Intel Play QX3 Computer Microscope

The Intel Play QX3 Computer Microscope has been developed as the result of a creative partnership between computer chip giant,Having a $100 price point, this electronic video toy is positioned to capture a generous share of the market in science education using optics, digital imaging, and the latest computer technology.

Overall design features of the microscope are stylish and simple, yet they take advantage of state-of-the-art video imaging and computer technology allowing amateur scientists to explore their environment with optical microscopy at magnifications up to 200x. The real secret behind this amazing toy microscope is the active pixel sensor CMOS "camera on a chip" video technology that Intel and Mattel have effectively used to shrink the on-board digital camera into a single 2 1/2-inch diameter circuit board that fits snugly within the microscope body. Electrical power for the camera system and specimen illumination lamps is obtained from the computer through the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. Information and control commands are also passed between the computer and the microscope using this pathway. The accompanying software package provides an interface that is very nicely done with excellent graphics and audio clips that are presented through a kid-friendly layout. Students are able to capture single images, make movies, and perform time-lapse investigations on a variety of specimens with a single click of the mouse. Use the links below to navigate to specific topics about the QX3 computer microscope.

As you read through our discussions of the Intel Play QX3 Computer Microscope, keep in mind that there are two critical factors to successful microscopy, regardless of the sophistication level of the optical instrument. The first is to thoroughly know your equipment. A beautifully prepared specimen will produce poor images in a microscope that is not properly illuminated or is otherwise mis-configured. Likewise, the most finely tuned research microscope will produce poor images of unsuitable specimens. Careful thought must be expended on specimen preparation, which is unarguably the single most important aspect of good microscopy and successful photomicrography.