Power supply for microscope system

Abstract

The invention relates to a power supply for a microscope system, in particular for analyzing a sample, comprising: an optical microscope unit; an energy conveyor for a power grid current; at least one alternating current consumer supplied with a grid current via the energy conveyor; at least one DC electric appliance; a power grid component configured to convert a power grid current from the energy source conveyor into a direct current, where the at least one direct current consumer is supplied with the direct current via the power grid component; and at least one electrical main switch, in particular a manual electrical main switch, which is arranged in the energy source conveyor and is configured for interrupting the grid current for the at least one alternating current consumer and the grid component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a microscope system for analyzing samples, wherein the microscope system comprises an optical microscope unit, an energy supply for mains current, at least one AC electrical consumer supplied with mains current via the energy supply, at least one DC electrical consumer, and a mains component configured to convert the mains current from the energy supply into direct current. Background Art

[0002] Modern microscopy systems, such as widefield microscopes, confocal microscopes, super-resolution microscopes, light-sheet microscopes, and digital microscopes, have numerous components that require electrical energy to operate. These components can be categorized as either DC or AC consumers and must be supplied with the appropriate current type.

[0003] Document EP 2 101 210 A2 relates to an observation system comprising an observation device and an operating device, wherein the observation device and the operating device each have an energy unit, wherein the operating device comprises an operating unit suitable for remotely controlling the observation device, and the observation device comprises at least one electric unit having a motor, a control unit suitable for controlling the electric unit, a first energy supply line for supplying electrical energy from the energy unit to the electric unit, a switching unit arranged at the first energy supply line and for switching the energy supply to the electric unit on or off, and a second energy supply line for supplying electrical energy from the energy unit to the control unit.

[0004] Document JP 2020 086266 A relates to an observation system comprising an observation device and an operating device, wherein the observation device and the operating device each have an energy unit, wherein the operating device comprises an operating unit suitable for remotely controlling the observation device, and the observation device comprises at least one electric unit having a motor, a control device suitable for controlling the electric unit, a first energy supply line for supplying electrical energy from the energy unit to the electric unit, a switching unit arranged at the first energy supply line and for switching the energy supply to the electric unit on or off, and a second energy supply line for supplying electrical energy from the energy unit to the control device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved microscope system. In particular, the object of the present invention is to improve the power supply of the microscope system.

[0006] This object is achieved by the microscope system according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the invention.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a microscope system for analyzing a sample, comprising:

[0008] optical microscope unit;

[0009] Energy transporters for grid current;

[0010] at least one AC electrical consumer, which is supplied with grid current via the energy transmitter;

[0011] At least one DC electrical appliance;

[0012] a grid component configured to convert a grid current from the energy transmitter into a direct current, wherein at least one direct current consumer is supplied with the direct current via the grid component; and

[0013] At least one main electrical switch, in particular a manual main electrical switch, is arranged in the energy feeder and is configured to interrupt the mains current for at least one AC consumer and a mains component.

[0014] Preferably, the energy supply is a single energy supply of the microscope system. Preferably, the microscope system has a plurality of DC electrical consumers and / or a plurality of AC electrical consumers.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a microscope system, wherein a predetermined activation sequence is followed when the different electrical consumers are activated by a control unit, so that the electrical consumers can interact with one another.

[0016] The basic idea of ​​the present invention is to operate complex modern microscope systems with a single power supply, which provides all the required voltages to the different components of the microscope system.

[0017] By providing an electrical main switch in the energy supply unit, which supplies power to the AC and DC electrical consumers of the microscope system, the entire microscope system can be turned on and off using an operator, preferably a manual main switch. Thus, a power supply configured in this manner can provide energy for the entire microscope system. The power supply unit can be connected to a standard mains voltage, particularly 230 volts AC in Europe. This eliminates the need for additional mains components or wiring. This makes it possible to provide a particularly simple and clear power supply for the entire microscope system.

[0018] By setting a preset start-up sequence, different electrical consumers can be started in a coordinated sequence. In particular, by sequentially starting up the individual electrical consumers representing components of a microscope system, they can be aligned and calibrated one after the other.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the microscope system comprises:

[0020] at least one AC switch configured to interrupt grid current for at least one AC electrical consumer; and

[0021] at least one DC switch configured to interrupt a DC current for at least one DC consumer;

[0022] Preferably, a dedicated AC switch is provided for each switchable AC electrical consumer and / or a dedicated DC switch is provided for each switchable DC electrical consumer.

