U.S. patent application number 10/694690 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-13 for comparison optical system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Leica Microsystems Wetzlar GmbH. Invention is credited to Gilbert, Manfred.
Application Number | 20040090671 10/694690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32088051 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040090671 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gilbert, Manfred |
May 13, 2004 |
Comparison optical system
Abstract
A comparison optical system (1) comprising several
image-acquiring optical subsystems is disclosed. A bridge (3)
mechanically and optically connects the optical subsystems to one
another. Each of the image-acquiring optical subsystems possesses
an XYZ stage (8a, 8b), movable in motorized fashion, on which a
sample to be examined is placed. Also provided is a control unit
which moves the XYZ stages (8a, 8b), movable in motorized fashion,
synchronously in all three spatial directions. The synchronous
motion of the XYZ stages (8a, 8b) can be switched on and off by the
user.
Inventors: |
Gilbert, Manfred;
(Schoffengrund, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOUSTON ELISEEVA
4 MILITIA DRIVE, SUITE 4
LEXINGTON
MA
02421
US
|
Assignee: |
Leica Microsystems Wetzlar
GmbH
Wetzlar
DE
|
Family ID: |
32088051 |
Appl. No.: |
10/694690 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
359/391 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 2001/007 20130101;
G02B 21/18 20130101; G02B 21/26 20130101; G01N 21/95607
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
359/391 |
International
Class: |
G02B 021/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 31, 2002 |
EP |
EP 02 102 514.3 |
Claims
1. A comparison optical system comprising: several image-acquiring
optical subsystems a bridge which connects the several
image-acquiring optical subsystems mechanically and optically to
one another, an XYZ stage, movable in motorized fashion, is
provided for each image-acquiring optical subsystem, and a control
unit for moving the XYZ stages in motorized fashion, synchronously
in all three spatial directions.
2. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 1, wherein
each of the image-acquiring optical subsystems is a macroscope.
3. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 1, wherein
each of the image-acquiring optical subsystems is a microscope.
4. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 1 wherein two
image-acquiring optical subsystems are mechanically and optically
coupled with the bridge.
5. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 1, wherein at
least for the displacement of the XYZ stages in the X direction, Y
direction, and Z direction, a motor is provided which receives the
signals of the control unit and converts them into a corresponding
rotation.
6. A comparison optical system comprising: two macroscopes, a
bridge which connects the two macroscopes mechanically and
optically to one another, an XYZ stage, movable in motorized
fashion, is provided for each macroscope, and a control unit for
moving the XYZ stages in motorized fashion, synchronously in all
three spatial directions.
7. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 6, wherein the
control unit is a control and adjustment apparatus that is
associated with the macroscopes.
8. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 5, wherein the
control unit is a control and adjustment apparatus that is
associated with the macroscopes; and a first remote control device
is respectively connected to the first macroscope; and a second
remote control device is connected to the second macroscope.
9. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 8, wherein the
control and adjustment apparatus possesses an X actuation element
for displacement of the first XYZ stage and an X actuation element
for displacement of the second XYZ stage, a Y actuation element for
displacement of the first XYZ state and a Y actuation element for
displacement of the second XYZ stage, and a Z fine displacement
control for the first XYZ stage and a Z fine displacement control
for the second XYZ stage.
10. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 9, wherein
the control and adjustment apparatus encompasses an on/off switch
for a synchronous displacement of the two XYZ stages which acts in
such a way that when the on/off switch for synchronous displacement
is switched on, both XYZ stages are movable synchronously
regardless of the actuation of the X actuation element or X
actuation element, the Y actuation element or Y actuation element,
the Z fine displacement control or the Z fine displacement
control.
11. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 9, wherein
the first remote control device and the second remote control
device encompass a plurality of actuation elements; and the
actuation elements of the first remote control device and of the
second remote control device are also synchronizable in pairs.
12. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 6, wherein
the comparison optical system has associated with it a PC that, via
an RS232 cable or a USB cable, supplies control signals to the
comparison optical system and receives image data or settings data
from the comparison optical system.
13. A comparison optical system comprising: two microscopes, a
bridge which connects the two microscopes mechanically and
optically to one another, an XYZ stage, movable in motorized
fashion, is provided for each microscope, and a control unit for
moving the XYZ stages in motorized fashion, synchronously in all
three spatial directions.
14. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 13, wherein
the control unit is a first remote control device that is
associated with the first microscope; and a second remote control
device is associated with the second microscope.
15. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 13, wherein
the control unit is a control and adjustment apparatus which
possesses an X actuation element for displacement of the first XYZ
stage and an X actuation element for displacement of the second XYZ
stage, a Y actuation element for displacement of the first XYZ
state and a Y actuation element for displacement of the second XYZ
stage, and a Z fine displacement control for the first XYZ stage
and a Z fine displacement control for the second XYZ stage.
16. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 15, wherein
the control and adjustment apparatus encompasses an on/off switch
for a synchronous displacement of the two XYZ stages which acts in
such a way that when the on/off switch for synchronous displacement
is switched on, both XYZ stages are movable synchronously
regardless of the actuation of the X actuation element or X
actuation element, the Y actuation element or Y actuation element,
the Z fine displacement control or the Z fine displacement
control.
17. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 14, wherein
the first remote control device and the second remote control
device encompass a plurality of actuation elements; and the
actuation elements of the first remote control device and of the
second remote control device are also synchronizable in pairs.
18. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 13, wherein
at least for the displacement of the XYZ stages in the X direction,
Y direction, and Z direction, a motor is provided which receives
the signals of the control unit and converts them into a
corresponding rotation.
19. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 1, wherein
the comparison optical system has associated with it a PC that, via
an RS232 cable or a USB cable, supplies control signals to the
comparison optical system and receives image data or settings data
from the comparison optical system.
20. The comparison optical system as defined in claim 13, wherein
the synchronization of the XYZ stages can be switched on and off by
way of the PC (20).
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of the European patent
application 02 102 514.3 which is incorporated by reference
herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention concerns a comparison optical system. The
invention concerns in particular a comparison optical system having
several image-acquiring optical subsystems that are connected to
one another via a bridge which mechanically and optically connects
the several image-acquiring optical subsystems to one another.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] German Patent DE 30 06 379 discloses a defect inspection
system for comparative inspection of a standard specimen and a test
item. The test item and the standard specimen are on a common
support, and both the standard specimen and the test item are
imaged via optical means and combined so that a comparison is
possible.
[0004] German Unexamined Application DE 41 03 457 describes a
comparison microscope for viewing two similar specimens through two
objectives, having a device which is configured for combining the
two images for comparative viewing. Each of the two objectives is
part of an individual microscope, a video mixing apparatus, to
which the video signals of two video cameras acquiring the images
from the microscopes are conveyed, being provided as the device for
combining the two images. Synchronous displacement of the
microscope stages has not been acknowledged.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,839 describes a comparison optical
device that is embodied for simultaneous observation of two
specimens. A bridge encompasses the optical means for combining the
beam paths that are generated by the microscope or macroscope.
Illuminating light is introduced into the system by means of the
photo tube. The document does not mention how the individual
specimens must be arranged on one or more stages.
[0006] These macroscopes or microscopes described above are used in
corresponding systems, which are embodied as comparison microscopes
or comparison macroscopes, for performing forensic comparative
examinations. In a very well-known embodiment, two individual
microscopes or individual macroscopes, connected to one another by
a bridge, are used. The bridge contains an apparatus for combining
the two individual images generated by the individual microscopes
or macroscopes. Through a common tube arranged on the bridge, the
operator of the comparison microscope or macroscope can view in
superimposed fashion the images of specimens arranged on two
different stages. Appropriate blocking of portions of the two
samples corresponding to one another yields a composite image which
makes possible a direct comparison, for example, of one sample half
to the other sample half.
[0007] In forensic investigations, crime-solving often requires
that an image of a first sample be compared to the image of a
second sample in order to obtain more detailed information about
the circumstances of a crime.
[0008] The specimens compared to one another are, for example, the
impressions produced on cartridge cases by the firing pin of a
weapon, in order to determine whether the same firearm was used in
two or more crimes.
[0009] A further known application of optical comparison
investigations consists in checking the authenticity of documents,
especially banknotes, in order to determine whether they are
counterfeit.
[0010] Lastly, crime-solving often requires comparing, for example,
clothing fibers found at the crime scene to fibers of known
articles of clothing, in order to obtain information about how a
perpetrator was dressed at the time of a crime.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is the object of the invention to create a comparison
optical system that is configured in user-friendly fashion and
provides reproducible results.
[0012] This object is achieved by way of a comparison optical
system comprising:
[0013] several image-acquiring optical subsystems
[0014] a bridge which connects the several image-acquiring optical
subsystems mechanically and optically to one another,
[0015] an XYZ stage, movable in motorized fashion, is provided for
each image-acquiring optical subsystem, and
[0016] a control unit for moving the XYZ stages in motorized
fashion, synchronously in all three spatial directions.
