Abstract: An instrument and method for scanning large microscope specimen on a specimen holder has a scanning optical microscope that is configured to scan the specimen in one of brightfield and fluorescence. The specimen is dynamically tillable about a scan direction during a scan to maintain focus along the length of each scan line as the scan proceeds. A three dimensional image of the specimen can be obtained wherein the specimen tilt and relative focus are maintained from a first image contour to a second image contour through a thickness of a specimen.

Abstract: A portable terminal adaptor for a microscope may be provided in a microscope to capture an image observed under the microscope by means of a camera of a portable terminal. The portable terminal adaptor may include a lens-barrel attachment fixed to a lens-barrel of the microscope, a portable-terminal placing base having a first imaging hole through which the image observed under the microscope passes, the portable terminal being placed on the portable-terminal placing base, and a portable-terminal holder holding the portable terminal placed on the portable-terminal placing base.

Abstract: An optical system for imaging an object comprises a first lens, a first image stabilization unit and a first image plane. When seen from the first lens in the direction of the first image plane, the order in which the elements are arranged along a first optical axis is as follows: first lens, first image stabilization unit and first image plane. The first image stabilization unit has at least one first inlet surface and at least one first outlet surface. The first inlet surface is oriented towards the first lens. The first outlet surface is oriented towards the first image plane. Furthermore, the first outlet surface is spaced apart from the first image plane in a range of 1 mm to 20 mm.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide solid-state microscope (SSM) devices and methods for processing and using the SSM devices. The solid-state microscope devices can include a light emitter array having a plurality of light emitters with each light emitter individually addressable. During operation, each light emitter can be biased in one of three operating states including an emit state, a detect state, and an off state. The light emitter can include an LED (light emitting diode) including, but not limited to, a nanowire based LED or a planar LED to provide various desired image resolutions for the SSM devices. In an exemplary embodiment, for near-field microscopy, the resolution of the SSM microscope can be essentially defined by the pitch p, i.e., center-to-center spacing between two adjacent light emitters, of the light emitter array.

Abstract: A microscope system comprises a microscope for data acquisition and a computing device configured to control the microscope during data acquisition and/or to perform data processing of raw data captured by the microscope. The computing device is coupled to an optical output device. The microscope and the computing device are configured to perform the data acquisition and/or data processing based on values that are respectively set for each one of a plurality of adjustable parameters. The computing device selectively outputs graphics data via the optical output device as a function of an adjustable parameter selected from the plurality of adjustable parameters. The output graphics data are assigned to the selected adjustable parameter and represent an affect of the selected adjustable parameter on at least one step of a procedure upon which the data acquisition and/or the data processing is based.

Abstract: Provided is a cell observation apparatus and an observation method with which only an observation target cell in an region of interest is illuminated with illuminating light to prevent photobleaching of cells that are not the observation target.

Abstract: Compressive sensing based video rate imaging techniques are presented. Rather than scan the entire image, the imaging system only scans part of the topography of the sample as a compressed scan. After the data has been collected, an algorithm for image reconstruction is applied for recovering the image. Because compressive sensing is used, the imaging rate is increased from several minutes per frame to seconds per frame. Non-vector space control techniques are also presented. No-vector space control use image or compressive data as the input and feedback to generate a closed-loop motion control. Compressive sensing technique provides an efficient data reduction method to retain the essential information in the original image. The non-vector space control method can be used as motion control method with compressive feedback without or with noise.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an image acquiring unit that acquires an image signal of a monochromatic image acquired by imaging a subject and an image signal of a color image acquired by imaging the subject, the color image having at least a plurality of pieces of color information; and an interpolation processing unit that generates an interpolated image by interpolating color information missing at each pixel forming the color image, based on a signal value of each pixel forming the monochromatic image.

Abstract: The invention relates to 4F-based optical phase imaging system and in particular to reconstructing quantitative phase information of an object when using such systems. The invention applies a two-dimensional, complex spatial light modulator (SLM) to impress a complex spatial synthesized modulation in addition to the complex spatial modulation impressed by the object. This SLM is arranged so that the synthesized modulation is superimposed with the object modulation and is thus placed at an input plane to the phase imaging system. By evaluating output images from the phase imaging system, the synthesized modulation is selected to optimize parameters in the output image which improves the reconstruction of qualitative and quantitative object phase information from the resulting output images.

