Microscope-Style Input Device for Virtual Slide Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user input devices, such as keyboards and mice, are ill-suited for precise manipulation of large images in virtual microscopy systems, lacking the intuitive control provided by physical microscopes.
Innovation Solution
A user input device with rotary controls and a lever-and-push switch, designed to mimic physical microscope controls, generates keystroke events for panning and zooming operations, compatible with existing virtual microscopy applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mouse panning is used, then image navigation is possible, but precise control is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The input device copies the control mechanism of a physical microscope by providing rotary controls that generate keystroke events, replicating the intuitive hand-crank operation familiar to microscopy users while delivering precise digital image navigation capability
2Ease of operation
If keyboard arrow keys are used, then precise control is achieved, but intuitiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device replicates the physical microscope control mechanism through rotary controls that generate keystroke events, providing both the precision of controlled input and the intuitiveness of familiar mechanical operation
3Ease of operation
If physical microscope controls are used, then intuitive control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical microscope controls with a simplified input device that generates keystroke events through rotary controls, maintaining the intuitive operation while reducing the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for actual mechanical stage control mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
A user input device is provided for virtual microscopy systems or other computer systems that support user interaction with huge images or image files. The user input device provides two user-operable rotary controls (or other panning controls) for panning an image in each of two dimensions, which can be shaped and positioned similarly to movement controls used on physical microscopes. The user input device can also provide a user-operable zooming control to change magnification, as well as additional controls to initiate other operations on an image.