Distributed Video Microscopy via LAN Networked Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microscopy methods are inefficient for high-throughput applications, as they require sequential image capture and lack efficient handling of information from multiple microscopes, making them cumbersome for simultaneous data collection and analysis.

Innovation Solution

A network of microscopes operating on a Local Area Network (LAN) that allows for concurrent image capture and streaming, with a media server and operations console for real-time image viewing and control, enabling distributed video microscopy for applications like in vivo brain imaging and high-throughput drug screening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional sequential microscopy methods are used, then individual image capture is achieved, but throughput and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture throughputVSAvoidtime for sample loading and unloading

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple microscopes are merged into a single networked system that shares common control and data handling infrastructure. The system combines multiple imaging stations into one coordinated platform, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple microscopes while reducing redundant operations and improving overall throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system and data handling infrastructure are designed to be universal, serving multiple microscopes simultaneously. A single operations console can control and monitor multiple microscopes, and a single media server handles data from all instruments, making the system multi-functional and highly efficient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple microscopes operate independently, then individual imaging is achieved, but system complexity and data handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparallel data collection capabilityVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure and data management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A media server acts as an intermediary between multiple microscopes and the operations console. It receives data from all microscopes, manages the data flow, and distributes it to appropriate destinations, simplifying the overall system architecture and making parallel operation manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: individual microscope stations, a central media server for data management, and an operations console for control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system coordination through the network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11595622B2Systems and methods for distributed video microscopy

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 BRUKER NANO INC

AI summary

System and methods are provided for distributed microscopy. A plurality of microscopes may capture images and send them to a media server. The microscopes and the media server may be part of a local area network. The microscopes may each have a distinct network address. The media server may communicate with an operations console, which may be used to view images captured by the microscopes. The operations console may also accept user input which may be used to selectively control the microscopes.