Abstract: A super-resolution microscopy method includes forming an image of an emitting particle in a detection plane of a detector by a microscopy imaging system and correcting, by a wavefront-modulating device, at least some of the optical defects present between the emitting particle and the detection plane. The method further includes introducing, via the wavefront-modulating device, a deformation of the wavefront emitted by the emitting particle, of variable amplitude, allowing a bijective relationship to be formed between the shape of the image of the emitting particle in the detection plane and the axial position of the emitting particle relative to an object plane that is optically conjugated with the detection plane by the microscopy imaging system. The method further includes controlling the amplitude of the deformation of the wavefront by controlling the wavefront-modulating device, as a function of the given range of values of the axial position of the particle.

Abstract: A disk scanning apparatus is used in combination with an imaging optical system and an imaging apparatus. The disk scanning apparatus includes a rotating disk and a relay optical system. In the rotating disk, a disk surface including a shielding part and a transmitting part is placed so as to be positioned on a focal plane of the imaging optical system. The relay optical system performs relaying of an optical image of a sample to the imaging apparatus. The relay optical system includes a front group having a positive power and a rear group having a positive power, in this order from the rotating disk side, and is configured so that a luminous flux between the front group and the rear group becomes an afocal luminous flux. The disk scanning apparatus further includes a structure configured to make the distance between the front group and the rear group variable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a digital optical imaging system, comprising at least one motorized or coded zoom system and an image sensor, to a method for correcting aberrations in such an imaging system, and to an optical imaging system which is configured to carry out the methods according to the invention. During the calibration method, a reference object is recorded in various zoom settings and the image is corrected pixel-wise with digital-optical means using a previously determined model. To this end, distortion correction coefficients and image stability correction coefficients are ascertained. The real total magnification of the system is ascertained from the corrected image. The model ascertained in the calibration process also serves for correcting aberrations during operation of the imaging system.

Abstract: A microscopy method for producing a high-resolution image of a sample which includes furnishing the sample with a marker that emits statistically flashing luminescence radiation after excitation, or using a sample that has molecules that emit statistically flashing luminescence radiation after excitation. The sample is excited to luminescence in such a manner that the marker/molecules emit luminescence radiation flashing at a flash rate, wherein—the illumination is structured in such a manner that the flash rate varies locally and—the sample is repeatedly illuminated in different illumination states of the structured illumination. The luminescing sample is repeatedly imaged on a detector in each of the different illumination states.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which processes virtual slide image data to be displayed in an image display apparatus includes an image data obtaining unit which obtains image data obtained by capturing an image of a target object, and an image data generation unit which generates display image data corresponding to the image of the target object to be displayed in the image display apparatus in a display magnification corresponding to a predetermined field number of a microscope.

Abstract: A catadioptric optical system includes a first imaging optical system that includes a catadioptric part that collects a light beam from an object to form an intermediate image of the object, and a second imaging optical system that includes a refractive part that images the intermediate image on an image plane. The first imaging optical system includes a first optical element, a second optical element, and a negative lens in an optical path between the first and second optical elements, and the first and second optical elements are disposed so that reflection parts of the first and second optical element face each other. A power ?n of the negative lens, radii of curvature R1n and R2n of lens surfaces of the negative lens at an object side and an image side, respectively, and a power ?1 of the first imaging optical system are appropriately set.

Abstract: User's time and labor required for performing manipulations with respect to cells which exist in an incubation container, are reduced. To achieve the above, a cell observing apparatus includes an observation stage supporting an incubation container that houses cells, a micro imaging optical system forming, on an imaging device for micro imaging, an image of the cell in the incubation container disposed at an observing position of the observation stage, a macro imaging optical system forming, on an imaging device for macro imaging, an image of an area wider than that captured by the micro imaging optical system in the incubation container, and a controlling unit controlling an operation of a manipulation needle that manipulates the cells in the incubation container, in which the micro imaging optical system is disposed on a side facing the macro imaging optical system with the observation stage being located therebetween.

