Microscope Image Data Transfer via Controller-Computer Bus Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscope systems face limitations in high-speed image data transfer, particularly as image data size increases, hindering efficient processing and continuous image capture.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a microscope system with a light source unit, scanning mechanism, photodetector, controller, and computer connected via a bus interface, utilizing GPGPU or GPU for image processing, and potentially distributed processing across local networks or cloud servers to enhance data transfer speed and processing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image data size increases to support higher resolution and more complex samples, then measurement precision and image quality improve, but data transfer speed and processing efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the microscope system into multiple independent functional modules: light source unit, scanning mechanism, photodetector, controller, and computer. Each module processes and transfers data independently through standardized interfaces, allowing parallel processing and preventing bottlenecks in data transfer even as image data size increases
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the photodetector and the computer, managing data buffering and transfer protocols. This intermediary layer optimizes data flow by implementing efficient buffer management and transfer control, maintaining high transfer speeds regardless of image data size
2Productivity
If conventional data transfer methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but data transfer speed and processing capability are insufficient for large image datasets
Solution Approach 1:
The computer is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both GPGPU and GPU processing units that can handle various types of image processing tasks (deconvolution, recognition, compression) through standardized interfaces. This universal design enables high-speed processing without requiring separate specialized systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on image data characteristics. The controller and computer adapt buffer sizes, transfer rates, and processing algorithms according to the specific requirements of each imaging task, optimizing performance without requiring complex hardware changes
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables faster image data transfer and processing, supporting high-speed operations and complex image analyses such as 3D deconvolution and image recognition, thereby overcoming previous limitations in handling large image data sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The photodetector converts detected fluorescence into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to a control apparatus
Implementation Method 2
To a fluorescently labeled sample, laser light is collected from a light source through an objective lens as excitation light
Implementation Method 3
With the excitation light, a phosphor of the sample emits fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope system includes a microscope apparatus including a stage on which a sample is placed and an objective lens that collects laser light to the sample on the stage, a light source unit including a light source that emits the laser light, a scanning mechanism configured to guide the laser light from the light source unit and change a direction of the guided laser light to scan the sample on the stage, a photodetector configured to guide returned light from the objective lens of the microscope apparatus and convert the guided light into an electrical signal, a controller configured to control at least the scanning mechanism and generate image data from the electrical signal output from the photodetector, and a computer connected to the controller through a bus interface and configured to process the image data transferred from the controller through the bus interface.