Method and system for real-time management of digital images generated by a digital optical platform

Abstract

A method for real-time acquisition of a digital image (50) of a sample to be inspected (51) arranged on an acquisition workstation (1) and transmission to an analysis workstation (2) includes, at the analysis workstation (2), a step (60) of transmitting an acquisition start signal (23) of a digital image of the sample to be inspected to an electronic acquisition unit (21) and acquiring it in response to a command from an operator or the like; a step (61) of acquiring the digital image (50) by the electronic acquisition unit (21); a step (62) of transmitting the acquired digital image (50) from the electronic acquisition unit (21) to a remote electronic control unit (40); a step (63) of displaying the digital image (50) acquired at the analysis workstation (2) using a display means (41); a step (64) of selecting an image including representative information for analysis of the sample from the acquired digital image (50); and a step (65) of storing the selected image in the analysis workstation (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of microscopic analysis, in particular to the medical fields of tissue analysis and histopathological diagnosis.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of digital pathology, devices that can display histological samples placed on slides in the form of digital images are used. In particular, digital optical microscopes or scanners provide high-resolution images of the entire slide, including various scan surfaces of the specimen. Digital images generated using this technology are large files and require a computer with high computing and memory characteristics, as well as a digital archive with sufficient space to store the information and enable doctors to remotely access it. Generally, this results in a non-negligible operating time for the doctor who should perform the diagnosis, and is clearly not suitable in case of emergency activities.

[0003] Furthermore, the amount of data required to scan various positions of the sample often reaches several tens of GB, making it impossible to transmit the data to a remote analysis workstation in real time and hindering remote operation.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a method for managing the acquisition of digital images in real time using a digital optical microscope from a workstation remote from the microscope itself.

[0005] In other words, there is a need to quickly and remotely display what the microscope observes, remotely change the acquisition parameters, quickly perform new acquisitions, and process the acquired images in real time from a remote workstation.

[0006] The difficulties are doubled when performing such operations remotely using a polarized digital optical microscope.

[0007] In fact, unlike conventional optical microscopes that use ordinary light, polarized digital optical microscopes study samples using polarized light.

[0008] In polarized light, light waves vibrate in a predetermined direction, while under normal light conditions, light waves vibrate in random directions.

[0009] Polarized light is not visible to the human eye under normal circumstances, but it can be used in polarized microscopes to enhance the properties of minerals, crystals, and other materials.

[0010] In fact, polarized microscopes study these using the birefringent optical properties of anisotropic materials.

[0011] Unlike isotropic materials (such as gases and liquids) that have only one refractive index, anisotropic materials are solid substances with various refractive indices. For example, when light waves passing through an anisotropic material are split into two beams with different speeds, birefringence or double refraction occurs.

[0012] In practice, the sample under study is placed on a slide above the sample holder table. The sample is illuminated by a light source placed below the sample table.

[0013] Light passes through a polarization filter (called a polarizer), and then through the birefringent sample. The polarizer is usually fixed in the east-west vibration direction but can be rotated if necessary.

[0014] The polarized microscope is equipped with another polarization filter (called an analyzer), which is usually placed in front of the eyepiece (ocular lens) or camera, above the target, and is movable in and out of the optical path when acquiring digital images.

[0015] There is an analyzer, i.e., another polarization filter, between the lens and the eyepiece / camera. When activated simultaneously with the polarization filter, it causes a so-called extinction state, i.e., the cancellation of the incident light beam, which is due to the perpendicular polarization effect of the analyzer with respect to the polarizer.

[0016] In fact, the characteristics generally defining a linear polarizer are its transmission and absorption capabilities.

[0017] The transmission axis often varies depending on the polarizer grade and determines how much light can pass through. The absorption axis prevents light from passing through the barrier.

[0018] And it is possible to use two polarizers at an angle of 90° to each other to prevent light from passing through to the other side.

[0019] Considering the requirement for the relative phase shift characteristics between two polarizers, by reversing the two associated movement mechanisms, the analyzer can be made rotatable instead of the filter. The lenses used in a polarizing microscope need to be free of distortion.

[0020] Many crystalline and mineral materials, which are also included in organic tissues, can change the direction of polarized light, allowing a portion of the light to pass from the analyzer to the eyepiece / camera.

[0021] It is possible to display a slide under so-called "flat polarized" light using only one polarizer. Using two polarizers, for example, by keeping the polarizing filter stationary and rotating the analyzer around its axis, analysis can be performed in a so-called "crossed polarized" light mode.

