Slide Digitization via Inline Z-Stack Capture and Metadata Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current digitization of slides is inefficient due to a two-stage process where scanning and image processing are separate, leading to issues during scanning that are only detected in the second stage, necessitating a rescan.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for digitizing slides that includes an optical system and a computing device to capture a z-stack during scanning, using metadata to determine optimal scanning parameters and perform inline image enrichment, thereby eliminating the need for a separate image processing stage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a two-stage process with separate scanning and image processing is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of scanning is worsened because issues are only detected in the second stage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scanning process with image processing by implementing inline image enrichment during scanning. The computing device performs image processing operations concurrently with the scanning process, eliminating the sequential two-stage approach and enabling real-time detection and correction of scanning issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing image processing operations during the scanning process itself rather than after scanning completes. The computing device processes images inline as they are captured, allowing issues to be detected and addressed immediately during scanning rather than in a subsequent stage.
2Ease of operation
If a two-stage process with separate scanning and image processing is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity is worsened due to rescan requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by making the scanning and image processing operations concurrent rather than sequential. The computing device continuously processes images during the scanning process, eliminating idle time and rescan operations, thereby maintaining continuous productive activity throughout the digitization workflow.
3Device complexity
If scanning parameters are not optimized inline, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision is worsened because key attributes may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the computing device to monitor and evaluate scanned images in real-time during the scanning process. The system provides feedback about image quality and captured attributes, allowing dynamic adjustment of scanning parameters to ensure accurate capture of key attributes while maintaining appropriate system complexity.
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
This approach reduces the likelihood of scanned images failing to capture key attributes, improves the efficiency of the digitization process, and enhances the quality of the digitized images by optimizing the scanning process inline.
Implementation Method 1
using the optical system, capture a z-stack as a function of the first scanning parameter
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and methods for digitizing a slide. A system may include a slide; an optical system; and a computing device configured to identify metadata associated with the slide; determine a first scanning parameter as a function of the metadata; and using the optical system, capture a z-stack as a function of the first scanning parameter.