Leica Stereo Explorer Visualizing and Analyzing Microstructures in 3D Living up to Life
No matter how big the eye, two eyes are better than one (Sudanese proverb) Three-dimensional photography Nature shows us how it works One eye is enough to see. It takes two, however, to visualize the world spatially. The slight convergence of the optic axes generates two slightly differing images, which our brains then merge into a three-dimensional impression of reality. The world thus appears in relief, and we can immediately recognize whether an object is near or far and whether a surface is flat or rugged. Spatial vision helps us everyday yet it becomes indispensable when observing specimens under a stereomicroscope. Today we are capable of expanding this stereo visual effect to photography: Leica Microsystems offers a one-of-a-kind, modular 3D system for the Leica M165 C stereomicroscope that makes it possible to examine 3D images on a computer.
Example Anaglyph image of a metal surface. Example Anaglyph image of a fracture surface.
Anaglyph image of a metal surface with visible reference plane. Left Eye Right Eye To create anaglyph illustrations, two images of an object are taken from slightly different viewing angles and combined afterwards. The small deviation in the viewing angle is sufficient enought so that our brain can combine them into a spatial 3D image. The same principle is used with the Leica IC 3D camera, which captures two images offset slightly with a different viewing angle. These images are combined by the Leica Stereo Explorer software into a single 3D image. Would you like to learn more about the Leica IC 3D and the Leica Stereo Explorer software? Then visit us at www.leica-microsystems.com/products/stereoexplorer
The Stereo Explorer software application generates a stereopair from a single specimen. The left and right image channels show slightly different contours, allowing height to be computed. Differences in height are made visible by an optional, height-specific false-color representation. The digital surface model of a specimen can be rotated in any direction and zoomed. The module Profile analysis illustrates the height profile across any (red) line. Within this profile, numerous measurements can be taken in x, y and z. The reference plane is used for all displayed height data. It can be configured as desired, or recalculated based on user-defined points. Using the auxiliary module Volume, the Stereo Explorer precisely calculates the volumes above and below the reference plane.
The fracture surface of a metal bolt is well suited for 3D analysis using the Stereo Explorer software. Examination of a written sample in stereo image representation. Here is a signature written with a blue ball-point pen. This surface model, too, can be encoded for height using false colors and rotated in any way in space. With Stereo Explorer, you can immediately determine the pressure used when the signature was written, and which lines have crossed. The reference plane can be defined as desired and rotated around all axes. It determines the zero point for all subsequent 3D measurements. The Stereo Explorer can also be used to analyze complex specimens without contact and to examine their shapes.
The perfect pair for stereo photography As if within grasp: Relief photographs result when the most modern hardware and software come together. The Leica IC 3D digital camera becomes the eyes of the stereomicroscope, while the Stereo Explorer takes over the brain s role: it computes the 3D data record from the stereopairs. Together, they generate a spatial image of the specimen in brilliant colors and high resolution. They apply the newest algorithms of digital image processing so that the camera and the objective can show off their proverbial Leica qualities. The full program at the touch of a button With a modular design, the Stereo Explorer can be expanded to include new functions at any time. The Autofocus module, for example, can be utilized to control the motorized focus, while the Profile module graphically displays the profile of a surface. Stereo Explorer offers the precise functions that you need for your work. Auto Calibration mode The calibration tool (part no. 33 007 039) applies softwarebased corrections to manufacturing tolerances in the optics or mechanical system. This simply requires that the calibration tool is set to a specific zoom position using the integrated calibration assistant everything else is handled by the system automatically. Leave a lasting impression From the data attained, the Leica 3D Viewer models the Digital Surface Model (DSM). This can be used, for example, to draw the original 2D image as a texture onto the DSM. And to illustrate the specimen s vertical scale, a height-encoded false-color representation is used. Naturally, the surface model can be rotated in any direction and zoomed. Once you are completely satisfied with the results, save the view in a popular graphics format, such as TIFF or JPEG. Now, your presentations will look better than ever! Leica Stereo Explorer A System Overview 1 A stereopair is generated by an integrated camera. 2 The Leica IC 3D is suited for the Leica M165 C and MZ16 A stereomicroscopes. 3 The motorized focus is controlled by the Stereo Explorer and ensures that a uniform depth effect is attained. 4 If no PC is connected, the Leica SmartTouch can also be used as the controller. 5 Possible to view sample while using the Leica IC 3D. 6 High-quality Leica objectives yield crystal clear images. 7 The Leica LED5000 RL ring light provides the optimum illumination for stereo photography. 8 Both the camera and the software can be used with a wide variety of Leica accessories. Important details about the Leica IC 3D digital camera 2 3.3 megapixel CCD with Bayer Array RGB filter generate outstanding color pictures. Fast data transfer through a unique FireWire connection. Connecting the camera to any stereomicroscope of the Leica M series is quick and easy no adjustments necessary. Important details about the Leica Stereo Explorer software The live image function makes focusing and positioning fast. Stereoscopic live viewing of specimens with anaglyph technology. The intuitive and easy-to-use interface reduces time need to learn how to use the software. The ergonomic integration of motorized stereomicroscopes makes repetitive tasks easier. Software modules for profile, roughness, surface and volume analysis can be added at any time. Stereo Explorer supports the Leica M165 C and MZ16 A stereomicroscopes.
