analySIS®

BX61
Remote
Control
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 Olympus BX61

Introductory comments 1
Olympus BX61

Installation 1

Software control of the BX61 4

Main tasks when working with the BX module ..........................4

The BX button bar .....................................................................5
User administration in the BX module .......................................6
Workflow for the first configuration ........................................... 7

Configuring the microscope 9

Entering microscope components ............................................ 9

Setting up a new key configuration .........................................17
The key configuration dialog box .............................................20
Defining frame keys and handswitch keys ..............................22
Defining Softkeys ....................................................................24
Defining observation methods .................................................25
Defining combined observation methods ................................26
Completing the key definition ..................................................27
BX61-25.11.03En

Working with the microscope 27

Selecting combined observation methods ...............................29

The BX image information 31

The BX-UCB control box light panel 32

Appendix: 3 typical microscope con-

figurations 33

Transmitted light (BF/DF/PH//PO) .......................................... 35

Fluorescence (reflected illumination) ..................................... 37
Reflected observation for materials science (BF/DF/PO) ...... 39

Index 41
 Introductory comments

Introductory comments
This documentation This documentation describes the BX software module - the software control
for the motorized microscopes of the Olympus BX product line. This module
is fully integrated with image-analysis software. It is assumed that the micro-
scope, including the camera, has already been assembled and that the soft-
ware has been installed on your PC.
Other documentation For detailed information on all microscope components, hints on assembly,
and technical specifications, please see the Olympus BX users’ manuals. To
familiarize yourself with the broad range of possibilities of the image analysis
software, please have a look at the "Step by Step" manual.
BX51/52/61/62 The explanations and examples in this documentation concerning the BX
software module refer to a BX61 microscope type. This software can also be
used with the BX51/52 microscope, provided you have the BX-UCB control-
ler. In that case, you can control the lamp voltage and the motorized parts
(the BX51/52 has no built-in Z-drive).
With or without a PC All controllable microscope components are connected to the control box via
cable. A single serial cable connects the control box to the PC.
You may also run your microscope without the PC. In this case, the functions
concerning digital image acquisition, image processing, analysis, database
archiving and report generation will not be available. The frame keys and
handswitch keys for controlling the microscope will have the default settings.
System requirements When operating the microscope via PC, you need to have a display with a
minimum of 65536 colors (16 bits) and a minimum size of 1024x768 pixels.

Installation
The description of the installation process only refers to the BX-module. The
general procedure is the same than with a "normal" analySIS-installation. As
a precondition, the dongle must be set on a serial port of your PC and you
must be logged in with administrator rights. For the installation of additional
software or hardware (e.g. a digital camera), please refer to the corres-
ponding manual.
For the installation of the software proceed as follows:

1
1) Insert the analySIS-CD into the CD-ROM drive of your PC.
" Normally, the Setup dialog box will open automatically. Should that
not be the case or if you have closed it, you can open it again by
clicking on the Setup.exe on the CD-ROM.
2) Select the menu entry analySIS 3.2 for the installation of the software.
3) Follow the instructions of the Setup Wizard. As refers to the BX module
you must pay special interest to two settings (see below).
4) When asked for the microscope, select the Olympus manufacturer and
the option BX2 Remote and Control.
 Olympus BX61 • Installation

5) When asked for the stage, select the Olympus manufacturer and the
option BX61 Z-Stage.
2

6) Go on with the installation.

 Installation

Configuration of the input channel

For the use of the BX module, some settings of the input channel have to be
adjusted. We recommend to do this directly after the installation. However,
if you forget it, you will receive a message when starting the BX module.
How to... Configure the input channel
1) Open the dialog box Set input via the key F6 or via the menu
Image>Set Input.
" You see all existing input channels. The active input channel is
highlighted in blue.
2) Select the input channel or create a new one, which you would like to
use for the BX remote control.
3) Doubleclick on the input channel you want to use.
" The dialog box Set Input appears.
4) Select the Magnification tab.
" Select the option Olympus BX2 from the picklist in the Device field.

5) Click on the Set COM port... button and in the Set Remote COM port
dialog box select the port used for the RS232 serial cable that connects
your PC with the control box of the microscope.
6) In the Remote group select the On check box.
" This enables the remote control.
7) If you want to read out the magnification currently set at the micros-
cope, click on the Read button.
" Once these settings are done, you can start the BX module as des-
cribed on page 7.
 Olympus BX61 • Software control of the BX61

Software control of the BX61

The BX software module makes operation of your microscope even easier and more efficient, and to
some extent, automated. Furthermore, the image-analysis software provides you with easy-to-use digital
image acquisition, image processing, analysis, database archiving and report generation.

Configuration via The BX software interface must be configured prior to remote operation.
dialog boxes Configuration is done via dialog boxes onscreen (of your PC). You will be
automatically prompted through the configuration process to select all the
microscope components and key assignments from picklists.
Control via dialog You may use dialog boxes, softkeys, frame keys and/or handswitch keys on
boxes, handswitch the microscope (all user-definable) to control the lamp voltage and all motor-
keys, frame keys and ized parts including the built-in Z-drive and filter wheels. You can also mon-
softkeys itor the status of your microscope. The integrated user-administration dialog
enables multiple users to save their configurations according to their own
particular needs and re-load them as needed.
Note You may only redefine how frame keys and handswitch keys are to be used
if the PC is on, the software has been opened and the user is logged on.

