Abstract:
Featured is a manipulation device the ability to navigate virtual microscopy slides. The device includes an inverted light emitting diode (LED) reflecting light off a textured slide to a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor that indicates the movement of the slide. The slide is freely moved by hand or traditional X-Y-mechanical stage on a raised platform akin to a slide stage. Finger touch controls are provided to zoom to higher or lower power images. The device plugs into a standard computer system by USB port running software to image a virtual microscope slide. Also featured are systems and methods related thereto.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/936,620 filed Jun. 21, 2007, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to the field of digital imagery and virtual microscopy, more particularly to the devices and systems for imaging a virtual slide and more particularly to devices for navigating the virtual slide while viewing it. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Before virtual microscopy, doctors, researchers, students and the like, viewed or examined a sample that had been prepared using a glass slide, which included putting the slide into the microscope, getting a position to view the sample using the microscope and focusing their eyes. While this process can become relatively fast with experience, as a practical matter, because the entire slide cannot be seen by the doctor (e.g., pathologist) and the like in one viewing, it is necessary for them to remember portions of one slide while viewing a slide or slides in combination. 
         [0004]    With the creation of virtual microscopy techniques and systems, such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,101,265 and 6,272,235, doctors, researchers and the like can have glass slides digitized and saved, which form the basis for a virtual slide. Virtual microscopy in general concepts has generally begun to cover the acquisition, storage and imaging of microscopic digital or computer readable images. It should be understood that the virtual image is not less real than an image of an actual glass slide, notwithstanding any differences between such images due to resolution of devices of devices for digitizing the glass slide and the glass slide itself. 
         [0005]    A comparison was made of  31  commercially available digital slide systems then were then available [“Critical comparison of 31 commercially available digital slide systems in pathology”, Rojo M G, Garcia G B, Mateos C P, Garcia J G, Vicente M C. Int J Surg Pathol. 2006 October; 14(4);285-305]. Therein it was reported that one of the problems in digital or virtual microscopic systems was that a computer mouse is not a comfortable device for pathologist to use to review the slide. Currently to view a virtual slide, one would cause the virtual slide to appear on the monitor and thereafter to use the computer mouse to grab one side of the image, drag the image over to the far side of the monitor, then unselect the image with the mouse, move the mouse back to the original side of the image, re-grab the image and drag it over to the far side of the monitor, in a repeated fashion to navigate the slide. This is a time consuming process that cannot be overcome using a traditional mouse. 
         [0006]    The article does report of a device or controller by Leica Microsystems (SmartMove) that is supposed to provide an ergonomic manual input controller for an automated XY stage and Z focus movement for use with microsystems developed by Leica. This device is usually coupled to a computer via an interface card so that the device can be used with the standard stages and focus adapters being used. Thus, the device is not a mere replacement of the mouse. The article referred to above also indicated or suggested the need for devices to control navigation of the virtual slide and thus replace the common mouse. 
         [0007]    It thus would be desirable to provide a new device for controlling navigating of a virtual slide and methods and systems related thereto. It would be particularly desirable to provide such a device, systems and methods that could be adapted for use with any of a number of computer devices. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention features a device for manipulating and/or navigating a virtual microscope slide as well as methods related thereto. Also featured are imaging or computer systems embodying such devices and methods. 
         [0009]    Such devices of the present invention include an optics package having a light generation means and a light detection means. Also included is a moveable member that is configured and arranged so as to cause an image appearing on a display screen (e.g., a display screen of a computer monitor) to move on one of or both of X and Y directions and a means for processing light signals detected by the light detection means and determining an amount of movement of the moveable member. 
         [0010]    In further embodiments, the moveable member is of the approximate size of a glass slide and more particularly the size of the glass slide from which the virtual slide was made from. In yet further embodiments, such a moveable member is a glass slide that has been treated so that light from the light generation means is reflected therefrom back to the light sensor (e.g., CMOS). In yet further embodiments, the moveable member is a glass slide having a textured surface. 
         [0011]    In yet further embodiments the optics package includes a light emitting diode (e.g., light generating means) that emits light projected by a lens through an orifice on the top of the navigating device. The average angle of Incidence is between five and twenty degrees. The illuminated area of the slide placed on top of the slide stage of the navigating device and reflected light is projected through another lens beyond an optical window to an integrated circuit and onto an array of photo detectors (e.g., light detection means). The photo transistors charge capacitors whose voltages are subsequently digitized and stored in a memory. 
