Fiducial Mark Slide Identification via Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated imaging systems for biological specimens struggle to accurately identify and differentiate between slides during processing, leading to potential data association errors when slides are swapped, especially in systems lacking slide removal sensors or OCR readers due to cost and complexity issues.
Innovation Solution
The method involves acquiring and comparing microscopic images of unique fiducial marks on the slides, utilizing image registration techniques and calculating the sum of squared errors to determine if images are of the same slide, allowing for accurate identification without the need for additional sensors or macroscopic imaging devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If slide removal sensors or OCR readers are integrated into automated imaging systems to detect slide swaps, then slide identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing imaging device is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary function of imaging biological specimens and a secondary function of capturing macroscopic images of fiducial marks for slide identification. The same camera and imaging optics are used for both microscopic specimen imaging and macroscopic fiducial mark imaging, eliminating the need for separate slide identification hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system performs dual purposes: capturing microscopic images of biological specimens for analysis and capturing macroscopic images of fiducial marks for slide identification and swap detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate slide removal sensors or OCR readers, reducing device complexity while maintaining identification accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If separate macroscopic imaging devices are added to read slide identifying information, then slide identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing imaging device is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary function of imaging biological specimens and a secondary function of capturing macroscopic images of fiducial marks for slide identification. The same camera and imaging optics are used for both microscopic specimen imaging and macroscopic fiducial mark imaging, eliminating the need for separate slide identification hardware components.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for processing specimen slides. A first image of a unique feature, such as a fiducial mark, of a specimen slide is acquired, and a second image of the same region of a fiducial mark is acquired at a later time. The first and second fiducial mark images are compared in order to determine whether they are images of the same fiducial mark of the same specimen slide, thereby allowing the system to detect when one specimen slide has been swapped with another specimen slide. The comparison may also involve images of multiple features on the specimen carrier, e.g., sets of multiple fiducial marks.