Abstract: A method of imaging microscopic objects includes determining the relative depths of two or more semiconductor nanocrystals by analyzing images of the semiconductor nanocrystals at varying z-displacements.

Abstract: A microscope control device includes a driving control unit that controls driving of a microscope which captures a digital enlarged image of a predetermined sample and outputs the corresponding digital enlarged image to an external server, a digital work processing unit that performs a digital work process for the captured digital enlarged image, a load calculation unit that calculates a load which is necessary for the capturing process of the digital enlarged image, and a digital work determination unit that determines whether or not the predetermined digital work process is to be performed by the digital work processing unit based on a load value calculated by the load calculation unit and a load value for the corresponding server obtained from the server.

Abstract: A light sheet optical system comprising means for forming a light sheet using a non-diffractive or quasi non-diffractive and/or propagation invariant beam that has an asymmetric intensity beam profile transverse to the direction of propagation, such as an Airy beam.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate inspection method for inspecting a substrate having a plurality of holes formed on a plate-shaped material, including: an image acquisition step (S103) of picking-up an image of the holes formed on the substrate via an optical system including a microscope having an objective lens of a specific magnification, from one surface side of the substrate; a super resolution image processing step (S104) of obtaining a super resolution image corresponding to a picked-up image via an optical system including a microscope having an objective lens of higher magnification than the specific magnification, by applying super resolution image processing to the image obtained in the image acquisition step (S103); and an inspection step (S108) of inspecting a proper or improper hole formed on the substrate using the super resolution image obtained in the super resolution image processing step (S104).

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus for achieving predictive focusing in an image scanning system. The apparatus comprises an optical path-length changing plate and an image sensor. In one embodiment, the plate comprises a plurality of path-length changing members. The plate further includes a central region configured to provide a substantially constant change in optical path length across the central region, allowing an image passing therethrough to be in-focus captured. Having a light receiving surface, each path-length changing member is configured to provide a substantially non-uniform change in optical path length across the light receiving surface, allowing a focus plane of the image to be tilted such that the image projected onto the imaging sensor can be used for predicting an amount of optical adjustment required to achieve focusing. By using more than one path-length changing member, predictive focusing is achievable with more than one direction of focus-plane tilting.

Abstract: A image acquisition device including a connection section having an opening; an optical-path switching unit that changes an optical path of light entering from the opening; and two image acquisition elements. The optical-path switching unit includes two parallel reflective surfaces disposed with a distance therebetween and is swivelable about a swivel axis such that the reflective surface is insertable into and withdrawable from an incident optical axis. The first image acquisition element is disposed on the incident optical axis at the opposite side of the opening with the optical-path switching unit interposed therebetween. The second image acquisition element is disposed at a position where the second image acquisition element acquires an image of the light that has been deflected by the two reflective surfaces and is tilted about central axes of the two image acquisition elements relative to a straight line extending orthogonally to the central axes.

Abstract: A sealing inspection device includes a scan unit through which a display device substrate including a top plate coupled to a bottom plate by a sealing member in the sealed area passes; and a photographing unit through which the display device substrate which has passed through the scan unit, further passes. The scan unit generates coordinate values of the sealed area of the display device substrate, detects a defective region in the sealed area of the display device substrate, and includes a plurality of scan cameras. The photographing unit generates an image of the sealed area of the display device substrate using the generated coordinate values, measures an effective sealing width of the sealed area using the generated image, and comprises a measuring camera.

Abstract: A microscope system includes a pigment amount calculating unit, a cell component identification processing unit, a target molecule expression portion extraction unit, a cell variant setting unit, a cell variant classification determining unit, and a display image generating unit. The pigment amount calculating unit calculates a pigment amount of a molecule target pigment for each pixel of a VS image. The cell component identification processing unit identifies a cell component based on the pigment amount. The target molecule expression portion extraction unit extracts expression portions of target molecules in the area of the cell component. The cell variant setting unit sets a cell variant including a combination of presence/absence of expressions of target molecules. The cell variant classification determining unit classifies a cell area in the VS image into a cell variant based on the combination of the expression portions of the target molecules included in the cell area.

