English:
[0002] In the field of microscopy for medical, research, and other applications, it has been known to use digital imaging to capture video of incubated samples contained within a sample chamber. In those types of applications and others, an electronically controlled microscope has been coupled to various control logic to adjust focal length, depth, illumination parameters, and other settings to control the exposures being taken by the video device.
[0003] In those types of applications, samples are typically housed for imaging by the imaging device in a sample or environmental chamber. The chamber may enclose a plate containing medical samples, such as tissue or cell cultures used for various diagnostic purposes. The chamber can include one or more environmental variables that can be set for the duration of an exposure event. Those variables can include conditions such as the amount or concentration of environmental gases present in the chamber, such as carbon dioxide or oxygen. Those variables can likewise include conditions such as the temperature, humidity, and other physical conditions of the chamber. The growth rate or other characteristics of the sample in the chamber can therefore be imaged and examined, based on those sets of conditions or others. The positioning of that chamber and the setting of environmental conditions within that chamber
[0004] However, in known digital microscopy platforms, the settings of the environmental chamber, the settings of the video or other media captured by the imaging device, and the settings of the imaging device itself are controlled by separate control logic, manufactured by separate vendors and not provided with interoperable features. Thus, users who need to prepare an exposure event, arrange the video or other capture of that event, conduct that controlled exposure and record the resulting media for future review, are forced to interact with several independent and possibly incompatible systems. Moreover, even once the various configuration settings, event timing, and related operational details are prepared, conventional digital microscopy platforms are locked into performing the exposure or experiment based on those settings, with no possibility of adjusting or altering those settings while the exposure event is taking place.
[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present teachings and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present teachings. In the figures:
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an overall environment, including imaging hardware, which can be used in systems and methods for sample image capture using integrated control, according to various embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a user interface and various imaging, environmental, and other controls, according to various aspects;
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a user interface and various imaging, environmental, and other controls, according to various aspects in further regards;
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a user interface and various imaging, environmental, and other controls, according to various aspects in further regards;
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a user interface and various imaging, environmental, and other controls, according to various aspects in further regards;
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of processing that can be used in sample image capture using integrated control, according to various embodiments; and
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary hardware, software, and other resources that can be used in sample image capture using integrated control, according to various embodiments.
[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present teachings, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an overall environment 100 in which systems and methods for sample image capture using integrated control can operate, according to aspects. In aspects as shown, the overall environment 100 can include an imaging device 108, such as a microscope equipped with a digital sensor. The digital sensor can be or include a video camera, a still-image camera, and/or other type of sensor or device. The digital sensor of the imaging device 108 can be equipped or configured to detect images using visible, infrared, and/or other light frequencies, wavelengths, or ranges. The imaging device 108 can, in general, be configured to take images of the interior of a chamber 102. The chamber 102 can contain a set of samples 106 for instance located in a sample plate 104. In implementations, the imaging device 108 can incorporate or be connected with a source of illumination, such as laser or other illumination, to allow irradiation of the set of samples 106. The set of samples 106 can be or include, for instance cells, tissues, fluids, or other biological materials or specimens. In aspects, the imaging device 108 can also be configured or used to image non-biological samples or specimens. In implementations, the chamber 102 can be positionable using a stepper motor or other apparatus to move the chamber 102, or can be fixed in place with imaging elements of the imaging device 108 being positionable to image different portions of the sample plate 104. In implementations as shown, the chamber 102 can be connected to a chamber control 124, which can control he introduction of gases, regulation of temperatures, and other conditions of the chamber 102 using valves, supply lines, heating elements, and/or other hardware. The chamber control 124 can be or include a computer, embedded controller, and/or other hardware, software, and/or logic, and can be connected to an overall system control module 1 10, and other resources of the environment, through various network connections.
