What is the PC-Scope?

TriTek PC-Scope, inverted incident light version

The patented PC-Scope is a fully integrated, computer-controlled microscopy system whose key operational controls have been moved from the microscope to the personal computer screen. Samples are observed is from the monitor screen while operational control of the microscope functions is exercised by mouse controlled cursor point-and-click.

The system is designed for large-volume specimen examinations without the physical stress associated with the use of conventional systems. The operating environment is a standard office. The operator sits at a computer using a mouse to select operations and view the magnified image on the screen of a high-resolution, true color monitor. The microscope can be located remote from the microscopist and even placed in an isolation or environmentally-controlled chamber.

Because the image data is processed in digital form, precise measurement of distances and densities are as simple as point-and-click. The images are stored with user inputted data at the bottom of each image. And, the true color images can be transmitted via modem to anywhere in the world accessible by telephone. With high speed Local Area Network technology, the system can be operated remotely from anywhere on the LAN. For educational applications, control of the system off a large screen projection allows for simultaneous audience viewing.

Operational controls are accessed via options selected from the status bar on the right side of the screen. The status bar contains the following controls/indicators:

  • current X, Y & Z axis position indicator

  • coarse & fine focus control buttons

  • aperture diaphragm control buttons & opening indicator

  • field diaphragm control buttons & opening indicator

  • magnification selection buttons & current magnification indicator (lens holder has up to 8 positions)

The system focuses automatically after major positional or magnification changes. Manual focus is also possible (using the controls in the status bar area or the right mouse button). Special features are accessed via the pull-down menus across the top of the image.

Local sample movement is performed by point-and-click. When the cursor is pointed to a feature on the displayed image, clicking the left mouse button moves that feature to the center of the screen. Alternative system control options include joystick, track ball, head pointer, and voice command. A predefined pattern of stage movement can be done automatically under program control.