Abstract: A microscope apparatus includes: a light source; an illumination optical system configured to illuminate a specimen with light from the light source, the illumination optical system having a spatial light modulation element capable of adjusting a light intensity distribution; an imaging optical system configured to image light from the specimen; a solid-state imaging device configured to generate an image of the specimen based on light from the imaging optical system; and a controller capable of adjusting the spatial light modulation element, the controller being configured to, based on a first image output from the solid-state imaging device when the specimen is illuminated with first illumination light, adjust the spatial light modulation element and illuminate the specimen with second illumination light.

Abstract: A sample-image acquisition apparatus includes: an image taking device; a movement control section; and a sample-image acquisition section.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for imaging a sample structure (34) with a light microscope are described. The sample structure (34) is prepared with markers and an active marker subset is generated in that a part of the markers is brought into a state in which they can be imaged. When a predetermined activation state is present, the sample structure (34) is imaged onto an arrangement (40) of sensor elements which each generate an image signal, these image signals resulting in a single frame of the sample structure (34). The presence of a predetermined activation state is checked in that at least two test single frames are generated at an interval, and the respective change of the image signal between the two test single frames is detected. The presence of the predetermined activation state is determined when the detected changes of the image signals in their entirety exceed a quantity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for standardizing one or more fluorescence scanning instruments to a reference system by separating the effects of drift and normalization. In an embodiment, a drift image comprising an image of a drift reference slide is captured by a system to be standardized. A drift measurement is calculated using the drift image. A first normalization image comprising an image of a normalization slide is also captured by the system to be standardized. A reference normalization image, also comprising an image of the normalization slide, is captured by a reference system. The first normalization image is compared to the reference normalization image to determine a gamma value and offset value for the system to be standardized.

Abstract: A microscope includes a zoom optical system zooming over a sample, a zoom driving unit moving the optical system along an optical axis, an imaging unit imaging an observation image of the sample through the optical system, thereby generating image data on the sample, and a display unit displaying an image corresponding to the generated image data. A touch panel on a display screen of the display unit accepts an input corresponding to a contact position of an object. A driving control unit outputs a driving signal for changing a zoom magnification of the optical system by setting a middle point between contact positions on the touch panel corresponding to two position signals responsive to an input of the different contact positions as a zoom center position fixed without depending on the zoom magnification of the optical system when the two position signals are output from the touch panel.

Abstract: Provided are a system and a method for detecting a number of layers of few-layer graphene employing multispectral image reproduction process to provide rapid detection of numbers of layers of few-layer graphenes on transparent or non-transparent substrates. The application of the system and method in relevant industries expedites validation and/or verification of the number of layers of an FLG product and improves the quality control efficiency thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods of self-referenced quantitative phase microscopy (SrQPM). The SrQPM systems and methods provide single-shot, full-field imaging capability for increased imaging speed, and near-common-path geometry for increased phase stability, allowing the study of internal structures of biological cells, live cell dynamics, and the like.

Abstract: The focus control culture observation apparatus enable simple and reliable detection of a focusing position of an objective lens on a subject and with certainty. When a focusing position is detected, an area, which includes an edge portion of the culture medium drop is selected as an AF area which is to be a target of detecting the focusing position of the objective lens on the culture medium drop. The apparatus detects the focusing position on the culture medium drop based on an observation image of the AF area. By detecting the focusing position as a targeting area that is different from an area which is near the edge of the culture container and where illumination unevenness is generated, the detection accuracy can be improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for focusing a device for imaging a biologic sample is provided. A method aspect includes the steps of: disposing lenslets within a biologic sample, which lenslets have a height and a refractive index, which refractive index is different from that of the sample, wherein one or both of the imaging device and the sample are relatively locatable so a focal position of the imaging device can be moved along the height of the lenslets; imaging a portion of the sample including lenslets using transmittance at one or more wavelengths; determining an average light transmittance intensity of the sample at the wavelengths; determining an average light transmittance intensity of a region of each lenslet at the wavelengths; and determining the focal position of the imaging device using the average light transmittance intensity of the sample and the average light transmittance intensity of the region of the lenslets.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus which can prevent the case where it is difficult to perform highly accurate diagnosis using combined boundary regions in a combined image. An image processing apparatus includes image data acquisition means, combined-image data generation means, and combined-boundary-region display data generation means. The image data acquisition means acquires multiple pieces of divided image data obtained by capturing images of multiple regions into which a captured area for an imaging target is divided. The combined-image data generation means generates combined-image data on the basis of the multiple divided image data. The combined-boundary-region display data generation means generates display image data to be used for an observer to recognize combined boundary regions in the combined-image data. The combined-boundary-region display data generation means changes at least one of a color and a brightness for all of the combined boundary regions included in a display area.

