Tilted Sensor 3D Scanning Without Z-Axis Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image scanning systems for digital pathology face inefficiencies in creating 3D images due to gaps in data between 2D planar images, requiring relative movement between the sample and objective lens, which complicates focus control and increases scanning time.
Innovation Solution
A digital scanning apparatus with a tilted area scan sensor comprising multiple linear arrays of light-responsive elements, allowing each array to be positioned in a different image plane, enabling contiguous 3D volume image data generation without gaps or overlaps, and a processor aligns images from different planes into a single, continuous 3D image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If Z stacking is used to scan multiple depths, then 3D image coverage is achieved, but scanning time increases and image data gaps appear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from sequential 2D planar scanning to a 3D volume scan by introducing a third dimension (depth) through multiple image planes captured simultaneously. The tilted sensor array captures data at multiple Z-levels in parallel, eliminating the need for repeated stage movements and reducing scanning time while maintaining complete 3D coverage without gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple scanning operations into a single simultaneous capture event. By positioning multiple image planes at different depths and capturing all planes in one operation, the system combines what would traditionally require multiple sequential scans into a single integrated 3D volume scan, dramatically reducing time loss.
2Measurement precision
If relative movement between sample and objective lens is used for focusing, then focus control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system into multiple independent image planes, each capable of capturing data at its specific depth. This segmentation allows each plane to be optimized for its focal depth without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall control system while maintaining precise focus control across different depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-positions multiple image planes at predetermined depths during system setup. This preliminary arrangement of optical elements at fixed Z-levels eliminates the need for dynamic focusing adjustments during scanning, reducing control complexity while ensuring accurate focus control is built into the hardware configuration.
3Loss of information
If conventional 2D planar scanning is used, then imaging is achieved, but data gaps require interpolation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates data gaps by adding the depth dimension to the imaging approach. Instead of scanning single 2D planes and interpolating between them, the tilted sensor array captures continuous 3D volume data at multiple depths simultaneously, providing complete image information without gaps and eliminating the need for interpolation-based reconstruction.
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 allows for efficient 2D and 3D scanning without relative movement between the sample and objective lens, reducing scanning time and eliminating the need for data interpolation, thereby improving the accuracy and speed of generating complete specimen images.
Implementation Method 1
a camera that is optically coupled with the objective lens, the camera comprising a plurality of light responsive elements disposed in at least two linear arrays
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and methods for scanning a 2D or 3D image of a specimen without relative Z-axis motion between the specimen and the objective lens. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a tilted camera having individual lines of pixels. Each line of pixels can be separately processed and is at a different image plane with respect to the stage. The depth of field of each line of pixels abuts, slightly overlaps, or is slightly spaced apart from the adjacent lines of pixels in the tilted camera. The angle of the tilt determines the relationship (abut, overlapping, or spaced) of the adjacent lines of pixels. The individual image lines produced by each line of pixels can be combined into a 3D volume image of a sample. Also, the highest-contrast line at each X-Y location can be combined into an in-focus 2D image of the sample.