[0017] According to aspects, and as also shown, the imaging device 1 08 can likewise be connected to the system control module 1 10, which can be configured to interact with the imaging device 108 as well as other resources including a user interface 1 14 and a data store 1 16, to carry out imagining operations on the set of samples 106 or other objects of interest. In aspects, the system control module 1 10 can be or include hardware, software, and/or other resources to control the imaging device 108 and all associated operations, in an integrated manner. The system control module 1 10 can, in embodiments, be or include a desktop, laptop, and/or other computer provisioned with applications, services, and/or other logic to control the imaging device 108 and other elements of the overall environment 100. In implementations, the system control module 1 10 can reside in one local computer, such as a laptop or desktop computer. In other implementations, the system control module 1 10 can be hosted in one or more remote computers, such as computers connected via the Internet and/or other public or private networks. In aspects, the system control module 1 10 can likewise be implemented, in whole or part, in a cloud-based network.
[0018] The chamber 102, system control module 1 10, data store 1 16, display 1 12, and/or other elements can, in implementations be linked via various connections, such as a universal serial bus (US) connection or connections, in a local area network (LAN) such as an Ethernet LAN, through the Internet, and/or through other networks, channels, or connections. In implementations, any one or more of those network elements, nodes, or resources can again be hosted locally or remotely.
[0019] The user interface 1 14 can be presented on a display 1 12, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or other computer display. The user interface 1 14 can present to the user or operator of the imaging device 108 and environment 100 a set or series of configuration settings and operational controls, to allow the user or operator to set up, schedule, and execute any desired incubation or treatment of the set of samples 106, while capturing video, still-image, or other media representations of the development of the set of samples 106 under the configured imaging and environmental variables. The resulting video or other data or files can be stored to a data store 1 16, which can be or include a local or remote hard drive or other type of data storage.
[0020] When the video capture event is complete, the system control module 1 10 can further be used to review the captured media via the user interface 1 14, such as to view, rewind, speed up, step through or otherwise observe selected portions of the video or other files. As noted, all of the various operations including setting the environmental controls on the chamber 102, controlling the optical, exposure, or other imaging variables of the imaging device 108, storing captured media to the data store 1 16, and retrieving and playing the captured media on the display 1 12 or other output, can be controlled via the system control module 1 10, without a necessity for other control logic, software, or control points.
[0021] . More specifically and as for instance illustrated in FIG. 2, the user can operate a set of environmental controls 202 via the user interface 1 14 to set, edit, adjust, and/or otherwise configure the physical conditions within the chamber 102. Those can include, but are not limited to, variables such as internal temperature of the chamber 102, the humidity level, carbon dioxide concentration level, oxygen depletion state, pressure, and/or other variables or parameters. Those physical conditions in the chamber 102 can be controlled or manipulated using vacuum lines or connections, gas sources, heating or cooling elements, and/or other attachments or hardware. In implementations, the set of environmental controls 202 can also include or regulate the introduction of reagents, growth factors, and/or other adjuvants that may be used to stimulate or modify the growth of the sample 106. Those conditions and hardware can, once more, be connected to and directly or indirectly controlled via the chamber control 124, which again can communicate with the system control module 1 10 to receive configuration settings and other instructions or data.
[0022] In addition to the control of environmental variables within chamber 102, the system control module 1 10 can control additional features of the operation of the imaging device 108, including, as shown in FIG. 3, a set of exposure controls 302. The set of exposure controls 302 can include, as illustrated, a specification of the position of the sample plate 104, the type of illumination to be applied to the sample plate 104, imaging modes such as pan or zoom, and others. Illumination variables controlled by the system control module 1 10 can include an indication of the type of fluorescent beacon being used in the imaging of the sample 106, as well as a slider bar (shown) or other control for the intensity of the light, coarse and fine focus or auto adjust controls, and others. Positioning of the imaging device 108 to focus on individual sample wells in sample plate 104 can also be performed. It will be appreciated that other controls can be used in the set of exposure controls 302.
