Automated Serial Section Imaging via Local Coordinate Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for magnified imaging of biological samples in serial sections are laborious and damaging, with manual search for regions of interest being time-consuming and prone to sample damage due to prolonged exposure to imaging radiation, and existing automated methods are limited by the resolution of overview images.
Innovation Solution
A method that defines local coordinate systems for adjacent sections using features like contours and structures, allowing for the automated transfer and high-magnification imaging of areas of interest, reducing exposure time and sample damage by using a device with a computing unit to control the sample carrier and determine relative positions for precise imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual search for areas of interest is performed in serial sections, then imaging resolution can be achieved, but the process becomes extremely laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (overview image) of each serial section at low magnification, stores it in a database, and enables automated search through this digital copy. This allows rapid location of areas of interest without manually scanning each section, thereby reducing time while maintaining the ability to achieve high imaging resolution when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary imaging of entire serial sections at low magnification before the actual high-resolution imaging of specific areas. These preliminary overview images are stored and used for automated search, allowing the user to quickly locate areas of interest without time-consuming manual search through all sections.
2Loss of information
If prolonged exposure to imaging radiation is used to image all sections, then complete imaging data is obtained, but sample damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information (areas of interest) from the complete set of serial sections by using automated search through stored overview images. Instead of imaging every section at high resolution, the system identifies specific areas needing high-magnification imaging, thereby reducing total radiation exposure and sample damage while maintaining data completeness for the regions of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by imaging only the necessary portions (areas of interest) at high resolution rather than all sections. The automated search system identifies which sections and areas require high-magnification imaging, allowing selective high-resolution imaging that minimizes total radiation exposure while obtaining complete data for the regions of interest.
3Measurement precision
If high magnification is used for imaging, then imaging resolution improves, but the field of view decreases making automated search difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into two distinct stages: first, low-magnification overview imaging of entire sections for automated search and location of areas of interest; second, high-magnification imaging only of the selected areas of interest. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both automated search capability (through overview images) and high imaging resolution (through targeted high-magnification imaging).
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a method for the magnified depiction of samples, wherein at least two sections from a sample, which are present on at least one sample carrier, are depicted in magnified form using an apparatus for the magnified depiction of samples, wherein the sample carrier is connected to the apparatus by means of a sample carrier holder, wherein the position of the depicted sample carrier regions in relation to the apparatus and the magnification stage used are recorded, at least one selected feature contained in the image information from the sections depicted in magnified form, particularly at least one suitable contour and/or structure, is/are used to define local coordinate systems, which are specific to the respective section, for the at least two sections depicted in magnified form, at least one region within at least one of the sections depicted in magnified form is/are selected (selection region) and the relative position of this at least one selection region in relation to the local coordinate system defined for the respective section, and the position of said selection region in relation to the apparatus, are ascertained, the relative position of this at least one selection region is transmitted to the local coordinate system of the at least one further section depicted in magnified form in order to stipulate at least one corresponding adjacent region on this section, the position of the adjacent region in relation to the apparatus is ascertained, and the at least one previously stipulated selection region and/or the at least one corresponding adjacent region is/are approached by the apparatus and depicted in magnified form, preferably at high magnification. In addition, the invention provides an apparatus - that is set up to carry out the method - for the magnified depiction of samples and also a computer program product which prompts an apparatus for the magnified depiction of samples to carry out the method.