Ancillary Image Detector for Microscope Sample Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in efficiently locating tissue samples on a microscope slide due to their irregular arrangement and varying positions, which requires scanning multiple images to cover the entire sample area, leading to a bottleneck in sample examination.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system utilizing an ancillary image detector for sample location, comprising a light source, a first image detector oblique to the irradiation axis, and a processor to determine the physical location of sample regions, allowing the stage to be moved to position the sample within the field of view of a second image detector for higher magnification imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the entire slide is scanned systematically with the microscope to locate tissue samples, then the samples can be found, but the field of view is typically small requiring many images to be collected and processed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the slide scanning task into two segments: a preliminary low-magnification scan to locate sample regions, followed by a focused high-magnification scan of only those identified regions. This segmentation reduces the total number of images needed while maintaining accurate sample location capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a preliminary low-magnification scan of the entire slide before the main high-magnification imaging. This preliminary action identifies sample locations in advance, allowing the subsequent high-magnification scan to focus only on relevant areas rather than the entire slide
2Measurement precision
If high magnification is used for tissue imaging, then detailed sample information is obtained, but each image represents less than 1% of the sample-supporting area requiring over 100 images to scan the entire area
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into two stages: first a low-magnification overview scan to map sample locations across the entire slide, then a second stage collecting only the necessary high-magnification images of identified sample regions. This eliminates the need to collect over 100 images by focusing high-mag imaging only where samples are located
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing a complete high-magnification scan of the entire slide (excessive action), the patent performs a partial scan limited to regions where samples were identified in the preliminary low-magnification scan. This partial action reduces the number of images from over 100 to a manageable few while still obtaining all necessary tissue detail
3Extent of automation
If conventional lighting is used to illuminate the specimen for the video camera, then automated focusing and positioning can be achieved, but ambient light may not be sufficient requiring additional light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lighting system multi-functional by using the same light source for both conventional microscopy imaging and for illuminating the specimen in the video camera's field of view. This eliminates the need for separate additional light sources while maintaining automated focusing and positioning capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the conventional microscopy lighting path with the video camera illumination path, allowing a single light source to serve both functions. This combination reduces energy consumption by eliminating redundant lighting systems while preserving automated operational capabilities
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
This approach enables efficient sample location and imaging, reducing the need for extensive image collection, increasing throughput, and allowing for automated or partially automated processing without generating excessive data, thus facilitating quicker review of images and improved sample examination efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to irradiate a sample on an irradiation axis
Implementation Method 2
a first image detector on an optical axis oblique to the irradiation axis
Data Source
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AI summary
Imaging systems and methods using an ancillary image detector for sample location. An exemplary system may comprise a light source to irradiate a sample on an irradiation axis, a first image detector on an optical axis oblique to the irradiation axis, and a stage. The system also may comprise a second image detector disposed on an imaging axis, and a drive mechanism configured to move the stage and the imaging axis relative to one another. The system further may comprise a processor configured to (a) receive an image of the sample detected by the first image detector, (b) determine a physical location for a region of contrast produced by the sample within the image, and (c) send a signal to the drive mechanism based on the physical location, to dispose at least part of the sample in a field of view of the second image detector.