Digital Pathology Image Review Using Physical Slide Tokens

The patent creates a physical replica of a glass slide (physical token) that corresponds to the digital pathology image. This physical token can be manipulated by hand in natural, ergonomic motions, copying the familiar tactile interaction of handling actual glass slides in traditional microscopy. The physical token serves as an intuitive interface that eliminates the need for awkward mouse operations while maintaining the natural flow of slide review.

The patent introduces a physical token as an intermediary between the digital pathology image and the user. This physical token, which can be a replica of the glass slide, serves as a tactile mediator that allows users to navigate digital images through natural hand movements. The token translates physical manipulation into digital navigation commands, bridging the gap between the efficiency of digital storage and the ergonomics of manual manipulation.

Instead of creating a complex specialized input device, the patent uses a simple physical copy or replica of the glass slide as the interface. This physical token can be as simple as a printed image or a transparent overlay, avoiding the need for complex electronics, sensors, or mechanical components. The simplicity of the copying approach maintains ease of operation while minimizing the addition of system complexity.