[0023] The set of exposure controls 302 can, as illustrated in FIG. 4, likewise including additional imaging settings such as magnification levels, monochrome and color settings (including e.g. brightfield and phase settings, additional beacon settings, transparency, fine focus, and/or other variables or settings. The set if exposure controls 302 can, still further, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, include controls or settings related to the time duration, scheduling, and execution of the media capture event controlled by the system control module 1 10. In implementations as shown, the set of exposure controls 302 in this regard can include settings for the identification of scenes, beacons, counters reflecting remaining time of exposure, dashboards or other displays for the environmental settings 302 in the chamber 102 contemporaneous with the image capture, and/or other time, scheduling, or other controls. It may be noted, again, that the set of environmental controls 302 can be set, configured, or programmed to dynamically change during the course of an image capture event. For instance, the imaging device 108 can be configured using the system control module 1 10 to take video image streams of the set of samples 106 over a 1 hour, 24-hour, or other period, during which temperature increases and/or decreases, carbon dioxide or oxygen concentrations increase and/or decrease, humidity levels increase and/or decrease, illumination wavelengths and/or intensities increase and/or decrease, or any other configuration setting controlled by system control module 1 10 is adjusted, altered, updated, and/or otherwise dynamically changed.
[0024] It may be further noted that the set of exposure controls 302, the set of environmental controls 202, and other information can be embedded or recorded in the media captured and stored in the media capture event. For instance, when the media consists of digital video, those configuration settings can be recorded in a textual strip located at the bottom of the video frames, and/or in other locations. The same information can be recorded in instances where the media consists of digital still photographs, or other media formats or types.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of optical, configuration, and other processing that can be performed in systems and methods for sample image capture using integrated control, according to aspects. In 602, processing can begin. In 604, a user can initiate the system control module 1 10 and/or other related hardware, software, or services used in conjunction with the imaging device 108. That initiation can take place by the manual starting of an application on a computer or other control platform, and/or can be initiated automatically by programmed control, for instance based on predetermined schedule or triggering events. In 606, the system control module 1 10 can generate and/or present the user interface 1 14 to the user, such as by displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display 1 12. In 608, the system control module 1 10 can receive the set of environmental settings 202, for instance settings provided by manual user input via the user interface 1 14. In implementations, the set of environmental settings 202 can include default or initial settings. In 610, the system control module 1 10 can receive the set of imaging settings 302, which can again be received in the form of user input via the user interface 1 14, and/or which can be retrieved from a data store for default or other purposes.
[0026] In 612, the system control module 1 10 can configure, provisional, install, and/or otherwise initiate the set of environmental settings 202, the set of imaging settings 302, and/or other parameters needed for the operation of the imaging device 108. In aspects, the system control module 1 10 can transmit those settings to the various elements of the imaging device 108 and environment 100 via messages over a USB connection, over a LAN, over the Internet, over a wireless data connection, and/or via other channels or connections. In implementations, some or all of the transmitted configuration data can be stored at local points within the imaging device 108, the chamber 102, and/or other elements or nodes of the environment 100, as well as being stored in the system control module 1 10.
[0027] In 614, the system control module 1 10 can begin an image capture event, such as the initiation of the recording of a video stream which images the set of samples 106 in the chamber 102. According to aspects, the beginning of the image capture event can bet set to take place at a predetermined, programmed, and/or event-triggered time, and/or can be manually initiated by a user operating the system control module 1 10. In 616, the system control module 1 10 can store, encode, and/or otherwise record the captured video or other imaging data, for instance to the data store 1 16. The captured imaging data can for instance be stored or recorded in any known media file or format, including, simply for example, the audio video interleave (avi) format, the Motion
[0028] In 618, the system control module 1 10 can dynamically update and/or reconfigured the set of environmental settings 202, the set of imaging settings 302, and/or other configuration settings or values during the ongoing image capture event. For example, the selected illumination type or intensity can be changed at programmed times during the capturing of a video stream, and/or other changes to the overall configuration of the imaging device 108 and environment 100 can be made. In 620, the captured media from a media capture event can be retrieved and/or presented to the user for review using the system control module 1 10. In aspects, the retrieval and viewing of video or other data can be performed at the same time that a media capture event is taking place, such as by using additional screens to view earlier points in the video file while new imaging data is being taken. Retrieval and review can also or instead be done after the completion of a media capture event. It may be noted that once video and/or other data is captured, that media can be viewed by applications or software other than the system control module 1 10. In 622, processing can repeat, return to a prior processing point, jump to a further processing point, or end.
