Microscope Image Controller Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microscopes using multi-image processing methods face issues with slow content frame rates and increased wear due to continuous mechanical and electrical activation, leading to cumbersome operation and environmental noise.

Innovation Solution

A microscopic image controller device that automatically switches between two image processing modes based on the amount of change in input image data, using an absolute threshold to determine when to switch from a first mode with fewer images to a second mode with more images, optimizing processing for the current image change rate and reducing wear on the microscope.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multi-image processing methods are used to enhance image quality, then image processing quality is improved, but content frame rate decreases and operation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage processing qualityVSAvoidcontent frame rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the image processing mode based on the detected change in the microscopic image. When changes are detected, it switches to a first processing mode with lower quality but higher frame rate. When no changes are detected, it switches to a second processing mode with higher quality but lower frame rate. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the processing quality variable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the processing parameter (number of images used for processing) based on the image change detection. In the first mode, fewer images are processed to maintain high frame rate. In the second mode, more images are processed to enhance quality. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between quality and productivity based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If multi-image processing methods are used continuously, then enhanced images are provided, but wear of mechanical and electrical parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage processing qualityVSAvoidwear of microscope parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous multi-image processing, the system uses periodic processing only when needed (when no image changes are detected). The processing is triggered periodically based on the detection of stable image conditions, rather than running continuously. This reduces the cumulative wear on mechanical and electrical components while still providing enhanced images during stable observation periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Manufacturing precision

If multi-image processing methods are used continuously, then enhanced images are provided, but environmental noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage processing qualityVSAvoidenvironmental noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs multi-image processing periodically only when image stability is detected, rather than continuously. This intermittent processing reduces the generation of environmental noise from mechanical and electrical components while still maintaining the ability to provide enhanced images during stable conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts and processes only the necessary number of images based on change detection. When no changes are detected, it takes out and processes multiple images for enhancement. When changes are detected, it reduces processing to maintain frame rate. This selective extraction and processing reduces unnecessary noise generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Manufacturing precision

If the number of images used for processing is increased, then image processing quality is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage processing qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of images processed based on image stability. During stable periods, it processes more images to enhance quality. During changing periods, it processes fewer images to reduce processing time and maintain frame rate. This dynamic adjustment resolves the time-quality trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The processing parameter (number of input images) is changed based on the detected image change rate. In the first mode, a smaller number of images are processed to reduce processing time. In the second mode, a larger number of images are processed to improve quality. This parameter change allows flexible optimization of the quality-time trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3081977B1Microscopic image controller device for a microscope, microscope, and microscoping method
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 LEICA INSTRUMENTS (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
  • EP3081977B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3081977B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3081977B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a microscopic image controller device (1) for a microscope (2), a microscope (2), and a microscoping method (100). The operation of the microscope (2) is simplified by allowing an automatic switching from a first image processing mode (110) to a second image processing mode (120), in particular one with multi-image processing, if no change or only a small change is detected.