Digital Microscope Slide Scanner Image Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy systems face challenges in accurately analyzing pathological tissues at a low cost, particularly in digital processing of images, which requires high-resolution imaging and precise alignment of overlapping tiles without significant loss of information.
Innovation Solution
A method for reconstituting images by dividing them into overlapping tiles, calculating stitch points between consecutive snapshots, and employing techniques such as corner point correspondence, pixel difference measurement, and cross-correlation for accurate stitching, along with a flat field correction algorithm to address non-uniform illumination, without the need for precise alignment or significant overlap, and a slide rack auto-loader for automated scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If overlapping tiles are used for digital image scanning, then image coverage area is increased, but alignment precision and information loss become critical issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with computational image processing methods. Instead of relying on high-precision mechanical positioning to align overlapping tiles, the system uses algorithms to detect features in overlap regions and computationally determine the correct relative positions of adjacent tiles, thereby achieving precise alignment through software rather than expensive mechanical hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces overlap regions as intermediary zones between adjacent tiles. These overlap regions contain common features that serve as reference points for computational alignment. By using these intermediary overlap zones, the system can accurately determine the relative positioning of tiles without requiring direct edge-to-edge precision, thus solving the alignment problem while maintaining large coverage area
2Measurement precision
If high-precision mechanical systems are used for tile alignment, then stitching accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical alignment and positioning systems with computational image processing algorithms. The system captures images with standard mechanical positioning and then uses software-based feature detection and matching in overlap regions to achieve high stitching accuracy, eliminating the need for expensive high-precision mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates computational models and feature representations from the captured images. By extracting and comparing feature information from overlap regions, the system generates alignment data that guides the stitching process, effectively copying and processing critical alignment information separately from the physical imaging process
3Reliability
If large overlap between tiles is used, then alignment robustness is improved, but information redundancy and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a moderate overlap size that provides sufficient robustness for reliable alignment without excessive redundancy. The overlap region is designed to contain enough common features for accurate feature matching while minimizing the amount of redundant data that would require extensive processing, achieving an optimal balance between alignment robustness and processing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems methods including a design of a microscope slide scanner for digital pathology applications which provides high quality images and automated batch-mode operation at low cost. The instrument architecture is advantageously based on a convergence of high performance, yet low cost, computing technologies, interfaces and software standards to enable high quality digital microscopy at very low cost. Also provided is a method based in part on a stitching method that allows for dividing an image into a number of overlapping tiles and reconstituting the image with a magnification without substantial loss of accuracy. A scanner is employed in capturing snapshot images. The method allows for overlapping images captured in consecutive snapshots.