Optical Slide Navigation Device for Virtual Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital slide systems are inefficient for pathologists to navigate virtual slides due to the cumbersome use of computer mice, which requires repetitive dragging and selecting of images across the monitor, consuming time and lacking ergonomic comfort.
Innovation Solution
A device with an optics package and a moveable member, such as a treated glass slide, that allows image navigation on a computer monitor by moving the slide over light-emitting and detecting components, enabling larger movements and leveraging hand-eye coordination skills, with features like light-emitting diodes, CMOS sensors, and adjustable stages for ergonomic comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a computer mouse is used to navigate virtual slides, then the system can control image movement on the monitor, but the operation becomes time-consuming and ergonomically uncomfortable due to repetitive dragging and selecting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the computer mouse (mechanical input device) with an optical tracking system consisting of a light source, movable platform, and light sensor. The platform moves over a textured surface to generate positional signals, substituting the mouse's mechanical buttons and movement with an optical detection mechanism that tracks platform position to control virtual slide navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable platform with textured surface as an intermediary between the user's hand movement and the computer system. The platform's movement over the textured surface creates light reflection patterns that are detected by the sensor, serving as a mediator that converts physical hand gestures into digital navigation commands more naturally than direct mouse manipulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional mouse is used for navigation, then the system can move images across the screen, but the user cannot leverage hand-eye coordination skills developed for examining actual glass slides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical copy of the glass slide experience by using a movable platform that resembles a slide and allows hand movement patterns similar to examining actual slides. The textured surface and physical manipulation replicate the tactile and visual feedback of slide examination, enabling pathologists to transfer their expertise from physical to virtual slide navigation.
3Ease of operation
If the moveable member is made larger to improve visibility and hand-eye coordination, then navigation becomes more ergonomic, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a physical dimension to the navigation interface by introducing a movable platform that moves in two dimensions (X and Y axes) over a textured surface, rather than using a conventional mouse that moves in a single plane on a flat surface. This dimensional expansion allows for larger, more ergonomic hand movements while maintaining precise positional tracking through the optical sensor system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and complete examination of virtual slides by allowing pathologists to use hand-eye coordination skills developed for glass slides, improving navigation efficiency and comfort over traditional mouse-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
The light generating means includes a light emitting diode that emits light projected by a lens through an orifice on the top of the navigating device
Implementation Method 2
a moveable member that is configured and arranged so as to cause an image appearing on a display screen to move on one of or both of X and Y directions... The illuminated area of the slide placed on top of the slide stage of the navigating device and reflected light is projected through another lens
Implementation Method 3
The photo transistors charge capacitors whose voltages are subsequently digitized and stored in a memory
Data Source
AI summary
Featured is a manipulation device the ability to navigate virtual microscopy slides. The device includes an inverted light emitting diode (LED) reflecting light off a textured slide to a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor that indicates the movement of the slide. The slide is freely moved by hand or traditional X-Y-mechanical stage on a raised platform akin to a slide stage. Finger touch controls are provided to zoom to higher or lower power images. The device plugs into a standard computer system by USB port running software to image a virtual microscope slide. Also featured are systems and methods related thereto.