JP2000149849A - Sample observation device operating system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate change of a definition of a switch or an encoder on an operation panel so as to flexibly comply with a change in specification. SOLUTION: This system is provided with an operation panel 1 provided with a plurality of operating means S1, S2,..., E1, E2,..., a definition means 5 defining operation contents of the respective operation means, a command generating means 3 detecting an operation of the plurality of operation means and generating a command for the operation contents defined by the definition means 5, control means 7, 9 analyzing the command for controlling a sample observation device 10, and communication means 4, 6 carrying out communication between the command generating means 3 and the controlling means 7. A command for an operation content of each of the plurality of operation means S1, S2,..., E1, E2,... defined by the definition means 5 in response to an operation input from the operation panel 1 is generated, and on the basis of this command, the sample observation device 10 is controlled by the controlling means 7, 9.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sample observation device operation system for controlling a sample observation device based on a command generated by an operation input from an operation panel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional operation panel, functions of switches and knobs on a panel are almost always uniquely defined. For example, a knob called objective lens focus
It is used only to change the current of a lens such as a convergent lens or an objective lens. The definition was determined by the control software program of the main unit.

[0003] In recent years, user demands have been diversified, and T
Multifunctionalization of EM (transmission electron microscope) has been advanced. Along with this, there are many cases where the device is used for a purpose that could not have been predicted when the device was born. In many cases, the optimal layout of the operation panel differs for each purpose of use.

[0004]

However, in a multifunctional device such as a TEM once completed, a change in the definition of switches and knobs on the operation panel requires a major change in control software. Further, when a knob for a new function is added, it is necessary to add an I / O or increase the number of cable wirings, etc., more than a large-scale change of software. . Therefore, in the conventional apparatus, even if the layout can be physically changed such as rearrangement or addition of switches, it is practically very difficult to change the circuit and software. In addition, when many operation panels are prepared from the beginning, circuits and software corresponding to the respective operation panels are required, and the circuits and software become very complicated, so that even a slight change becomes impossible.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is intended to easily change the definition of switches and encoders of an operation panel and to flexibly cope with a change in specifications. It is.

For this purpose, the present invention provides a sample observation device operation system for controlling a sample observation device based on a command generated by an operation input from an operation panel, wherein the operation panel includes a plurality of operation means, Definition means for defining the operation content of each of the plurality of operation means, command generation means for detecting an operation of the plurality of operation means and generating a command of the operation content defined by the definition means, and analyzing the command Control means for controlling the sample observation device, and communication means for performing communication between the command generation means and the control means, and defined by the definition means in response to an operation input from the operation panel. Generating a command of each operation content of the plurality of operation means, and controlling the sample observation device by the control means based on the command. A.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a view showing an embodiment of a sample observation device operation system according to the present invention, wherein 1 is an operation panel, 2 is an operation panel reading circuit, 3 is an operation panel CPU,
Is a communication control unit, 5 is a memory, 6 is a communication control unit, 7 is a CP
U and 8 are memories, 9 is a TEM control circuit, 10 is a lens barrel, 1
1 is a CRT, 12 is a keyboard, 13 is a data storage medium, S1, S2,... Are switches, E1, E2,.

In FIG. 1, an operation panel 1 includes a plurality of switches S1, S2,...
E2,... Are portions that serve as an interface with the operator who has arranged E2,. The operation panel reading circuit 2 is a circuit for constantly reading and monitoring the state of the switches and encoders of the operation panel 1. If any change occurs, the switch or encoder and the contents (ON,
Off, notch up, notch down, number of notches, etc.) are notified to the read operation panel CPU 3. Operation panel CPU
Numeral 3 stores, in the memory 5, definition information to be converted into commands in accordance with predetermined states of switches and encoders of the operation panel 1, and notifies the contents of changes in the operation panel 1 read from the operation panel reading circuit 2. And a command in accordance with the definition of the memory 5 and transmitted to the TEM main body via the communication control unit 4. The communication control unit 4 performs communication with the communication control unit 6 of the TEM main body. The above constitutes the operation panel subsystem.