[0022] Using linearly polarized light, depending on the angle of the polarizer, light can be directed to different positions at a predetermined angle with respect to an object. Thus, this device can be used to minimize reflections, control the intensity of light, remove light to make colors more vivid, etc. Various types of linear polarizers can be utilized, such as dichroic, reflective, birefringent, beam-splitting polarizers, etc.

[0023] Therefore, the technical difficulties in implementing a polarizer in a digital solution using scanner technology lie in the huge data load associated with the preliminary scanning operation of a single slide (on the order of dozens of GB to scan at various heights of the sample), and it can be understood that it is necessary to add the data generated in each frame of the slide as the mutual angle between the polarizer elements changes.

[0024] For example, assuming that for each frame, it is desired to obtain the polarizer effect with a 25° rotation arc, it results in the management of a huge data load exceeding 1000 GB (on the order of 1 terabyte) for a single slide. That is, this is practically infeasible.

[0025] Therefore, there is a need to manage a digital optical microscope from a remote workstation and change its parameters during remote observation, thus avoiding the need to transmit a large amount of data from the acquisition workstation to the analysis workstation.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0026] An object of the present invention is to devise and provide a method and system that satisfy the aforementioned needs and at least partially eliminate the above-mentioned problems with respect to the prior art. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and system that enable an operator to continuously interact with a microscope at an acquisition workstation in a live view without being out of the field of view at a remote analysis workstation, and the operator can select a representative image for analysis while displaying a video stream in real time.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system that enable a microscope to quickly and remotely display what it has observed, remotely change acquisition parameters, further quickly execute new acquisitions, and process the acquired images in real time from a remote workstation.

[0028] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for managing a digital optical microscope from a remote workstation, enabling the operator to change its parameters during remote observation, thus avoiding the need to transmit a large amount of data from the acquisition workstation to the analysis workstation.

[0029] These and other objects and advantages are achieved by the method and system according to the independent claims. Advantageously, by the method according to the invention, an operator at a remote workstation with respect to the microscope can always operate the microscope in a live view by adopting live streaming technology with a live stream together with the sample, always being involved in the field of view provided by the microscope camera at the time of observation, any possible changes within the field of view occurring live, and the remote operator can act on the sample moving device on the microscope and display it remotely at the same time. Accordingly, the remote operator can interact continuously and directly with the object of observation while remotely operating the microscope components. In other words, the method according to the invention uses a continuous video stream, and the operator can interact with the microscope while remotely displaying the continuous stream in real time, select images of interest while displaying the video stream in real time, and save only these to the remote workstation.

[0030] Further objects, means and advantages exist in the embodiments described hereinafter and claimed in the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] Hereinafter, the present invention will be shown through descriptions of several embodiments as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] A method according to the present invention for acquiring and transmitting in real time a digital image 50 of a sample 51 to be inspected, particularly a plurality of consecutive digital images 50, in other words, a video stream 50, from an acquisition workstation 1 to an analysis workstation 2 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] The sample 51 to be inspected is arranged within the acquisition workstation 1, and the analysis workstation 2 is remote from the acquisition workstation 1.

[0035] A plurality of consecutive digital images 50, particularly a video stream, are generated by a digital image acquisition system 100.

[0036] The digital image acquisition system 100 includes a digital optical microscope 20 arranged in the acquisition workstation 1. The microscope 20 includes a digital optical sensor 21', an electronic acquisition unit 21 for one or more digital images of the sample 51 to be inspected, particularly a plurality of consecutive images 50, or a video stream, a sample holder table 52 having a sample sheet 53 configured to accommodate or support the sample 51 to be inspected, an optical lens 54 associated with the acquisition unit 21 and defining a lens optical axis 55 and a lens focal point, and a light source 56 oriented towards the sample sheet 53 for illuminating the sample 51 to be inspected. The digital optical microscope 20 defines a microscope optical axis 57 that is coaxial with the lens optical axis 55 during use and passes through the digital optical sensor and the sample sheet 53.

[0037] The focal point of a lens means a point along the optical axis at which the lens can reconstruct a perfectly focused image. The optical sensor needs to be installed at this point.

[0038] The digital image acquisition system 100 further includes a remote electronic control unit 40 of the digital optical microscope disposed in the analysis workstation 2. The remote electronic control unit 40 includes a display means 41 for displaying one or more digital images 50 of the sample to be inspected, or the plurality of consecutive digital images 50, a command means 42, and a storage means 43.

[0039] The digital image acquisition system 100 further includes a signal communication means 3 configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to one or more digital images, or the plurality of consecutive digital images, or the electronic acquisition unit 21 of the video stream.

