Patent Application
20240219700
This application claims benefit to German Patent Application No. EP 22217144.9, filed on Dec. 29, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The present invention relates to a controller for a microscope, to a microscope system comprising a microscope and such controller, and to a corresponding method.
In the fields of, e.g., biology and medicine, microscopes can be used to image and/or view samples or specimens. A typical way to provide multiple samples to be imaged are so-called multi well plates having, e.g., 96 wells for receiving samples. Such multi well plates have relatively large lateral dimensions, thus, imaging each of the samples provided in the wells might be difficult, in particular, if different objectives of the microscope are to be used. This also applies to other sample holders of large lateral dimensions.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a controller for a microscope. The microscope includes a sample stage and an imaging optic. The sample stage is configured to receive a sample holder. The imaging optic comprises at least two different objective lenses. The microscope is configured to: allow selecting each of the at least two different objective lenses for imaging at least a part of the sample holder, when received in the sample stage; allow a lateral movement for each of the at least two different objective lenses in at least one lateral direction relative to the sample holder, when received in the sample stage; and allow a vertical movement for each of the at least two different objective lenses in a vertical direction relative to the sample holder, when received in the sample stage. The controller is configured to: control the microscope in a first mode, wherein in the first mode, a lateral position for all of the at least two different objective lenses during the lateral movement is restricted to a first lateral range in the at least one lateral direction; and control the microscope in a second mode, wherein in the second mode, the lateral position for all of the at least two different objective lenses during the lateral movement is allowed to be at least within a second lateral range in the at least one lateral direction, wherein the second lateral range is different from the first lateral range. In the second mode, a vertical position for all of the at least two different objective lenses during the vertical movement is restricted to a pre-defined vertical range.
Subject matter of the present disclosure will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. All features described and/or illustrated herein can be used alone or combined in different combinations. The features and advantages of various embodiments will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate the following:
In view of the situation described above, there is a need for improvement in imaging samples with a microscope. According to embodiments of the invention, a controller for a microtome, a microtome system, and a corresponding method are proposed.
An embodiment of the invention relates to a controller for a microscope. The microscope comprises a sample stage and an imaging optic. The sample stage is configured to receive a sample holder like a multi well plate, and the imaging optic comprises at least two different objective lenses. Further, the microscope is configured to allow selecting each of the at least two different objective lenses for imaging at least a part of the sample holder, when received in the sample stage. Further, the microscope is configured to allow a lateral movement for each of the at least two different objective lenses in at least one lateral direction relative to the sample holder, when received in the sample stage. In an embodiment, lateral movement in two (different) lateral directions are possible, typically called x- and y-direction. Further, the microscope is configured to allow a vertical movement for each of the at least two different objective lenses in a vertical direction (typically called a z-direction) relative to the sample holder, when received in the sample stage.
The controller can be configured to control the microscope in a first mode, wherein in the first mode, a lateral position for all of the at least two different objective lenses during the lateral movement is restricted to a first lateral range in the at least one lateral direction. In case of two lateral directions, there can be respective first lateral ranges in both lateral directions.
Further, the controller can be configured to control the microscope in a second mode, wherein in the second mode, the position for all of the at least two different objective lenses during the lateral movement is allowed to be at least within a second lateral range in the at least one lateral direction (i.e. the lateral movement can also extend to outside the second lateral range), wherein the second lateral range is different from the first lateral range. Further, in the second mode, a vertical position for all of the at least two different objective lenses during the vertical movement can be restricted to a pre-defined vertical range.
As mentioned, for sample holders with large lateral extensions like multi well plates, imaging can be difficult. In particular, such sample holders typically need to be held or positioned in or on the sample stage. This can result in a certain holding structure, typically at the periphery of the sample holder. A multi well plate, for example, has a so-called skirt at its periphery, by means of which skirt the multi well plate can be placed on the sample stage. When imaging the samples in the different wells of the multi well plate or when imaging different points on another sample holder, the sample holder and the objective lenses used may have to be moved relative to each other in lateral directions. In an embodiment, the sample stage with the sample holder is moved, while the objective lens is fixed in lateral direction.
