DE10249177B4 - Operating unit for a microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

One-hand operable Operating unit for a microscope, with at least one operating element (50, 51, 54, 52a - 52h, 63), via which a microcontroller (29a) of the operating unit with control commands for Control of a number of microscope functional units can be acted upon, characterized in that a microcontroller (29a) associated memory means (29b) has a first memory area having a loading software for loading a function of the Control (50, 51, 54, 52a - 52h, 63) defining software in another memory area of the memory device (29b) Is provided.

Description

The The present invention relates to a control unit for a microscope according to the preamble of Patent claim 1.

Motorized microscopes in which system components or functional units for carrying out at least one motor-operated function are provided on a microscope body are known. As an example, reference is made to the commercially available product "Leica DMLA ^®" of the applicant. This is a motorized microscope in which major microscope functions such. B. magnification change, light setting or focusing, are motorized and a microprocessor controller optimally The motorized functions can be controlled via a PC or central control electronics, and the microscope can be controlled by means of a separate operating device from the actual microscope body, which has sensors that can supply analogue signals to the control electronics via a single line Because of the spatial separation of the operating device from the microscope, it can be freely positioned and thus adapted to the individual body size of the user, for example, the applicant's microscope MZ16A with a CAN bus and a decentralized n intelligence equipped. D. h., Both in the functional units and in the control unit microprocessors are installed, which are each loaded with a specially assigned software, which provide both for the control of the respective functional units associated actuators, as well as for communication of the units with each other. To replace the software in such functional units, the microprocessor must be set by pressing a jumper, ie hardware, in a charging mode. Then the new software is loaded via a serial interface and then the jumper is reset. There is no control as to whether the loaded software belongs to the functional unit or not. To change the software, therefore, the device must be opened, and there is a risk of damage to the device. If a wrong software is loaded, this will result in malfunction of the microscope and, if necessary, a costly troubleshooting. In the control panel, however, the software is burned on the processor. A software change requires the removal of the processor, its deletion and a new burning.

It is also known, such motorized microscopes with bus systems to equip about which a communication between each other between the functional units to carry out and Coordination of the respective microscope functions, as well as between the functional units and the control in a simple manner is feasible.

The individual functional units of such a motorized microscope usually have an actuator or a command input device and a communicating with the actuator or the command input unit Microcontroller, which with a corresponding memory device is formed or cooperates. In this storage unit is usually a software controlling the respective function or Firmware stored on which the microcontroller for control accesses the associated actuator. In traditional systems is a change this software or firmware, for example as part of an up-dates, So not without a complicated opening the respective functional unit possible, in which case the microcontroller must be removed and re-fired, or at least by means of a jumper setting to make a hardware change got to.

From the JP 200245682 A For example, a system for modifying the firmware of an electronic endoscope connected to different peripheral devices is known. An arrangement for providing an open, ie expandable system for microscope control by means of a single-handed operating unit, as is the subject of the present application, is not known from this document.

In the EP 1155654 A1 an endoscope is shown with a transponder. A multifunctional operating unit is not described in this document, furthermore, an exchange of software (firmware) is not discussed.

The DE 195 48 091 A1 describes a generic multifunctional control unit. An individual user setting of such a control unit depending on specific circumstances or user wishes is not described in this document.

The DE 100 51 299 A1 describes a microscope with multifunctional controls. Here, the operating unit is integrated in the tripod of the microscope. This system has a control computer. There is no question here of a decentralized computer architecture.

Finally, out of the DE 196 37 755 A1 a system for simplifying the execution of certain functions, for example a microscope known. Although different in this document Operating states of an input device described. A free configurability of such an input device depending on specific circumstances or operator needs is not described.

task the invention is the creation of a motorized microscope, its operability and manageability is improved over conventional solutions.

These Task is solved by an operating unit having the features of patent claim 1.

The invention Operating unit is characterized by the characterizing features of the claim 1 off.