[0040] The method of acquiring and transmitting digital images 50 in real time includes the following steps. · In the analysis workstation 2, in response to a command from an operator or a doctor, the remote electronic control unit 40 transmits an acquisition start signal 23 of one or more digital images of the sample to be inspected, particularly a plurality of consecutive digital images 50, or a video stream, to the electronic acquisition unit 21 (60), and acquires one or more digital images 50 of the sample to be inspected, particularly a plurality of consecutive digital images, or a video stream (60). · The electronic acquisition unit 21 of the digital optical microscope 20 acquires one or more digital images 50, particularly a plurality of consecutive digital images, or a video stream (61). · Using the communication means 3, each image of the one or more digital images 50, or the plurality of consecutive digital images 50, or the video stream is transmitted in real time from the electronic acquisition unit 21 to the remote electronic control unit 40 (62). · Using the display means 41 of the electronic control unit 40, in the analysis workstation 2, displaying in real time, preferably in live view mode, the at least one acquired digital image 50, or each image of the plurality of consecutive digital images 50, or the video stream. (Step 63). · During the display step (63), by the operator or doctor, using the command means 42 in the analysis workstation 2, selecting from the one or more acquired digital images 50, or the plurality of consecutive images 50, or the video stream, one or more images containing representative information for the analysis of the sample. (Step 64). · Using the storage means 43 of the remote electronic control unit 40, saving the one or more selected images in the analysis workstation 2. (Step 65).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the digital optical microscope 20 includes an electric sample holder table moving unit 58 configured to move the sample holder table 52 along two moving axes X and Y that are orthogonal to the microscope optical axis 57 and orthogonal to each other. The digital signal communication means 3 is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the electric sample holder table moving unit 58.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the method includes the following steps. · By the remote electronic control unit 40, in response to a command from an operator or doctor, preferably during the display step (63), using the command means 42, transmitting a table movement signal 24 to the sample holder table moving unit 58. (Step 66). · Using the sample holder table moving unit, moving the sample holder table along the two moving axes X and Y in response to the table movement signal 24.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the digital optical microscope includes an electric focus adjustment unit 59 for adjusting the relative distance between the sample sheet 53 and the lens focus, which is measured along the adjustment axis Z parallel to the microscope optical axis 57. The digital signal communication means 3 is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the electric focus adjustment unit 59.

[0044] According to one embodiment, this method includes the following steps. · A step (68) of transmitting a focus adjustment signal 24' to the electric focus adjustment unit 59 by using the command means 42 according to a command of an operator or a doctor by the remote electronic control unit 40, preferably during the display step (63). · A step of moving the sample holder table 52 and / or the optical lens 54 along the adjustment axis Z in response to the adjustment signal 24' by using the electric focus adjustment unit 59.

[0045] By moving the sample holder table 52 along the Z direction, preferably approaching or moving away from the optical lens 54 along the microscope optical axis 57, a function of enlarging or reducing the field of view can be implemented, and a zoom function can be implemented.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the digital optical microscope 20 includes an electric lens exchange unit 84 including a plurality of lenses having individually different focal lengths. The electric lens exchange unit 84 is configured to selectively position the selected lens 54 among the plurality of lenses so that the optical axis of the selected lens 55 is positioned along the microscope optical axis 57. The digital signal communication means 3 is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the electric lens exchange unit 84.

[0047] According to one embodiment, this method includes the following steps. · A step (70) of transmitting a lens exchange signal 25 to the electric lens exchange unit 84 by the remote electronic control unit 40 in response to a command from an operator or a doctor, preferably during the display step (63), using the command means 42. · A step of arranging the selected lens 54 having the lens optical axis 55 along the microscope optical axis 57 by using the electric lens exchange unit 84 in response to the lens exchange signal 25.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the digital optical microscope 20 includes a first polarization filter 85 and a first electric start / stop movement unit 86 for moving the first polarization filter 85 from a rest position not arranged along the microscope optical axis 57 to an operating position interposed between the light source 56 and the sample holder table 52 along the microscope optical axis 57 (and vice versa), and a first polarization unit 87. The digital signal communication means 3 is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the first electric start / stop movement unit 86.

[0049] According to one embodiment, this method includes the following steps. · A step (72) of transmitting a first polarization unit activation signal 26 to the first electric start / stop movement unit 86 by the remote electronic control unit 40 in response to a command from an operator or a doctor, preferably during the display step (63). · A step (73) of moving the first polarization filter 85 from the rest position to the operating position by using the first electric start / stop movement unit 86 in response to the first polarization unit activation signal 26.

