Microscope System Visual Feedback for Parameter Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of high-resolution microscopy systems face difficulties in understanding the effects of various setting variables during data acquisition and processing, which complicates the planning and execution of complex microscopy procedures, especially when dealing with irreversible sample changes.

Innovation Solution

A microscope system and computer program product that selectively output graphic data representing the influence of user-defined setting variables on data acquisition and processing, allowing users to interactively adjust and understand the impact of these variables before and during data acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex multi-step data acquisition procedures are used to achieve high-resolution microscopy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicroscopy resolutionVSAvoiddata acquisition procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides visual feedback through graphic representations that show the effect of setting variables on data acquisition steps. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the complex multi-step procedure by displaying how different parameter settings (such as illumination pattern periodicity, number of orientations, filter characteristics) affect the final image reconstruction, thereby reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high resolution capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple adjustable parameters are used to optimize image data resolution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage data resolutionVSAvoidparameter setting difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The graphic representation serves as an intermediary between the user and the complex parameter settings. Instead of directly adjusting multiple technical parameters, users can visually assess the effect of settings through displayed graphics showing different orientations and filter effects, making the operation easier while still achieving optimized resolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If extensive data processing is performed to achieve high resolution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicroscopy resolutionVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary visualization of processing effects through graphic representations before final image reconstruction. By showing users the impact of different processing parameters and filter settings in advance, the system allows for optimized parameter selection that reduces unnecessary processing steps, thereby decreasing overall processing time while maintaining high resolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2437097B1Microscope system, microscopy method and computer program product
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY GMBH
  • EP2437097B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2437097B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2437097B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A microscope system comprises a microscope (5-11) for data acquisition and a computing unit (2) configured to control the microscope (5-11) during data acquisition and/or to process raw data provided by the microscope (5-11). The computing unit (2) is coupled to an optical output unit (3). The microscope (5-11) and the computing unit (2) are configured to perform data acquisition and/or data processing based on values ​​set for a plurality of adjustment parameters. Depending on a user-defined adjustment parameter, the computing unit (2) selectively outputs graphic data (16) via the optical output unit (3). This data is associated with the selected adjustment parameter and represents the influence of the selected adjustment parameter on at least one step of a procedure underlying the data acquisition and/or data processing.