Patent Description:
Some applications of the presently disclosed subject matter relate generally to analysis of bodily samples, and in particular, to optical density and microscopic measurements that are performed upon blood samples.

In some optics-based methods (e.g., diagnostic, and/or analytic methods), a property of a biological sample, such as a blood sample, is determined by performing an optical measurement. For example, the density of a component (e.g., a count of the component per unit volume) may be determined by counting the component within a microscopic image. Similarly, the concentration and/or density of a component may be measured by performing optical absorption, transmittance, fluorescence, and/or luminescence measurements upon the sample. Typically, the sample is placed into a sample carrier and the measurements are performed with respect to a portion of the sample that is contained within a chamber of the sample carrier. The measurements that are performed upon the portion of the sample that is contained within the chamber of the sample carrier are analyzed in order to determine a property of the sample.

In accordance with some applications of the present invention, a plurality of images of a microscopic imaging field of a blood sample are acquired, each of the images being acquired using respective, different imaging conditions. Typically, at least one of the images is a brightfield image that is acquired under violet lighting conditions (e.g., under lighting by light at a wavelength within the range of <NUM> - <NUM>). Further typically, at least one of the images is a fluorescent image. A computer processor combines data from each of the plurality of images such as to generate an artificial color microscopic image of the microscopic imaging field that appears like a color smear image. For some applications, the computer processor runs a neural network such as to combine the images to generate an artificial color microscopic image of the microscopic imaging field that appears like a color smear image. Typically, one or more color models such as RGB, CIE, HSV, and/or a combination thereof is used to generate the artificial color microscopic image.

Typically, the image that was acquired under brightfield, violet lighting conditions is mapped to a red channel of the artificial color microscopic image. Further typically, the image is converted to a negative contrast image before being mapped to the red channel. For some applications, the result of mapping to the negative contrast image of the image acquired under brightfield, violet lighting conditions is that red blood cells have a similar appearance to the appearance of red blood cells in a color smear image (e.g., similar to those generated using Giemsa or Wright-Romanowsky smear staining).

For some applications, three images are acquired under respective imaging modalities. For example, in addition to the image acquired under brightfield violet lighting conditions, two fluorescent images may be acquired. For example, the two fluorescent images may be acquired after exciting the blood sample with light at respective wavelength bands (e.g., UV light, and blue light). Alternatively, the two fluorescent images may be acquired after exciting the sample with light at the same wavelength band, but using respective, different emission filters. Typically, the second image is mapped to a second color channel of the artificial color microscopic image, and the third image is mapped to a third color channel of the artificial color microscopic image. For example, when an RGB color model is used, the first image may be mapped to the red channel (as described above), the second image mapped to the green channel, and the third image mapped to the blue channel.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method for use with a blood sample, the method including:.

In some applications, the first one of the three images is an image acquired under off-focus, violet-light brightfield imaging conditions.

In some applications, generating the artificial color microscopic image of the microscopic imaging field includes using a neural network to generate the artificial color microscopic image of the microscopic imaging field.

In some applications, generating the artificial color microscopic image of the microscopic imaging field includes using a color model selected from the group consisting of: RGB, CIE, HSV, and a combination thereof.

In some applications, mapping the first one of the three images to the red channel of the artificial RGB microscopic image includes generating a negative contrast image of the first one of the three images and mapping the negative contrast image to the red channel of the artificial RGB microscopic image.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a blood sample, the apparatus including:.

In some applications, the microscope is configured to acquire the first one of the three images is an image acquired under off-focus, violet-light brightfield imaging conditions.

In some applications, the computer processor is configured to generate the artificial color microscopic image of the microscopic imaging field using a neural network.

In some applications, the computer processor is configured to generate the artificial color microscopic image of the microscopic imaging field using a color model selected from the group consisting of: RGB, CIE, HSV, and a combination thereof.

