Apparatus and method for identifying a coverslip region of a slide

Abstract

A device is proposed for identifying a corresponding cover glass area of ​​a corresponding cover glass with a corresponding tissue section on a slide, the slide having a plurality of optical markings. The device comprises: a planar light source; an image detection unit; a support unit for positioning the slide between the planar light source and the image detection unit; a slit diaphragm that can be reversibly positioned between the planar light source and the slide, the slit diaphragm having a plurality of opening slits; and an illumination unit, the illumination unit being configured to illuminate a surface of the slide that faces the image detection unit. In addition, the device also comprises a control unit, the control unit being configured to assign a corresponding tissue section to a corresponding optical marking based on a fully illuminated transmitted light image, a direct light image, and a partially shaded transmitted light image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus, a method, a digital image processing method, a computer-implemented method, a computer program product and a computing unit for identifying corresponding cover glass areas with corresponding tissue sections on a slide having a plurality of optical markings. Background Art

[0002] In the course of pathological examinations, it is necessary to position a tissue section consisting of the patient's tissue on a slide after so-called staining and then to detect the image of the tissue by means of microscopy. Such slides consist of an optically transparent medium, preferably glass.

[0003] Usually, in pathology, a single tissue section is positioned on a slide by means of a single cover glass. However, it is also possible that such a slide has not only a single tissue section but also a plurality of tissue sections side by side, wherein a specific tissue section is positioned on the slide by means of a specific cover glass. The slide then has a plurality of cover glasses with a plurality of tissue sections.

[0004] In particular, the corresponding cover glass can then be provided with a corresponding optical marking, preferably in the form of a data matrix code. The optical marking indicates data, which can in particular be patient data. The optical marking or optical marking can then enable the corresponding tissue section to be assigned to a specific patient or a specific test. In addition, further information can be stored via the optical marking.

[0005] The cover glass or the cover glass area has a glass edge respectively, so that the cover glass area is delimited by the glass edge. If a tissue section is arranged on a slide by means of a corresponding cover glass and the corresponding cover glass has a corresponding optical mark, the task is to reliably configure the corresponding tissue section to the corresponding optical mark.

[0006] After the image of the slide is detected, the task then arises to reliably identify the corresponding cover glass area. In other words, for the subsequent evaluation of the image of a specific tissue section and its assignment to a specific patient or a specific test, it is then first necessary to determine which tissue section with which cover glass belongs to which optical marker. Preferably, the tissue section is then subsequently scanned during a high-resolution microscopy method.

[0007] Figure 1A glass slide OT is shown on which a corresponding cover glass DG covers a corresponding tissue section and is positioned accordingly on the glass slide OT. The cover glass DG each has a glass edge GK. In order to fix the cover glass and the tissue section on the glass slide OT, the glass slide has a covering medium EM which is first liquid when the cover glass DG is applied to the glass slide OT together with the tissue section GS and then changes to a solid state after the cover glass DG is positioned.

[0008] Figure 2 A direct light image AB of a corresponding glass slide OT is shown, wherein the corresponding cover glass region DGB together with the corresponding tissue section GS also has the corresponding optical marking KE. The cover glass regions DGB are separated from one another by corresponding glass edges GK.

[0009] Although the detection of the glass edge GK for determining or identifying the cover glass region DGB can be realized in principle by evaluating the direct light image AB, this usually requires a high algorithm complexity, since the glass edge GK does not stand out significantly from other regions of the cover glass in terms of its signal intensity. In other cases, the signal of the glass edge may be so weak that its identification is impossible.

[0010] Figure 3a Another similar glass slide OT2 is shown in the transmitted light image DB, which was obtained by irradiating the glass slide OT2 from below by a planar light source L. What becomes well visible here is the tissue section GS. However, the existing glass edge of the cover glass is almost completely invisible, because the glass edge does not stand out sufficiently from the other cover glass areas in terms of its signal intensity. Only the outer glass edge OGK of the glass slide OT2 is visible. Therefore, it is also difficult to recognize the cover glass area by analyzing the transmitted light image DB. The cover glass may also be called a slide. Summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to be able to spatially and preferably also logically assign corresponding tissue sections to corresponding optical markings by means of imaging and image processing based on one or more images of a slide.

[0012] The object according to the invention is achieved by a device according to the invention, a method according to the invention, a digital image processing method according to the invention, a computer-implemented method according to the invention, a computer program product according to the invention and a computing unit according to the invention.

[0013] Therefore, a device according to the invention is proposed for identifying a corresponding cover glass region of a corresponding cover glass with a corresponding tissue section on a slide, the slide having a plurality of optical markings. The device comprises: a planar light source; an image capture unit; a support unit for positioning the slide between the planar light source and the image capture unit; a slit diaphragm that can be reversibly positioned between the planar light source and the slide, the slit diaphragm having a plurality of opening slits; an illumination unit that is designed to illuminate a surface of the slide that faces the image capture unit; and a control unit. The control unit is designed to activate the planar light source in a first operating state and to detect a fully illuminated transmitted light image of the slide by means of the image capture unit; furthermore, to activate the illumination unit in a second operating state and to detect a direct light image of the slide by means of the image capture unit; furthermore, in a third operating state, to control the slit diaphragm in such a way that the slit diaphragm is positioned between the planar light source and the slide; and to activate the planar light source and to detect a partially obscured transmitted light image of the slide by means of the image capture unit. The control unit is further configured to assign the corresponding tissue slice to the corresponding optical marker based on the fully illuminated transmitted light image, the direct light image and the partially darkened transmitted light image. Preferably, the corresponding tissue slice is spatially and especially also logically assigned to the corresponding optical marker.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are subject of the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description, partly with reference to the drawings.

[0015] Preferably, the control unit is also configured to determine the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding optical mark based on the direct light image; further determine the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding coverslip area based on the partially obscured transmitted light image; further determine the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding tissue slice based on the fully illuminated transmitted light image; and configure the corresponding tissue slice to the corresponding optical mark based on the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding optical mark, based on the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding coverslip area and based on the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding tissue slice.

[0016] Preferably, the control unit is further configured to detect a potential glass edge of the cover glass based on the partially obscured transmitted light image; further identify an actual glass edge of the cover glass based on the potential glass edge and based on at least one predetermined information; and further identify a cover glass area based on the actual glass edge.

