Microscope Preview Interface for Fast Imaging Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microscope systems, particularly surgical microscope systems, often provide a multitude of different views and imaging modes, but users may struggle to access and utilize these varied capabilities due to the complexity of the user interface, leading to underutilization of available features.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generates and displays multiple preview images based on imaging sensor data, allowing users to intuitively select a suitable view through an interface with smaller preview images and a larger main image, using touch or handle-based inputs, and optionally incorporating external sensor data, to facilitate efficient access to various imaging modes and settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a digital microscope system with integrated processing unit is used to automatically focus and capture images, then productivity and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the processing unit, memory, and control functions into an integrated system within the microscope apparatus. The processing unit is configured to receive focus adjustment data, determine focus status, and control image capture automatically, merging multiple functions into a single coordinated system that improves productivity while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit serves multiple functions: it processes focus adjustment data from sensors, determines whether the object is in focus based on this data, controls the autofocus mechanism, and manages image capture timing. This multi-functionality allows the system to automate the entire focusing and imaging process, significantly improving productivity without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
2Measurement precision
If autofocus mechanisms with multiple sensors are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autofocus system is segmented into distinct functional components: detection sensors (such as photodetectors or cameras) that capture focus-related data, a processing unit that analyzes this data to determine focus status, and control mechanisms that adjust the focal plane. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where detection sensors continuously monitor focus conditions, provide data to the processing unit, which then determines whether the object is in focus and sends control signals to adjust the focal plane accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high measurement precision by continuously monitoring and adjusting focus based on real-time sensor data.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution imaging with multiple lenses is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microscope system incorporates dynamic focus adjustment capabilities where the focal plane can be moved along the optical axis in response to focus adjustment data. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain high measurement precision across different object distances without requiring multiple fixed-focus lens assemblies, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving image resolution quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples relate to a microscope system, such as a surgical microscope system, and to a corresponding system, method and computer program for a microscope system. The system comprises one or more processors and one or more storage devices. The system is configured to obtain imaging sensor data from at least one optical imaging sensor of a microscope of the microscope system. The system is configured to generate a plurality of different preview images based on the imaging sensor data. The plurality of different preview images are continuously updated. The system is configured to obtain a control input signal from an input device of the microscope system. The system is configured to generate a display signal for a display device of the microscope system. The display signal comprises a user interface showing two or more preview images of the plurality of different preview images with a smaller size and a further image with a larger size. The system is configured to control the user interface based on the input signal such that the further image is populated based on a selection of one of the two or more different preview images via the user interface.