Confocal Microscopy List

iLab Hardware Interlock Module for the Core

Classic

List

Threaded

6 messages Options

Erika Wee-2

iLab Hardware Interlock Module for the Core

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Hello everyone,

I am the new microscopy facility manager at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and we have iLab campus wide for all the core management, we would like to know if anyone have implemented the iLAB Hardware Interlock Module for their core facility. Does it interfere with the imaging acquisition software like Zen or Volocity etc?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Best,
Erika
---------
Dr. Erika (Tse-Luen) Wee
Manager, Microscopy Shared Resource Facility
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
One Bungtown Road
Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724
Office: 516-367-5079
Email: [hidden email]

Cromey, Douglas W - (dcromey)

Re: iLab Hardware Interlock Module for the Core

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Do you mean the physical internet-connected box that controls the power to a device? We use these either on systems with obsolete operating systems that are no longer allowed on the campus network (e.g., WinXP), or instruments that do not allow other software to be installed (e.g., BD FACS machines). In many cases the box is controlling the power to the log-in monitor. That works OK as long as your users don't try to move the power plug to an available outlet, and the instrument is a single use device.

The software controlled access is done through the instrument's connected computer using a central Sassafras server. If you had a computer with multiple softwares on it, you could (as I understand it) control access to more than one type of software and potentially charge different rates.

I can refer you to our IT guy who deals with iLab if that would be helpful.
Doug

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Douglas W. Cromey, M.S. - Associate Scientific Investigator
Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona
1501 N. Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724-5044 USA

office: LSN 463 email: [hidden email]
voice: 520-626-2824 fax: 520-626-2097

http://swehsc.pharmacy.arizona.edu/micro
Home of: "Microscopy and Imaging Resources on the WWW"

UA Microscopy Alliance - http://microscopy.arizona.edu/

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Erika Wee
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2019 11:24 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: iLab Hardware Interlock Module for the Core

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Hello everyone,

I am the new microscopy facility manager at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and we have iLab campus wide for all the core management, we would like to know if anyone have implemented the iLAB Hardware Interlock Module for their core facility. Does it interfere with the imaging acquisition software like Zen or Volocity etc?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Best,
Erika
---------
Dr. Erika (Tse-Luen) Wee
Manager, Microscopy Shared Resource Facility Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory One Bungtown Road Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724
Office: 516-367-5079
Email: [hidden email]

Hillary Guzik

Re: iLab Hardware Interlock Module for the Core

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

I have found that running Ilab does not affect any software (volocity, fiji, zen, iplab, axiovision, LAS, caseviewer, ect) .

Hillary Guzik
Analytical Imaging Facility (AIF)
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Forchheimer 641
718 430 3547
www.einstein.yu.edu/aif

________________________________________
From: Confocal Microscopy List [[hidden email]] on behalf of Cromey, Douglas W - (dcromey) [[hidden email]]
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2019 2:49 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: iLab Hardware Interlock Module for the Core

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.umn.edu%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwa%3FA0%3Dconfocalmicroscopy&data=02%7C01%7Chillary.guzik%40EINSTEIN.YU.EDU%7C29b4f6ddbb84492e7f5d08d6fb303c4e%7C04c70eb48f2648079934e02e89266ad0%7C1%7C0%7C636972581931118369&sdata=ju8h8c304jo4glSuFMOflsbJvUp06tSv84mcPxhykKc%3D&reserved=0
Post images on https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imgur.com&data=02%7C01%7Chillary.guzik%40EINSTEIN.YU.EDU%7C29b4f6ddbb84492e7f5d08d6fb303c4e%7C04c70eb48f2648079934e02e89266ad0%7C1%7C0%7C636972581931118369&sdata=xwG%2FwR5g1iK5nV9TTBEQdbdkOULnNLn8rVCn0ivHIFI%3D&reserved=0 and include the link in your posting.
*****

Do you mean the physical internet-connected box that controls the power to a device? We use these either on systems with obsolete operating systems that are no longer allowed on the campus network (e.g., WinXP), or instruments that do not allow other software to be installed (e.g., BD FACS machines). In many cases the box is controlling the power to the log-in monitor. That works OK as long as your users don't try to move the power plug to an available outlet, and the instrument is a single use device.

The software controlled access is done through the instrument's connected computer using a central Sassafras server. If you had a computer with multiple softwares on it, you could (as I understand it) control access to more than one type of software and potentially charge different rates.