[0017] The above object is as well achieved by a comparison optical
system comprising:
[0018] two macroscopes,
[0019] a bridge which connects the two macroscopes mechanically and
optically to one another,
[0020] an XYZ stage, movable in motorized fashion, is provided for
each macroscope, and
[0021] a control unit for moving the XYZ stages in motorized
fashion, synchronously in all three spatial directions.
[0022] The above object is as well achieved by a comparison optical
system comprising:
[0023] two microscopes,
[0024] a bridge which connects the two microscopes mechanically and
optically to one another,
[0025] an XYZ stage, movable in motorized fashion, is provided for
each microscope, and
[0026] a control unit for moving the XYZ stages in motorized
fashion, synchronously in all three spatial directions.
[0027] The invention has the advantage that each image-acquiring
optical subsystem possesses a XYZ stage, movable in motorized
fashion, on which a sample to be examined is placed. Also provided
is a control unit that moves the XYZ stages (8a, 8b), movable in
motorized fashion, synchronously in all three spatial directions.
If the comparison optical systems are embodied as macroscopes, the
control unit is embodied as a control and adjustment apparatus on
which is provided an on/off switch with which synchronous
displacement of the XYZ stages can be switched on and off.
Synchronous displacement has the advantage that upon actuation of
an actuation element for a motion direction of an XYZ stage, both
XYZ stages are displaced in exactly uniform synchronous fashion.
The macroscopes can likewise each have associated with them a
remote control device that can be used for stage and focus control.
It is also possible to activate the stage and focus control systems
of the two remote control devices in such a way that a synchronous
motion is possible. The comparison optical system can likewise be
constructed from microscopes. In this case a remote control device
is connected to each microscope and can be activated so as to make
possible, for example by actuation of an actuation element of the
remote control device, synchronous displacement of the XYZ stages
that are mounted on the microscope stand. The structures present on
the specimens to be examined are often larger in terms of dimension
than the region which is visible in the eyepiece or with the
attached camera. In order to allow the entire specimen to be
compared, both XYZ stages must be shifted synchronously in the X
direction, Y direction, and Z direction. With synchronous
displacement it is possible to shift the two XYZ stages
synchronously using only one X actuation element or Y actuation
element or the Z fine displacement control for each of the X, Y,
and Z axes respectively. This has the advantage that evaluation of
the specimens to be examined is considerably improved. A
prerequisite for synchronization is that at least the three axes of
the XYZ stages be motorized.
[0028] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are
evident from the dependent claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The subject matter of the invention is depicted
schematically in the drawings and will be described below with
reference to the Figures, in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
comparison optical system, the optical subsystems being embodied as
macroscopes;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
comparison optical system, the optical subsystems being embodied as
microscopes; and
[0032] FIG. 3 is a detail view of a control unit with which the XYZ
stages of the comparison optical system are synchronously
movable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a comparison optical system 1. In this
embodiment, comparison optical system 1 comprises a first and a
second macroscope 2a and 2b that are configured as image-acquiring
optical subsystems. First and second macroscope 2a and 2b are
mechanically and optically connected to one another via a bridge 3.
Bridge 3 possesses a viewing port 4 for a user, and a tube 5 having
a connection 6 for a camera (not depicted). Viewing port 4 for the
user can be configured pivotably in order to maintain an ergonomic
working position for the user. Tube 5 can additionally possess a
further connection 7 with which, for example, a second camera (not
depicted) can be attached. A first XYZ stage 8a is associated with
first macroscope 2a. A second XYZ stage 8b is associated with
second macroscope 2b. A specimen to be compared (not depicted) is
placed respectively on first and on second XYZ stage 8a and 8b. In
comparison macroscopy, both bullets and tools are assessed as
specimens, and the traces left thereby are optically compared to
one another and evaluated. This is done, in most cases, by
splitting the image in the middle so that the specimen positioned
on first XYZ stage 8a is visible in the left half, and the specimen
positioned on second XYZ stage 8b is visible in the right half.
