Adaptive Slide Imaging With Automatic Scanning Profile Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually selecting scanning profiles for each slide during medical slide imaging is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when different magnification imaging is required for various applications.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for adaptive slide imaging that uses a scanner with a processor and memory to automatically determine a classification category for a slide based on metadata, retrieve a scanning profile, and image the slide accordingly, allowing for automated selection and application of appropriate scanning profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user manually selects a scanning profile for each slide, then the imaging can be optimized for different applications, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the classification category of slides and selects appropriate scanning profiles without user intervention. The processor extracts metadata from macro images, classifies slides into categories, and automatically retrieves and applies the corresponding scanning profile, making the system self-serve the profile selection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of slides by extracting metadata from macro images and determining classification categories before the actual scanning process. This preliminary action enables the system to pre-select the appropriate scanning profile, so when scanning is needed, the optimal profile is already ready to be applied.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple scanning profiles are available for different magnification imaging, then imaging optimization is improved, but the complexity of selecting and managing profiles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages multiple scanning profiles by classifying slides and selecting appropriate profiles without user intervention. The processor handles the complexity of profile management by extracting metadata, determining classification categories, and automatically retrieving and applying the correct scanning profile from the available options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses classification categories determined from metadata as parameters to select appropriate scanning profiles. Different classification categories correspond to different scanning profiles with varying parameters such as magnification levels, allowing the system to adaptively change scanning parameters based on slide characteristics.
3Productivity
If automated profile selection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but the system requires additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification by extracting metadata from macro images and determining classification categories before actual scanning. This preliminary processing enables automated profile selection, and the macro image capture is integrated into the existing workflow, minimizing additional processing overhead while achieving automated productivity improvement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and automated selection of scanning profiles, improving the chances of optimal imaging for each slide without requiring hardware or software modifications, and allowing multiple profiles to be developed and deployed across different scanners.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to convert an image into one or more electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for adaptive slide imaging using a selected scanning profile is disclosed. The apparatus includes a scanner configured to capture a macro image of a slide and including a stage configured to hold the slide, an optical sensor configured to convert an image into one or more electrical signals, and an optical system configured to form the image of the slide on the optical sensor. The apparatus includes at least a processor and a memory containing instructions configuring the at least a processor to receive the macro image of the slide from the scanner, extract metadata from the macro image of the slide, determine a classification category of the slide, retrieve a scanning profile as a function of the classification category of the slide, and image, using the optical system and optical sensor of the scanner, the slide as a function of the scanning profile.