In some applications, the computer processor is configured to the first one of the three images to the red channel of the artificial RGB microscopic image by generating a negative contrast image of the first one of the three images and mapping the negative contrast image to the red channel of the artificial RGB microscopic image.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is block diagram showing components of a biological sample analysis system <NUM>, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Typically, a biological sample (e.g., a blood sample) is placed into a sample carrier <NUM>. While the sample is disposed in the sample carrier, optical measurements are performed upon the sample using one or more optical measurement devices <NUM>. For example, the optical measurement devices may include a microscope (e.g., a digital microscope), a spectrophotometer, a photometer, a spectrometer, a camera, a spectral camera, a hyperspectral camera, a fluorometer, a spectrofluorometer, and/or a photodetector (such as a photodiode, a photoresistor, and/or a phototransistor). For some applications, the optical measurement devices include dedicated light sources (such as light emitting diodes, incandescent light sources, etc.) and/or optical elements for manipulating light collection and/or light emission (such as lenses, diffusers, filters, etc.).

A computer processor <NUM> typically receives and processes optical measurements that are performed by the optical measurement device. Further typically, the computer processor controls the acquisition of optical measurements that are performed by the one or more optical measurement devices. The computer processor communicates with a memory <NUM>. A user (e.g., a laboratory technician, or an individual from whom the sample was drawn) sends instructions to the computer processor via a user interface <NUM>. For some applications, the user interface includes a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touchscreen device (such as a smartphone or a tablet computer), a touchpad, a trackball, a voice-command interface, and/or other types of user interfaces that are known in the art. Typically, the computer processor generates an output via an output device <NUM>. Further typically, the output device includes a display, such as a monitor, and the output includes an output that is displayed on the display. For some applications, the processor generates an output on a different type of visual, text, graphics, tactile, audio, and/or video output device, e.g., speakers, headphones, a smartphone, or a tablet computer. For some applications, user interface <NUM> acts as both an input interface and an output interface, i.e., it acts as an input/output interface. For some applications, the processor generates an output on a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium), such as a disk, or a portable USB drive, and/or generates an output on a printer.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, which are schematic illustrations of an optical measurement unit <NUM>, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. <FIG> shows an oblique view of the exterior of the fully assembled device, while <FIG> and <FIG> shows respective oblique views of the device with the cover having been made transparent, such components within the device are visible. For some applications, one or more optical measurement devices <NUM> (and/or computer processor <NUM> and memory <NUM>) is housed inside optical measurement unit <NUM>. In order to perform the optical measurements upon the sample, sample carrier <NUM> is placed inside the optical measurement unit. For example, the optical measurement unit may define a slot <NUM>, via which the sample carrier is inserted into the optical measurement unit. Typically, the optical measurement unit includes a stage <NUM>, which is configured to support sample carrier <NUM> within the optical measurement unit. For some applications, a screen <NUM> on the cover of the optical measurement unit (e.g., a screen on the front cover of the optical measurement unit, as shown) functions as user interface <NUM> and/or output device <NUM>.

Typically, the optical measurement unit includes microscope system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) configured to perform microscopic imaging of a portion of the sample. For some applications, the microscope system includes a set of light sources <NUM> (which typically include a set of brightfield light sources (e.g. light emitting diodes) that are configured to be used for brightfield imaging of the sample, a set of fluorescent light sources (e.g. light emitting diodes) that are configured to be used for fluorescent imaging of the sample), and a camera (e.g., a CCD camera, or a CMOS camera) configured to image the sample. Typically, the optical measurement unit also includes an optical-density-measurement unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) configured to perform optical density measurements (e.g., optical absorption measurements) on a second portion of the sample. For some applications, the optical-density-measurement unit includes a set of optical-density-measurement light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes) and light detectors, which are configured for performing optical density measurements on the sample. For some applications, each of the aforementioned sets of light sources (i.e., the set of brightfield light sources, the set of fluorescent light sources, and the set optical-density-measurement light sources) includes a plurality of light sources (e.g. a plurality of light emitting diodes), each of which is configured to emit light at a respective wavelength or at a respective band of wavelengths.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are schematic illustrations of respective views of sample carrier <NUM>, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. <FIG> shows a top view of the sample carrier (the top cover of the sample carrier being shown as being opaque in <FIG>, for illustrative purposes), and <FIG> shows a bottom view (in which the sample carrier has been rotated around its short edge with respect to the view shown in <FIG>). Typically, the sample carrier includes a first set <NUM> of one or more sample chambers, which are used for performing microscopic analysis upon the sample, and a second set <NUM> of sample chambers, which are used for performing optical density measurements upon the sample. Typically, the sample chambers of the sample carrier are filled with a bodily sample, such as blood via sample inlet holes <NUM>. For some applications, the sample chambers define one or more outlet holes <NUM>. The outlet holes are configured to facilitate filling of the sample chambers with the bodily sample, by allowing air that is present in the sample chambers to be released from the sample chambers. Typically, as shown, the outlet holes are located longitudinally opposite the inlet holes (with respect to a sample chamber of the sample carrier). For some applications, the outlet holes thus provide a more efficient mechanism of air escape than if the outlet holes were to be disposed closer to the inlet holes.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which shows an exploded view of sample carrier <NUM>, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. For some applications, the sample carrier includes at least three components: a molded component <NUM>, a glass layer <NUM> (e.g., a glass sheet), and an adhesive layer <NUM> configured to adhere the glass layer to an underside of the molded component. The molded component is typically made of a polymer (e.g., a plastic) that is molded (e.g., via injection molding) to provide the sample chambers with a desired geometrical shape. For example, as shown, the molded component is typically molded to define inlet holes <NUM>, outlet holes <NUM>, and gutters <NUM> which surround the central portion of each of the sample chambers. The gutters typically facilitate filling of the sample chambers with the bodily sample, by allowing air to flow to the outlet holes, and/or by allowing the bodily sample to flow around the central portion of the sample chamber.