Main tasks when working with the BX module

User administration Key configuration

¾ create/delete users ¾ add or change definition of
¾ change password frame/handswitch keys
¾ change user‘s rights ¾ set up a new key configuration
¾ assign key/microscope configuration ¾ define softkeys
¾ define observation methods
4

The BX module

Microscope configuration Microscope control

¾ define a new configuration ¾ control microscope from
¾ change an existing configuration computer
 The BX button bar

The BX button bar

Use the BX button bar to
access all dialog boxes.
Use the Special > Edit
Button Bars... command to
show the BX button bar if it
is currently hidden.
Depending on the user’s Log On/Off
rights, one or more buttons
User Settings (p. 6)
are not available, e.g., for a
user with Standard rights, Microscope Configuration (p. 9)
the Microscope Key Configuration (p. 20)
Configuration button will be
disabled. Microscope Control (p. 27)
Optional button: Show/Hide SoftKeys (p. 24)

Log On This button is used to identify the current user and for password verification.
As soon as the user has logged on, the other buttons will become active.
The password for the administrator for the initial log-on is: a .
User Settings This button is used to identify the preferred hardware and software settings
for a user, and permits selection of other preferred settings from the entire
range of settings. If an administrator is logged on, this dialog also contains
options to create users and assign user’s rights.
Microscope This button is used to define a hardware configuration. This is a list of the
Configuration actual hardware parts of your microscope.
Key Configuration This button is used to assign functions or observation methods of your
microscope to keys on the frame or handswitch.
Microscope Control This button is used to monitor the status of the microscope, to control the Z-
drive and motorized parts of the microscope (if present) and to select an
observation method.
SoftKeys This button is only active if softkeys have been defined by the logged-in
user. In this case, clicking on the button will open the BX softkey button bar:
Example of a Softkey button

5
bar. The name of a softkey
can be freely defined.
 Olympus BX61 • User administration in the BX module

User administration in the BX module

The BX module offers four user levels, each provided with different rights.
Thus, depending on the user’s rights, some buttons of the BX module button
bar will be inactive with some users:
• Trainee:
lowest rights, can only use the microscope control, making use of the
key and/or microscope configuration assigned to him by the adminis-
trator.
• Standard:
can select a key and a microscope configuration, can create a key con-
figuration of his own.
• Advanced:
can select a key and a microscope configuration, can create a key con-
figuration and a microscope configuration of his own.
• Administrator:
has all the rights. He can create new users and assign them certain
rights. He can also change the rights of existing users. Additionally, he
can assign a default microscope and a key configuration to a user.
To do so, the User Settings dialog box has additional functions:
Appearance of the User
Settings dialog box when
logged in with administrator
rights
6

Appearance of the User

Settings dialog box when
logged in with Standard or
Advanced rights
 Workflow for the first configuration

Creating new users

Only the administrator (or a user with administrator rights) can create new
users.
1) To create a new user, click the New User.... button and enter a user
name in the New User dialog box.
" The new user is added to the list. Per default, he has Trainee rights.
" The password for the new user will initially be the same as the user
name. The user can change it afterwards (except users with the
Trainee rights). Upper and lower case are relevant when entering
the password.
2) If required, change the rights by selecting the corresponding option in
the Rights group and click Save.
3) You can assign a microscope configuration to a user. In this case, the
user will start a session with this microscope configuration. He can,
however, select another microscope configuration (if there is one) in
the User Settings dialog box.
4) Users with Trainee rights are not allowed to select a microscope con-
figuration. Therefore, the administrator must assign one to them. Oth-
erwise the Microscope Control button will not be available and the new
user cannot work with the software!
(You can also assign a key configuration, but this is optional as the new
user can also work with the default key configuration.)

Changing the settings for existing users

Change password The administrator can change the password for all users. This may be useful
if a user has forgotten his password. By changing a user’s password, the
administrator is also able to deny the access to the software.
Assign a microscope The administrator can assign a microscope configuration to a user. In this
configuration case, the user will start a session with this microscope configuration. He
can, however, select another microscope configuration (if there is one) in the
User Settings dialog box.
Assign a key A new user is automatically given the Default Key configuration. This
configuration means, that no special key configuration has been defined. When clicking

7
on the key configuration button for the first time, the user has to create a new
key configuration (except users with the Trainee rights, who cannot make up
a key configuration of their own and will use either the default key configu-
ration or one assigned to them by the administrator).

Workflow for the first configuration

How to... Follow these steps for the first configuration of the microscope:
1) As you assemble the Olympus BX 61 microscope, make a list of all the
components and their positions. The list should include objectives, filter
cubes, phase contrast and DIC inserts and other filters and optical ele-
ments.
2) Make sure that all cable plugs are firmly inserted into their jacks: the
connector cables between the microscope components and the control
box; the handswitch cable; the RS232 serial cable between the control
box and PC; and the power supply cables for the control box and the
PC.
3) Turn on the control box and wait until the initialization process has com-
pleted.
 Olympus BX61 • Workflow for the first configuration

4) Start up the PC and open the image-analysis software.

5) Click on the Log On button in the BX button bar.
" The Open a BX Session dialog box will be opened.
" "administrator" will appear in the User name field.
6) Enter the preliminary password ("a") into the Password field.
" You will be logged in with administrator rights and therefore will be
able to create other users and assign user’s rights.
7) Confirm by clicking OK.
" The other buttons of the BX button bar will now become active.
" If the message "Cannot communicate with the microscope. The BX
remote may not be assigned to the active logical input channel."
appears, you did not configure the active logical input channel after
the installation. If you confirm the question "Do you want to select/
create a logical input channel?" with "Yes", the BX module will cre-
ate a new logical input channel and configure it for you. If you do
not want to create a new logical input channel, click on "No" and
read the chapter "Configuration of the input channel" on page 3.
8) Leftclick once on the Acquire button and once on the Snapshot button
in the Standard button bar to ensure that the live-image display and
snapshot acquisition are functioning.
9) Click the Microscope Configuration button in the BX button bar to in-
form the software of the exact microscope components.
" A series of dialog boxes will now guide you through the configura-
tion process. For additional comments and explanations, see the
chapter entitled "Entering microscope components" on page 9.
10) Click the Key Configuration button to assign functions to the keys and
to define observation methods. For additional explanations, see the
chapter entitled "Setting up a new key configuration" on page 17.
11) Once you have completed the configuration, you may click on the
Microscope Control button to begin using the microscope.
" For more detail, please see the chapter entitled "Working with the
microscope" on page 27).
12) You should change your password now to make sure that data is only
accessible by you. Keep in mind that upper and lower case are relevant
8

when you enter your password.

13) If you want to create new users, see "Creating new users" on page 7.
Note If you have altered any component on your microscope, always remember
to change your microscope configuration or make up a new one.
 Configuring the microscope

Configuring the microscope

Defining the frame keys and
the handswitch keys is part
of the configuration of the
microscope.

