Microscope parameter controller, microscope device, and method of controlling microscope parameters

Abstract

To allow for providing improved control of microscope parameters for handling, maintaining and / or imaging a sample before and during examination by a microscope.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a microscope parameter controller (140) for controlling microscope parameters, a microscope device (160) including such a microscope parameter controller (140), and a method of controlling microscope parameters. A microscope parameter controller (140) for controlling microscope parameters for handling, maintaining and / or imaging a sample (120) is configured to determine at least one predefined setting of microscope parameters from among one or more of user-defined user settings of microscope parameters.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a microscope parameter controller for controlling microscope parameters, and to a microscope apparatus including such a microscope parameter controller, as well as a method for controlling microscope parameters, and more particularly to the field of controlling microscope parameters for processing, maintaining and / or imaging samples before and / or during microscopy. [Background technology]

[0002] In particular, in the field of microscopic examination of biological samples such as cells, it is of utmost importance to maintain the sample for as long as possible under stress-free and favorable environmental conditions. For this purpose, incubators can be used to generate a culture atmosphere or microclimate adapted to the sample to be examined. Microscopic examination of samples, especially biological samples, typically involves sample processing, sample maintenance / storage during and before examination, and / or sample imaging.

[0003] Incubators can be distinguished between stage-top incubators, on the one hand, and cage incubators, on the other. Cage incubators are typically attached to standard microscopes and contain a large climatic chamber that encloses the main parts of the microscope, such as the objective nosepiece, the microscope stage including the specimen carrier and the illumination condenser, thus requiring a large incubation volume. On the other hand, stage-top incubators only enclose the specimen itself, which is placed on the microscope stage, resulting in a smaller incubation volume. While cage incubators entail relatively high energy and gas consumption to maintain the required incubation atmosphere, stage-top incubators provide a small, enclosed incubation space with a supply duct connected to provide the desired incubation atmosphere.

[0004] In particular, when using such microscopes and incubators to examine samples, various microscope parameters must be set automatically and / or by the user in order to properly handle and maintain the sample before and during examination and to be able to select an appropriate imaging mode for imaging the sample, which requires the user to have a thorough understanding of the sample characteristics on the one hand, and also of the technical parameters of the microscope, including the incubator. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for improved control of microscope parameters for handling, maintaining and / or imaging samples before and during microscopic examination. According to embodiments of the invention, there are provided a microscope parameter controller, a microscope apparatus including such a microscope controller, a method for controlling microscope parameters, and a computer program for implementing such a method as set forth in the independent claims. Embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a microscope parameter controller for controlling microscope parameters for processing, maintaining and / or imaging a sample, the microscope parameter controller being configured to determine at least one predefined microscope parameter setting from one or more user-defined microscope parameter user settings.

[0007] "Processing" a sample includes, for example, placing the sample on a microscope stage of a microscope, removing the sample from the stage, and / or manipulating the sample during or before examination. "Maintaining" a sample includes maintaining or storing the sample before and / or during examination, particularly during imaging of the sample using a microscope and microscope accessories such as a sample atmosphere incubator. "Imaging" a sample includes illuminating the sample and imaging the sample using the imaging optics of the microscope. Imaging methods are contemplated, for example, widefield microscopy, light sheet microscopy, and confocal microscopy, including fluorescence microscopy.

[0008] "Microscope parameters for processing, maintaining, and / or imaging a sample" include sample culture atmosphere parameters and microscope imaging parameters, especially in cases where the sample is cultured. Such parameters are, for example, the temperature at the sample and / or the temperature of the culture atmosphere, the relative humidity and CO2 and / or N2 content of the culture atmosphere, the culture mode, such as cage culture or stage-top culture, or the integrated sample chamber culture described below, and the type of sample carrier, such as a Petri dish, multiwell plate, etc. Furthermore, the imaging mode, such as wide-field microscopy, light-sheet microscopy, or confocal microscopy, and, in the case of fluorescence microscopy, the excitation wavelength and emission wavelength or observation wavelength. Further microscope parameters can be related to illumination intensity, magnification of the microscope objective, and any other parameters that affect the imaging, maintenance, or manipulation of the sample.

