Slide imaging apparatus for hematological digital morphology

By employing dual-beam path design and contrast analysis, the focusing challenge of hematological digital morphological imaging equipment for low-contrast samples was solved, enabling high-quality imaging of various hematological samples.

CN122295606APending Publication Date: 2026-06-26ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202480073931.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-11-23
Filing Date
2024-11-22
Publication Date
2026-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing digital morphological imaging equipment for hematology struggles to achieve robust focusing on whole blood smears and other low-contrast sample types, especially with high levels of signal interference in autofocus methods, resulting in poor image quality.

Method used

The system employs a dual-beam path design, including a sample beam path and an autofocus beam path. It generates patterns using a patterned illumination source and produces digital autofocus images via an autofocus camera. The processing unit performs contrast analysis and controls the stage to adjust the position of the microscope slide for optimal focusing.

Benefits of technology

It achieves robust focusing performance for various types of hematological samples, improving image quality, especially for whole blood smears.

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Abstract

A slide imaging device (110) for digital morphology in hematology is disclosed, comprising at least one z-axis stage (112) configured to place a microscope slide (114) at a sample plane, wherein a biological sample may be placed on the microscope slide (114), wherein the z-axis stage (112) is configured to set a relative distance along the optical axis (118) of the slide imaging device (110) between the microscope slide (114) and the imaging system (116) of the slide imaging device (110). The slide imaging apparatus (110) further includes at least one sample beam path and at least one autofocus beam path, the at least one autofocus beam path including at least one pattern illumination source (132), the at least one pattern illumination source including at least one light emitter (134) and at least one grating (136), wherein the grating (136) is tilted relative to the optical axis (118) of the slide imaging apparatus (110), wherein the autofocus beam path includes at least one second transmission system (140) and at least one autofocus camera (138), wherein the second transmission system (140) is configured to allow a pattern generated by the pattern illumination source (132) to be projected onto the sample plane and to allow a pattern reflected from the sample plane to be propagated to the autofocus camera (138), wherein the autofocus camera (138) is configured to generate at least one digital autofocus image of the pattern reflected from the sample plane. The slide imaging apparatus (110) further includes at least one processing unit (148) configured to analyze the digitally autofocused image, wherein the analysis includes spatial analysis of contrast and determination of the image location with maximum contrast. The slide imaging apparatus (110) further includes at least one control unit (150) configured to control the z-axis stage (112) taking into account the determined image location to position the microscope slide (114) along the optical axis (118) of the slide imaging apparatus (110).
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Citation Information

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