Digital Microscope Automated Workflow Collision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital microscopes require manual and time-consuming processes for sample placement and focusing, which can lead to potential collisions and suboptimal image capture, hindering efficient microscopy workflows.
Innovation Solution
A digital microscope equipped with multiple monitoring sensors and a sophisticated image processing system that captures a two-dimensional overview image to automate sample positioning and focusing, using software control to adjust the optical unit and sample stage, and additional sensors for collision detection and three-dimensional imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sample placement and focusing is used, then the user can visually check sample positioning, but the process is time-consuming and cannot reliably prevent damage to optics or sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical visual inspection process with an automated optical monitoring system. A monitoring sensor captures images of the sample and sample stage, which are then processed by a monitoring unit to detect collision risks automatically, eliminating the need for manual visual checking and preventing damage more reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the monitoring unit to autonomously analyze monitoring data, detect potential collisions, and control the optical unit and sample stage movements without human intervention. The system monitors itself and takes corrective actions automatically.
2Extent of automation
If multiple monitoring sensors and automated control are added, then workflow automation and collision detection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring sensor serves multiple functions: it captures overview images for workflow automation, detects collision risks by monitoring sample and optics positions, and provides data for both navigation and safety control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the monitoring functions for workflow automation and collision detection into a single integrated system. The monitoring sensor and monitoring unit handle both navigation assistance and collision risk detection, merging what could be separate systems into one unified solution.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a digital microscope and a method for optimizing a workflow in such a digital microscope. According to the invention, the digital microscope comprises at least one first monitoring sensor for observing a sample (08), a sample stage (04), an optical unit (02), or a user, and a monitoring unit. In the method according to the invention, first observation data from the first monitoring sensor are acquired and automatically analyzed and evaluated in the monitoring unit to generate control data and use this data to control the workflow of the digital microscope.