[0017] Preferably, the slit aperture is a first slit aperture, wherein the partially obscured image is a first partially obscured image, wherein the device further comprises a second slit aperture which can be reversibly positioned between the planar light source and the glass slide, the second slit aperture having a plurality of opening slits, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the second slit aperture in a fourth operating state such that the second slit aperture is positioned between the planar light source and the glass slide, activates the planar light source, and detects a second partially obscured transmitted light image of the glass slide by means of an image detection unit; and further determine the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding cover glass area based on the partially obscured transmitted light image.

[0018] Preferably, the device further comprises a third slit diaphragm which can be reversibly positioned between the planar light source and the glass slide, the third slit diaphragm having a plurality of opening slits, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the third slit diaphragm in a fifth operating state such that the third slit diaphragm is positioned between the planar light source and the glass slide, activates the planar light source, and detects a third partially obscured transmitted light image of the glass slide by means of an image detection unit; and furthermore determines the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding coverslip area based on the partially obscured transmitted light image.

[0019] Preferably, in the first operating state, the reversibly positionable slit aperture is not positioned between the planar light source and the slide.

[0020] Furthermore, a method according to the invention is proposed. The method according to the invention for identifying a corresponding cover glass region of a corresponding cover glass with a corresponding tissue section on a slide, wherein the slide has a plurality of optical markings, comprises the following steps: positioning the slide between a planar light source and an image capture unit; providing a reversibly positionable slit aperture between the planar light source and the slide, the slit aperture having a plurality of opening slits; providing an illumination unit which is designed to illuminate a surface of the slide which faces the image capture unit; furthermore, activating the planar light source in a first operating state and detecting a fully illuminated transmitted light image of the slide by means of the image capture unit; furthermore, activating the illumination unit in a second operating state and detecting a direct light image of the slide by means of the image capture unit; furthermore, controlling the slit aperture in a third operating state such that the slit aperture is positioned between the planar light source and the slide; furthermore activating the planar light source and detecting a partially obscured transmitted light image of the slide by means of the image capture unit; and assigning the corresponding tissue section to the corresponding optical marking based on the fully illuminated transmitted light image, the direct light image and the partially obscured transmitted light image.

[0021] Preferably, the method comprises the following steps: determining the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding optical mark based on the direct light image; further determining the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding coverslip area based on the partially obscured transmitted light image; further determining the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding tissue section based on the fully illuminated transmitted light image; and configuring the corresponding tissue section to the corresponding optical mark based on the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding optical mark, based on the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding coverslip area and based on the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding tissue section.

[0022] Preferably, the method comprises the steps of detecting a potential glass edge of a cover glass on the slide based on the partially obscured transmitted light image; identifying an actual glass edge based on the potential glass edge and based on at least one predetermined information; and further identifying a cover glass area based on the actual glass edge.

[0023] Preferably, the slit aperture is a first slit aperture, wherein the partially obscured image is a first partially obscured image, wherein the method preferably further comprises the steps of: arranging a second slit aperture that can be reversibly positioned between the planar light source and the glass slide, the second slit aperture having a plurality of opening slits; and furthermore: controlling the second slit aperture in a fourth operating state such that the second slit aperture is positioned between the planar light source and the glass slide, and furthermore activating the planar light source, and detecting a second partially obscured transmitted light image of the glass slide by means of an image detection unit; and furthermore determining the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding cover glass area based on the partially obscured transmitted light image.

[0024] Furthermore, a digital image processing method is proposed for identifying a corresponding cover glass region of a corresponding cover glass with a corresponding tissue section on a glass slide, the glass slide having a plurality of optical markings. The digital image processing method comprises the following steps: providing a fully illuminated transmitted light image of the glass slide; providing a direct light image of the glass slide; providing a partially shaded transmitted light image of the glass slide; and assigning the corresponding tissue section to the corresponding optical marking based on the fully illuminated transmitted light image, the direct light image and the partially shaded transmitted light image.

[0025] In addition, a computer-implemented method is proposed for identifying a corresponding coverslip area of ​​a corresponding coverslip with a corresponding tissue section on a slide, wherein the slide has multiple optical marks, and the computer-implemented method has the following steps: providing a fully illuminated transmitted light image of the slide; providing a direct light image of the slide; providing a partially obscured transmitted light image of the slide; and configuring the corresponding tissue section to the corresponding optical mark based on the fully illuminated transmitted light image, the direct light image, and the partially obscured transmitted light image.

[0026] Furthermore, a computer program product is proposed, which comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the computer-implemented method.

[0027] Furthermore, a computing unit is provided for identifying a corresponding cover glass region of a corresponding cover glass with a corresponding tissue section on a slide, the slide having a plurality of optical markings. The computing unit is configured to: provide a fully illuminated transmitted light image of the slide; provide a direct light image of the slide; provide a partially shaded transmitted light image of the slide; and assign the corresponding tissue section to the corresponding optical marking based on the fully illuminated transmitted light image, the direct light image, and the partially shaded transmitted light image. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below based on specific embodiments without restricting the general inventive concept with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

[0029] Figure 1 The schematic structure of a slide with a cover glass and a tissue section is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A direct light image of the slide is shown;

[0031] Figure 3a A transmitted light image of the slide is shown;

[0032] Figure 3b another direct light image of the slide showing corresponding identified spatial positions of corresponding optical markers;

[0033] Figure 4 A preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 5 Another preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 6 An exemplary first partial transmitted light image of a glass slide is shown;

[0036] Figure 7a shows the course of the light beam when detecting a partially transmitted light image of a glass slide;

[0037] Figure 7b An exemplary schematic diagram showing a partial transmitted light image of a glass slide;

[0038] Figure 8a An exemplary transmitted light image of a glass slide is shown;

[0039] Figure 8b Show Figure 8aA histogram of the transformed parameters of the transmitted light image in ;

[0040] Figure 8c Show Figure 8a Binary mask of the transmitted light image in

[0041] Figure 8d Show Figure 8a a transmitted light image of a corresponding spatial position of a detection of a corresponding tissue slice;

[0042] Figure 9a Another exemplary partial transmitted light image is shown;

[0043] Figure 9b Shown from Figure 9a Image information derived from the partial transmitted light image in;

[0044] Fig.9c And 9d shows another Figure 9a Image information derived from the partial transmitted light image in;

[0045] Fig.10a Show Figure 9a An exemplary partial transmitted light image of;

[0046] Fig.10b Shown from Fig.10a Image information extracted from the partially transmitted light image;

