Microscope slide coordinate system registration

Abstract

Systems, methods and computer program products for mapping coordinates of various imaging stations are described. In some implementations, cells (e.g.., red blood cells) in a biological specimen (112) can be used for determining the mapping information between the imaging stations (120a, 120b). The use of cells allows a target image (e.g., an image of a sub-region of cells in the biological specimen) taken by one imaging station (120b) to be pattern -matched to a reference image (e.g., an image showing a larger region of cells in the biological specimen that also includes the sub -region) taken by another imaging station (120a). Once the target image is matched to the reference image, point by point correspondence (and therefore coordinates) between the target image and the reference image can be established for computing the coordinate transformation to map the imaging stations.

Description

technical field [0001] The subject matter of this application generally relates to image processing. Background technique [0002] An automated imaging system comprising microscope optics, cameras, a motorized stage, and a computer control system can acquire images of cells from biological specimens deposited on microscope slides. The system can then process these images to identify cells of interest. These cells may need to be revisited later, for example, to obtain higher magnification images of such cells, or to reveal certain cells of interest for manual review. This re-examination often occurs at individual imaging sites. For stage locations that correspond to cells of interest found on the first imaging station, this second imaging station must reposition those exact cells for further examination. [0003] If the coordinate systems of the two imaging stations are the same, the second station can simply move its stage to the stage position reported for a cell on the ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This method is effective but requires special markers printed on the slide, potentially increasing slide manufacturing costs

In addition, the method is time-consuming as it may be necessary to search several locations before locating the fiducial markers in the image

This is especially difficult at high magnifications because the field of view is small compared to imaging sites using lower magnifications

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