MICROSCOPE REMOTE-CONTROL WITH AN INTERNET BROWSER

OBJECTIVE: To develop a telemicroscopy system that is independent of s pecialized hardware and software for microscope remote control. DESCRI PTION OF THE SYSTEM: An automatic microscope mounted on a CCD camera w as connected to a computer that fulfills the function of an internet s erver. Any internet user can access this server and can control the mi croscope by use of an internet browser with Java support. The system c an be tested at http://amba.rz.charite.hu-berlin.de/telemic. FUNCTION AND APPLICATIONS: The user can move the microscope stage, change the m agnification or execute any other microscope operations by pressing bu ttons of the downloaded telemicroscopy client program. The new microsc ope images are transferred automatically. Structures of interest withi n the images can be high lighten and discussed online with other telem icroscopy clients. Any internet browser with Java support, like Netsca pe or Microsoft Internet Explorer, makes an internet user a telemicros copy client and thus a possible consultant for telepathology. CONCLUSI ON: The internet telemicroscope offers new possibilities for telepatho logy. This development should promote communication between pathologis ts and may thus increase the quality of diagnosis.