Microscope Controller Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microscopes face difficulties in imaging samples with large lateral dimensions, such as multi well plates, due to limitations in objective lens movement, which can result in damage to the sample holder or inadequate focusing.
Innovation Solution
A controller for the microscope that allows selection of multiple objective lenses with restricted lateral and vertical movements, ensuring safe imaging by limiting the range of movement to prevent damage and allowing sufficient focus on all parts of the sample holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the lateral movement range of objective lenses is increased to image all parts of large sample holders, then the coverage area is improved, but the risk of damage to the sample holder increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the lateral movement range of objective lenses based on the selected imaging mode. In the first mode, a restricted lateral range is enforced to prevent damage, while in the second mode, an extended lateral range is allowed for comprehensive coverage. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the movement range flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the parameter of lateral movement range according to the imaging mode selected by the user. By switching between first mode (restricted range) and second mode (extended range), the system can safely image large sample holders without causing damage while still providing comprehensive coverage when needed.
2Reliability
If the lateral movement range is restricted to prevent damage, then the safety is improved, but the coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control over the lateral movement range through multiple imaging modes. The first mode enforces a restricted range for safety, while the second mode allows extended movement for comprehensive coverage. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to optimize between safety and coverage based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging functionality is segmented into different modes with distinct movement constraints. The first mode is optimized for safety with restricted movement, while the second mode is optimized for coverage with extended movement. This segmentation allows each mode to perform its specialized function effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different objective lenses are used for imaging, then the versatility is improved, but the complexity of controlling movement ranges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements universal control rules that apply to all objective lenses regardless of which one is selected. Both first and second modes define consistent lateral and vertical movement constraints that work across different lenses, simplifying the control logic while maintaining versatility in handling various sample holder types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes movement parameters (lateral range, vertical range) based on the selected imaging mode rather than based on the specific objective lens. This parameter-based approach simplifies control complexity by decoupling the lens selection from the movement constraints, allowing the same control rules to apply universally across different lenses.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for a microscope is provided. The microscope includes a sample stage and an imaging optic. The sample stage is configured to receive a sample holder. The controller is configured to: control the microscope in a first mode, wherein a lateral position for all of at least two different objective lenses during a lateral movement is restricted to a first lateral range in at least one lateral direction; and control the microscope in a second mode, wherein the position for all of the at least two different objective lenses during the lateral movement is allowed to be at least within a second lateral range, different from the first lateral range, in the at least one lateral direction. In the second mode, a vertical position for the at least two different objective lenses during a vertical movement is restricted to a pre-defined vertical range.