Stitching
Combining Individual images into a Mosaic
To create the highest resolution images possible, the PiAutoStage utilizes the high-quality optics of an existing microscope. The trade off is that it is not possible to image the entire sample in one frame. This requires the PiAutoStage to take many pictures (hundreds to thousands of frames) that must then be combined into an image mosaic.
Image Mosaics
The construction of mosaics from PiAutoStage images can be straightforward. The Python script addresses the mosaic structure (combing motion) for the frames. The user must tailor the image overlaps (40-50% overlap is ideal) required for alignment of the frames. Existing software can process the collected images into an image mosaic.
Stitching Software
Common Problems with Stitching
Poor Image Alignment
Usually caused by either: (1) loose components within the PiAutoStage or (2) a thin section that is too small for the sample carriage and moves around within the carriage.
Insufficient or Excessive Overlap Between Images
Overlap issues can be fixed by modifying the number of steps in the offending direction. Too little image overlap can be fixed by adding steps while excessive overlap requires reducing the number of steps.