Microscope Illumination Control via Objective Lens Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In microscope apparatuses, switching between objective lenses requires manual adjustment of illumination light quantity, which is labor-intensive and inefficient, especially when observing specimens with varying thicknesses or magnifications.
Innovation Solution
The microscope apparatus includes a light source, a revolver for switching objective lenses, a sensor for detecting the lens, and a control system with first and second illumination light quantity tables, allowing automatic adjustment and storage of optimal light settings for each lens, reducing the need for manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of illumination light quantity is performed when switching objective lenses, then the observer can control light quantity for each lens, but the operation becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically setting the illumination light quantity based on the detected objective lens before the observer needs to use it. The illumination light quantity setting unit pre-determines the appropriate light quantity for each objective lens, eliminating the need for manual adjustment at the time of lens switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting which objective lens is mounted and autonomously adjusting the illumination light quantity without requiring observer intervention. The sensor detects the lens, the control unit identifies the corresponding light quantity from storage, and the illumination light quantity setting unit applies it automatically.
2Extent of automation
If automatic light quantity adjustment is implemented using sensor detection and storage tables, then labor for adjustment is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system. Instead of the observer manually adjusting the illumination light quantity, a sensor detects the objective lens, the control unit processes this information, and the illumination light quantity setting unit automatically sets the appropriate light quantity, substituting mechanical manual operation with automated electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of illumination light quantity automatically based on the detected objective lens. The illumination light quantity setting unit modifies the light quantity parameter according to the lens specifications stored in the system, enabling automatic adaptation to different lenses without manual parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope apparatus includes: a light source configured to irradiate a specimen with illumination light; a revolver configured to hold plural objective lenses and arranges the plural objective lenses switchably onto an optical path; a sensor configured to detect an objective lens arranged on the optical path; a first illumination light quantity table configured to store therein a first illumination light quantity set for each of the plural objective lenses; a second illumination light quantity table configured to store therein a second illumination light quantity specified by an observer; an illumination light quantity setting unit configured to set validity/invalidity of the first illumination light quantity and second illumination light quantity; and an illumination controller configured to control light quantity of the light source to the first illumination light quantity or second illumination light quantity validated by the illumination light quantity setting unit.