Microscope Display Unit Integration for Compact Footprint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microscope devices require a large installation area due to the separate installation of a display unit, which increases the overall space needed for operation.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a display unit with the microscope device, allowing it to be movable relative to the sample placement unit, reduces the installation area while maximizing the display region by utilizing the moving unit's range as a display area, and includes features like a sliding mechanism and tilt adjustment for improved accessibility and viewability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a display unit is provided separately from the microscope device, then the display region can be enlarged, but the installation area is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay regionVSAvoidinstallation area
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit is integrated with the moving unit of the microscope device, merging two previously separate components into one unified structure. This allows the display unit to share the movable space with the sample placement unit, enabling a large display region without increasing the overall installation footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit is made movable together with the moving unit, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position relative to the sample placement unit. This dynamic configuration enables the display region to be maximized when needed while maintaining a compact installation area when the moving unit is repositioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the display unit is integrated with the moving unit, then the installation area is reduced, but the display region may be limited by the moving unit's space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation areaVSAvoiddisplay region
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit utilizes the vertical dimension and the movement range of the moving unit to expand its effective display area. By positioning the display unit on the moving unit that can move vertically and horizontally, the system creates a multi-dimensional display space that exceeds the static footprint of the microscope device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the moving unit covers the sample placement unit, then external light interference is prevented, but accessibility to the sample may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal light interferenceVSAvoidaccessibility to sample
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The moving unit can dynamically switch between covering and exposing the sample placement unit based on operational needs. When imaging is required, the moving unit covers the sample to block external light. When sample adjustment is needed, the moving unit moves away to provide full accessibility, thus resolving the contradiction between light shielding and operational access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3293560B1Microscope device, microscope system, and imaging method
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP3293560B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3293560B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3293560B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed is a microscope device that includes: a sample placement unit on which a sample is set; an imaging unit configured to take an image of the sample that is set on the sample placement unit; a case in which the sample placement unit is provided and the imaging unit is disposed; a display unit configured to display the image taken by the imaging unit; and a moving unit, provided integrally with the display unit, configured to be movable relative to the sample placement unit.