DE102018104704A1 - Digital microscope and method for changing a magnification of a digital microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention initially relates to a method for changing a magnification of a digital microscope. The microscope has at least two automatically interchangeable lenses with different magnifications, one of which is selected at a time. The microscope includes an imager for converting an image picked up with the selected objective. According to the invention, an enlargement of an image output by the microscope is continuously changed, for which a continuous change of an enlargement of an image taken with the selected objective and converted with the image converter is effected by digital image processing. In the case of an automatic change of the objectives, the magnification of the image output by the microscope before changing and the enlargement of the image output by the microscope after the change are matched to one another. Furthermore, the invention relates to a digital microscope.

Description

The present invention initially relates to a method for changing a magnification of a digital microscope. The digital microscope comprises at least two automatically interchangeable lenses with different magnifications, one of which is selected at a time. The digital microscope further includes an imager for converting an image taken with the selected lens. Furthermore, the invention relates to a digital microscope.

The DE 10 2008 063 799 A1 shows a method to compensate for any alignment lengths of lenses when focusing on stereomicroscopes and macroscopes. This compensation is used to make a correct focus after a lens change in a stereomicroscope or a macroscope.

From the US 9,063,342 B2 is a microscope with multiple optical systems in an imaging beam path known, which is in particular a multi-stage zoom system. The individual magnifying optical systems can be formed by discretely magnifying systems, by single or multi-level optical zoom systems and / or by digital zoom systems, which are linked together to form a controllable total zoom system.

The EP 2 043 005 A1 shows a method for measuring and simulating operations in a microscope system. In this method, an image which a camera of the microscope system would see in a real examination is simulated.

In the US 8,259,171 B2 a microscope system is described, which indicates a measured value when changing an observation magnification. For this purpose, geometric measurement data are obtained and displayed on a display.

The US 2016/0274347 A1 teaches a microscope system in which in a displayed on a monitor digital image with an ROI (Region of Interest) all camera-related adjustment parameters are controlled. For this purpose, among other things, a digital zoom is used to represent the interest-enhancing image detail enlarged. In addition, the image data is also used for focus adjustment.

The EP 2 606 394 B1 shows a device with a digital microscope, which has a first and a second image sensor whose images can be linked to be displayed on a monitor. For example, overview images are stitched together to form larger images. After reaching a maximum resolution, the resolution or magnification can be increased by manually or automatically switchable optical systems.

The object of the present invention, starting from the prior art, is to be able to change a magnification of a digital microscope over a wide range without obstructing the viewing of the microscoped sample by this process.

Said object is achieved by a method according to the appended claim 1 and by a microscope according to the attached independent claim 10.

The method according to the invention serves to modify an enlargement of a digital microscope. In particular, the method is used to alter a magnification with which a microscopic sample is imaged by an image output from the digital microscope. The image is output from the digital microscope in electronic form and can be displayed on a display, for example a display with a monitor or a digital eyepiece, or an output on a data medium or in a network.

The digital microscope includes at least two automatically exchangeable lenses with different magnifications. Thus, the sample can be microscoped with different objectives. Each of the microscopes is selected and thus used for optical imaging of the sample. The digital microscope preferably comprises a motorized objective changer with which the objectives can be changed.

The digital microscope further includes an imager for converting an image taken with the selected lens into an electronic image signal. The image converted by the image converter does not come directly to the display, but undergoes digital image processing. In particular, this image processing allows the converted image to be enlarged before it is output, and this magnification can be changed, which is also referred to as digital zooming. Thus, the magnification with which the microscopic sample is imaged by the image output by the digital microscope is determined at least by the respectively selected objective and by the image processing of the image converted by the image converter.

