Systems and methods for distributed video microscopy

Abstract

System and methods are provided for distributed microscopy. A plurality of microscopes may capture images and send them to a media server. The microscopes and the media server may be part of a local area network. The microscopes may each have a distinct network address. The media server may communicate with an operations console, which may be used to view images captured by the microscopes. The operations console may also accept user input which may be used to selectively control the microscopes.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A system for distributed microscopy, comprising:
 a media server in communication with a plurality of microscopes over a network, wherein the media server is configured to receive data simultaneously from the plurality of microscopes, wherein each microscope of the plurality of microscopes has a volume of 50 cubic centimeters or less; and   one or more processors in communication with the media server, configured to (i) display an image, on an interface, based at least in part on the data, and (ii) transmit an operation command to a group of microscopes of the plurality of groups or to one or more devices associated with the group of microscopes, wherein the operation command is based at least in part on the image displayed.   
     
     
         22 . A method for selectively controlling distributed microscopes, comprising:
 (a) designating, by one or more processors, a plurality of microscopes distributed over a network into a plurality of groups, wherein each microscope of the plurality of microscopes has a volume of 50 cubic centimeters or less;   (b) receiving data simultaneously from the plurality of microscopes over the network;   (c) displaying an image on an interface in communication with the one or more processors, wherein the image is based at least in part on the data; and   (d) transmitting, by one or more processors, an operation command to a group of microscopes of the plurality of groups or to one or more devices associated with the group of microscopes, wherein the operation command is based at least in part on the image displayed.