For focusing, the objective lens can be moved relative to the sample stage in the vertical direction. In an embodiment, the objective lens (or part of the imaging optic carrying the objective lens) is moved, while the sample stage is fixed in vertical direction. In particular near the mentioned holding structure like the skirt of a multi well plate, this might result in that the objective lens cannot focus because the objective lens cannot move as close to the sample as necessary. When nevertheless trying to focus, this might result in damaging the sample holder. In an embodiment of the invention, the at least two different objective lenses have different shapes, and the at least two different objective lenses require different vertical positions relative to the sample holder for focusing. With two or more objective lenses, the situation can, thus, be different for the different objective lenses due to different shapes of the objective lenses. Thus, whether such damage might occur or in which area such damage might occur may depend on the objective lens currently used.
By providing the two modes as mentioned, this problem can be overcome because in the first mode, the lateral movement is restricted and, thus, all of the objective lenses can be prevented from focus near the periphery of the sample stage, i.e., the holding structure, for example. The risk of damaging the sample holder or the objective lens is avoided or at least reduced. A user of the microscopes does not have to care about which objective lens currently is used because the restriction applies to all objective lenses. The first lateral range can be chosen such that no damage can occur, e.g., depending on the geometrical measures of the microscope, and in a particular embodiment, the shape of the objective lenses, and of the sample holder.
While in the first mode, parts of the sample holder might not be imaged at all, in the second mode, other parts, and in a preferred embodiment more or all, of the sample holder can be imaged than in the first mode, using any of the objective lenses. Due to the restriction of the relative movement in the vertical direction, any damage can again be avoided. It is noted that this second mode might result in that focusing is not be possible for all of the objective lenses due to the restriction in the vertical direction, however, again the user of the microscopes does not have to care about which objective lens currently is used because the restriction applies to all objective lenses. The second lateral range can be chosen such that more or all of the sample holder can be imaged. The pre-defined vertical range can be chosen such that no damage can occur, e.g., depending on the geometrical measures of the microscope, and in a particular embodiment, the shape of the objective lenses, and of the sample holder.
In an embodiment of the invention, in the second mode, the position for all of the at least two different objective lenses during the lateral movement is restricted to the second lateral range. This means that the lateral movement may not be possible outside the second lateral range. This helps avoiding any potential damage outside the second lateral range.
In an embodiment of the invention, in the first mode, the vertical position of the at least two different objective lenses during the vertical movement is allowed to be within an extended pre-defined vertical range, wherein the extended pre-defined range is larger than the pre-defined range. This allows focusing for more or all objective lenses in the first mode, compared to the second mode.
In an embodiment of the invention, the controller is further configured to receive information about, or determine, whether a sufficiency criterion is fulfilled. The sufficiency criterion comprises that the pre-defined vertical range is sufficient for all of the at least two objective lenses to focus to every point on the sample holder within the second range, when the sample holder is received in the sample stage. In case of the multi well plate, every point can correspond to the respective samples in every one of the multiple wells. Further, the controller can be configured to, when in the first mode and when the sufficiency criterion is fulfilled, control a human machine interface, like a display, to provide information to a user relating to the sufficiency criterion being fulfilled for all of the at least two objectives. For example, a message can be displayed to the user that the second mode might be chosen because the second mode has a better lateral range and although vertical movement is restricted, this is sufficient to focus everywhere with every objective lens. This might depend on the specific sample holder used and its geometric measures or parameters. Alternatively or additionally, the controller can be configured to, when in the first mode and when the sufficiency criterion is fulfilled, switch to control the microscope in the second mode. This allows an automatic switch from the first into the second mode. Both variants allow better usage of the microscope.