The operation panel subsystem and the TEM main body communicate with each other through the communication controllers 4 and 6, and the TEM main body sets observation conditions of the electron microscope and other settings based on commands transmitted from the operation panel subsystem. Perform control. That T
The EM body consists of the following.

When receiving a command transmitted from the communication control unit 4 of the operation panel subsystem, the communication control unit 6
The data is transferred to the PU 7. The keyboard 12 is used to input data, instructions, and the like. The keyboard 12 is used to set conditions necessary for operating the TEM, but is also used to change the setting conditions of the operation panel 1. CRT11
Is for displaying information necessary for operating the TEM, displaying the state of the apparatus, displaying set conditions, displaying observation images, displaying input information of the keyboard 12, and the like. The CPU 7 controls the TEM control circuit 9 according to the command transmitted from the operation panel subsystem,
The input / output control for the keyboard 12, the CRT 11, the memory 8, and the data storage medium 13 is performed. Further, as described above, since the functions required as switches and encoders on the operation panel differ depending on the operator or the purpose of use of the device, the definition stored in the memory 5 depends on the purpose of use of the user or the device. Need to change. Data storage medium 1
3 is also for storing these conditions, and C
The PU 7 sets and updates definition information in the memory 5 of the operation panel subsystem via the communication control unit 6.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the definition of a switch group. For example, numbers, types, groups, functions, and conditions for permission are defined and stored in the memory 5. Here, the type is the type of the switch, M is a momentary switch (bounce switch), and A is an alternate switch (the pressed state is maintained). A group is a group that functions as a radio button, and switches in the same group function as radio buttons. The function is a function to operate when the switch is pressed, and MAG is set to MAG, DIFF is set to DIFF, BEAM SHIFT is selected for BEAM SHIFT, BEAM TILT is selected for BEAM TILT, T
V ON is a TV on / off switch. Permission is
Whether the switch is permitted to be used (EN) or not permitted (DA).

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the definition of an encoder group. For example, a number, a function, a coefficient, and a condition of permission are defined. The numbers and permissions have the same meaning as in FIG. The function is a function that you want to reflect the signal of the encoder,
CL3 is for CL3 variable, OL is for OL variable, DEFX is for deflection system X variable, DEFY is for deflection system Y variable, STAG
EX is for moving the X sample, and STAGEEY is for moving the Y sample. The coefficient is the amount of change per encoder notch.

As in the system according to the present invention, a command corresponding to each operation content is generated according to the definition stored in the memory 5 in response to the operation input of the switch or the encoder from the operation panel 1, and the operation panel subsystem To T
By transmitting the command to the EM body and analyzing the command by the TEM body to control the electron microscope, even if the number and position of switches and encoders are changed, the TEM body can be changed only by changing the definition of the memory 5. There is no need to change hardware or software. Further, if the operation panel reading circuit 2 has a circuit capable of reading a sufficient number of switches and encoders in advance, it is necessary to change the circuit of the operation panel subsystem even if the number and arrangement of the switches and encoders of the operation panel 1 are changed. Disappears.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation when the encoder E2 of the operation panel is turned to the two notch UP side and an operation when the switch S1 is pressed.

First, it is assumed that panel conditions most suitable for the operator and the purpose of use are set from the keyboard 12 or the like of the TEM main body, and the definitions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are set. Therefore,
First, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the encoder E2 is turned to the two notches UP side in the encoder group of the operation panel 1 (step S11), the operation panel reading circuit 2 reads the two notches UP of the encoder E2. Counter 2 (notch)
(Step S12). The operation panel CPU 3 is shown in FIG.
Is interpreted as 2 × 10 UP by the OL according to the definition (step S13), a command “OL + 20” is generated (step S14), and transmitted to the TEM main body via the communication control unit 4 (step S15).

The communication control unit 6 of the TEM receives the communication from the operation panel subsystem (step S16), and
U7 receives the command “OL + 20” from the communication control unit 6 (Step S17). The CPU 7 controls the TE so as to increase the OL current by 20 bits according to the command.
The M control circuit is controlled (step S18).

