Microscope Image Observation Device for Depth Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscope systems face challenges in efficiently generating and displaying omnifocal images for imaging objects with varying focal depths, as they require manual switching or comparison of multiple images, which can be cumbersome and non-intuitive.
Innovation Solution
An image observation device and microscope system that generates a reference image from Z-stack images, allocates focal ranges to window portions of a superimposed frame, and replaces regions of the reference image with omnifocal images, allowing users to move the frame to switch focal ranges intuitively and observe structures in depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple Z-stack images are captured to observe structures at different focal depths, then the observation comprehensiveness is improved, but the operation complexity increases due to manual switching and comparison of multiple images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple Z-stack images with different focal ranges into a single composite display. The composite image integrates multiple focal depth information, allowing users to observe structures at different depths simultaneously without manually switching between multiple images, thus resolving the contradiction between observation comprehensiveness and operation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a depth dimension to the traditional two-dimensional image display by incorporating focal range information as a visual dimension. Different focal ranges are represented through visual cues in the composite image, enabling users to perceive depth information intuitively without complex manual operations
2Loss of information
If the entire Z-stack image is processed to generate omnifocal images for all regions, then the observation completeness is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the entire Z-stack image into multiple regions of interest, each assigned to different focal ranges. Instead of processing the entire image uniformly, the system segments the image and processes only relevant portions for each region, reducing overall processing time while maintaining observation completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different focal ranges to different regions of the image based on local requirements. Each region can be optimized with the most appropriate focal range for its specific structures, improving observation quality locally while reducing the need to process all possible focal ranges across the entire image
3Measurement precision
If multiple omnifocal images are generated for different focal ranges, then the depth visualization quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple omnifocal images with different focal ranges into a single composite display interface. This integration allows users to access multiple focal depth information through one unified system, avoiding the need for separate display devices or complex switching mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between depth visualization quality and device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An image observation device configured to: generate a reference image on a basis of one or more two-dimensional images of a Z-stack image constituted of two-dimensional images acquired by shifting a focal position; generate, on the generated reference image, a frame having window portions covering different small regions and superimposed on the reference image; allow a user to operate the generated frame; allocate different focal ranges to the respective window portions of the frame; generate, for the respective small regions covered by the respective window portions, omnifocal images by using, among the two-dimensional images in regions corresponding to the respective small regions, the two-dimensional images in the focal ranges allocated to the respective window portions; replace the regions of the reference image in the respective window portions with the respective generated omnifocal images based on the different focal ranges; and display the reference image, the frame, and the omnifocal images.