The image data corresponding to three dimensional probe regions are detected using a microscope. The detected image data is stored to memory. The stored image data are compressed based on data related to images lying adjacent to one another. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) method for analyzing developmental processes; (2) method for analyzing intracellular transport process; (3) method for representing molecular and other subcellular interactions; and (4) method of studying rapid signal transmission process.
Method for compressing 3D image data