You may simply use the key

assignments as suggested
or define keys according to
your own specific wishes.

The illustration shows where

the keys are and how they
are numbered.

Entering microscope components

You must first inform the software what components are attached to your microscope. Click on the
Microscope Configuration button in the BX button bar. A Wizard will take you through a series of dialog
boxes in which you select the name of each component, thus ensuring that no entries are left out. This
chapter contains a number of supplementary remarks on these dialog boxes.

Warning When defining microscope components, be very careful! The entries you
make within the dialog boxes must correspond exactly to the actual micro-

9
scope components installed. If they do not, it could result in damage to
your device or even damage to your health (e.g., when object illumination
is too intense or unfiltered!). The configurations shown in the chapter "3
typical microscope configurations" are only suggestions and probably
different from your microscope configuration.
Remember to redefine your configuration or to select a new configuration
if you make changes to the microscope hardware!

• Click on the Microscope Configuration button.

" The first dialog box will be opened:
 Olympus BX61 • Entering microscope components

Components shown in blue

on the microscope diagram
are those affected by the en-
tries in the current dialog
box.
If the Heat protection of
optical components option
is chosen (only available for
fluorescence microscopy),
the shutter will be closed af-
ter 10 minutes of inactivity
and the filter wheel will be
driven to a free position (if
defined).
Simply continue clicking on
the Next button to move on
to the next dialog box.

• Click on the New... button to enter an appropriate name for the new
configuration.
" You may select whether fields are to remain empty or be filled out
with the data of the previously-active configuration in the Hardware
Configuration dialog box.
" The name of the new configuration will be added to the Name-field
picklist and become available for selection.
• Select the picklist entries corresponding exactly to your microscope
assembly in this dialog box and all others following.
The abbreviation N.A.
stands for numeric aperture.

Note: To be able to more

easily read the label on the
objectives, rotate the objec-
tive turret via the hand-
switch.
10
 Entering microscope components

Here you can define the

parfocality correction (see
page 14).

The Escape check box:

To avoid sample damage or
the inadvertent dragging of
a non-oil immersion objec-
tive through oil, it is helpful
to lower the Z stage upon
switching objectives. To en-
able this setting, select the
Escape check box.

Stage Limits Set the correct stage limits here in order to protect the samples and objec-
tives. Once these values are set, you only have to confirm them when asked
for them during other operations with the BX module.
How to... Set the Stage Limits:
1) Make sure the stage is sufficiently far away from the biggest objective.
2) Switch to the highest magnification.
3) Focus the sample (at the microscope).
4) Should the Stage Limits dialog box not be shown, open it by clicking on
the Limits... button.
5) Bring the sample a little closer to the objective and read out the upper
limit by clicking Read.
6) This fixes the upper stage limit for the Z-drive.
7) Now switch to the smallest magnification.
8) Focus the sample (at the microscope).
9) Take the sample a little away from the objective and read out the lower
limit by clicking Read.

11
10) This fixes the lower limit for the Z-drive.

Only a minority of micro-

scopes are equipped with
an additional hardware for
the automatic focusing of
the sample. This is why the
default setting for the Auto-
focus type is Not used.
However, if your microscope
has an autofocus unit, con-
figure it here as described
on page 15.
 Olympus BX61 • Entering microscope components

In the Illuminator type field

you can select the option
Reflected Light,
Fluorescence, non
motorized and not used.

Note:
The default value for the op-
tical components is Skip
position. However, one posi-
tion should always be de-
fined as Free, in order to
keep the light path free from
any optical elements.

If you forget to define a Free

position, the BX module will
define it for you when you go
on to the next dialog box.
Should that not be possible,
because all positions are
used, you will get a warning
message.

In the Condenser type field

you can select the option
motorized, non motorized
and not used (if the
microscope does not have a
condenser).

Note:
The default value for the op-
tical components is Skip
position. However, one posi-
tion should always be de-
fined as Free, in order to
12

keep the light path free from

any optical elements.
 Entering microscope components

Each of the three possible

filter wheels has its own
separate dialog box.

Click the Move the Wheel

button to be able to identify
the active filter wheel
(simply listen for the sound
of its motor).

Note:
The default value for the op-
tical components is Skip
position. However, one posi-
tion should always be de-
fined as Free, in order to
keep the light path free from
any optical elements.
• Click on the Finish button in the final dialog box to conclude definition
of the microscope components.

13
 Olympus BX61 • Entering microscope components

How to... Use a parfocality correction:

1) Make sure, the stage limits are set.
2) Look for a detail of the sample that is recognizable with different mag-
nifications.
3) On the Define Microscope Cofiguration: Parfocality correction dialog
box, enable the Use parfocality correction check box.
4) Select the objective with the highest magnification and focus the sam-
ple (The camera will automatically switch to live mode. So you can do
it either in the live image, by moving the slider control of the Z-axis, or
at the microscope).
5) When you are content with your results, click the <<Read Z button.
" (Alternatively, if you know the correct Z-value, enter the value in the
Value field and click the Set Z >> button.)
6) To always lower the Z stage upon switching objectives, select the
Escape check box.
7) Select the objective with the second highest magnification and focus
the sample again.
8) Click the <<Read Z button again.
" The BX software will save the difference between the two Z values
(not the absolute values!). This difference will always be added or
reduced when the objectives are changed.
9) Repeat these steps with the other objectives. Take the objective with
the smallest magnification as the last one.
10) The software will save the differences between all the objectives. So,
you can directly change from the smallest objective to the biggest one,
with an automatic correction of the parfocality.
" However, when changing an objective, you will have to adjust the
exposure time manually in the camera control, as the intX function
does not work in the Microscope Configuration dialog box.
14
 Entering microscope components

