OLYMPUS TECHNOZONE Vol.62 2004-12
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Subtle differences in how objects are
seen under the microscope
have resulted from manual assembly processes
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Dr. Wakayama, when I visited you at RIKEN Kobe, where state-of-the
art
research on cloning mice is being carried out, you referred to yourself as
a "technician" with a command of the microscope. On the
other hand, here we have Mr. Miyazawa, a "technician"
who makes microscopes, and who last year received a Yellow Ribbon
Medal (awarded by the Japanese government to individuals serving
as exemplary role models in their field of work). At the suggestion
of my superior, the head of the Life Science Group, I'd been hoping
at some stage to bring together someone who uses our microscopes
and someone who builds them, making "technical skill"
the starting point for a discussion.
Dr. Wakayama, I know you have installed a large number of our IX
Series inverted microscopes (*2) at your laboratory. You mentioned
that while they may be the same product, each microscope has its
own character and objects are seen somewhat differently from one
microscope to another. Wondering if you assumed that microscopes
were manufactured in the same way as cars and other industrial products,
I strongly urge you to visit the Ina Plant.
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| *2––Power IX Series IX71/IX81 inverted
microscopes Biological microscopes equipped with all the basic functions
essential for cutting-edge
research. These microscopes employ the Olympus original Universal Infinity
System (UIS) of optics, widely acclaimed for its ability to keep images
in focus with no ghosting. |
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It was only while touring your facilities that I
realized that the microscopes really are handmade. I had no idea that
human hands were involved in all the assembly processes. It's unavoidable
I suppose that the greater the amount of manual work involved in producing
a product, the greater the number of subtle differences there will be
between individual products.
We set specifications right from the component fabrication
stage, and indeed we must stay within those specifications; however,
both the metal parts and lenses have their own quirks. Even if each microscope
is assembled to exactly match the final specifications (i.e. aiming for
zero deviation), there's no guarantee that we will get identical products
as a result. We can't always be certain of producing identical products
as a result.
People like me imagine that a microscope
requires a far more sophisticated level of workmanship than
a car, and tend to assume that the higher the level of precision
required of a product, the more its production will rely
on machinery. But now I know that it actually comes down
to someone's skilled hands. Seeing that process with my own
eyes was a surprise.
I suppose it felt like a glimpse into
the world of the craftsman. Mind you, true craftsmanship
is gradually disappearing. Anything quantifiable is rapidly
going the way of greater reliance on machinery.
Quantification means generalization. In other words, it means
that anyone can do it. Those of us who value specialist techniques feel
a certain resistance to quantifying things.
But it's the only way to go for companies these days. A process becomes
quantified, and then human skills surpass it. Then once again, people seek
to realize the skill level using machines.
I see. So machinery is developed to quantify things, and then
people want to use that to pursue even more precise techniques. I guess
it's a never-ending process. |
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