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Inscoper Device Controller

The Inscoper system architecture decouples the two primary functions of traditional acquisition software: user interaction and device control. By separating these roles, the system ensures optimal performance, stability, and control across diverse microscopy setups.

  • User Interaction (Inscoper Imaging Software): Configures the acquisition sequence, receives and displays the acquired images, and saves the experimental data.
  • Device Control (Inscoper Device Controller): Communicates directly with the microscopy hardware to execute the acquisition sequence with precise hardware timing.

The Inscoper Device Controller acts as a dedicated hardware appliance and serves as the central communication hub between the workstation and the microscope's components.

flowchart TB
    WS["<font color='white'><b>Workstation</b><br>Inscoper User Interface</font>"]
    DC["<font color='white'><b>Inscoper Device Controller</b></font>"]
    MD["<font color='white'><b>Microscope devices</b><br>stage · cameras · focus<br>shutters · light sources · filter wheels</font>"]

    WS -- "Image acquisition sequence" --> DC
    DC -- "Communication with devices" --> MD
    MD -- "Images" --> WS

    classDef ws    fill:#1a2744,color:#ffffff,stroke:#26a9c9,stroke-width:2px
    classDef dc    fill:#2b3a55,color:#ffffff,stroke:#26a9c9,stroke-width:2px
    classDef md    fill:#1a2744,color:#ffffff,stroke:#e07c3a,stroke-width:2px

    class WS ws
    class DC dc
    class MD md

    linkStyle 0 stroke:#26a9c9,stroke-width:2px,stroke-dasharray:6 4
    linkStyle 1 stroke:#26a9c9,stroke-width:2px,stroke-dasharray:6 4
    linkStyle 2 stroke:#26a9c9,stroke-width:2px,stroke-dasharray:6 4
Mermaid Diagram

By offloading real-time device management to the Device Controller, the Inscoper Imaging Software operates completely independently of hardware constraints. Consequently, regardless of the microscope's complexity, the user interface remains streamlined, intuitive, and focused on experimental requirements rather than underlying hardware limitations.