Mobile Optical System for Automated Biological Slide Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscope focusing methods are cumbersome and prone to human error, especially in screening processes that require analysis of numerous microscopic fields, such as malaria-infected blood smears, and existing automated focus algorithms are not effective for diverse specimen types.
Innovation Solution
An optical system and method utilizing a mobile device with a camera and electronic data processor for automated focus control, featuring a motorized XYZ platform and algorithms that quantify image focus in real-time, allowing for automated focus and image acquisition, and adaptive scanning patterns to efficiently capture images of biological sample slides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual focusing method is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the productivity is low and human error increases when analyzing numerous microscopic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-focusing by automatically adjusting the Z-position of the microscope stage and evaluating focus metrics without human intervention. The microscopist simply loads the slide and starts the automated process, which autonomously captures focused images across multiple microscopic fields, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical focusing with an automated motorized stage that precisely controls Z-position movement. The system uses software algorithms to evaluate focus metrics and automatically adjusts the stage position, substituting human manual operation with an automated electromechanical system that handles the focusing and image capture process.
2Productivity
If automated focus algorithm is implemented, then productivity increases, but the algorithm complexity increases and may not be effective for diverse specimen types
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple focus metrics (e.g., variance, gradient, Laplacian) that can be selected or adjusted based on specimen characteristics. By changing the evaluation parameter according to the specimen type, the system maintains effectiveness across diverse samples without requiring overly complex algorithms, balancing automation efficiency with adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive scanning of all microscopic fields is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but the time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary scan or focus acquisition at a starting position before proceeding to subsequent microscopic fields. This preliminary action establishes the initial focus parameters and enables faster subsequent image capture across the entire slide, reducing total scanning time while maintaining comprehensive coverage and measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an optical system and a method of operating the optical system when attached to a mobile device comprising a camera and an electronic data processor arranged for scanning biological sample slides.