According to the invention, the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope is continuously changed. For this purpose, in one step of the method, a continuous change in the magnification of the one selected in each case takes place Objectively recorded and converted with the image converter image through the digital image processing of this image, which is also referred to as digital zoom. According to the invention, the change in magnification also takes place by changing the objectives. In the case of an automatic change of the objectives, the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope before switching and the enlargement of the image output by the digital microscope after switching are matched to one another. Thus, the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope when changing the lenses does not change abruptly, but continuously or in discrete stages. For this purpose, the magnification of the image recorded with the lens selected before the change and converted with the image converter and / or the magnification of the image recorded with the lens selected after the change and converted with the image converter is selected by the digital image processing so that the change of Lens does not lead to a sudden change in the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope. Inasmuch as the lens selected before changing and / or the lens selected after replacement is formed by a zoom lens and / or an optical zoom system is used, the magnification of the image picked up with the lens selected before switching and converted with the image converter or the magnification of the image taken with the objective selected after the change and converted with the image converter by an appropriate choice of zoom setting be chosen so that given before changing magnification of the image output by the digital microscope and the given after changing magnification of the image output by the digital microscope are matched.

According to the invention, the change in the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope is effected at least by the digital image processing and by one or more changes of the objectives, so that the method according to the invention can also be referred to as a hybrid zoom.

A particular advantage of the method according to the invention is that the operator of the digital microscope can change the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope using the interchangeable lenses over a large area and the operator while viewing the magnification continuously also permanently examine details of the sample and can keep an eye on, as the magnification never changes abruptly. In fact, a sudden change in magnification could cause the operator to lose track of the details of the sample.

In preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, when the lenses are changed, a frame of the image taken after changing the lenses of the selected lens and converted by the image converter is adjusted to a frame of the image taken before changing the lenses of the selected lens and converted by the image converter. This ensures that the image level of the image output by the digital microscope does not change when the lenses are changed, thus ensuring to a greater extent that the operator does not lose sight of the details of the image output by the digital microscope. In particular, when changing the objectives, a center of field in the image taken after changing the objectives of the selected lens and converted by the image converter is adjusted to a center of the field in the image taken before changing the lenses of the selected lens and converted by the image converter.

Preferably, the operator may select a region of the sample of interest in the image output by the digital microscope. This area is also known as the Region of Interest (ROI). In preferred embodiments of the method of the invention, the position of the region of interest in the image output by the digital microscope is maintained while changing the magnification of that image. The region of interest is preferably imaged at a particular position of the image output by the digital microscope. This position preferably remains unchanged during the continuous change of magnification. This position is preferably formed by a center of the image output by the digital microscope.

In preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, after the objectives have been changed, focusing takes place on a region of the microscopic sample which was focused before changing the objectives. This ensures that the focus is not lost when changing the lenses. The focusing preferably takes place automatically, d. H. through an autofocus function.

One or more of the exchangeable lenses of the digital microscope are preferably each designed as a zoom lens. The focal length and the magnification of the zoom lenses are mechanically changeable. This change is electronically controllable. In preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention includes this one step, in which the continuous change of the magnification of the digital microscope by continuously changing the focal length or the magnification of the lens designed as a zoom lens takes place, so that simultaneously increases the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope image.

Preferably, the microscope comprises an optical zoom system with which the focal length and the magnification of the microscope can be changed with the lens selected in each case. The lenses then preferably each have a fixed magnification. In preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, this comprises a step in which the continuous changing of the magnification of the digital microscope is carried out by continuously changing the magnification of the optical zoom system, so that the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope changes continuously at the same time.

Preferably, one of the exchangeable objectives of the microscope is formed by a unit comprising an overview objective and an overview camera. Preferably, the overview lens is designed as a zoom lens, so that the unit formed from the overview lens and the overview camera allows an optical zoom. The overview camera is preferably designed for a change in the magnification of the image output by the overview camera by digital image processing, so that the overview camera permits a digital zoom. In preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, this comprises a step in which the continuous changing of the magnification of the digital microscope is carried out by continuously changing the imaging scale of the overview lens designed as a zoom lens or by continuously changing the magnification of the image of the overview camera by digital image processing, thus At the same time, the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope changes continuously.

In preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, the magnification of the image taken with the selected objective and converted by the image converter is processed by the digital image processing until a magnification of one of the non-selected objectives is reached, after which this objective is selected for changing. Thus, there is a continuous change in the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope when the lenses are changed. The objective to be selected can also be designed as a zoom lens, so that the change in the magnification of the image selected with the previously selected objective and converted by the image converter is carried out by digital image processing until a minimum magnification of the lens not yet selected has been reached becomes.

