Touch Screen Interface for Laser Processing Specimen Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer-assisted microscopy systems face difficulties in efficiently altering the field of view and positioning specimens due to complex motion controls and the need to coordinate multiple motion elements, particularly in laser processing systems where the specimen is sealed and requires precise three-dimensional manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A touch screen user interface integrated with an optical microscope, connected to motion stages, allows users to input commands that are translated into output commands to alter the relationship between the specimen and the field of view, simulating direct manipulation of the specimen by moving the specimen under the camera's field of view in response to user touch inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote controls are used to move the field of view around the specimen, then the specimen can be examined, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming due to coordinating multiple motion elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an image of the specimen and displays it on a touch screen. The user interacts with the displayed image copy rather than directly controlling multiple motion stages. Touch inputs on the screen are mapped to corresponding movements of the specimen or field of view, simplifying the interface to intuitive point-and-click operation while the system handles the complex coordination of multiple motion elements in the background.
2Measurement precision
If multiple motion elements are coordinated to position the specimen in three dimensions, then precise positioning is achieved, but the setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images of the specimen using a camera and displays them in real-time on the touch screen. As the user touches and drags positions on the screen, the system provides visual feedback by showing the updated specimen position. This real-time feedback loop allows users to make precise positioning adjustments while seeing immediate results, reducing trial-and-error time and accelerating the setup process for three-dimensional specimen positioning.
3Reliability
If the specimen is sealed in a sample chamber, then the specimen is protected, but access to the specimen is limited making field of view adjustment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The touch screen interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the sealed specimen. Instead of requiring physical access to manually adjust or view the specimen, users interact with a digital representation of the specimen displayed on the screen. The system translates touch inputs into automated movements of the specimen or field of view within the sealed chamber, maintaining specimen protection while providing intuitive control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A touch screen user interface for an optical device wherein the touch screen user interface is connected to a controller which controls motion stages permitting the motion stages to re-position, re-size, re-orient or focus the field of view of the optical device in response to commands input from the touch screen user interface.