[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates various hardware, software, and other resources that can be used in implementations of sample image capture using integrated control, according to embodiments. In embodiments as shown, the system control module 1 10 can comprise a platform including processor 730 communicating with memory 732, such as electronic random access memory, operating under control of or in conjunction with an operating system 736. The processor 730 in embodiments can be incorporated in one or more servers, clusters, and/or other computers or hardware resources, and/or can be implemented using cloud-based resources. The operating system 736 can be, for example, a distribution of the WindowsTM operating system, LinuxTM operating system, the UnixTM operating system, or other open-source or proprietary operating system or platform. The processor 730 can communicate with the data store 1 16, such as a database stored on a local hard drive or drive array, to access or store any of the configuration data described herein, including as shown the set of environmental settings 202, the set of imagining settings 302, video and/or other captured imaging media (along with subsets of selections thereof), as well as other content, media, or other data.
[0030] The processor 730 can in turn communicate with a network interface 734, such as an Ethernet or wireless data connection, which in turn communicates with the one or more networks 706, such as the Internet or other public or private networks. The processor 730 can, in general, be programmed or configured to execute control logic 122 to control various processing operations described herein, including to generate control settings for the imaging device 108 and other hardware used in the environment 100. The control logic 122 can, in implementations, be or include applications, utilities, routines, and/or other software configured to communicate with the imaging device 108 and other resources or elements in the environment 100. Other configurations of the imaging device 108, the environment 100, associated network connections, and other hardware, software, and service resources are possible.
[0031] The foregoing description is illustrative, and variations in configuration and implementation may occur to persons skilled in the art. For example, while embodiments have been described in which the system control module 1 10 operates to control one imaging device 108, in embodiments, the system control module 1 10 can be configured to control or operate multiple imaging devices or systems at one time. Similarly, while embodiments have been described in which one system control module 1 10 interacts with the imaging device 108, in embodiments, the logic contained in system control module 1 10 can be provisioned across multiple local or remote control modules or services. Other resources described as singular or integrated can in embodiments be plural or distributed, and resources described as multiple or distributed can in embodiments be combined.
[0032] In various embodiments, the systems and methods of the present teachings may be implemented in a software program and applications written in conventional programming languages such as C, C++, etc.
[0033] While the present teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.
[0034] Further, in describing various embodiments, the specification may have presented a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments.
[0035] The embodiments described herein, can be practiced with other computer system configurations including hand-held devices, microprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers and the like. The embodiments can also be practiced in distributing computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a network.
[0036] It should also be understood that the embodiments described herein can employ various computer-implemented operations involving data stored in computer systems. These operations are those requiring physical manipulation of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. Further, the manipulations performed are often referred to in terms, such as producing, identifying, determining, or comparing.
[0037] Any of the operations that form part of the embodiments described herein are useful machine operations. The embodiments, described herein, also relate to a device or an apparatus for performing these operations. The systems and methods described herein can be specially constructed for the required purposes or it may be a general purpose computer selectively activated or configured by a computer program stored in the computer. In particular, various general purpose machines may be used with computer programs written in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may be more convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the required operations.