In a first preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the continuous change in the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope is effected by continuously increasing the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope. The lenses are selected with successively increasing magnifications. Increasing the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope, after switching to that of the highest magnification objectives, is continued by the digital image processing of the image converted by the imager until a resolution limit is reached, which is also called conducive magnification. Conversely, it is preferable to continuously reduce the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope.

The objectives with the increasing imaging scales each have a fixed focal length in a simple preferred case, so that increasing the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope between the changes of the lenses by the digital image processing of the respectively selected lens and by the image converter converted image takes place.

In a second preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the continuous change in the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope is carried out by continuously increasing the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope. One of the interchangeable lenses is designed as a zoom lens. Increasing the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope is first made by continuously changing a focal length of the zoom lens, and is then continued by digital image processing of the image picked up by the selected lens and converted by the image converter the magnification of one of the lenses with a fixed focal length is reached and this lens is selected. Conversely, it is preferable to continuously reduce the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope.

In a third preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the continuous change in the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope is carried out by continuously increasing the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope. At least two of the exchangeable lenses are each designed as a zoom lens. Increasing the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope is first accomplished by continuously changing a focal length of the zoom lens as far as achieving the highest magnification of this objective, and is performed by the digital image processing of the lens designed with the selected zoom lens recorded and continued by the image converter continued until a minimum magnification of another of the zoom lenses designed as objectives is reached and this is selected for changing. Conversely, it is preferable to continuously reduce the magnification of the image output by the digital microscope.

In preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, upon reaching a resolution limit of the highest-resolution objective formed by a dry objective, an indication is issued that a subsequent increase in the magnification no longer causes an increase in resolution.

The exchangeable objectives preferably comprise at least one immersion objective. In preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, upon reaching an immersion limit, i. h., if further increase in magnification requires the use of an immersion objective, the lens formed by the immersion objective is selected, and preferably also an indication of the immersion or autoimmersion output. In further preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, when the immersion limit is reached, an auto-correction function of the objective formed by a correction objective is activated and, preferably, an indication of the activation of the auto-correction function is also output.

In preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, when changing from a previously interesting region of the microscoped sample to a currently interesting region of the microscoped sample, in synchronism with this change, the previously-relevant region of the microscopic sample is previously in a position of the image output by the digital microscope and then present the area of interest of the microscopic sample at this position of the image output by the digital microscope. The position in the image is preferably formed by a center of the image. The switching from the previously interesting region of the microscopic sample to the currently interesting region of the microscopic sample is preferably performed by an operator and is preferably carried out on an interactive display of the microscope.

Insofar as the image converted by the selected objective and the image converter maps the previously interesting region of the microscopic sample and the region of interest, the image of the regions of interest in the image output by the digital microscope is preferably converted by digital image processing by the image selected Lens and the image converter converted image. In this image processing, in particular, only an adaptation of the coordinates or an adapted selection of an image section takes place. The position of the sample relative to the objective preferably remains unchanged.

The switching from the previously interesting region of the microscopic sample to the currently interesting region of the microscopic sample preferably takes place along a path on the microscopic sample. This path represents a displacement movement made by the operator. Preferably, in synchronism with this change along the path, the region of interest of the microscopic specimen is previously imaged at the selected position in the image output by the digital microscope and thereafter at that position of the image output by the digital microscope Finally, the currently interesting area shown. During the change of the regions of interest, the operator can therefore explore the sample in the image output by the digital microscope and thus specifically select the region currently of interest. The areas of interest can also be automated in principle, for. B. be selected by form of the pattern recognition. This is particularly important in the field of material microscopy for QC / QA.

Inasmuch as the image converted by the selected objective and imager maps an image portion along the path from the previously-interested region of the microscopic sample to the current region of interest of the microscopic sample, imaging of the regions of interest along the path takes place current area of interest preferably by a digital image processing of the converted by the selected lens and the image converter image. In this image processing, in particular, only an adaptation of the Coordinates or an adapted selection of an image section. The position of the sample relative to the objective preferably remains unchanged.