As shown in FIG. 4B, when the switch S1 in the switch group of the operation panel 1 is turned on (step S21), the operation panel reading circuit 2 reads the on state of the switch S1 (step S21). Step S22). C for operation panel
PU3 interprets that the MAG mode is ON according to the definition of FIG. 2 (step S23), and issues the command “MAGO”.
N ”is generated (step S24), and transmitted to the TEM main body via the communication control unit 4 (step S25).

The communication control unit 6 of the TEM receives the communication from the operation panel subsystem (step S26), and
U7 receives the command “MAG ON” from the communication control unit 6 (Step S27). The CPU 7 controls the TEM control circuit to enter the MAG mode according to the command (step S28).

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a system for operating an electron microscope has been described. However, the present invention may be similarly applied to a system for performing other sample observation. Further, the switch group and the encoder group are mounted on the operation panel subsystem. However, other operation mechanisms such as a tracker ball corresponding to a set of two encoders may be mounted, and a change in the inclination of the joystick. The amount may be sent to the reading circuit as a change amount of the encoder. Further, the operation panel itself does not need to be particularly one, and can be divided into a plurality as necessary. As long as the command is predetermined on both the operation panel subsystem side and the TEM main body side, the form is not particularly limited and may be a sequence of numbers, and the communication means is not particularly limited. Absent. The command sent to the TEM main body may be sent not only from the operation panel subsystem but also from a PC or the like.
In this case, the same operation as in FIG. 1 can be performed by placing the same virtual operation panel as in FIG. 1 on the PC screen, and the remote operation can be performed by extending the communication line or wirelessly. Or the CPU of the TEM itself,
The data storage medium, CRT, keyboard, and memory may be replaced with a PC. Since the definition of the operation panel can be changed not according to the operator or the purpose of use but according to the magnification, the roughness of the encoder may be changed for each magnification. Further, in FIG. 1, only one CPU is present in the TEM main body, but a subsystem may be provided for each function. In this case, a communication control unit is provided in each subsystem, and receives commands from the operation panel subsystem directly to perform operations as defined.

[0020]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, there are provided an operation panel on which a plurality of operation means are arranged, a definition means for defining respective operation contents of the plurality of operation means,
Command generation means for detecting an operation of a plurality of operation means and generating a command of the operation content defined by the definition means, control means for analyzing the command and controlling the sample observation device, command generation means and control means Communication means for communicating with the control panel, generating a command of each operation content of the plurality of operation means defined by the definition means in response to an operation input from the operation panel, and a sample by the control means based on the command. Since the observation device is controlled, switches and encoders as operation means of the operation panel can be arbitrarily defined using the definition means in the subsystem, and the optimum operation panel is changed by changing the definition according to the purpose of use and the preference of the operator. It became possible to. Further, since the operation panel subsystem and the TEM main body communicate using commands, it is easy to replace the operation panel subsystem with a virtual terminal on a PC.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a sample observation device operation system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a definition of a switch group.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a definition of an encoder group.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation when the encoder E2 of the operation panel is turned to the two notch UP side and an operation when the switch S1 is pressed.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... operation panel, 2 ... operation panel reading circuit, 3 ... operation panel C
PU, 4: communication control unit, 5: memory, 6: communication control unit,
7 ... CPU, 8 ... memory, 9 ... TEM control circuit, 10 ...
Lens barrel, 11 CRT, 12 keyboard, 13 data storage medium, S1, S2,... Push button switch, E
1, E2, ... encoder

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A sample observation device operation system for controlling a sample observation device based on a command generated by an operation input from an operation panel, comprising: an operation panel on which a plurality of operation means are arranged; Defining means for defining the respective operation contents, a command generating means for detecting the operation of the plurality of operation means and generating a command of the operation contents defined by the defining means, analyzing the command, and observing the sample. Control means for controlling a device, and communication means for communicating between the command generation means and the control means, wherein the plurality of operations defined by the definition means in response to an operation input from the operation panel A sample observation device operation panel subsystem, wherein a command of each operation content of the means is generated, and the control means controls the sample observation device based on the command. Stem.