Settings in the Autofocus dialog box

If your microscope is equipped with an additional hardware for the automatic
focusing of the sample, please read the descriptions below.
Autofocus type: The default setting for the Autofocus type is Not used.
According to the configuration of your microscope, select the Active or
Passive Autofocus. Although these types differ widely from a technical point
of view, the settings you have to do in the BX module are basically the same.
AF Zone: The Autofocus only tries to focus the sample within the Z-values
defined here. This setting can always be changed later via the Other tab in
the BX Control Panel.
Example For Objective A the start position of the Z-axis is defined at 7500 µm. The
AF Zone is 1000 µm. The Autofocus will try to focus the sample at a Z-value
between 7000 and 8000 µm.
Button AF On/OFF: Here you start or stop the Autofocus function. This is
only for the configuration of the Autofocus. When you go on to the next dia-
log box in the Microscope Configuration, the Autofocus will be switched off
automatically. The Autofocus function is started from the BX Control Panel,
see "Starting the Autofocus" on page 29.
In the info box below the button you see the actual status of the Autofocus.
The following statuses are possible: OFF (the Autofocus is not running),
SEARCH (the Autofocus is searching for the focus plane), FOCUS (the
Autofocus is running and focusing the sample), TRACE (the Autofocus is
trying to focus the sample again after you moved the stage in X/Y direction),
PAUSE ( if an objective has been selected that should not be used with the
Autofocus).
Objectives and Use: as the Autofocus is not available for all the objectives,
you can decide whether the Autofocus should be used for the selected
objective or not. For a list of suitable objectives see page 16 or have a look
at the corresponding Olympus manual.

Adjustment of the Active Autofocus

Value: For the configuration of the Autofocus, focus the sample by moving

15
the slider control up or down. If the sample is focused, the value in the Value
field is set. This is the position of the aberation lens of the Autofocus unit. It
is inserted because the Active Autofocus focuses the sample with infrared
laser light, i.e. at a different wavelegth than the human eye.
Note This field only refers to the Active Autofocus, with the Passive Autofocus it
will not be shown.

Adjustment of the Passive Autofocus

For a description how to adjust the Passive Autofocus, please refer to the
corresponding help topic.
 Olympus BX61 • Entering microscope components

Suitable objectives for the Active Autofocus unit

Objective Type Magnification Subtype
LMPLFL 5x-250x none*, BD
LMPLAPO 5x-250x none, BD
MPLAPO 5x-250x none
SLMPL 5x-250x none
LCPLAPO 5x-250x none
LCPLFL 5x-250x none
UMPLFL 5x-250x none, BD, BDP

'none' in the Subtype column means objectives without a subtype

Suitable objectives for the Passive Autofocus unit

Objective Type Magnification Subtype
PLAPO 0,5x-2x none
40x none, WLSM
60x O, OPH, WLSM, OLSM
100x O
UPLAPO 4x none
10x none, PH, W
20x none, PH, O
40x none, OIPH, OI
60x none, W
100x OIPH, Oi
UPLFL 4x-40x none, P, PH
60x OI, O, PH
100x O, OI, OPH, OP
UMPLFL 5x none, BD, BDP
16

10x-20x none, BD, BDP, W

50-100x none, BD, BDP
LMPLFL 5x-100x none, BD
MPLAPO 1,25x-60x none
100x none, BD, O
LMPLAPO 150x-250x none, BD
LCPLAPO 20x-100x none
LCPLFL 20x-60x none, PH
100x LCD

'none' in the Subtype column means objectives without a subtype

 Setting up a new key configuration

Setting up a new key configuration

Every user has to define his personal key configuration for each microscope configuration he wants to
use. For example, if a user wants to use 3 microscope configurations, he will have to define 3 key con-
figurations.
However, in order to make the setting up of a key configuration easier, it is possible to select one of the
existing key configurations as a template. The key configurations can be of any other user who uses this
microscope configuration. Just select one as a template, save it under a new name and change or add it
as you like.

User Miller
uses microscope configuration
„Brightfield“ with the personal key
configuration „Brightfield-Miller“

User Smith
uses microscope configuration
„Brightfield“ with the personal key
configuration „Brightfield-Smith“

17
New User Brown
also wants to use microscope
configuration „Brightfield“.
Before, he has to set up his
personal key configuration.

As a template, he can select one

of the two existing key
configurations: „Brightfield-Miller“
or „Brightfield-Smith“.
 Olympus BX61 • Setting up a new key configuration

How to... Set up a new key configuration:

1) Before clicking on the Key Configuration button, make sure that the
current microscope configuration has been selected in the User
Settings dialog box.
2) Click on the Key Configuration button.
" A message will appear: "No key configuration is assigned to your
user settings. Please choose (or create) one with the following
dialog."
3) After clicking on OK, the following dialog box will be opened:

" If key configurations have already been defined for other users (for
the current microscope configuration) and you wish to use one of
these as a template for your own new key configuration, then select
the one desired in the Name picklist. The entry "[Personal]" indi-
cates that the original configuration cannot be altered by you.
4) Click on the New... button and enter an appropriate name into the New
Key Configuration dialog box.
" You may select whether the new configuration is to be based on the
18

default setting or, if applicable, on the most recently active existing

configuration.
" If you did not select an existing key configuration, you will be asked
if you would like to use predefined observation methods. If you click
on Yes, a new dialog box opens, in which you select the observa-
tion methods you want to use (several selections are possible):
 Setting up a new key configuration

For fluorescence microscopy you can select 8 predefined observation

methods: FL1-8.

For reflected light microscopy you can select 4 predefined observation

methods: BF=Bright Field, DF=Dark Field, PO=Polarized Light and DIC=Dif-
ferential Interference Contrast
For transmitted light microscopy you can select 5 predefined observation
methods: BF=Bright Field, DF=Dark Field, PO=Polarized Light, PH=Phase
Contrast, DIC=Differential Interference Contrast.

5) After clicking on OK, the Stage Limits dialog box will be opened. You
will see the Z-values as defined during the microscope configuration.
You will only have to apply any changes here if you did not define the
Z-limits properly during microscope configuration (see "Stage Limits"
on page 11).
6) The Key Configuration dialog box will open. Here you can define your
personal key settings.
" From now on, this dialog box will open right away when you click

19
the Key Configuration button.

