Graphical FPGA Configuration for Scanning Probe Microscope Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scanning probe microscopes (SPMs) require complex electronic circuitry and limited user interfaces, constraining their configurability and usability, especially in advanced nanomaterial synthesis and DNA sequencing applications, where flexibility in hardware configurations and procedures is needed.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that allows users to create graphical hardware and procedure configurations using iconic interfaces, generating configuration data to programmatically interconnect hardware devices and automate setup processes, enabling dynamic reconfigurability and expandability of SPMs and other equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-defined modes of operation are programmed into the control system, then the system can be operated using a simple graphical user interface, but the flexibility and configurability of hardware devices are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static pre-defined modes to dynamic user-configurable hardware interconnections. Users can dynamically connect hardware devices through a graphical interface, and the FPGA controller adapts its configuration in real-time based on user-defined connections, enabling both ease of operation and hardware flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension of user-configurable hardware interconnections beyond the traditional fixed modes. Instead of selecting from predefined operational modes, users can create custom hardware configurations by visually connecting devices in a graphical workspace, expanding the system's adaptability while maintaining interface simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional modes or functions are added to the control system, then the system's versatility is improved, but new programming of the FPGA controller is required which reduces usability
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to self-configure additional functions and modes through the graphical interface without requiring programmer intervention. When users connect hardware devices in the graphical workspace, the FPGA controller automatically generates and loads the appropriate configuration, allowing users to extend system functionality independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration capabilities where users can define hardware interconnections and operational parameters before executing experiments. The system pre-loads the FPGA with user-defined configurations, eliminating the need for post-hoc programming and maintaining usability while expanding versatility.
3Reliability
If multiple channels of sophisticated electronic circuitry are used, then the system can handle complex signal acquisition and processing, but the device complexity and configurability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal FPGA-based control system that can perform multiple signal processing functions through software configuration rather than dedicated hardware circuitry. The same FPGA device can be reconfigured to handle different signal acquisition and processing requirements, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive signal processing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, system, and computer readable medium for configuring programmable equipment having hardware devices that can be programmatically interconnected into different hardware configurations. A graphical user interface is provided on a computer display which permits a user to iconically define both a hardware and procedural configuration of the available hardware devices. Configuration data is generated that can be used to automatically configure the programmable equipment according to the user-defined hardware and procedural configuration.