Virtual Microscopic Slide Staining Using Fourier Phase Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopic staining techniques suffer from variability, operator dependence, and high laboratory costs, while computational imaging methods are expensive and prone to damage, lacking efficient ways to utilize phase information for virtual staining.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize Fourier ptychography microscopy to derive phase information, segment and chromatically modify components on a microscopic slide, eliminating the need for manual staining by computationally generating a chromatically modified image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual staining techniques are used to visualize microscopic cells, then staining effectiveness is improved, but operator variability and laboratory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical staining procedures with a computational imaging system that uses phase information extraction and chromatic modification algorithms. The system automatically processes microscopic images to generate chromatically modified images without requiring manual staining operations, thereby eliminating operator variability while maintaining staining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the staining process by computationally generating chromatically modified images from phase information. Instead of physically applying stains to the sample, the system extracts phase information and synthesizes stained-like images through image processing algorithms, preserving the visual characteristics of stained samples without the manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If computational imaging methods are used to eliminate staining, then operator variability is reduced, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential phase information from the microscopic images using computational algorithms. By isolating and extracting the phase component from the image data, the system can generate chromatically modified images without requiring complex hardware modifications or additional staining equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the benefits of operator independence.
3Device complexity
If traditional microscopic imaging is used, then simplicity is maintained, but phase information cannot be efficiently obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational processing layer that extracts phase information from standard microscopic images. This intermediary algorithmic layer acts as a mediator between the simple imaging process and the complex phase information extraction, allowing phase data to be obtained from conventional images without requiring specialized hardware or complex imaging systems.
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
Enables efficient, uniform, and cost-effective staining of microscopic slides by deriving phase information, reducing manual effort and variability, and enhancing image clarity with high-resolution, stain-free imaging.
Implementation Method 1
A method and system that utilize Fourier ptychography microscopy to derive phase information
Implementation Method 2
Optical phase shifts occur primarily due to the thickness and refractive index of the sample
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (400) and a system (200) for generating a chromatically modified image of one or more components on a microscopic slide (303) is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the method includes obtaining the image of the one or more components on the microscopic slide (303). Additionally, the method (400) includes processing the image to identify the one or more components. The method (400) further includes segmenting at least one part of the one or more components identified from the image. Furthermore, the method (400) includes chromatically modifying the at least one part of the one or more components and generating a chromatically modified image of the one or more components.