Resin Calibration Samples for Stable 3D Autofocus Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autofocus calibration methods struggle with biological samples that change over time, particularly those with three-dimensional structures, leading to inconsistent and unreliable autofocus target position settings.
Innovation Solution
A calibration sample comprising a light-transmissive resin sample container with a first layer containing target objects and a second layer, designed to simulate biological samples, allowing for precise autofocus calibration without relying on the actual biological sample's changes over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image identification method is used for autofocus, then the contrast of the captured microscopic image is directly confirmed and the highest contrast image can be captured, but autofocus becomes difficult when the biological sample is small in quantity or in the initial growth stage where contrast cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a calibration sample as an intermediary object that provides stable contrast features for autofocus calibration. This calibration sample serves as a mediator between the optical system and the actual biological sample, allowing the system to learn and store the relationship between objective lens positions and image contrast without requiring the biological sample to have sufficient contrast
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs autofocus calibration in advance using a calibration sample before actual biological sample observation. The calibration process pre-establishes the focus position mapping, so when observing biological samples with low contrast or in early growth stages, the system can rely on the pre-calibrated focus positions rather than requiring real-time contrast optimization
2Reliability
If the optical method is used for autofocus, then autofocus can be performed regardless of biological sample quantity and even when no contrast can be obtained, but the contrast of the image captured with the optical microscope is not confirmed directly and calibration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration sample acts as an intermediary that bridges the optical method and image identification method. It allows the optical autofocus system to acquire contrast information that can be used to calibrate the relationship between optical focus position and image contrast maximum, combining the advantages of both methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a calibration sample that copies or simulates the optical properties and contrast characteristics of actual biological samples. This artificial copy provides stable, reproducible contrast features that enable the system to learn focus-position relationships without relying on the variability of real biological samples
3Manufacturing precision
If calibration is performed using an actual biological sample, then the calibration reflects the real sample properties, but the biological sample changes over time due to solvent evaporation and cannot maintain the same state for several hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a calibration sample that can be easily manufactured and replaced, serving as a disposable or reusable standard reference. This calibration sample does not suffer from the same stability issues as biological samples, providing a consistent reference for multiple calibration operations without degrading over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or composition of the calibration sample to be more stable than biological samples. By using materials with controlled optical properties and stable physical characteristics, the calibration sample maintains consistent contrast features and dimensional stability throughout the calibration process and storage period
4Ease of manufacture
If a three-dimensional structure-less sample is used for optical autofocus calibration, then calibration can be performed, but it is impossible to confirm how the actual biological sample looks and recalibration with the actual sample is required
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration sample incorporates local contrast features or structures that specifically mimic the critical optical characteristics of biological samples at the focal plane. Rather than requiring a complete three-dimensional replica, the calibration sample provides localized contrast elements that are sufficient for accurate autofocus calibration while maintaining ease of manufacture
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
Enables reliable and consistent autofocus target position calibration for three-dimensional biological samples by simulating their structure and optical properties, ensuring stable image quality and reducing variations due to sample changes.
Implementation Method 1
a light-transmissive first resin 132 and a light-transmissive second resin 141
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a calibration sample that can be used for three-dimensional structures and is unlikely to change over time. To this end, the calibration sample is a calibration sample for an autofocus target position in an optical microscope, and comprises a light-transmissive resin sample container that accommodates a first layer, which is disposed on a bottom side along the optical axis direction of the optical microscope and in which a target object having contrast with respect to a light-transmitting first resin is disposed inside the light-transmitting first resin, and a second layer which is disposed so as to cover the first layer and is composed of a light-transmitting second resin.