Deleting a key configuration:

If you want to delete a key configuration, click the Select Key Configuration
button, select the key configuration from the Name picklist and click
Delete.... Please note that you can only delete your own key configurations.
The key configurations of other users are protected, which is indicated by
the entry "[Personal]" following the name.
 Olympus BX61 • The key configuration dialog box

The key configuration dialog box

Overview In the Key Configuration dialog box you can:
• look up and change the default definition of the frame keys
• look up and change the default definition of the handswitch keys
• define new softkeys (no default definition available)
• define new observation methods or change the settings of the selected
predefined observation methods
• define the settings when two observation methods are combined (only
Transmitted Light and Fluorescence)
It is advisable to assign certain basic functions to the buttons on the frame
or handswitch, e.g., active lamp ON/OFF. It is also very convenient to assign
the snapshot function to a key. This enables you to work at the microscope
and collect images without having to look at the PC monitor. As the majority
of the frame and handswitch keys are already defined with default settings,
you will probably only have to define some keys for your personal settings.
Please note that you can also assign macros or observation methods to a
key, not only microscope functions.
Defining a key Simply select a key in the Key Configuration dialog box (it turns yellow when
selected), select the desired function or combination of functions and click
Save.

Available buttons in this dialog box:

Frame Keys
Handswitch Keys
Softkeys
Observation methods

Acquire (in live mode: Snapshot)

20

Shutter Open/Close
Select (or create new) Key Configuration
Save
Print Key Configuration
Delete active Key definition
Help

The Delete active Key definition button deletes the setting of the selected
key. If you click this button while pressing [Shift], the settings for all the keys
of this mode will be deleted.
If you want to delete an entire key configuration, see page 19.
Clicking on the Save button will save the settings for the selected key or
observation method (shown in yellow).
The Print Key Configuration button prints the key configuration of the active
mode as a sheet for reference purposes.
 The key configuration dialog box

An easy way to define a particular microscope observation method is by first

setting all variables on the microscope appropriately for that mode. Then, in
the software, select the desired key in the frame or handswitch dialog and
upload the status of the microscope to the computer by clicking the Get
Microscope Status button. Save this "status" by clicking the Save button.
Every time the chosen button is clicked, the microscope will be set to the
desired condition by the software.
With this button you can easily restore the default setting for a button (e.g.
in case you changed the setting of a button temporarily and now want to
restore the defaults). Just select the button, click the Get Factory Settings
button and click Save.

21
 Olympus BX61 • Defining frame keys and handswitch keys

Defining frame keys and handswitch keys

Use the Key Configuration: Frame and the Key Configuration: Handswitch dialog boxes to define the de-
sired settings for the frame keys and for the handswitch keys.

The colors of the frame keys

indicate their status: green
signifies that the key is de-
fined and white that the key
is free. The currently select-
ed key is yellow

Default setting of frame keys

22

1 Lamp Voltage Up (+0.5 V)

2 Lamp voltage Down (-0.5 V)
3 Stage -100.00 µm
4 Stage 100.00 µm
5 Stage Escape/Return
6 Focus step Fine/Coarse
7 default as provided with BX software:
Snapshot; (go to the next buffer)
default when software is not running:
Light Preset switch
8 Active Lamp On/Off
 Defining frame keys and handswitch keys

The colors of the hand-

switch keys indicate their
status: green signifies that
the key is defined and white
that the key is free. The cur-
rently selected key is yellow

Note Please note that during key configuration, the default frame and handswitch
functions are active. Newly defined functions only become active after clos-
ing the dialog. They can, however, be tested by rightclicking.

Default setting of handswitch keys

A Shutter On/Off

23
B Top Lens In/Out
C Free
D Aperture Stop condenser [Down]
E Aperture Stop condenser [Up]
F Contrast insert [<<]
G Contrast insert [>>]
H Mirror Cube [<<]
I Mirror Cube [>>]
1 Objective 1
2 Objective 2
3 Objective 3
4 Objective 4
5 Objective 5
6 Objective 6
7 Objective 7
 Olympus BX61 • Defining Softkeys

Defining Softkeys
Once you have assigned your most important microscope functions (or macros or observation methods)
to the keys of the frame or the handswitch, you may also want to assign them to a softkey so that these
functions can also be called quickly from the software, without having to go over to the microscope.
Besides, the use of softkeys enables a change of the microscope configuration without any need to make
adjustments in dialog boxes. Just select another softkey. The image window can remain open. Only a
minimal part of the user interface is needed for the softkey command bar.

You can define up to 24 softkeys. The procedure is exactly the same as with the definition of frame or
handswitch keys.
24

The defined softkeys are added to a command bar which you call up via the
BX button bar. To hide the BX softkey command bar, click the button again.
You can place the command bar freely within the software interface:
 Defining observation methods

The BX Softkey command

bar can be a separate com-
mand bar or can be docked
to the other button bars (be-
low).

Defining observation methods

The Key Configuration: Observation methods dialog box is designed to help advanced microscope users
in placing the correct optical components in the light path, and automatically adjusting the illumination for
various types of microscopy (e.g., Fluorescence, DIC). The ability to define observation methods provides
the user with a powerful tool to switch quickly from one type of microscopy to another, with minimal
manual adjustments.

25
 Olympus BX61 • Defining combined observation methods

How to... How to define observation methods:

1) Configure the microscope according to your needs.
2) Upload this setting to the BX module software by clicking on the Get
Microscope Status button.
" Alternatively, you can define all the settings in the software, without
having to go over to the microscope.
3) Name the observation method accordingly, e.g., enter "GFP" for a fluo-
rescence mode with a U-MWIB mirror cube. A maximum of 5 charac-
ters is possible.
" This name will be shown on the Observation tab in the BX Control
Panel.
4) Click on the Save button to save the observation method.
" Every saved observation method button will turn green within the di-
alog box image.
5) If you want to load the newly defined observation method, just mark the
corresponding key and press the right mouse button.
Additional Information:
Top lens The position of the top lens (IN or OUT) is handled automatically based on
which objective is in the light path. (If NA > 0.16, the top lens is inserted for
transmission modes.)
ND filters Note that it is possible to set ND filters to balance contrast differences for
various fluorescence and brightfield modes.
DIC and PH Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) and Phase Contrast (PH) observa-
tion modes permit setting the contrast insert individually for each objective
on separate tabs.

