The MEMS Exchange at CNRI is working on software for controlling an
inspection microscope over the Internet.  We have now made a test
microscope system available for anyone to try; it runs as a Java
applet in an up-to-date browser (Netscape 4.06 and up).

        http://www.mems-exchange.org/software/microscope/demo.html

        The source code for both the client and server is freely
available, so you can modify the code and use it for your own
purposes.  We encourage contributions and suggestions for
improvements.

        The client applet *requires* Java 1.1.  This really restricts
your choice of browsers; Netscape 4.06 and up work fine, on PC or Unix
platforms.  The client doesn't work in Internet Explorer.  The best
solution, if it's possible for you, is to get Sun's Java Activator and
use it to replace the VM in your browser with Sun's Java Development
Kit, which is more up-to-date and less buggy.  You can download the
Java Activator for Windows or Solaris from:

        http://www.javasoft.com/products/plugin/

        I try to stay continually logged in during normal office hours
(weekdays 9-5 EST), so I may be available to answer questions using
the microscope client's chatting mechanism.  You can also contact me
at .  I look forward to hearing your
thoughts about the system.

        Regards,

--
A.M. Kuchling                   akuchlin@cnri.reston.va.us
Technical Staff, CNRI           Tel.: (703) 620-8990 x278