According to the invention, using the provided bootstrap loader software, installation software downloaded in a simple way to the microcontroller of the control unit become. This installation software then enables in easy way one - pure Software Update the software or firmware of the microcontroller of the operating unit, whereby, in particular, an assignment or a definition of the operating elements, especially the operating wheels or the control buttons or the control ball is feasible.

The Control unit according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that it has a bus system directly, i. in particular without the interposition of signal conditioning units, with communicates with the other (motorized) functional units of the microscope, so that on the control given control commands roll directly into the Mikrocont the respective functional units can be executed. There the operating unit according to the invention in a particularly simple manner programmable or with respect to their Controls is adjustable, is an individualized use the control unit by a number of users in a simple manner possible.

advantageous Embodiments of each operating unit according to the invention are the subject of Dependent claims.

That over the Operating unit operable Microscope, for example, a motorized zoom unit, a motorized filter wheel, a motorized iris, a motorized Shutter, a motorized focus, especially fine focus, a motorized aperture, a motorized transmitted light base, a motorized Incident light source, a motorized X-Y table and / or a motorized Fluorescence module on. The optional combination of such functional units allows the optimal functionality of the microscope according to the invention, wherein all Functional units by means of the operating unit according to the invention in a simpler Way are controllable.

The Control unit according to the invention is expediently laterally with at least one manually operable wheel, and on the top with at least one manually operable Pushbutton trained. By means of such an embodiment of the Control unit ensures high ergonomics (one-hand operation) the whole functionality of the microscope are brought together in a single control unit can. The operating unit according to the invention, as already mentioned, directly to the bus, over which the functional units of the microscope communicate with each other, tethered. By means of the combination of wheels and buttons is a free Configurability of all functional units and the possibility multiple storage of configurations, for example personal configurations, easily possible. It is conceivable, for example, the fine movement of a zoom or a Focus by means of respective first and second wheels, and the Coarse movement to accomplish by means of pushbuttons. Hereby leave in a simple way continuous movements or constant Speeds as well as constantly accelerated movements in the frame focus or zoom setup realize. By means of a simple keystroke can normalized Positions are approached, or for example by means of a double push button to a desired Be approached end position. In addition, it is possible that by pressing certain key combinations when switching on Default assignments activated (e.g., right / left switching). Furthermore, can a keyboard shortcut for storing and retrieving one used a specific user assigned system state from a ring buffer become. Such keyboard shortcuts are especially for Identification of individual users can be used.

in the Shutters provided under a microscope can also be used operated by pushbutton become. Furthermore, a continuous pressure on such a button "dimmer-like" for controllable Light sources (intensity increase or decrease) used become. A filter revolver operation can in a simple manner by means of two dedicated push buttons carried out become.

One current status (focus, zoom, filter, iris diaphragm position, shutter, etc.) can be stored, for example, with only one key by means of a ring buffer are, where appropriate up to five possible Positions simultaneously (for example, in an EEPROM) can be stored are.

Also an iris diaphragm of a microscope can electronically by means of a rotary wheel be adjusted, where for this function may be provided in particular a third rotary wheel can.

Conveniently, is a software supported Adjusting the focusing speed to a current magnification of the Microscope provided.

It is preferred, the wheels with a device for inertia support Provide movement, whereby, for example, the focus or zoom supported by inertia can. at according to heavy wheels This can be realized by having a strong one Move impulse independently.

It is beneficial if the ratio between the travel speed of the X-Y stage and the operating speed of the control element depends on the currently set zoom magnification.

The Control unit according to the invention Can with a built-in magnetic holder in the bottom plate for possible rest positions be formed on the microscope itself. This is a very simple one Positioning or fastening the operating unit to a microscope realizable.

According to one particularly preferred embodiment of the microscope according to the invention the control unit designed illuminated. The design of the control unit for example, with a luminous element (its power supply for example via the Bus system can be realized) is especially for dark room applications useful.

According to one preferred embodiment of Control unit according to the invention is at least one operating element in a control unit floor surface such arranged that a shift of the operating unit via a Pad an operation of this Operating element causes.

