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Appendix

List of Abbreviations

AbbreviationFull FormDescription
ACAlternating CurrentStandard electrical power supply
APIApplication Programming InterfaceSoftware interface for system control
CANController Area NetworkCommunication protocol for devices
CCDCharge-Coupled DeviceType of image sensor
CEConformité EuropéenneEuropean conformity marking
CMOSComplementary Metal-Oxide-SemiconductorType of image sensor
CRIColor Rendering IndexMeasure of light quality
DCDirect CurrentType of electrical current
DICDifferential Interference ContrastMicroscopy technique
DINDeutsches Institut für NormungGerman standards organization
EMIElectromagnetic InterferenceUnwanted electromagnetic radiation
ESP32Espressif Systems microcontrollerControl system component
FRAMEFast Rigid Automated Microscope EngineSystem name
GigEGigabit EthernetHigh-speed network interface
GPIOGeneral Purpose Input/OutputProgrammable interface pins
I2CInter-Integrated CircuitCommunication protocol
IECInternational Electrotechnical CommissionStandards organization
IoTInternet of ThingsNetwork of connected devices
IPInternet ProtocolNetwork communication standard
ISOInternational Organization for StandardizationStandards organization
LEDLight Emitting DiodeLight source technology
NANumerical ApertureMeasure of lens light-gathering ability
PCPersonal ComputerDesktop or laptop computer
RESTRepresentational State TransferWeb service architecture
RHRelative HumidityMoisture content measure
RMSRoyal Microscopical SocietyMicroscope thread standard
RoHSRestriction of Hazardous SubstancesEnvironmental regulation
SPISerial Peripheral InterfaceCommunication protocol
TPIThreads Per InchThread density measure
UC2You.See.Too.Modular optics system
UARTUniversal Asynchronous Receiver-TransmitterSerial communication
USBUniversal Serial BusComputer interface standard
UVUltravioletLight wavelength range
WEEEWaste Electrical and Electronic EquipmentEnvironmental regulation
WiFiWireless FidelityWireless network technology
XYZThree-dimensional coordinatesSpatial positioning system

Technical Glossary

A

Aperture Diaphragm: Adjustable opening that controls the numerical aperture of the condenser and affects image contrast and resolution.

Autofocus: Automated system for achieving optimal focus, typically using laser triangulation or image analysis algorithms.

B

Brightfield Microscopy: Standard microscopy technique using transmitted white light for sample illumination.

Back Focal Plane: The plane at the back of an objective lens where the aperture diaphragm image is formed.

C

CAN-BUS: Digital communication protocol that allows multiple devices to communicate on a single network.

Condenser: Optical system that focuses light onto the specimen for optimal illumination.

Cube Module: Standardized 50mm optical/electronic component that fits into the modular FRAME system.

D

DIC (Differential Interference Contrast): Advanced microscopy technique that enhances contrast in transparent specimens.

Depth of Field: The range of distances within which objects appear acceptably sharp in an image.

E

Encoder: Device that provides position feedback for motorized systems.

Extinction Ratio: Measure of polarizer efficiency, expressed as the ratio of transmitted light in perpendicular orientations.

F

Field Diaphragm: Adjustable aperture that controls the diameter of the illuminated field.

Focus Drift: Gradual change in focus position over time, typically due to thermal expansion.

FRAME: Fast Rigid Automated Microscope Engine - the name of the modular microscope system.

G

GPIO: General Purpose Input/Output pins on microcontrollers for interfacing with external devices.

H

Home Position: Reference position for motorized axes, typically set during system initialization.

I

ImSwitch: Advanced microscopy control software compatible with the FRAME system.

Infinity Optics: Optical system design where light rays are parallel between objective and tube lens.

K

Köhler Illumination: Optimal illumination method that provides even lighting and maximizes resolution.

L

Light Manager: Intelligent illumination control system with automatic optimization features.

Live View: Real-time display of camera images during operation.

M

Modular Design: System architecture allowing components to be easily exchanged or reconfigured.

Motorized System: Version of FRAME with computer-controlled movement and positioning.

N

Numerical Aperture (NA): Measure of a lens's light-gathering ability and resolving power.

O

Objective Lens: Primary magnifying lens closest to the specimen.

Open Source: Software or hardware designs freely available for modification and distribution.

P

Phase Contrast: Microscopy technique that converts phase differences to amplitude differences for enhanced contrast.

Pixel Calibration: Process of determining the physical size represented by each camera pixel.

Q

Quantum Efficiency: Measure of sensor sensitivity, expressed as percentage of incident photons converted to electrons.

R

Resolution: Smallest distance between two points that can be distinguished as separate.

REST API: Web service interface allowing remote control of system functions.

S

Stage: Platform that holds and positions specimens for observation.

Stepper Motor: Motor that moves in precise angular increments for accurate positioning.