For some applications, a sample carrier as shown in <FIG> is used when performing a complete blood count on a blood sample. For some such applications, the sample carrier is used with optical measurement unit <NUM> configured as generally shown and described with reference to <FIG>. For some applications, a first portion of the blood sample is placed inside first set <NUM> of sample chambers (which are used for performing microscopic analysis upon the sample, e.g., using microscope system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>)), and a second portion of the blood sample is placed inside second set <NUM> of sample chambers (which are used for performing optical density measurements upon the sample, e.g., using optical-density-measurement unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>)). For some applications, first set <NUM> of sample chambers includes a plurality of sample chambers, while second set <NUM> of sample chambers includes only a single sample chamber, as shown. However, the scope of the present application, includes using any number of sample chambers (e.g., a single sample chamber or a plurality of sample chambers) within either the first set of sample chambers or within the second set of sample chambers, or any combination thereof. The first portion of the blood sample is typically diluted with respect to the second portion of the blood sample. For example, the diluent may contain pH buffers, stains, fluorescent stains, antibodies, sphering agents, lysing agents, etc. Typically, the second portion of the blood sample, which is placed inside second set <NUM> of sample chambers is a natural, undiluted blood sample. Alternatively or additionally, the second portion of the blood sample may be a sample that underwent some modification, including, for example, one or more of dilution (e.g., dilution in a controlled fashion), addition of a component or reagent, or fractionation.

For some applications, one or more staining substances are used to stain the first portion of the blood sample (which is placed inside first set <NUM> of sample chambers) before the sample is imaged microscopically. For example, the staining substance may be configured to stain DNA with preference over staining of other cellular components. Alternatively, the staining substance may be configured to stain all cellular nucleic acids with preference over staining of other cellular components. For example, the sample may be stained with Acridine Orange reagent, Hoechst reagent, and/or any other staining substance that is configured to preferentially stain DNA and/or RNA within the blood sample. Optionally, the staining substance is configured to stain all cellular nucleic acids but the staining of DNA and RNA are each more prominently visible under some lighting and filter conditions, as is known, for example, for Acridine Orange. Images of the sample may be acquired using imaging conditions that allow detection of cells (e.g., brightfield) and/or imaging conditions that allow visualization of stained bodies (e.g. appropriate fluorescent illumination). Typically, the first portion of the sample is stained with Acridine Orange and with a Hoechst reagent. For example, the first (diluted) portion of the blood sample may be prepared using techniques as described in <CIT> to Pollak, and which describes a method for preparation of blood samples for analysis that involves a dilution step, the dilution step facilitating the identification and/or counting of components within microscopic images of the sample. For some applications, the first portion of the sample is stained with one or more stains that cause platelets within the sample to be visible under brightfield imaging conditions and/or under fluorescent imaging conditions, e.g., as described hereinabove. For example, the first portion of the sample may be stained with methylene blue and/or Romanowsky stains.