Insofar as the image converted by the selected objective and the image converter does not image the current region of interest of the sample or the path to it, the change of the regions of interest or the displacement along the path up to the region currently of interest preferably takes place by changing the position the sample opposite the lens.

Changing the position of the sample relative to the objective is preferably carried out by displacing a microscope stage carrying the sample with respect to the selected objective. The images recorded during the change of the position of the sample relative to the respectively selected objective with this objective or with these objectives and converted by the image converter are preferably stored.

The stored images are preferably reproduced as a movie. The images recorded during the change of the position of the sample relative to the respectively selected objective with this objective or with these objectives and converted by the image converter are preferably stored and combined according to the corresponding position of the sample relative to the objective to form a coherent image, which is referred to as stitching becomes. The assembled image forms a larger part of the sample than the individual images taken with the respective lens selected and converted by the image converter. Alternatively, the images recorded during the change of the position of the specimen relative to the respectively selected objective with this objective or with these objectives and converted by the image converter are stored and combined according to their contents into a coherent image. By analyzing the content of these images, they can be put together correctly.

The digital microscope according to the invention is used for microscopy of a sample. It includes at least two automatically exchangeable lenses. The lenses have different image scales. The lenses can be changed, with one of the lenses being selected in each case and being located in a beam path of the microscope. The respectively selected objective is used for optical imaging of the sample. The digital microscope preferably comprises an electrically controllable objective changer for changing the objectives.

The microscope further comprises an image converter for converting an image of the sample recorded with the respectively selected objective.

The microscope comprises a control and image processing unit, by means of which at least the change of the objectives can be controlled and by which a digital image processing of an image taken with the selected objective and converted with the image converter can take place. The control and image processing unit is configured to carry out the method according to the invention. The control and image processing unit is preferably configured to carry out preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention. The control and image processing unit is preferably formed by a computer. Incidentally, the microscope preferably also has features which are specified in connection with the method according to the invention.

• 1: eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Mikroskops;
• 2: einen Ablaufplan einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 3: einen Ablaufplan einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 4: einen Ablaufplan einer dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 5: eine Prinzipdarstellung einer vierten bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens; und
• 6: eine Prinzipdarstellung einer fünften bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

Further details and developments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the drawing. Show it:

• 1 a preferred embodiment of a microscope according to the invention;
• 2 : a flow chart of a first preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention;
• 3 a flowchart of a second preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention;
• 4 a flowchart of a third preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention;
• 5 a schematic diagram of a fourth preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention; and
• 6 : A schematic diagram of a fifth preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention.

1 shows a preferred embodiment of a digital microscope according to the invention. The microscope includes a motorized and coded objective changer 01 with several equipped coded lenses 02 where one or more of the lenses 02 each may be formed as a zoom lens. Also, the objective changer 01 be equipped with an overview camera with overview lens (not shown). The microscope also includes a motorized microscope stage 03 , The microscope includes a digital camera 04 , which can be made interchangeable or flanged. The digital camera 04 includes one Image converter (not shown) for converting one with the respective selected lens 02 recorded image in an electronic image signal.

To the microscope belongs a computer 06 with a digital display unit 07 , which is preferably formed by a touchpad. The computer 06 also includes a keyboard and other controls and controls (not shown). On the computer, a control and image processing software is installed so that it forms a control and image processing unit of the microscope. The control and image processing software is used to implement a method according to the invention, which is based on the 2 to 6 is explained in more detail. In alternative preferred embodiments, the computer may be eliminated since the digital image processing is hardware integrated into an optical engine of the microscope.

The illustrated embodiment of the microscope according to the invention also comprises a microscope base body 08 and an eyepiece 09 , The eyepiece 09 may alternatively or additionally be listed after the image converter (not shown) as a digital eyepiece.