It is conceivable, for example, a relative movement in a bottom plate the operating unit with respect a pad, such as a laboratory table, for control to use an X-Y table of the microscope, this function by a built-in in the bottom plate of the control unit general Switch (proximity sensor, capacitive switch, etc.) or but by a "mouse-like" sphere, which in the bottom plate of the control unit is inserted and at a Movement of the operating unit via a pad interacts with this, can be realized. In this case, it is particularly advantageous, for example, one of Provide operating buttons as a means by which a movement of the Control unit via a pad either with or from the corresponding movement the X-Y table can be coupled or decoupled. This is the Handling of the operating unit according to the invention relieved, thereby ensuring is that the user can set the operating unit in such a way that not every movement of the control unit on the pad to a corresponding movement of the X-Y stage of the microscope leads. This measure is in particular by means of a simple keystroke feasible. It may also be appropriate for this a manually operated Proximity sensor or proximity switch provided.

According to one another preferred embodiment the operating unit according to the invention has this is a magnetic holding device, by means of which they can be fixed to a microscope. Such a mounting device, realized with a particularly simple attachment to a microscope is proving to be very beneficial, especially in everyday laboratory work. The operating unit according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that all operating elements are manually, i.e. can be actuated without removal of a hand from the control. For the first time is thus a substantially complete operation of all motorized functional units of a microscope over a one-handed operated operating unit realized.

The Invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this one shows

1 2 is a schematic block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a microscope to which the operating unit according to the invention is assigned,

2 a block diagram of the individual, communicating with each other via a bus system functional units of a microscope according to 1 , and

3 a preferred embodiment of an operating unit according to the invention in plan view, and

4 the operating unit according to the invention 3 in a view from below.

A preferred embodiment of a controllable with the control unit according to the invention microscope is. in 1 in total with 10 designated. The microscope 10 has an optics carrier 12 on which a total with 14 designated optical System carries.

The microscope 10 has a base 13 on which with a motorized xy table 13a is provided.

The optical system 14 is by means of a motorized focus device 16 on a tripod 17 traversable.

The optical system 14 has an eyepiece 20 , in particular as a fluorescence module 22 formed epi-illumination with a motorized shutter and a motorized adjustable filter wheel, here specifically for receiving at least one fluorescence filter, a motorized zoom 24 and a lens changer 26 on, which in the present case two optional lenses 28 . 30 wearing. Also the lens changer 26 can optionally be operated by motor.

Instead of the incident light source of the fluorescence module 22 or in addition to this, another incident illumination 32 or a transmitted light base (not shown) below the base 13 be arranged with motor intensity adjustment.

The illustrated components 13 . 16 . 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 32 represent functional units of the microscope 10 represents.

These functional units are via a (in 1 not shown in detail) bus system with each other, as well as connected to external facilities or functional units. As external facilities one recognizes in the 1 in particular a manually operable control unit 29 and one with a universal interface 34 or different interfaces, eg USB1, USB2 or IEEE 1394 or RS232, trained computer 33 , Both via the control unit 29 as well as the computer 33 is a control of the functional units of the microscope 10 feasible. A controller is also simultaneous with both units 29 . 33 feasible.

As already mentioned, the individual functional units of the microscope 10 as well as the external elements 29 . 33 connected via a bus system. The bus system may be, for example, a CAN system. Such a bus system is in 2 represented and in total with 40 designated. By means of such a bus system, a standardized transmission of information between the individual functional units of the microscope can be realized in a simple manner. The bus system can be designed as a simple bus system, in which various types of information, such as data, control signals or addresses over the same lines are transmitted sequentially (serial). Also conceivable is the realization as a multiple-bus system with several individual bus systems, via which only information of the same kind are transmitted.

In 2 one recognizes in particular those already in 1 illustrated functional units engine focus 16 , Fluorescence module 22 and engine zoom 24 , Furthermore, recognizes as another functional unit, the control 29 , which, as already mentioned, is also connected to the bus system.

