Digital Slide Imaging With Oblique Optics for Multi-Depth Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital imaging systems for biological specimens suffer from slow acquisition times due to the need for multiple scans at different focal planes and limited depth of field, which results in out-of-focus areas outside the focal plane.
Innovation Solution
An automated imaging system with a first and second camera configuration, where the second camera forms a non-orthogonal angle with the slide, allowing for the acquisition of micro images at varying depths, and an image processor generates a whole specimen image with objects in focus across a three-dimensional volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple scans at different focal planes are performed to capture all objects in focus, then image quality is improved, but acquisition time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tilted imaging geometry where the imaging plane is angled relative to the slide surface, transforming the traditional orthogonal two-dimensional scanning approach into a three-dimensional volumetric capture method. This allows the imaging system to capture objects at different depths (z-axis positions) within a single scan plane, effectively resolving the contradiction by capturing multiple focal planes simultaneously rather than sequentially scanning through them.
2Productivity
If a single focal plane is used for imaging, then acquisition time is reduced, but objects outside the focal plane appear out of focus
Solution Approach 1:
By tilting the imaging plane relative to the slide, the system captures a volumetric section of the specimen in a single pass. Objects at different heights along the tilted plane are brought into focus simultaneously, maintaining high scanning speed while improving focus accuracy for three-dimensional specimens.
3Ease of operation
If the imaging plane is parallel to the slide surface, then the imaging system is simple to operate, but only a limited depth of field is captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent tilts the imaging plane to create an oblique angle with the slide surface, expanding the captured depth of field along the tilt direction. This maintains operational simplicity while capturing a greater volumetric section of the specimen, effectively increasing the usable depth of field without complicating the imaging process.
Data Source
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AI summary
Automated systems and methods for evaluating specimens affixed to substrates, such as slides, an exemplary system including a slide imager configured for acquiring a plurality of micro images of a specimen affixed to an substrate, the specimen including a plurality of objects distributed within a three-dimensional volume, and for generating a whole specimen image of the specimen using the micro images, wherein objects contained in the specimen are depicted substantially in focus in the whole specimen image regardless of a z-depth of the respective objects within the specimen. The whole specimen image is stored on a storage medium for subsequent review by a cytotechnologist using a computer-controlled review station including a display and a user interface, wherein the review station user interface is configured such that the cytotechnologist can review and classify the stored whole specimen images.