What is the PC-Scope?
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.
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