Virtual Microscope System for Sample Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscope systems require physical samples and equipment for analysis, which can be damaging or costly, and lack efficient simulation capabilities for training and education.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that simulate a complete microscope system, including a camera, using a high-resolution microscopic image and parameter settings, allowing for realistic virtual analysis without physical hardware, utilizing a computer program to mimic the behavior of real microscope and camera systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical microscope system with camera is used for analysis, then realistic image capture and analysis are achieved, but sample degradation occurs due to intense light exposure and the system requires costly physical hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the microscope system including virtual microscope, virtual camera, and virtual sample that replicates the optical paths, component behaviors, and image capture processes of physical systems. This virtual replica allows analysis without exposing physical samples to damaging conditions while maintaining analysis accuracy through faithful simulation of optical physics and camera characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical mechanical microscope system with a software-based virtual microscope system that uses computer algorithms to simulate optical paths, lens behaviors, and image formation. This substitution eliminates the need for physical hardware while preserving the analytical capabilities through mathematical modeling of optical processes.
2Ease of operation
If a complete physical microscope system is deployed for training and education, then realistic hands-on experience is provided, but hardware costs and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual replica of the complete microscope system including all optical components, mechanical stages, and camera systems. This virtual copy provides trainees with hands-on experience in manipulating virtual controls and observing virtual image formation without requiring expensive physical hardware, thereby reducing costs while maintaining training effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual microscope system serves multiple functions including training, education, method development, and analysis optimization all within a single software platform. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate physical systems for each purpose, reducing overall hardware requirements and costs.
3Measurement precision
If physical samples are used for repeated analysis and method development, then accurate results are obtained, but samples degrade over time and require replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual sample that is a digital replica of the physical sample, preserving all structural and optical characteristics. This virtual copy can be analyzed indefinitely without degradation, allowing repeated method development and validation while maintaining measurement precision through faithful reproduction of the original sample's optical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a preliminary digital scanning of the physical sample to create a high-resolution virtual replica before physical analysis. This preliminary action captures the complete sample information in digital form, allowing subsequent virtual analyses to proceed without further physical sample exposure, thereby preserving sample durability while enabling unlimited re-analysis.
4Measurement precision
If physical microscope equipment is used for analysis method development and optimization, then accurate performance evaluation is achieved, but time is lost due to setup and reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual microscope system that replicates all optical paths, component behaviors, and system characteristics of physical microscopes. This virtual copy allows rapid method development and optimization by enabling instant parameter changes and repeated testing without physical reconfiguration, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining validation accuracy through faithful simulation of optical physics.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual microscope system allows dynamic and instant modification of optical parameters, component configurations, and analysis methods without physical reconfiguration. Users can rapidly adjust focal lengths, aperture sizes, illumination conditions, and other parameters in real-time, enabling efficient method development and optimization while maintaining accurate performance evaluation through physics-based simulation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for simulating processes in a microscope system (10), which comprises a microscope (14) and a camera (12) connected to the microscope (14) for capturing microscopic images, in which a high-resolution complete microscopic image (80) of a sample (13) is first obtained with the microscope system (10). The method is characterized in that an image (84) which the camera (12) would see during actual examination of the sample (13) with the microscope (14) is simulated in a computer (40) based on the high-resolution complete microscopic image (80) of the sample (13) and depending on parameter settings of the microscope and/or the camera. The invention also relates to a device and a computer program for simulating processes in a microscope system, as well as to a computer program product.