[0023] The AC and DC switches are capable of activating and deactivating all or individual AC consumers and all or individual DC consumers, depending on whether the situation requires an on or off sequence.

[0024] In other advantageous embodiments, the microscope system further comprises a control unit which is supplied with direct current via a power grid component, is connected to at least one AC switch and at least one DC switch in a signal-transmitting manner, and is configured to switch at least one AC switch and at least one DC switch.

[0025] The AC switch and the DC switch can be automated and operated by means of a control unit.

[0026] In another advantageous embodiment, the microscope system further comprises a control box, in which the control unit, the power supply components, and at least one DC switch are arranged, and preferably at least one component from the following component group is arranged: a control device for a DC load, an AC switch, a main switch, a DC load. Preferably, all components from this group or any subcombination of components from this group can also be arranged.

[0027] Arranging the components of the microscope system in the control box allows for particularly safe and clear circuit connections in the microscope system. Preferably, the control box is designed such that the components installed in the control box comply with electromagnetic compatibility standards.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment of the microscope system, the control unit is also connected or connectable to the computer system in a signal-transmitting manner.

[0029] The control unit is preferably configured to start and shut down the computer system. Using a signal connection between the microscope system and the computer system, the control unit can accordingly start and shut down the computer system. The computer system can be started up via so-called "Wake Up" commands, which are sent to the computer system via a signaling connection, in particular via a network or USB. To shut down the computer system, the control unit sends a corresponding "Go to Sleep" command to the computer system.

[0030] Conversely, the time sequence for switching the AC and DC switches by the control unit can be preset by means of the computer system. Preferably, the control unit is configured to directly execute commands from the computer system to switch on and off the at least one AC electrical consumer and the at least one DC electrical consumer, thereby directly switching the at least one AC electrical consumer and the at least one DC electrical consumer. More preferably, this sequence can be configured in the control unit, in particular, in management data in a data memory of the control unit.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment of the microscope system, the control unit accordingly has a data memory in which a relative and / or absolute sequence for switching on and / or off at least one AC electrical consumer and at least one DC electrical consumer is stored, in particular a time sequence, in particular in management data, and wherein the control unit switches at least one AC switch and at least one DC switch based on this sequence.

[0032] By providing a data memory in the control unit, commands for switching on and off at least one AC electrical consumer and at least one DC electrical consumer can be stored. The control unit can then be programmed to sequentially activate and / or deactivate the individual electrical consumers based on predefined criteria and / or a predefined time sequence. The time sequence can be configured via the computer system.

[0033] In particular, a specific startup sequence may be required when switching on different components to ensure they coordinate with each other. Similarly, a specific shutdown sequence may also be required when switching off. Both processes can be managed via a predefined startup / shutdown management scheme. Furthermore, staggered startup can positively influence the switching currents on the secondary side of the grid components.

[0034] In another advantageous embodiment of the microscope system, the at least one AC device is selected from the following group of AC devices: a first light source, a second light source, an XY stage with a controller, an incubation unit, a manipulation unit for microscopic samples, equipment for electrophysiology, and a laser microscope unit. Preferably, all AC devices or any subcombination of AC devices can also be selected from this group.

[0035] These AC consumers can be components integrated into the light microscope unit or external components.

[0036] In another advantageous embodiment of the microscope system, the at least one DC consumer is selected from the following group of DC consumers: stand, focus drive, trigger unit, focus unit, automatic immersion unit, third light source, incubator, piezoelectric focus unit. Preferably, all DC consumers or any subcombination of DC consumers can also be selected from this group.

[0037] The DC load is preferably integrated into the light microscope unit.

[0038] In further advantageous embodiments of the microscope system, the focusing unit is activated after the stand according to a stored activation sequence and / or the focusing unit is activated after the control unit according to a stored sequence.

[0039] Accordingly, in a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the focusing unit is activated after the support and / or after the control unit according to a stored activation sequence.

[0040] By means of this switching sequence, the control of the focus unit can be traced back to the function in the bracket.

[0041] In further advantageous embodiments of the microscope system, the stand is closed after the focusing unit according to a stored closing sequence and / or the mainboard is closed after the focusing unit according to a stored sequence.

[0042] Accordingly, in a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the support is closed after the focus unit and / or the mainboard is closed after the focus unit according to a stored sequence.

