Microscope Specimen Positioning via 2D Data Table Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning microscopic specimens in microscope systems are labor-intensive and prone to errors, particularly when dealing with large specimens or multiple regions of interest, as they require manual input and documentation of numerous positions, which can be confusing and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a two-dimensional table to store and display data records for specimen positions, allowing for partial or complete automation of specimen positioning, with a control apparatus to move the specimen stage based on these records, reducing the need for manual input and improving accuracy through self-learning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning and documentation of specimen positions is used, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but significant work outlay and time consumption are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing images at multiple specimen positions and pre-processing this data to create a structured position table. This preliminary automation eliminates the need for manual documentation of each position, reducing work outlay while maintaining positioning accuracy through systematic data collection and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the specimen's position information through automated image capture and data recording. Instead of manual documentation, the actual position data is copied into a structured table format, which can be stored and reused without additional manual effort, significantly reducing time consumption while preserving accuracy.
2Reliability
If simple position lists are used for specimen positioning, then positioning can be documented, but managing and processing long lists is confusing and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the one-dimensional position list into a two-dimensional table structure with rows and columns. This dimensional change organizes position data more effectively, making it easier to manage and process. The tabular format allows for better visualization and handling of multiple position parameters simultaneously, reducing confusion while maintaining documentation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The position data is segmented into structured table format with distinct rows for different specimen positions and columns for various position parameters. This segmentation breaks down the complex position information into manageable units, making it easier to process and less confusing to manage while ensuring complete and reliable documentation.
3Ease of operation
If two-dimensional overview images or CAD layout data are used for navigation, then visual guidance is provided, but users still find it difficult to orient themselves and document data, particularly with three-dimensional coordinates and spatial orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the visual guidance function with the data documentation function into a unified automated process. Instead of requiring users to separately interpret visual aids and manually document complex three-dimensional coordinates, the system automatically captures position data and structures it in an integrated manner, maintaining visual guidance benefits while eliminating the complexity of manual data documentation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for positioning a specimen in a microscope system includes overserving and/or processing a region of interest (ROI) on the specimen. The microscope system includes: an optical axis; a movable specimen stage for receiving a specimen; a memory apparatus for storing data records that describe the positions of the specimen; and a control apparatus, which can control the movement of the specimen stage with the aid of the stored data records. The method includes: holding a specimen region (ROI) in the first position; storing a first data record, by which the first position is described, wherein the first position is defined as independent position; storing a second data record, by which the second position is described, wherein the second position is linked to the independent position; and calling one of the stored data records such that the specimen stage is moved in such a way that the specimen region is held at the position that is described by the called data record.