Microscope simulation apparatus, method, and program

Abstract

To provide information that contributes to evaluation of a microscope system to a user without combining components to actually assemble a microscope system.SOLUTION: A microscope simulation device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of pieces of component information indicating technical specification of a microscope component corresponding to each; a simulation unit that simulates an assembly of a microscope system on the basis of the plurality of pieces of component information acquired by the acquisition unit; and an output unit that outputs a simulation result generated from the simulation unit to a display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure of this specification relates to a microscope simulation apparatus, method, and program.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, in many microscope systems, a modular design is adopted. By appropriately combining modular components, an optimal microscope system can be provided according to the user's application and requirements.

[0003] On the other hand, it is not always easy to grasp the effectiveness of component combinations. Technologies related to such technical problems are described, for example, in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, in order to confirm the effectiveness of a certain combination, it is necessary to actually combine the components and assemble a microscope system.

[0006] Based on the above circumstances, an object according to one aspect of the present invention is to provide information to the user that contributes to the evaluation of a microscope system without actually assembling a microscope system by combining components.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A microscope simulation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of component information indicating technical specifications of corresponding microscope components, a simulation unit that simulates the assembly of a microscope system based on the plurality of component information acquired by the acquisition unit, and an output unit that outputs a simulation result generated by the simulation unit to a display device. A component detection unit that detects an operation of a user who assigns a microscope component to a category for classifying microscope components, and a requirement detection unit that detects an operation of the user that specifies requirements to be satisfied by the microscope system. It comprises. The acquisition unit acquires component information of a user component, which is a microscope component assigned to the category by the operation detected by the component detection unit, and acquires a user-specified requirement, which is a requirement specified by the operation detected by the requirement detection unit. The simulation unit further includes a conformity determination unit that determines the conformity of combinations of the plurality of microscope components to the user-specified requirements. The output unit outputs, as at least part of the simulation result, conformity information indicating the conformity of combinations of the plurality of microscope components to the user-specified requirements generated by the conformity determination unit. .

[0008] According to Another the aspect of A microscope simulation apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of component information indicating technical specifications of corresponding microscope components, a simulation unit that simulates the assembly of a microscope system based on the plurality of component information acquired by the acquisition unit, an output unit that outputs a simulation result generated by the simulation unit to a display device, and a requirement detection unit that detects an operation of a user that specifies requirements to be satisfied by the microscope system. The acquisition unit acquires a user-specified requirement, which is a requirement specified by the operation detected by the requirement detection unit. The simulation unit acquires a recommended combination, which is a combination of microscope components that conforms to the user-specified requirements, from template information associating requirements to be satisfied by the microscope system with combinations of microscope components that conform to the requirements. The output unit outputs information indicating the recommended combination as at least part of the simulation result. .

[0009] A program according to an aspect of the present invention causes a computer to Detect a user operation of assigning a microscope component to a category for classifying microscope components, detect another user operation of specifying requirements that the microscope system should meet, obtain component information of a user component, which is a microscope component assigned to the category by the detected operation, from a plurality of component information indicating the technical specifications of the corresponding microscope components, obtain user-specified requirements, which are the requirements specified by the detected another operation, determine the compatibility of combinations of the plurality of microscope components with the user-specified requirements, simulate the assembly of the microscope system based on the plurality of component information, output the simulation result of the assembly of the microscope system to a display device, and output compatibility information indicating the compatibility of combinations of the plurality of microscope components with the user-specified requirements as at least a part of the simulation result. execute processing. A microscope simulation apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of component information indicating the technical specifications of corresponding microscope components, a simulation unit that simulates the assembly of a microscope system based on the plurality of component information acquired by the acquisition unit, and an output unit that outputs the simulation result generated by the simulation unit to a display device. The simulation unit further includes a restriction determination unit that determines restrictions on use in combinations of the plurality of microscope components corresponding to the plurality of component information, and the output unit outputs restriction information indicating restrictions on use in combinations of the plurality of microscope components. .

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the above aspect, it is possible to provide information useful for evaluating a microscope system to a user without actually assembling a microscope system by combining components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram exemplifying the configuration of a system. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, this system includes a server device 100 and one or more client devices (client device 11, client device 12, client device 13, client device 14) connected to each other via a network.

[0013] The type of the network is not particularly limited. The network may be, for example, a public line such as the Internet, a dedicated line, or a LAN (Local Area Network). The connection between the server device 100 and the client device may be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0014] The server device 100 is a microscope simulation device that simulates the assembly of a microscope system. The server device 100 includes at least an electric circuit, and the electric circuit performs the simulation described below by executing various processes. The electric circuit is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The server device 100 virtually performs (i.e., simulates) the assembly on a computer without actually combining microscope components to assemble a microscope system.

[0015] The server device 100 may further include a storage device that stores various master data (component information, connection master information, template information, described below) used for the simulation. However, the master data may be stored in a device different from the server device 100 that executes the simulation, and the server device 100 may acquire the master data from the different device as needed.

[0016] The client device is a device used by a user of the system to access the server device 100. Hereinafter, the client devices (client device 11, client device 12, client device 13, client device 14) included in the system shown in FIG. 1 are collectively referred to as client device 10. However, when not particularly distinguishing each of these client devices, each client device is also denoted as client device 10.

[0017] The client device 10 only needs to include at least an input device and a display device, and it is preferably further provided with a communication device. The client device 10 receives inputs of various conditions for simulation from the user and provides them to the user by displaying the results of the simulation executed by the server device 100.

[0018] For example, the client device 11 which is an example of the client device 10 is a microscope system. The user may access the server device 100 to simulate the assembly of the microscope system using the client device 11 which is a microscope system.

