Asynchronous Image Synthesis in Magnifying Observation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnifying observation apparatuses face inefficiencies in generating synthetic images due to high processing loads, large storage requirements, and lengthy image synthesis times, particularly when dealing with images exceeding 1 million pixels, as they require serial operations for lens movement, photographing, and image synthesis, and often involve incorrect setting of synthesis ranges leading to repeated processing.
Innovation Solution
A magnifying observation apparatus with a z-axis movement unit that automatically adjusts the working distance and an xy-axis movement mechanism for parallel image synthesis, allowing asynchronous execution of image synthesis processing with microscope lens movement, enabling the capture of images while moving the lens beyond specified height ranges and using additional images for high-resolution synthesis when quality thresholds are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If serial operations are used for lens movement, photographing, and image synthesis, then processing can be completed with limited hardware resources, but the time required to generate synthetic images becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by moving the lens to capture multiple images at different z-positions before the synthesis process begins. The control unit coordinates the lens movement and image capture in advance, preparing all necessary images for synthesis without requiring waiting time during the actual synthesis operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous useful action by enabling overlapping execution of lens movement, image capture, and synthesis processing. The control unit manages the z-axis movement unit and synthesis unit to operate concurrently, eliminating idle waiting time and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the image synthesis workflow.
2Reliability
If the lens is moved beyond specified height ranges to capture additional images, then more complete synthesis data can be obtained, but the complexity of controlling the synthesis range increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically determines the optimal synthesis range by analyzing image quality metrics without requiring manual user specification. The system self-adjusts the z-axis movement limits based on detected focus quality, eliminating the need for users to manually set height ranges while ensuring complete and accurate synthesis data capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors image quality during the lens movement process and dynamically adjusts the synthesis range accordingly. When additional images beyond the initial specified range provide quality improvements, the control unit incorporates them into the synthesis process, ensuring optimal results.
Data Source
AI summary
A synthetic image can be generated by a simple operation in a short time. A magnifying observation apparatus includes: a z-axis movement unit capable of automatically adjusting a working distance to an observation surface of an observation target placed on a placement section; an xy-axis movement mechanism capable of changing relative positions of the placement section and a microscope lens section; and an image synthesizing unit for generating a synthetic image obtained by synthesizing a plurality of images each captured at a relative distance made different by the z-axis movement unit, wherein image synthesis processing by the image synthesizing unit and processing of moving the microscope lens section by the z-axis movement unit and capturing an image by the camera section are asynchronously executed.