Microscope Stand Target-Point Alignment After Ergonomic Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscope stands require time-consuming and effortful realignment procedures when moved from a desired position or orientation, especially under high optical magnification, and do not allow for ergonomic repositioning or automated realignment to a new view angle.
Innovation Solution
A method and stand for microscopes with controllable positioning and orienting means, using a control unit to define and automatically stabilize and realign a target point, allowing for ergonomic repositioning and automated refocusing without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the microscope is moved to a different position and/or orientation by the user, then the accessibility and observability of the region of interest is improved, but the focusing is lost and time-consuming manual realignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated realignment without user intervention. The control unit automatically calculates the new orientation parameters and actuates the positioning means to realign the microscope with the target point, making the system self-correcting after user movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors detecting the microscope's current position and orientation to automatically adjust the positioning means. The control unit continuously monitors the microscope's state and actuates the positioning means to maintain alignment with the target point.
2Extent of automation
If conventional automated realignment methods are used, then the microscope returns to the previously saved position and orientation, but the user cannot relocate to a different preferred position or observe under a different view angle
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to user needs by allowing repositioning to any position within the accessible coordinate range, not just returning to a fixed saved position. The automated realignment adapts to the new user-determined position while maintaining alignment with the target point.
3Measurement precision
If the microscope is moved under high optical magnification, then the detailed observation capability is improved, but it becomes difficult to find the region of interest and manual realignment becomes even more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs realignment without user intervention, eliminating the time-consuming manual search for the target region that occurs under high magnification. The control unit calculates and executes the realignment automatically.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the stand provides multiple degrees of freedom for positioning, then the microscope can be positioned at desired locations and orientations, but the system becomes complex and manual balancing becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical balancing with automated electronic control. Sensors detect the microscope's position and orientation, and the control unit automatically actuates the positioning means to achieve and maintain proper alignment, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automatedly aligning a stand (12) for a microscope (14), wherein the stand (12) for the microscope (14) comprises controllable positioning means (16) for positioning the microscope (14) and controllable orienting means (18) for orienting the microscope (14). The method comprises defining a target point (24) to be observed by the microscope (14), wherein the target point (24) is located within a coordinate range accessible by the stand (12), stabilizing the microscope (14) at a user determined position in an automated manner by means of the controllable positioning means (16) of the stand, and adjusting an orientation of the microscope (14) at the user determined position to the target point (24) in an automated manner using the controllable orienting means (18) of the stand. The invention further relates to a stand, a microscope assembly (10), a control unit, a computer program and a computer-readable data storage.