[0050] According to one embodiment, this method includes the following steps. · A step (72) of transmitting a first polarization unit activation signal 26' to the first electric start / stop movement unit 86 by the remote electronic control unit 40 in response to a command from an operator or a doctor, preferably during the display step (63). · Using the first electric start / stop movement unit 86, moving the first polarizing filter 85 from the rest position to the operating position according to the first polarizing unit start signal 26' (step 73).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the digital optical microscope 20 includes an analyzer polarizing filter 88, and an electric analyzer start / stop movement unit 89 that moves the analyzer polarizing filter 88 from a rest position not arranged along the microscope optical axis 57 to an operating position interposed between the digital optical sensor 21' and the optical lens 54 along the microscope optical axis 57 (and vice versa), and an analyzer polarizing unit 90 including the same.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the digital signal communication means 3 is further configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the electric analyzer start / stop movement unit 89.

[0053] According to one embodiment, this method includes the following steps. · Transmitting an analyzer polarizing unit start signal 27 to the analyzer polarizing unit 90 by the remote electronic control unit 40 according to a command of the operator or doctor, preferably during the display step (step 74). · Using the analyzer start / stop movement unit 89, moving the analyzer polarizing filter 88 from the rest position to the operating position according to the analyzer polarizing unit start signal 27 (step 75).

[0054] According to one embodiment, this method includes transmitting an analyzer polarizing unit stop signal 27 to the analyzer polarizing unit 90 by the remote electronic control unit 40 according to a command of the operator or doctor, preferably during the display step (63)' (step 74).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the method includes a step (75) of using the analyzer start / stop moving unit 89 to move the analyzer polarizing filter 88 from the operating position to the rest position according to the analyzer polarizing unit stop signal 27'.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the analyzer polarizing unit 90 includes an electric rotation adjustment unit 91 that adjusts the angular position of the analyzer polarizing filter 88 around the rotation axis of the analyzer polarizing filter disposed along the microscope optical axis 57. The digital signal communication means 3 is further configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the electric rotation adjustment unit 91.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the method includes the following steps. · A step (76) of transmitting, by the remote electronic control unit 40, a rotation signal 28 of the analyzer polarizing filter to the analyzer polarizing unit 90 in response to a command from an operator or a doctor, preferably during the display step (63). · A step (77) of rotating the analyzer polarizing filter 88 according to the rotation signal 28 of the analyzer polarizing filter using the electric rotation adjustment unit 91.

[0058] According to other embodiments, the first polarizing unit 87 includes an electric polarizer rotation adjustment unit 93 configured to adjust the angular position of the first polarizing filter 85 around a rotation axis disposed along the microscope optical axis 57. The digital signal communication means 3 is further configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the electric polarizer rotation adjustment unit 93.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the method includes the following steps. · A step of transmitting, by the remote electronic control unit 40, a rotation signal 30 of the polarizing filter 85 to the analyzer polarizing unit 87 in response to a command from an operator or a doctor, preferably during the display step. · Using the electric polarizer rotation adjustment unit 93, rotating the polarizing filter 85 according to the rotation signal 30 of the polarizing filter 85.

[0060] In other words, in a specific application, the digital optical microscope includes both the electric rotation adjustment unit 93 of the polarizing filter 85 and the electric rotation adjustment unit 92 of the analyzer polarizing filter 88, and both can be adjusted for relative rotation to each other. Alternatively, in another application, it can include only the rotation adjustment unit of the polarizing filter 85 and not include the rotation adjustment unit of the analyzer polarizing filter 88. Thus, the electronic remote control unit 40 can cooperatively and / or simultaneously control the relative rotation of the polarizing filter 85 and the analyzer polarizing filter 88 according to the doctor's command, and can be configured to, for example, jointly polarize the light passing through each of them.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the digital optical microscope 20 includes a light intensity adjustment unit 92 of the light source 56. The digital signal communication means 3 is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the light intensity adjustment unit 92.

[0062] According to an embodiment, this method includes the following steps. · Transmitting a light intensity adjustment signal 29 to the analyzer polarizing unit 92 by the remote electronic control unit 40 according to the command of an operator or a doctor, preferably during the display step (63) (step 78). · Using the light intensity adjustment unit 92, adjusting the light intensity of the light source 56 according to the light intensity adjustment signal 29 (step 79).

[0063] According to an embodiment, this method includes the step of transmitting the digital image 50, or the plurality of consecutive images, or the video stream in real time to at least one remote display dedicated workstation 4 according to the doctor's command provided to the remote electronic control unit 40 using the command means 42.

[0064] At least one dedicated display workstation 4 is used by the user in "viewer" mode and is only allowed to display in real time the same digital image as shown to the doctor using the display means 41 of the remote electronic control unit 40, and there is no possibility of user commands in "viewer" mode.

