Ball A D, Job P A, Walker A E L
Imaging and Analysis Centre, Core Research Laboratories, The Natural History Museum, London, U.K.
Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K.
J Microsc. 2017 Aug;267(2):214-226. doi: 10.1111/jmi.12560. Epub 2017 Mar 22.
The method we present here uses a scanning electron microscope programmed via macros to automatically capture dozens of images at suitable angles to generate accurate, detailed three-dimensional (3D) surface models with micron-scale resolution. We demonstrate that it is possible to use these Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images in conjunction with commercially available software originally developed for photogrammetry reconstructions from Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras and to reconstruct 3D models of the specimen. These 3D models can then be exported as polygon meshes and eventually 3D printed. This technique offers the potential to obtain data suitable to reconstruct very tiny features (e.g. diatoms, butterfly scales and mineral fabrics) at nanometre resolution. Ultimately, we foresee this as being a useful tool for better understanding spatial relationships at very high resolution. However, our motivation is also to use it to produce 3D models to be used in public outreach events and exhibitions, especially for the blind or partially sighted.
我们在此介绍的方法是使用一台通过宏程序编程的扫描电子显微镜，以合适的角度自动拍摄数十张图像，从而生成具有微米级分辨率的精确、详细的三维（3D）表面模型。我们证明，将这些扫描电子显微镜（SEM）图像与最初为从数码单反（DSLR）相机进行摄影测量重建而开发的商业软件相结合，并重建标本的3D模型是可行的。然后，这些3D模型可以导出为多边形网格，最终进行3D打印。这项技术有可能获得适合以纳米分辨率重建非常微小特征（如硅藻、蝴蝶鳞片和矿物结构）的数据。最终，我们预计这将成为一个有助于在非常高分辨率下更好地理解空间关系的有用工具。然而，我们的动机还在于利用它来制作3D模型，用于公众宣传活动和展览，特别是针对盲人或视力部分受损者。
