Digital Microscope Live EDoF Capture with GUI Range Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for capturing and displaying microscopic images with enhanced visual information in a third geometric dimension, such as extended depth of field (EDoF) or three-dimensional images, are not user-friendly or efficient, requiring complex parameter adjustments and lacking intuitive control.

Innovation Solution

A method and digital microscope system that allows users to capture and display microscopic images with enhanced visual information in a third geometric dimension by configuring the microscope to capture and display images with EDoF or 3D capabilities, featuring a graphical user interface for easy adjustment of the capturing range and parameter settings, enabling live image capture and display with minimal user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If complex parameter adjustments are required to capture and display microscopic images with extended depth of field or three-dimensional information, then the capability to capture enhanced visual information in the third geometric dimension is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual information in third geometric dimensionVSAvoiduser-friendly control

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The digital microscope system automatically performs parameter adjustments and image processing without requiring manual intervention from the user. The control circuitry autonomously captures multiple images at different focal planes, processes them to generate extended depth of field or three-dimensional representations, and displays the results, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring complex user operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with automated electronic control systems. Instead of requiring users to physically adjust focal planes or processing parameters, the system uses electronic control circuitry to automatically modulate focal length, capture images at different depths, and process them computationally, substituting mechanical user interaction with automated electronic systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple parameters need to be adjusted to achieve extended depth of field imaging, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth of field measurementVSAvoidparameter adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The control circuitry merges image capture, focal plane modulation, and image processing functions into a single automated system. Multiple images at different focal planes are captured and processed together to generate the final extended depth of field image, reducing the need for separate complex adjustment mechanisms for each parameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The digital microscope system is designed with multi-functional capabilities that allow a single device to perform multiple operations. The same control circuitry that captures images also processes them to generate extended depth of field representations and three-dimensional information, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices or mechanisms for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If automated parameter adjustment is implemented to simplify operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the extent of automation increases which may affect manufacturing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input requirementVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic control systems. Automated control circuitry electronically adjusts focal planes and processes images, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic automation that is simpler to operate but requires sophisticated control logic and processing capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4137866A1Digital microscope and method for capturing and displaying microscopic images

Publication Date: 2023.02.22 CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY GMBH

Figure 1

AI summary

The invention concerns a method for capturing and displaying microscopic images (01) of a sample to be microscopically examined using a digital microscope. In a step, a sequence of microscopic images (01) with enhanced visual information in a third geometric dimension is captured. The sequence of the microscopic images (01) is displayed while it is captured. A visual representation of a capturing range (06) in the third geometric dimension is displayed at a graphical user interface. A user input that defines at least one adjustment of the capturing range is received resulting in an adjusted capturing range. At least one parameter of detecting visual information in the third geometric dimension is adjusted according to the adjusted capturing range. It is continued to capture the sequence of the microscopic images (01) with the enhanced visual information in the third geometric dimension applying the at least one adjusted parameter. Furthermore, the invention concerns a digital microscope.