Microscope Sample Image Display With Spatial Context Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining an overview when displaying multiple sample images obtained from multiwell plates is challenging due to the lack of spatial context information.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that receives and generates spatial context information for sample images, allowing them to be displayed based on this information, including spatial context representations and user inputs for zooming and selection, to facilitate better understanding and association of the images within their original context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple sample images are displayed without spatial context information, then the quantity of displayed images increases, but the ability to maintain an overview and associate images with their original context deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatial context information as an intermediary element that mediates between the multiple sample images and the user. This spatial context information (such as schematic representations of sample holders, position data, and spatial relationships) acts as a bridge that connects individual images to their original spatial context, enabling users to maintain an overview while viewing numerous images without losing contextual associations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the display by incorporating spatial context information that represents the physical arrangement of samples. By displaying images with their spatial coordinates, position in sample holders, and relationships to other samples, the system transforms a two-dimensional image display into a multi-dimensional representation that includes spatial positioning, allowing users to navigate and associate images with their original context even when viewing large quantities.
2Ease of operation
If spatial context information is integrated into the display system, then the ease of operation and image association improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified copies or representations of the spatial context (such as schematic diagrams of sample holders, simplified position maps, or reduced spatial models) that are displayed alongside or integrated with the sample images. These copied spatial representations provide the necessary contextual information without requiring the full complexity of the original imaging system, thereby improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through abstraction.
3Loss of information
If spatial context information is used to organize sample images, then the clarity of overview improves, but the time required to process and display images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of spatial context information during the image acquisition phase. Spatial coordinates, sample holder positions, and contextual metadata are captured and organized at the time of imaging, rather than being computed in real-time during display. This preliminary organization of spatial data allows for rapid retrieval and display of images with their spatial context intact, improving overview clarity without significantly increasing display processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system for displaying sample images includes one or more processors configured to receive at least one sample image, each of the at least one sample images having been obtained by imaging a sample located in or on a sample holder using a microscope according to an imaging process; receive or generate spatial context information regarding the at least one sample image, the spatial context information having reference to the imaging process for obtaining the at least one sample image; and control a display to display the at least one sample image on the display based on the spatial context information regarding the at least one sample images.