Microscope Controller Touch Panel Dynamics for Stage Operability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscope controllers with touch panels face challenges in operability due to small display areas, requiring blind touch operations which degrade usability, especially during multi-well plate observations and when switching magnifications, as they lack intuitive control over electric stages.
Innovation Solution
A microscope controller system with a touch panel unit that includes a display function, input detection, and communication control to set and control stage operations, allowing for intuitive movement and magnification changes without the need for constant visual confirmation, enhancing operability by determining moving modes based on detected inputs and transmitting control signals to external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional touch panel with small display area is used, then the device size is compact, but the operability degrades due to requiring blind touch operations
Solution Approach 1:
The touch panel display dynamically changes its content and layout based on the current observation mode (single well vs. multi-well plate). When multi-well plate observation is detected, the display automatically switches to show well plate information and coordinate positions, making the limited display area more informative and easier to operate without visual confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes display parameters including showing/hiding specific information elements, adjusting coordinate system references, and modifying operation instructions based on the observation mode. This allows the same physical display area to provide different levels of information density appropriate for different operational contexts.
2Ease of operation
If blind touch operations are required, then the device can be operated without visual confirmation, but the precision of stage positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate feedback by displaying coordinate positions, well plate identifiers, and stage location information on the touch panel. This allows the operator to verify positioning accuracy without visual confirmation of the actual specimen, enabling precise blind touch operations through digital feedback of stage coordinates and observation status.
3Measurement precision
If multiple configuration units are operated manually, then each unit can be precisely controlled, but the operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges control of multiple configuration units (electric stage, objectives, illumination, aperture stop, field stop, revolver) into a unified automated control system. A single observation mode selection automatically coordinates all these units, reducing the number of manual operations required while maintaining precise control through centralized control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically configuring all observation parameters when an observation mode is selected. This includes pre-positioning the electric stage, pre-selecting appropriate objectives, and pre-adjusting illumination and aperture settings, eliminating the need for sequential manual adjustment of each parameter.
Data Source
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AI summary
A microscope controller improves the operability in moving a stage when a stage moving operation is performed on a touch panel. The microscope controller for control of the operation of each electric unit configuring the microscope system solves problems by including: a touch panel unit having a display function and receiving an input by an external physical contact; a control unit for setting a display region as a function area by assigning an image for operation of the electric unit to a specified display region of the touch panel unit, and, when an input to the function area is detected, generating a control instruction signal for control of the electric unit depending on the contact operation to the electric unit corresponding to the function area, and a communication control unit for transmitting the control instruction signal to an external device for controlling the operation of the electric unit.