中文:
[0002]在用于医疗、研究以及其它应用的显微术的领域中,已经知道使用数字成像来捕获包含在样品室内的培养样品的视频。在那些类型的应用等中,电子控制的显微镜已经耦合到各种控制逻辑以调整焦距、深度、照明参数以及其它设置以控制由视频装置采用的曝光。
[0003]在那些类型的应用中,样品通常容纳在样品或环境室中以用于通过成像装置成像。所述腔室可以围封包含医学样品的盘,所述医学样品例如用于各种诊断目的的组织或细胞培养物。所述腔室可以包含可以在曝光事件的持续时间上设定的一个或多个环境变量。那些变量可以包含存在于腔室中的环境气体(例如二氧化碳或氧气)的量或浓度等的条件。那些变量可以同样地包含腔室的温度、湿度以及其它物理条件等条件。因此可以对腔室中的样品的生长速率或其它特性成像并且基于条件的那些集合或其它来检查所述生长速率或其它特性。所述腔室的定位和所述腔室内的环境条件的设置
[0004]然而,在已知的数字显微术平台中,环境室的设置、通过成像装置捕获的视频或其它媒体的设置以及成像装置自身的设置由单独的控制逻辑控制、由单独供应商制造且不具有可互操作特征。因此,迫使需要准备曝光事件、布置所述事件的视频或其它捕获、执行所述受控曝光且记录所得媒体以用于将来回顾的用户与若干独立的且可能不相容的系统交互。此外,即使只有一次准备了各种配置设置、事件时序以及相关操作细节,常规的数字显微术平台也被锁定成基于那些设置执行曝光或实验,而不可能在曝光事件发生时调整或改变那些设置。
[0006]并入在本说明书中并且构成本说明书的一部分的附图图示了本发明教示的实施例,并且与所述描述一起用以说明本发明教示的原理。在图式中:
[0007]图1图示根据各种实施例的整体环境,包含可以用于使用综合控制的样品图像捕获的系统和方法中的成像硬件;
[0008]图2图示根据各种方面的用户界面和各种成像、环境以及其它控制;
[0009]图3在进一步方面图示根据各种方面的用户界面和各种成像、环境以及其它控制;
[0010]图4在进一步方面图示根据各种方面的用户界面和各种成像、环境以及其它控制;
[0011]图5在进一步方面图示根据各种方面的用户界面和各种成像、环境以及其它控制;
[0012]图6图示根据各种实施例的可以用于使用综合控制的样品图像捕获中的处理的流程图;以及
[0013]图7图示根据各种实施例的可以用于使用综合控制的样品图像捕获中的示例性硬件、软件以及其它资源。
[0015]现将详细参考本发明教示的示例性实施例,所述实施例被图示在附图中。只要可能,将贯穿图式使用相同的参考标号来指代相同或相似的部分。
[0016]图1图示根据各方面的整体环境100,其中用于使用综合控制的样品图像捕获的系统和方法可以起作用。在如图所示的方面中,整体环境100可以包含成像装置108,例如配备有数字传感器的显微镜。数字传感器可以是或包含摄像机、静态图像相机和/或其它类型的传感器或装置。成像装置108的数字传感器可以经配备或配置以使用可见光、红外线和/或其它光频率、波长或范围来检测图像。一般来说,成像装置108可以经配置以拍摄腔室102的内部的图像。腔室102可以包含举例来说位于样品盘104中的样品106的集合。在实施方案中,成像装置108可以结合照明源(例如激光或其它照明)或与其相连接以允许照射样品106的集合。样品106的集合可以是或包含举例来说细胞、组织、液体或其它生物材料或标本。在各方面中,成像装置108还可以经配置以或用于对非生物样品或标本成像。在实施方案中,腔室102可以是可使用步进式电机或用以移动腔室102的其它设备定位的,或可以固定在适当的位置,其中成像装置108的成像元件可定位以对样品盘104的不同部分成像。在如图所示的实施方案中,腔室102可以连接到腔室控制124,所述腔室控制可以使用阀门、供应管线、加热元件和/或其它硬件控制腔室102的气体引入、温度调节和其它条件。腔室控制124可以是或包含计算机、嵌入式控制器和/或其它硬件、软件和/或逻辑,且可以通过各种网络连接连接到总系统控制模块110以及环境的其它资源。
