Spectral Imaging With Leapfrog Scanning for Whole-Slide Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RGB imaging in digital pathology is limited by the loss of spectral information, leading to inefficiencies in throughput and analysis quality, and existing multispectral imaging methods are unsuitable for large field of view and cost-effective bulk analysis in whole slide imaging (WSI).
Innovation Solution
A device and method employing a leapfrog scanning technique with a fiberscope for spectral imaging, capturing images with variations in light characteristics and spatial overlap, allowing for rapid, automated analysis and machine-aided diagnostics by consolidating data from multiple frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RGB imaging is used for whole slide imaging, then imaging speed and cost efficiency are improved, but spectral information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple spectral channels, with each channel capturing a specific wavelength range. This allows the system to acquire spectral information across the entire spectrum while maintaining high imaging speed through parallel processing of multiple wavelength bands simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D RGB imaging to 3D spectral imaging by adding a wavelength dimension. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous capture of spatial and spectral information, resolving the contradiction between imaging speed and spectral information retention.
2Loss of information
If stop-go systems are used for spectral imaging, then spectral information is captured, but measuring duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous spectral imaging by eliminating the stop-go cycle. The system continuously captures spectral data across the entire slide without interruption, maintaining constant illumination and detection, thereby reducing measuring duration while preserving complete spectral information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary spectral calibration and setup before imaging, allowing the main imaging process to proceed continuously without frequent stops for recalibration. This preliminary preparation reduces the overall measuring duration while maintaining spectral accuracy.
3Loss of information
If push broom scanning systems are used, then continuous spectral capture is achieved, but measuring duration increases for large field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The large field of view is segmented into multiple smaller regions, each imaged simultaneously with the full spectral range. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple areas, reducing the total measuring duration while maintaining continuous spectral capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs spectral imaging that captures all wavelengths simultaneously across the field of view, adding a temporal dimension to the scanning process. This enables parallel acquisition of spectral data for multiple regions, significantly reducing measuring duration compared to traditional push broom methods.
4Loss of information
If conventional multispectral imaging methods are used, then spectral data is collected, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal imaging platform that can perform both rapid RGB imaging and spectral imaging using the same hardware infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity and cost by eliminating the need for separate specialized systems, while still enabling comprehensive spectral data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves spectral imaging by dynamically changing imaging parameters (such as illumination wavelength or detector sensitivity) rather than using complex hardware modifications. This parameter-based approach simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining the ability to collect comprehensive spectral data.
Data Source
AI summary
A spectral imaging device includes an imager, a scanning stage to establish relative motion between the imager and a sample in a scanning direction and an optical system controlling a light characteristic of a light beam constituting an image of the sample to the imager. The optical system includes a light varying element to receive the light beam and provide an output light beam with spatially varying light characteristic over a cross-section thereof. A set of redirecting optical elements direct light rays from the sample to form the light beam, and to focus the output light beam onto the imager. A controller controls the scanning stage and the imager to capture a plurality of image frames with an overlap including a defined shift that is greater than 1 pixel along the scanning direction between consecutive image frames. A computing device consolidates image data to provide an image of the sample.