Specimen Observation Apparatus Horizontal Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen observation apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the relative position between the specimen observation area and the imaging field of view in specimen containers due to manufacturing errors, leading to deviations that can result in inaccurate image capture and focus adjustment issues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus identifies the central position of the specimen container by analyzing luminance values and region widths before auto-focus, using high-luminance and low-luminance regions to align the imaging field of view with the specimen observation area, even when deviations are significant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the specimen container is held accurately by the apparatus mechanism, then the positional deviation can be minimized, but the manufacturing error of the resin molded specimen container cannot be completely eliminated, leading to residual deviation between the specimen observation area and imaging field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system with an optical detection and computational correction system. The imaging device captures images of the specimen container, and the processor detects the actual position of the specimen observation area through image analysis, then calculates correction values to compensate for manufacturing errors, substituting mechanical precision requirements with optical-mechanical integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by detecting the actual position of the specimen container through imaging, comparing it with the predetermined position, calculating the deviation, and applying correction values to adjust the imaging field of view position, thereby eliminating the effect of manufacturing errors through closed-loop control.
2Reliability
If the laser irradiation position is out of the specimen observation area due to large deviation, then focus adjustment cannot be performed, but the deviation may be excluded from determination targets of focus adjustment, making imaging impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the specimen container position and calculates correction values before focus adjustment is attempted. By pre-positioning the imaging field of view based on detected specimen location, the system ensures that the laser irradiation position will be within the specimen observation area during subsequent focus adjustment, preventing imaging failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary correction to counteract the expected deviation between the predetermined specimen position and actual position. By calculating and applying position correction values before focus adjustment, the system prevents the laser irradiation position from falling outside the specimen observation area, thereby avoiding focus adjustment failure.
3Loss of information
If the specimen observation area and imaging field of view are deviated due to manufacturing errors, then the accuracy of captured image and amount of information decrease, but the deviation leads to erroneous determination during post-processing such as image observation and image analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by continuously detecting the specimen position through imaging, comparing it with the predetermined position, and applying correction values to maintain accurate alignment between the imaging field of view and specimen observation area throughout the imaging process, preventing information loss and erroneous determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning with optical detection and computational correction, where the imaging device detects specimen position and the processor calculates correction values to maintain accurate alignment, thereby preserving image information accuracy without relying on mechanical precision.
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
This method ensures reliable horizontal positioning between the specimen observation area and the imaging field of view, enabling accurate image capture and focus adjustment, even in cases where deviations would typically prevent imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device that obtains an image of the specimen container bottom surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a technology whereby relative positioning in the horizontal direction between a specimen observation area in a specimen container and an imaging field of view can be reliably performed, even prior to adjusting the focal position in the vertical direction using an auto-focus system. This specimen observation apparatus: obtains a luminance value for an image at a plurality of locations in the specimen container, prior to performing auto-focus; and uses the number of high-luminance regions and the width of those regions and identifies a central position, in the horizontal direction, in the specimen container or uses the number of low-luminance regions and the width of those regions and identifies the central position, in the horizontal direction, in the specimen container.