[0017]根据各方面,且如还示出,成像装置108可以同样地连接到系统控制模块110,所述系统控制模块可以经配置以与成像装置108以及包含用户界面114和数据存储装置116的其它资源交互,以对样品106的集合或其它所关注的对象执行成像操作。在各方面中,系统控制模块110可以是或包含用于以综合方式控制成像装置108和所有相关联的操作的硬件、软件和/或其它资源。在实施例中,系统控制模块110可以是或包含具备用于控制成像装置108和整体环境100的其它元件的应用程序、服务和/或其它逻辑的桌上型计算机、膝上型计算机和/或其它计算机。在实施方案中,系统控制模块110可以驻留在一个本地计算机中,例如膝上型计算机或桌上型计算机。在其它实施方案中,系统控制模块110可以被托管在一个或多个远程计算机中,例如经由因特网和/或其它公共或专用网络连接的计算机。在各方面中,系统控制模块110可以同样地整体或部分在基于云的网络中实施。
[0018]腔室102、系统控制模块110、数据存储装置116、显示器112和/或其它元件可以在实施方案中经由各种连接(例如通用串行总线(US)连接)、用以太网LAN等局域网(LAN)、通过因特网和/或通过其它网络、信道或连接而被链接。在实施方案中,那些网络元件、节点或资源中的任何一个或多个可以再次在本地或远程地托管。
[0019]用户界面114可以呈现在显示器112上,例如发光二极管(LED)或其它计算机显示器。用户界面114可以将配置设置和操作控制的集合或一系列配置设置和操作控制呈现给成像装置108和环境100的用户或操作人员,以允许用户或操作人员设置、调度且执行对样品106的集合的任何所希望的培养或处理,同时在所配置的成像和环境变量下捕获样品106的集合的发展结果的视频、静态图像或其它媒体表示。所得视频或其它数据或文件可以存储到数据存储装置116,所述数据存储装置可以是或包含本地或远程硬盘驱动器或其它类型的数据存储装置。
[0020]当视频捕获事件完成时,系统控制模块110可以进一步用于经由用户界面114回顾所捕获的媒体,以便查看、倒退、加速、步进或以其它方式观察视频或其它文件的所选择部分。如所提到,可以经由系统控制模块110而不必用其它控制逻辑、软件或控制点来控制全部各种操作,所述操作包含在腔室102上设定环境控制、控制成像装置108的光学、曝光或其它成像变量、将所捕获的媒体存储到数据存储装置116且在显示器112或其它输出装置上检索且播放所捕获的媒体。
[0021]更确切地说且对于图2中图示出的实例,用户可以经由用户界面114操作环境控制202的集合以设定、编辑、调整和/或以其它方式配置腔室102内的物理条件。那些物理条件可以包含但不限于,例如腔室102的内部温度、湿度水平、二氧化碳浓度水平、氧气消耗状态、压强和/或其它变量或参数等变量。腔室102中的那些物理条件可以使用真空管线或连接、气体源、加热或冷却元件和/或其它附件或硬件来控制或操纵。在实施方案中,环境控制202的集合还可以包含或调节对试剂、生长因子、和/或可以用于刺激或改变样品106的生长的其它佐剂的引入。那些条件和硬件可以再次连接到腔室控制124且经由所述腔室控制直接或间接控制,所述腔室控制可以再次与系统控制模块110通信以接收配置设置和其它指令或数据。
[0022]除控制腔室102内的环境变量之外,系统控制模块110还可以控制成像装置108的操作的另外特征,包含如图3中示出的曝光控制302的集合。曝光控制302的集合可以如所图示包含样品盘104的位置的规范、应用到样品盘104的照明的类型、摇摄或变焦等成像模式等。由系统控制模块110控制的照明变量可以包含用于样品106的成像中的荧光灯标的类型的指示、以及滑动条(示出)或用于光的强度的其它控制、粗聚焦和细聚焦或自动调整控制等。还可以执行成像装置108的定位以聚焦于样品盘104中的个别样品井。应了解,其它控制可以用于曝光控制302的集合。
