Image Scanning Apparatus On-the-Fly Focus Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image scanning apparatus methods, such as those using focus maps generated by pre-scans, are time-consuming and lack accuracy in regions with non-uniform tissue detail, leading to incorrect focus measurements and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A method that monitors in-focus positions at seed and end locations, conducts a pre-scan along a calculated path, and adjusts the focal position during an imaging scan based on focus parameter comparisons between pre-scan and imaging scan locations, allowing for 'on-the-fly' focusing without relying on extensive pre-scan measurements or interpolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pre-scan is conducted with many measurement points to generate an accurate focus map, then focus measurement precision is improved, but scanning time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning process into two distinct phases: a rapid pre-scan phase that identifies key focus points, and a subsequent imaging phase that uses those points to guide focus adjustments. This segmentation allows the system to obtain sufficient focus information without requiring exhaustive measurement at every possible location, thereby maintaining precision while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-scan phase performs preliminary focus measurements at strategically selected points before the main imaging scan. These preliminary actions establish a focus map that guides subsequent focus adjustments during imaging, eliminating the need for extensive real-time focus measurements and significantly reducing total scanning time while maintaining accuracy.
2Productivity
If a pre-scan is conducted with too few measurement points to save time, then productivity is improved, but focus measurement precision deteriorates and interpolated regions become inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary focus map generated from limited pre-scan measurements that serves as a guide for focus adjustments during the main imaging scan. This intermediary structure allows the system to bridge the gap between sparse measurement points and continuous focus requirements, maintaining precision even with fewer measurement points by using the focus map to predict and adjust focus positions dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing actual focus measurements during the imaging scan with predictions from the pre-scan focus map. This feedback mechanism allows real-time correction of focus positions, ensuring that even though fewer points are measured in the pre-scan, the final imaging achieves high precision through dynamic adjustment based on actual observations.
3Productivity
If the ribbon-focus technique is used to generate a focus map quickly, then scanning time is reduced, but accuracy deteriorates in regions with non-uniform tissue detail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different regions of the sample differently based on their characteristics. In regions with non-uniform tissue detail, the system performs additional localized focus measurements and adjustments rather than relying solely on the ribbon-focus technique. This allows the system to maintain high productivity overall while ensuring accurate focus measurement in challenging regions where uniformity cannot be assumed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for estimating an in-focus position of a target using an image scanning apparatus is provided. The in-focus position is monitored at a seed location and an end location on the target and a pre-scan path is calculated between these locations. A pre-scan is then performed and a focus parameter is monitored for a plurality of locations along the pre-scan path. An imaging scan is next performed wherein the target is imaged along an image scan path and a focus parameter is monitored for a plurality of locations along said path. The focal height of the apparatus is adjusted during the imaging scan by comparing the focal parameter monitored for a current location on the image scan path with the focal parameter monitored for a similar location on the pre-scan path. The focal parameter monitored for different locations on the image scan path may also be compared.