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[0040] Another embodiment searches for previously-measured coordinate values only from among those within a bin wherein a given point lies. In this way, the process may be made more efficient. Still another embodiment determines whether or not a given position is within an area of interest of a slide. Another embodiment combines elements of the embodiments described above in various combinations and permutations and systematically images substantially the entire area of interest of a
Problems solved by technology
Even though screening is done by highly trained individuals, the task is repetitive and requires acute attention at all times. Therefore, screening of cytological specimens is repetitive and tedious and would benefit from automation; however, the complexity and variety of material found in cytological specimens has proven very difficult to reliably examine in an automated fashion.
Methods and apparatus for re-screening slides are either very crude or entail great economic expense.
This method can be crude, awkward, time consuming, and inaccurate.
In addition, with this method, it is not possible to ascertain if the entire specimen area of the slide has been uniformly examined or if areas of the specimen have or have not been scanned.
Furthermore, with microscope examination of items for identifying characteristics, the use of ink dots can actually detrimentally
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[0082] Embodiments of the present invention are described below. It is, however, expressly noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather the intention is that modifications that are apparent to the person skilled in the art and equivalents thereof are also included.
[0083] The review system (“RS”) defines apparatus used by a cytotechnologist or cytopathologist (collectively “user”) to view a slide having a cytological specimen disposed thereon. The review can be through either a customized optical instrument or a traditional microscope interface that utilizes automatic slide movement. The automatic movement presents fields of interest identified by an imaging system. Additionally, the review system provides a method for automated marking of objects for later review. The marking may be electrical, physical, or both.
[0084] Generally, when a user places a specimen on the RS for review, they are presented a plurality of fields of interest (“FOIs”) tha...
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Abstract
The present invention relates to the analysis of specimens. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for reviewing specimen slides, including apparatus for holding the slides. The invention also relates to an automatic focusing method for an imaging system and methods for accommodating vibration in the imaging system. In particular, the methods and apparatus may be applied to the automated analysis of cytological specimen slides.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 008,379, filed on Nov. 5, 2001, which claims the benefit of provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60 / 245,971, filed Nov. 3, 2000, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 430,198, filed Oct. 29, 1999, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 430,116, filed Oct. 29, 1999, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to systems and methods for the analysis of specimens. Specifically, the invention relates to a review system for reviewing specimens, methods of focusing the specimens in an imaging system, and apparatus for holding the specimen. BACKGROUND INFORMATION [0003] Cytology is the branch of biology dealing with the study of the formation, structure, and function of cells. As applied in a laboratory setting, cytologists, cytotech...
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Inventor ZAHNISER, DAVIDGEISELMAN, THEODORE S.OSTGAARD, ROYGREENE, HOWARD L.ZAMBANINI, JOSEPH E.JURATOVAC, JOSEPH A.ZELINSKI, MATTHEW S.DANHOF, SCOTT N.HASSENPFLUG, ERICHAUBERT, THOMAS D.CHINNOCK, RANDAL
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