Abstract
Open-source lab equipment is becoming more widespread with the popularization of fabrication tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, open source microcontrollers and open source software. Although many pieces of common laboratory equipment have been developed, software control of these items is sometimes lacking. Specifically, control software that can be easily implemented and enable user-input and control over multiple platforms (PC, smartphone, web, etc.). The aim of this proof-of principle study was to develop and implement software for the control of a low-cost, 3D printed microscope. Here, we present two approaches which enable microscope control by exploiting the functionality of the social media platform Twitter or player actions inside of the videogame Minecraft. The microscope was constructed from a modified web-camera and implemented on a Raspberry Pi computer. Three aspects of microscope control were tested, including single image capture, focus control and time-lapse imaging. The Twitter embodiment enabled users to send ‘tweets’ directly to the microscope. Image data acquired by the microscope was then returned to the user through a Twitter reply and stored permanently on the photo-sharing platform Flickr, along with any relevant metadata. Local control of the microscope was also implemented by utilizing the video game Minecraft, in situations where Internet connectivity is not present or stable. A virtual laboratory was constructed inside the Minecraft world and player actions inside the laboratory were linked to specific microscope functions. Here, we present the methodology and results of these experiments and discuss possible limitations and future extensions of this work.
Highlights
The general interest in using and developing low cost, open source labware is gaining considerable traction in garages, academic labs and commercial spaces (Baden et al, 2015; Keulartz & Van den Belt, 2016)
The Flickr account is required for storage of images acquired by the DIY Microscope
When a user sends a tweet to the system-specified Twitter account containing single, or multiple, keywords, a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) object is returned by the streaming application program interfaces (APIs), containing parameters such as the user name, screen name, location, tweet content and the time
Summary
The general interest in using and developing low cost, open source labware is gaining considerable traction in garages, academic labs and commercial spaces (Baden et al, 2015; Keulartz & Van den Belt, 2016). Designs and instructions are shared freely, typically under some form of open source license, and generally undergo several rounds of improvement as a result of the contributions from other users Such innovations have matured to a level that it is possible to setup a basic, functional, laboratory space at extremely low cost. The spirit of ‘‘frugal science’’ has led to several innovations in low cots diagnostic tools, often built around cell phone platforms These approaches have the important potential for lowering the cost of diagnosis and treatment of diseases in both developed and developing countries
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