Three-dimensional pickup and display for microscopic object using microscopy and integral imaging

We propose a method for pickup and display of the microscopic object using confocal microscopy and integral imaging. Instead of the conventional pickup process of integral imaging, we use a confocal microscopy to measure the three-dimensional shape of the microscopic objects. The elemental images are then calculated from the measured three-dimensional shape of the objects, considering the lens array specifications of the display process. Finally, three-dimensional image of the microscopic object is displayed using integral imaging display process. The three-dimensional model of the microscopic object constructed using confocal microscopy makes it possible to generate the elemental images for any lens array specifications, providing the full freedom in configuring integral imaging display system. Also, the generated elemental images are free from any distortions of the lens arrays, hence it enhances the quality of the reconstructed three-dimensional images and enables the three dimensional images to be displayed at a longer distance.