Consistency Evaluation for Multi-Focus Image Fusion Focused on Frequency Bands of Z-stack Images

In recent years, the use of virtual slide scanners to store pathology samples as Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) has become widespread. These scanners require Z-stack images for each thick sample, but these images are very large, leading to data storage challenges. This study proposes a novel method to generate all-in-focus images from Z-stack images, significantly reducing data storage needs while maintaining image quality. Unlike previous methods that required offline parameter tuning for consistency evaluation, the proposed method utilizes the Point Spread Function (PSF) obtained from Z-stack images, eliminating the need for such tuning. Experimental results confirm that the proposed method produces higher quality images compared to previous methods, while maintaining low processing costs.