[0019] Also, the client device 10 may be, for example, a desktop computer such as the client device 12, a tablet computer such as the client device 13, or a laptop computer such as the client device 14. Furthermore, it may be a smartphone, a mobile phone, etc. Also, each client device 10 may be a dedicated terminal for a specific user or a shared terminal shared by multiple users.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the server device 100. The server device 100 includes a detection unit 110, an acquisition unit 120, a simulation unit 130, and an output unit 140. Hereinafter, the configuration related to the simulation of the assembly of the microscope system will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0021] The detection unit 110 detects the operations of the user. The detection unit 110 includes, for example, a component detection unit 111 and a requirement detection unit 112. The component detection unit 111 detects the operations of the user that assign microscope components to the categories for classifying microscope components. The requirement detection unit 112 detects the operations of the user that specify the requirements that the microscope system should satisfy.

[0022] The acquisition unit 120 acquires a plurality of component information. Each of the plurality of component information indicates the technical specifications of the corresponding microscope component. Further, the plurality of microscope components corresponding to the plurality of component information may include the microscope components assigned by the user operation detected by the component detection unit 111. That is, the acquisition unit 120 may acquire the component information of the microscope component (hereinafter referred to as the user component) assigned to the category by the operation detected by the component detection unit 111. In addition to the plurality of component information, the acquisition unit 120 may acquire the requirements (hereinafter referred to as user-specified requirements) specified by the operation detected by the requirement detection unit 112.

[0023] The simulation unit 130 simulates the assembly of the microscope system based on the plurality of component information acquired by the acquisition unit 120. The simulation unit 130 includes, for example, a connection determination unit 131, a connection candidate determination unit 132, a compatibility determination unit 133, a compatibility candidate determination unit 134, and a restriction determination unit 135.

[0024] The connection determination unit 131 determines whether the connection of a combination of a plurality of microscope components corresponding to the plurality of component information is successful. The connection candidate determination unit 132 determines a microscope component (hereinafter referred to as a connection candidate component) to replace the microscope component that causes the failure when the connection status information indicating whether the connection of the combination of the plurality of microscope components generated by the connection determination unit 131 indicates the failure of the connection of the combination of the plurality of microscope components. The compatibility determination unit 133 determines the compatibility of a combination of a plurality of microscope components with the user-specified requirements. The compatibility candidate determination unit 134 determines a microscope component (hereinafter referred to as a compatibility candidate component) to replace the microscope component that causes the incompatibility when the compatibility status information indicating the compatibility of the combination of the plurality of microscope components with the user-specified requirements indicates the incompatibility with the user-specified requirements. The restriction determination unit 135 determines the usage restrictions in a combination of a plurality of microscope components.

[0025] The simulation of the assembly of the microscope system performed by the simulation unit 130 is, in other words, the simulation of the combination of a plurality of microscope components. More specifically, it may be the determination of the success or failure of the connection of the combination of a plurality of microscope components, the determination of alternative components (connection candidate components) of the microscope components that cause connection failure, the determination of the compliance of the combination of a plurality of microscope components with user-specified requirements, the determination of alternative components (compliance candidate components) of the microscope components that cause non-compliance with user-specified requirements, the determination of usage restrictions in the combination of a plurality of microscope components, etc. These determination results may be generated as simulation results.

[0026] The output unit 140 outputs the simulation result generated by the simulation unit 130 to the display device. Specifically, the output unit 140 may output the connection status information generated by the connection determination unit 131 as at least a part of the simulation result. The output unit 140 may output the compliance information generated by the compliance determination unit 133 as at least a part of the simulation result. Also, the output unit 140 may output alternative candidate information indicating the connection candidate components generated by the connection candidate determination unit 132 and the compliance candidate components generated by the compliance candidate determination unit 134. The output unit 140 may output restriction information indicating usage restrictions in the combination of a plurality of microscope components generated by the restriction determination unit 135. Note that the display device to which the simulation result is output is, for example, the display device of the client terminal, but may also be the display device of the server device 100.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of specifying requirements that the microscope system should satisfy. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of selecting a combination of microscope components. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation result. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the operations performed by the user to perform simulation on the server device 100 will be described.

[0028] Hereinafter, an example of starting a dedicated client application installed in the client device 10 and accessing the application provided by the server device 100 will be described. However, the application provided by the server device 100 may be a web application, and the application of the server device 100 may be accessed using the web browser of the client device 10. In this case, it is not necessary to install a dedicated application in each client device 10, and access becomes easier.

[0029] When the client device 10 starts the client application, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the main window 20 is displayed on the display device of the client device 10. By the user specifying the requirements to be satisfied by the microscope system according to the guidance within the main window 20, the client device 10 accepts the specified requirements.

[0030] In FIG. 3, as an example of the requirements to be satisfied by the microscope system, an example of specifying at least one of the observation method to which the microscope system should correspond, the allowable dimensions of the microscope system, and the allowable weight of the microscope system is shown, but the requirements to be satisfied by the microscope system are not limited to this example.

[0031] When the requirements are specified, for example, the main window 20 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display device of the client device 10. In the area 21, the requirements specified by the user (user-specified requirements) are displayed. Here, an example is shown in which it is specified as a requirement that the microscope system corresponds to BF (bright field observation method). Note that the user may re-set or add settings for the user-specified requirements by operating the UI control within the area 21.

[0032] In region 22, a combination of microscope components to be simulated is displayed. Figure 4 shows a state where no microscope components are specified at all. Note that a pre-stored combination template may be displayed by default in region 22. Region 23 is a region for selecting a category of microscope components, and in region 24, a list of microscope components in the category selected in region 23 is displayed. Figure 4 shows a state where the category "light projection tube" is selected in region 23 and a list of light projection tube units is displayed in region 24.

[0033] The user can specify the microscope components to be simulated by moving any component among the microscope components displayed in region 24 to region 22, for example, by drag and drop. Note that the method for specifying the target microscope components is not particularly limited. For example, it may be double-clicking on an icon or selecting a radio button (not shown). Also, the microscope components displayed in the list may not be limited to character information and may be displayed as image information, for example, as a 3D model. Especially in the case of being displayed as image information, the user can visually judge the microscope components without relying on character information and can easily make a selection. Also, a search box may be provided in region 24, and the desired microscope components may be specified by entering a model number or the like in the search box.