Referring again to <FIG>, typically, sample carrier <NUM> is supported within the optical measurement unit by stage <NUM>. Further typically, the stage has a forked design, such that the sample carrier is supported by the stage around the edges of the sample carrier, but such that the stage does not interfere with the visibility of the sample chambers of the sample carrier by the optical measurement devices. For some applications, the sample carrier is held within the stage, such that molded component <NUM> of the sample carrier is disposed above the glass layer <NUM>, and such that an objective lens <NUM> of a microscope unit of the optical measurement unit is disposed below the glass layer of the sample carrier. Typically, at least some light sources <NUM> that are used during microscopic measurements that are performed upon the sample (for example, light sources that are used during brightfield imaging) illuminate the sample carrier from above the molded component. Further typically, at least some additional light sources (not shown) illuminate the sample carrier from below the sample carrier (e.g., via the objective lens). For example, light sources that are used to excite the sample during fluorescent microscopy may illuminate the sample carrier from below the sample carrier (e.g., via the objective lens).

Typically, prior to being imaged microscopically, the first portion of blood (which is placed in first set <NUM> of sample chambers) is allowed to settle such as to form a monolayer of cells, e.g., using techniques as described in <CIT> to Pollak. For some applications, the first portion of blood is a cell suspension and the chambers belonging to the first set <NUM> of chambers each define a cavity <NUM> that includes a base surface <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Typically, the cells in the cell suspension are allowed to settle on the base surface of the sample chamber of the carrier to form a monolayer of cells on the base surface of the sample chamber. Subsequent to the cells having been left to settle on the base surface of the sample chamber (e.g., by having been left to settle for a predefined time interval), at least one microscopic image of at least a portion of the monolayer of cells is typically acquired. Typically, a plurality of images of the monolayer are acquired, each of the images corresponding to an imaging field that is located at a respective, different area within the imaging plane of the monolayer. Typically, an optimum depth level at which to focus the microscope in order to image the monolayer is determined, e.g., using techniques as described in <CIT> to Greenfield. For some applications, respective imaging fields have different optimum depth levels from each other.

It is noted that, in the context of the present application, the term monolayer is used to mean a layer of cells that have settled, such as to be disposed within a single focus level of the microscope. Within the monolayer there may be some overlap of cells, such that within certain areas there are two or more overlapping layers of cells. For example, red blood cells may overlap with each other within the monolayer, and/or platelets may overlap with, or be disposed above, red blood cells within the monolayer.

For some applications, the microscopic analysis of the first portion of the blood sample is performed with respect to the monolayer of cells. Typically, the first portion of the blood sample is imaged under brightfield imaging, i.e., under illumination from one or more light sources (e.g., one or more light emitting diodes, which typically emit light at respective spectral bands). Further typically, the first portion of the blood sample is additionally imaged under fluorescent imaging. Typically, the fluorescent imaging is performed by exciting stained objects (i.e., objects that have absorbed the stain(s)) within the sample by directing light toward the sample at known excitation wavelengths (i.e., wavelengths at which it is known that stained objects emit fluorescent light if excited with light at those wavelengths), and detecting the fluorescent light. Typically, for the fluorescent imaging, a separate set of light sources (e.g., one or more light emitting diodes) is used to illuminate the sample at the known excitation wavelengths.

As described with reference to <CIT> to Pollak, for some applications, sample chambers belonging to set <NUM> (which is used for microscopy measurements) have different heights from each other, in order to facilitate different measurands being measured using microscope images of respective sample chambers, and/or different sample chambers being used for microscopic analysis of respective sample types. For example, if a blood sample, and/or a monolayer formed by the sample, has a relatively low density of red blood cells, then measurements may be performed within a sample chamber of the sample carrier having a greater height (i.e., a sample chamber of the sample carrier having a greater height relative to a different sample chamber having a relatively lower height), such that there is a sufficient density of cells, and/or such that there is a sufficient density of cells within the monolayer formed by the sample, to provide statistically reliable data. Such measurements may include, for example red blood cell density measurements, measurements of other cellular attributes, (such as counts of abnormal red blood cells, red blood cells that include intracellular bodies (e.g., pathogens, Howell-Jolly bodies), etc.), and/or hemoglobin concentration. Conversely, if a blood sample, and/or a monolayer formed by the sample, has a relatively high density of red blood cells, then such measurements may be performed upon a sample chamber of the sample carrier having a relatively low height, for example, such that there is a sufficient sparsity of cells, and/or such that there is a sufficient sparsity of cells within the monolayer of cells formed by the sample, that the cells can be identified within microscopic images. For some applications, such methods are performed even without the variation in height between the sample chambers belonging to set <NUM> being precisely known.

