Abstract: An arrangement and method are provided for determining the distance between an objective of a microscope and a sample examined with the microscope. Fitted on the objective or in the immediate vicinity of the objective is a capacitive sensor in whose measuring range the sample and/or a microscope slide supporting the sample is located or into which it can be brought. The sample and/or the slide causing a measurable change in the capacitance of the sensor. From the change in the capacitance of the sensor, the distance of the sample and/or of the microscope slide from the sensor is determined, and thus the distance of the sample from the objective. A capacitive distance sensor can be applied in such an arrangement by which a stray field can be generated between at least two electrodes. The capacitance experiences a measurable change owing to an object introduced into the stray field. The electrodes of the sensor are arranged as substantially coaxial lateral surfaces.

Abstract: A specimen slide unit for holding a specimen that is to be examined under a microscope or analyzed with a laboratory analysis system includes a specimen slide, a data carrier device and a signal element. The data carrier device has a radio frequency identification tag that can be read out and/or written on using Phase Jitter Modulation so as to switch a communication carrier frequency between two predefinable communication carrier frequencies. The signal element can be activated so as to assist an operator in following a predefinable processing sequence including a second specimen slide unit when the RFID tag is in a range of action of the read/write device. The signal element can be a visual or an acoustic signal element.

Abstract: A method for scanning a sample using an electrically or electronically controllable microscope, includes scanning the sample so as to generate a plurality of images of the sample, each of the plurality of images corresponding to at least one of a different region of the sample and a different time. The microscope is controlled via a control computer during the scanning. The plurality of images are analyzed using at least one second computer connected via a network. The plurality of images are classified and/or the scanning is influenced based on the analyzing.

Abstract: An immersion objective for microscopic investigation of a specimen is provided wherein an outer lens is disposed in an objective body. A delivery device including a cap that is disposed over the objective body so as to form a space adapted to receive an immersion liquid is also provided. The cap is open in a region of the outer lens so as to form a gap with the outer lens. The cap includes at least one connector configured to provide a continuous supply of the immersion liquid to the space so that the immersion liquid emerges through the gap to a region between the outer lens and at least one of the specimen and a specimen slide.

Abstract: A device for optically examining an object includes a lens, an object stage for receiving the object, and an image-recording apparatus for recording a series of individual images of the object in a number of planes. A piezo-controlled apparatus is provided for adjusting the distance between the lens and the object, and an image-generating apparatus is provided for generating a multifocus image from the series of individual images.

Abstract: An arrangement and method are provided for determining the distance between an objective of a microscope and a sample examined with the microscope. Fitted on the objective or in the immediate vicinity of the objective is a capacitive sensor in whose measuring range the sample and/or a microscope slide supporting the sample is located or into which it can be brought. The sample and/or the slide causing a measurable change in the capacitance of the sensor. From the change in the capacitance of the sensor, the distance of the sample and/or of the microscope slide from the sensor is determined, and thus the distance of the sample from the objective. A capacitive distance sensor can be applied in such an arrangement by which a stray field can be generated between at least two electrodes. The capacitance experiences a measurable change owing to an object introduced into the stray field. The electrodes of the sensor are arranged as substantially coaxial lateral surfaces.

Abstract: A specimen slide unit for holding a specimen that is to be examined under a microscope or analyzed with a laboratory analysis system includes a specimen slide, a data carrier device and a signal element. The data carrier device has a radio frequency identification tag that can be read out and/or written on using Phase Jitter Modulation so as to switch a communication carrier frequency between two predefinable communication carrier frequencies. The signal element can be activated so as to assist an operator in following a predefinable processing sequence including a second specimen slide unit when the RFID tag is in a range of action of the read/write device. The signal element can be a visual or an acoustic signal element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image acquisition unit (1) for microscopic applications, including at least one microscope objective (7) which is mounted on a housing. The housing (9) is formed by a plurality of individual separate modules, said plurality of modules including at least an electronic module (2), a camera module (4), an illumination module (6), a focusing module (8), and a filter module (10).

Abstract: A laser microdissection method includes capturing an electronic image of an image detail of a specimen. The image detail is processed using image analysis so as to automatically ascertain an object to be cut out. A nominal cutting line around the object to be cut out is automatically defined. Subsequently, the object is cut out in response to a relative motion between a laser beam and the specimen.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for an optical system, in particular for a microscope, having a light source (2) emitting preferably broad-band light in order to furnish an output light beam (3), and having a filter device (5), is characterized, in the interest of economical, low-maintenance, and vibration-free generation of an illuminating light beam encompassing multiple wavelengths or wavelength regions, and a high degree of flexibility in terms of the spectral light shaping of the illuminating light beam, in that the filter device (5) encompasses at least one means (7) for spatial splitting of the output light beam (3) into light sub-beams (8, 9) and at least one means for spectral manipulation of at least one of the light sub-beams (8, 9); and that at least one beam combining means is provided with which definable light sub-beams (9) are combinable into one illuminating light beam (14) for the optical system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating a three-dimensional image of an object (12), comprising a lens (10) and an object platform (14) for receiving the object (12). The invention is provided with a piezo-actuator (16, 22) for adjusting the distance between the lens (10) and the object (12). An image recording device records a series of individual images of the object (12) on different planes. A multifocus image is then generated from said series of individual images.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for imaging a three-dimensional object (22) as an object image (30), which comprises an imaging system, especially a microscope for imaging the object (22) and a computer. Actuators change the position of the object (22) in the x, y and z direction in a specific and rapid manner. A recording device records an image stack (26) of individual images (24) in different focal levels of the object (22). A control device controls the hardware of the imaging system, and an analytical device produces a three-dimensional relief image (28) and a texture (29) from the image stack (24). A control device combines the three-dimensional elevation relief image (28) with the texture (29).

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method and an apparatus for optical measurement of a surface profile of a specimen, a series of n images of the specimen being acquired with an image acquisition apparatus in different planes in the z direction of a coordinate system (x, y, z). The image contents of all n images of the resulting image stack are compared to each other in the z direction at each coordinate point (x, y) in order to determine a plane therefrom according to predetermined criteria, assign its plane number (N) to that coordinate point (x, y), and store it in a mask image. The mask image contains all the 3D data of the specimen surface. Processing can be performed using 2D image processing procedures. The 3D information can be quickly and easily retrieved from the mask image. The surface profile can be reconstructed and displayed three-dimensionally.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method and an apparatus for optical measurement of a surface profile of a specimen, a series of n images of the specimen being acquired with an image acquisition apparatus in different planes in the z direction of a coordinate system (x, y, z). The image contents of all n images of the resulting image stack are compared to each other in the z direction at each coordinate point (x, y) in order to determine a plane therefrom according to predetermined criteria, assign its plane number (N) to that coordinate point (x, y), and store it in a mask image. The mask image contains all the 3D data of the specimen surface. Processing can be performed using 2D image processing procedures. The 3D information can be quickly and easily retrieved from the mask image. The surface profile can be reconstructed and displayed three-dimensionally.