[0034] When the execution button B1 is pressed, the server device 100 virtually assembles the microscope components displayed in region 22, that is, simulates the assembly of the microscope system, that is, the assembly of the microscope system. As a result, for example, as shown in Figure 5, simulation results R1 and R2 are displayed on the display device of the client device 10.

[0035] The simulation result R1 is connection status information indicating the success or failure of the connection of the combination of microscope components displayed in area 22. The connection status information is information indicating whether the microscope components can be normally connected. For example, it may indicate whether the interfaces of the microscope components correspond to each other. In FIG. 5, each component is shown in a state where it can be normally connected. However, if any of the components cannot be connected, it may be displayed as "connection impossible". In that case, as one of the connection status information, it may specifically indicate which component and which component cannot be connected. For example, when a specific objective lens and a specific light projection tube cannot be connected due to a difference in interfaces, it may be specifically indicated which components are the cause of the connection impossibility, such as "this objective lens and this light projection tube cannot be connected". Thereby, when the connection becomes impossible, it is possible to easily grasp which component should be changed.

[0036] The simulation result R2 is compliance information indicating the compliance of the combination of microscope components displayed in area 22 with the user-specified requirements. The compliance information varies according to the user-specified requirements, and may be binary information of compliance (OK) or non-compliance (NG), or may be numerical information or rank information indicating the degree of compliance (for example, S rank, A rank, B rank, etc.). The numerical information indicating the degree of compliance may be numerical information directly indicating the degree of compliance (100%, 80%, etc.), or may be numerical information indirectly indicating the degree of compliance (for example, the total weight of the microscope system under the condition where the target weight (allowable weight) is determined). The numerical information indicating the degree of compliance may be represented by a numerical value, or may be graphically displayed in a form such as a pie chart that can more intuitively grasp the degree of compliance.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows an example in which positive simulation results are displayed for both connectivity information and compatibility information. However, since the connectivity information and the compatibility information are independent of each other, it is also possible that positive simulation results are displayed for one of the connectivity information and the compatibility information and negative simulation results are displayed for the other. In addition, it is also possible that negative simulation results are displayed for both the connectivity information and the compatibility information. When negative simulation results are displayed for the connectivity information or the compatibility information, one or more proposals on which specific component should be changed may be displayed.

[0038] Also, in FIG. 5, an example in which microscope components of all categories are specified is shown, but in order to execute the simulation, it is not always necessary to specify microscope components of all categories. For categories that are not specified, the simulation may be performed assuming that the microscope components of that category are not present, or the simulation may be performed assuming that the microscope components have predetermined standard microscope components (for example, the microscope components included in the combination template described above). Such setting of simulation conditions may be performed on a setting page (not shown).

[0039] FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart of the processing performed by the server device 100. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating component information regarding the observation method. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating component information regarding dimensions. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating component information regarding weight. FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart of the simulation process. FIG. 11 is an example of connection master information covering the connectivity between microscope components. Each of FIGS. 12, 13, 15, and 16 is a diagram showing an example of the simulation result. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating template information indicating a recommended combination. Hereinafter, the processing performed by the server device 100 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 16.

[0040] When the processor of the server device 100 executes a program, the processes shown in FIG. 6 are performed. First, the server device 100 detects a requirement specification (step S10), and further detects an assignment of microscope components (step S20).

[0041] In step S10, as shown in FIG. 3, when the user specifies the requirements that the microscope system should satisfy using the client device 10, the processor of the server device 100 detects the operation of the user and detects the user-specified requirements. The user-specified requirements may be, for example, a specification of the observation method to which the microscope system corresponds, the allowable dimensions of the microscope system, or the allowable weight of the microscope system.

[0042] In step S20, when the user selects an arbitrary microscope component from the list displayed in area 24, the processor detects the user operation and detects the assignment of that microscope component to the category selected in area 23. Further, when the user selects microscope components of a plurality of categories, the processor detects the assignment of the microscope components to the plurality of categories. Note that the microscope components assigned to a category by the user are referred to as user components.

[0043] When the processor determines that the execution button B1 has been pressed (step S30 YES), it acquires the component information of the microscope components (step S40). In step S40, it acquires the component information of a plurality of microscope components corresponding to the combination of microscope components to be simulated. Specifically, it acquires the component information of the user components assigned to the category in step S20.

[0044] Regarding the component information of the microscope components, for example, it is stored in advance in the storage device of the server device 100. The processor acquires it by reading out the component information of the user components from the storage device.

[0045] Component information is information indicating the technical specifications of microscope components. The technical specifications may include physical specifications, optical specifications, chemical specifications, etc. As shown in FIG. 7, the component information may include information regarding the observation method corresponding to the microscope component, as shown in FIG. 8, the information regarding the dimensions of the microscope component, or as shown in FIG. 9, the information regarding the weight of the microscope component.

[0046] Thereafter, the processor executes a simulation (step S50). In step S50, based on the plurality of component information acquired in step S40, the processor performs the simulation process shown in FIG. 10 to simulate the assembly of the microscope system.

[0047] In the simulation process shown in FIG. 10, the processor first generates connection information (step S51). The connection information generated in step S51 is information indicating the success or failure of the connection of combinations of a plurality of user components corresponding to the plurality of component information acquired in step S40. The processor may generate, as the connection information, information indicating the success or failure of the combination of the entire plurality of user components (hereinafter referred to as first connection information), or may generate, as the connection information, information indicating the success or failure of each combination of the plurality of user components (hereinafter referred to as second connection information). The processor may generate connection information including at least one of the first connection information and the second connection information.