For some applications, based upon the measurand that is being measured, the sample chamber within the sample carrier upon which to perform optical measurements is selected. For example, a sample chamber of the sample carrier having a greater height may be used to perform a white blood cell count (e.g., to reduce statistical errors which may result from a low count in a shallower region), white blood cell differentiation, and/or to detect more rare forms of white blood cells. Conversely, in order to determine mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), red blood cell morphologic features, and/or red blood cell abnormalities, microscopic images may be obtained from a sample chamber of the sample carrier having a relatively low height, since in such sample chambers the cells are relatively sparsely distributed across the area of the region, and/or form a monolayer in which the cells are relatively sparsely distributed. Similarly, in order to count platelets, classify platelets, and/or extract any other attributes (such as volume) of platelets, microscopic images may be obtained from a sample chamber of the sample carrier having a relatively low height, since within such sample chambers there are fewer red blood cells which overlap (fully or partially) with the platelets in microscopic images, and/or in a monolayer.

In accordance with the above-described examples, it is preferable to use a sample chamber of the sample carrier having a lower height for performing optical measurements for measuring some measurands within a sample (such as a blood sample), whereas it is preferable to use a sample chamber of the sample carrier having a greater height for performing optical measurements for measuring other measurands within such a sample. Therefore, for some applications, a first measurand within a sample is measured, by performing a first optical measurement upon (e.g., by acquiring microscopic images of) a portion of the sample that is disposed within a first sample chamber belonging to set <NUM> of the sample carrier, and a second measurand of the same sample is measured, by performing a second optical measurement upon (e.g., by acquiring microscopic images of) a portion of the sample that is disposed within a second sample chamber of set <NUM> of the sample carrier. For some applications, the first and second measurands are normalized with respect to each other, for example, using techniques as described in <CIT> to Zait.

Typically, in order to perform optical density measurements upon the sample, it is desirable to know the optical path length, the volume, and/or the thickness of the portion of the sample upon which the optical measurements were performed, as precisely as possible. Typically, an optical density measurement is performed on the second portion of the sample (which is typically placed into second set <NUM> of sample chambers in an undiluted form). For example, the concentration and/or density of a component may be measured by performing optical absorption, transmittance, fluorescence, and/or luminescence measurements upon the sample.

Referring again to <FIG>, for some applications, sample chambers belonging to set <NUM> (which is used for optical density measurements), typically define at least a first region <NUM> (which is typically deeper) and a second region <NUM> (which is typically shallower), the height of the sample chambers varying between the first and second regions in a predefined manner, e.g., as described in <CIT> to Pollak. The heights of first region <NUM> and second region <NUM> of the sample chamber are defined by a lower surface that is defined by the glass layer and by an upper surface that is defined by the molded component. The upper surface at the second region is stepped with respect to the upper surface at the first region. The step between the upper surface at the first and second regions, provides a predefined height difference Δh between the regions, such that even if the absolute height of the regions is not known to a sufficient degree of accuracy (for example, due to tolerances in the manufacturing process), the height difference Δh is known to a sufficient degree of accuracy to determine a parameter of the sample, using the techniques described herein, and as described in <CIT> to Pollak. For some applications, the height of the sample chamber varies from the first region <NUM> to the second region <NUM>, and the height then varies again from the second region to a third region <NUM>, such that, along the sample chamber, first region <NUM> defines a maximum height region, second region <NUM> defines a medium height region, and third region <NUM> defines a minimum height region. For some applications, additional variations in height occur along the length of the sample chamber, and/or the height varies gradually along the length of the sample chamber.