As other components connected to the bus system 40 can be connected, is an example of a functional unit for aperture adjustment and a handwheel ("hand wheel") call 1 not shown may also be connected to a functional unit "display" for displaying system-specific data. In order to illustrate the possibility of any equipment of a microscope with such radio tion units, are in 2 two further functional units shown, each with reference numerals 21 are provided.

The control element communicating directly with the bus system 29 allows a particularly simple and effective control of all functional units with one hand. Unlike traditional solutions, multiple controls are not required. This can effectively reduce the number of microscope components over conventional solutions.

In 2 Furthermore, the structure of the individual functional units is shown schematically. With a is in each case a microcontroller, and b each one of the microcontroller a associated memory means b. The respective functional units furthermore have an actuator, which is shown purely schematically as a frame surrounding the microcontroller and the memory device and designated by c. It is also possible to connect the functional units via further bus systems with other applications, not shown. This is in 2 exemplified by the double arrows 41 - 44 This may be, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) or an IEEE bus ("Firewire"), in particular using an RS232 interface.

The construction shown is the example of the engine focus 16 explained in detail. The engine focus 16 has a microcontroller 16a and a memory device 16b on. The storage device 16b is divided into a first area 16b ' in which a bootstrap software and optionally an operating system is stored. A second area 16b ' contains a control software for the engine focus in a current version. Finally, the third area contains 16b ''' Calibration data for operating the engine focus within the scope of the invention The microscope according to the invention are necessary or expedient.

The other functional units shown have a similar structure, so that a detailed description of the respective microcontroller or memory devices is dispensed with here. For the control unit 29 are the microcontroller 29a , the storage device 29b including the memory areas 29b ' , b '', b '''and the actor 29c each explicitly designated.

According to the invention, it is particularly easy to download an update of the control software of the functional units into the respective memory areas b ". This again is based on the engine focus 16 explained.

The in the memory area 16b ' contained bootstrap loader software is a relatively small program, by means of which extensive software applications in their respective memory areas, in the present case the control software area 16b ' , can be loaded. For this purpose, it is only necessary, the bootstrap loader program via a corresponding input command, which for example via the computer 33 into the system can be activated. This can be followed by one, for example, also on the computer 33 loaded updated version of the engine focus control software 16 in the area 16b ' the storage device 16b be downloaded.

in the Unlike traditional Solutions is the opening a functional operating unit for software update is no longer required.

A Installation software used in conjunction with the bootstrap loader software described is able to automatically create a respective motorized functional unit to recognize the microscope. By means of the invention used customized boot loaders and over any bus can use the appropriate application software, or a required or desired Update, performed become; this can be done automatically or interactively.

The Areas b 'and b '' 'are preferably as protected memory areas educated.

A preferred embodiment of the control element according to the invention 29 is in 3 shown.

One recognizes two operating wheels 50 . 51 and a number of control buttons 52a to 52h , Although these control wheels or buttons are assignable with functions in any way, reference is made below to a preferred allocation possibility. The operating wheels 50 . 51 . 52 are easily accessible from above for a user, in the lateral sections of the control 29 educated. It is preferred that the operating wheel 50 for fine adjustment of the motor focus 16 serves. An optionally suitable coarse adjustment can be achieved by actuating at least one of the keys 52a to 52h respectively. The control wheel 51 is expediently to adjust the motor zoom 24 used, also expediently by means of the control wheel 51 a fine adjustment and a corresponding key actuation of at least one of the keys 52a to 52h a corresponding coarse adjustment is performed.

Finally, you recognize in 3 a third wheel 54 , which is arranged in the rear region of the operating element. This wheel 54 is preferably used for the incremental control of an iris diaphragm.

By means of at least one key, for example the key 52a , a storage of certain microscope positions is feasible. By means of this key a toggle function for switching between certain stored positions can also be realized.

The operating element 29 is over a line 60 (see also 1 ), or wirelessly by bus 40 connectable.