[0009] "Determining at least one predefined microscope parameter setting from one or more of the user-defined microscope parameter user settings" may generally include registering / storing all or at least a portion of the user-defined microscope parameter user settings, which may be microscope parameter settings previously entered by the user and / or otherwise used by the user. The microscope parameter settings entered and / or otherwise used by the user include microscope parameters entered and / or selected and / or accepted by the user from a plurality of predefined microscope parameters and / or accepted microscope parameters from factory settings (recommended), such as, for example, some temperature settings for some particular sample type. The registration may be performed by storing the microscope parameter settings entered or otherwise used by the user in memory / storage, for example, together with a time indication of the time of entry / use of each user setting, and optionally, further together with a user identifier (ID). The time display can include a time display and / or a sequence display, such as the use of the "previous," "second to last," etc., or the "first," "second," "third," etc., input / used user setting. Note that it is not necessary to store each and every user-defined user setting entered or used by a user. In one embodiment, the microscope parameter controller is a learning system that adapts to one user, user-specifically, or in relation to multiple users, such that, for example, the most frequently used user setting, or, for example, the two most frequently used user settings, are stored, while user settings that are used infrequently or only once are discarded. Thus, instead of or in addition to a time display, a probability display can be used to indicate a user setting as the most frequently used, second most frequently, etc. user setting. In one simple embodiment, only the most frequently used user setting is stored.The microscope parameter controller is further configured, as will be explained in more detail below, to process the one or more user-defined user settings described above to determine at least one predefined microscope parameter setting, i.e., at least one microscope parameter setting defined by the microscope parameter controller, which microscope parameter setting thus constitutes a predefined microscope parameter setting from the user's perspective, which one or more predefined microscope parameter settings can be suggested to the user the next time the microscope is used and / or can be used to instantly start microscope operation the next time the microscope is used, as will be explained below.

[0010] In one embodiment, the microscope parameter controller is further configured to select one of the at least one predefined microscope parameter setting to start microscope operation applying the selected predefined microscope parameter setting. In other words, the microscope parameter controller automatically starts microscope operation using the selected predefined microscope parameter setting (e.g., meeting minimum requirements for microscope operation or adapting the microscope and its accessories to the needs of a particular sample type or organism) for the purpose of more quickly achieving an operating state for inspecting and / or maintaining a sample. To arrive at the selected predefined microscope parameter setting, the user may be allowed to change the selected predefined setting even while the system has already started operation.

[0011] In one embodiment, the microscope parameter controller is further configured to receive a user selection of one of the at least one predefined microscope parameter setting for a microscope operation to apply the user-selected predefined microscope parameter setting. As previously described, such user-selected predefined microscope parameter setting may also be considered a user-defined microscope parameter user setting and may be registered accordingly, for example, with respect to frequency of use.

[0012] In one embodiment, the microscope parameter controller is further configured to determine at least one predefined microscope parameter setting in a user-specific manner for one or more users of the microscope, thereby increasing operational security and enabling user-specific traceability of usage.

[0013] In one embodiment, the at least one predefined microscope parameter setting is determined depending on the current user of the microscope, in other words, one or more predefined microscope parameter settings are user-specifically proposed for a user.

[0014] In one embodiment, the at least one predefined microscope parameter setting is determined as at least one of one or more of the previous user settings, the most frequently used user setting, the second, third or nth most frequently used user setting, where n>3, and a setting including one or more average values ​​of one or more individual microscope parameters of the previous user settings. This saves considerable time when defining the microscope parameter settings, especially in cases where identical or similar settings are repeated.

[0015] In one embodiment, the microscope parameter controller is configured to control sample incubation atmosphere parameters of a sample incubation atmosphere provided for processing, maintaining, and / or imaging a cultured sample. In this embodiment, the microscope parameter controller may be considered a "sample incubation atmosphere parameter controller." This and the following embodiments and their advantages are described in more detail below.

[0016] In one embodiment, the sample incubation atmosphere parameters include at least one of the temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, humidity content, and type of sample carrier used to carry the sample of the sample incubation atmosphere.

[0017] In one embodiment, the microscope parameter controller is configured to render a graphical user interface, the graphical interface providing at least one symbol configured to display at least one predefined microscope parameter setting and / or providing at least one widget configured to receive user input for setting at least one microscope parameter.

[0018] The term "widget", as used herein, refers to any interaction element rendered as part of a graphical interface, including, but not limited to, elements configured for selection and display of elements or collections, such as buttons (including radio buttons, check boxes, toggle switches, toggle buttons, split buttons, cycle buttons), sliders, list boxes, spinners, drop down lists, menus (including context menus and pie menus), menu bars, toolbars (including ribbons), combo boxes, icons, tree views, grid views, elements configured for navigation, such as links, tabs and scroll bars, elements for text input, such as text boxes and combo boxes, elements for information output, such as labels, tooltips, help balloons, status bars, progress bars and information bars, and containers, such as (modal) windows, dialog boxes, palettes, frames and canvas elements.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a microscope apparatus, which includes a microscope and a microscope parameter controller according to an embodiment of the present invention for controlling microscope parameters of the microscope.

[0020] In one embodiment, the microscope includes a sample incubation system that provides a sample incubation atmosphere for processing, maintaining and / or imaging a cultured sample, and the microscope parameter controller is configured to control sample incubation atmosphere parameters of the sample incubation atmosphere, and the microscope parameter controller is preferably further configured to control other microscope parameters, e.g., for other microscope imaging operations.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a method of controlling microscope parameters for processing, maintaining and / or imaging a sample with a microscope, the method comprising determining at least one predefined microscope parameter setting from one or more user-defined microscope parameter user settings.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method further includes selecting one of the at least one predefined microscope parameter setting to start a microscope operation that applies the selected predefined microscope parameter setting (e.g., based on the type of organism being analyzed).