[0065] The aforementioned dedicated remote display workstation can be equipped with a monitor or digital display 41', for example, an LED panel, or a projector, or alternatively, a personal computer equipped with the monitor 41', or a portable electronic device equipped with an electronic display, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.

[0066] The user in "viewer" mode is only allowed the function of displaying the image. In fact, since the user in "viewer" mode is at a remote location from the microscope, they can only display the image, and this image is continuously managed and shared by the doctor (performing the operator's function in the "master" mode of the session) located at the analysis station 2 installed remotely from the acquisition workstation 1.

[0067] The use of at least one dedicated display workstation 4 is suitable, for example, for educational purposes of the system. For example, the users in "viewer" mode can be students in a university lecture each at an individual remote location, and the doctor located at the analysis workstation is the lecturer.

[0068] The doctor interacting with the remote control unit 40 in "master" mode can manage the digital image, for example, by performing operations such as shifting, zooming, and changing the brightness level. The user in "viewer" mode can remotely follow such management by the doctor simultaneously.

[0069] By the method described above, digital images can be managed in real time, especially in live view mode, and even functions using polarizers can be easily used under the direct control of a pathologist sitting at a remote location, enabling the diagnosis of specific cases of tissues with elements sensitive to the polarization effect (such as the presence of crystals in specific organs, amyloidosis, etc.).

[0070] In fact, in the case of digital pathology, the generated images are acquired by a camera and managed by a computing unit, and are made available in real time on a terminal such as a PC monitor or an end-user device. Further, the two polarizers are moved by an electric motor and controlled using software. As a result, a doctor can remotely observe in real time a sample placed on a slide using a data network and collect information obtained from the appropriate use of polarized light.

[0071] According to another aspect of the present invention, the above-described objects and advantages are achieved by a digital image acquisition system 100 including a digital optical microscope 20 disposed in an acquisition workstation 1. The digital optical microscope 20 includes an electronic acquisition unit 21 for one or more digital images of an analysis target sample 51, in other words, a plurality of consecutive digital images, or a video stream, including a digital optical sensor 21'; a sample holder table 52 having a sample sheet 53 configured to accommodate or support the inspection target sample 51; an optical lens 54 associated with the acquisition unit 21 and defining a lens optical axis 55 and a lens focal point; and a light source 56 oriented toward the sample sheet 53 for illuminating the inspection target sample 51. The digital optical microscope 20 defines a microscope optical axis 57 that passes through the digital optical sensor 21' and the sample sheet 53 and is coaxial with the lens optical axis 55 during use.

[0072] The digital image acquisition system 100 further includes a remote electronic control unit 40 of the digital optical microscope 20 installed in the analysis workstation 2 that is remote from the acquisition workstation 1. The remote electronic control unit 40 enables an operator or a doctor to display, at the analysis workstation 2, the one or more digital images 50 of the test sample 51, or the plurality of consecutive images, or the video stream in real time, preferably in the live view mode. The remote electronic control unit 40 further includes display means 41, and command means 42 that can be operated by the operator or the doctor at the analysis workstation 2 to select one or more images including representative information for analyzing the sample from the one or more acquired digital images 50 during the real-time display, or in other words, from the plurality of consecutive digital images, or the video stream. The remote electronic control unit 40 of the digital optical microscope further includes storage means 43 for storing the selected one or more digital images.

[0073] In fact, the digital image acquisition system 100 further includes digital signal communication means 3 configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the electronic image acquisition unit 21 of the digital optical microscope 20.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the digital optical microscope 20 includes an electric sample holder table moving unit 58 configured to move the sample holder table 52 along two moving axes X and Y that are orthogonal to each other and orthogonal to the microscope optical axis 57. The digital signal communication means 3 is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the electric sample holder table moving unit 58.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the digital optical microscope 20 includes an electric focus adjustment unit 59 for adjusting the relative distance between the sample sheet 53 and the lens focus, which is measured along an adjustment axis Z parallel to the microscope optical axis 57. The digital signal communication means 3 is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the electric focus adjustment unit 59.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the digital optical microscope 20 includes an electric lens exchange unit 84 including a plurality of lenses each having a different focal length. The electric lens exchange unit 84 is configured to selectively position the selected lens 54 among the plurality of lenses so that the optical axis of the selected lens 54 is positioned along the microscope optical axis 57. The digital signal communication means 3 is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the electric lens exchange unit 84.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the digital optical microscope 20 includes a first polarization unit 87 including a first polarization filter 87 and a first electric start / stop moving unit 86 for moving the first polarization filter 85 from a rest position not arranged along the microscope optical axis 57 to an operating position interposed between the light source 56 and the sample holder table 52 along the microscope optical axis 57 (and vice versa). The digital signal communication means 3 is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the first electric start / stop moving unit 86.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the digital optical microscope 20 includes an analyzer polarization unit 90 including an analyzer polarization filter 88 and an electric analyzer start / stop moving unit 89 for moving the analyzer polarization filter 88 from a rest position not arranged along the microscope optical axis 57 to an operating position interposed between the digital optical sensor 21' and the optical lens 54 along the microscope optical axis 57 (and vice versa). The digital signal communication means 3 is further configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the electric analyzer start / stop moving unit 89.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the analyzer polarization unit 90 includes an electric rotation adjustment unit 91 for adjusting the angular position of the analyzer polarization filter 88 around the rotation axis of the analyzer polarization filter disposed along the microscope optical axis 57. The digital signal communication means 3 is further configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the electric rotation adjustment unit 91.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the digital optical microscope 20 includes a light intensity adjustment unit 92 for the light source 56. The digital signal communication means 3 is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit 40 to the light intensity adjustment unit 92.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the remote control unit 40 is configured to enable the operator or doctor to draw one or more lines and / or one or more marks on the selected image using the command means 42.

