Pathology Slide Guide Overlay for Faster Digital Examination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from conventional optical microscopy to digital pathology poses challenges for pathologists due to differences in image examination methods, leading to prolonged examination times and inaccurate results, particularly in determining histological grades.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that overlay a guide on pathology slide images based on user input, allowing pathologists to adjust magnification and regions of interest similar to optical microscopy, with features to distinguish observed and unobserved areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pathologists use digital pathology to examine slide images on a monitor screen, then accessibility and documentation capabilities are improved, but examination time increases and accuracy decreases compared to optical microscopy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the slide image into multiple thumbnail views that can be displayed simultaneously on the monitor. This segmentation allows pathologists to overview multiple regions at once, reducing the time needed to navigate through the entire slide compared to traditional single-view digital pathology, thereby addressing the time loss issue while maintaining digital accessibility benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the optical microscopy experience by displaying multiple thumbnails that represent different fields of view, mimicking the way pathologists traditionally scan through slides under a microscope. This copying approach helps pathologists adapt to digital pathology more quickly, reducing examination time while preserving the accessibility advantages of digital systems
2Loss of information
If pathologists examine digital slide images on a monitor, then image documentation and accessibility are enhanced, but examination accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where selecting a thumbnail displays the corresponding full-resolution image for detailed examination. This allows pathologists to easily switch between overview and detailed views, ensuring accurate observation of histological features while maintaining comprehensive documentation capabilities through the thumbnail navigation system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to digital pathology examination by arranging multiple thumbnail views in a grid layout on the monitor. This dimensional organization allows pathologists to visually assess the entire slide structure at once while maintaining the ability to examine individual regions in detail, thereby preserving examination accuracy while enhancing documentation capabilities
3Productivity
If conventional optical microscopy is used for examining pathology slides, then examination speed and accuracy are maintained, but accessibility and digital documentation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that combines the speed advantages of conventional microscopy with the accessibility benefits of digital pathology. The thumbnail navigation system allows rapid overview of the entire slide (maintaining examination speed) while the digital display enables easy documentation, sharing, and remote access (enhancing adaptability), thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A method of outputting a pathology slide image includes receiving a user input related to a method of outputting at least one region included in the pathology slide image, based on the user input, determining an area of a guide to be output on the pathology slide image and a region of the pathology slide image included in the guide, and based on the determined area and region, outputting the pathology slide image on which the guide is overlaid.