Sample Image Analyzer Continuous Scanning Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample image analyzers are inefficient due to the need for repeated starting and stopping of electric motors to position targets within the field of view, and the requirement for focusing before each image capture, leading to time-consuming image capturing and low overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sample image analyzer with an object stage, an imaging device, and a driving device that allows for continuous relative movement between the object stage and the imaging device, enabling the imaging device to capture multiple images of an object at different positions during vertical movement, which are then fused to obtain a target image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electric motor repeatedly starts and stops to position the target within the field of view, then the target positioning is achieved, but the image capturing time increases and overall efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous scanning movement of the object stage without repeated stopping, allowing the imaging device to continuously capture images during movement. This eliminates the start-stop cycles of conventional systems, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the scanning process and significantly improving image capturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static positioning approach (stop-motor-focus-capture) to a dynamic scanning approach (continuous movement with real-time image capture). The object stage moves continuously while the imaging device captures images at different positions, transforming the system from static to dynamic operation.
2Measurement precision
If the imaging device performs focusing before each image capture, then the image quality is ensured, but the image capturing process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary coarse positioning by moving the object stage to different positions during continuous scanning. The imaging device captures images at these predetermined positions without requiring focusing adjustments, as the continuous movement already provides sufficient positioning accuracy for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the focusing operation from the image capture sequence. By implementing continuous scanning with fixed-focus imaging, the system removes the focusing step entirely from the operational workflow, eliminating the time loss associated with repeated focusing while maintaining acceptable image quality through the continuous capture approach.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the electric motor stops between positioning steps, then the target position is stabilized, but the overall analyzing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The object stage maintains continuous movement throughout the scanning process without stopping between positioning steps. The imaging device captures images during this continuous movement, eliminating idle time while maintaining position stability through controlled motion and real-time image acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic image capture at predetermined intervals during continuous movement. Instead of stopping at each position, the imaging device captures images at regular time or distance intervals, transforming the operation from discrete stop-and-capture cycles to continuous periodic capture during motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample image analyzer includes: an object stage for supporting a sample carrier; an imaging device for capturing an image of an object in a sample on the sample carrier; a driving device for driving the object stage and the imaging device to move relative to each other; and a control device configured to control the driving device to deliver the sample carrier to a position below the imaging device, control the driving device to drive the object stage and the imaging device to move horizontally relative to each other, and to move vertically relative to each other, control the imaging device to capture, at least during the relative vertical movement, images of the object at different horizontal positions and at different vertical positions, and fuse the images of the object to obtain a target image of the object.