Microscope Table Position Signal Transmission During Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope automation methods either waste time during signal transmission or delay the start of the experiment, and lack flexibility in adapting to dynamic sample processes, as they require all position signals to be transmitted before starting or are sequential and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A microscope system with a controller that transmits position signals during the experiment, allowing the microscope table to move and examine regions simultaneously, enabling flexible adaptation and faster examination by sending subsequent position signals while the table is in motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If position signals are transmitted sequentially before the experiment starts (preloading method), then the microscope table can move continuously through all positions, but the start of the experiment is delayed until all signals are transmitted and no adaptation is possible during the experiment
Solution Approach 1:
The controller transmits subsequent position signals to the microscope table in advance during its movement to previous positions, so that the signals are ready when the table arrives at each position, enabling continuous operation without waiting for signal transmission to complete
Solution Approach 2:
The signal transmission and table movement occur simultaneously and continuously throughout the experiment, eliminating idle time and allowing the system to maintain continuous productive operation from start to finish
2Adaptability or versatility
If position signals are transmitted sequentially during the experiment (sequential reloading method), then the experiment can be adapted during the course, but time is lost during signal transmission for each position
Solution Approach 1:
The controller transmits subsequent position signals to the microscope table in advance during its movement to previous positions, so that the signals are ready when the table arrives at each position, eliminating waiting time
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles where signal transmission and table movement are synchronized, with each position signal being transmitted at the optimal moment during the table's travel to the previous position
3Productivity
If all position signals are transmitted at the beginning (preloading), then continuous movement is possible, but extensive memory storage is required in the controller
Solution Approach 1:
The controller transmits subsequent position signals to the microscope table in advance during its movement to previous positions, maintaining a minimal buffer of upcoming signals rather than storing all positions, thus reducing memory requirements while enabling continuous operation
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope system for examining a sample includes: a microscope having a movable microscope table, on which the sample to be examined is positionable; and a controller for: transmitting a first position signal to the microscope table, based on which the microscope table is movable into a first table position; causing the microscope, in a first examination step, to examine a first region of the sample associated with the first table position when the microscope table has been moved into the first table position; transmitting at least one second position signal to the microscope table, based on which the microscope table is movable into a second table position; and causing the microscope, in a second examination step chronologically following the first examination step, to examine a second region of the sample associated with the second table position when the microscope table has been moved into the second table position.