Defining combined observation methods

If, for example, you are working with fluorescence microscopy and you need
a weak transmitted light in order to be able to recognize sample’s structure,
you can combine the two observation methods fluorescence and transmitted
light-brightfield.
However, in this case the lamp voltage must of course be considerably lower
26

than in the standard transmitted light-brightfield observation method. This is

why you have the separate keys PH+, DIC+ and BF+ for defining an obser-
vation method when it is used in combination with another observation
method.
How to define a combined observation method
1) If necessary, go to the Key Configuration: Observation methods dialog
box.
2) Select the key for the observation method you want to be used in com-
bination with another one (either PH+, DIC+ or BF+).
" You can only combine transmitted light microscopy (only
PH=Phase Contrast, DIC=Differential Interference Contrast,
BF=Bright Field) with fluorescence microscopy.
" All the settings of the standard observation method are copied to
this key.
3) Apply the necessary changes (i.e. reduce the voltage of the lamp).
" In the text field the difference between the same observation meth-
od when being used alone or when combined with another obser-
vation method will be indicated:
 Completing the key definition

Detail from the Key

Configuration: Observation
methods dialog box.
In this example the voltage
of the lamp will be set to 3 V
when the Brightfield obser-
vation method is used in
combination with another
observation method.

4) Click Save.
5) For loading the newly defined observation method, see page 29.

Completing the key definition

Once the definitions are done, you are ready to use the microscope through
the BX61 software control to full capacity.

Working with the microscope

Once the preparatory tasks like setting up a microscope and a key definition are over, the Control Panel
is the part of the BX module with which you will mostly work. It permits the control of the microscope via
the PC and will save you a lot of time in going back and forth between microscope and PC.

• Click on the Microscope Control button to open the BX Control Panel

dialog box:

27
 Olympus BX61 • Working with the microscope

The BX Control Panel offers

a continuous status over-
view of the microscope. This
overview is updated several
times per second.

The current microscope

configuration and key con-
figuration are displayed at
the top of the dialog box.

The middle part of the dialog

box contains tabs to select
observation methods and to
make adjustments from
picklists or sliders.

The dialog box can

be made smaller or larger by
clicking the small arrow but-
tons.

Mouseover function The Control Panel dialog box is dynamically adjusted to reflect the compo-
28

nents and options present on your microscope. The image in the upper part
of the dialog box is a steering element with a mouse-over function. By mov-
ing the mouse over the image, a microscope part can be selected. The
selected component turns blue. Leftclicking will advance that part one step
in the forward direction. Rightclicking advances the part one step in the
reverse direction.
Z drive For a frame with a built-in Z drive, the values of the Z drive are displayed
together with a slider control for adjusting the Z value. By clicking on the
arrows of the slider control, you can move the stage in 1-micron increments.
By clicking the center portion of the slider between the two arrows, you can
move the stage in 10-micron increments. The relative position box allows a
basic height measurement: Simply set the value to zero by clicking Reset.
Upon moving the Z drive, the distance travelled will be indicated.
 Selecting observation methods with the BX control panel

Note If the Z-slider in the dialog box has been selected (the slider is flashing in
this case), you have alternative options to change the Z-values:
• Use the wheel (on a wheel mouse) to move the Z-drive slider by turning
the wheel.
• Use the Page Up and Page Down keys on the keyboard to move the Z-
slider in steps of 10 microns.
• The up and down arrows of the keyboard represent steps of 1 micron.
Limits... The Limits... button permits the setting of stage limits. If the upper limit of the
Z-drive is set too low, the sample cannot be moved into focus. You will have
to enlarge the upper stage limit.
Stage travel distance The maximum stage travel distance is 14 mm when a transmitted light filter
wheel (U-FWT) is mounted below the condenser. This distance is 25 mm
when the filter wheel is omitted and the Z limits have been reset.
The tabs The Observation tab gives an overview of the defined observation methods
and the objectives. The General tab allows adjustment of the lamp voltage
and the aperture stop, as well as a change of the objective. If filters are
present, they can be selected from the Filters tab. The Other tab contains
the mirror unit and condenser options. You can also change the position of
the top lens here and, if present, control the Autofocus.
Starting the Autofocus If your microscope is equipped with a hardware Autofocus unit, you can start
or stop the function here as well as define the AF Zone.
To start the function, click on the button AF On. If it is started, the Autofocus
focuses the sample permanently, i.e. every time you move the sample or
change an objective.
If you want to use the Autofocus only on demand, click on the button AF Find
(in the upper part of the Control Panel) every time you want to use it.
For further information see the chapter "Settings in the Autofocus dialog
box" on page 15.

Selecting observation methods with the BX control panel

In the Control Panel you can select the observation methods which you have
defined in the Key Configuration: Observation Methods (page 26) dialog

29
box. An observation method is loaded by simply clicking the corresponding
button. The button will have a depressed appearance as long as the obser-
vation method is active.

Selecting combined observation methods

If you have defined the keys for combined observation methods in the Key
Configuration: Observation methods dialog box, some keys for observation
methods will have a plus-sign after the abbreviation. You can use these
observation methods either alone or in combination with a fluorescence
observation method.
 Olympus BX61 • Selecting observation methods with the BX control panel

Only the Brightfield

observation method
is selected.

The Brightfield
observation method
is selected in
combination with
a Fluorescence
observation method.

Note If the Observation tab is not present, no observation methods have been
defined yet. Simply return to the Key Configuration dialog box and define
observation methods there.
Termination of an observation method
The selected observation method is terminated by selecting another obser-
30

vation method or by manually changing to another mirror cube or contrast

insert.
Changing the objectives, the filters or the lamp voltage does not terminate
the observation method. However, these settings are not saved and the next
time the observation method is loaded, the original settings (i.e. those
defined in the Key Configuration dialog box) will be activated.
 The BX image information

The BX image information

Any tif-image acquired while the BX module is running contains, apart from
general information, data regarding the used microscope configuration. This
data is saved on the BX Info tab of the Image Information.