In an embodiment of the invention, the controller is further configured to control the microscope to determine information about at least one geometric parameter of the sample holder, when received in the sample stage, and to receive the information about the at least one geometric parameter of the sample holder. The controller can be further configured to determine whether the sufficiency criterion is fulfilled, based on the information about the at least one geometric parameter of the sample holder. This allows automatic provision of the information to the user or automatic switch of the modes. In an embodiment, controlling the microscope to determine information about at least one geometric parameter of the sample holder comprises using an autofocus function of the microscope to determine a distance. This allows using a function typically integrated in microscopes.
In an embodiment of the invention, the controller is further configured to receive information about, or determine, whether an in-sufficiency criterion is fulfilled. The in-sufficiency criterion comprises that the pre-defined vertical range is not sufficient for at least one of the at least two objective lenses to focus to every point on the sample holder within the second range, when the sample holder is received in the sample stage. In case of the multi well plate, every point can correspond to the respective samples in every one of the multiple wells. Further, the controller can be configured to, when in the second mode and when the in-sufficiency criterion is fulfilled, control a human machine interface, like a display, to provide information to a user relating to the at least one objective lens for which the in-sufficiency criterion is fulfilled. For example, a message can be displayed to the user that the objective lens with lower of two different magnifications is affected. The user can then stay with the second mode if the other objective lens is used or change the mode when the affected objective lens is used. This might depend on the specific sample holder used and its geometric measures or parameters. This allows allow better usage of the microscope.
In an embodiment of the invention, the controller is further configured to control the microscope to determine information about at least one geometric parameter of the sample holder, when received in the sample stage, and to receive the information about the at least one geometric parameter of the sample holder. The controller can be further configured to determine whether the in-sufficiency criterion is fulfilled, based on the information about the at least one geometric parameter of the sample holder. This allows automatic provision of the information to the user.
In an embodiment of the invention, the sample holder is or comprises a multi well plate having multiple wells, wherein the multiple wells are distributed in the at least one lateral direction, when the sample holder is received in the sample stage. The at least one geometric parameter of the sample holder comprises at least one of: a skirt height of the multi well plate, and a distance of a bottom plate (or bottom surface) of the multi well plate from the imaging optic. This allows automatically determining whether the first mode or the second mode can be used.
In an embodiment of the invention, the controller is further configured to receive user input data relating to a selection of one of the first mode and the second mode. The controller can be further configured to control a display of a human machine interface to visualize the sample holder and the first lateral range, upon selection of the first mode; and to control the display of the human machine interface to visualize the sample holder and the second lateral range, upon selection of the second mode. This allows visualization for a user to see which area of the sample holder the user can image in the respective mode.
It is noted that this aspect also can be used as a separate embodiment, without the actual control of the microscope in the first and the second mode. Since the user is provided with the relevant information as to where the objective lenses can move in lateral direction, the user can on its own take care not to leave the respective ranges. Thus, the problem of avoiding damage is also solved.
In an embodiment of the invention, the controller is further configured to control the microscope in a third mode, wherein in the third mode, a lateral position for a first one of the at least two different objective lenses during the lateral movement is restricted to the first lateral range in the at least one lateral direction. Further, a lateral position for a second one of the two different objective lenses during the lateral movement can be allowed to be at least within (or might even be restricted to) the second lateral range in the at least one lateral direction. Further, a vertical position for the second one of the at least two different objective lenses during the vertical movement can be restricted to the pre-defined vertical range. This third mode can use different ranges for the objective lenses, allowing each of the objective lenses to focus.
In an embodiment of the invention, the microscope comprises an objective lens turret, and the at least two different objective lenses are arranged on the objective lens turret with fixed positions relative to each other. This results in one objective lens potentially limiting the lateral movement of the other one. Thus, the proposed restriction is of particular advantage.
