Microscope Apparatus Chronological Image Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope apparatuses are limited in acquiring and processing image data from different observation methods at different timings, restricting the ability to associate and store multiple types of image information in a chronological order.
Innovation Solution
A microscope apparatus equipped with a time counting unit, multiple image acquisition units, and a storage unit that associates image information with timing information, allowing for the storage and retrieval of images in chronological order, even if acquired at different times, using serial numbers and identification information to link image data with their respective acquisition methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image data are acquired by different observation methods at the same time, then the image data can be associated and stored as a single image data file, but it is not possible to process a plurality of images acquired by different image acquisition methods at different timings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data storage by creating separate storage areas for different image acquisition methods (first image data storage for LSM, second image data storage for CCD). Each storage area independently manages images acquired at different timings, allowing flexible temporal processing while maintaining method-specific organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image management unit as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple image acquisition methods and storage units. This mediator assigns unique identifiers, manages timing information, and enables chronological association across different acquisition methods without requiring simultaneous acquisition.
2Ease of operation
If multiple image acquisition units operate at different timings, then flexibility in observation methods is improved, but the ability to organize and retrieve images in chronological order becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the image management unit assign unique identifiers and record timing information at the moment each image is acquired, before any retrieval operations occur. This pre-organization of metadata enables chronological reconstruction during retrieval without requiring real-time coordination between acquisition units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where the image management unit continuously monitors and records timing information from each image acquisition unit, storing this metadata alongside the image data. This feedback loop ensures chronological information is preserved and can be used to retrieve images in temporal order regardless of when they were acquired.
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope apparatus organizes and stores a plurality of types of image information acquired by a plurality of image acquisition methods at different timings. The microscope apparatus includes a time counting unit for counting time, a plurality of different image acquisition units, and a storage unit for storing image information, when acquired by any one of the image acquisition units, and timing information counted by the time counting unit, by having them associated with each other. Even if the image acquisition units acquire different types of image information at different timings, the timing information can be used to call up the image information stored in the storage unit in a chronological order.