Automated Glass Slide Imaging for Biological Sample Inventory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for digitalizing biological samples on glass slides are inefficient due to the need for manual handling, high costs of equipment, low throughput, and the risk of sample damage during the process, particularly when trying to integrate machine-readable codes without losing handwritten markings.

Innovation Solution

A device that automatically captures an overall image of the biological sample and its markers on a glass slide using a conventional camera, allowing for easy digitalization and inventory creation in an image database, while avoiding the need for expensive optical microscopes and minimizing sample handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If whole slide image scanners are used for digitalization, then image quality is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a conventional camera to capture an overall image of the glass slide as a copy for inventory purposes, rather than using an expensive whole slide image scanner. This copy serves the specific purpose of creating an inventory record, eliminating the need for complex scanning equipment while still achieving the digitalization goal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a conventional camera, which is a much cheaper and simpler device compared to whole slide image scanners. The camera captures the necessary inventory image quickly and efficiently, providing a cost-effective solution for digitalization without requiring expensive, complex equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Extent of automation

If machine-readable codes are added to glass slides, then digitalization capability is improved, but original handwritten markings may be obscured or lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedigitalization capabilityVSAvoidoriginal markings

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent captures the overall image of the glass slide including all markings (both handwritten and machine-readable codes) before any processing or removal of markers occurs. This preliminary capture ensures that all information is preserved in the inventory record, preventing loss of original markings while still enabling digitalization through the captured image.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If manual handling and cleaning of glass slides is performed, then sample preparation quality is improved, but throughput decreases and sample damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample preparation qualityVSAvoidthroughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically captures the overall image of the glass slide as it passes through the receiving unit, eliminating the need for manual handling, cleaning, and preparation steps. The glass slide serves itself by being imaged in its current state, which maintains preparation quality while dramatically improving throughput and reducing sample damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling and cleaning operations with an automated imaging system. The camera captures the image automatically as the slide is received, substituting the need for manual preparation steps with an automated optical process that maintains quality while increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional cameras are used instead of optical microscopes, then device cost is reduced, but image resolution may be insufficient for detailed analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice costVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different quality requirements to different purposes: the overall image captured by the conventional camera is sufficient for inventory and cataloging purposes, while high-resolution optical microscopy is reserved for detailed diagnostic analysis. This local quality approach matches the imaging capability to the specific need, reducing device cost while maintaining adequate resolution for the intended use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20230109207A1Device for generating an image of a biological sample on a glass slide for generating an inventory in an image database

Publication Date: 2023.04.06 MEDIZINISCHE UNIV GRAZ

AI summary

The invention concerns a device and a method for generating an image of a biological sample on a glass slide for generating an inventory in an image database. The device comprises a receiving unit configured for receiving the biological sample on the glass slide, a camera configured for generating an image of the biological sample while being received by the receiving unit, a releasing unit configured for automatically releasing the glass slide from the receiving unit after generating the image by the camera. The camera is configured to generate the image such that the image of the biological sample on the glass slide comprises an overall image of the glass slide and the biological sample on the glass slide, wherein the releasing unit is configured for applying a mechanical force onto the glass slide received by the receiving unit for releasing the glass slide from the receiving unit.