Microscope Accessory Configuration Through Visual Interface Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microscope configuration methods require manual entry of position numbers, lack real-time guidance, and are complex, making them difficult for users to accurately configure accessories and verify compatibility with imaging modes.

Innovation Solution

A microscope configuration method that provides visual guidance through a display interface, allowing users to set configuration item information via controls, display accessory information, and ensure compatibility with imaging modes, using a processor to associate and store accessory information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration of objectives/accessories is performed by entering position numbers, then the microscope can be configured with different accessories, but the configuration process becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to configure different objectives and accessoriesVSAvoidcomplexity of configuration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the installed accessory type and retrieves its configuration parameters from the database, eliminating the need for manual entry. The microscope system self-configures by matching detected accessories with stored parameter sets, making the process automatic and error-free

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration parameters for various accessories are pre-stored in the database during system setup. When an accessory is installed, the system simply retrieves the pre-configured parameters rather than requiring real-time manual configuration, significantly simplifying the operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If users manually enter position numbers and configuration information, then accessories can be configured, but the accuracy and reliability of configuration are difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to configure accessoriesVSAvoidaccuracy of configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback by detecting which accessory is installed and automatically retrieving and applying the correct configuration parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the configured parameters always match the actual hardware, eliminating manual entry errors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of reading position numbers and entering them is replaced by an automatic detection system that identifies accessories and retrieves their parameters electronically, eliminating human error in the configuration process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If comprehensive configuration information is stored for each accessory, then compatibility with imaging modes can be verified, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification of accessory-imaging mode compatibilityVSAvoidcomplexity of configuration system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single database structure stores multiple types of configuration parameters (optical path, detector settings, imaging modes, etc.) for each accessory type. This universal database serves multiple functions: configuration, verification, and parameter retrieval, reducing overall system complexity despite handling comprehensive information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4641373A1Microscope configuration method and microscope system
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH
  • EP4641373A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4641373A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4641373A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a microscope configuration method and a microscope system wherein configuration information is visualized based on a display connected to a microscope, the configuration method comprising determining a target accessory, said display showing a first human-machine interface corresponding to said target accessory, said first interface having one or more controls corresponding to said target accessory; setting configuration item information for said controls; associating said controls with said configuration item information, and generating and storing an association record for said controls. The microscope configuration method provided by the present invention is simple to operate, does not require the user to memorize the positional relationship between the target accessory and the microscope, and enables fast and accurate setting of configuration item information for the target accessory by means of guidance information on the display.