In an embodiment of the invention, the controller is further configured to control the microscope to perform the lateral movement for each of the at least two different objective lenses, and to control the microscope to perform the vertical movement for each of the at least two different objective lenses. This allows easy implementation of the restricted lateral movements.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a microscope system comprising a microscope and the controller of any one of the embodiments described herein. The microscope comprises a sample stage and an imaging optic, wherein the sample stage is configured to receive a sample holder, and wherein the imaging optic comprises at least two different objective lenses. The microscope can be configured to allow selecting each of the at least two different objective lenses for imaging at least a part of the sample holder, when received in the sample stage, and the microscope can be configured to allow a lateral movement for each of the at least two different objective lenses in at least one lateral direction relative to the sample holder, when received in the sample stage. Further, the microscope can be configured to allow a vertical movement for each of the at least two different objective lenses in a vertical direction relative to the sample holder, when received in the sample stage. In an embodiment, the microscope system further comprises a human machine interface.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method for controlling a microscope. The microscope comprises a sample stage and an imaging optic, wherein the sample stage is configured to receive a sample holder, and wherein the imaging optic comprises at least two different objective lenses. The microscope can be configured to allow selecting each of the at least two different objective lenses for imaging at least a part of the sample holder, when received in the sample stage, and the microscope can be configured to allow a lateral movement for each of the at least two different objective lenses in at least one lateral direction relative to the sample holder, when received in the sample stage. Further, the microscope can be configured to allow a vertical movement for each of the at least two different objective lenses in a vertical direction relative to the sample holder, when received in the sample stage.
In an embodiment of the invention, a method comprises the following steps: controlling the microscope, upon selection of a first mode, in the first mode, wherein in the first mode, a lateral position for all of the at least two different objective lenses during the lateral movement is restricted to a first lateral range in the at least one lateral direction; and controlling the microscope, upon selection of a second mode, in the second mode, wherein in the second mode, the position for the two different objective lenses during the lateral movement is allowed to be at least within a second lateral range in the at least one lateral direction, wherein the second lateral range is different from the first lateral range. Further, in the second mode, a vertical position for all of the at least two different objective lenses during the vertical movement is restricted to a pre-defined vertical range.
As to further embodiments and advantages of the microscope system and the method, it is referred to the description above for the controller, which applies here correspondingly.
A further embodiment of the invention relates to a computer program with a program code for performing one or more of the methods of above, when the computer program is run on a processor.
Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the figures.
It should be noted that the previously mentioned features and the features to be further described in the following are usable not only in the respectively indicated combination, but also in further combinations or taken alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The microscope 110 comprises a sample stage 112 and an imaging optic 120. The sample stage 112 is configured to receive a sample holder 130, and the imaging optic 120 comprises, in an embedment, two different objective lenses 122, 124. Further, the imaging optic 120 can comprise an objective lens turret 126, and the objective lenses 122, 124 can be arranged on the objective lens turret with fixed positions to each other. It is noted that the imaging optic 120 could comprise more than two different objective lenses.
Further, the imaging optic can comprise an imaging sensor 128 which is configured to acquire images from a sample on the sample holder 130 via one of the objective lenses 122, 124. Further, the microscope 110 can comprise an illumination source or illumination optic 114 which is configured to illuminate a sample or multiple samples on or in the sample holder 130.
Further, the microscope 110 is configured to allow selecting each of the two different objective lenses 122, 124 for imaging at least a part of the sample holder 130, when received in the sample stage 112. In the situation shown in
Further, the microscope 110 is configured to allow a lateral movement for each of the at least two different objective lenses 122, 124 in at least one lateral direction relative to the sample holder 130, when received in the sample stage 112. In the example shown in
Further, the microscope 110 is configured to allow a vertical movement for each of the at least two different objective lenses 122, 124 in a vertical direction relative to the sample holder 130, when received in the sample stage 112. In the example shown in
It is noted that the relative movements between sample stage and the objective lenses, in lateral and vertical directions can be of importance, irrespective of which component might be fixed and which component movable. Nevertheless, the example shown in
It is noted that the two lateral directions x, y and the vertical direction z are illustrated by and used according to a typical Cartesian coordinate system and typical definition of what lateral (in a plane where the microscope stands, defined by a desk, for example) and vertical direction (where focusing is made, in a direction perpendicular to the plane where the microscope stands). However, other ways of defining the directions would be possible as long as the different directions are different from each other.
