Variable Focal Lens EBSD Image Capture Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) systems require different combinations of lenses and cameras for varying applications, necessitating either high resolution or high speed, and existing methods like binning or decimation compromise image quality for speed or vice versa.
Innovation Solution
An image capture assembly with a scintillation screen, an array of photo sensors, and a variable focal length lens assembly that can switch between configurations to optimize either high resolution or high speed, allowing operation in multiple modes with a single assembly by projecting a predefined screen region onto the entire sensor array or a sub-region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed focal length lens is used to project light from the screen onto the camera sensor, then the system structure is simple, but the system can only operate in one mode (either high resolution or high speed)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable focal length lens that can dynamically change between at least two focal length values, enabling the same lens to project the screen region onto different portions of the sensor array. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to switch between high resolution mode (projecting onto the entire array) and high speed mode (projecting onto a sub-region), eliminating the need for multiple fixed lens-camera combinations while maintaining operational versatility.
2Productivity
If binning or decimation is used in the sensor to increase acquisition speed, then the speed of acquisition is improved, but image resolution is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor array usage by projecting the screen region onto different portions of the array depending on the operational mode. In high speed mode, the variable focal length lens projects the screen onto a sub-region of the sensor array, effectively utilizing only a portion of the available pixels. This segmentation approach allows the system to achieve faster acquisition speeds by reducing the number of pixels that need to be read out, while still maintaining sufficient resolution for the application.
3Measurement precision
If different EBSD systems with different combinations of lens and cameras are used for different applications, then the required resolution or speed can be achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal EBSD system configuration where a single variable focal length lens can serve multiple functions by adjusting its focal length. The same lens-camera combination can operate in high resolution mode by projecting onto the entire sensor array, or in high speed mode by projecting onto a sub-region. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized EBSD systems, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to meet different resolution and speed requirements.
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 flexible operation in EBSD systems to achieve optimal speed and resolution for different applications without compromising image quality, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of EBSD imaging.
Implementation Method 1
The electrons collide with the screen which fluoresces and the resulting light may be detected using a lens assembly and a camera
Implementation Method 2
an image capture assembly comprising: a scintillation screen including a predefined screen region; an image sensor comprising an array of photo sensors; and a lens assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an image capture assembly and method for use in an electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) system. An image capture assembly comprises a scintillation screen (10) including a predefined screen region (11), an image sensor (20) comprising an array of photo sensors and a lens assembly (30). The image capture assembly is configured to operate in at least a first configuration or a second configuration. In the first configuration the lens assembly (30) projects the predefined region (11) of the scintillation screen (10) onto the array and in the second configuration the lens assembly (30) projects the predefined region (11) of the scintillation screen (10) onto a sub-region (21) of the array. In each of the first and second configurations the field of view of the lens assembly (30) is the same.