As described hereinabove, while the sample is disposed in the sample carrier, optical measurements are performed upon the sample using one or more optical measurement devices <NUM>. Typically, the sample is viewed by the optical measurement devices via the glass layer, glass being transparent at least to wavelengths that are typically used by the optical measurement device. Typically, the sample carrier is inserted into optical measurement unit <NUM>, which houses the optical measurement device while the optical measurements are performed. Typically, the optical measurement unit houses the sample carrier such that the molded layer is disposed above the glass layer, and such that the optical measurement unit is disposed below the glass layer of the sample carrier and is able to perform optical measurements upon the sample via the glass layer. The sample carrier is formed by adhering the glass layer to the molded component. For example, the glass layer and the molded component may be bonded to each other during manufacture or assembly (e.g. using thermal bonding, solvent-assisted bonding, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, heat staking, adhesive, mechanical clamping and/or additional substrates). For some applications, the glass layer and the molded component are bonded to each other during manufacture or assembly using adhesive layer <NUM>.

For some microscopy applications, microscopic images of imaging fields are acquired using a plurality of different imaging modalities. For example, as described hereinabove, brightfield images may be acquired under illumination of the sample at several, respective, different wavelength bands. The brightfield images may be acquired while cells (e.g., a monolayer of the cells) are in focus or out of focus. Alternatively or additionally, fluorescent images are acquired by exciting stained objects (i.e., objects that have absorbed the stain(s)) within the sample by directing light toward the sample at known excitation wavelengths (i.e., wavelengths at which it is known that stained objects emit fluorescent light if excited with light at those wavelengths), and detecting the fluorescent light. Respective fluorescent images are acquired by exciting the sample with light at respective, different wavelength bands, or by exciting the sample with light a given wavelength band and then using emission filters that filter light that is emitted from the sample at respective wavelength bands.

Typically, the computer processor analyzes the microscopic images and/or other data relating to the sample (e.g., optical absorption measurements), in order to determine properties of the sample. For some applications, the computer processor additionally outputs images of the sample to a user via output device <NUM>. It may be challenging though for a human observer to extract useful information from the images, especially if that information is contained in the overlap between images that were acquired using respective, different imaging modalities and these images are overlaid upon each other as black-and-white or grayscale images. For example, in order to verify that an element is an intraerythrocytic parasite, it may be helpful to see a single image in which the parasite candidate is visible and red blood cells are visible. The red blood cells are typically visible in brightfield images (e.g., brightfield images acquired under violet illumination), whereas the parasites are typically visible in fluorescent images. Therefore, it is helpful to see such images overlaid upon each other, but in which elements from the respective imaging modalities are visible without interfering with each other. Similarly, in order to see morphological features of white blood cells (which can help in the classification of an element as a white blood cell, and/or as a given type of white blood cell), it is typically helpful to see respective fluorescent images acquired under respective fluorescent illumination conditions overlaid upon each other.

Therefore, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a plurality of images of a microscopic imaging field of a blood sample are acquired, each of the images being acquired using respective, different imaging conditions. Typically, at least one of the images is a brightfield image that is acquired under violet lighting conditions (e.g., under lighting by light at a wavelength within the range of <NUM> - <NUM>). For some applications, the brightfield image is an off-focus image that is acquired under violet lighting conditions. Further typically, at least one of the images is a fluorescent image. A computer processor combines data from each of the plurality of images such as to generate an artificial color microscopic image of the microscopic imaging field that appears like a color smear image. Typically, one or more color models such as RGB, CIE, HSV, and/or a combination thereof is used to generate the artificial color microscopic image.

Typically, the image that was acquired under brightfield, violet lighting conditions is mapped to a red channel of the artificial color microscopic image. Further typically, the image is converted to a negative contrast image before being mapped to the red channel. For some applications, the result of mapping to the negative contrast image of the image acquired under brightfield, violet lighting conditions is that red blood cells have a similar appearance to the appearance of red blood cells in a color smear image (e.g., similar to those generated using Giemsa or Wright-Romanowsky smear staining). Typically, the brightfield image that was acquired under violet lighting conditions is used in the aforementioned manner, since violet light is absorbed strongly by hemoglobin and therefore red blood cells appear as red once the contrast of the image is made negative and the image is mapped to the red channel.