The controller 150 can be used to control the microscope 110 and, for example, also to control the human machine interface 140, i.e., controlling the display 142 to visualize or display information, for example. Also, the controller 150 can receive control signals from the human machine interface 140, e.g., the keyboard 144 and the computer mouse 146, which in turn allows the controller 150 to control the microscope 110.
Further, the controller 150 is configured to control the microscope 110 in a first mode. In the first mode, a lateral position for all of the different objective lenses 22, 124 during the lateral movement 112x, 112y is restricted to a first lateral range in the at least one lateral direction.
Further, the controller 150 is configured to control the microscope 110 in a second mode. In the second mode, the position for all of the different objective lenses 122, 124 during the lateral movement 112x, 112y is allowed to be at least within a second lateral range in the at least one lateral direction. The second lateral range is different from the first lateral range. Further, in the second mode, a vertical position for all of the different objective lenses 122, 124 during the vertical movement is restricted to a pre-defined vertical range.
The two modes, first mode and second mode, will be explained in more detail with respect to
The upper part of
The lower part of
Further, in the lower part of
As can be seen from the lower part of
In the first mode the lateral position for all of the different objective lenses 222, 224, during the lateral movement is restricted to a first lateral range 234.1 in x direction and 236.1 in the y-direction. This first lateral range is shown as rectangle in the upper part of
Due to this restriction in lateral movement, the objective lens 222 cannot be brought such far to the periphery of the multi well plate 230 that focusing would result in a collision. The vertical movement is, e.g., not restricted but possible at least within an extended pre-defined vertical range 238.1 For example, this extended pre-defined vertical range 238.1 allows moving the objective lens 222 almost to the bottom plate 233.
As can be seen from the lower part of
It is noted that the shape of the objective lens 222 and the skirt 231 as potentially colliding without the restriction of the lateral movement, is an example for illustration only. Other geometric features might have impact. For example, other parts of the sample holder than the skirt 231 can have an impact. Also, other objective lenses might have an impact; for example, objective lens 224 might collide with the skirt when the objective lens 222 is brought very close to the bottom plate 233 near the third well from the outside. In this case, the first lateral range would have to be adapted.
Thus, while the first lateral range 234.1, 236.1 is illustrated as a rectangle, it might be of other shape like a bulky shape. For example, a corner of such rectangle might be rounded or the like. Nevertheless, it is also possible to use a first lateral range in the shape of a rectangle in such cases which, however, would then be smaller (e.g., a rectangle fitted into a bulky shape).
It is further noted that the first lateral range 234.1, 236.1 indicates or encloses the area with points to which all objective lenses can focus without collision. The controller, thus, can make sure not to cause any relative movement between objective lenses and sample stage in lateral direction which would leave the first lateral range 234.1, 236.1. For example, the controller can stop the lateral movement when the first lateral range 234.1, 236.1 is reached. It is further noted that the first lateral range 234.1, 236 does not need to be such that it only encompasses full wells. Also, parts of wells might be included.
In case of sample holders other than multi well plates, the first lateral range 234.1, 236.1 defines an area with points to which all the objective lenses can focus.
In the second mode, the lateral position for all of the different objective lenses 222, 224, during the lateral movement is at least allowed within a second lateral range 234.2 in x direction and 236.2 the y-direction. The lateral movement can also be restricted to the second lateral range.
This second lateral range is shown as rectangle in the upper part of
Further, in the second mode, a vertical position for all of the different objective lenses 222, 224 during the vertical movement is restricted to a pre-defined vertical range 238.2. The pre-defined vertical range is less than the extended pre-defined vertical range 238.1 shown in
It is noted that the fact that the objective lenses 222, 224 cannot move as close to the bottom plate 233 as in the first mode, does not mean that the objective lenses cannot focus. It might very well be that some objective lenses still can focus to higher parts of the sample in the well (i.e., higher in z-direction) but not to lower parts. This can be sufficient for particular tasks.
