Interactive Microscope System for Real-Time Digital Data Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy methods, both manual and automated, face inefficiencies in data collection and analysis, leading to prolonged workflows and limited integration of digital tools, which hinder effective specimen diagnosis and data generation for pathology detection.
Innovation Solution
A system is integrated into optical microscopes that allows for the acquisition and overlay of digital images and data onto the optical image, using an electro-optical unit with image capture and projection capabilities, enabling efficient data collection, storage, and analysis while maintaining the benefits of manual observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If automated whole slide imaging microscopy is used to generate digital images, then data collection and analysis capability is improved, but examination time increases significantly (13 times longer than manual microscopy)
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the examination process by using automated imaging only for specific regions of interest (ROIs) identified by the pathologist during manual review, rather than scanning entire slides. This selective approach captures essential diagnostic data while avoiding the time penalty of full-slide automated scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial automated imaging by capturing images only of selected ROIs rather than performing complete automated whole-slide scanning. This partial action provides sufficient digital data for analysis and auditing without the excessive time consumption of comprehensive automated imaging.
2Loss of information
If digital imaging cameras are integrated into the microscope, then image capture and digital analysis capability is improved, but workflow efficiency deteriorates due to additional computer operation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges manual microscopy and digital imaging by integrating the camera directly into the microscope eyepiece assembly. This allows simultaneous optical viewing and digital capture without requiring separate computer operations, combining the benefits of both approaches into a single unified workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The microscope system performs self-service by automatically capturing and storing images of selected ROIs without requiring the pathologist to manually operate separate imaging equipment or transfer data to computers. The integrated system handles image capture, storage, and preliminary analysis automatically.
3Productivity
If manual microscopy is used for specimen examination, then workflow speed is maintained, but data collection and digital analysis capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary digital capture of selected ROIs during the manual examination process. By capturing images at the point of discovery rather than requiring separate scanning steps, the system prepares digital data in advance for later analysis, auditing, and comparison while maintaining the speed of manual workflow.
4Loss of information
If automated whole slide imaging is implemented, then comprehensive digital data is generated, but human perception advantages (color accuracy, depth of field) are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the diagnostic process into two complementary components: automated digital imaging for comprehensive data capture and manual optical review for expert visual assessment. This segmentation allows each method to excel at its strengths while compensating for the other's limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different quality requirements to different aspects of diagnosis: high-resolution digital capture for structural and compositional analysis, and optimized optical pathways for color accuracy and depth perception during manual review. Each modality is tuned for its specific local quality requirements.
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 integration enhances the efficiency of specimen diagnosis by allowing for real-time digital data collection and analysis, reducing workflow time and facilitating the generation of large datasets for automated algorithms, while maintaining the advantages of human perception in microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter for: a) splitting a first portion of light arriving from an objective of a microscope and directing the first portion of the light arriving from an objective of a microscope toward the camera; b) transmitting a second portion of light arriving from the objective of a microscope and directing the second portion of the light arriving from an objective of a microscope toward at least one ocular of the microscope; and c) combining a portion of the projected image light generated by the digital image projector with the second portion of light arriving from the objective of a microscope
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive apparatus, system and method for image capturing and projecting is integrated into an optical microscope. An image capturing and projecting unit is operatively connected to a processing unit, the processing unit configured to: (a) receive user generated data; and (b) overlay the user generated data onto an optically viewed image visible through the eyepiece.