[0023] In another embodiment, the method further includes suggesting to a microscope user to select one of the at least one predefined microscope parameter setting for a microscope operation to which the user-selected predefined microscope parameter setting applies, such user-selected predefined microscope parameter setting also being considered a user-defined microscope parameter user setting.

[0024] In one embodiment, the microscopy parameters are or include sample culture atmosphere parameters, as already discussed above, of a sample culture atmosphere provided for processing, maintaining and / or imaging the cultured sample.

[0025] The present invention further relates to a computer program with program code for performing the method according to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention when the computer program is run on a processor, in particular on a microscope parameter controller according to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a microscope having a sample incubation system and a microscope parameter controller. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 illustrates a graphical user interface of a microscope parameter controller and its interaction with a sample being inspected by the microscope. [Figure 3a] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a graphical user interface for a microscope parameter controller that receives user input for defining microscope parameter user settings. [Figure 3b] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a corresponding graphical user interface displaying predefined microscope parameter settings. [Figure 4a] FIG. 10 illustrates a graphical user interface of a microscope parameter controller configured to receive user input for defining microscope parameter user settings during first use. [Figure 4b] FIG. 10 illustrates a graphical user interface of a microscope parameter controller configured to receive user input for defining microscope parameter user settings during second use. [Figure 4c] FIG. 10 shows the corresponding graphical user interface displaying predefined microscope parameter settings on a third use. [Figure 5a] FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a graphical user interface displaying predefined microscope parameter settings by a first user. [Figure 5b] FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a graphical user interface displaying predefined microscope parameter settings by a second user. [Figure 5c] FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a graphical user interface displaying predefined microscope parameter settings by all users. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The drawings are described hereinafter generally, in which the same reference numbers relate to the same or at least functionally the same elements, and the drawings and their description should be understood as illustrating, without loss of generality, exemplary embodiments of a microscope parameter controller, a microscope, and a method for controlling microscope parameters according to the invention.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a microscope parameter controller, designated 140. In this embodiment, the microscope parameter controller 140 is represented by a PC 146, which renders a user interface 148. The user interface 148 includes, for example, a display or display screen for displaying a graphical user interface 142 (which is further described in the following figures), as well as a keyboard and computer mouse for providing user interaction. The microscope parameter controller 140 is configured to control microscope parameters for processing, maintaining, and / or imaging the sample 120. "Processing" the sample 120 includes placing the sample 120 on the microscope stage 116 of the microscope 100, removing the sample 120 from the stage 116, and manipulating the sample 120 during inspection, as shown in FIG. 1. "Maintaining" the sample 120 includes maintaining or storing the sample 120 before and / or during inspection, particularly during imaging of the sample 120 using the microscope 100. As already mentioned at the beginning, for example, the examination of living cells requires that sample culture atmosphere parameters, as well as other parameters such as illumination intensity, be maintained within a fairly narrow window in order to avoid sample damage / bleaching. "Imaging" a sample includes illuminating the sample 120 and imaging the sample using imaging optics. Possible imaging methods are, for example, wide-field microscopy, light-sheet microscopy, and confocal microscopy, including fluorescence microscopy.

[0029] Thus, "microscope parameters for processing, maintaining, and / or imaging a sample" particularly include sample culture atmosphere parameters and microscope imaging parameters in cases where the sample is cultured. Such parameters are, for example, the temperature at the sample and / or the temperature of the culture atmosphere, the relative humidity and CO2 and / or N2 content of the culture atmosphere, the culture mode, such as cage culture or stage-top culture, or the integrated sample chamber culture described below, and the type of sample carrier, such as a Petri dish, a multiwell plate, etc. Furthermore, the imaging mode, such as wide-field microscopy, light-sheet microscopy, or confocal microscopy, and, in the case of fluorescence microscopy, the excitation wavelength and emission wavelength or observation wavelength. Further microscope parameters may be related to illumination intensity, the magnification of the microscope objective, and any other parameters that affect the imaging of the sample.

[0030] The microscope parameter controller 140 is configured to receive user input via its user interface 148 to set microscope parameters for processing, maintaining, and / or imaging the sample 120. "Determining at least one predefined microscope parameter setting from one or more of the user-defined microscope parameter settings" may generally include registering / storing all or at least a portion of the user-defined microscope parameter settings, which may be microscope parameter settings previously entered by the user and / or otherwise used by the user, for example, by selecting a predefined microscope parameter setting suggested by the system. Such registration may be achieved by storing the microscope parameter settings entered or otherwise used by the user in a cache, buffer, or other memory / storage, for example, along with a time indication of the time of entry / use of each user setting, and optionally, a user identifier (ID). The time indication may include a time indication and / or a sequential indication, such as "previous," "penultimate," etc., or "first," "second," "third," etc., of the entered / used user setting. It should be noted that it is not necessary to store each and every user setting entered or used by a user. In one embodiment, the microscope parameter controller is a learning system that adapts to one (or more) users such that, for example, the most frequently used user setting, or for example, the two most frequently used user settings, are stored, while user settings that are used infrequently or only once are discarded. Thus, instead of or in addition to a time display, a probability display can be used to indicate a user setting as the most frequently used, second most frequently, etc. user setting. In one simple embodiment, only the most frequently used user setting is stored.The microscope parameter controller 140 is further configured to determine at least one predefined microscope parameter setting from one or more of the tracked user-defined user settings, as will be further described below.