[0048] In step S51, the processor may generate connection status information by referring to connection master information pre-stored in the storage device of the server device 100. The connection master information is information that comprehensively covers the connectivity between microscope components and has, for example, a structure as shown in FIG. 11. For example, by referring to the connection master information, it can be understood that frame EE-FFF1 can be connected to both stage CC-DDD1 and stage CC-DDD2. Also, it can be understood that frame EE-FFF1 can be connected to light projection tube AA-BBB2 but cannot be connected to light projection tube AA-BBB1.

[0049] Note that the connection master information may cover only the connectivity between categories that may be connected (for example, between a frame and a stage), and may not cover the connectivity between categories that cannot be connected (for example, between a stage and a light projection tube). Alternatively, information indicating no connectivity (×) may be stored for the connectivity between categories that cannot be connected (for example, between a stage and a light projection tube).

[0050] Furthermore, the processor generates compatibility information (step S52). The compatibility information generated in step S52 is information indicating the compatibility of combinations of a plurality of user components corresponding to the plurality of component information acquired in step S40 with user-specified requirements. The processor may generate, as the compatibility information, information indicating the compatibility of combinations of the entire plurality of user components with user-specified requirements (hereinafter referred to as first compatibility information), or may generate, as the compatibility information, information indicating the compatibility of each of the plurality of user components with user-specified requirements (hereinafter referred to as second compatibility information). The processor may generate compatibility information including at least one of the first compatibility information and the second compatibility information.

[0051] In step S52, the processor generates compatibility information based on the plurality of component information obtained in step S40. For example, when the user-specified requirement is to specify the observation method that the microscope system should support, the compatibility information may be generated using the information regarding the observation method corresponding to the components included in the component information. When the user-specified requirement is to specify the allowable dimensions of the microscope system, the compatibility information may be generated using the information regarding the dimensions of the components included in the component information. When the user-specified requirement is to specify the allowable weight of the microscope system, the compatibility information may be generated using the information regarding the weights of the components included in the component information.

[0052] When the simulation process shown in FIG. 10 ends, the processor outputs a simulation result including the generated connectivity information and compatibility information (step S60). In step S60, the simulation result output by the processor is transmitted from the server device 100 to the client device 10. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the main window 20 is updated, and the simulation result is displayed on the display device of the client device 10.

[0053] Note that the simulation result R1 shown in FIG. 5 is connectivity information, indicating that the combination of the microscope components displayed in the area 22 is connectable as a whole. Also, the simulation result R2 shown in FIG. 5 is compatibility information, indicating that the combination of the microscope components displayed in the area 22 is capable of corresponding to the bright-field observation method.

[0054] Conventionally, unless the combination work of each component of the microscope is actually performed on the actual machine, the server device 100 cannot determine the connectivity and compatibility of each component. Therefore, every time a combination determination result indicating non-connectivity or non-compatibility occurs, the disassembly work of the assembled actual machine is required, and there has been a problem that the throughput of combination consideration is not good. However, in the above-described embodiment, by realizing the process of virtualizing the combination work, the need for the disassembly operation of the actual machine associated with the combination consideration is eliminated, and the throughput of the combination consideration by the server device 100 is significantly improved. In addition, by using the connection information and compatibility information that are the simulation results, it is possible to grasp in advance an inappropriate combination of components before actual machine assembly, and the throughput of the entire process can be streamlined in the sense of omitting the process of unnecessary actual machine combinations.

[0055] In this way, based on the information input from the client device 10, the server device 100 simulates the assembly of the microscope system and outputs the simulation result, thereby providing information useful for evaluating the microscope system (whether microscope components can be connected to each other, whether the microscope system satisfies the user-specified requirements) to the user without actually assembling the microscope system. Therefore, according to the server device 100, the user can evaluate the effectiveness of the combination without having all the components constituting the combination. In addition, even when the user has all the components, the user can confirm the effectiveness without actually assembling them, so that it is possible to avoid repeatedly assembling and disassembling the modular (microscope system) and reduce the labor of the work. Furthermore, by avoiding the actual assembly, even a user who is not familiar with the microscope system can easily evaluate the microscope system.

[0056] In addition, the server device 100 simulates the assembly of the microscope system using component information indicating the technical specifications of the microscope components, and outputs the simulation results. As a result, it becomes possible to provide the user with information beyond whether the microscope components can simply be connected. In particular, by generating and providing the user with information regarding the compatibility with user-specified requirements using the component information, the user can easily confirm whether the microscope system meets their requirements.

[0057] The server device 100 may have a recommendation function in addition to providing the simulation results to the user. Specifically, the processor may perform the processing from step S70 to step S120 shown in FIG. 6.

[0058] The processor determines whether the connection is successful based on the simulation results (step S70). When the connection information generated in step S50 indicates a connection failure for a combination of a plurality of user components (NO in step S70), the processor outputs information indicating a microscope component (hereinafter referred to as a replacement component) that replaces the user component causing the connection failure (step S80).

[0059] In step S80, the information output by the processor is transmitted from the server device 100 to the client device 10. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the main window 20 is updated, and a sub-window W that proposes a replacement component is displayed on the display device of the client device 10.

[0060] The simulation result R1 shown in FIG. 12 indicates that the combination of user components is not connectable as a whole, and the simulation result R3 shown in FIG. 12 indicates the success or failure of connection for individual user components. That is, both the simulation result R1 and the simulation result R3 are connection status information, but the simulation result R1 corresponds to the first connection status information described above, and the simulation result R3 corresponds to the second connection status information described above.

[0061] Note that the sub-window W may be displayed when the user selects a user component for which the connection fails (in this example, the projection tube AA-BBB1). In the sub-window W, as alternative components, microscope components of the same category for which the connection is successful may be listed and displayed. Also, as alternative components, microscope components that meet the user-specified requirements may be listed and displayed from among the microscope components of the same category for which the connection is successful.

[0062] In this way, by providing the user with information that enables the server device 100 to identify the microscope component that causes the connection failure, the user can find a combinable set of connectable microscope components simply by changing the microscope component that caused the failure to another microscope component. Also, by having the server device 100 propose alternative components, the burden on the user associated with reconsidering the combination can be reduced.