I can refer you to our IT guy who deals with iLab if that would be helpful.
Doug

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Douglas W. Cromey, M.S. - Associate Scientific Investigator
Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona
1501 N. Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724-5044 USA

office: LSN 463 email: [hidden email]
voice: 520-626-2824 fax: 520-626-2097

https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fswehsc.pharmacy.arizona.edu%2Fmicro&data=02%7C01%7Chillary.guzik%40EINSTEIN.YU.EDU%7C29b4f6ddbb84492e7f5d08d6fb303c4e%7C04c70eb48f2648079934e02e89266ad0%7C1%7C0%7C636972581931118369&sdata=8op5A3smWsucKYf51jRQQ6QHcy2Na0EDDqmqJE%2BArcM%3D&reserved=0
Home of: "Microscopy and Imaging Resources on the WWW"

UA Microscopy Alliance - https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmicroscopy.arizona.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Chillary.guzik%40EINSTEIN.YU.EDU%7C29b4f6ddbb84492e7f5d08d6fb303c4e%7C04c70eb48f2648079934e02e89266ad0%7C1%7C0%7C636972581931118369&sdata=h5TTIpV2Hj0YUY9qnQhBMHVYIQjqgsSKjWtGM0Q1bL4%3D&reserved=0

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Erika Wee
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2019 11:24 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: iLab Hardware Interlock Module for the Core

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.umn.edu%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwa%3FA0%3Dconfocalmicroscopy&data=02%7C01%7Chillary.guzik%40EINSTEIN.YU.EDU%7C29b4f6ddbb84492e7f5d08d6fb303c4e%7C04c70eb48f2648079934e02e89266ad0%7C1%7C0%7C636972581931118369&sdata=ju8h8c304jo4glSuFMOflsbJvUp06tSv84mcPxhykKc%3D&reserved=0
Post images on https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imgur.com&data=02%7C01%7Chillary.guzik%40EINSTEIN.YU.EDU%7C29b4f6ddbb84492e7f5d08d6fb303c4e%7C04c70eb48f2648079934e02e89266ad0%7C1%7C0%7C636972581931118369&sdata=xwG%2FwR5g1iK5nV9TTBEQdbdkOULnNLn8rVCn0ivHIFI%3D&reserved=0 and include the link in your posting.
*****

Hello everyone,

I am the new microscopy facility manager at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and we have iLab campus wide for all the core management, we would like to know if anyone have implemented the iLAB Hardware Interlock Module for their core facility. Does it interfere with the imaging acquisition software like Zen or Volocity etc?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Best,
Erika
---------
Dr. Erika (Tse-Luen) Wee
Manager, Microscopy Shared Resource Facility Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory One Bungtown Road Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724
Office: 516-367-5079
Email: [hidden email]

Chad Johnson-2

Re: iLab Hardware Interlock Module for the Core

In reply to this post by Erika Wee-2

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Hi Erika

We are just about to begin rolling out both iLab hardware and software
interlocks throughout Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, including
the microscopy facilities. We are using the hardware interlock module to
control a network power adapter. As we would not risk interrupting the
power supply to a computer, microscope or laser, we are opting for
something inert, which is the computer monitors. When the user has a valid
booking and activates their session via the iLab kiosk (we will have a
small computer in the foyer for this but it can be done via their desktop
computer or phone if necessary) the power to the monitors is restored and
they can carry out their work. This way there is really no possibility that
the interlock can interfere with the operation of the system, as the
monitor only impacts the ability to see the display. When their session is
over they finish their booking via the Kiosk and the monitors turn off,
ready for the next user. We are going to set a "walkout" time which stops
their booking after 30 minutes if they haven't done it themselves or
forgot. This extra time also gives them a chance to finish and save their
work if the next user has not arrived and they have gone over their
allotted time and adjusts the calendar accordingly.

We are also going to also use software interlocks which will allow a user
to access the computer but the software itself is locked down and will only
start if there is a valid booking, as with the hardware interlock. You
install a client on each computer and indicate which programs you want it
to control. We have not noticed any issues in regards to the operation of
the software. The interlock only prevents the execution but once it is
unlocked iLab will only log the time it has been used and it is up to the
user to close the program to prevent extra charges. Both the hardware and
software interlocks interact with a bridge, which is a modified raspberry
pi that acts as a link between the iLab software and the interlocks.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any question regarding
the setup and use of these.