[0023]如图4中所图示,曝光控制302的集合可以同样地包含另外的成像设置,例如放大倍数水平、单色和彩色设置(包含例如明视场和相位设置)、另外的灯标设置、透明度、细聚焦和/或其它变量或设置。曝光控制302的集合可以再进一步且如图5中所图示包含由系统控制模块110控制的媒体捕获事件的与持续时间相关的控制或设置、调度和执行。在如图所示的实施方案中,曝光控制302的集合在此方面可以包含针对场景的识别、灯标、反映曝光的剩余时间的计数器、仪表盘或用于在腔室102中的与图像捕获和/或其它时间、调度或其它控制同时的环境设置302的其它显示器的设置。同样,可以注意,环境控制302的集合可以经设定、配置或编程以在图像捕获事件的过程期间动态地改变。举例来说,成像装置108可以使用系统控制模块110来配置以在1小时、24小时或其它周期上拍摄样品106的集合的视频图像流,在此期间调整、改变、更新和/或以其它方式动态地改变温度增加和/或降低、二氧化碳或氧气浓度增加和/或降低、湿度水平增加和/或降低、照明波长和/或强度增加和/或降低、或由系统控制模块110控制的任何其它配置设置。
[0024]可以进一步注意,曝光控制302的集合、环境控制202的集合以及其它信息可以嵌入或记录在所捕获的媒体中且存储在媒体捕获事件中。举例来说,当媒体由数字视频构成时,那些配置设置可以被记录在位于视频帧的底部处的文本带中和/或被记录在其它位置中。相同信息可以被记录在其中媒体由数字静态相片或其它媒体格式或类型构成的情况中。
[0025]图6图示根据各方面的可以在用于使用综合控制的样品图像捕获的系统和方法中执行的光学、配置和其它处理的流程图。在602中,处理可以开始。在604处,用户可以启动系统控制模块110和/或用于结合成像装置108的其它相关硬件、软件或服务。所述启动可以通过手动起动在计算机或其它控制平台上的应用程序来发生,和/或可以举例来说基于预定调度或触发事件通过编程控制自动地启动。在606中,系统控制模块110可以例如通过在显示器112上显示图形用户界面(GUI)来产生用户界面114和/或将其呈现给用户。在608中,系统控制模块110可以接收环境设置202的集合,举例来说经由用户界面114通过手动用户输入提供的设置。在实施方案中,环境设置202的集合可以包含默认或初始设置。在610中,系统控制模块110可以接收成像设置302的集合,所述成像设置的集合可以同样经由用户界面114以用户输入的形式被接收,和/或所述成像设置的集合可以从数据存储装置检索出以用于默认或其它目的。
[0026]在612中,系统控制模块110可以配置、临时、安装和/或以其它方式启动环境设置202的集合、成像设置302的集合和/或所需用于成像装置108的操作的其它参数。在各方面中,系统控制模块110可以经由在USB连接上、在LAN上、在因特网上、在无线数据连接上的消息和/或经由其它信道或连接将那些设置发射到成像装置108和环境100的各种元件。在实施方案中,所发射的配置数据中的一些或全部可以存储在成像装置108、腔室102、和/或环境100的其它元件或节点内的本地点处,以及存储在系统控制模块110中。
[0027]在614中,系统控制模块110可以开始图像捕获事件,例如对腔室102中的样品106的集合成像的视频流的记录的启动。根据各方面,图像捕获事件的开始可以设定成在预定的、经编程的和/或事件触发时间处发生,和/或可以通过操作系统控制模块110的用户手动地启动。在616中,系统控制模块110可以将所捕获的视频或其它成像数据存储、编码和/或以其它方式记录(举例来说)到数据存储装置116。所捕获的成像数据可以举例来说以任何已知的媒体文件或格式存储或记录,所述媒体文件或格式包含(简单地例如)音频视频交错(avi)格式、运动图像专家组4(MPEG-4)格式、WindowsTM媒体视频(wmv)格式和/或其它格式。
[0028]在618中,系统控制模块110可以在进行中的图像捕获事件期间动态地更新和/或重新配置环境设置202的集合、成像设置302的集合和/或其它配置设置或值。例如,所选择的照明类型或强度可以在视频流的捕获期间在经编程时间处改变,和/或可以做出对成像装置108和环境100的总配置的其它改变。在620中,可以使用系统控制模块110检索来自媒体捕获事件的所捕获媒体和/或将其呈现给用户以用于回顾。在各方面中,视频或其它数据的检索和查看可以在媒体捕获事件发生的同时执行,例如通过在采用新成像数据时使用另外的屏幕查看视频文件中的先前的点。检索和回顾还可以或替代地在完成媒体捕获事件之后进行。可注意到,一旦捕获视频和/或其它数据,就可以通过除系统控制模块110外的应用程序或软件查看所述媒体。在622中,处理可以重复、返回到前一处理点、跳转到另一处理点或结束。