[0047] Fig.10c showing image information derived from a plurality of partial transmitted light images;

[0048] Fig.11a Different partial transmitted light images of the same slide are shown;

[0049] Fig.11b Shown by Fig.11a Image information combined by combining multiple partial transmitted light images in;

[0050] Fig.12 Show Fig.11b The combined image information in and the resulting intensity density values;

[0051] Fig.13a Steps for identifying glass edges and for identifying cover glass areas are shown;

[0052] Fig.13b An exemplary illustration showing a probed coverslip area;

[0053] Fig.14a The derived image information in FIG. 10 is shown again;

[0054] Fig.14b Shown for Fig.14a Detection results of the coverslip area of ​​the image information in;

[0055] Fig.15 The steps of a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention are shown;

[0056] Fig.16 Preferred steps for identifying the coverslip region are shown;

[0057] Fig.17 Preferred steps for identifying glass edges based on a plurality of partially obscured transmitted light images are shown;

[0058] Fig.18 An exemplary slide is shown, in which a corresponding tissue section of a corresponding cover glass area can be assigned to an individual optical marking. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Figure 4 A preferred embodiment of the device V according to the invention is shown. The device V has a planar light source L which emits light LI. The device V also has an image capture unit BE which is preferably a camera which preferably has a camera lens KO as an integrated component.

[0060] The device V furthermore has a support unit H for positioning the slide OT between the planar light source L and the image capture unit BE.

[0061] The device V also has a slit aperture SB, preferably in the form of a rotatable aperture RB, which can be reversibly positioned between the planar light source L and the slide OT.

[0062] Figure 5 Another preferred embodiment of the device V1 is shown in perspective. The rotatable aperture RB has at least one slit aperture SB1, which comprises a plurality of opening slits OS. The opening slits OS preferably extend parallel to one another. By rotating the aperture RB into a position in which the slit aperture SB1 is located between the light source L and the slide OT, it is possible to achieve a rotation of the aperture RB into a position in which the slit aperture SB1 is located between the light source L and the slide OT. Figure 4 The operating state shown in FIG. 1 , whereby light LI passes from the light source L through the slit aperture SB onto the glass slide OT, and the image capture unit BE can detect a partially obscured transmitted light image of the glass slide OT.

[0063] Device V according to Figure 4 A control unit K is also provided. The control unit K can receive image data BID from the image acquisition unit BE. Preferably, the device V has a storage unit SPE for storing data DT. Preferably, the device V uses the storage unit SPE for storing image data BID. Preferably, the control unit K has an internal memory ISPE.

[0064] The control unit K actuates the rotatable aperture RB or the slit aperture SB via the control signal SIG in order to position it differently in different operating states.

[0065] Figure 4 The lighting unit BL can direct the light beam LS to the surface OFL of the glass slide OT, which faces the image capture unit BE. If the lighting unit BL is switched on, the surface OFL of the glass slide OT can be illuminated by the light beam LS and the direct light image of the glass slide can then be captured by means of the image capture unit BE.

[0066] The control unit K controls the lighting unit BL via the control signal SIG2. The control unit K controls the light source L via the control signal SIG3.

[0067] In a first operating state, the control unit K controls the planar light source L in order to activate it and, in addition, to detect a completely illuminated transmitted light image of the glass slide OT by means of the image capture unit BE. Such a completely illuminated transmitted light image is shown, for example, in Figure 3a In the sense of the present application, a complete transmitted light image is a transmitted light image in which all tissue sections provided on the slide are completely illuminated by the light source L. In the sense of the present application, a complete transmitted light image is in particular a transmitted light image in which all tissue sections provided on the slide are completely illuminated by the light source L and in which all cover glass areas with tissue sections are completely transmitted and not obscured by the diaphragm.

[0068] In the first operating state, for example Figure 5 The rotatable aperture RB of the device V1 in can be in such a position that the complete large-area opening OF is located below the slide OT, so that all cover glass areas with the tissue section are fully transparent and not obscured by the aperture.

[0069] The device V1 preferably has a rotatable aperture RB having a first slit aperture SB1 , a second slit aperture SB2 , a third slit aperture SB3 and an opening OF.

[0070] In the second operating state, the control unit K then controls the lighting unit BE in order to activate it and, moreover, to capture a direct light image of the slide OT by means of the image capture unit BE.

[0071] In the third operating state, the control unit K controls the slit aperture SB1 or the rotatable aperture RB in such a way that the slit aperture SB1 is positioned between the planar light source L and the slide OT. Figure 5The rotatable aperture RB in the slide OT is arranged so that the slit aperture SB1 is positioned between the planar light source L and the slide OT. In the third operating state, the control unit K also detects a partially obscured transmitted light image of the slide OT by means of the image capture unit BE and with the activated light source L. Such a partially obscured transmitted light image is shown by way of example as Figure 6 In the image PDB21 in the partially obscured transmitted light image. In the sense of the present application, a partially obscured transmitted light image is a transmitted light image in which a partial area of ​​the tissue section and a partial area of ​​the glass edge of the cover glass area are covered or obscured by the slit diaphragm or the slit diaphragm SB1 relative to the light source L. In addition, in the partially obscured transmitted light image, other partial areas of the glass edge of the tissue section and the cover glass area are not covered or obscured by the slit diaphragm or the slit diaphragm SB1 relative to the light source L.

[0072] The control unit K determines the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding optical mark based on the direct light image. In addition, the control unit K determines the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding cover glass area based on the partially darkened transmitted light image. In addition, the control unit K determines the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding tissue section based on the fully illuminated transmitted light image. Finally, the control unit K assigns the corresponding tissue section to the corresponding optical mark. The previously determined cover glass area is then used to assign the corresponding tissue section to the corresponding mark.

[0073] In order to further explain one or more advantages of the device according to the present invention in detail, a more precise description will now be given.

[0074] Figure 2 The direct light image AB of is suitable for sufficiently describing the optical marking KE, so that the optical marking can be detected based on the direct light image AB or the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding optical marking KE can be determined. In addition, Figure 3b The direct light image AB2 for the glass slide OT is shown, and the spatial positions P1, P2, P3 (shown as Figure 3b A fully or partially obscured transmitted light image is not suitable for an adequate description of the optical marker KE.

