TelePathology
This picture shows the integrated modules of the LBMI Telepathology configuration including:
- image acquisition system including the microscope and its optical assembly
- captor (television camera) unit
- computer system and its peripherals
- image displays units (video monitor)
- video conferencing module
The 32-bit parallel hardware interface supplying- a 12 volt DC Controls.
The 4 automated modules of the LBMI-DIMI (digitally controlled microscope), these modules include:
- nose piece
- focus
- cross table
- light intensity unit
This picture shows the progressive development of the LBMI digitally-controlled microscope. (The mechanical unit).
As shown in this picture, the automated nose piece consists of a circular aluminium wheel with a shaft-like outer layer, engraved and fitted on the outside of the revolver.
Installed on one side of the microscope is a Maxon DC electro motor on which a smaller wheel is mounted.
A conveyor belt with adequate tension is wrapped around the 2 wheels.
The motor is powerful enough to keep the wheels and the belt in motion, thereby driving the nosepiece.
The cross table could be set on vertical motion by a set of shaft-like wheels powered by another DC motor hence enabling mechanical focus.
The mechanics of the digitally-controlled microscope.
This picture shows the interaction between the wheels and the driving stepper motors.
Two stepper motors are used to drive the attachable microscope sliding glass holder on both the x and y axis.
Each axis is equipped with a reflective octocoupler on either end for avoiding movement overflow.
The halogen lamp is controlled via a digital channel consisting of an 8 bit monolithic D/A converter.
This provides a variable DC voltage able to control a pulse width modulator.