File formats The image information is only saved along with the image if you save your
image in the tif format. With other file formats, this image information will not
be available.
How to open the image information window

31
1) Select one of the options described below:
• Click on the Image Information button in the Standard button bar (the
Image Information window for the selected image will appear).
• Double click on the image buffer with the required image.
• Click on the required image buffer with the right mouse key. In the con-
text menu select the Image Information... command.
• Mark the required image buffer and press [Alt]+[Enter].
2) Click on the BX Info tab to see the information stored along with the
image concerning the microscope configuration.
" You are shown the details of the microscope configuration which
was used during the image acquisition. This data is automatically
saved. So you do not have to enter important information concern-
ing the microscope configuration manually in the Comment field on
the General tab.
Apply this configura- You can even set your current microscope configuration to the configuration
tion to the microscope which was true during the image acquisition - provided that all the required
components are named identically and still available. To do so, click the but-
ton Apply this configuration to the microscope.
 Olympus BX61 • The BX-UCB control box light panel

The BX-UCB control box light panel

The lightpanel on the BX-UCB control box indicates the functioning of the various components. It can pro-
vide valuable information in case of difficulties.

Green signifies OK; blinking

signifies a problem. An ex-
tinguished light signifies the
absence of the component. Remote
If the red "ERR" (error) light Error
is on, this indicates that a
component has been incor-
Nosepiece
rectly plugged in.
Mirror unit
Components showing extin- Reflected shutter
guished lights cannot be op- Aperture stop
erated via the software. Filter wheel 1
Filter wheel 2
Filter wheel 3
Top lens
Condenser turret
Z drive or combined Z drive and Autofocus

An orange RMT light signifies control by the PC. The RMT light blinks
orange when a PC connection cannot be established. The blinking of one or
more lights indicates a problem with the respective component. The red
"ERR" (error) light will blink, when there is a problem with any of the motor-
ized components. Interruption in power to any component (e.g. removing the
reflected light filter cube turret) while logged on to the software will also
result in a red ERR light.
How to... Please check the status on the light panel in case of software problems for
an appropriate diagnosis.
1) Close down the software and shut off the control box.
32

2) Switch on the control box ONLY.

3) Check the status of the light panel.
" One or more blinking lights indicate problems with the microscope
itself. Please refer to the respective Olympus manuals to trouble-
shoot such microscope problems (see manual Olympus BX-UCB).
4) If the light panel displays no errors, then start up the software.
5) Click on the Log On button in the BX button bar.
6) Check the microscope configuration and compare the entries with the
components present on the microscope; adjust the configuration if nec-
essary.
7) Check the definition of the key configuration; adjust where necessary.
8) Now you may continue with your work at the microscope via software
control.
 Appendix: 3 typical microscope configurations

Appendix: 3 typical microscope configurations

A set of configuration files is provided with the BX module. They represent three typical microscope con-
figurations, one for transmitted light microscopy, one for reflected light and one for fluorescence micros-
copy. The corresponding key configurations are provided as well, including SoftKey definitions.

How to... Import the configuration files

1) Load your BX microscope according the lists below. Follow the exact
position indication.
2) Adjust the Z limits.
3) If necessary, start and log on to the BX module. Make sure you are
logged in with administrator rights.
4) Press the SHIFT key on your keyboard and, while pressing it, click on
the UserSettings button.
" The User Settings dialog box appears, with the additional buttons
Import Configurations... and Export Configurations... .
5) Click on Import Configurations… in the User settings dialog box.

33
6) Select your analySIS installation folder and browse to the folder
..\Macro\BX\DemoConfig .
7) Select this folder and press OK. (You can only import all demo conf-
iguration files, there is no option to select a special one.)
" The three demo configurations are imported now. Open the list in
the Microscope configuration field to see them.
 Olympus BX61 • Appendix: 3 typical microscope configurations

8) To load one of the configurations, select the configuration in the field

Microscope configuration. Also select the corresponding key configura-
tion in the Key configuration field.
9) Click on Save and Close.
10) Click on the Microscope control button to open the BX Control panel.

Exporting microscope configuration files

To export your personal configuration files, use the Export Configurations...
button. Your corresponding key configurations are automatically exported
as well.
Note Please note that you can only export all existing configuration files, there is
no option to select a special one.
Once you have exported your personal microscope configuraton files, they
can be reimported by you or imported by any other computer with an BX
installation.
34
 Appendix: 3 typical microscope configurations

Transmitted light (BF/DF/PH/DIC/PO)

Microscope parts
Frame BX61 TRF with U-ZPCB
Control box BX-UCB
Handswitch U-HSTR2
Lamp Halogen: U-LH100-3 (or equivalent)
Nosepiece U-D6REM (or equivalent)
Cable U-REMMT
Condenser U-UCD8A
Filter wheel for transmitted light U-FWT
Analyser U-AN (in objective turret)
DIC slider U-DICT (in objective turret)

Inserts
Position Objective
1 PLAPO 1.25x
2 PL 2x
3 PL 4x
4 PL 10x
5 PL 40x
6 Skip position
7 Skip position
Position Condenser
1 (small insert) U-DP10-S
2 (small insert) Free
3 (somall insert) Skip position
4 U-PH1 (for 10x/20x)

35
5 U-PH2 (for 40x)
6 U-DP20
7 U-DP40
8 U-DFA
Position Filter wheel transmitted
1 U-FWCO 1.25x
2 U-FW32PO
3 U-ND0.1
4 U-ND0.2
5 U-ND0.3
6 Free

Frame keys
1 Lamp voltage Up (+0.5 V)
2 Lamp voltage Down (-0.5 V)
 Olympus BX61 • Appendix: 3 typical microscope configurations

Frame keys
3 Focus Down (-100µm)
4 Focus Up (100µm)
5 Focus Escape/Return
6 Focus Fine/Coarse
7 Snapshot
8 Active Lamp On/Off

Handswitch keys
A Filter wheel transmitted forward [>>]
B Filter wheel transmitted backward [<<]
C (Not defined)
D Observation method Brightfield
E Observation method Darkfield
F Observation method Polarized Light (PO)
G Observation method Phase Contrast
(PH)
H Observation method DIC
I (Not defined)
1 Complete conditions for the 1.25x obser-
vation method

2 Objective 2
3 Objective 3
4 Objective 4
5 Objective 5
6 (Not defined)
7 (Not defined)
36
 Appendix: 3 typical microscope configurations