Chad Johnson

*E: c <[hidden email]>[hidden email]
<[hidden email]>*

>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *On Fri, Jun 28, 2019 at 4:37 AM Erika Wee <[hidden email] <[hidden email]>>

wrote:***** To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go
to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
<http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy> Post images on
http://www.imgur.com <http://www.imgur.com> and include the link in your
posting. ***** Hello everyone, I am the new microscopy facility manager at
the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and we have iLab campus wide for all the
core management, we would like to know if anyone have implemented the iLAB
Hardware Interlock Module for their core facility. Does it interfere with
the imaging acquisition software like Zen or Volocity etc? Any feedback
would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks. Best, Erika --------- Dr. Erika
(Tse-Luen) Wee Manager, Microscopy Shared Resource Facility Cold Spring
Harbor Laboratory One Bungtown Road Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724
Office: 516-367-5079 Email: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> *

Cammer, Michael

Re: iLab Hardware Interlock Module for the Core

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

We have some experience with iLab interlocks, both hardware and software.

iLab is extremely useful and saves core staff a huge amount of time. But we don't manage iLab. This is done by expert staff who manage iLab for all the cores. Given the complexity of interfacing iLab with the financial systems and the IT for computers, core staff would not be able to do this and also serve as microscopists.

The hardware interlock does require lockdown of the power cable as there really are users who will change the wiring to avoid the interlock.

The software interlock requires opening a browser window... Instructions here: http://microscopynotes.com/ilabnyu/kiosk_instructions.pdf
It is effective for computers used to collect data with additional hardware, for instance a Zeiss or Nikon microscope, where Zen or Elements may be blocked, where there is one account. Users now expect the extra step of the kiosk.

For use of the analysis computers, each user logs in to their own account and they are intolerant of and additional login to the kiosk to use software. (Maybe intolerant isn't the correct word because we cannot measure whether business has been lost; expressing extreme inconvenient is accurate.) Also, it cannot be used for all software. For instance, ImageJ and Fiji cannot be locked down by iLab. I haven't checked with etomo or python shells. Regardless, a major drawback of iLab is its inability to gather auditing info from KID logins. IT set up a script to record logins/logouts and we turned off iLab interlock on these computers and a person monthly tallies the Windows logs and enters them into iLab.

We found that pads attached to the wall don't work. I find iLab difficult to use on a pad, almost impossible on my phone. With the fixed pads, the angle of approach is too high for some and too low for others. Also, our equipment is not centralized and some of the rooms are really tight.

We wanted to institute a policy whereby the billing begins at the beginning of the appointment and ends at actual time of logging out. This does not happen. iLab Kiosk stops billing and says there is a "walkout" when users stay longer than their scheduled time. For instance, if someone signs up from 2:00 to 4:00 and continues working until 5:00, the kiosk signs them out at 4:15 and says there is a walkout. This means 45 minutes are not recorded as used, which is a problem for usages statistics, and also lost revenue.

Please reach out if want to discuss more.

Cheers-

Michael Cammer, Sr Research Scientist, DART Microscopy Laboratory
NYU Langone Health, 540 First Avenue, SK2 Microscopy Suite, New York, NY 10016
[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]> http://nyulmc.org/micros http://microscopynotes.com/
Voice direct only, no text or messages: 1-914-309-3270 and 1-646-501-0567

________________________________
From: Confocal Microscopy List <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>> on behalf of Chad Johnson <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>>
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2019 7:03:58 PM
To: [hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: iLab Hardware Interlock Module for the Core

Hi Erika

We are just about to begin rolling out both iLab hardware and software
interlocks throughout Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, including
the microscopy facilities. We are using the hardware interlock module to
control a network power adapter. As we would not risk interrupting the
power supply to a computer, microscope or laser, we are opting for
something inert, which is the computer monitors. When the user has a valid
booking and activates their session via the iLab kiosk (we will have a
small computer in the foyer for this but it can be done via their desktop
computer or phone if necessary) the power to the monitors is restored and
they can carry out their work. This way there is really no possibility that
the interlock can interfere with the operation of the system, as the
monitor only impacts the ability to see the display. When their session is
over they finish their booking via the Kiosk and the monitors turn off,
ready for the next user. We are going to set a "walkout" time which stops
their booking after 30 minutes if they haven't done it themselves or
forgot. This extra time also gives them a chance to finish and save their
work if the next user has not arrived and they have gone over their
allotted time and adjusts the calendar accordingly.