T

Tube Lens: Lens that forms the final image in an infinity-corrected optical system.

Travel Range: Maximum distance of movement for motorized axes.

U

UC2: You.See.Too. - modular optics construction kit underlying the FRAME system.

USB: Universal Serial Bus interface for computer communication.

V

Vibration Isolation: Methods to minimize mechanical vibrations that can affect image quality.

W

Web Interface: Browser-based control interface for remote system operation.

Working Distance: Distance between objective front lens and specimen when in focus.

X, Y, Z

XYZ Positioning: Three-dimensional coordinate system for specimen positioning and movement.

Contact Information

Technical Support

Primary Contact:

Support Hours:

  • Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CET
  • Emergency support available 24/7 for safety-related issues

Sales and Information

Sales Contact:

General Information:

Training and Education

Training Programs:

  • Email: training@openuc2.com
  • Workshops: Regular workshops available
  • Online Training: Video tutorials and documentation

Regional Distributors

Contact openUC2 for information about authorized distributors in your region.

Additional Resources

Online Documentation

Main Documentation Site: https://openuc2.github.io

  • Complete documentation library
  • Software downloads
  • Hardware specifications
  • Community forums

GitHub Repositories:

Software Resources

ImSwitch:

  • Download: [ImSwitch GitHub]
  • Documentation: [ImSwitch Docs]
  • Community support

UC2-REST API:

  • API documentation
  • Example code
  • Integration guides

Python Libraries:

  • UC2-Python package
  • Example scripts
  • Automation tutorials

Community and Support

User Community:

  • Discussion forums
  • User-contributed content
  • Project sharing platform
  • Regular community meetings

Educational Resources:

  • Video tutorials
  • Webinar recordings
  • Application notes
  • Best practices guides

Standards and Compliance

Relevant Standards:

  • ISO 8038: Optics and photonics - Microscopes
  • IEC 61010-1: Safety requirements for electrical equipment
  • EN 55011: Electromagnetic compatibility
  • RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
  • WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU

Certification Bodies:

  • CE marking through notified body
  • ISO certification for quality management
  • Environmental compliance verification

Limited Warranty

openUC2 GmbH warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase.

Warranty Coverage:

  • Parts and labor for manufacturing defects
  • Software updates during warranty period
  • Technical support
  • Calibration verification

Warranty Exclusions:

  • Damage from misuse or abuse
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Modifications without authorization
  • Use outside specified environmental conditions
  • Damage from unauthorized service

Limitation of Liability

openUC2 GmbH's liability is limited to repair or replacement of defective products. In no event shall openUC2 GmbH be liable for incidental or consequential damages.

Intellectual Property

This product may be covered by patents. For current patent information, contact openUC2 GmbH.

Open Source Components: Many components use open source licenses. For complete license information, see the software documentation.

Export Control

This product may be subject to export control regulations. Check local regulations before shipping internationally.

Document Revision History

VersionDateChangesAuthor
1.0June 2024Initial releaseopenUC2 Technical Team
Complete operational manual
CE compliance documentation
Multi-file structure for docusaurus

Feedback and Improvements

We welcome feedback on this documentation. Please send suggestions to: documentation@openuc2.com

Areas for Future Updates:

  • Additional application examples
  • Advanced automation tutorials
  • Troubleshooting case studies
  • Integration guides for specific software

Index

A

  • Alignment procedures, 67, 89
  • Automation scripts, 134-137
  • Autofocus system, 118-119

B

  • Brightfield microscopy, 125-126
  • Backup procedures, 158

C

  • Calibration procedures, 150-154
  • Camera setup, 67, 89
  • CE compliance, 6-7
  • Cleaning procedures, 146-149
  • CAN-BUS communication, 56, 136

D

  • Daily maintenance, 145
  • DIC microscopy, 127

E

  • Error codes, 142-143
  • Environmental requirements, 47

F

  • Focus system, 115-118
  • Fluorescence microscopy, 127-128
  • FRAME overview, 11-16

I

  • Installation procedures, 64-90
  • ImSwitch software, 112-114

M

  • Software operation, 110-115
  • Maintenance schedule, 145-146
  • Motorized operation, 115-124

O

  • Optical specifications, 45-46
  • Operation procedures, 110-143

S

  • Safety information, 6-10
  • Software installation, 85-87
  • Stage operation, 115, 119-120
  • System startup, 110

T

  • Technical specifications, 44-59
  • Troubleshooting guide, 154-161
  • Training resources, 165

W

  • Warranty information, 166

End of Document

© openUC2 GmbH. All rights reserved. This document contains proprietary information and is provided for the operation of the FRAME Microscope system only.

Document Information:

  • Document Version: 1.0
  • Publication Date: June 2024
  • Language: English
  • Total Pages: 7 sections
  • Format: Multi-file structure for docusaurus integration

For the latest updates and additional resources, visit: https://openuc2.github.io