[0031] The controller 140 can include one or more microcontrollers. The processors can be of any type, and any number can be located in any position within any component of the microscope 100. As used herein, the term processor can refer to any type of computing circuit, including, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a multi-core processor, and a field programmable gate array unit (FPGA). Other types of processing circuitry that can be included in the controller 140 can be custom circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc., such as one or more circuits (such as communications circuits) for use in wireless devices such as cell phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, two-way radios, and similar electronic systems.

[0032] The memory / storage of controller 140 may include one or more memory elements suitable for a particular application, such as main memory in the form of random access memory (RAM), one or more hard disk drives and / or one or more drives that handle removable media such as compact discs (CDs), flash memory cards, digital video discs (DVDs), and the like.

[0033] Before considering in more detail how the microscope parameter controller 140 determines the at least one predefined microscope parameter setting, the embodiment of the microscope 100 shown in FIG. 1 will now be described in more detail.

[0034] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a microscope apparatus 160 including a microscope 100 for microscopic examination of a sample 120 and a microscope parameter controller 140 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The microscope 100 includes a sample incubation system 110. The controller 140, represented by a PC 146, is connected to a user interface 148, which allows a user to control microscope operation through the user interface 148 via the microscope parameter controller 140 connected to the microscope 100. Note that the functions of the PC 146 may also be performed by one or more processors, as described above, and / or the controller 140 may be incorporated within the microscope housing 102 and therefore be part of the microscope 100. The user interface 148 may include, for example, a touch screen for receiving user input.

[0035] A sample 120 can be placed on the microscope stage 116. The microscope housing 102 encloses the illumination optics 118, the microscope stage 116, and the imaging optics 124. An integrated sample chamber 106 is disposed within the microscope housing 102 and is formed by a separate housing section 104 within the microscope housing 102. The housing 102 includes a hinged lid 109 that, when opened, provides access to the microscope stage 116 for placement, removal, and / or manipulation of the sample 120 within the sample chamber 106.

[0036] The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is an inverted transmitted light microscope 100 in which transmitted light illumination optics 118 are located within housing section 104, while imaging optics 124 are located below microscope stage 116 in a separate housing section forming imaging optics chamber 122. Imaging optics 124 typically includes, as its main components, a microscope objective and an image detector. The image detector usually includes a camera that generates a microscope image, which is typically displayed on a display screen, such as the display screen of user interface 148, or on a separate portion of this display, or on a separate display (not shown). It should be noted that embodiments of the present invention may also refer to other types of microscopes, such as upright microscopes, epi-light microscopes, confocal microscopes, wide-field microscopes, etc.

[0037] The structure of the microscope housing section 104 allows it to form a dedicated sample chamber 106 after the lid 109 is closed. This sample chamber 106 constitutes a closed space in which a sample 120, such as biological cells, can be cultured so that it can be maintained under favorable environmental conditions without stress. For this purpose, the microscope 100 further includes a sample incubation system 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the sample incubation system 110 is connected to the rear of the microscope housing 102. The housing section 104 includes openings 114 (two openings 114 in this embodiment) for receiving ducts 108, through which an incubation atmosphere can be introduced into the sample chamber 106. Thus, the environmental conditions within the sample chamber 106 can be controlled by the sample incubation system 110 connected to the sample chamber 106 ("sample chamber incubation"). An incubation atmosphere can be introduced into the sample chamber 106 through at least one of the ducts 108. Depending on the presence of a leak in the sample chamber 106, some of the incubation atmosphere may leak out of the sample chamber 106. On the other hand, part of the incubation atmosphere can also be sucked out of the sample chamber 106, for example through the other of the ducts 108.

[0038] Suitable culture atmospheres include, for example, air with a predefined content of HO (water or water vapor, relative humidity) and a predefined content of CO (carbon dioxide). It may also be desirable to deplete the atmosphere of oxygen to perform hypoxic experiments. For further details regarding specific parameters and suitable or preferred ranges of sample culture atmosphere parameters, see the figure descriptions below.

[0039] It should be noted that the control of the relevant parameters (culture atmosphere parameters such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration, and other parameters such as fan speed, as well as possibly further microscope parameters related to the imaging of the sample as described above) will in this embodiment be carried out in an automated manner by the microscope parameter controller 140. For this purpose, target set points for at least some of the aforementioned parameters can be set by the user of the microscope 100, while other parameters can be predefined or even fixedly predefined. For the purpose of controlling the aforementioned culture atmosphere parameters, sensors are preferably located in or at the location of at least one of the duct 108, the sample chamber 106 and / or the microscope stage 116 near the sample 120.