We are also going to also use software interlocks which will allow a user
to access the computer but the software itself is locked down and will only
start if there is a valid booking, as with the hardware interlock. You
install a client on each computer and indicate which programs you want it
to control. We have not noticed any issues in regards to the operation of
the software. The interlock only prevents the execution but once it is
unlocked iLab will only log the time it has been used and it is up to the
user to close the program to prevent extra charges. Both the hardware and
software interlocks interact with a bridge, which is a modified raspberry
pi that acts as a link between the iLab software and the interlocks.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any question regarding
the setup and use of these.

Chad Johnson

*E: c <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>>[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
<[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>>*

>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *On Fri, Jun 28, 2019 at 4:37 AM Erika Wee <[hidden email] <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]%20%[hidden email]>>>

wrote:***** To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go
to: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__lists.umn.edu_cgi-2Dbin_wa-3FA0-3Dconfocalmicroscopy&d=DwIBaQ&c=j5oPpO0eBH1iio48DtsedeElZfc04rx3ExJHeIIZuCs&r=hUBj2D5n6oKThx2L01qn8IORZb5f-ruLVXPmQ1zQNnM&m=CFE29FW7eini_w5C27-qP84d6sgQczBJWhRFHYHRQro&s=GKo8Wd3qNyBPd3JPgnzIN48Px6qy-yen9TdbWmdFDcg&e=
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__lists.umn.edu_cgi-2Dbin_wa-3FA0-3Dconfocalmicroscopy&d=DwIBaQ&c=j5oPpO0eBH1iio48DtsedeElZfc04rx3ExJHeIIZuCs&r=hUBj2D5n6oKThx2L01qn8IORZb5f-ruLVXPmQ1zQNnM&m=CFE29FW7eini_w5C27-qP84d6sgQczBJWhRFHYHRQro&s=GKo8Wd3qNyBPd3JPgnzIN48Px6qy-yen9TdbWmdFDcg&e= <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__lists.umn.edu_cgi-2Dbin_wa-3FA0-3Dconfocalmicroscopy&d=DwIBaQ&c=j5oPpO0eBH1iio48DtsedeElZfc04rx3ExJHeIIZuCs&r=hUBj2D5n6oKThx2L01qn8IORZb5f-ruLVXPmQ1zQNnM&m=CFE29FW7eini_w5C27-qP84d6sgQczBJWhRFHYHRQro&s=GKo8Wd3qNyBPd3JPgnzIN48Px6qy-yen9TdbWmdFDcg&e=%20> > Post images on
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.imgur.com&d=DwIBaQ&c=j5oPpO0eBH1iio48DtsedeElZfc04rx3ExJHeIIZuCs&r=hUBj2D5n6oKThx2L01qn8IORZb5f-ruLVXPmQ1zQNnM&m=CFE29FW7eini_w5C27-qP84d6sgQczBJWhRFHYHRQro&s=dV9xCJOIA03mSotztqHPMgfm17pJCVGXQe5sfxdXljM&e= <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.imgur.com&d=DwIBaQ&c=j5oPpO0eBH1iio48DtsedeElZfc04rx3ExJHeIIZuCs&r=hUBj2D5n6oKThx2L01qn8IORZb5f-ruLVXPmQ1zQNnM&m=CFE29FW7eini_w5C27-qP84d6sgQczBJWhRFHYHRQro&s=dV9xCJOIA03mSotztqHPMgfm17pJCVGXQe5sfxdXljM&e= <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.imgur.com&d=DwIBaQ&c=j5oPpO0eBH1iio48DtsedeElZfc04rx3ExJHeIIZuCs&r=hUBj2D5n6oKThx2L01qn8IORZb5f-ruLVXPmQ1zQNnM&m=CFE29FW7eini_w5C27-qP84d6sgQczBJWhRFHYHRQro&s=dV9xCJOIA03mSotztqHPMgfm17pJCVGXQe5sfxdXljM&e=%20> > and include the link in your
posting. ***** Hello everyone, I am the new microscopy facility manager at
the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and we have iLab campus wide for all the
core management, we would like to know if anyone have implemented the iLAB
Hardware Interlock Module for their core facility. Does it interfere with
the imaging acquisition software like Zen or Volocity etc? Any feedback
would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks. Best, Erika --------- Dr. Erika
(Tse-Luen) Wee Manager, Microscopy Shared Resource Facility Cold Spring
Harbor Laboratory One Bungtown Road Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724
Office: 516-367-5079 Email: [hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]> <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>> *

Erika Wee-2

Re: iLab Hardware Interlock Module for the Core

In reply to this post by Erika Wee-2