[0075] Such positions P1, P2, P3 can be found or determined in the direct light image AB in a robust and high-performance manner by means of common image processing algorithms. Such positions P1, P2, P3 are then marked, for example, by so-called bounding boxes. Algorithms for detecting the corresponding spatial positions P1, P2, P3 are present, for example, in the databases MVTecs Halcon or OpenCV. Preferably, the control unit K also determines corresponding data consisting of markings KE from the direct light image, using previously determined spatial positions of the corresponding optical markings, in order to assign these to the corresponding tissue slice.

[0076] As described above, the task is to assign the corresponding tissue sections GS1, GS2, GS3 to the corresponding markings KE1, KE2, KE3. The markings KE1, KE2, KE3 are always located on the corresponding cover glass areas DB1, DB2, DB3, wherein not every cover glass area necessarily has to have a marking, as will be described later with reference to Fig.18 This will be explained in more detail. That is, each cover glass area DB1, DB2, DB3 does not necessarily have to have a suitable marking KE1, KE2, KE3; instead, the cover glass can also have no marking, but the corresponding tissue section can be assigned to the marking of another cover glass, as will be described later. Fig.18 Elaborate on that in more detail.

[0077] During the image processing, the coverslips or coverslip regions DB1, DB2, DB3 must be separated from one another so that they can be assigned to one another based on the corresponding spatial position of the optical marking KE1 and the representation of the tissue slice GS1. Figure 2 The detection of the glass edge GK from the direct light image AB in FIG. 1 is difficult and may be erroneous.

[0078] Figure 3a An exemplary fully illuminated transmitted light image DB of a glass slide OT is shown. Although the tissue section GS is clearly visible, the detection of the glass edge and thus also the determination of the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding cover glass region based on the transmitted light image DB is difficult and may be erroneous.

[0079] An important aspect of the invention is that at least one partially obscured transmitted light image is detected by means of the image acquisition unit BE using a slit diaphragm SB1 with a plurality of opening slits OS, and the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding cover glass region is determined based on the partially obscured transmitted light image. In addition, however, it is also provided according to the invention that for detecting the tissue slice GS, a Figure 3a The fully illuminated transmitted light image DB in FIG. 1 is a transparent image of the tissue slice GS, because only in this way can the exact appearance of the tissue slice GS become visible. Figure 2 The direct light image AB in the image is then used to determine the spatial position of the optical markers and to read the markers KE. The assignment of the respective tissue sections to the respective optical markers by the devices V, V1 based on the three different images is particularly robust and reliable.

[0080] exist Figure 7a The basic physical effects which are effective during the detection of partially obscured transmitted light images are explained more precisely in FIG.

[0081] Figure 7a The light source L and the slit aperture SB1 as well as the glass slide OT are shown in a side view. The light beam LS of the light source L passes through one or more opening slits OS to the glass slide OT. If the light beam reaches the glass edge GK1, the corresponding light LS is scattered on the glass edge GK1 and is scattered as scattered light SL in a divergent manner toward the image acquisition unit BE or the lens KO. The light beam LS2 that does not reach the glass edge is transmitted through the glass slide OT. The scattered light SL is then imaged by the camera lens KO onto the imaging point AP of the sensor SE of the image acquisition unit BE.

[0082] Figure 7b For this purpose, a diagram of an exemplary concept of a partially obscured transmitted light image PB11 of a download slide is shown by way of example in a top view for the case in which the opening slit of the slit diaphragm extends parallel to the glass edge GK1 .

[0083] The area AB which is darkened in the partially darkened transmitted light image PB11 is based on Figure 7a The scattered light effect has a brightly visible glass edge GK1. Glass edge GK1 is therefore visible in image PB11, because the scattered light SL imaged at the imaging point AP of sensor SE stands out in image PB11 in terms of its total intensity from the signal intensity of the remaining background areas of imaging region AB. In other words: the signal intensity of the scattered light SL is sufficiently high relative to the signal intensity of other areas of the darkened region AB.

[0084] Although the glass edge GK2 located in the unshaded area NB also has a scattered light effect, the signal intensity generated for the corresponding glass edge GK2 is not significantly higher than the signal intensity of the unshaded area NB in ​​other areas. Therefore, the corresponding glass edge is not clearly visible in the unshaded area NB.

[0085] The corresponding effect is Figure 6 , since in the case of the partially darkened transmitted light image PDB21 the glass edge becomes visible only in the partial edge region TK, in each case in the darkened region.

[0086] The image PDP21 is detected under a setting in which the opening slit of the slit diaphragm has an angle of approximately 45° relative to the glass edge of the slide. This setting is advantageous for purely horizontally extending, purely vertically extending glass edges or a combination thereof, because the probability that the shaded area hits the glass edge is higher than if the opening slit extends parallel to the glass edge. Figure 7a and 7b Through the slit aperture SB1 (see Figure 5 ) has a plurality of opening slits extending parallel to each other, for each of the plurality of glass edges, generating at least one view of a portion of the glass edges TK in the partially obscured transmitted light image (see Figure 6 ) is greater than the probability when only one opening gap is set.

[0087] It will be explained in greater detail below how the respective spatial position of the respective cover glass region can be determined based on the partially obscured transmitted light image PB21 .

[0088] However, a detailed explanation will first be provided of how the respective spatial position of the respective tissue section can be determined based on the completely illuminated transmitted light image of the slide.

[0089] Figure 8a For this purpose, a transmitted light image DB2 is shown. Such an image DB2 can be detected in the RGB color space (red, green, blue). The RGB values ​​can then be converted into the HSV parameter space with the values ​​hue, saturation and intensity (H, S, I) by means of a transformation. For this purpose, then for the parameters saturation and intensity, Figure 8b The histogram HIS of the transmitted light image DB2 is shown. The aggregate area AG of particularly high values ​​here represents a bright or white background. Based on the histogram HIS and the aggregate area AG, a threshold value for the intensity value can then be determined. Based on such a threshold value, each image pixel can then be assigned a binary value of 0 or 1 depending on its individual intensity value, so that the following is generated: Figure 8c Such binary information or binary mask BIN can then be used by conventional data processing algorithms to obtain a binary mask BIN for the transmitted light image DB2 (e.g. Figure 8d ) the respective spatial positions RG1 , RG2 , RG3 of the respective tissue slices GS1 , GS2 , GS3 are determined, in this case preferably as bounding boxes.

[0090] Furthermore, a precise explanation of the determination of the respective cover glass region or the respective spatial position of the respective cover glass based on one or more partially obscured transmitted light images follows.

