Is there a depth analog of stitching available?

[LeonhardEuler]

If you are familar with stitching you see how it can compile a single image-panorama from multiple images.

I would like a depth-field analogy of this process in which I can zoom into a certain region snap a picture, zoom out to focus another region and snap a picture, and so forth until the entire object is properly compiled into a complete in-focus image

This would be useful for me. I would also prefer if this software also let's you simultaneously stitch x and y images together too in order to create a panorama of an entire specimen that is also in focus throughout the entire picture

I'm aware that stitching x, y, and z may be exponentially more computer intensive. I just want to know if it can be done and hopefully that it also exists already so I don't have to do any programming

[Crater Eddie]

Focus stacking is quite common.

[LeonhardEuler]

Focus stacking is quite common.

Do you have focus stacking software you would recommend?

[LeonhardEuler]

Focus stacking is quite common.

I am going to try this one http://zerenesystems.com/cms/stacker

It is called Zerene Stacker

[MicroBob]

You could use PICOLAY which is free and under constant development.

[dtsh]

There's also the Hugin tools (align_image_stack, etc)

The OS you're running may limit what options are available.

[crb5]

My Amscope USB microscope camera software came with an option for image stacking and EDF (extended depth of field). Note the term "Image stacking" is used in two different contexts depending on the software (i) averaging or adding weak images together to get a better signal to background (ii) blending images taken at different foci to increase the depth of field. I believe this software is based on ToupView. Here is the blurb on Amscope EDF:

Live EDF
allows you to capture a fully focused image for specimens whose thickness exceeds the microscope depth of field. Available for any manual microscope, Live EDF solves the depth of field issues that often plague Entomologist, Botanists, and Parts and Material manufacturers. Automatic alignment is applied during operation to achieve the best performance in case there is a slightly FOV (field of view) shift. The characteristics of Live EDF is listed below:
 No motor stage or focus drive needed
 Works with any camera
 Users need not be concerned about;
 Specimen Thickness
 Focus direction or evenness
 Starting or ending focus point
 Z thickness
 # of Z planes required
 Camera/Stage orientation
 Stereomicroscope image shift
 Prevents damage caused by specimen flattening
 Works in Fluorescence applications

Live EDF is not designed to:
 Retain Z axis information