[0040] To extend the life of the imaging optics 124, especially in cases where an immersion objective is used, an atmospheric control device can be provided for the imaging optics chamber 122. Such an atmospheric control device can also be operated by the microscope parameter controller 140.

[0041] As already explained above, the microscope parameter controller 140 is configured to control the operation of the sample incubation system 110. To this end, in this embodiment, the microscope parameter controller is connected to the sample incubation controller 112, which is controlled by the microscope parameter controller 140 and is provided for implementing and monitoring / checking the sample incubation atmosphere parameters set by the microscope parameter controller 140. An atmosphere adjustment module 113 is provided at the rear of the housing section 104, which includes the above-mentioned sensors for detecting the current values ​​of the incubation atmosphere parameters and / or for receiving such sensor signals. The atmosphere adjustment module 113 is connected to the sample incubation controller 112 of the sample incubation system 110. In this manner, feedback control can be achieved to set a set of sample incubation atmosphere parameters to desired setpoints. It is noted that in another embodiment, the sample incubation controller 112 can be part of or integrated into the microscope parameter controller 140.

[0042] Apart from the sample chamber incubation described above, another incubation mode, namely stage-top incubation, can be realized by the stage-top sample chamber 156, as shown by the dashed line. Connections to openings 114 and / or ducts 108 can also be established for the purpose of supplying individual incubation atmospheres to the smaller stage-top sample chamber 156. As will be explained further below, in this embodiment the user can select either incubation mode, to use either sample chamber incubation or stage-top incubation.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the interaction between a microscope parameter controller 140, i.e., a graphical user interface 142, and the sample 120 inspected by the microscope 100 of Figure 1. The embodiment of the graphical user interface 142 according to Figure 2 relates to a subset of the possible microscope parameters, as detailed above. Without loss of generality, the following primarily considers the sample incubation atmosphere parameter. This discussion applies equally to any of the other microscope parameters mentioned above.

[0044] The graphical user interface 142 of the microscope parameter controller 140 displays various symbols 244a, 244b, and 244c for parameters that can be adjusted, at least in part, through corresponding widgets 246a, 246b, and 246c. In the illustrated embodiment, 244a is a symbol for the temperature of the sample or sample incubation atmosphere, 244b is a symbol for the relative humidity of the incubation atmosphere, and 244c is a symbol for the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the sample chamber 106. The above-mentioned parameters can be set by the user or can be predefined by the microscope parameter controller 140, optionally including a user option to modify the predefined parameters. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, widgets are provided to receive user input for setting / adjusting the parameters, particularly for setting target setpoints for the above-mentioned parameters. However, other means of receiving user input for setting / adjusting the parameters are contemplated. Widget 246a receives user input for raising or lowering the target setpoint for temperature, for example, via clicking individual soft buttons. Widget 246b shows a (predefined) relative humidity value, which can be changed by user input, as explained further below. Widget 246c allows the user to raise or lower the target setpoint for CO2 concentration via clicking the respective soft buttons in widget 246c. Note that not all incubation atmosphere parameters need to be user-changeable. For example, relative humidity can be automatically set by microscope parameter controller 140, and the corresponding target setpoint simply needs to be displayed for user notification via widget 246b. The graphical user interface 142 also displays a colored symbol 244d representing a (virtual) lamp.Such a lamp can be switched from red to green when sample testing can begin, for example, when all target setpoints have been reached, or when at least a predetermined number of parameters have reached their target setpoints, or when at least a predefined percentage (threshold) of the target setpoints have been reached, examples of which are described in more detail below.

[0045] The right side of Figure 2 shows, in a highly schematic manner, the sample chamber 106 and the imaging optics chamber 122. In particular, the illumination optics 118, the microscope stage 116, the sample 120, and the imaging optics 124 are shown. Note that the imaging optics 124 illustratively includes a motorized (immersion) objective on a turret. In this and the following embodiments, only sample chamber incubation in the sample chamber 106 is considered. This discussion also applies to other incubation modes, such as stage-top incubation in the stage-top chamber 156 or incubation in the imaging optics chamber 122 (see also the discussion above in connection with Figure 1).

[0046] User input via widgets 246a, 246c and optionally 246b allows the user to enter target set points for sample incubation atmosphere parameters, i.e., temperature, CO2 concentration, and optionally relative humidity. A microscope parameter controller 140, with the assistance of sample incubation controller 112, controls the sample incubation system 110 to create and maintain the desired incubation atmosphere within the sample chamber 106, as described above in connection with FIG.

[0047] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a graphical user interface 142 of a microscope parameter controller 140 configured to receive user input (FIG. 3a), where the microscope parameter controller 140 is configured to track one or more microscope parameter user settings and determine at least one predefined microscope parameter setting from one or more of the tracked user settings, as shown in FIG. 3b.