[0063] Here, an example of proposing a component to replace the microscope component that caused the connection failure has been shown, but the server device 100 may propose microscope components in a category for which no microscope component has been specified by the user. Also in this case, by considering connectivity and compatibility, it is possible to propose a microscope system that meets the user's requirements.

[0064] Furthermore, the processor determines whether the simulation results meet the user-specified requirements based on the simulation results (step S90). If the compliance information generated in step S50 indicates non-compliance with the user-specified requirements (step S90 NO), the processor outputs information indicating an alternative component to replace the microscope component that causes the non-compliance (step S100).

[0065] In step S100, the information output by the processor is transmitted from the server device 100 to the client device 10. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the main window 20 is updated, and a sub-window W that proposes alternative components is displayed on the display device of the client device 10.

[0066] The simulation result R2 shown in FIG. 13 indicates that the combination of microscope components does not meet the user-specified requirements as a whole, and the simulation result R4 shown in FIG. 13 indicates the compliance / non-compliance with the user-specified requirements for individual user components. That is, both the simulation result R2 and the simulation result R4 are compliance information, but the simulation result R2 corresponds to the first compliance information described above, and the simulation result R4 corresponds to the second compliance information described above.

[0067] Note that the sub-window W may be displayed when the user selects a non-compliant user component (in this example, the light projection tube AA-BBB4). In the sub-window W, a list of microscope components in the same category that meet the user-specified requirements may be displayed as alternative components. Also, as alternative components, a list of microscope components that are successfully connected may be displayed from among the microscope components in the same category that meet the user-specified requirements.

[0068] In this way, by the server device 100 providing the user with information capable of identifying microscope components that do not meet the user-specified requirements, the user can find a combination of microscope components that meets the user-specified requirements simply by changing the non-conforming microscope components to other microscope components. Further, by the server device 100 proposing alternative components, the burden on the user associated with reexamining the combination can be reduced.

[0069] The proposal of alternative components may be made, for example, using template information that associates the requirements that the microscope system should meet and combinations of microscope components (recommended combinations) that meet those requirements, as shown in FIG. 14. The template information may be stored, for example, in the storage device of the server device 100. In step S100, the processor may obtain a recommended combination from the template information corresponding to the user-specified requirements, and identify a microscope component to replace the microscope component that causes non-conformance from the obtained recommended combination. The processor preferably obtains a recommended combination including a simulated combination (excluding the microscope component that causes non-conformance) from the template information corresponding to the user-specified requirements, and identifies a microscope component to replace the microscope component that causes non-conformance from the obtained recommended combination. Thereby, the selection of microscope components by the user can be utilized to the maximum extent.

[0070] Here, an example of proposing a component to replace the microscope component that caused non-conformance has been shown, but the server device 100 may also propose microscope components in a category for which microscope components have not been specified by the user. Also in this case, by considering connectivity and compatibility, it is possible to propose a microscope system that suits the user's requirements.

[0071] FIG. 13 shows an example in the case where bright-field microscopy is specified as the observation method that the microscope system should support. However, the user-specified requirements are not limited to those related to the observation method. As shown in FIG. 15, the allowable weight (100 kg) of the microscope system may be specified.

[0072] The simulation result R2 shown in FIG. 15 indicates that the combination of microscope components does not conform to the user-specified requirements as a whole. The simulation result R5 shown in FIG. 15 indicates the total weight (105 kg) of the microscope system obtained by summing up the weights of each microscope component. The simulation result R6 shown in FIG. 15 indicates the difference between the total weight and the allowable weight of the microscope system (exceeding 5 kg). The simulation result R2 and the simulation result R6 directly indicate the conformity to the user-specified requirements, while the simulation result R5 indirectly indicates the conformity to the user-specified requirements. However, the simulation result R2, the simulation result R5, and the simulation result R6 are all conformity information and all correspond to the first conformity information described above. Also, as shown in FIG. 15, the weight (specification information SP) of each microscope component may be displayed.

[0073] Furthermore, the processor determines whether there are usage restrictions in the combination of components to be simulated (step S110). The usage restrictions may be, for example, specific conditions under which a microscope component does not perform its original function. This specific condition may be stored in the storage device as component information of a microscope component that no longer performs its original function (referred to as a usage-restricted component). Specifically, it may be stored as a specific setting in a specific combination of a usage-restricted component and other microscope components. For example, if a certain autofocus device does not function when using a filter block in combination with a certain light projection tube, information regarding this restriction may be stored as component information of the autofocus device. Therefore, the processor may determine the presence or absence of restrictions based on the component information. Also, the processor may determine the presence or absence of restrictions based on information regarding restrictions that are managed separately from the component information. For example, information regarding usage restrictions may be stored for each observation method, and when a combination corresponding to a specific observation method is simulated, the presence or absence of usage restrictions may be determined based on the information regarding the specification restrictions stored for each observation method.

[0074] If the processor determines in step S110 that there are usage restrictions (step S110 YES), it outputs information indicating the usage restrictions in the combination of a plurality of microscope components (step S120).

[0075] In step S120, the information output by the processor is transmitted from the server device 100 to the client device 10. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, the main window 20 is updated, and a sub-window W that alerts the user about the usage restrictions is displayed on the display device of the client device 10.

[0076] The simulation result R7 shown in FIG. 16 indicates that there are usage restrictions for the AF unit GG-HHH2. Note that the sub-window W may be displayed when the user selects a user component having usage restrictions (in this example, the AF unit GG-HHH2).

[0077] In this way, by providing the user with information regarding usage restrictions separately from connectivity and compatibility, the server device 100 can alert the user to the details even when there are inconveniences that occur under specific conditions, although not always inconveniences that always occur when combining microscope components.

