Method for setting analysis target region by extracting, from an observed image divisional areas having a value of image characteristic quantity within a value range

A method for setting, within an observed image of a sample, an analysis target region that is a region on which an analysis is to be performed by an analyzer, the method including the steps of:

• displaying the observed image of the sample on the display;
• dividing the observed image into a plurality of divisional areas
• calculating a predetermined image characteristic quantity in each divisional area of the plurality of divisional areas;
• designating at least two of the divisional areas of the observed image displayed on the display;
• calculating a distribution of the values of the image characteristic quantity of the designated divisional areas
• determining a value range of the image characteristic quantity for the divisional areas to be extracted as the analysis target region, based on the calculated distribution;
• extracting from the observed image each divisional area of the plurality of divisional areas having a value of the image characteristic quantity within the value range;
• and
• displaying the observed image on the display with the analysis target region designated based on the divisional areas extracted.