Sample-Aware Microscopy Control Using a Large Language Model

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern microscopes require significant user expertise to set optimal imaging parameters, and existing voice-controlled systems and imaging programs fail to translate complex user descriptions into technical settings, necessitating laborious manual adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A microscopy system utilizing a large language model that processes textual inputs describing desired microscope images and samples to calculate appropriate settings and processing parameters, enabling users to specify image properties without detailed knowledge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual setting of microscope parameters is performed, then optimal image quality can be achieved, but significant user expertise and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiduser expertise requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an imaging program with a virtual assistant that acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex microscope parameter settings. The virtual assistant processes natural language descriptions of the desired image and automatically determines the appropriate technical parameters, eliminating the need for users to have expert knowledge while maintaining optimal image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of setting parameters with an automated software-based system. The virtual assistant uses artificial intelligence and natural language processing to substitute the manual adjustment mechanism, allowing users to simply describe their imaging goals without technically adjusting any parameters.

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

2Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of parameters is performed, then optimal settings can be achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter optimizationVSAvoidtime for parameter setting
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual assistant performs preliminary analysis of the user's imaging requirements and pre-calculates the optimal parameters before actual image acquisition begins. By processing the natural language description and determining settings in advance, the system eliminates time-consuming trial-and-adjustment cycles during the imaging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging program performs self-service by automatically determining optimal parameters based on the user's description and the characteristics of the sample and microscope system. The system independently analyzes requirements, selects appropriate settings, and configures parameters without requiring user intervention or time investment in parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If voice commands are used to control microscope, then operation simplicity is improved, but the system cannot process complex natural language experiment descriptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidnatural language processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual assistant dynamically adapts its processing capabilities based on the complexity of the user's description. Rather than being limited to fixed voice commands, the system flexibly handles descriptions ranging from simple to highly complex, adjusting its analysis depth and parameter selection strategy according to the specific imaging requirements expressed by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters from simple command recognition to complex natural language understanding. The virtual assistant processes linguistic structures, extracts imaging requirements, and translates them into technical parameters, fundamentally changing how the system interprets user input from rigid commands to flexible descriptive language.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250328003A1Microscopy System and Related Methods
Publication Date: 2025.10.23 CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY GMBH
  • US20250328003A1 patent drawing
  • US20250328003A1 patent drawing
  • US20250328003A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In a computer-implemented method for controlling a microscope, a textual input describing a desired microscope image and an employed sample is received. The textual input and an overview image of the employed sample are input into a large language model, which is trained to process the textual input and the overview image together to calculate microscope settings for capturing a microscope image that corresponds to the desired microscope image. A microscope image is then captured with these calculated microscope settings.