Inscoper Configurator Glossary
Inscoper Configurator
Software tool designed to facilitate the setup, management, and optimization of microscopy systems by configuring devices, sub devices, and image acquisition sequences through a structured graphical interface. It acts as an intermediary between the user, the API, and the DC, ensuring that hardware parameters are properly defined, controlled, and optimized.
A
API: A software library that allows an external program to communicate with the DC, the microscope, and other devices.
C
Call Condition: A condition ensuring that an action is executed only if another specific action has occurred before.
Constraints: Restrictions applied to a Sub Device's values for safe and consistent operation:
- Min/Max: Defines the acceptable value range.
- Step: Defines the minimum increment between two values.
- List of Values: Some values are predefined and limited (e.g., objective lens positions).
D
Device: A hardware component such as a microscope, camera, stage, or laser, or a virtual device used for testing.
Virtual Device: A software simulation of a hardware component, useful for testing interactions without physical hardware.
Time Device: An element that manages time-related aspects of a sequence (e.g., setting the time interval between two image captures).
E
Event: A Recipe Element that allows for sequence interruptions or parameter adjustments based on an external or internal trigger.
F
Functions of sub devices : Set, Get, Check:
Set: Assigns a new value (e.g., moves an objective lens).
Get: Retrieves the current value.
Check: Verifies whether the requested action was successfully completed.
P
Property Name: The name of a configurable parameter for a sub device (e.g., "Exposure" for a camera's exposure time). Only valid for external drivers (custom and micromanager).
Property Value: The value assigned to a property (e.g., "200ms" for an exposure time). Only valid for external drivers (custom and Micromanager)
R
Recipe: A structured set of instructions defining system operation, including action order, execution conditions, and sequence optimization.
Recipe Element: A single unit within a recipe that associates a sub device or multiple sub devices with one or more actions.
Recipe Element Group: A group of multiple Recipe Elements, structuring a complex recipe.
Recipe Element Event: A specific Recipe Element that permits interruptions or parameter changes at predefined points.
Recipe ID: A unique identifier assigned to a Recipe Element.
S
Sequence: A structured set of actions applied to sub devices based on statuses and recipes.
Optimized Sequence: Avoids redundancy.
Sub device: A controllable part of a device (e.g., microscope focus, laser intensity).
T
Tag Condition: Ensures an action is executed only if a specific tag is present in a status.
Tags (Recipe Keywords): Link actions to specific conditions (e.g., capture an image only at the first position in a cycle).
V
Value Condition: A condition that determines whether an action is executed based on a sub device's value.