Kinesthetic Control Interface for Scientific Image Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interfaces for image acquisition hardware in scientific instruments require visual attention, are distracting, and can degrade the acquired image due to extraneous light from video displays, especially in dark environments, and are inefficient in high-time-sensitivity experimental situations.
Innovation Solution
A kinesthetic control interface that maps sliders and knobs to a system computer, allowing precise control without visual attention, using a kinesthetic control device with a microprocessor interface that communicates settings to the system controller, enabling control of image acquisition systems without a video display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a video display and computer interface are used for control, then control functionality is provided, but visual attention is diverted from the image being acquired and extraneous light is emitted towards the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control interface from the visual domain and relocates it to the tactile domain. By removing the video display and computer keyboard from the control process and replacing them with tactile controls (knobs, sliders, buttons) that provide direct physical feedback, the system eliminates the source of extraneous light while preserving full control functionality. The control interface is taken out of the optical path entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electronic/visual control system (computer interface, video display, keyboard, mouse) with a mechanical/tactile control system (physical knobs, sliders, buttons with tactile feedback). This replacement maintains the control functions while eliminating the harmful visual output, as the mechanical controls operate independently of the optical path.
2Ease of operation
If a video display and computer keyboard are used for control, then control functionality is provided, but visual attention must be diverted from the experiment
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile controls are designed to provide self-service operation. The knobs, sliders, and buttons offer direct tactile feedback that allows users to adjust controls intuitively without needing to refer to a video display or computer interface. The controls serve themselves by providing immediate physical confirmation of adjustments, eliminating the need to switch attention between the experiment and a separate display.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is segmented into independent tactile elements (individual knobs for brightness, sliders for other parameters, buttons for functions) that can be operated independently. This segmentation allows users to make precise adjustments without needing to navigate through computer menus or refer to a video display, reducing the time required for control adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If a computer keyboard is used in a dark environment, then control input is provided, but locating specific keys becomes very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile controls incorporate visual indicators that change or become prominent in dark environments. The knobs, sliders, and buttons include illuminated or high-contrast markings that are easily locatable in low-light conditions, eliminating the difficulty of locating keyboard keys in the dark while maintaining precise control input capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a control interface for one or more instruments that comprise an image acquisition system, the control interface consisting of kinesthetic controls that do not require visual attention. The control interface of the present invention maps kinesthetic controls such as sliders and knobs to a system computer and software running thereon which is directing the operation of individual imaging instruments.