Abstract: In mask inspection, the defects that are of interest are primarily those that will also show up on wafer exposure. The aerial images generated in the resist and by emulation should be as identical as possible. This also applies to methods in which an overall structure that is divided into at least two substructures on at least two masks. A system and a method are provided for emulating a photolithographic process for generating on a wafer an overall structure that is divided into at least two substructures on at least two masks. The method includes generating aerial images of the at least two substructures, at least one of the aerial images being captured with a mask inspection microscope; correcting, by using a processing unit, errors in the at least one aerial image captured with a mask inspection microscope; and overlaying the aerial images of the at least two substructures to form an overall aerial image with the overall structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method or a system for rendering images or spectral recognition are described.

Abstract: Multispectral images, including ultraviolet light and its interactions with ultraviolet light-interactive compounds, can be captured, processed, and represented to a user. Ultraviolet-light related information can be conveniently provided to a user to allow the user to have awareness of UV characteristics and the user's risk to UV exposure.

Abstract: Proper exposure is achieved within a short period of time even when image-acquisition elements are switched. Provided is an image-acquisition device for a microscope, which includes an optical-path branching section that branches light from an object into two optical paths; a first image-acquisition element and a second image-acquisition element that are respectively disposed in the two optical paths branching from the optical-path branching section and that acquire images of the light from the object under different image-acquisition conditions; and an exposure-time calculator that calculates an exposure time for the second image-acquisition element on the basis of an exposure time for the first image-acquisition element and a ratio of the image-acquisition conditions of the first and second image-acquisition elements.

Abstract: The apparatus has a drive system that drives at least one of the imaging element and a holding member to change their positions, a drive control unit that drives the drive system, every time a small image is captured, in such a way that the positions of the imaging element and the holding member are set to predetermined positions, an obtaining unit that obtains, as after-driving position information, the position of at least one of the imaging element and the holding member after driving by the drive system by measurement or estimation, a correction unit that corrects deformation of the small images caused by a difference between the target imaging position and an actual imaging position on the basis of the after-driving position information, and a forming unit that forms an overall image of the object by stitching the small images after correction.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus including a detection unit configured to detect a failure requiring reimaging relating to an image captured using a digital microscope by evaluating the image, and a generation unit configured to, if the failure was detected by the detection unit, generate setting information for setting an imaging condition for during reimaging.

Abstract: A method for controlling a structured illumination pattern generating portion is provided for illuminating a workpiece during an image acquisition by a camera in a precision machine vision inspection system. A controllable spatial light modulator (e.g., a digital light processing projector) is part of the generating portion for generating the structured illumination pattern. The pattern may comprise an array of stripes including a sinusoidal gray level intensity variation across each stripe. An overall image exposure is increased by repeating a complete structured illumination pattern generation iteration, including gray level variation, a plurality of times during an image integration period. Structured illumination microscopy techniques for determining a workpiece surface profile may benefit, wherein multiple (e.g., 3 or 4) images are acquired at respective focus positions to be analyzed, by using the method to project a different phase of a structured light pattern for each of the multiple images.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus, including: a receiver to receive an all-in-focus image, which is generated through selecting, from focus face images, representative divided images being best-focused images among images in divided regions forming the focus face images, for each of the focus face images correspondingly to the divided regions, the focus face images being obtained through imaging an object at focus positions, and information about the focus positions of the focus face images including the representative divided images; and a predicted-image generator to generate a blur-compensation predicted image corresponding to each of the focus face images through performing a blur-compensation prediction using a blur function with respect to each of the representative divided images based on the information about the focus positions of the focus face images including the representative divided images, the information being received by the receiving means.

