High-speed image processing system for tele-micro-operation

Abstract

An observational system for tele-micro-operation has been proposed with a dynamic focusing system and a high-speed processing system using the from criteria. In our past work (2000), we proposed the system which has the image and the of an object, simultaneously. Actually, in micro operation, such as for micro-surgery, DNA operation and etc., the small depth of a focus on the microscope gives bad observability. In this sense, the which holds the in-focused texture all over the image, is useful for observing micro environments with a microscope. It is also important to obtain the depth map, and to show the 3D micro virtual environments in real-time to actuate the micro objects, intuitively. The past system with dynamic focusing lens and smart sensor could obtain the image and the in 2 sec. To realize real-time micro operation, at least, a 30 frame/sec system should be required. The paper briefly reviews the criteria of from to achieve the all-in-focus and the 3D micro environments' reconstruction, simultaneously. After discussing the problem in our past system, a new frame-rate system is constructed with high-speed video camera and FPGA hardware. To apply this system in a real microscope, new criteria to reconstruct the all-in-focus is proposed. Finally, micro observation shows the validity of the system.