Variable Magnification Microscopy Slide Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy systems face challenges in adjusting magnification without changing microscope objectives, leading to difficulties in scanning large specimens at varying resolutions and maintaining image registration, especially when transitioning between low and high magnification.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a microscope slide scanner using a zoom lens as a tube lens allows for continuous or stepped adjustment of magnification, enabling scans at multiple resolutions without changing objectives, and maintaining focus through the use of a parfocal zoom lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed magnification objective is used, then the imaging resolution is maintained, but the ability to scan large specimens at varying resolutions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed magnification objective system with a dynamic zoom lens system that allows continuous or stepped adjustment of magnification. The zoom lens can vary its focal length to provide different magnification levels (e.g., 10x, 20x, 40x) while maintaining a parfocal design that keeps the image plane stable, thereby enabling versatile scanning at multiple resolutions without changing physical objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the optical parameters of the imaging system through a zoom lens mechanism. The lens allows adjustment of key parameters such as focal length and magnification factor, enabling the system to adapt between low magnification for large-area scanning and high magnification for detailed imaging of specific regions, all while using a single lens assembly.
2Measurement precision
If multiple objectives are used for different magnifications, then the resolution requirements are met, but the image registration and focus maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The parfocal zoom lens maintains a fixed image plane position across all magnification settings, eliminating the need for refocusing when switching between magnification levels. This dynamic focus maintenance simplifies operation and ensures that images captured at different magnifications remain properly focused and easily registrable without complex calibration procedures.
3Measurement precision
If high magnification is used for detailed imaging, then the resolution is improved, but the scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The zoom lens system enables dynamic switching between low and high magnification modes based on the imaging requirements. For large-area scanning, low magnification is used to maintain high scan speed and productivity. When detailed imaging of specific regions is needed, the magnification can be increased without changing physical objectives, allowing the system to optimize between resolution and scan time flexibly throughout the imaging process.
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 solution enables rapid low-resolution scans for indexing, followed by high-resolution imaging of areas of interest, with adjustable scan strip width and fluorescence exposure prediction, allowing for efficient imaging of large specimens with improved resolution and reduced scan time.
Implementation Method 1
The tube lens is replaced with a zoom lens that allows the focal length to be changed
Implementation Method 2
the focal length of which can be changed in a continuous or stepped fashion while maintaining focus
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument and a method of scanning a large microscope specimen moves the specimen relative to a detector array during scanning by a scanner. Magnification of the instrument is adjustable using a zoom tube lens over a continuous range of magnification to enable scans of the specimen to be taken over a range of resolutions without varying the infinity corrective objective. Scans of the specimen can be taken over a range of resolutions with the same infinity connected objective.