         [0012]    In yet further embodiments, such a navigating device further includes a moving means for moving the moveable member with respect to the optics package in one of or both of an X- and/or Y-direction. Such a moving means for example, can be any of a number of conventional moving stages known to those skilled in the art for imaging real slides as adapted for use in combination with the navigating device of the present invention. In more particular embodiments, the X/Y moving stage includes a fixed portion and a moving portion, where the fixed portion (e.g., supporting structure) is in fixed relation to the optics package and the moving portion is moveable with respect to the fixed portion and thus also with respect to the optics package. In further embodiment, a moveable member or slide like member, such as those described herein, is mounted to the moving stage so as to be moveable with respect to the optics package. 
         [0013]    While the present invention is described above for use in connection with virtual slides, the present invention also is usable for navigating digital images (e.g., digital images of pictures, drawings and the like) that are to be displayed on display screens of monitors or display devices having dimensions that are smaller (in at least one direction) of the full digital image. 
         [0014]    Also featured is a system embodying such a device, and methods for imaging and/or navigating a virtual slide otherwise embodying attributes of the navigating device of the present invention. 
         [0015]    Other aspects and embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0016]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference character denote corresponding parts throughout the several views and wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1A  is a top illustrative view of a navigating device according to the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1B  is a top illustrative view of a navigating device according an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of the navigating device if  FIG. 1A . 
           [0020]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of the navigating device if  FIG. 1B . 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a top illustrative view of a moveable member according to the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an illustrative schematic view of an optics package for use in the navigating device of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is an illustrative schematic view of a computer system embodying the navigating device of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0024]    Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in  FIGS. 1A , B and  2 A, B, top and side views respectively of a navigating device  100 ,  100   a  according to the present invention. An illustrative schematic view of a system embodying such a navigating device  100  is shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0025]    Such a navigating device  100  is particularly advantageous as provides an effective mechanism for navigating an image being greater than the size of a computer display screen or computer monitor  210 . While the dimensions of a typical conventional glass slide are smaller than that for a screen of a computer monitor, the typically magnifications used as well as typical image enlarging for viewing leaves an image whose longitudinal axis will typically extend beyond the boundaries of a computer monitor. 
         [0026]    In the present invention and as described herein, the image of the virtual slide on the screen of the computer monitor  210  is moved by moving a moveable member  130  ( FIG. 5 ) (e.g., textured slide or any other material) over the optics package  110  rather than moving the apparatus over a textured surface. This will allow for infinitely larger movements around an image that is a greater size than a given computer monitor  210 . This will allow a pathologist to examine his/her slide using the hand/eye coordination skills developed over a career to rapidly and completely examine slides in a virtual format. This system is to be used with current virtual microscopy imaging software. 
         [0027]    The optics package  100  includes, inter alia, a light generating means and a light detecting means  114 . The light generating means  112  is arranged so that light emanating therefrom impinges on a surface or portion  134  of the moveable member  130  that is disposed on a light stage  120  or surface of the navigating device. The light detecting means  114  is arranged so as to receive light reflected from the surface or portion  134  of the moveable member  130 . In more particular embodiments, the light generating means includes a light emitting device such as a light emitting diode (LED) that is appropriate for the intended use and the light detecting means includes a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the LED  101  and CMOS  102  are located within a small depression  122  in a light staging surface  120 . In exemplary embodiments, the light staging surface or light slide staging surface  120  is a smooth solid plastic or metal akin to a conventional slide stage. 
         [0028]    For purposes of controlling focusing (i.e., controlling the magnification level, e.g., 4×, 10×, 40×, etc), toggle buttons  152 ,  154  are provided on navigating device at any of a number of locations appropriate for the intended use, where one button  152  is provided for zooming in ands the other button  154  is provided for zooming out. In exemplary embodiments, the toggle buttons  152 ,  154  are located in the light slide staging surface  120  on opposing sides thereof. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 2A , in exemplary embodiments the light slide stage surface  120  is located at the top of the navigating device  100  and On and Off toggle buttons  156 ,  158  are provided on the sides of the navigating device. A base  160  is provided upon which the navigating device  100  can rest. In further embodiments, the base in addition to being configured to receive and hold the navigating device  100 , also can be arranged so as to provide a non-slipping surface so that the navigating device  100  remains in relatively fixed relation to the surface  2  upon which the base rests when the user is using the navigating device. 
         [0030]    In further embodiments, one or more height adjustor plates  162  are provided which can be located, for example, between the navigating device  100  and the base  160 . The height adjustor plates  162  can be added for ergonomic comfort of the user. 
