Cell Observation System Multi-Resolution Image Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell observation systems face challenges with slow responsiveness due to large data transmission times when displaying high-resolution images and multiple image types, particularly when zooming or switching between different magnifications, which hampers efficient observation and usability.
Innovation Solution
A cell observation system that employs a server to create images at multiple resolutions and stores them, allowing the browsing terminal to request and overlay low-resolution images with high-resolution details only when needed, reducing data transmission and enhancing display responsiveness, especially when multiple image types are displayed simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution images are transmitted from server to browsing terminal, then image quality is improved, but data transmission time increases and responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image data into multiple resolution levels (first resolution and second resolution). The browsing terminal receives and displays low-resolution images for general viewing, while high-resolution images are only transmitted when the user performs specific operations like zooming or selecting regions of interest. This segmentation of resolution levels resolves the contradiction by providing high quality only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-processes and stores images at multiple resolution levels on the server before transmission. The browsing terminal pre-loads low-resolution images for immediate display. When users need high-resolution views, the system prepares and transmits only the necessary high-resolution portions. This preliminary preparation at multiple resolutions eliminates the need to transmit entire high-resolution datasets, reducing transmission time while maintaining quality when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of images are displayed simultaneously on browsing terminal, then observation capability is improved, but data transmission amount increases and responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments image data by type (phase contrast images, hologram images, phase images, intensity images) and by resolution level. The browsing terminal displays multiple image types simultaneously using low-resolution data for background/context images and selectively loads high-resolution data only for specific images or regions when needed. This segmentation allows multiple image types to be displayed without transmitting all high-resolution data simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by transmitting and displaying only the necessary portion of image data at high resolution. When multiple image types are displayed, the system uses low-resolution data for all images except when the user specifically needs high resolution for a particular image or region. This partial high-resolution approach maintains observation capability while minimizing data transmission.
3Productivity
If high-performance server is used for arithmetic processing, then calculation speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing workload between server and browsing terminal based on resolution requirements. The server performs intensive arithmetic processing (hologram reconstruction, phase extraction) only when high-resolution images are needed. For routine display operations, the browsing terminal performs lighter processing on pre-prepared low-resolution images. This segmentation reduces the need for continuously high-performance servers while maintaining calculation speed when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates and stores copies of images at multiple resolution levels on the server. Instead of performing full high-resolution arithmetic processing every time an image is displayed, the system uses pre-computed low-resolution copies for routine viewing. High-resolution processing is performed only when needed, using the pre-stored data as a basis. This copying approach reduces the computational burden on the server during normal operations.
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 approach significantly improves the responsiveness of image display and observation efficiency by minimizing data transfer and ensuring quick updates during zooming, panning, and multi-image viewing, allowing for efficient cell observation and comparison.
Implementation Method 1
an interference fringe (hologram) is obtained which is formed on a detection surface of an image sensor or the like by object light that comes from a light source and is reflected from or transmitted through a surface of the observation target and reference light that directly reaches from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a two-dimensional observation image can be created with contrast of light and dark, on the basis of a difference between an optical path of light diffracted by the object and an optical path of direct light of the illumination
Data Source
AI summary
An image creation unit of a server creates and stores a plurality of phase images or the like having different resolutions on the basis of holographic data collected by a measuring terminal. In response to an image transmission request according to an operation, an image transmission processing unit of the server extracts data of an image corresponding to an observation range after the movement from an image of an appropriate resolution and transmits the data to the browsing terminal. In the browsing terminal, a display image is formed by overlaying a high-resolution phase image corresponding to only an observation range to be displayed on low-resolution phase image of an observation target area.