Computer microscope apparatus and method for superimposing an electronically-produced image from the computer memory upon the image in the microscope's field of view
First Claim
1. A computer microscope, comprisingcomputer means including memory means for storing data,graphics display means connected to the computer means for electronically producing an image which includesselected data from the computer memory means, anda 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, andmanually-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.
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Accused Products
Abstract
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.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. 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.
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18. A computer microscope, comprising
microscope means for viewing a preparation on a stage therein, computer means including a 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, optical beam splitter means incorporated in the microscope means and physically 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, means for controlling the stage of the microscope means, via the computer means, in a reference coordinate system, sensor means connected between the microscope means and the computer means, whereby a constant magnification ratio is maintained for facilitating a continuous pictorial superposition of the electronically-produced image of the graphics display means upon the image of the preparation, and graphics tablet means interfaced with the computer means and including a hand-held stylus 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.
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19. In a computer microscope, the combination of
computer means including memory means for storing data, microscope means including ocular means for viewing an object, means connected between the computer means and the microscope means for simultaneously superimposing upon the object'"'"'s image a pictorial image of selected data from the memory means together with system commands, and further means selectively activated by the operator, while continuing to view the superimposed pictorial image, for controlling the microscope means via the computer means, retrieving other data from the memory means, or entering new data derived from the object into the memory means, whereby the operator has control and flexibility and the facility for total intervention, without requiring a diversion of the operator'"'"'s eyes away from the ocular means.
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20. The method of making a computerized microscopic analysis which comprises the steps of
providing a microscope for viewing an object therein, providing a computer having a memory, producing an image which includes selected data from the computer memory, and system commands, optically superimposing said last-named produced image upon the image of the object visible in the microscope'"'"'s field of view, providing an operator interface with the computer viewing the pictorial superposition of images, and without a diversion of the operator'"'"'s eyes away from the microscope'"'"'s field of view, simultaneously and selectively controlling the microscope via the computer, retrieving data from the computer memory, and entering into the computer memory new data derived from the object.
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23. In a computerized microscope, a superimposed pictorial display viewed by the operator directly in the microscope, said superimposed pictorial display comprising
a first area for presenting a visual image of an object in the microscope in its superimposed relationship to an electronically-produced image of data retrieved from the computer'"'"'s memory, and a second area for providing system control, said second system-control area remaining constant despite pictorial changes in the first area.
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27. In a computerized microscope, a superimposed pictorial display viewed by the operator directly in the microscope, said superimposed pictorial display comprising
a first area for presenting a visual image of an object in the microscope in its superimposed relationship to an electronically-produced image of data retrieved from the computer'"'"'s memory, and a second area, adjacent to the first area and remaining constant despite pictorial changes therein, and including a manipulation area for controlling the movement of the microscope via the computer, and at least one command area for data entry and retrieval.
Specification