[0034] Bridge 3, together with first and second XYZ stage 8a and
8b, is mounted on a column 10 via a dovetail guide 11. By vertical
displacement of column 10, bridge 3 is displaceable in the Z
direction, or vertically, relative to the surface of XYZ stages 8a
and 8b. The movement of bridge 3 allows coarse focusing of the
specimens, present on the two stages 8a and 8b, whose structures
are to be compared. Column 10 itself is joined to a base 12 which
is substantially wider than column 10 in order to achieve
sufficient stability and steadiness for comparison optical system
1. Arranged between the first and on the second XYZ stage 8a and 8b
is a control and adjustment apparatus 14 with which various
functions of comparison optical system 1 can be adjusted or
modified. Control and adjustment apparatus 14 possesses several
actuation elements (see FIG. 3 for description) with which various
functions of comparison optical system 1 can be actuated. It is
self-evident that control and adjustment apparatus 14 depicted in
FIG. 1 can be variously embodied.
[0035] The two XYZ stages 8a and 8b are displaceable in the X
direction, Y direction, and Z direction by way of several motors
16. A first and a second remote control device 18a and 18b can
moreover also be associated with comparison optical system 1. In
this embodiment, the first and a second remote control device 18a
and 18b are each connected to comparison optical system 1 via a
cable 19. Remote control devices 18a and 18b each possess a
plurality of actuation elements 24 that can be assigned for various
motorized functions of comparison optical system 1. It is
self-evident that the connection can assume any technical
configuration, for example radio, infrared, etc. Comparison optical
system 1 can additionally have associated with it a PC 20 that, via
an RS232 cable or USB cable 21, supplies control signals to
comparison optical system 1 and receives image data or settings
data from comparison optical system 1. The image data are displayed
to the user on a monitor 22 that is connected to PC 20. The current
settings data of comparison optical system 1 can also be displayed
to the user on monitor 22.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of
comparison optical system 1, the optical subsystems comprising, in
this embodiment, a first and a second microscope 30a and 30b.
Elements that correspond to the elements in FIG. 1 are labeled with
the same reference characters. First and second microscope 30a and
30b are connected to one another via a bridge 3. Each microscope
30a and 30b comprises a stand that comprises a base 32. Base 32 is
subdivided into three main segments, made up of a transverse main
segment 34, a stand column segment 36, and a stand foot segment 35.
An XYZ stage 8a, 8b is mounted on stand column segment 36. Each
microscope 30a and 30b is equipped with a transmitted-light
illumination system and an incident-light illumination system (both
not depicted).
[0037] Stand foot segment 35 is convexly curved in the region
facing toward stand column segment 36, and possesses a display 40
in convexly curved region 37. Display 40 can also be embodied as a
touch screen which allows the user to make parameter inputs and
call certain measurement methods therewith. If display 40 is not
embodied as a touch screen, current settings data of the respective
microscope 30a or 30b are then visually presented via display 40.
Additionally mounted on each microscope 30a and 30b is a respective
drive knob 42 which, for example, displaces XYZ stage 8a or 8b
associated with each microscope 30a or 30b vertically (in the Z
direction). It is likewise conceivable additionally to assign other
functions to drive knob 42. Multiple actuation elements 44 with
which microscope functions can also be switched are provided in the
region around drive knob 42. The microscope functions are, for
example, filter changing, aperture selection, revolving turret
movement, etc.
[0038] Bridge 3 is attached to connecting element 50a and 50b of
each microscope 30a and 30b. Analogously to FIG. 1, bridge 3
possesses a viewing port 4 for a user, and a tube 5 having a
connection 6 for a camera (not depicted). Viewing port 4 for the
user can be configured pivotably in order to maintain an ergonomic
working position for the user. Both XYZ stages 8a and 8b are
displaceable in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction by
way of several motors 16. Analogously to FIG. 1, first and second
remote control device 18a and 18b are also associated with
comparison optical system 1. These are each connected via a cable
19 to comparison optical system 1 or to PC 20. It is self-evident
that the connection can assume any technical configuration, for
example radio, infrared, etc. A display 22 is additionally
associated with PC 20.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a detail view of control and adjustment apparatus
14 of FIG. 1, with which XYZ stages 8a and 8b of the comparison
optical system are synchronously movable. Control and adjustment
apparatus 14 encompasses a plurality of adjusting elements for
comparison optical system 1. Provided on a front side 14a of
control and adjustment apparatus 14 is a switch 60, actuation of
which causes a vertical displacement of column 10 (FIG. 1). This
results in coarse focusing on the specimens that are present on XYZ
stages 8a and 8b of comparison optical system 1 of FIG. 1. Directly
above switch 60 is an on/off switch 61 for synchronous displacement
of the two XYZ stages 8a and 8b. To the left of switch 60 is an X
actuation element 62a for displacing first XYZ stage 8a in the X
direction. To the right of switch 60 is an X actuation element 62b
for displacing second XYZ stage 8b in the X direction. Provided
above X actuation element 62a is an adjustment element 63a for an
illumination system, with which the light intensity of an external
light source (not depicted) can be modified. Similarly, above X
actuation element 62b is an adjustment element 63b for an
illumination system, with which the light intensity of an external
light source (not depicted), whose light is directed onto second
XYZ stage 8b, can be modified.