2 shows a flowchart of a first preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, which with the in 1 shown digital microscope is performed. In this first embodiment, the n interchangeable lenses 02 (shown in 1 ) each have a fixed magnification M _{Obj 1} to M _{obj n} so that they are discrete lenses. The n exchangeable lenses 02 (shown in 1 ) each have a picture-side resolution y ' _{obj 1} to y ' _{obj n} on. In this first embodiment, the entire magnification range of the microscope is continuously traversed. By turning on and focusing a first lens, which under the lenses 02 (shown in 1 ) has a lowest magnification, a first image is displayed on the display unit 07 (shown in 1 ) is displayed. Would like an operator to zoom the image, what he with a digital input medium, such. B. controls a touch screen, a mouse pointer, a slider and / or a joystick, so now takes over a realized by digital image digital zoom a continuous magnification change at a constant resolution, which is the resolution of the first lens. The digital zoom leads to a resolution _y'dz and to an enlargement V _DZ , When reaching a reproduction scale M _{obj 2} a second lens is switched to this and this turned on.

Image level and focus correction are performed while still displaying the image taken with the first lens and zoomed by the digital zoom at the same magnification as that of the second lens. This image is replaced by image level and focus corrections on the image taken with the second lens through the image taken with the second lens. There is thus a zooming in by replacing lower-resolution images with higher-resolution images. Following the same principle, further lenses up to the nth objective are successively selected, and in between, the continuous magnification change is made by the digital zoom. With the nth lens, the digital zoom becomes effective until it reaches a suitable magnification V _FDZ performed. The speed of zooming can be adjusted during zooming. The hybrid zoom formed by the change of the lenses and the digital zoom can be done in both directions, ie in the direction of higher magnifications and smaller field of view numbers and vice versa.

3 shows a flowchart of a second preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention. To carry out this second embodiment is on the objective changer 01 (shown in 1 ) one of the lenses 02 as a unit of an overview camera with an overview lens (not shown) formed on a first lens position of the objective changer 01 (shown in 1 ) is arranged. Another of the lenses 02 (shown in 1 ) is formed as a zoom lens and on a second lens position of the objective changer 01 (shown in 1 ) assembled. The others of the lenses 02 (shown in 1 ) are formed by discrete lenses with fixed magnifications. Also in this second embodiment of the method according to the invention, the entire magnification range is continuously passed through. After switching on and focusing the overview camera, a first image is displayed, which can then be further enlarged via an integrated in the overview camera optical and / or digital zoom system. The overview camera has a picture-side resolution y ' _ÜK on while zooming in y ' _{ÜK min} to y ' _{ÜK max} enough. The overview camera has an enlargement V _ÜK on while zooming in V _{ÜK min} to V _{ÜK max} enough. After reaching a lowest magnification of the second lens, which is designed as a zoom lens, this second lens is on the objective changer 01 (shown in 1 ) and switched on. The further enlargement then takes place initially by a purely optical zoom function of the second objective. The zoom lens has a picture-side resolution _y'ZO on, while zooming up y ' _{ZO max} enough. The zoom lens has an enlargement V _ZO on, while zooming up V _{ZO max} enough. Subsequently, the further continuous magnification with the digital zoom each after a change of the other discrete lenses with fixed magnifications up to the nth lens and then made to the beneficial magnification.

4 shows a flowchart of a third preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention. To carry out this third embodiment, the lenses 02 (shown in 1 ) each have a fixed magnification, the microscope further comprising an optical zoom system (not shown), which is for each of the lenses 02 (shown in 1 ) can be used. In this third embodiment, a combination of a change of lenses, a use of the downstream optical zoom system for each of the lenses and a digital zoom takes place. The entire possible magnification range is in turn continuously traversed. Unlike the in 2 In the embodiment shown, instead of the digital zoom, the downstream optical zoom system takes over the zooming between the individual discrete lens magnifications to the nth lens. The optical zoom system has a picture-side resolution _y'OZ on, while zooming up y ' _{OZ max} enough. The optical zoom system has an enlargement V _OZ on, while zooming up V _{ZO max} enough. Then the digital zoom takes over the zooming up to the beneficial magnification. It is advantageous in this embodiment that with a corresponding design of the optical zoom system in the optical zoom between the discrete lens magnifications in contrast to the digital zoom in addition to the magnification change, a simultaneous increase in resolution can be achieved.