[0078] As described above, by performing the process shown in FIG. 6, the server device 100 can provide the user with information useful for evaluating the microscope system without actually assembling the microscope system. Therefore, manufacturers that produce and sell microscopes and microscope components can encourage potential customers to make specific considerations and promote the sales of their products.

[0079] In the above description, an example of specifying the microscope components that constitute the combination to be simulated on the application has been shown. However, the method of specifying the microscope components is not limited to this example. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, by reading the identification information M of the microscope components incorporated in the actual microscope system, the microscope components that constitute the combination to be simulated may be specified. The identification information M may be, for example, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code represented by a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark). Thereby, the combination of the user's microscope system can be easily incorporated into the application. The identification information M may be associated with information such as the manufacturing year, serial number, purchase date, and service life of the microscope component (here, a specific individual of the microscope component) stored as master data. Specifically, by reading the identification information M possessed by a specific microscope component, it is possible to display the service life (including the remaining years) of the microscope component actually used by the user. If the remaining service life is short, a notification of the replacement time may be displayed. Therefore, it is possible to easily simulate the addition, change, deletion, etc. of new microscope components to the user's microscope system and promote sales.

[0080] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a computer 100a for realizing the server device 100 according to the above-described embodiment. The hardware configuration shown in FIG. 18 includes, for example, a processor 101, a memory 102, a storage device 103, a reading device 104, a communication interface 106, and an input / output interface 107. The processor 101, the memory 102, the storage device 103, the reading device 104, the communication interface 106, and the input / output interface 107 are connected to each other via, for example, a bus 108.

[0081] Processor 101 may be, for example, a single processor, a multi-processor, or a multi-core processor. By reading and executing the program stored in storage device 103, processor 101 operates as detection unit 110, acquisition unit 120, simulation unit 130, and output unit 140 described above.

[0082] Memory 102 is, for example, a semiconductor memory and may include a RAM area and a ROM area. Storage device 103 is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a hard disk or a flash memory, or an external storage device.

[0083] Reading device 104 accesses removable storage medium 105, for example, according to an instruction from processor 101. Removable storage medium 105 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor device, a medium for inputting and outputting information by magnetic action, a medium for inputting and outputting information by optical action, etc. Note that the semiconductor device is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Also, the medium for inputting and outputting information by magnetic action is, for example, a magnetic disk. The medium for inputting and outputting information by optical action is, for example, a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a Blu-ray Disc, etc. (Blu-ray is a registered trademark).

[0084] Communication interface 106 communicates with other devices, for example, according to an instruction from processor 101. Input / output interface 107 is, for example, an interface between an input device and an output device. The input device is, for example, a device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel that receives instructions from a user. The output device is, for example, a display device such as a display, and an audio device such as a speaker. Detection unit 110 and acquisition unit 120 described above may include input / output interface 107. Also, output unit 140 described above may include at least one of communication interface 106 or input / output interface 107.

[0085] The program executed by the processor 101 is provided to the computer 100a, for example, in the following forms. (1) It is pre-installed in the storage device 103. (2) It is provided by the removable storage medium 105. (3) It is provided from a server such as a program server.

[0086] Note that the hardware configuration of the computer 100a for realizing the server device 100 described with reference to FIG. 18 is an example, and the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a part of the above-described configuration may be deleted, or a new configuration may be added. Further, in another embodiment, for example, some or all of the functions of the above-described electric circuit may be implemented as hardware by an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an SoC (System-on-a-Chip), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

[0087] The above-described embodiments are presented with specific examples for ease of understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Modifications of the above-described embodiments and alternative forms that replace the above-described embodiments may be included. That is, each embodiment can be modified in its components without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Further, new embodiments can be implemented by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in one or more embodiments. Also, some components may be deleted from the components shown in each embodiment, or some components may be added to the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the processing procedures shown in each embodiment may be performed in a different order as long as there is no contradiction. That is, the devices, methods, and programs of the present invention can be variously modified and changed without departing from the scope described in the claims.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, connection information and compatibility information were generated in the simulation process, but it is not necessarily required to generate both. For example, the server device 100 may generate and output only the compatibility information.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, although not particularly mentioned, it is desirable that the simulation assembly procedure of each component be performed and displayed in the order of actually assembling the microscope. Specifically, restrictions on the actual machine, such as combining the frame and the stage first and finally combining the objective lens, may be reflected in the simulation. Thereby, when the user considers the combination of components in order, the simulation can be performed with a feeling closer to the actual microscope assembly feeling. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, after the server device 100 detects the specification of requirements (step S210), it determines whether all categories have been assigned microscope components (step S220). If there is a category for which the assignment has not been completed (step S220 NO), it determines the category to which the microscope component is to be assigned, and may output category information prompting the assignment of the microscope component to that category to the client device (step S230). The category information output in step S230 may be output according to a predetermined order of categories, specifically, the actual assembly order of the microscope. By the user assigning microscope components to each category according to the category information output in a specific order, the server device 100 can perform a simulation reflecting the actual assembly procedure. Further, thereafter, when the server device 100 detects the assignment of microscope components, a series of processes such as acquisition of component information, simulation, and output of results (steps S240 to S270) may be performed, so that the simulation may be performed and the result may be displayed each time a microscope component is assigned. By repeating the above processes as long as the user desires to continue the simulation (step S280 YES), the server device 100 may simulate the assembly of the entire microscope system.

[0090] In the above-described embodiments, although not particularly mentioned, the server device 100 may manage the usage history of applications for each client device 10 and user by distinguishing between the client devices 10 and users. The recommendation function may be personalized using the usage history. For example, the microscope components that the user often selects may be memorized, and upper-compatible products of those components may be recommended. Also, in addition to the usage history of the user, the recommendation function may be extended using the usage histories of other users with similar usage histories. Thereby, sales can be promoted more easily to the user.