[0043] By means of this switching sequence, the necessary information about the support is always available to the control of the focus unit, thereby preventing the focus control from temporarily failing to function properly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Other features and advantages are explained in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which at least in part are schematically shown:

[0045] Figure 1 A combined diagram of a wiring diagram and a circuit diagram showing an embodiment of a microscope system for analyzing a sample and a switching environment and a network environment of the microscope system; and

[0046] Figure 2 A flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for operating a microscope system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 1 It is a combined illustration of a wiring diagram and a circuit diagram of an embodiment of a microscope system 1 for analyzing a sample, as well as a switching environment and a network environment of the microscope system 1 .

[0048] Microscope system 1 includes an optical microscope unit 2 and various DC loads 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E. These DC loads are essentially components of microscope system 1 and are used to operate optical microscope unit 2. Examples of these DC loads include a stand, a focus drive, a trigger unit, a focus unit, an automatic immersion unit, a light source, an incubator, or a piezoelectric focus unit.

[0049] Furthermore, the microscope system 1 preferably includes various AC electrical appliances 4A, 4B, and 4C. These AC electrical appliances are preferably components of the microscope system 1 and are also used to operate the optical microscope unit 2. However, these components are typically not provided by the manufacturer of the optical microscope unit 2 but can be added by the user of the microscope system 1 to adapt the microscope system 1 to their desired application. Examples of such components include an XY stage with a controller, an incubation unit, a manipulation unit for microscopic specimens, an electrophysiology device, a laser microscope unit, and a confocal microscope unit 2.

[0050] Furthermore, the microscope unit 1 preferably has a control unit 10 for providing control functions for the optical microscope unit 2 and other components of the microscope system 1. The control unit 10 can be implemented as a microcontroller or a so-called embedded personal computer.

[0051] The entire microscope system 1 is preferably supplied with electrical energy via a single power line, which is part of a power supply. This line is preferably electrically connected to the power grid 18 via a power plug (not shown). A first main switch 7 is provided in the line or the power supply, which allows the power supply of the microscope system 1 to be interrupted. The main switch 7 is preferably used to shut off the entire electrical energy supply to the microscope system 1. In particular, by switching the main switch 7, all electrical consumers are disconnected from the electrical energy supply.

[0052] A power supply component 6 is connected to the energy supply 3 . This power supply component 6 supplies electrical energy to the control unit 10 and components designed as DC loads via further lines. Preferably, the DC loads can be switched via at least one DC switch 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E. More preferably, a separate DC switch is provided for each switchable DC load, or at least for a group of multiple DC loads. This allows for selective activation and deactivation of individual DC loads or groups of DC loads. The DC switches are preferably designed as semiconductor switches, particularly MOSFETs (metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors), or mechanical relays.

[0053] Components designed as AC consumers can be connected directly to the grid via the first main switch 7. AC switches 8A, 8B, and 8C are preferably also provided for powering these components. These components can also preferably be activated and deactivated individually or as a group using individual AC switches 8A, 8B, and 8C. The AC switches are preferably implemented as semiconductor relays or mechanical relays.

[0054] The microscope system 1 preferably includes a control box 11, in which a control unit 10 and preferably other components for controlling the components of the microscope system 1 and supplying them with energy are housed. The components in the control box 11 preferably comply with electromagnetic compatibility standards and are further preferably protected from contamination and moisture. In addition to the control unit 10, the power supply components 6, DC switches 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 9E, AC switches 8A, 8B, and 8C, and the first main switch 7, as well as the wiring for these components, are preferably located in the control box 11. Optionally, a control unit for a DC load and / or at least some of the DC loads may be located in the control box 11. The control box 11 preferably includes an electrical interface 22, particularly a plug connector, which enables electrical connection to the DC and / or AC loads and their respective energy supply devices. The control box 11 can be mounted on or within the housing of the microscope system 1, or particularly on or within the housing of the optical microscope unit 2.

[0055] The DC switch and the AC switch are preferably designed to be network-connectable and can be controlled by the control unit 10 via a corresponding network 15B, in particular an I2C bus, an SPI bus, or a CAN bus. To this end, the control unit 10 preferably has a data memory 13 in which management data 14 can be stored. Based on this management data 14 (in which criteria and / or time sequences for switching the DC switch and / or the AC switch are stored), the DC switch and / or the AC switch are switched.

[0056] The control unit 10 can be connected to a stationary computer 12A and / or a mobile terminal 12B (e.g., a tablet) via another network connection 15A (particularly a wireless or wired connection) or a USB connection 16 for signal transmission. For this purpose, a local area network (LAN) interface or Wi-Fi interface 23 and / or a USB interface 24 are preferably provided on the control box 11. The stationary computer 12A and / or the mobile terminal 12B preferably have their own third energy source 20.