         [0031]    In further embodiments, the signals generated by the navigating device and outputted to the computer  200  are provided over a USB cable  170  which can include a strain relief  171 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1B and 2B  there is shown an alternative embodiment of a navigating device  100   a  according to the present invention. Reference shall be made to the foregoing discussion for common features not otherwise discussed in the following. In the alternative embodiment a rotating zoom wheel  155  or flywheel is provided for purposes of controlling focusing (i.e., controlling the magnification level, e.g., 4×, 10×, 40×, etc) instead of the toggle buttons  152 ,  154  described above. In use, the magnification level is increased by rotating the zoom wheel  155  in one direction and is decreased by rotating the zoom wheel in the other direction. In the illustrative embodiment, the zoom wheel  155  extends outwardly from a side of the navigating device  100   a;  however, any location that is appropriate for the intended use is contemplated and thus within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0033]    In the present invention the LED  101  and complimentary CMOS  102  are similar in function to the LED/CMOS of a conventional optical mouse; however, in contrast to a conventional optical mouse, the system of the present invention allows movement of the moveable member  130  (e.g., textured slide or any textured material, i.e. paper, a finger, wood, etc) to navigate an image. With a conventional optical mouse, the system is arranged so as to detect movement of the mouse including movement of the LED and CMOS with respect to a fixed surface, such as for example, a mouse pad. 
         [0034]    In the present invention, the image on the computer screen is moved by moving the moveable member over the inverted optics (LED/CMOS) instead of moving the mouse apparatus over a textured surface. This arrangement of the present invention will allow for infinitely larger movements around an image that is a greater size than a given computer monitor. This will further allow a pathologist to examine his/her slide using the hand/eye coordination skills developed over a career to rapidly and completely examine slides in a virtual format. As indicated herein, the navigating device of the present invention is to be used with current virtual microscopy imaging software. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  there is shown a top illustrative view of a moveable member  130  according to the present invention. The illustrated embodiment depicts the moveable member  130  in the form of a conventional glass slide, such as those that typically measure 7.5×2.5 cm by 0.3 cm. Such a glass slide further includes a surface  132  that is treated so that the LED/CMOS system can determine movement of the treated slide and in particular embodiments, such treating includes a surface that is textured using any of a number of techniques or materials known to those skilled in the arts. In further embodiments, the moveable member  130  is configured and arranged using any of a number of materials known to those in the arts so the LED/CMOS system can determine movement of the moveable member. 
         [0036]    In further embodiments, the navigating device  100  includes a moving means  140  that is secured to the top surface of the navigating device and which receives the moveable member  130 . The movable member  130  is retained within moving means such that translation or movement of a moveable portion thereof also moves and translates the moveable member and thereby also cause a corresponding movement of the image of the virtual slide being displayed on the monitor  210 . In particular embodiments, the moving means is any of a number of conventional manually operated stages or conventional computer operated stages as is known to those skilled in the art which are adapted for mounting to the navigating device and, in the case of the computer operated stages, also adapted for control by the computer  200 . In an exemplary embodiments, the computer operated stages illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,235 can be adapted for use with the present invention. 
         [0037]    As is known to those skilled in the art, the computer  210  includes a microprocessor  202 , memory  204  and storage  206  (e.g., magnetic disc, RAID enclosures, optical disks). On the storage  206  is stored operating systems, applications programs for execution on the computer and data storage including data corresponding to one or more virtual slides. Other input devices (e.g., keyboard) are connected to the computer. In addition, output devices such as printers are connected to the computers to allow user&#39;s to output information such as for example, a hard copy of a virtual slide. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown an illustrative schematic view of an optics package  400  for use in the navigating device  100  of the present invention. In addition to presenting a schematic view, this figure also depicts the LED and CMOS interaction on the moveable member as is slides above. Reference also should be made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,780, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference. In the illustrated embodiment, a light emitting diode (LED)  427 , emits light projected by a lens  428  through an orifice  420  on the top of the navigating device  100 . The average angle of Incidence is between five and twenty degrees. 
         [0039]    The illuminated area  132  of the moveable member  130  placed on top of the slide stage  120  is projected through a lens  421  beyond an optical window  429 , to an integrated circuit and onto an array  434 ) of photo detectors. The optical window is held in place. The photo transistors charge capacitors whose voltages are subsequently digitized and stored in a memory. In an illustrative embodiment, the array  434  is fabricated on a portion of an Integrated circuit die  431  affixed by an adhesive  432  onto package portion  433 . 
         [0040]    Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims. 
       Incorporation by Reference 
       [0041]    All patents, published patent applications and other references disclosed herein are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties by reference. 
       Equivalents 
       [0042]    Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents of the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.