[0091] In the above-described embodiments, an example was shown in which the microscope components to be simulated were specified after specifying the requirements that the microscope system should satisfy. However, the user may specify the microscope components without specifying the requirements that the microscope system should satisfy. As shown in area 23, by displaying the component information of each microscope component in a list, the user may spontaneously select the microscope components that satisfy the requirements.

[0092] In the above-described embodiments, an example was shown in which the simulation was performed after specifying the microscope components to be simulated. However, the server device 100 may propose a combination of microscope components based only on the requirements that the specified microscope system should satisfy without receiving the specification of the microscope components to be simulated. This combination of microscope components may be selected from the recommended combinations described above. Also, a plurality of combinations of microscope components may be proposed, and by the user adding requirements, the proposed combinations of microscope components may be narrowed down. Note that the server device 100 may receive only one specification of the microscope components to be simulated and propose a combination of microscope components based on the requirements that the specified microscope system should satisfy and that one microscope component.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, an example of performing simulation by designating a microscope component to be simulated has been shown. However, the microscope component to be simulated (that is, the type of microscope component) may be designated, and further, simulation may be performed by designating detailed information of the microscope component (that is, the individual of the microscope component). Different from, for example, specifications common to microscope components, the detailed information is information for each individual. The detailed information may be, for example, information on the purchase date of the microscope component, or may be information on the number of years of use and the frequency of use of the microscope component. The detailed information may be managed for each individual by the server device 100 as part of the master data of the microscope component. Also, detailed information such as the number of years of use and the frequency of use may be read from a sensor attached to the actually used microscope component at a necessary timing. Further, these detailed information may be stored in the client device 11 (microscope system) including the microscope component. In addition to the above-described simulation, the server device 100 may propose to the user to replace the component using the detailed information. Also, in addition to the detailed information, the server device 100 may use, for example, information on the release date of the microscope component stored as component information to predict the release time of a new product and propose to the user to replace it with the new product.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, an example of generating connection information and compatibility information by simulation processing has been shown. However, an image captured by the microscope system to be simulated may be reproduced. The user can further examine in detail whether the microscope system meets his / her requirements based on the reproduced image. Note that the reproduced image may be generated by processing a prepared original image, and the original image may be provided by the user.

[0095] In the above-described embodiments, an example in which the total weight and total height of the microscope are specified as requirements has been shown, but the requirements are not limited to this. For example, if the price of each component is stored in the master data, the total price of the microscope may be specified and displayed as a requirement. Connection information and compatibility information indicating the technical specifications of the microscope components are more important in that the introduction of components becomes impossible when the simulation result is negative. In addition to such information, by displaying price information that is not the technical specification of the microscope components, the user can more conveniently consider the addition and change of each component.

[0096] In the above-described embodiments, an example in which the client device 10 and the server device 100 are separate devices connected via a network has been shown, but the client device 10 and the server device 100 may be the same device. For example, the computer of the microscope system may function as the server device 100. The server device 100 may be a cloud server accessible by the client terminal via the Internet, or may be a virtual device composed of a set of one or more computers, for example.

[0097] In the above-described embodiments, an example in which the simulation is performed by the server device 100 has been shown, but the device that executes the simulation is not limited to the server device 100. For example, the simulation may be performed by the client device using the master data stored in the server device 100. In particular, when the simulation is performed by the client device 11 which is a microscope system, information on the microscope components incorporated in the microscope included in the client device 11 may be acquired, and the microscope components may be automatically assigned to each category based on such information. Thereby, the user can easily consider the introduction of new microscope components to the client device 11 only by partially changing or adding the assignment of the microscope components to the categories.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0098] 10~14 ··· Client device 20 ··· Main window 21~24 ··· Region 100 ··· Server device 100a ··· Computer 101 ··· Processor 102 ··· Memory 103 ··· Storage device 104 ··· Reading device 105 ··· Storage medium 106 ··· Communication interface 107 ··· Input / output interface 108 ··· Bus 110 ··· Detection unit 111 ··· Component detection unit 112 ··· Requirement detection unit 120 ··· Acquisition unit 130 ··· Simulation unit 131 ··· Connection determination unit 132 ··· Connection candidate determination unit 133 ··· Compatibility determination unit 134 ··· Compatibility candidate determination unit 135 ··· Limitation determination unit 140 ··· Output unit R1~R7 ··· Simulation results M ··· Identification information

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of component information indicating the technical specifications of corresponding microscope components; A simulation unit that simulates the assembly of a microscope system based on the plurality of component information acquired by the acquisition unit; An output unit that outputs the simulation result generated by the simulation unit to a display device; A component detection unit that detects an operation of a user that assigns a microscope component to a category for classifying microscope components; A requirement detection unit that detects an operation of the user that specifies requirements to be satisfied by the microscope system, and comprising: The acquisition unit: Acquires component information of a user component, which is a microscope component assigned to the category by the operation detected by the component detection unit; Acquires a user-specified requirement, which is a requirement specified by the operation detected by the requirement detection unit; The simulation unit further comprises a conformity determination unit that determines the conformity of combinations of the plurality of microscope components to the user-specified requirements; The output unit outputs, as at least a part of the simulation result, conformity information indicating the conformity of combinations of the plurality of microscope components to the user-specified requirements generated by the conformity determination unit. A microscope simulation apparatus characterized by the above.

2. An acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of component information indicating the technical specifications of corresponding microscope components; A simulation unit that simulates the assembly of a microscope system based on the plurality of component information acquired by the acquisition unit; An output unit that outputs the simulation result generated by the simulation unit to a display device; A requirement detection unit that detects an operation of a user that specifies requirements to be satisfied by the microscope system; The acquisition unit acquires a user-specified requirement, which is a requirement specified by the operation detected by the requirement detection unit; The simulation unit acquires a recommended combination, which is a combination of microscope components that conforms to the user-specified requirements, from template information associating requirements to be satisfied by the microscope system with combinations of microscope components that conform to the requirements. The output unit outputs information indicating the recommended combination as at least part of the simulation result. A microscope simulation apparatus characterized by the above.

