Automated Slide Digitization Using Preview Camera Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated digital image recording systems for tissue biopsies are inefficient due to the high number of frames required at high magnification, leading to increased operation time and cost, as well as the unnecessary scanning of identification data like barcodes, which complicates the process and prolongs the evaluation time.
Innovation Solution
An automated digital image recording system that uses a preview camera to capture a digital preview image of the slide, allowing the control unit to identify regions of interest and reduce the number of frames to be imaged at high magnification by selectively focusing on sample areas, while using a separate low-resolution camera to read identification data, thereby reducing operation time and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the number of frames to be imaged at high magnification is reduced, then the total operation time per slide decreases, but the measurement precision of the sample may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slide is divided into multiple regions, and the system selectively images only those regions containing sample material at high magnification. The preview image at low magnification is used to identify which regions contain samples, allowing the high-magnification imaging to be segmented into only the necessary areas rather than imaging the entire slide uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the slide are treated differently based on their content. Regions containing sample material are imaged at high magnification for detailed analysis, while regions containing only identification data or empty areas are not imaged at high magnification. This local differentiation optimizes both time efficiency and measurement precision by applying high magnification only where needed.
2Device complexity
If a single high-resolution camera is used for both low and high resolution examination, then device complexity is reduced, but the time required to change objectives increases total operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging function is segmented into two separate cameras: a first camera for low-resolution preview imaging and a second camera for high-resolution sample imaging. This segmentation allows each camera to be optimized for its specific function and eliminates the need for time-consuming objective lens changes, as both cameras can operate simultaneously on different magnifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The first camera captures a preview image of the entire slide at low resolution before high-magnification imaging begins. This preliminary action identifies the regions of interest and allows the system to prepare the stage positioning and lighting for high-magnification imaging of only the necessary regions, reducing overall operation time.
3Loss of information
If the entire slide including identification data is scanned at high magnification, then complete documentation is achieved, but the total operation time increases due to superfluous scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The identification data (barcode or text) is extracted from the slide and read separately by an optical character recognition system or barcode reader at low magnification. This extracted information is then used to index and store the high-magnification images of the sample regions, eliminating the need to scan the identification data area at high magnification and reducing overall operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification data is read and processed in advance before high-magnification imaging begins. The preview image at low magnification is used to locate and read the identification data, which is then stored with the high-magnification images. This preliminary extraction of identification information prevents unnecessary high-magnification scanning of those areas.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an automated digital image recording system (1) for digitizing slides (6). The image recording system (1) comprises a slide holding means (7, 17), a mechanism for actuating it, a first digital image recording means, a second digital image recording means of high magnification and a control unit (4) for a software-based control of the automated image recording. The image recording system (1) is adapted for digitizing a slide (6) having one or more regions with sample and at least one separate region that comprises a field of information. The first digital image recording means is adapted for reading out the at least one region comprising the field of information and comprises a digital preview camera (2) capturing a low resolution preview image of each of the one or more regions with sample separately. The control unit is provided with a routine for searching points of the low resolution preview images that belong to the sample.