Microscope Eyepiece Projection Overlay for Optical Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope systems require expensive digital imaging solutions to achieve high color reproducibility and dynamic range comparable to optical images, limiting their accessibility to only a few users, and digital images are inferior in these aspects compared to optical images.
Innovation Solution
A microscope system that includes an eyepiece, objective, tube lens, imaging apparatus, projection apparatus, and control apparatus, which assists in tasks like diagnosis by superimposing digital projection images onto optical images using microscope information to reduce user burden, without the need for costly high-reproducibility digital systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital imaging systems are used to achieve high color reproducibility and dynamic range comparable to optical images, then color accuracy and dynamic range are improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines digital projection images with optical images viewed through the eyepiece, merging the advantages of both imaging modalities. The optical image path preserves natural color and dynamic range, while the projected digital image provides analytical information, achieving both color accuracy and enhanced measurement capability without requiring an expensive standalone digital imaging system
Solution Approach 2:
The projection apparatus acts as an intermediary, overlaying digitally processed image information onto the optical image path. This mediator approach allows digital image analysis results to be displayed without replacing the optical imaging system, thereby maintaining color fidelity while adding analytical value at lower cost
2Measurement precision
If expensive digital imaging systems with high color reproducibility are implemented, then color accuracy is improved, but accessibility and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging functions into two separate paths: the optical image path for color-critical viewing through the eyepiece, and the digital imaging path for analytical processing. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently, with the digital path using more affordable components while the optical path maintains color fidelity, making the overall system more accessible
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured and processed digitally to assist diagnosis, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but operator burden increases due to complex image management
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by automatically analyzing captured images and projecting relevant diagnostic information back onto the optical image view. The control apparatus processes digital images, identifies features of interest, and feeds this information back through the projection apparatus, creating a closed-loop system that reduces manual analysis burden while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary digital image processing and analysis before the operator views the final image. By pre-processing images to identify and highlight diagnostic features, the system reduces the operator's burden of manually analyzing raw images, allowing them to focus on interpretation rather than initial image management
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces operator burden by providing useful information through superimposed projection images, allowing tasks like diagnosis to be performed efficiently using optical images, while avoiding the high costs associated with advanced digital imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
an objective that guides light from a sample to the eyepiece
Implementation Method 2
a tube lens that is disposed on a light path between the eyepiece and the objective and forms an optical image of the sample on the basis of light therefrom
Data Source
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AI summary
A microscope system 1 includes an eyepiece 104, an objective 102 that guides light from a sample to the eyepiece 104, a tube lens 103 that is disposed on a light path between the eyepiece 104 and the objective 102 and forms an optical image of the sample, an imaging apparatus 140 that acquires digital image data of the sample, a projection apparatus 131 that projects a projection image onto an image plane between the tube lens 103 and the eyepiece 104 on which the optical image is formed, and a control apparatus 10. The control apparatus 10 manages microscope information including at least a first magnification at which an image of the sample is projected onto the image plane, a second magnification at which an image of the sample is projected onto the imaging apparatus 140, a third magnification at which the an image of projection apparatus 131 is projected onto the image plane, a size of the imaging apparatus 140, and a size of the projection apparatus 131.