[0091] Figure 9aFor this purpose, a partially darkened transmitted light image PDB3 is shown. Image information PDB32 can be extracted from image PDB3, which represents image information from the partially darkened area. Furthermore, image information PDB31 can also preferably be extracted from image PDB3, see Figure 9b The image information PDB31 represents the image information of the area which is not partially shaded, wherein the brightness values ​​in the information PDB31 are inverted.

[0092] Fig.9c The image information in PDB33 represents Figure 9b The image information PDB31 and PDB32 are superimposed. Figure 9d The image information PDB34 is shown, in which the presence of glass edges in the horizontal direction is emphasized by means of a fast Fourier transformation in order to suppress signals in a certain direction (preferably 45°). Such image information PDB34 can then also be used to detect the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding cover glass area, as can then also be more accurately referred to. Fig.12 , 13a , as explained in 13b.

[0093] Fig.10a A partially obscured transmitted light image PDB4 is shown. For this transmitted light image, Fig.10b The corresponding image information PDB41 in represents the image information from the darkened area. Figure 5 The plurality of slit apertures SB1, SP2, SP3 in the image sensor detects other partially obscured transmitted light images and substantially completely covers the entire surface of the slide by means of the sum of the partially obscured transmitted light images, so that the total image information PB42 can be obtained, as shown in Fig.10c The image information PB42 represents a superposition of image information of corresponding darkened regions of corresponding partially darkened transmitted light images, wherein the corresponding partially darkened transmitted light images are obtained by means of different slit apertures.

[0094] to this end, Fig.11a Another example of corresponding partially darkened transmitted light images PDB51, PDB52, PDB53 is shown, and the corresponding image information thereof can be superimposed on the corresponding darkened areas to obtain Fig.11b Such image information PDB5F or image information PDB42 can then be used essentially as an alternative to image information PDB43 in order to determine the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding cover glass region.

[0095] It is particularly advantageous to use a plurality of partially obscured transmitted light images for determining the respective spatial position of the respective cover glass region, since the image information PDB42, PDB5F generated in this way shows a stronger signature of the signal of the glass edge than when only one partially obscured transmitted light image PDB3 is used to obtain the respective image information PDB34. Figure 5 ) preferably have a plurality of opening slits extending parallel to each other, wherein the opening slits of the slit apertures SB1, SB2, SB3 do not overlap but are offset from each other. Figure 5 ) respectively have a plurality of opening slits extending in parallel to each other, and because the opening slits of the slit apertures SB1, SB2, SB3 do not overlap with each other but are staggered with each other, for a plurality of glass edges, a sufficient number of partial glass edge TK images can be generated in the partially obscured transmitted light images PDB51, PDB52, PDB53 as a whole, so that in the final image information PDB5F (see Fig.11b ) can achieve the presence of glass edges and thus the identification of cover glass areas robustly and reliably based on multiple partially obscured transmitted light images PDB51, PDB52, PDB53.

[0096] Figure 5 As described above, the device in the embodiment preferably has a rotatable aperture RB, which has a first slit aperture SB1, a second slit aperture SB2, a third slit aperture SB3 and an opening OF. This is particularly advantageous if a fully illuminated transmitted light image, a direct light image and a plurality, preferably three partially illuminated transmitted light images are to be detected by means of the same image capture unit BE. The slide OT then has to be inserted into the holder H only once (see Figure 4 ). By means of the rotation of the rotatable aperture, corresponding operating states can then be brought about in a particularly simple and robust manner, in which a fully illuminated transmitted light image, a direct light image and a plurality, preferably three, partially illuminated transmitted light images are detected. It is not necessary to move the slide OT for this purpose. The direct light image can be detected in the following settings or operating states, in which any of the apertures SB1, SB2, SB3 or the opening OF is positioned between the light source L and the slide.

[0097] Preferably, in the first operating state, the rotatable aperture RB is arranged such that the opening OF is located between the planar light source L and the slide OT. In the first operating state, the fully illuminated transmitted-light image is then captured by the image capture unit.

[0098] Preferably, in the third operating state, the rotatable aperture RB is arranged such that the first slit aperture SB1 is located between the planar light source L and the glass slide OT. Subsequently, in the third operating state, the transmitted-light image of the first part is captured by the image capture unit.

[0099] Preferably, in the fourth operating state, the rotatable aperture RB is arranged such that the second slit aperture SB2 is located between the planar light source L and the glass slide OT. Subsequently, in the fourth operating state, the second partial transmitted light image is captured by the image capture unit.

[0100] Preferably, in the fifth operating state, the rotatable aperture RB is arranged such that the third slit aperture SB3 is located between the planar light source L and the glass slide OT. Subsequently, in the fifth operating state, the third partial transmitted light image is captured by the image capture unit.

[0101] Fig.12 Shown for Fig.10c For the image information PDB42 in FIG. 4 , the determined values ​​IDX, IDY of the intensity density ID are obtained. The intensities are summed along a straight line in the X direction and then normalized by means of the length of the straight line, thereby generating an intensity density ID, as shown as value IDX. The same steps are carried out for a straight line in the Y direction in order to determine the intensity density value IDY. A corresponding local maximum or peak PK is generated at the location where the glass edge occurs. It is now further explained how such intensity density values ​​IDX, IDY and peak values ​​PK can be used in order to determine the cover glass area at its location.

[0102] Fig.13aFor this purpose, method step VE is shown. For the image information PDB of the partially obscured transmitted light image, exemplary intensity density values ​​IDX, IDY are also recorded. The highest intensity density value or main peak DOP is determined by these values ​​IDX, IDY. This peak DOP is used to virtually divide the glass slide OT into two cover glass areas DGBA, DGBB at the location of its position. It is then considered that the main peak indicates the glass edge GKX - as shown in Figure 13B - or the position of the glass edge GKX; the glass slide OT can then be divided into these virtual cover glass areas DGBA, DGBB. This is achieved in the first method step VS1. The glass edge GKX can first be regarded as a potential glass edge. In order to identify the glass edge GKX as an actual glass edge, for example, the intensity density value of the main peak DOP or the maximum value preferably must exceed a predetermined threshold value VW2. Intensity density values ​​that do not exceed the threshold value VW2 can be classified as noise signals or false signals (artefact signal), so that the potential glass edge is not recognized as an actual glass edge. The threshold value VW2 can be regarded as predetermined information. This check is carried out in method step VS2. In addition, another condition preferably must be met in method step VS2. This other condition is that the resulting parameter or distribution range of the newly created virtual cover glass area DGBA, DGBB exceeds a minimum parameter or minimum value VW1. This type of predetermined information VW1 is helpful because it can avoid that the slide OT is divided into too small virtual cover glass areas based on peaks with certain intensity density values.