Fluorescence (reflected illumination and transmitted BF)

Microscope parts
Frame BX61 TRF with U-ZPCB
Control box BX-UCB
Handswitch U-HSTR2
Lamp reflected Mercury with power supply
Lamp transmitted Halogen: U-LH100-3 (or equivalent)
Nosepiece U-D6REM (or equivalent)
Illuminator Fluorescence U-RFAA
Condenser U-UCD8A or manual
Cable U-REMMT

Inserts
Position Objective
1 PL 4x
2 UPLFL 10x
3 UPLFL 20x
4 UPLFL 40x
5 UPLFL 60x
6 UPLFL 100x
7 Skip position
Position Illuminator
1 U-MNU
2 U-MNG
3 U-MNB
4 Free
5 Skip position

37
6 Skip position
7 Skip position
8 Skip position
Position Condenser
1 Free
2 Skip position
3 Skip position
4 U-PH1
5 U-PH2
6 U-DFA
7 Skip position
8 Skip position
 Olympus BX61 • Appendix: 3 typical microscope configurations

Frame keys
1 Lamp voltage Up (+0.5 V)
2 Lamp voltage Down (-0.5 V)
3 Focus Down (-100µm)
4 Focus Up (100µm)
5 Focus Escape/Return
6 Focus Fine/Coarse
7 Snapshot
8 Active Lamp On/Off

Handswitch keys
A Shutter Open/Close (Toggle)
B Top lens In/Out
C Not defined
D Observation method brightfield (BF)
E Observation method darkfield (DF)
F Observation method phase contrast (PH)
G Observation method MNU
H Observation method MNG
I Observation method MNB
1 Objective 1
2 Objective 2
3 Objective 3
4 Objective 4
5 Objective 5
6 Objective 6
7 (Not defined)
38
 Appendix: 3 typical microscope configurations

Reflected observation for materials science (BF/DF/PO)

Microscope parts
Frame BX61 TRF with U-ZPCB
Control box BX-UCB
Handswitch U-HSTR2
Lamp Halogen: U-LH100-3 (or equivalent)
Nosepiece U-D6REMC (or equivalent)
Illuminator U-RLAA
Filter wheel for reflected light U-FWR
Analyzer U-AN
Polarizer U-PO3
Cable U-REMMT

Inserts
Position Objective
1 UMPLFL 4x
2 UMPLFL 10x
3 UMPLFL 20x
4 UMPLFL 50x
5 Skip position
6 Skip position
7 Skip position

Frame keys (default*)

1 Lamp voltage Up (+0.5 V)

39
2 Lamp voltage Down (-0.5 V)
3 Focus Down (-100µm)
4 Focus Up (100µm)
5 Focus Escape/Return
6 Focus Fine/Coarse
7 Snapshot
8 Active Lamp On/Off

Handswitch keys
A Mirror cube Brightfield (U-MBF)
B Mirror cube Darkfield (U-MDF)
C (Not defined)
D Aperture stop Down
E Aperture stop Up
F (Not defined)
 Olympus BX61 • Appendix: 3 typical microscope configurations

Handswitch keys
G (Not defined)
H Observation method Brightfield (BF)
I Observation method Darkfield (DF)
1 Objective 1
2 Objective 2
3 Objective 3
4 Objective 4
5 (Not defined)
6 (Not defined)
7 (Not defined)
40
 Index

Defining Softkeys 24
A delete a key configuration 19
aberation lens 15 Delete the settings for all keys 20
access to the software 7 Deleting a key configuration 19
Active Autofocus 15 Deleting a single key definition 20
Administrator rights 6 demo configuration 33
Af Find button 29 DF 19
AF ON/OFF button 15 DIC 19, 26
AF Zone 15
Apply this configuration to the microscope 31
assign a key configuratio 7 E
assign a microscope configuration 7 error
assigning a macro to a key 20 all buttons of the BX module are disabled 7
Autofocus dialog box 15 Escape check box 11

B F
BF 19, 26 filter wheels 13
Button AF Find 29 FOCUS 15
Button AF On/OFF 15
Button Get Microscope Status 21
Button Set COM port... 3
BX Info tab 31
G
BX2 Remote and Control 1 Get Factory Values 21
BX61 Z-Stage 2 Get Microscope Status 21
Get Microscope Status button 21

C
changing the microscope hardware 9
H
Changing the settings for existing users 7 heat protection 10
colors of frame keys 22

41
combined observation methods 26
Condenser type field 12 I
Configuration of the input channel for BX remote 3
Illuminator type field 12
configure input channel 3
Image Information 31
Control Panel 27
input channel, configuration 3
create new users 6
installation process 1
intX (intelligent exposure) 14

D
default password for new users 7 K
default right level 7
key configuration dialog box 20
default setting of frame keys 22
default setting of handswitch keys 23
define frame keys 22
define handswitch keys 22 L
define softkeys 24 light panel of BX-UCB 32
Defining combined observation methods 26
 Index

Log On 5 set up new key configuration 17

Set Z >> button 14
Skip position 12
M softkey command bar 24
stage limits 11
Microscope Configuration button 9 Standard rights 6
Microscope Control 5 Suitable objectives for the Active Autofocus 16
microscope diagram, blue components 10 Suitable objectives for the Passive Autofocus 16
Mouseover function 28

T
N
template 17
ND filters 26 termination of a selected observation method 30
new user password 7 Top lens 26
new users 6 top lens 26
TRACE 15
Trainee rights 6
O typical microscope configurations 33
objectives for the Active Autofocus 16
objectives for the Passive Autofocus 16
observation method 26 U
UCB control box 32
user levels 6
P User Settings 6
parfocality correction 11 User Settings dialog box , additional functions 6
Passive Autofocus 15 user’s rights 6
password and case-sensivity 7
password change 7
password for new users 7 V
password, forgotten 7 Value field 15
PAUSE 15
42

Personal entry 18, 19

PH 19, 26
PO 19
predefined observation methods 18
preliminary password 8
print key configuration 20

R
Read Z button 14
Remote group 3

S
Set COM port... button 3
set stage limits 11