Method and arrangement for adapting the lateral and temporal resolution of a microscope image
View Patent ↗The method for adapting the lateral and temporal resolution of a microscope image allows the detection of temporal changes in the image content, and switches over to another transmission mode on the basis of the result of the determination. The arrangement for adapting the lateral and temporal resolution of a microscope image comprises means for detecting the changes in the image content of a microscopic image. Also provided are electronic means for limiting the image content. Further means make it possible to switch over automatically to a suitable transmission mode. The means for detecting the change is an image data processing means ( 22 ) that ascertains salient image points and their positions within a defined image window. In addition, a comparison element ( 36 ) is provided and is connected to a switchover means ( 33 ). In the event of a deviation in the comparison element ( 36 ), the switchover means ( 33 ) thereupon reduces the image data of a current input image in accordance with the bandwidth and the transmission rate in order to generate a live image for video conferencing.
1. A method for adapting the lateral and temporal resolution of a microscope image, characterized by the following steps:
a) detecting changes in the currently transmitted image window by way of changes in the settings of the microscope ( 2 );
b) switching over to a transmission mode for video conferencing;
c) recording the time that has elapsed since the last change in the settings of the microscope ( 2 ); and
d) switching over to the transmission mode for still images when a certain time limit is exceeded.
2. The method as defined in claim 1 , characterized in that detection of the changes in the current image window is accomplished by means of an image analysis based on the comparison of two microscope images taken successively in time.
3. The method as defined in claim 1 , characterized in that detection of the changes in the current image window is accomplished by means of an automatic comparison of the position of the image window of two microscope images taken successively in time.
4. The method as defined in claim 1 , characterized in that in the context of an automatic microscope, the signals necessary for adjustment of the microscope parameters are detected, and on the basis of the signals a determination is made as to whether to switch over to other transmission mode.
5. The method as defined in claim 1 , characterized in that in the context of an automatic microscope with manual adjustment capabilities, the changes in the image window are recorded as a function of time, and on the basis of the changes as a function of time a determination is made as to whether to switch over to another transmission mode.
6. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of detecting changes is carried out by a image data processing means ( 22 ) that ascertains salient image points and their positions within a defined image window.
7. The method as defined in claim 6 wherein the step of detecting changes is carried out by a position data processing means ( 32 ) comprising multiple inputs ( 32 1 , 32 2 , 32 n ) which supply signals regarding the position of an X-Y stage ( 12 ) and the magnification and focus of the microscope ( 2 ).
8. The method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the step of recording time is carried out by a timer ( 21 , 31 ) connected to a comparison element ( 26 , 36 ) and the comparison element ( 26 , 36 ) continues to supply a still image at a first output ( 25 1 , 35 1 ) on the basis of a specific time interval of the timer ( 21 , 31 ) and the result of the comparison.
9. The method as defined in claim 8 , wherein the comparison element ( 26 , 36 ) is connected to a switchover means ( 23 , 33 ) and that, in the event of a deviation in the comparison element ( 26 , 36 ), the switchover means ( 23 , 33 ) thereupon reduces the image data of a current input image in accordance with the bandwidth and the transmission rate in order to generate a live image for video conferencing.