[0103] If both conditions are met, the output or return of the determined cover glass regions DGBA, DGBB is carried out in a further method step VS3 .

[0104] The method VE is then recursively carried out again for the previously determined cover glass region DGBA, DGBB in order to also further subdivide the previously determined virtual cover glass region DGBA, DGBB, if necessary.

[0105] Fig.13b An exemplary illustration of a glass slide OTX with a glass edge GKX and a false signal AFS is shown. Fig.13a The method in the invention can identify actual cover glass regions DGB11, DGB121, DGB11222, DGB12211 and DGB12212 by means of detection of potential glass edges and identification of actual glass edges.

[0106] First, edge GKX1 is detected as a potential glass edge. Based on the predetermined information VW1 , VW2 , potential glass edge GKX1 is then identified as an actual glass edge in step S2 , and virtual cover glass regions DGB11 and DGB12 are determined.

[0107] The virtual cover glass region DGB11 is then considered. The intensity density of the false signal AFS in the cover glass region DGB11 does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, for example, so that the cover glass region DGB11 is not further divided and is identified as a cover glass region.

[0108] The determined virtual cover glass region DGB12 is then divided into cover glass regions DGB121 and DGB122 by detecting another glass edge GKX2 with the aid of another main peak. A further division of cover glass region DGB121 is therefore no longer possible, since no further glass edges or peaks are detected that satisfy the conditions set forth with respect to the predetermined information.

[0109] The cover glass region DGB122 is divided into cover glass regions DGB1221 and DGB1222 based on the actual glass edges. Finally, the cover glass region DGB1221 is divided into cover glass regions DGB12211 and DGB12212 based on the actual glass edges.

[0110] The respective cover glass area of ​​the slide OTX can then be determined with respect to its respective spatial position.

[0111] In summary, it can be said that: based on the partially obscured transmitted light image on the glass slide OTX, potential glass edges GKX, AFS are detected; furthermore, based on the potential glass edges GKX, AFS and based on at least one predetermined information VW1, VW2, the actual glass edge GKX is identified; and finally, based on the actual glass edges GKX, cover glass areas DGB11, DGB121, DGB11222, DGB12211 and DGB12212 are identified.

[0112] Knowing the spatial position of the respective cover slip region, the tissue section located in the respective cover slip region can then be assigned to the respective marking of the respective cover slip region, wherein the marking is located in the cover slip region.

[0113] Fig.14a The image information PD42 shows that Fig.14b The detection result ERG of the cover glass area and the detected glass edge depicted therefor are shown in FIG. It is obvious that the method proposed here is particularly efficient, since a large number of smaller cover glass areas can also be reliably detected.

[0114] Fig.18Another exemplary slide OTY with different tissue sections GS, GSA, GSB, GSC and markings K10, K20, K30 is shown, wherein in particular the tissue sections GSA, GSB and GSC within an entire area GBZ can be assigned to a marking K10. It can be provided that a plurality of tissue sections GSA, GSB, GSC are present together on a slide OTY and should also be assigned together to a marking K10, but are not positioned there by the same common cover glass but by different cover glasses DGBA1, DGBB1. Therefore, it is also preferably proposed that by applying the method described so far, the existing glass edges are first detected based on one or more partially obscured transmitted light images on the slide. Based on the detected glass edges, the cover glass areas DGBB1, DGBA1 are then detected as described above. Another predetermined information can then be provided so that the identified cover glass areas DGBA1, DGBB1 are summarized in a common area GBZ and assigned to the marking K10. The predetermined information may be, for example, that a plurality of cover glass regions DGBA1, DGBB1 may be arranged along a preferred distribution direction, in this case along the Y direction or along the horizontal direction, wherein, in the case that no marking is detected for a cover glass region DGBB1, this cover glass region DGBB1 is assigned to the same common marking K10 of another cover glass region DGBA1 arranged along a preferred distribution direction. Thus, if no marking is detected for a cover glass region DGBB1, this cover glass region DGBB1 may then be assigned to the marking K10 of a cover glass region DGBA1 adjacent in a certain direction, preferably in the horizontal direction to the right.

[0115] The present invention and its embodiments have been explained so far based on the device according to the invention. As mentioned above, a method according to the invention is also proposed. The individual steps of the method according to a preferred embodiment are Fig.15 It is explained in.

[0116] In step S1 , the slide is positioned between the planar light source and the image detection unit.

[0117] In step S2 , a reversibly positionable slit diaphragm is arranged between the planar light source and the object, the slit diaphragm having a plurality of opening slits.

[0118] In step S3 , an illumination unit is provided which is designed to illuminate that surface of the slide which faces the image capture unit.

[0119] In step S4 , the surface light source is then activated in a first operating state and a completely illuminated transmitted-light image of the slide is captured by means of the image capture unit.

[0120] In step S5 , the illumination unit is then activated in the second operating state and a direct light image of the slide is captured by means of the image capture unit.

[0121] In step S6 , the slit aperture is subsequently actuated in a third operating state such that it is positioned between the surface light source and the slide, and the surface light source is also activated and a partially obscured transmitted-light image of the slide is captured by means of the image capture unit.

[0122] In a preferred step S7 , a determination of the respective spatial position of the respective optical marking is then preferably effected based on the direct light image.

[0123] In a preferred step S8 , a determination of the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding cover glass region is then preferably carried out based on the partially obscured transmitted light image.

[0124] In a preferred step S9 , the respective spatial position of the respective tissue section is then preferably determined based on the completely illuminated transmitted light image.

[0125] In step S10 , the corresponding tissue sections are then assigned to the corresponding optical markings.

[0126] Steps S4 to S10 are preferably performed by Figure 4 The control unit K is implemented.

[0127] Fig.16 Additional preferred steps are shown.

[0128] Fig.15 Step S8 in is preferably implemented by executing further sub-steps S81 , S82 , and S83 .

[0129] In step S81, a potential glass edge present on the glass slide is detected based on the partially obscured transmitted light image. In step S82, an actual glass edge is identified based on the potential glass edge and based on at least one predetermined information item VW1, VW2.