Abstract: An imaging method may include a first step in which light from a test specimen is guided to an imaging unit, a second step in which light from the test specimen is guided to an autofocus unit, a third step in which the light guided to an autofocus unit is split, and is guided on a third optical path and a fourth optical path, a fourth step in which a focal point of the imaging unit is adjusted such that an image of the test specimen that is created by the light from the test specimen guided on the first optical path is formed on an imaging surface of the imaging unit, a fifth step in which an image of the test specimen is acquired and image data is created, a sixth step in which spectrum information for the test specimen is detected, and a seventh step in which a color tone of the image data is corrected.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a velocity or an inflation rate of a droplet in a microfluidic channel. The droplet is exposed to two or more temporally separated flashes of light, each flash including light of one wavelength band, and imaged using a detector configured to distinguish light in the wavelength bands. Two or more images of the droplet are acquired, each corresponding to one of the flashes, and all within a single video frame or photographic exposure. The images can be processed separately and the position or size of the droplet in each image is calculated. A velocity or inflation rate is then determined by dividing the change in position or size by the amount of time allowed to pass between the flashes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for transmitted light illumination for light microscopes having changing effective entrance pupil of an objective. The apparatus has a light source for emitting an illuminating light beam, and a holding device for holding a sample to be examined, and at least one diaphragm edge for trimming the illuminating light beam bundle, wherein the diaphragm edge is arranged between the holding device and the light source and extends transversely to an optical axis, wherein a beam path of the illuminating light between the diaphragm edge and a sample held by the holding device is free from adjustable beam focussing components.

Abstract: An image processing device determines the degree of activity of a cell during cell viewing. An imaging device captures first and second images of a cell under observation. After aligning the rotational angle orientations on the image plane of the cell under observation that is included in the images, a correlation value or difference of intracellular texture feature values in the first image and second image, is sequentially computed. A time series variation of the computed correlation value or difference is then derived, and the degree of activity of the cell under observation is detected based on the state of variation.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for counting biomolecules or cells. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a cell counting or biomolecule counting system including: a covered chamber having a known height and configured to hold a suspension of biomolecules or cells in a sample; at least one fluorescent light source connected to at least one fluorescent light beam narrowing device; a bright-field light source connected to a bright-field light beam narrowing device; a microscope objective; a detection device; a fluorescent filter assembly to allow only excitation light to illuminate the sample and allow only emission light from the sample to be imaged by the detection device; and a movable light shutter to block bright-field light during fluorescent detection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of determining a reference depth level within a cell sample. The method comprises obtaining data representative of a series of images captured by performing a depth scan of the cell sample using a digital microscope, the series of images being associated with a series of depth levels of the cell sample; processing said data for detecting at least one depth level corresponding to a drop in image contrast; and identifying the detected depth level as the reference depth level.

Abstract: A nonlinear optical microscope is provided, including source of a pulsed laser beam; a spatial light modulator for modulating the spatial profile of the pulsed laser beam; an objective for guiding the modulated beam towards a slide intended to carry a specimen; and a detector for collecting signals originating from the specimen, wherein the spatial light modulator is designed to modulate the intensity and/or the phase of the pulsed laser beam on the rear pupil of the objective to produce a beam that is axially extended and confined in one or two lateral directions after focusing by the objective, and wherein the slide is placed on a motorized stage of a histology slide scanner assembly.

Abstract: A microscope having an objective lens and illumination means configured in combination such that said illumination means illuminates a specimen through a different region of the objective lens than that used for observation, and having an opaque region separating the illumination and observation regions. The basic optical design is capable of resolving optically isolated micron-sized voxels deep within tissue, without the use of a computer and when illuminated only with visible light.