Overlaying High-Magnification Images on Low-Resolution Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Investigators face a tedious and error-prone process when reviewing sample images at low magnification, identifying areas of interest, and inspecting them at higher magnification, as they often involve comparing separate low- and high-magnification images from different files.
Innovation Solution
The method involves collecting images at two levels of magnification and overlaying the higher-magnification images onto the lower-magnification images, allowing for precise alignment and display of regions of interest within their original positional context, using imaging devices and processors to facilitate this process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If investigators compare low- and high-magnification images from separate computer files, then they can inspect areas of interest at higher magnification, but the process becomes tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines low-magnification and high-magnification images into a single composite display, where the high-magnification image is overlaid on the corresponding region of the low-magnification image. This merging eliminates the need to switch between separate files and manually track positions, directly reducing review time while maintaining inspection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a composite image as an intermediary representation that bridges low- and high-magnification views. This composite image serves as a mediator that preserves spatial context and allows investigators to see both magnification levels simultaneously without the tedious process of comparing separate files.
2Loss of information
If investigators manually track the origin of magnified areas, then they can maintain spatial context, but the process becomes error-prone and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the high-magnification image with the low-magnification image in a composite display, the patent automatically preserves spatial context through visual overlay. The high-magnification region is positioned exactly where it originates in the low-magnification image, eliminating manual tracking and its associated errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the high-magnification image and places it directly over the corresponding region in the low-magnification image. This copying approach automatically maintains spatial relationships without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving reliability while preserving spatial context.
3Adaptability or versatility
If investigators use separate files for low- and high-magnification images, then they can achieve different magnification levels, but the process lacks integration and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple magnification levels into a single integrated composite image display. This allows investigators to maintain magnification flexibility by viewing different levels simultaneously while dramatically improving analysis efficiency through the unified interface that eliminates file-switching and manual coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are systems and methods that allow a user to capture images at low- and high-level magnification and then overlay the high-level magnification images on the low-level magnification image to ease review of the images. The high-level magnification images may be overlaid on the low-level magnification image based at least in part on the portion of the low-level magnification image from which the high-level image was originated.