Abstract:
The present invention relates to the analysis of specimens. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for reviewing specimen slides, including apparatus for holding the slides. The invention also relates to an automatic focusing method for an imaging system and methods for accommodating vibration in the imaging system. In particular, the methods and apparatus may be applied to the automated analysis of cytological specimen slides.
Abstract:
A microscope illumination system includes a light source having at least four LED light sources, each LED source emitting light within a different portion of the visible spectrum. Each of the at least four LED light sources may be independently controllable. The resultant light emitted from the at least four LED sources substantially approximates that from an incandescent light source. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one red LED, at least one green LED, at least one blue LED, and at least one yellow LED. Other color combinations are also possible. The illumination may be positioned to place a sample holder such as a slide within the optical path of the light source. The system further includes an optical magnification system for magnifying an image of the biological sample. This may include a camera or traditional magnification optics.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the analysis of specimens. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for reviewing specimen slides, including apparatus for holding the slides. The invention also relates to an automatic focusing method for an imaging system and methods for accommodating vibration in the imaging system. In particular, the methods and apparatus may be applied to the automated analysis of cytological specimen slides.
Abstract:
A system for prescreening and reviewing cytological specimens includes an imager for obtaining and processing image data of a specimen slide, which identifies cellular objects of interest in the specimen, calculates object values for the identified objects based on one or more of their respective physical attributes, and selects fields of view of the specimen slide for subsequent review on a review scope, based on the locations of identified objects having object values of greatest relative interest. One or more of the objects may be further selected by the imager for emphasized review, which may include additional presentation for review (whether automatic or conditioned) of the one or more objects, whether in the same or in a different field of view than when the object(s) were originally presented. Emphasized review of selected objects may also or additionally be provided by highlighting or otherwise visually emphasizing the objects when they are presented for viewing on the review scope.