[0057] Using stationary computer 12A or mobile terminal 12B, commands for turning on and / or off at least one AC electrical consumer and at least one DC electrical consumer can be sent to control unit 10. These commands are preferably executed directly by control unit 10. Furthermore, management data 14 of control unit 10 can be written to using stationary computer 12A or mobile terminal 12B. This allows the preset criteria or sequence for turning on or off electrical consumers to be modified.

[0058] Conversely, the control unit 10 can send a command to the stationary computer 12A and / or the mobile terminal device 12B to wake up from the sleep mode.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, the microscope apparatus can include other devices that cooperate with the microscope system 1. In the illustrated case, this is a confocal microscope 4D. This confocal microscope is supplied with electrical energy via a second energy supply 19, a second main switch 17, and an energy controller 8D. Preferably, the energy controller 8D is designed as an AC switch. The energy controller 8D and the second main switch 17 are preferably located in a second control box 21. Furthermore, the energy controller 8D is connected to the control unit 10 via a network 15B for signal transmission. This allows the control unit 10 to switch the energy controller 8D.

[0060] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method 100 for operating a microscope system 1 is shown.

[0061] In a first method step 101, different electrical consumers are switched on by a control unit in a predetermined switching-on sequence. To this end, the predetermined switching-on sequence is selected so that the electrical consumers can coordinate with one another.

[0062] In a second method step 102, the various electrical consumers are shut down by the control unit 10 in a predetermined shutdown sequence. Preferably, the shutdown sequence is the reverse of the startup sequence. For example, the focusing unit is preferably turned on after the stand and / or after the control unit 10. Furthermore, depending on the shutdown sequence, the stand is preferably turned off after the focusing unit and / or after the control unit 10.

[0063] Preferably, the control unit 10 has corresponding means to perform the above-mentioned control functions and / or method 100 .

[0064] These methods in the present disclosure can preferably be designed in the form of hardware and / or software, in particular having a processing unit preferably connected to a memory system and / or bus system data or signal, in particular a digital processing unit, in particular a microprocessor unit (CPU) and / or one or more programs or program modules. To this end, the microprocessor unit can be designed to execute instructions implemented as a program stored in the memory system, detect input signals from the data bus and / or output signals to the data bus. The storage system has one or more storage media, in particular different storage media, in particular optical, magnetic, solid-state and / or other non-volatile media. The program can be such that it can materialize or execute the methods described herein, enabling the microprocessor unit to perform the steps of these methods, thereby in particular being able to analyze at least one device or train a time-sensitive model.

[0065] It is therefore assumed that the concept of "approach" as used herein should be understood as broadly as possible. Therefore, the concept of "approach" covers all structures, materials, or acts described herein and all their equivalents. In addition, these structures, materials, or acts and their equivalents include all content described in the abstract, brief description of the figures, detailed description, overview, and the claims themselves. The control unit and / or its approach can preferably take the form of a pure hardware variant, a pure software variant (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or a combination of software and hardware aspects, generally referred to herein as a "circuit", "module" or "system". Any combination of one or more computer-readable media can be used. The computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0066] The systems and methods according to the present disclosure are preferably implemented with a suitably configured computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and one or more peripheral integrated circuit components, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit (e.g., a circuit having discrete components), a programmable logic device or gate array (e.g., a programmable logic device (PLD), a programmable logic array (PLA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable array logic (PAL)), or the like. Generally speaking, in this context, any device or method capable of implementing the methods described herein may be used to implement the various aspects of the present disclosure. Exemplary hardware includes computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, internet-enabled, digital, analog, hybrid, and others), and other hardware known in the art. Some of these devices include a processor (e.g., a single or multiple microprocessors), memory, non-volatile storage, input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations can be developed, including but not limited to distributed processing or distributed processing of components / objects, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing, to implement the methods described herein.

[0067] It should be noted that these embodiments are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection, application, and structure in any way. On the contrary, the above description provides a person skilled in the art with an explanation of implementing at least one embodiment, wherein various modifications are possible, particularly with respect to the function and arrangement of the described components, without exceeding the scope of protection given by the claims and equivalent feature combinations.