[0082] Those skilled in the art can change or adapt the embodiments of the above-described devices and replace functionally equivalent elements with others without departing from the scope of the appended claims to meet incidental needs. Each of the features described as belonging to possible embodiments can be implemented regardless of the other embodiments described.

[0083] All features described herein and / or any steps of the methods described herein can be combined in any combination, except for combinations in which at least some of the features and / or steps are mutually exclusive, and except for combinations that exclude a part of them.

Claims

1. A method for real-time acquisition of a digital image (50) of a sample (51) to be inspected arranged on an acquisition workstation (1) and transmission of the digital image to an analysis workstation (2), wherein: the analysis workstation (2) is remote from the acquisition workstation (1); the digital image (50) is generated by a digital image acquisition system (100), the digital image acquisition system (100) comprising: - a digital optical microscope (20) arranged on the acquisition workstation (1), the microscope (20) including a digital optical sensor (21'), an electronic acquisition unit (21) for one or more digital images of the sample (51) to be inspected; - a sample holder table (52) having a sample sheet (53) configured to accommodate or support the sample (51) to be inspected; - an optical lens (54) associated with the acquisition unit (21) and defining a lens optical axis (55) and a lens focal point; - a light source (56) oriented towards the sample sheet (53) for illuminating the sample (51) to be inspected; and in use, a digital optical microscope (20) defining a microscope optical axis (57) that is coaxial with the lens optical axis (55) and passes through the digital optical sensor and the sample sheet (53); - a remote electronic control unit (40) of the digital optical microscope arranged on the analysis workstation 29 (2), the remote electronic control unit (40) comprising display means (41) for displaying the one or more digital images (50) of the sample to be inspected, command means (42), and storage means (43); - digital signal communication means (3) configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the electronic acquisition unit (21) for one or more digital images; the method comprising: - at the analysis workstation (2), in response to a command from an operator or a doctor, transmitting, by the remote electronic control unit (40), an acquisition start signal (23) for one or more digital images of the sample to be inspected to the electronic acquisition unit (21) to acquire one or more digital images (50) of the sample to be inspected (step 60); - acquiring, by the electronic acquisition unit (21) of the digital optical microscope (20), one or more digital images (50) (step 61); ​ ​ - A step (62) of transmitting the one or more acquired digital images (50) from the electronic acquisition unit (21) to the remote electronic control unit (40) using the communication means (3); - A step (63) of displaying the at least one acquired digital image (50) at the analysis workstation (2) using the display means (41) of the electronic control unit (40); - A step (64) of selecting, by the operator or doctor, at the analysis workstation (2), one or more images including representative information for analysis of the sample from the one or more acquired digital images (50) using the command means (42); - A method comprising a step (65) of storing the one or more selected images at the analysis workstation (2) using the storage means (43) of the remote electronic control unit (40). - The digital optical microscope (20) comprises an electric sample holder table moving unit (58) configured to move the sample holder table (52) along two moving axes (X, Y) orthogonal to each other and orthogonal to the microscope optical axis (57); - The digital signal communication means (3) is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the electric sample holder table moving unit (58); The method comprises - A step (66) of transmitting, by the remote electronic control unit (40), in response to a command from an operator or doctor, a table movement signal (24) provided using the command means (42) to the sample holder table moving unit (58); - A step of moving the sample holder table along the two moving axes (X, Y) in response to the table movement signal (24) by the sample holder table moving unit, according to claim 1. - The digital optical microscope comprises an electric focal length adjustment unit (59) for adjusting the relative distance between the lens focus and the sample sheet (53), measured along an adjustment axis (Z) parallel to the microscope optical axis (57); - The digital signal communication means (3) is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the electric focal length adjustment unit (59); The method comprises ​ ​ - A step (68) of transmitting, by the remote electronic control unit (40), a focal length adjustment signal (24') provided by the command means (42) to the electric focal length adjustment unit (59) in response to a command from an operator or a doctor; - A step of moving, by using the electric focal length adjustment unit (59), the sample holder table (52) and / or