurality of sample locations; one or more actuators physically coupled to at least one of the sample stage and the optical stage to move the sample stage relative to the optical stage to focus the optical stage onto a current sample location of the plurality of sample locations; a first light source to illuminate the current sample location; a second light source to project a pair of spots on a next sample location of the plurality of sample locations; and a controller to determine, based on an image of the pair of spots projected on the next sample location, a focus setting for the next sample location.