Microscope Distance Measurement Across Multiple Fields of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices, such as digital cameras connected to microscopes, can only measure distances between points within the same photographic field of view, necessitating expensive dedicated apparatuses for measuring distances between points outside this range.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus and method that uses a plurality of images photographed while shifting the photographing range, employing user interface, coordinate calculation, representative point setting, vector calculation, and distance calculation to determine the distance between two points by setting representative points based on characteristic quantities like contrast, edge intensity, and color information across images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional imaging device (digital camera connected to microscope) is used, then the device complexity is low and cost is reduced, but the measurement capability is limited to distances within the same photographing range only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into multiple photographing ranges by capturing multiple images at different positions. Instead of requiring a single wide-field view, the system segments the measurement task across multiple images, each covering a portion of the total distance, thereby extending measurement capability beyond a single photographing range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of image sequence by capturing multiple images at different positions along the measurement path. By adding this temporal/spatial dimension to the measurement process, the system can determine distances between points that are not simultaneously visible in a single image, effectively measuring across multiple photographing ranges
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated apparatus (measuring microscope or range finder) is used to measure distances between points not within one photographing range, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a standard microscope with digital camera to perform multiple functions: both routine observation and extended-range distance measurement. By processing multiple images captured during stage movement, the system provides measurement capability typically requiring dedicated expensive apparatus, using only a standard microscope setup
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the microscope's own imaging capability and stage movement mechanism to perform the measurement function. Instead of requiring external dedicated measurement apparatus, the microscope serves itself by utilizing its existing components (camera, stage, objective lens) in a multi-functional manner to achieve extended measurement capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple images are captured and processed to measure distances between points outside one photographing range, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time increases due to multiple photographing and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures multiple images at different photographing ranges in advance, during normal observation or stage movement, before the actual measurement is needed. These pre-captured images are then processed to determine distances, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time capture and processing during the measurement moment
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a measuring apparatus, method and program with which a distance between two points that are not within one photographing range can be easily measured. In an image in which a start point is set, a specified position address calculation circuit 43 stores the coordinates of the start point, and a representative point setting circuit 44 sets a representative point, and stores the coordinates thereof, and characteristic quantity of the neighborhood image. Hereafter in each image until an image in which an end point is set, a representative point searching circuit 45 searches a representative point of the most recent image and stores the coordinates thereof, and the representative point setting circuit 44 sets a new representative point, and stores the coordinates thereof and the characteristic quantity of the neighborhood image. The specified position address calculation circuit 43 stores the coordinates of the end point in the image in which the end point is set. A vector calculation unit 61 calculates a vector between the respective two points connecting the start point, representative points and the end point in the sequence of setting, and a distance calculation unit calculates the distance between the start point and the end point based on the magnitude of the vector from the start point to the end point. The present invention can be applied to, for example, a measuring system using a microscope.