A digital microscope is a microscope that has a camera (CMOS) connected directly to the optical imaging unit The digitally captured image is displayed on a large, high-resolution monitor instead of the eyepieces.
In addition to the clear and defined observation on the monitor, the digital microscope differs from traditional microscopes for its adaptability to samples of any kind and size, not only for the acquisition of small portions of images, but also for scans of large surfaces and for the possibility image acquisition from any direction (vertical, horizontal, oblique, overhead, etc. ) as well as for the rapid change of all observation methods through the interchangeability of optics with magnetic attachment and related 2D / 3D dimensional measurement functions, particle counting, comparison of images in real time, recording of still and moving images , etc.
Thanks to its incredible versatility it is used all over the world in a wide range of applications both in the biological and industrial fields for research and development and routine analysis.
Digital Microscope Technology
The digital microscope is an image observation and scanning system with an electronic control unit connected to a PC and software that also manages fully automatically “coded” optical devices integrated with lighting systems, a camera and media handling of the integrated assembly. The software allows the adjustment of brightness / contrast and image quality, the control of the movements of the devices (focus, zoom, etc.), the acquisition / analysis / storage of the same, instant measurements on the monitor, the storage and processing 2D / 3D colorimetric and dimensional data of the single framed elements, of single visual fields and the construction of 2D / 3D images of “n” visual fields (mosaic).
Traditional optical microscopes
There are various types of optical microscopes (not very dissimilar from the first microscopes of the 1600s), with some differences in use based on the characteristics of the subject and for the purpose of inspection: Stereo zoom microscopes, metallographic microscopes, biological microscopes …, possibly equipped with fittings for the assembly of cameras or cameras connected to a PC for observation on monitors, storage and processing of images.
These instruments have multiple limits of use, especially at high magnifications and as regards the dimensions of the observable surfaces, with problems of adaptation of the samples between the objective and the object to be observed, of a portion of the framed area and acquisition of images on surfaces. extended. Furthermore, the possible framing angles and depth of field are often ineffective for the observation of objects with complex geometry, in fact they are hardly suitable for use in production lines and inspection of three-dimensional objects or surfaces “in situ”, on plants , etc.
Digital microscopes (history)
The digital microscope is the natural evolution of the traditional microscope which in the 1980s to meet the need for simultaneous viewing of images by several people was interfaced with analog cameras (vidicon tube) for viewing images on television monitors (PAL standard) and storing images with a video cassette recorder (standard VHS). The final image quality obtained from these additions was satisfactory for some applications but was not absolutely comparable to that obtainable with eyepieces. In a subsequent technological phase with the diffusion of the first Personal Computers and of conversion cards of television signals from analog to digital, it became possible to display the images taken by the microscope on the computer monitor,
The first video microscope was invented 40 years ago by HIROX (JAPAN), a lens manufacturer since the 1920s, which after having gained considerable know-how in the production of various lenses for reflex cameras, TVs and 8 mm films, thanks to the availability of the first digital image acquisition sensors (CCD) has integrated a series of lenses and optical adapters with excellent quality characteristics with high resolution digital cameras directly connected to PC without the need for intermediate cards creating compact portable systems that have found an immediate success by a large audience of Users in all industrial and research fields.
Provide clear and easy observation with objectives that have both a large depth of field and high resolution.
– I want to analyze many samples per day
– I want to observe things bigger than my sample table
– The depth of field of the objectives is not enough for me to acquire three
– dimensional images – I want to discuss with others what I observe.
Laser microscope
There are various laser microscopy solutions based on the desired resolution and capturing distances: Confocal microscopes, laser profilometers.
I often hear these needs …
– I want to observe in real-time in color
– I want to observe objects larger than my sample table.