[0048] 3a illustrates one embodiment of a graphical user interface 142, including symbols 244a, 244b, 244c, and 244d and corresponding widgets 246a, 246b, and 246c, as previously described in connection with FIG. 2. User input sets the target temperature setpoint at 37°C, the target CO2 concentration setpoint at 5%, and the predefined target relative humidity setpoint at 62%. In this embodiment, the target setpoints can be changed via widget 346f, e.g., to reduce humidity. Additionally, the user can select sample chamber incubation via widget 346d or stage-top incubation via widget 346e. Symbol 344e indicates whether sensor calibration is still in progress or has been completed.

[0049] Other widgets may be provided in the graphical user interface 142 that are configured to receive other microscope parameter user settings, such as widget 346g allowing the user to select the type of specimen carrier, widget 346h allowing the user to select the type of microscope imaging mode, widget 346i allowing the user to select the fluorescence channel for observing the specimen image, and so on.

[0050] The microscope parameter controller 140 of this embodiment is configured to register the microscope parameter user settings represented by widgets 246a-246c and 346d-346i. Such registration may include storing the microscope parameter user settings in a memory of the microscope parameter controller 140 designated for this purpose, and retaining the microscope parameter user settings, e.g., with appropriate time and / or probability indications, as described above, even after the individual user has completed sample inspection and, in some cases, turned off the microscope parameter controller 140. The microscope parameter controller is further configured to determine at least one predefined microscope parameter setting from the user-defined user settings, thereby enabling the graphical user interface 142 of the microscope parameter controller 140 to display such predefined settings according to FIG. 3b.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3b, graphical user interface 142 provides a symbol 348 that displays predefined microscope parameter settings, which in this example are none other than the settings of Figure 3a that pertain to one or more, preferably all, of widgets 246a-246c and 346d-346i. The predefined microscope parameter settings represented by symbol 348 are provided to the user the next time microscope 100 is used for specimen inspection. For user flexibility, widget 349 is provided so that the user can return to all of the settings shown in Figure 3a, for example by clicking on widget 349.

[0052] In one embodiment, the microscope parameter controller 140 is further configured to select a predefined microscope parameter setting, as represented by widget 348, to start a microscope operation that applies the selected predefined microscope parameter setting. In other words, the microscope parameter controller 140 automatically starts the microscope 100 using the microscope parameters as defined in FIG. 3 a, thereby more quickly achieving an operational state for inspecting a sample, which operational state is signaled by symbol 244 d. By selecting widget 349, the user can request a change to the predefined setting, even while the system has already started operation, to arrive at a predefined microscope parameter setting.

[0053] The inventors have discovered that a particular user, and possibly multiple users of the same microscope 100, will typically select the same, or at least substantially the same, microscope parameters if they are examining at least the same type of sample. Therefore, by displaying predefined microscope parameter settings to the user in the form of symbols 348, the user is prevented from having to redefine microscope parameter settings such as those shown in FIG. 3a. This saves considerable time for any user, especially less experienced users. Further time savings are achieved by automatically starting the system with the predefined microscope parameter settings instantly applied. Another advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that a single graphical user interface 142, combining corresponding symbols and widgets, allows the user to define sample incubation atmosphere parameters along with other microscope imaging parameters.

[0054] Thus, according to embodiments of the present invention, in one particular example, a user can examine zebrafish in a Petri dish at 28° C. and a predefined humidity and CO2 concentration, first with transmitted light (corresponding to a first predefined microscope parameter setting) and then with confocal fluorescence microscope imaging (corresponding to a second predefined microscope parameter setting), using a microscope capable of providing the corresponding imaging modes, because the microscope parameter controller 140 can self-learn which of these two microscope parameter settings will be primarily used.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of the graphical user interface 142 at three different points in time of use. FIG. 4a shows the graphical user interface 142 at the first use of the microscope 100, FIG. 4b shows the graphical user interface 142 at another / second use of the microscope 100, and FIG. 4c shows the graphical user interface 142 at the third use. The graphical user interface 142 in FIGS. 4a and 4b substantially corresponds to that shown in FIG. 3a. Therefore, for the symbols and widgets of the graphical user interface 142 in FIGS. 4a and 4b, please refer to the discussion of FIG. 3a. As can be seen from FIG. 4a, upon first use, the user set the temperature to a set value of 28° C., the humidity to a standard value of 62%, and the CO2 concentration to 1% by operating the widgets 246a-246c accordingly. The user also selected a Petri dish as the specimen carrier. During the second use, the user specifically did not accept the (previous) predefined microscope parameter settings, but instead adjusted the settings from the first use by entering different settings, namely a temperature setpoint of 30° C., a relative humidity of 62%, and now a CO2 concentration of 0%, as shown in FIG. 4b. The user also selected a multi-well plate as the sample carrier. The microscope parameter controller 140 registers the user settings shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, i.e., stores the associated set of parameters, optionally including a time and / or probability representation, for further use during another use of the microscope 100.

