초록 ▼

A computer is coupled to a suitable light microscope in a closed-loop feedback system which facilitates total intervention by the operator. A graphics display electronically produces an image having two components: one, an image of the data stored in the computer\s memory; and two, a set of programm

A computer is coupled to a suitable light microscope in a closed-loop feedback system which facilitates total intervention by the operator. A graphics display electronically produces an image having two components: one, an image of the data stored in the computer\s memory; and two, a set of programmed procedures and instructions available to the operator for manipulating the microscope via the computer. The graphics display is juxtaposed to, and optically aligned with, a beam splitter incorporated in the microscope. As a result, the electronically-produced image of the graphics display is superimposed pictorially upon the optical image of a preparation carried on the slide mounted in the microscope\s stage. Suitable means are provided to facilitate operator control and intervention. In one embodiment, this means comprises a graphics tablet, interfaced with the computer, and provided with a hand-held stylus. Using the stylus, the operator may selectively exercise command functions, enter selected data from the preparation, and retrieve data previously stored in the computer\s memory, while simultaneously looking into the oculars of the microscope. In response to operator commands, the stage of the microscope is servo controlled by the computer in any desired coordinate system. In addition, a sensor is connected between the microscope and the computer for maintaining the constant magnification ratio that facilitates a continuous superposition of the graphics display image upon the preparation image. As a result, the computer microscope of the present invention constitutes a valuable research tool having flexibility and maximum utility at a relatively modest investment.

대표청구항 ▼

A computer microscope, comprising computer means including memory means for storing data, graphics display means connected to the computer means for electronically producing an image which includes selected data from the computer memory means, and a set of programmed procedures and instructions avai

A computer microscope, comprising computer means including memory means for storing data, graphics display means connected to the computer means for electronically producing an image which includes selected data from the computer memory means, and a set of programmed procedures and instructions available to the operator, microscope means for viewing a preparation therein and including optical beam splitter means juxtaposed to the graphics display means and optically aligned therewith, thereby providing a pictorial superposition of the electronically-produced image of the graphics display means upon the image of the preparation in the microscope means, and manually-manipulatable means interfaced with the computer means and selectively activated by the operator while continuing to view the pictorial superposition in the microscope means, whereby the operator may control the microscope means via the computer means, and whereby the operator may selectively enter into the computer memory means additional data derived from the preparation, without requiring a diversion of the operator\s eyes away from the field of view in the microscope means.