5 shows a schematic diagram of a fourth preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention. In this schematic diagram, the object field and visual field number-dependent interaction of an optically fixed magnifying lens or an optical zoom system and a digital zoom is described. The use of the fixed magnification lens or the optical zoom system and the digital zoom is exemplified in 3 and 4 shown. The microscope stage 03 (shown in 1 ) remains fixed in this embodiment. It becomes a sensor-equivalent object field detail 11 from an illustrated part of a microscope object plane 12 via an optically fixed magnifying lens or an optical zoom system on a sensor image plane 13 full-frame imaged. Thus, the object field cutout shown on the image converter (not shown) 11 the maximum optical imaging power with respect to the resolution of the lens or of the selected zoom factor of the optical zoom system. By means of the digital zoom connected downstream according to the invention, a monitor-equivalent image section can now be used 14 from the sensor image plane 13 be further enlarged without further resolution gain. This digital post-magnification is then zoomed in until the next optical magnification level is reached and the digitally magnified image is then captured by a higher resolution optically generated image in the sensor image plane 13 is replaced (cf. 4 ). When using the highest-resolution lens or when the highest optical zoom factor is reached, the digital zoom is then preferably used only up to the conducive magnification limit. For some applications, eg. For example, for a particle analysis, the digital Nachvergrößern into the range of empty magnifications makes sense anyway.

The inventive combination of the optical magnification changer and the digital zoom has a clear advantage in terms of field of view adaptation. By permanently storing the optically generated images recorded in the sensor format, even when observing only one object location, ie in the case of a non-moving microscope stage 03 (shown in 1 ) comfortable zooming across all optical imaging levels is possible with decreasing fields of view, without any risk for the operator to lose sight of an observed object detail. Another advantage is that within the format of the sensor image plane 13 stored digital image a lateral, purely digital navigation or shifting the nachvergrößerten smaller monitor equivalent image detail 14 according to example given arrow directions 16 without a shift of the microscope stage 03 (shown in 1 ) is possible. This navigating or shifting is generated by software for image processing and with a digital input medium, eg. B. a gesture-controlled touch monitor (not shown) controlled. Thus, a typical microscopic practice for further selection of the object details around the region of the imaged field center is enabled.

6 shows a schematic diagram of a fifth preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention. In this schematic diagram, in turn, the object field and visual field number-dependent interaction of an optically fixed magnifying lens or an optical zoom system and a digital zoom is described. The use of the fixed magnification lens or the optical zoom system and the digital zoom is exemplified in 3 and 4 shown. Unlike the in 5 shown fourth embodiment, the microscope stage 03 (shown in 1 ) shifted laterally, since the displacement within the sensor surface, ie in the sensor-equivalent object field detail 11 is no longer sufficient, especially because a visual field edge of the sensor surface is reached.

It is an example of an initially interesting area 21 in the microscope object plane 12 shown. An operator navigates using a digital input medium (not shown) in a y-direction to a first further region now of interest 22 , According to the invention, this navigation is followed in the output image. For this purpose, there is first a shift of the monitor equivalent image detail 14 within the sensor image plane 13 and after reaching the sensor limit finally a corresponding displacement of the microscope stage 03 (shown in 1 ) in the y direction. It will be on the displacement of the microscope stage 03 (shown in 1 ) to the first further area of interest 22 more of the sensor-equivalent image fields in the sensor image plane 13 recorded and put together, which is also known as stitching. The merged image is continuously stored digitally. The subsequent enlargement via the digital zoom in real time, depending on the sensor exposure time required for the observed microscopic object, allows a jerky and delay-poor digital image visualization and orientation within the object along the selected displacement path of the microscope stage 03 (shown in 1 ) too. In the same way, another example of simultaneous displacement also occurs 23 in two coordinate directions of the microscope stage 03 (shown in 1 ) from the first other area of interest 22 to a second further area of interest 24 , Along the chosen displacement directions 23 the recorded sensor-equivalent image fields are in the sensor image plane 13 automatically merged into an ever-growing contiguous digital image field and stored. This has the advantage that when navigating again to the same areas of interest, only the digitally stored image is used, which can take place in real time, while the object does not have to be illuminated or contrasted and optically visualized during this time. Only when navigating to other previously unexplored object areas does the microscopic object have to be illuminated or contrasted again.

