Dual Optical Path Line Scan Camera for Digital Pathology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital pathology imaging systems require additional hardware and increased processing time due to the need for separate optical paths and scanning motions to capture high-resolution whole slide images, leading to higher costs and longer scanning times.
Innovation Solution
A line scan camera system with two optical paths, one for low-resolution macro and label imaging using transmission and oblique illumination, and another for high-resolution imaging, allowing for simultaneous capture of whole slide images including both specimen and label areas in a single stage movement, reducing hardware requirements and processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate optical paths and scanning motions are used for macro image, label image, and high resolution WSI scanning, then measurement precision and image quality are improved, but device complexity and scanning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single optical path and imaging sensor are designed to perform multiple functions: capturing macro images at low magnification, capturing label images, and capturing high resolution WSI images at high magnification. The system switches between functions by adjusting magnification and illumination modes rather than using separate hardware paths for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the previously separate optical paths for macro imaging, label imaging, and high resolution WSI scanning into a single unified optical path. This consolidation eliminates redundant hardware components while maintaining the capability to perform all three imaging functions through a single integrated system.
2Measurement precision
If separate optical paths and scanning motions are used for macro image, label image, and high resolution WSI scanning, then measurement precision and image quality are improved, but scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs macro imaging, label imaging, and high resolution WSI scanning in a continuous single-pass scanning motion without stopping or reversing the stage. The single optical path captures all image types sequentially during one continuous scan, eliminating the time losses associated with multiple separate scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
During the single continuous scan, the system preliminarily captures macro and label images at low magnification while simultaneously preparing for and capturing high resolution WSI data at high magnification. This preliminary capture of all necessary data in one pass eliminates the need for subsequent separate scanning operations.
3Device complexity
If a single optical path is used for macro and label imaging during the same scanning motion, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts magnification levels within the single optical path to match the specific imaging requirements. Low magnification is used for macro and label images, while high magnification is used for high resolution WSI scanning. This dynamic adjustment maintains image quality for each function despite using a unified optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including magnification level, illumination mode (transmission or oblique), and scanning speed within the single optical path to optimize for the current imaging function. These parameter changes allow the same hardware to achieve the precision required for different image types without compromising quality.
4Measurement precision
If high magnification scanning is performed with limited FOV, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to need for multiple tiles or stripes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs high magnification WSI scanning in a continuous single-pass motion without stopping to capture multiple tiles or stripes. The single optical path maintains high magnification throughout the entire scan, continuously capturing high resolution data across the whole slide in one uninterrupted sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical path preliminarily captures the entire high resolution WSI image during the first continuous scan at high magnification, eliminating the need for subsequent separate scanning passes to capture additional tiles or stripes. This preliminary capture of complete high resolution data maximizes scanning productivity.
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 significantly reduces hardware needs and processing time, enabling fast and efficient generation of high-resolution whole slide images, with a 4k line scan camera achieving 32 megapixel resolution in one to two seconds compared to five megapixels in five seconds using traditional area cameras.
Implementation Method 1
A first optical path includes a low resolution lens, a first illumination system (transmission mode illumination from below)
Implementation Method 2
a second illumination system (oblique mode illumination from above)
Implementation Method 3
A second optical path includes a high resolution lens and at least a third illumination system (e.g., transmission mode)
Data Source
AI summary
A digital pathology imaging apparatus includes a single line scan camera sensor optically coupled with first and second optical paths. In a first embodiment, transmission mode illumination and oblique mode illumination are simultaneously used during a single stage movement that captures a low resolution macro image of the entire sample area and the entire label area of the slide via the first optical path. In a second embodiment, transmission mode illumination is used during a first stage movement that captures a low resolution macro image of at least the entire sample area via the first optical path and oblique mode illumination is used during a second stage movement that captures a low resolution macro image of at least the entire label area via the first optical path.