the optical lens (54) along the adjustment axis (Z) in response to the adjustment signal (24'), the method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. - The digital optical microscope (20) includes an electric lens exchange unit (84) including a plurality of lenses each having a different focal length from each other, and the electric lens exchange unit (84) is configured to selectively position a selected lens (54) among the plurality of lenses so that the optical axis of the selected lens (55) is positioned along the microscope optical axis (57); The digital signal communication means (3) is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the electric lens exchange unit (84); The method is as follows: - A step (70) of transmitting, by the remote electronic control unit (40), a lens exchange signal (25) to the electric lens exchange unit (84) by using command means (42) in response to a command from an operator or a doctor; - A step of arranging, by using the electric lens exchange unit (84), the selected lens (54) having the lens optical axis (55) along the microscope optical axis (57) in response to the lens exchange signal (25), the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. - The digital optical microscope (20) includes a first polarization filter (85) and a first electric operation / stop movement unit (86) configured to move the first polarization filter (85) from a rest position not arranged along the microscope optical axis (57) to an operation position (33) interposed between the light source (56) and the sample holder table (52) along the microscope optical axis (57) (and vice versa), and includes a first polarization unit (87); The digital signal communication means (3) is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the first electric start / stop movement unit (86); The method is as follows: - A step (72) of transmitting a first polarizer activation signal (26) to the first electric start / stop movement unit (86) by the remote electronic control unit (40) in response to a command from an operator or a doctor; - A step (73) of moving the first polarizing filter (85) from the rest position to the operating position using the first electric start / stop movement unit (86) in response to the first polarizer activation signal (26), including; Or, - A step (72) of transmitting a first polarizer stop signal (26') to the first electric operation / stop movement unit (86) by the remote electronic control unit (40) in response to a command from the operator or the doctor; - A step (73) of moving the first polarizing filter (85) from the operating position to the rest position using the first electric start / stop movement unit (86) in response to the first polarizer stop signal (26'), including, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The digital optical microscope (20) includes an analyzer polarizing filter (88) and an electric analyzer activation / stop movement unit (89) that moves the analyzer polarizing filter (88) from a rest position not arranged along the microscope optical axis (57) to an operating position intervening between the digital optical sensor (21') and the optical lens (54) along the microscope optical axis (57) (and vice versa), and includes an analyzer polarizing unit (90); - The digital signal communication means (3) is further configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the electric analyzer activation / stop movement unit (89); The method includes: - A step (74) of transmitting an analyzer polarizing unit activation signal (27) to the analyzer polarizing unit (90) by the remote electronic control unit (40) in response to a command from the operator or the doctor; - A step (75) of moving the analyzer polarizing filter (88) from the rest position to the operating position using the analyzer activation / stop movement unit (89) in response to the analyzer polarizing unit activation signal (27), including; Or, - A step (74) of transmitting an analyzer polarizing unit stop signal (27') to the analyzer polarizing unit (90) by the remote electronic control unit (40) in response to a command from the operator or the doctor; - A step (75) of moving the analyzer polarization filter (88) from the operating position to the rest position using the analyzer activation / stop movement unit (89) in response to the analyzer polarization unit stop signal (27), the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The analyzer polarization unit (90) includes an electric rotation adjustment unit (91) that adjusts the angular position of the analyzer polarization filter (88) around the rotation axis of the analyzer polarization filter arranged along the microscope optical axis (57). - The digital signal communication means (3) is further configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the electric rotation adjustment unit (91). The method includes: - A step (76) of transmitting a rotation signal (28) of the analyzer polarization filter to the analyzer polarization unit (90) by the remote electronic control unit (40) in response to a command from an operator or a doctor. - A step (77) of rotating the analyzer polarization filter (88) according to the rotation signal (28) of the analyzer polarization filter using the electric rotation adjustment unit (91), the method according to claim 6.