[0130] In step S83 , the cover glass region is subsequently detected based on the actual glass edge.

[0131] Fig.17 FIG. 1 shows further steps which are preferably to be performed when using a plurality of partially obscured transmitted light images. Fig.15 In step S61, the second slit diaphragm is controlled in the fourth operating state in such a way that the second slit diaphragm is positioned between the planar light source and the slide. In addition, the planar light source is activated and the second partially obscured transmitted light image is detected by means of the image detection unit. Fig.15The already described step S7 in which the respective spatial position of the respective optical marking is determined is followed by step S81' in which the respective spatial position of the respective cover glass region is determined based on the first partially obscured transmitted light image and the second partially obscured transmitted light image.

[0132] Furthermore, a digital image processing method is proposed. In this method, a fully illuminated transmitted light image of the slide, a direct light image of the slide, and a partially darkened transmitted light image of the slide are provided. This provision can be achieved by making Figure 4 The image acquisition unit BE in the control unit K provides these images to the control unit K. Furthermore, the provision can preferably be realized in such a way that the control unit K loads such image data BID, DT from the storage unit SPE into the internal memory of the control unit K. The internal memory is the memory ISPE.

[0133] The digital image processing method may be a computer-implemented method. Furthermore, a computer program product may be provided, the computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as a computer-implemented method.

[0134] Although some aspects are described in conjunction with an apparatus, it goes without saying that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, so that the modules or structural components of the apparatus can also be understood as corresponding method steps or features of method steps. Similarly, the aspects described in conjunction with one or as a method step also represent a description or details or features of the corresponding modules of the corresponding apparatus.

[0135] Figure 4 The control unit K in can also be realized as a computing unit which is designed accordingly as described above.

[0136] According to the determined implementation requirements, the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware or software. The implementation scheme can be implemented using a digital storage medium, such as a floppy disk, DVD, Blu-ray disc, CD, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM or flash memory, hard disk storage or another magnetic or optical storage, on which an electronically readable control signal is stored, which can be so coordinated or coordinated with a programmable hardware component that the corresponding method is implemented. The digital storage medium can therefore be machine or computer readable. Some embodiments then include a data carrier having an electronically readable control signal that can be so coordinated with a programmable computer system or a programmable hardware component that one of the methods described herein is implemented. One embodiment is therefore a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) on which a program for implementing one of the methods described herein is recorded.

[0137] A programmable hardware component as a computing unit can be formed by a processor, a computer processor (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a computer, a computer system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an integrated circuit (IC), a system on a chip (SOC), a programmable logic device or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) with a microprocessor.

[0138] In general, the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a program, firmware, computer program or computer program product with program code or as data, wherein the program code or data is valid as follows, that is, if the program is run on a processor or a programmable hardware component, then one of the methods is implemented. The program code or data can also be stored on a machine-readable carrier or data carrier, for example. The program code or data can also exist as source code, machine code or byte code and as other intermediate codes.

Claims

1. A device for identifying a corresponding cover glass area (DGB) of a corresponding cover glass with a corresponding tissue section (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) on a glass slide (OT), the glass slide having a plurality of optical markings (KE1, KE2, KE3), the device comprising: - a planar light source (L); - Image detection unit (BE); - a support unit (H) for positioning the slide (OT) between the planar light source (L) and the image detection unit (BE); - a slit diaphragm (SB, SB1) reversibly positionable between the planar light source (L) and the slide (OT), said slit diaphragm having a plurality of opening slits (OS); an illumination unit (BL) which is designed to illuminate a surface (OFL) of the slide (OT) which faces the image capture unit (BE); And also has a control unit (K), which is configured as follows: - in a first operating state, activating the planar light source (L) and detecting a completely illuminated transmitted-light image (DB, DB2) of the glass slide (OT) by means of an image capture unit (BE); - in addition, in a second operating state, the lighting unit (BL) is activated and a direct light image (AB, AB2) of the slide (OT) is captured by means of the image capture unit (BE); in, The control unit is characterized in that - in addition, in a third operating state, the slit diaphragm (SB, SB1) is controlled so that the slit diaphragm (SB, SB1) is positioned between the planar light source (L) and the glass slide (OT); and the planar light source (L) is activated, and a partially obscured transmitted light image (PDB3) of the glass slide (OT) is detected by means of an image capture unit (BE); - furthermore determining the respective spatial position (P1, P2, P3) of the respective optical marking (KE1, KE2, KE3) based on the direct light image (AB, AB2); - furthermore determining the respective spatial position of the respective cover glass region (DGB) based on the partially obscured transmitted light image (PDB3); - furthermore determining the respective spatial position of the respective tissue slice (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) based on the completely illuminated transmitted light image (DB, DB2); as well as - Based on the corresponding spatial position (P1, P2, P3) of the corresponding optical marker (KE1, KE2, KE3), based on the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding cover glass area (DGB) and based on the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding tissue section (GS1, GS2, GS3), the corresponding tissue section is assigned to the corresponding optical marker (KE1, KE2, KE3).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit (K) is further configured as follows: - Detection of potential glass edges (GK) of the cover glass on the slide (OT) based on the partially obscured transmitted light image (PDB3); - and furthermore identifying an actual glass edge (GK) of the cover glass based on the potential glass edge (GK) and based on at least one predetermined information (VW1, VW2); and Furthermore, the cover glass region (DGB) is detected based on the actual glass edge (GK).

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The slit aperture (SB1) is a first slit aperture and the partially obscured image is a first partially obscured image (PDB51), wherein the device (V) further comprises a second slit aperture (SB2) which can be reversibly positioned between the planar light source (L) and the slide (OT), the second slit aperture having a plurality of opening slits (OS), Wherein, the control unit (K) is further configured as follows: - in a fourth operating state, the second slit aperture (SB2) is controlled so that the second slit aperture (SB2) is positioned between the planar light source (L) and the glass slide (OT), the planar light source (L) is activated, and a second partially obscured transmitted light image (PDB52) of the glass slide (OT) is detected by means of an image detection unit (BE); and Furthermore, the respective spatial position of the respective cover glass region (DGB) is determined based on the partially obscured transmitted light images (PDB51 , PDB52 ).