Leica M165 C precise, efficient, compact 5 1 3 2 4 6 7 8
Leica IC 3D camera Technical data, performance characteristics Camera type CCD stereo camera with control software Compatibility Compatible with all stereomicroscopes of the M series Energy consumption ~6 W Sensor type RGB Bayer Mosaic Shutter control Electronic global shutter/interlaced scan mode Resolution 2 3.3 megapixels (2088 1550) Max. interpolated resolution 2 7.3 megapixels (3132 2325) Color depth 36-bit Exposure time 230 µs 30 s Live image On computer screen for all formats Cooling Passive heat dissipation via metal housing Image formats & photography modes Images per second: fast / HQ Resolution Mono Stereo Full image, color or monochrome 2088 1550 5 / 2.5 2.5 / 1.25 2 2 binning, color or monochrome 1044 772 10 / 5 5 / 2.5 3 3 binning, color or monochrome 696 514 15 / 7.5 7.5 / 3.75 4 4 binning, color or monochrome 520 384 20 / 10 10 / 5 Progressive sub-sample 696 516 33 / NA 16.5 / NA Progressive R or G B monochrome 1044 775 10 / 5 5 / 2.5 Modes Formats in fast (20 MHz) or high-quality (10 MHz) modes as specified above, triggered or free running Computer requirements Hardware Operating system Required software Interface Pentium 4 with 2 GHz, 512 MB, 24-bit graphics card, 1024 768, CD-ROM drive, onboard 1394a FireWire OHCI or available PCI slot for FireWire PCI card Windows 2000, Windows XP Leica DFC Twain / Leica Stereo Explorer FireWire 6-pin (IEEE1394a) Leica IC 3D: Technical data and operating environment Housing Die-cast aluminum Dimensions 129.5 97.5 40.0 mm (W H D) Weight 550 g Permissible temperature range +10 to +35 C Relative humidity 10% to 80%, non-condensing
Article descriptions 10 10 450 023 Eyepieces and tubes 10 450 023 Wide-field eyepieces for eyeglass wearers, 10 /23, distortion-free, dioptric correction, with eyecups (replaceable) Binocular tube 45 10 450 252 ErgoTube 45 10 450 156 Straight tube 10 450 157 Binocular Ergo- Tube 10 450 158 10 450 252 Inclined binocular tube, 45 viewing angle 10 450 156 Binocular ErgoTube with 45 viewing angle and long tubes 10 450 157 Binocular straight tube with 90 viewing angle 10 450 158 Binocular ErgoTube with variable viewing angle 10 50 Camera 12 730 060 Leica IC 3D camera kit (includes 2 m 6-pin/6-pin FireWire cable, Leica DFC Twain software) IC 3D 12 730 060 Zoom systems and accessories 10 450 035 Leica M165 C, 16.5:1 zoom system, apochromatic, electronically encoded Focusing drive 10 450 050 Motorized focus with 420 mm profile column 10 450 258 Motorized focus with 620 mm profile column SmartTouch TM 10 450 052 Handwheel 10 450 298 Motorized focus 10 450 050 short 10 450 258 long 0.63 planapochromat 10 450 027 M165 C 10 450 035 1 planapochromat 10 450 028 Controls 10 450 052 SmartTouch, external control unit with integr. touchscreen for status control and control of all settings and functions 10 450 298 Manual controller for motor focus Planapochromatic objectives, parfocal 10 450 027 Planapochromatic objective 0.63, working distance 67 mm 80 mm 10 450 028 Planapochromatic objective 1.0, working distance 61.5 mm 80 mm 10 450 029 Planapochromatic objective 1.6, working distance 30.5 mm 80 mm 10 450 030 Planapochromatic objective 2, working distance 20.1 mm 80 mm Gliding stage 10 446 301 Incident-light base 10 450 049 1.6 planapochromat 10 450 029 2 planapochromat 10 450 030 Illuminators 10 450 061 Leica LED5000 RL ring illuminator with 48 LEDs 30 310 001 Leica Fluo ring illuminator 10 447 078 Adapter ring for Leica Fluo ring illuminator LED5000 RL 10 450 061 Base and stage 10 450 049 Incident-light base 10 446 301 Gliding stage, 120 mm PC and monitor 12 723 869 PC 33 000 011 19" TFT monitor for ShuttlePC Software 33 007 033 Leica Stereo Explorer, core 33 007 034 Autofocus * 33 007 035 Profile * 33 007 036 Surface * 33 007 037 Volume * 33 007 039 Calibration tool * auxiliary module
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