Visual servoing for online facilities

Scientists who want to share microscopes over the Internet need systems that can provide the exact look and feel available to the local operator and that can hide unpredictable network delays. Providing the look and feel is achieved through the user interface. Hiding network latency is achieved through visual servoing. Visual servoing for online facilities interprets a visual scene and then automatically manipulates an instrument on the basis of control parameters. The authors' approach revolves around a set of visual routines implemented in a client-server architecture. The applications are two labor-intensive experiments: the microdissection of DNA molecules and in-situ examination of crystal formation. Microdissection and subsequent amplification of DNA molecules allow for rapid closure of gaps in the genomic library. In-situ experiments reveal information about the thermal and morphological properties of crystal structures. The authors demonstrate that intelligent visual interpretation and the use of this information for control can compensate for the Internet's latency and make it possible for many scientists to share scarce resources. Here, the result is easier use of an electron microscope, a centralized and complicated instrument.