Microscope Internal Storage for Cross-Device Calibration Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern microscopes require recalibration every time the external control device is changed, as calibration data stored on the control device is not accessible when switched, leading to inefficiencies in data transfer and usage.
Innovation Solution
A program-controlled microscope with an internal storage interface that allows externally generated data to be stored and retrieved independently of the external control device, using various interfaces such as RS-232, USB, or wireless connections, ensuring data persistence and accessibility across different control devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If calibration data are stored on the external control device, then data accessibility is improved for that specific device, but data availability is lost when the control device is changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary storage mechanism (internal storage in the microscope or centralized database) that mediates between the external control device and the calibration data. This intermediary ensures data persistence and accessibility regardless of which control device is used, resolving the contradiction between device-specific accessibility and cross-device availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the storage dimension from external control device memory to a more permanent and accessible location (internal microscope storage or centralized database). This dimensional change in data storage location ensures data availability across different control devices while maintaining accessibility.
2Reliability
If recalibration is performed for each control device, then data availability for each device is ensured, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary calibration where calibration data are determined once and stored in a persistent location (internal storage or database). This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated recalibration when switching control devices, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining calibration accuracy through the use of pre-determined reliable data.
3Device complexity
If calibration data are stored externally, then device complexity is reduced, but data persistence is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the microscope system to serve itself by incorporating internal storage capability. The microscope can store and retrieve calibration data independently without relying on external control device memory, achieving data persistence while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through self-sufficient data management.
Data Source
AI summary
The object in a program-controlled microscope and method for the external control of microscopes is to ensure the availability of externally generated data independent from the external control device generating the data. The microscope has an interface by which data which are generated externally by the control device and which are not provided in the control program internal to the microscope are stored in and/or read out from a storage internal to the microscope.