[0056] This situation is illustrated in FIG. 4c. The microscope parameter controller 140 determines at least one predefined microscope parameter setting from the user settings registered at the first and second uses. In this embodiment, both previous user-defined user settings are determined as two predefined microscope parameter settings, which are provided to the user upon the third use of the system. The two predefined microscope parameter settings may also correspond to the two most frequently used user-defined parameter settings. Symbol 448a indicates the relevant parameters of the first predefined setting corresponding to the setting shown in FIG. 4a. Symbol 448b indicates the relevant parameters of the second predefined setting corresponding to the user setting shown in FIG. 4b. The microscope parameter controller 140 is further configured to receive a user selection of one of the two predefined microscope parameter settings for microscope operation upon the third use by applying the selected predefined microscope parameter setting to the operation of the microscope 100 using widgets 449a and 449b. By selecting widget 449a, the user can select the parameter setting of Figure 4a, and by selecting widget 449b, the user can select the parameter setting of Figure 4b. Additionally, another widget 449c is provided to return to a menu where all parameter settings can be changed in order to generate a third predefined parameter setting.

[0057] It should be noted that a user identifier may not be required for the embodiment according to Figures 4a-4c. It is equally possible that two different users enter parameter settings according to Figures 4a and 4b, while one of these users, or even a third user, is prompted to select or change a predefined setting as shown in Figure 4c.

[0058] However, in one embodiment, user-defined microscope parameter user settings can be registered user-specifically for one or more users of the microscope 100. User-specific tracking can be performed by the microscope parameter controller 140 using, for example, a user ID used by the user to log on to a computer / PC 146 such as that shown in FIG. 1. The user ID can also be recognized via near-field communication (NFC) by communicating with the user's ID tag or a smartphone or the like. In this embodiment, operation of the microscope 100 can be configured to determine one or more predefined microscope parameter settings user-specifically for each individual user of the microscope 100.

[0059] In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, at least one predefined microscope parameter setting is determined as the leading user setting (FIG. 3) or the leading user setting and the penultimate user setting (FIG. 4). Alternatively, the microscope parameter controller 140 may determine a predefined microscope parameter setting as the most frequently used user setting (across multiple users or for one particular user). Alternatively or additionally, the microscope parameter controller may determine at least one predefined microscope parameter setting as the second, third, or more generally, nth most frequently used user setting, where n>3. In particular, if all users are considered, it may make sense to determine the three most frequently used user settings as the predefined parameter settings to be displayed on the graphical user interface 142. In another embodiment, the predefined microscope parameter setting (or one of the predefined microscope parameter settings) includes an average value of one or more individual microscope parameters of the leading user settings. Automated system startup using such predefined parameter settings can save time in reaching desired settings.

[0060] 5 shows relevant portions of the graphical user interface 142 displaying predefined microscope parameter settings. In FIG. 5a, symbol 548a is shown representing a predefined microscope parameter setting as a first user's personal setting. This personal setting may be the user's most frequently used setting or may simply be the user's previous setting. In FIG. 5b, symbols 548b and 548c are shown representing two different predefined microscope parameter settings as an example of a second user's personal setting. Again, the predefined parameter settings may include the most frequently used user setting and / or the previous user setting. Note that other possibilities for determining predefined parameter settings were discussed above.

[0061] 5c shows symbols 548d, 548e, and 548f representing three different predefined parameter settings as an example of frequent settings for all users. Each predefined parameter setting can represent the three most frequently used user settings across all users. Other possibilities for determining predefined parameter settings were discussed above.

[0062] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as " / ".

[0063] Although some aspects have been described in the context of an apparatus, it will be appreciated that these aspects also represent a description of a corresponding method, and similarly, aspects described in the context of a method step also represent a description of the corresponding feature of the corresponding apparatus.

[0064] Some or all of the steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware apparatus, such as, for example, a processor, microprocessor, programmable computer, or electronic circuitry. In some embodiments, any one or more of the critical steps may be performed by such an apparatus.

[0065] Depending on certain implementation requirements, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware or software. This implementation may be performed by a non-transitory storage medium, such as a digital storage medium, for example, a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or a FLASH memory, on which electronically readable control signals are stored, which cooperate (or can cooperate) with a programmable computer system to implement the respective methods. Therefore, the digital storage medium may be computer-readable.

[0066] Some embodiments of the present invention include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals that can cooperate with a programmable computer system to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0067] Generally, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a computer program product comprising program code that is operative to perform any of the methods when the computer program product is run on a computer, and that may be stored, for example, on a machine-readable carrier.

[0068] Further embodiments comprise the computer program for performing any of the methods described herein, stored on a machine readable carrier.

[0069] In other words, an embodiment of the present invention is, therefore, a computer program having a program code for performing any of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer.

[0070] Therefore, another embodiment of the invention is a recording medium (or data carrier or computer readable medium) containing a computer program stored thereon for performing any of the methods described herein when executed by a processor. The data carrier, digital recording medium or recording medium is typically tangible and / or non-transitory. Another embodiment of the invention is an apparatus as described herein, comprising a processor and a recording medium.