The inventive method allows the greatest possible protection of the object or preparation to be microscoped, especially with increasingly bleaching fluorescence preparations, as well as a jerky and delay low digital image visualization and orientation by maximum use of digitized image fields without manual switching discrete magnification levels.

With respect to the 6 for a fixed magnification described object field and Sehfeldzahlabhängige interaction of an optically fixed magnifying lens or an optical zoom system and a digital zoom is preferred in the in the 2 to 5 used embodiments shown. Also for other enlargements achievable with these embodiments, the recorded sensor-equivalent image fields are automatically stitched together and stored in an increasingly large contiguous digital image field along the selected displacement directions and the selected focal plane or focus map for uneven objects and optionally image correction and / or optical corrections , Thus, for each microscopic object or specimen for the selected fixed magnifications assembled and stored digital image fields, which are linked via the also documented digital zoom function.

All microscopic examinations carried out on the preparation, for example also in different contrast methods, are preferred. H. the entire workflow, fully documented in the form of a film. A further advantage of the method according to the invention over the prior art, in which only only individual digital images or video sequences of individual object points or preparation sites are recorded and stored, is that video information about the navigation to the preparation sites of interest, to the regions of interest , Are available. This is for example for a clear proof of a diagnosis, z. B. necessary for pathological preparations.

Another advantage of the invention is that it allows a gentle examination of fluorescent samples, since fluorescence excitation of the sample is not necessary during digital image display. Due to the reduced bleaching of the sample, this can be used much longer. Especially for a subsequent confocal or high-resolution technology, the sample is not already significantly damaged during the wide field inspection.

Another advantage of the invention is that by changing the magnification by digital image processing, ie by the digital zoom as an essential functional component of the hybrid zoom invention, lenses of the same aperture or resolution and higher scale can be replaced. For example, a 40x / 1.4 lens can completely replace a 100x / 1.4 lens, since the zoom is increased at the same resolution as the digital zoom. With even higher-resolution lenses, z. B. 20x / 1.2 preferably larger magnification areas are replaced by the digital zoom.

A further advantage of the invention is that, for survey magnifications in large object fields, the digital zoom also replaces lenses that are not required for tracking a region of interest; namely lenses in the range 1.0x → 1.25x → 2.5x → 5.0x. With the selection of an overview lens with an applicatively suitable resolution and field of view, the digital zoom as a functional component of the method according to the invention can continuously bridge the area to the next higher-resolution objective, so that some objectives are not necessary in comparison to the prior art.

A further advantage of the invention is that the use of an overview-enlarging integrated camera in combination with the digital zoom replaces a special overview objective.

Another advantage of the invention is that the digital zoom enables corrections of mechanical centering errors; z. B. an error correction of the so-called lens image level. This avoids a lateral jump of the center of the field of view during a magnification change due to the digital corrections. The digital zoom also allows the correction of the center trays of optical zoom systems during zooming; d. H. a correction of mechanical guiding errors of the movable optical subsystems of the zoom lens.

The invention has the advantage that the digital zoom simplifies automatic refocussing during a lens change by taking account of factory-determined individual objective cutting widths, whereby the operation is facilitated and a sample throughput is increased.

