Specimen Imaging With Layered Focus Capture for Variable Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extended depth of focus techniques are cumbersome when generating images for specimens with variable thickness, such as pathology slides, as they require complex adjustments to capture clear images across different thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device and method that captures multiple images at varying focus depths, compiles them into integrated images, and combines these images to create a consolidated image with enhanced focus across variable thicknesses, using a processor to manage the image acquisition and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extended depth of focus techniques are used to capture clear images across different thicknesses, then imaging quality is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple discrete focus depth captures, with each capture targeting a specific depth plane. The processor divides the variable thickness specimen into multiple focal layers, capturing images at each layer separately and then computationally combining them to achieve extended depth of focus without requiring complex optical hardware modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-plane 2D imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by adding the depth dimension. Multiple images captured at different focus depths are stacked and processed to create a consolidated image that represents the entire thickness of the specimen, effectively using depth as an additional dimension to overcome the variable thickness problem
2Measurement precision
If multiple images at varying focus depths are captured and compiled, then focus clarity across variable thickness is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing all necessary images at different focus depths in a systematic sequence before consolidation. The processor pre-processes each captured image to identify in-focus regions, and only then combines them, avoiding repeated capture attempts and reducing overall processing time
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple images captured at different focus depths are merged into a single consolidated image that displays the entire specimen in focus. The processor combines the in-focus regions from each depth plane, creating a unified image that represents the complete variable thickness specimen with improved focus clarity throughout
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device for image generation of a specimen is disclosed. Layers of images may be captured by an optical system and then compiled to create an integrated image. Each layer may include a different focal point. A consolidated image may then be created by combining one or more integrated images.