Microscope Field-of-View Control with Magnification-Based Shift Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopes face difficulties in handling due to the high variability of total visual magnification, especially with digital zoom, leading to unpredictable and inefficient ROI shifts on the screen, making it difficult for users to follow the imaged region of interest.
Innovation Solution
A control device that adjusts the response characteristic of the operating device based on the total visual magnification, automatically adapting the shift sensitivity to maintain a consistent and efficient ROI search.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a rapid response characteristic of the operating device is used (low shift sensitivity), then the FOV can be shifted quickly across the sample, but the ROI may disappear from the user's view on the screen when total visual magnification is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the response characteristic of the operating device variable rather than fixed. The processor dynamically adjusts the response characteristic based on the current total visual magnification setting. When total visual magnification is high, the system automatically reduces the shift sensitivity to prevent ROI disappearance. When total visual magnification is low, the system increases shift sensitivity for faster FOV scanning. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between fast FOV shifting and ease of following the ROI on screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of response characteristic (shift sensitivity) based on the total visual magnification parameter. The processor monitors the total visual magnification setting and adjusts the response characteristic accordingly. This parameter change ensures that the operating device behaves appropriately under different magnification conditions, preventing ROI disappearance while maintaining efficient FOV navigation.
2Ease of operation
If a slow response characteristic of the operating device is used (high shift sensitivity), then the ROI remains visible on screen during manipulation, but the FOV shifts too slowly to efficiently search for regions of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the response characteristic based on the current operating conditions (total visual magnification). Instead of using a fixed slow response characteristic that works for all conditions, the system speeds up the FOV shift when total visual magnification is low, enabling efficient ROI search while maintaining the ability to follow the ROI when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor changes the response characteristic parameter according to the total visual magnification parameter. When total visual magnification is low, the system increases shift sensitivity to improve search efficiency. When total visual magnification is high, it decreases shift sensitivity to maintain visibility. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and productivity.
3Device complexity
If the operating device has a fixed response characteristic, then the device structure remains simple, but the system cannot adapt to variable total visual magnification causing handling difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting its own response characteristic based on the total visual magnification setting. The processor monitors the magnification parameter and autonomously modifies the response characteristic without requiring manual intervention from the user. This self-adjustment mechanism provides adaptability to variable magnification while keeping the user interface simple and the overall system easy to operate.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for a microscope includes an actuator configured to shift a microscopic field of view relative to a sample, and an operating device configured to be operated by a user to control the actuator in accordance with a response characteristic determining a shift sensitivity. The field of view is shifted relative to the sample in response to a user operation of the operating device. The control device further includes a processor configured to determine a total visual magnification, and to control the response characteristic of the operating device based on the total visual magnification. The field of view is visualized by the microscope to the user based on the total visual magnification.