It is noted that the pre-defined vertical range 238.1 can be chosen or defined such that collision is prevented for all of the objective lenses and one or all of more different sample holders like multi well plates. In an embodiment, the pre-defined vertical range 238.1 could also be chosen depending on the actual sample holder used and its geometric parameters like the skirt height.
The first and second mode correspond to the ones described with respect to
In an embodiment, the controller 150 is configured to receive user input data relating to a selection of one of the first mode and the second mode. This can be the case via selecting one of the software buttons 350 or 352, for example. The controller 150 is further configured to control a display like display 342 of a human machine interface to visualize the sample holder and the first lateral range, upon selection of the first mode. This situation is illustrated in
The controller 150 is further configured to control the display of the human machine interface to visualize the sample holder and the second lateral range, upon selection of the second mode. This situation is illustrated in
In this way, the user of the microscope can easily be informed about the ranges possible with the objective lenses in the currently selected mode.
In an embodiment, the controller 150 is configured to receive information about, or determine, whether a sufficiency criterion is fulfilled, wherein the sufficiency criterion comprises that the pre-defined vertical range 238.2 is sufficient for all of the at least two objective lenses to focus to every point on the sample holder within the second range, when the sample holder is received in the sample stage. This means it might be the case that in the situation shown in
Then, when in the first mode (like shown in
Alternatively or additionally, the controller can be configured to, when in the first mode and when the sufficiency criterion is fulfilled, control the microscope in the second mode, i.e. automatically switch from the first mode to the second mode.
In an embodiment, the controller 150 is configured to control the microscope to determine information about at least one geometric parameter of the sample holder 230, when received in the sample stage. Such geometric parameter can be a height h of the skirt (so-called skirt height), or a distance d of the bottom plate 233 from the imaging optic 220 or a part thereof. Both geometric parameters are illustrated by means of example in
In an embodiment, the distance d, for example, can be determined by means of autofocusing features or an autofocus function. The objective lens currently in use, for example, can be used to automatically focus onto the bottom plate 233 in order to determine the distance d. It is noted that the distance d can be determined in relation to a known reference point of or in the imaging optic. From the distance d, knowing further geometric parameters of the microscope, in particular the sample stage, the skirt height could also be derived. In this way, the information provided (or display) for the switch from the first to the second mode can be triggered.
In an embodiment, the controller 150 is further configured to receive information about, or determine, whether an in-sufficiency criterion is fulfilled, wherein the in-sufficiency criterion comprises that the pre-defined vertical range 238.2 is not sufficient for at least one of the at least two objective lenses to focus to every point on the sample holder within the second range, when the sample holder is received in the sample stage. This means it might be the case that in the situation shown in
Then, when in the second mode (like shown in
The method comprises the following steps. In a step 400, user input 402 is received, which user input relates to a selection of one of the first mode 410 and the second 420 mode; this has been described with respect to
In an embodiment, in a step 414, a display of a human machine interface is controlled to visualize the sample holder and the first lateral range, upon selection of the first mode 410; this has been described with respect to
Further, in a step 422, the microscope is controlled, upon selection of the second mode 420, in the second mode. In the second mode, the position for the at least two different objective lenses during the lateral movement is allowed to be at least within a second lateral range in the at least one lateral direction, wherein the second lateral range is different from the first lateral range, and a vertical position for all of the at least two different objective lenses during the vertical movement is restricted to a pre-defined vertical range.
In an embodiment, in a step 424, a display of a human machine interface is controlled to visualize the sample holder and the second lateral range, upon selection of the second mode 420; this has been described with respect to
Further steps or further embodiments of the method correspond to the embodiments described in relation to the controller and microscope system above.
As used herein the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as “/”.