[0071] A further embodiment of the present invention is, therefore, a data stream or a sequence of signals representing the computer program for performing any of the methods described herein, the data stream or sequence of signals being for example adapted to be transmitted via a data communication connection, for example the Internet.

[0072] Another embodiment comprises a processing means, for example a computer, or a programmable logic device configured to or adapted to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0073] Another embodiment comprises a computer having installed thereon the computer program for performing any of the methods described herein.

[0074] Another embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus or system configured to transfer (e.g., electronically or optically) a computer program for implementing any of the methods described herein to a receiver. The receiver may be, for example, a computer, a mobile device, a storage device, etc. The apparatus or system may include, for example, a file server for transferring the computer program to the receiver.

[0075] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functionality of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor to perform any of the methods described herein. In general, the methods are advantageously performed by any hardware apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100 microscopes 102 Microscope Housing 104 Separated Housing Sections 106 Sample chamber 108 Duct 109 Lid 110 Sample Culture System 112 Sample culture controller 113 Atmosphere Control Module 114 Opening 116 Microscope Stage 118 Illumination optical system 120 samples 122 Imaging optical system chamber 124 Imaging Optical System 140 Microscope Parameter Controller 142 Graphical User Interface 146 PC 148 User Interface 156 Stage Top Chamber 160 Microscope Equipment 244a,b,c,d symbols 246a,b,c widgets 344e symbol 346d~i widget 348 Symbols 448a,b symbols 449a,b,c widgets 548a~f Symbols

Claims

1. a microscope parameter controller (140) for controlling microscope parameters for processing, maintaining, and / or imaging the sample (120), the microscope parameter controller (140) is configured to determine at least one predefined microscope parameter setting from one or more of the user-defined microscope parameter user settings; A microscope parameter controller (140).

2. the microscope parameter controller (140) is further configured to select one of the at least one predefined microscope parameter setting to start a microscope operation applying the selected predefined microscope parameter setting. The microscope parameter controller (140) of claim 1.

3. the microscope parameter controller (140) is further configured to receive a user selection of one of the at least one predefined microscope parameter setting for a microscope operation that applies the user-selected predefined microscope parameter setting; The microscope parameter controller (140) of claim 1.

4. the microscope parameter controller (140) is further configured to determine at least one predefined microscope parameter setting user-specifically for one or more users of the microscope (100); The microscope parameter controller (140) of claim 1.

5. At least one of the predefined microscope parameter settings includes: one or more prior user settings; The most frequently used user settings, the second, third or nth most frequently used user setting, where n>3; a setting including an average value of one or more individual microscope parameters of a previous user setting; determined as at least one of The microscope parameter controller (140) of claim 1.

6. the microscope parameter controller (140) is configured to control sample incubation atmosphere parameters of a sample incubation atmosphere provided for processing, maintaining, and / or imaging the sample (120) being incubated; The microscope parameter controller (140) of claim 1.

7. the sample incubation atmosphere parameters include at least one of the temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, humidity content, and type of sample carrier used to carry the sample (120) of the sample incubation atmosphere; The microscope parameter controller (140) of claim 6.

8. the microscope parameter controller (140) is configured to render a graphical user interface (142), the graphical user interface (142) providing at least one symbol (348, 448a-b, 548a-f) configured to display at least one predefined microscope parameter setting and / or providing at least one widget (246a-c, 346d-j, 349, 449a-c) configured to receive user input for setting one or more microscope parameters; The microscope parameter controller (140) of claim 1.

9. a microscope (100) and for controlling microscope parameters of said microscope (100), a microscope parameter controller (140) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Microscope device (160).

10. the microscope (100) includes a sample incubation system (110) that provides a sample incubation atmosphere for processing, maintaining, and / or imaging a sample (120) to be incubated, the microscope parameter controller (140) being configured to control sample incubation atmosphere parameters of the sample incubation atmosphere, the microscope parameter controller (140) preferably being further configured to control microscope imaging operations; The microscope apparatus (160) of claim 9.

11. 1. A method for controlling microscope parameters for processing, maintaining and / or imaging a sample (120) with a microscope (100), comprising: The method includes determining at least one predefined microscope parameter setting from one or more user-defined microscope parameter user settings. How to control microscope parameters.

12. The method further includes selecting one of the at least one predefined microscope parameter setting to start a microscope operation applying the selected predefined microscope parameter setting. The method for controlling microscope parameters according to claim 11.

13. The method further includes suggesting to a user of the microscope (100) to select one of at least one predefined microscope parameter setting for a microscope operation that applies a user-selected predefined microscope parameter setting. The method for controlling microscope parameters according to claim 11.

14. the microscopy parameters are or include sample incubation atmosphere parameters of a sample incubation atmosphere provided for processing, maintaining and / or imaging the sample (120) being incubated; The method for controlling microscope parameters according to claim 11.

15. A computer program comprising a program code for executing the method according to any one of claims 11 to 14 when the computer program is run on a processor, in particular on a microscope parameter controller (140) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Computer program.

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