8. Such a digital optical microscope (20) includes a light intensity adjustment unit (92) of the light source (56), and the digital signal communication means (3) is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the light intensity adjustment unit (92). The method includes: - A step (78) of transmitting a light intensity adjustment signal (29) to the light intensity control unit (92) by the remote electronic control unit (40) in response to a command from an operator or a doctor. - A step (79) of adjusting the light intensity of the light source (56) according to the light intensity rotation signal (29) using the light intensity adjustment unit (92), the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A step of transmitting the digital image (50) to one or more remote display dedicated workstations (4) in real time according to a doctor's command provided to the remote electronic control unit (40) using the command means (42), the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A digital image acquisition system (100), ・A digital optical microscope (20) arranged on an acquisition workstation (1), comprising an electronic acquisition unit (21) of one or more digital images of a sample to be inspected (51), including a digital optical sensor (21'); A sample holder table (52) having a sample housing (53) configured to accommodate or support the sample (51) to be analyzed; An optical lens (54) associated with the acquisition unit (21) and defining a lens optical axis (55) and a lens focal point; A light source (56) oriented towards the sample housing (53) for illuminating the sample (51) to be inspected, Comprising a digital optical microscope (20) that passes through the digital optical sensor (21') and the sheet (53) for the sample and defines a microscope optical axis (57) that is coaxial with the lens optical axis (55) during use; The digital image acquisition system (100) further comprises ・A remote electronic control unit (40) of the digital optical microscope (20) installed at an analysis workstation (2) remote from the acquisition workstation (1), the remote electronic control unit (40) comprising display means (41) enabling an operator or a doctor to display the one or more digital images (50) of the sample (51) to be inspected at the analysis workstation (2); Command means (42) operable by the operator or doctor at the analysis workstation (2) for selecting one or more images containing representative information for analyzing the sample from the one or more acquired digital images (50); The remote electronic control unit (40) of the digital optical microscope further comprises storage means (43) for storing the selected one or more digital images; The digital image acquisition system (100) further comprises ・A digital image acquisition system (100) comprising digital signal communication means (3) configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the electronic image acquisition unit (21) of the digital optical microscope (20).

11. - The digital optical microscope (20) is provided with an electric sample holder table moving unit (58) configured to move the sample holder table (52) along two moving axes (X, Y) orthogonal to each other and orthogonal to the microscope optical axis (57), and the digital signal communication means (3) is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the electric sample holder table moving unit (58). and / or - The digital optical microscope (20) is provided with an electric focal length adjustment unit (59) for adjusting the relative distance between the lens focus and the sheet or sample (53), which is measured along an adjustment axis (Z) parallel to the microscope optical axis (57), and the digital signal communication means (3) is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the electric focal length adjustment unit (59). The digital image acquisition system (100) according to claim 10.

12. The digital optical microscope (20) is provided with an electric lens exchange unit (84) including a plurality of lenses having individually different focal lengths. The electric lens exchange unit (84) is configured to selectively position the selected lens (54) among the plurality of lenses so that the optical axis of the selected lens (54) is positioned along the microscope optical axis (57). The digital signal communication means (3) is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the electric lens exchange unit (84). The digital image acquisition system (100) according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The digital optical microscope (20) includes a first polarizing filter (87) and a first electric start / stop moving unit (86) for moving the first polarizing filter (85) from a rest position not arranged along the microscope optical axis (57) to an operating position interposed between the light source (56) and the sample holder table (52) along the microscope optical axis (57) (and vice versa), and a first polarizing unit (87). The digital signal communication means (3) is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the first electric start / stop moving unit (86). The digital image acquisition system according to claim 10.

14. The digital optical microscope (20) includes an analyzer polarizing filter (88). An analyzer polarization unit (90) including an electric analyzer activation / stop movement unit (89) that moves the analyzer polarization filter (88) from a rest position not arranged along the microscope optical axis (57) to an operating position interposed between the digital optical sensor (21') and the optical lens (54) along the microscope optical axis (57) (and vice versa). The digital image acquisition system (100) according to claim 10, wherein the digital signal communication means (3) is further configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the electric analyzer activation / stop movement unit (89).

15. The analyzer polarization unit (90) includes an electric rotation adjustment unit (91) for adjusting the angular position of the analyzer polarization filter (88) around the rotation axis of the analyzer polarization filter (88) arranged along the microscope optical axis (57). The digital image acquisition system (100) according to claim 14, wherein the digital signal communication means (3) is further configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the electric rotation adjustment unit (91).

16. The digital optical microscope (20) includes a light intensity adjustment unit (92) for the light source (56). The digital image acquisition system (100) according to claim 10, wherein the digital signal communication means (3) is configured to connect the remote electronic control unit (40) to the light intensity adjustment unit (92).

17. The remote control unit (40) is configured to enable an operator or a doctor to draw one or more lines and / or one or more marks on the selected image using the command means (42). The digital image acquisition system (100) according to claim 10.

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