The invention has the advantage of reducing the need for manual or manually triggered motorized adjustments to the microscope, thereby reducing adjustment errors and expense in searching and tracking object details of interest. The invention supports an application-related and user-friendly operation of the microscope and allows an increase in productivity in the form of a larger sample throughput.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

01

objective changer

02

lens

03

microscope stage

04

digital camera

05

-

06

computer

07

display unit

08

Microscope body

09

eyepiece

10

-

11

Object field cut

12

Microscope level

13

Sensor image plane

14

Monitor equivalent image section

15

-

16

Arrow direction of a navigation / shift

17

-

18

-

19

-

20

-

21

initially interesting area

22

first further area of interest

23

shift

24

second further area of interest

M _{obj n}

Image scale of the nth objective

Y ' _{obj n}

Image-side resolution of the nth objective

y ' _ÜK

Image-side resolution of the overview camera

_y'ZO

Image-side resolution of the zoom lens

_y'OZ

Image-side resolution of the optical zoom system

_y'dz

Resolution of the digital zoom

V _DZ

Enlargement of the digital zoom

V _ÜK

Magnification of the overview camera

V _ZO

Magnification of the zoom lens

V _OZ

Magnification of the optical zoom system

V _FDZ

conducive enlargement of the digital zoom

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008063799 A1 [0002]
• US9063342 B2 [0003]
• EP 2043005 A1 [0004]
• US 8259171 B2 [0005]
• US 2016/0274347 A1 [0006]
• EP 2606394 B1 [0007]

Claims (10)

A method of modifying a magnification of a digital microscope, the digital microscope comprising at least two automatically interchangeable lenses (02) with different magnifications, one lens (02) each being selected, and the digital microscope further comprising an imager for converting one with the selected image (02), characterized in that an enlargement of an image output by the digital microscope is continuously changed, for which a continuous change of an enlargement of an image taken with the selected objective (02) and converted with the image converter by a digital image Image processing is carried out, wherein with an automatic change of the lenses (02) given before changing magnification of the image output by the digital microscope and the given after changing magnification of the issued by the digital microscope Picture to be matched. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that when changing the lenses (02) a picture of the image after changing the lenses (02) of the selected lens (02) and converted by the image converter on a picture of the prior to changing the lenses (02) of the selected lens (02) and adjusted by the image converter is adjusted image. Method according to Claim 1 or 2 characterized in that a region of interest (21, 22, 24) of the microscopic sample is imaged at a position in the image output by the digital microscope and that position in the image remains unchanged while continuously changing the magnification of the image. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that, after changing the objectives (02) focusing on a region of the microscopic sample, which was focused before changing the lenses (02). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the one or more of the interchangeable lenses (02) is formed as a zoom lens, the method comprising a step of continuously changing the magnification of the digital microscope by continuously changing a magnification of the zoom lens objective (Fig. 02) takes place. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the changing of the magnification of the selected lens (02) and converted by the image converter image by the digital image processing is carried out until a magnification of one of the non-selected lenses (02) is reached, whereupon this selected to change becomes. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that from a previously interesting region (21) of the microscopic sample along a path on the microscopic sample to a currently interesting region (22, 24) of the microscoped sample is changed, wherein synchronous to this along the path taking place before the change previously displayed region (21) of the microscopic sample is imaged at a position of the image output by the digital microscope and imaged at that position of the image output by the digital microscope of the path along the path and finally the region of interest (22, 24) become. Method according to Claim 7 characterized in that the mapping of the areas of interest (21, 22, 24) along the path to the area of interest (24) in the image output by the digital microscope is done by digital image processing of the lens ( 02) and a selected positioning of the sample relative to the objective (02) is taken, as long as this image maps the change of the regions of interest (21, 22, 24) along the path to the region of interest (24) mapping the pathways of interest along the path (21, 22, 24) to the area of interest (24) in the image output by the digital microscope by changing the position of the sample relative to the objective (02), Once this with the selected lens (02) and the selected positioning of the sample against the lens (02) aufgenom mene image no longer reflects the change of the regions of interest (21, 22, 24) along the path to the region of interest (24). Method according to Claim 8 , characterized in that during the changing of the positioning of the sample relative to the respectively selected lens (02) with the selected lens (02) recorded and converted by the image converter images are stored and assembled according to the positioning of the sample. Digital microscope for the microscopy of a sample, comprising: - at least two automatically exchangeable objectives (02) with different imaging scales; - an imager for converting an image of the sample taken with one of the lenses (02); and a control and image processing unit (06), which is used to carry out a method according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 is configured.

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