Image processing apparatus, imaging system, and image processing system

Abstract

An image processing apparatus includes: an image acquisition unit for acquiring original images obtained by imaging an object at different focal positions; an image generation unit for generating a plurality of observation images from the original images, the observation images being mutually different in at least either focal position or DOF; and an image displaying unit for displaying the observation images on a display device. The image generation unit generates the observation images by performing combine processing for selecting two or more original images from the original images and focus-stacking the selected original images to generate a single observation image, for plural times while differing a combination of the selected original images. The image displaying unit selects the observation images to be displayed, when the observation images displayed on the display device are switched, such that the focal position or the DOF changes sequentially.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device, an imaging system and an image processing system, and in particular to a technique for using digital images to help observe objects. Background technique [0002] In recent years, in the field of pathology, a virtual slide system has attracted attention as a successor to the optical microscope currently used as a tool for pathological diagnosis. The virtual slide system enables pathological diagnosis to be performed on a display by imaging a specimen to be observed placed on a slide and digitizing the image. Digitization of pathological diagnostic images using a virtual slide system enables manipulation of conventional optical microscope images of specimens as digital data. This is expected to bring advantages such as faster remote diagnosis, providing information to patients through digital images, sharing rare case data, and more effective education and training. [0003] When using a vir...

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Problems solved by technology

[0005] Although the virtual slide system provides various advantages and conveniences, it still lacks the convenience of conventional optical microscope observation in some aspects in use

[0006] One of such disadvantages lies in the observation in the depth direction (the direction along the optical axis of the optical microscope or the direction perpendicular to the viewing surface of the slide).

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