Automated Microscope Configuration via Learning Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for configuring automated microscopes are complex and user-unfriendly, requiring detailed knowledge of setting values and programming for sequence control, which can lead to incorrect settings and limited flexibility in sequence definition.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to perform training settings in a learning mode, where microscope components are manually or automatically positioned and assessed, with setting data sets stored and used in a sequence controller to define a step-by-step examination sequence, enabling flexible and user-friendly configuration of microscope operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detailed setting values and programming are required for sequence control, then the sequence controller can be precisely configured, but the configuration becomes complex and user-unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates setting values by copying and adapting proven settings from similar microscope configurations. When configuring a sequence controller, the system retrieves pre-stored setting data sets from a database that correspond to matching microscope models and configurations, automatically applying these settings without requiring users to manually specify each parameter. This reduces configuration complexity while maintaining precision through the use of validated, pre-tested settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system performs self-service by automatically determining appropriate setting values based on microscope identification data and stored configuration patterns. The system autonomously completes the configuration process by selecting and applying relevant setting data sets without requiring detailed user input or programming knowledge, thereby simplifying the user interface while preserving configuration accuracy through automated decision-making algorithms.
2Reliability
If users must specify detailed setting values, then accurate control is achieved, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
Setting data sets are prepared and stored in advance in a database during system setup or by manufacturers. These pre-configured settings include all necessary parameters for common microscope configurations. When a user needs to configure the sequence controller, the system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-prepared setting data set, eliminating the need for users to manually specify each setting value and significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining control accuracy through the use of validated settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies proven, validated setting configurations from the database and applies them to the current microscope setup. By replicating successful configurations rather than requiring users to create settings from scratch, the system both reduces configuration time and ensures reliability by using settings that have been previously tested and verified for their specific microscope model and application type.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed configuration methods are used, then setup is simplified, but flexibility in modifying sequences is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration system transitions from static, fixed settings to dynamic, adaptable configurations. Users can modify individual parameters within pre-configured setting data sets, and the system dynamically adjusts the sequence controller based on these modifications. The system allows users to add, remove, or adjust examination steps and parameters while maintaining the overall structure provided by the pre-configured settings, thereby providing both setup simplicity and sequence flexibility through a hybrid approach that combines automated configuration with user-customizable elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a sequence controller of an automated microscope includes, in a learning operating mode, performing training settings in succession. Each training setting corresponds to a respective setting data set of microscope components. A user brings at least a part of the microscope components into positions, and assigns each respective position to one or more examination steps to be performed by the microscope components. The method further includes assessing the training settings after the training settings are performed, and based on the assessment, storing the setting data sets associated with the training settings for subsequent use in the sequence controller, and/or discarding the setting data sets, and/or modifying the setting data sets. The sequence controller specifies a use of the stored setting data sets in the form of a setting of the microscope components in an examination operating mode following the learning operating mode.