It should be noted that expediently all functional units, which with reference to the 1 and 2 were explained by means of a corresponding operation of the keys 52a to 52h are controllable.

The integration of operating wheels or rotating wheels 50 . 51 , the operating wheel or knurling ring 54 and the buttons 52a to 52h in just one operating unit and its special arrangement allows the one-handed control of all functional units without the operator having to remove his hand from the control unit. The simple software update allows individual assignment of the controls depending on the equipment of the device, in particular according to the existing functional units or components of the microscope or the wishes of the user, in particular can be taken into account whether a right- or left-handed operation is desired.

Finally, be up 4 referenced, in which a view of the operating unit according to the 3 is shown from below. One recognizes those already with reference to 3 illustrated operating wheels 50 . 51 and 54 , In the bottom plate 62 the control unit 29 here is a recess 61 introduced, in which a control ball 63 is arranged. The control ball 63 stands with respect to the bottom plate 62 in such a way that upon movement of the base plate via a base ("mouse-like") it can execute a rotational movement, via which a functional unit of the microscope, in particular an XY table, can be actuated. The combination of such provided on the underside of the control unit control with the plurality of controls on the top of the control unit, which with reference to 3 described in detail, allows complete operation of all essential motorized functional units of a microscope. In 4 are also magnets 64 recognizable, which in the bottom plate 62 are embedded and represent a magnetic holder of the control unit for mounting on a microscope.

10

microscope

12

optics carrier

14

optical system

13

Base

13a

motorized x-y table

16

motorized Focus device, engine focus

a

designated one microcontroller each

b

designated each a memory device

c

designated one actor each

16a

microcontroller

16b

memory device

16b '

first Area of the storage device

16b '

second Area, control software area of the Spei

chereinrichtung

16b '' '

third Area of the storage device

17

tripod

20

eyepiece

21

Further functional units

22

fluorescence module

24

motorized zoom

26

objective changer

28

lens

29

manually actuated operating unit

29a

microcontroller the control unit

29b

memory device the control unit

29b ', b' ', b' '

storage areas

29c

actuator the control unit

30

lens

32

Barlight

33

computer

34

Universal Interface

40

Bus system

41-44

double arrows

50, 51

control wheels

52a-52h

Control buttons, buttons

54

third Operating wheel, knurled ring

60

management

61

recess

62

Base plate, Operating unit floor area

63

Control ball, -element

64

magnets

Claims (8)

One-hand operating control unit for a microscope, with at least one operating element ( 50 . 51 . 54 . 52a - 52h , 63), via which a microcontroller ( 29a ) of the operating unit with control commands for controlling or controlling a number of microscope functional units can be acted upon, characterized in that a microcontroller ( 29a ) associated memory device ( 29b ) has a first memory area provided with a loading software for loading a function of the operating element ( 50 . 51 . 54 . 52a - 52h . 63 ) in a further memory area of the memory device ( 29b ) Is provided. Operating unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating unit via a bus system ( 40 ), in particular a CAN-BUS system, communicates with the microscope functional units. Operating unit according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit designed illuminated is. Operating unit according to one of the preceding claims by a ring buffer means by which a number of individual user settings the functions assigned to the functional units can be stored. Operating unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one operating element ( 63 ) in a control panel floor surface ( 62 ) is arranged such that a displacement of the operating unit via a pad an actuation of the at least one operating element ( 63 ) causes. Control unit according to claim 5, characterized in that it is formed in the control unit in the bottom surface of the control element ( 60 ) is a control ball which communicates with an XY table of the microscope such that a movement of the control unit via a base can cause a corresponding movement of the XY table of the microscope, wherein means ( 52a to 52h ) are provided, by means of which a movement of the operating unit via a pad optionally with or can be coupled or decoupled from the corresponding movement of the XY-table. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a magnetic mounting device ( 64 ), by means of which it can be fixed to a microscope. Operating unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that all controls the control unit manually, without removing one hand from the control element, actuated are.