[0040] In FIG. 3, only a first lateral surface 14b of control and
adjustment apparatus 14 is depicted visibly. On first lateral
surface 14b is a Y actuation element 64b for displacing second XYZ
stage 8b in the Y direction. Also provided on first lateral surface
14b is a Z fine displacement control 65b for second XYZ stage 8b in
the Z direction. A Z fine displacement control 65a for first XYZ
stage 8a is provided on second lateral surface 14c.
[0041] Control and adjustment apparatus 14 furthermore possesses a
top surface 14d on which are mounted several actuation elements 70,
71, 72, 73, 74, 75, and 76 which are provided for modification of
the image depiction. Actuation element 70 serves to generate a
superimposed image, the image of the specimen on first XYZ stage 8a
being overlaid on the specimen on second XYZ stage 8b. Actuation
element 71 serves to generate a side-by-side depiction of the
specimen on first XYZ stage 8a next to the specimen on second XYZ
stage 8b. Actuation element 72 serves to generate a depiction of
the image of the specimen on first XYZ stage 8a. Actuation element
73 serves to generate a depiction of the image of the specimen on
second XYZ stage 8b. Actuation element 74 is used for manual
aperture matching. Actuation element 75 is used for manual lateral
shifting of the apertures. Actuation element 76 is used for
secondary magnification of the specimens to be depicted. In a
particular embodiment, a 1.5.times. magnification is provided.
[0042] An on/off switch 61 for synchronous displacement of the two
XYZ stages 8a and 8b is configured in such a way that the
functioning of the control elements is coupled, so that the
previously independent X actuation elements 62a and 62b, Y
actuation elements 64a and 64b, and Z fine displacement controls
65a and 65b for each individual XYZ stage 8a and 8b act
synchronously on both XYZ stages 8a and 8b. Once the two XYZ stages
8a and 8b have been adjusted, the structures to be investigated are
compared. These structures are often larger in terms of their
dimensions than the region that is visible in the eyepiece or with
the attached camera. To allow the entire specimen to be compared,
both XYZ stages 8a and 8b must be shifted synchronously in the X
direction, Y direction, and Z direction. It is thereby possible,
using only one X actuation element or Y actuation element or the Z
fine displacement control for each of the X, Y, and Z axes
respectively, to displace the two XYZ stages 8a and 8b
synchronously in order thereby to improve the evaluation of the
specimens being investigated. In addition, the ergonomics of the
entire comparison optical system 1 is considerably improved. A
prerequisite for synchronization is motorization of the three axes
of XYZ stages 8a and 8b. This applies both to macroscopes 2a and 2b
or microscopes 30a and 30b that are connected by bridge 3.
[0043] In addition to control and adjustment apparatus 14 for
macroscopes 2a and 2b, the latter also have associated with them a
first remote control device and second remote control device 18a
and 18b. Once macroscopes 2a and 2b or microscopes 30a and 30b have
been adjusted in conventional fashion, the functioning of the
actuation elements is coupled, by way of a button or a command from
the PC (via RS232, USB, etc.), in such a way that upon actuation of
any actuation element or the Z fine displacement control for a
direction, both XYZ stages are moved synchronously. It is now
possible, for example via X operating element 62b of second XYZ
stage 8b and X operating element 62a of first XYZ stage 8a, to move
both XYZ stages 8a and 8b synchronously in the X direction. The
same applies to the axes in the Y and Z directions.
[0044] As with comparison optical system 1 in which macroscopes 2a
and 2b are used, this function can be switched on by way of the
built-in electronic system. When two microscopes 30a and 30b made
up of two independently functioning stands are combined with a
bridge 3, electronic synchronization of XYZ stages 8a and 8b is
then accomplished via interfaces or PC 20. As depicted in FIG. 2,
first microscope 30a and second microscope 30b have respectively
associated with them a first remote control device 18a and a second
remote control device 18b, which have actuation elements 24 for the
X direction, Y direction, and Z direction of each XYZ stage 8a and
8b. As with macroscopes 2a and 2b, the synchronization makes it
possible to control both XYZ stages 8a and 8b of microscopes 30a
and 30b synchronously using only one remote control device 18a or
18b.
* * * * *