[0029]图7图示根据实施例的可以用于使用综合控制的样品图像捕获的实施中的各种硬件、软件和其它资源。在如图所示的实施例中,系统控制模块110可以包括包含与存储器732(例如电子随机存取存储器)通信的处理器730的平台,所述处理器在操作系统736的控制下或结合所述操作系统来操作。处理器730在实施例中可以并入在一个或多个服务器、群集和/或其它计算机或硬件资源中,和/或可以使用基于云的资源实施。操作系统736可以是例如,WindowsTM操作系统、LinuxTM操作系统、UnixTM操作系统或其它开源或专有操作系统或平台的分布。处理器730可以与数据存储装置116(例如存储在本地硬盘驱动器或驱动器阵列上的数据库)通信,以存取或存储本文中所描述的配置数据中的任一个,包含如所示的环境设置202的集合、成像设置302的集合、视频和/或其它所捕获的成像媒体(连同其选择的子集)以及其它内容、媒体或其它数据。
[0030]处理器730可以转而与网络接口734通信,例如以太网或无线数据连接,所述网络接口转而与一个或多个网络706通信,例如因特网或其它公共或专用网络。一般来说,处理器730可以经编程或经配置以执行控制逻辑122以控制本文中所描述的各种处理操作,包含产生成像装置108和用于环境100中的其它硬件的控制设置。在实施方案中,控制逻辑122可以是或包含应用程序、公用程式、例程和/或经配置以与成像装置108和环境100中的其它资源或元件通信的其它软件。成像装置108的其它配置、环境100、相关联的网络连接以及其它硬件、软件和服务资源是可能的。
[0031]前述描述是说明性的,且所属领域的技术人员可以想到在配置和实施方案中的变化。例如,尽管已经描述了其中系统控制模块110用以控制一个成像装置108的实施例,但在实施例中,系统控制模块110可以经配置以同时控制或操作多个成像装置或系统。类似地,尽管已经描述了其中一个系统控制模块110与成像装置108交互的实施例,但在实施例中,系统控制模块110中包含的逻辑可以跨越多个本地或远程控制模块或服务提供。描述为单一或综合的其它资源在实施例中可以是复数的或分布式的,且描述为多个或分布式的资源可以在实施例中组合。
[0032]在各种实施例中,本发明教示的系统和方法可以在用例如C、C++等的常规编程语言编写的软件程序和应用程序中实施。
[0033]尽管结合各种实施例来描述本发明教示,但是并不意图将本发明教示限制于此类实施例。相反地,如所属领域的技术人员应了解,本发明教示涵盖各种替代方案、修改和等效物。
[0034]此外,在描述各种实施例时,本说明书可能将方法和/或过程呈现为特定顺序的步骤。然而,在方法或过程不依赖于本文中阐述的步骤的特定次序的程度上,所述方法或过程不应限于所描述的步骤的特定顺序。如所属领域的技术人员将了解,步骤的其它顺序可以是可能的。因此,在说明书中阐述的步骤的特定次序不应理解为对权利要求书的限制。另外,针对方法和/或过程的权利要求不应限于以所写的次序执行其步骤,且所属领域的技术人员可以容易地了解,顺序可以变化且仍保持在各种实施例的精神和范围内。
[0035]本文中所描述的实施例可以用包含以下各者的其它计算机系统配置实践:手持式装置、微处理器系统、基于微处理器或可编程消费型电子装置、微型计算机、大型主机计算机等。实施例也可以在其中任务通过经网络连接的远程处理装置执行的分布式计算环境中实践。
[0036]还应了解,本文中所描述的实施例可以采用涉及存储在计算机系统中的数据的各种计算机实施操作。这些操作是需要物理量的物理操纵的操作。通常(但未必),这些量呈能够被存储、转移、组合、比较和以其它方式操纵的电或磁信号的形式。另外,所执行的操纵通常以术语提及,例如产生、识别、确定或比较。
[0037]形成本文中所描述的实施例的部分的操作中的任一个是有用的机器操作。本文中所描述的实施例也涉及执行这些操作的装置或设备。本文中所描述的系统和方法可以出于所需目的专门构造或其可以是通过存储在计算机中的计算机程序选择性地激活或配置的通用计算机。具体地说,各种通用机器可以与根据本文中的教示编写的计算机程序一起使用,或可能更方便的是构造更专门设备以执行所需操作。