4. A method for identifying a corresponding cover glass area (DGB) of a corresponding cover glass with a corresponding tissue section (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) on a glass slide (OT), the glass slide having a plurality of optical markings (KE1, KE2, KE3), the method comprising: - positioning a glass slide (OT) between a planar light source (L) and an image detection unit (BE); - a reversibly positionable slit diaphragm (SB, SB1) is arranged between the planar light source (L) and the glass slide (OT), the slit diaphragm having a plurality of opening slits (OS); - providing an illumination unit (BE) which is designed to illuminate a surface of the slide (OT) which faces the image capture unit (BE); - in a first operating state, activating the planar light source (L) and detecting a completely illuminated transmitted light image (PDB3) of the glass slide (OT) by means of the image capture unit (BE); - in a second operating state, activating the lighting unit (BE) and detecting the direct light image (AB) of the slide (OT) by means of the image capture unit (BE); It is characterized in that - in a third operating state, the slit aperture (SB, SB1) is actuated so that the slit aperture (SB, SB1) is positioned between the planar light source (L) and the glass slide (OT); and furthermore, the planar light source (L) is activated and a partially obscured transmitted light image (PDB3) of the glass slide (OT) is detected by means of an image capture unit (BE); - determining the respective spatial position (P1, P2, P3) of the respective optical marking (KE1, KE2, KE3) based on the direct light image (AB); - determining the respective spatial position of the respective coverslip region (DGB) based on the partially obscured transmitted light image (PDB3); and also - determining the respective spatial position of the respective tissue slice (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) based on the fully illuminated transmitted light image (DB); and - Based on the corresponding spatial positions (P1, P2, P3) of the corresponding optical markers (KE1, KE2, KE3), based on the corresponding spatial positions of the corresponding coverslip areas (DGB) and based on the corresponding spatial positions of the corresponding tissue sections (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3), the corresponding tissue sections (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) are configured to the corresponding optical markers (KE1, KE2, KE3).

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: - Detection of potential glass edges (GK) of the cover glass on the slide (OT) based on the partially obscured transmitted light image (PDB3); - identifying an actual glass edge (GK) based on the potential glass edge (GK) and based on at least one predetermined information (VW1, VW2); and Furthermore, the cover glass region (DGB) is detected based on the actual glass edge (GK).

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein: the slit aperture is a first slit aperture (SB1), and the partially obscured image is a first partially obscured image (PDB51), The method also has: - a reversibly positionable second slit aperture (SB2) is arranged between the planar light source (L) and the glass slide (OT), the second slit aperture having a plurality of opening slits (OS); as well as In addition, the method also has: - in a fourth operating state, the second slit aperture (SB2) is controlled so that the second slit aperture (SB2) is positioned between the planar light source (L) and the glass slide (OT), and the planar light source (L) is also activated, and a second partially obscured transmitted light image (PDB52) of the glass slide (OT) is detected by means of an image capture unit (BE); and Furthermore, the respective spatial position of the respective cover glass region (DGB) is determined based on the partially obscured transmitted light images (PDB51 , PDB52 ).

7. A digital image processing method for identifying a corresponding cover glass region (DGB) of a corresponding cover glass with a corresponding tissue section (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) on a glass slide (OT), the glass slide having a plurality of optical markings (KE1, KE2, KE3), the digital image processing method comprising: - providing a fully illuminated transmitted light image (DB) of the slide (OT); - providing a direct light image (AB) of the slide (OT); - provides a partially obscured transmitted light image (PDB3) of the slide (OT); and - determining the respective spatial position (P1, P2, P3) of the respective optical marking (KE1, KE2, KE3) based on the direct light image (AB); It is characterized in that - determining the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding cover glass area (DGB) based on the partially obscured transmitted light image (PDB3); - determining the respective spatial position of the respective tissue slice (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) based on the fully illuminated transmitted light image (PB); as well as - Based on the corresponding spatial positions (P1, P2, P3) of the corresponding optical markers (KE1, KE2, KE3), based on the corresponding spatial positions of the corresponding coverslip areas (DGB) and based on the corresponding spatial positions of the corresponding tissue sections (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3), the corresponding tissue sections (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) are configured to the corresponding optical markers (KE1, KE2, KE3).

8. A computer-implemented method for identifying a corresponding coverslip area (DGB) of a corresponding coverslip with a corresponding tissue section (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) on a glass slide (OT), the slide having a plurality of optical markings (KE1, KE2, KE3), the computer-implemented method comprising the following steps: - providing a fully illuminated transmitted light image (DB) of the slide (OT); - providing a direct light image (AB) of the slide (OT); - Provides a partially obscured transmitted light image of the slide (OT) (PDB3); - determining the respective spatial position (P1, P2, P3) of the respective optical marking (KE1, KE2, KE3) based on the direct light image (AB); It is characterized in that - determining the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding cover glass area (DGB) based on the partially obscured transmitted light image (PDB3); - determining the respective spatial position of the respective tissue slice (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) based on the fully illuminated transmitted light image (PB); as well as - Based on the corresponding spatial positions (P1, P2, P3) of the corresponding optical markers (KE1, KE2, KE3), based on the corresponding spatial positions of the corresponding coverslip areas (DGB) and based on the corresponding spatial positions of the corresponding tissue sections (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3), the corresponding tissue sections (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) are configured to the corresponding optical markers (KE1, KE2, KE3).

9. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the computer-implemented method according to claim 8.

10. A computing unit for identifying a corresponding cover glass area (DGB) of a corresponding cover glass with a corresponding tissue section (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) on a glass slide (OT), the glass slide having a plurality of optical markings (KE1, KE2, KE3), wherein: The computing unit is configured to: - providing a fully illuminated transmitted light image (DB) of the slide (OT); - providing a direct light image (AB) of the slide (OT); - Provides a partially obscured transmitted light image of the slide (OT) (PDB3); - determining the respective spatial position (P1, P2, P3) of the respective optical marking (KE1, KE2, KE3) based on the direct light image (AB); - determining the corresponding spatial position of the corresponding cover glass area (DGB) based on the partially obscured transmitted light image (PDB3); It is characterized in that - determining the respective spatial position of the respective tissue slice (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) based on the fully illuminated transmitted light image (PB); and - Based on the corresponding spatial positions (P1, P2, P3) of the corresponding optical markers (KE1, KE2, KE3), based on the corresponding spatial positions of the corresponding coverslip areas (DGB) and based on the corresponding spatial positions of the corresponding tissue sections (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3), the corresponding tissue sections (GS, GS1, GS2, GS3) are configured to the corresponding optical markers (KE1, KE2, KE3).

Images