3. An acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of component information indicating the technical specifications of the corresponding microscope components, A simulation unit that simulates the assembly of the microscope system based on the plurality of component information acquired by the acquisition unit, An output unit that outputs the simulation result generated by the simulation unit to a display device, and includes: The simulation unit further includes a restriction determination unit that determines restrictions on use in combinations of a plurality of microscope components corresponding to the plurality of component information, The output unit outputs restriction information indicating restrictions on use in combinations of the plurality of microscope components. A microscope simulation apparatus characterized by the above.

4. In the microscope simulation apparatus according to claim 3, further, A component detection unit that detects an operation of a user who assigns a microscope component to a category for classifying microscope components, The acquisition unit acquires component information of user components that are microscope components assigned to the category by the operation detected by the component detection unit. A microscope simulation apparatus characterized by the above.

5. In the microscope simulation apparatus according to claim 4, The simulation unit includes a connection determination unit that determines the success or failure of connection of combinations of a plurality of microscope components corresponding to the plurality of component information, The output unit outputs connection status information indicating the success or failure of connection of combinations of the plurality of microscope components, generated by the connection determination unit, as at least part of the simulation result. A microscope simulation apparatus characterized by the above.

6. In the microscope simulation apparatus according to claim 5, The connection status information is First connection status information indicating the success or failure of the combination of the entire plurality of microscope components, And at least one of second connection status information indicating the success or failure of each combination of the plurality of microscope components. A microscope simulation apparatus characterized by the above.

7. In the microscope simulation apparatus according to claim 6, The simulation unit further includes a connection candidate determination unit that determines a connection candidate component, which is a microscope component to replace the microscope component causing the failure, when the connection information indicates a connection failure of a combination of the plurality of microscope components. The output unit outputs alternative candidate information indicating the connection candidate component generated by the connection candidate determination unit. A microscope simulation apparatus characterized by the above.

8. In the microscope simulation apparatus according to claim 4, further, a requirement detection unit that detects an operation of the user for specifying requirements that the microscope system should satisfy is provided, the acquisition unit acquires user-specified requirements, which are requirements specified by the operation detected by the requirement detection unit, the simulation unit further includes a conformity determination unit that determines the conformity of a combination of the plurality of microscope components to the user-specified requirements, the output unit outputs, as at least part of the simulation result, conformity information indicating the conformity of a combination of the plurality of microscope components to the user-specified requirements generated by the conformity determination unit. A microscope simulation apparatus characterized by the above.

9. In the microscope simulation apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 8, the conformity information includes first conformity information indicating the conformity of a combination of the entire plurality of microscope components to the user-specified requirements, and second conformity information indicating the conformity of each of the plurality of microscope components to the user-specified requirements, at least one of which is included. A microscope simulation apparatus characterized by the above.

10. In the microscope simulation apparatus according to claim 9, the simulation unit further includes a conformity candidate determination unit that determines a conformity candidate component, which is a microscope component to replace the microscope component causing the non-conformity, when the conformity information indicates non-conformity to the user-specified requirements. The output unit outputs alternative candidate information indicating the conformity candidate component generated by the conformity candidate determination unit. A microscope simulation apparatus characterized by the above.

11. In the microscope simulation apparatus according to claim 10, the conformity candidate determination unit Obtain a recommended combination, which is a combination of microscope components that meets the user-specified requirements, from template information associating the requirements that the microscope system should satisfy with combinations of microscope components that conform to the requirements. Identify the candidate components that conform to the recommended combination. A microscope simulation apparatus, characterized by the above.

12. In the microscope simulation apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: A requirement detection unit that detects an operation of a user who specifies requirements that the microscope system should satisfy. The acquisition unit acquires the user-specified requirements, which are the requirements specified by the operation detected by the requirement detection unit. The simulation unit obtains a recommended combination, which is a combination of microscope components that meets the user-specified requirements, from template information associating the requirements that the microscope system should satisfy with combinations of microscope components that conform to the requirements. The output unit outputs information indicating the recommended combination as at least part of the simulation result. A microscope simulation apparatus, characterized by the above.

13. In the microscope simulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 8 to 12, The requirements that the microscope system should satisfy are: The observation method that the microscope system should support, The allowable dimensions of the microscope system, The allowable weight of the microscope system, and includes at least one of them. A microscope simulation apparatus, characterized by the above.

14. In the microscope simulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 11, The output unit outputs category information that prompts the assignment to microscope components for a specific category in accordance with a predetermined order of categories. The simulation unit simulates the assembly of the microscope system each time the component detection unit detects the operation. A microscope simulation apparatus, characterized by the above.

15. In the microscope simulation apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, The simulation unit further includes a restriction determination unit that determines restrictions on use in combinations of a plurality of microscope components corresponding to the plurality of component information. The output unit outputs restriction information indicating restrictions on use in combinations of the plurality of microscope components. A microscope simulation apparatus characterized by the above.

16. In the microscope simulation apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, the component information of the microscope component includes information regarding the observation method to which the microscope component corresponds, information regarding the dimensions of the microscope component, information regarding the weight of the microscope component, and includes at least one of them A microscope simulation apparatus characterized by the above.

17. Detect a user operation of assigning a microscope component to a category for classifying microscope components to a computer, detect another user operation of specifying requirements that the microscope system should satisfy, obtain component information of user components that are a plurality of component information indicating technical specifications of the microscope components corresponding to each, and are microscope components assigned to the category by the detected operation, obtain user-specified requirements that are the requirements specified by the detected another operation, determine the compatibility of the combination of the plurality of microscope components with the user-specified requirements, simulate the assembly of the microscope system based on the plurality of component information, output the simulation result of the assembly of the microscope system to a display device, output compatibility information indicating the compatibility of the combination of the plurality of microscope components with the user-specified requirements as at least part of the simulation result A program characterized by causing the above processing to be executed. ​

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