[0068] Reference Number List

[0069] 1Microscope system

[0070] 2 optical microscope units

[0071] 3First Energy Transporter

[0072] 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D AC electrical appliances

[0073] 5a, 5b, 5c, 5b, 5e DC electrical appliances

[0074] 6 Power grid components

[0075] 7. First main switch

[0076] 8a, 8b, 8c AC switches

[0077] 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e DC switches

[0078] 10Control Unit

[0079] 11. Control box

[0080] 12a, 12b computer systems

[0081] 13 Data storage

[0082] 14. Manage Data

[0083] 15A, 15B network

[0084] 16USB

[0085] 17 Second main switch

[0086] 18 Power Grid

[0087] 19 Second Energy Transporter

[0088] 20Third Energy Transporter

[0089] 21 Second control box

[0090] 22 electrical interfaces

[0091] 23 LAN interface or Wi-Fi interface

[0092] 24USB interfaces.

Claims

1. A microscope system (1) for analyzing a sample, the microscope system comprising: Optical microscope unit (2); A first energy conveyor (3) for grid current; at least one AC electrical appliance (4A, 4B, 4C), which is supplied with grid current via the energy transmitter (3); Multiple DC electrical appliances (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E); A grid component (6) configured to convert the grid current from the energy transmitter (3) into a direct current, wherein: The DC electrical consumers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E) are supplied with DC current via the power grid component (6); as well as At least one first main electrical switch (7) is provided in the first energy transmitter and is configured to interrupt the grid current for at least one of the AC electrical consumers (4A, 4B, 4C) and the grid component (6).

2. The microscope system (1) according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one AC switch (8A, 8B, 8C), the AC switch being configured to interrupt the grid current for at least one of the AC electrical appliances (4A, 4B, 4C); at least one DC switch (9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E), the DC switch being configured to interrupt the DC current for the DC electrical consumer (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E); Preferably, a dedicated AC switch (8A, 8B, 8C, 8D) is provided for each switchable AC electrical appliance (4A, 4B, 4C), and / or a dedicated DC switch (9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E) is provided for each switchable DC electrical appliance (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E).

3. The microscope system (1) according to claim 2, further comprising: A control unit (10) is supplied with direct current via the grid component (6), the control unit is connected to at least one of the AC switches (8A, 8B, 8C) and at least one of the DC switches (9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E) in a signal transmission manner, in particular via an I2C bus, an SPI bus or a CAN bus, and the control unit is configured to switch at least one of the AC switches (8A, 8B, 8C) and at least one of the DC switches (9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E).

4. The microscope system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a control box (11), wherein: The control box (11) is provided with the main switch (7), the grid component (6), the control unit (10), the DC switch (9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E), and preferably at least one component, preferably all components, from the following component groups: a control device of the DC electrical consumer (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E), at least one AC switch (8A, 8B, 8C), at least one DC electrical consumer (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E).

5. Microscope system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein The control unit (10) is also connected or connectable to a computer system (12A, 12B) in a signal transmission manner, in particular via a local area network or a USB, and is configured to start and shut down the computer system (12A, 12B).

6. The microscope system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein The control unit has a data memory (13) in which a relative and / or absolute time sequence for turning on and / or off at least one of the AC electrical appliances (4A, 4B, 4C) and the DC electrical appliances (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E) is stored, and wherein the control unit (10) switches at least one of the AC switches (8A, 8B, 8C) and at least one of the DC switches (9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E) based on the time sequence.

7. The microscope system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein: The control unit (6) is also connected or connectable to a computer system in a signal-transmitting manner, in particular via a local area network (15) or a USB (16), and a time sequence can be set by means of the computer system (12A, 12B).

8. Microscope system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the AC electrical appliances (4A, 4B, 4C) is selected from the following group of AC electrical appliances (4A, 4B, 4C): First light source, second light source, XY stage with controller, incubation unit, operating unit for microscopic samples, equipment for electrophysiology, laser microscope unit.

9. Microscope system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the DC electrical consumers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E) is selected from the following group of DC electrical consumers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E): Bracket, focus drive, trigger unit, focus unit, automatic immersion unit, third light source, piezoelectric focus unit.

10. A microscope device comprising a microscope system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a further electrical consumer (4D), the further electrical consumer being supplied with mains current via a second energy supply (19), and comprising a further switch (8D) arranged in the second energy supply (19), wherein: The control unit (10) is connected to the other switch (8D) in a signal transmission manner, in particular via an I2C bus, an SPI bus or a CAN bus, and the control unit is configured to switch the other switch (8D).

11. A method (100) for operating a microscope system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 9 or a microscope device according to claim 10, wherein: When different electrical consumers are turned on by the control unit (10), a preset turn-on sequence is followed, so that the electrical consumers (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E) can cooperate with each other, wherein preferably, when different electrical consumers (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E) are turned off by the control unit (10), a preset turn-off sequence is followed, wherein the turn-off sequence is preferably the reverse of the turn-on sequence.

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