Microscope Position Reproduction via Coordinate Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscope systems face challenges in accurately reproducing observation positions and image capturing positions for pathological diagnosis due to errors in stage positioning, machine differences, and changes in coordinates during slide placement, which affect the accuracy of reproducibility.
Innovation Solution
A microscope system with an image sensor, a stage capable of moving in the X and Y axes, and reference marks for indicating stage and slide positions, along with detection and management mechanisms to accurately manage and correct these positions, ensuring precise alignment and reproduction of observation positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional microscope systems are used for pathological diagnosis, then basic observation functions are provided, but observation position reproduction accuracy deteriorates due to stage positioning errors and coordinate changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinate conversion table as an intermediary data structure that stores the relationship between stage coordinates and image sensor coordinates. This conversion table acts as a mediator that translates positions between different reference frames, enabling accurate reproduction of observation positions despite stage positioning errors and coordinate system differences between the stage and image sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on mechanical stage positioning accuracy with a software-based coordinate conversion system. Instead of depending on precise mechanical reproduction of stage positions, the system uses detected correspondence points to build and query a coordinate conversion table, substituting mechanical precision requirements with computational coordinate transformation.
2Extent of automation
If digital cameras and scanners are mounted on microscopes to capture images, then image recording capability is improved, but position management complexity increases due to multiple coordinate systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal coordinate conversion table that can be used across different microscope configurations, including digital cameras and digital scanners. This single data structure handles coordinate transformations for multiple imaging devices, providing a multi-functional solution that manages positions for various coordinate systems without requiring separate management mechanisms for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical coordinate relationships by storing correspondence data in a coordinate conversion table. Instead of physically aligning and managing multiple coordinate systems, the system creates a digital representation (copy) of the coordinate relationships that can be queried and used for position reproduction, simplifying the management of multiple imaging devices.
3Ease of operation
If stage positions are managed using machine-dependent coordinates, then basic positioning is achieved, but position accuracy deteriorates due to machine differences and slide placement variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coordinate system parameters by establishing a relationship between stage coordinates and image sensor coordinates through detected correspondence points. This parameter transformation converts machine-dependent coordinates into coordinates that are accurate for image reproduction, adjusting the coordinate parameters to account for machine differences and slide placement variations while maintaining ease of operation through automated conversion.
Data Source
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AI summary
A microscope system comprises a microscope body, an image sensor mounted on the microscope body via mounting means and configured to capture an observation image under a microscope, and a stage that moves in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction, which are orthogonal to each other, and places a slide as an observation object and includes a mark used to indicate a stage reference position. The microscope system obtains positions of the stage in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and detects, from an image captured by the image sensor, the stage reference position indicated by a mark provided on the stage and a slide reference position indicated by a mark provided on a slide placed on the stage. The microscope system manages the position of the stage by coordinates based on the slide reference position if the slide reference position is detected, and manages the position of the stage by coordinates based on the stage reference position if the slide reference position is not detected.