Although some aspects have been described in the context of an apparatus, it is clear that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, where a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Analogously, aspects described in the context of a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or item or feature of a corresponding apparatus.
Some embodiments relate to a microscope comprising a system as described in connection with one or more of the
The computer system 150 may be a local computer device (e.g. personal computer, laptop, tablet computer or mobile phone) with one or more processors and one or more storage devices or may be a distributed computer system (e.g. a cloud computing system with one or more processors and one or more storage devices distributed at various locations, for example, at a local client and/or one or more remote server farms and/or data centers). The computer system 150 may comprise any circuit or combination of circuits. In one embodiment, the computer system 150 may include one or more processors which can be of any type. As used herein, processor may mean any type of computational circuit, such as but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), multiple core processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), for example, of a microscope or a microscope component (e.g. camera) or any other type of processor or processing circuit. Other types of circuits that may be included in the computer system 150 may be a custom circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like, such as, for example, one or more circuits (such as a communication circuit) for use in wireless devices like mobile telephones, tablet computers, laptop computers, two-way radios, and similar electronic systems. The computer system 150 may include one or more storage devices, which may include one or more memory elements suitable to the particular application, such as a main memory in the form of random access memory (RAM), one or more hard drives, and/or one or more drives that handle removable media such as compact disks (CD), flash memory cards, digital video disk (DVD), and the like. The computer system 150 may also include a display device, one or more speakers, and a keyboard and/or controller, which can include a mouse, trackball, touch screen, voice-recognition device, or any other device that permits a system user to input information into and receive information from the computer system 105.
Some or all of the method steps may be executed by (or using) a hardware apparatus, like for example, a processor, a microprocessor, a programmable computer or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some one or more of the most important method steps may be executed by such an apparatus.
Depending on certain implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation can be performed using a non-transitory storage medium such as a digital storage medium, for example a floppy disc, a DVD, a Blu-Ray, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, and EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, having electronically readable control signals stored thereon, which cooperate (or are capable of cooperating) with a programmable computer system such that the respective method is performed. Therefore, the digital storage medium may be computer readable.
Some embodiments according to the invention comprise a data carrier having electronically readable control signals, which are capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system, such that one of the methods described herein is performed.
Generally, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product with a program code, the program code being operative for performing one of the methods when the computer program product runs on a computer. The program code may, for example, be stored on a machine readable carrier.
Other embodiments comprise the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein, stored on a machine readable carrier.
In other words, an embodiment of the present invention is, therefore, a computer program having a program code for performing one of the methods described herein, when the computer program runs on a computer.
A further embodiment of the present invention is, therefore, a storage medium (or a data carrier, or a computer-readable medium) comprising, stored thereon, the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein when it is performed by a processor. The data carrier, the digital storage medium or the recorded medium are typically tangible and/or non-transitionary. A further embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus as described herein comprising a processor and the storage medium.
A further embodiment of the invention is, therefore, a data stream or a sequence of signals representing the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. The data stream or the sequence of signals may, for example, be configured to be transferred via a data communication connection, for example, via the internet.
A further embodiment comprises a processing means, for example, a computer or a programmable logic device, configured to, or adapted to, perform one of the methods described herein.
A further embodiment comprises a computer having installed thereon the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein.
A further embodiment according to the invention comprises an apparatus or a system configured to transfer (for example, electronically or optically) a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein to a receiver. The receiver may, for example, be a computer, a mobile device, a memory device or the like. The apparatus or system may, for example, comprise a file server for transferring the computer program to the receiver.
In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (for example, a field programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functionalities of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor in order to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, the methods are preferably performed by any hardware apparatus.
While subject matter of the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Any statement made herein characterizing the invention is also to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive as the invention is defined by the claims. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made, by those of ordinary skill in the art, within the scope of the following claims, which may include any combination of features from different embodiments described above.
The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “A and B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22217144.9 | Dec 2022 | EP | regional |