For some applications, three images are acquired under respective imaging modalities. For example, in addition to the image acquired under brightfield violet lighting conditions, two fluorescent images may be acquired. For example, the two fluorescent images may be acquired after exciting the blood sample with light at respective wavelength bands. Alternatively, the two fluorescent images may be acquired after exciting the sample with light at the same wavelength band, but using respective, different emission filters. Typically, the second image is mapped to a second color channel of the artificial color microscopic image, and the third image is mapped to a third color channel of the artificial color microscopic image. For example, when an RGB color model is used, the first image may be mapped to the red channel (as described above), the second image mapped to the green channel, and the third image mapped to the blue channel. For some applications, one of the second and third images is acquired while the sample is excited using light (e.g., UV light) that causes cell nuclei (e.g., DNA of the cell nuclei) to fluoresce. Alternatively or additionally, a second one of the second and third images is acquired while the sample is excited using light (e.g., blue light) that causes RNA and/or cytoplasm to fluoresce. For some applications, imaging modalities are used that are similar to those used in images generated using Giemsa or Wright-Romanowsky smear staining.

For some applications, each of the fluorescent images is acquired using a relatively long exposure time. For example, this may be used in order to visualize reticulocytes as well as platelets. Alternatively, one of the fluorescent images may be acquired using a relatively short exposure time, and the other one of the fluorescent images may be acquired using a relatively short exposure time. The long and short exposure fluorescent images typically contain different information. The images acquired using the short exposure are typically optimized to provide data relating to white blood cells and other high intensity objects, while the images acquired using the long exposure time are typically optimized to provide data relating to low intensity objects such as reticulocytes, platelets, parasites, ghost cells, etc..

For some applications, the short-exposure-time images are combined with the long-exposure-time images into a single fluorescent image (for example, by replacing overexposed regions in the long-exposure-image image with the corresponding region in the short-exposure-time image). For some applications, the resultant composite image (and/or a composite image that is generated using a different composite-image-generation technique) is mapped to one of the channels of an artificial color images, e.g., using the techniques described hereinabove.

For some applications, a neural network is used in the generation of an artificial color image. In some cases, an artificial color image generated using the methods described hereinabove may have different characteristics from the type of images that are commonly used in the field. For example, such images may differ from standard images in color, intensity resolution, shading, etc. For some applications, a convolutional neural network is used to generate an image that is more similar to standard images in the field, such that the image has a similar appearance to that of a color smear image (e.g., similar to an image generated using Giemsa or Wright-Romanowsky smear staining).

For some applications, one or more of the images that are mapped to the color image is normalized. For example, the image may be normalized by dividing the image by a background map. Alternatively or additionally, a function of the image (such as optical density) may be used in the color image. For some applications, the displayed color image is normalized such that that relevant features are of similar magnitude in all of the channels. For some applications, one or more of the original images, and/or the displayed color image is normalized by determining a maximum intensity within the image, and removing all pixels having an intensity that is less than a given proportion of the maximum intensity (e.g., less than half of the maximum intensity), and renormalizing the pixel intensity as described below. For some applications, one or more of the original images, and/or the displayed color image is normalized in the following manner. An intensity histogram of the image is generated. For each pixel within the image that has an intensity that is at least equal to half of the maximum intensity, a closest local maximum in the intensity histogram having an intensity that is greater than half of the maximum intensity within the image is identified. The intensity of the pixel is then normalized based upon the difference between the maximum intensity and the intensity of the local maximum. For example, a given pixel may be assigned an intensity based upon the following formula: <MAT> <MAT> <MAT> where:.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are flowcharts showing steps of methods that are performed, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, in accordance with the techniques described hereinabove.

Referring to <FIG>, for some applications, in step <NUM>, a plurality of images of a microscopic imaging field of the blood sample are acquired, each of the images being acquired using respective, different imaging conditions. Subsequently, in step <NUM>, data from each of the plurality of images are combined such as to generate an artificial color microscopic image of the microscopic imaging field that appears like a color smear image. Step <NUM> is typically performed by computer processor <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, for some applications, in step <NUM>, three images of a microscopic imaging field of the blood sample are acquired using the microscope, each of the images being acquired using respective, different imaging conditions, and the first one of the three images being acquired under violet-light brightfield imaging. Subsequently, in step <NUM>, an artificial color microscopic image of the microscopic imaging field is generated, by mapping the first one of the three images to a red channel of the artificial color microscopic image (sub-step <NUM>), mapping a second one of the three images to a second color channel of the artificial color microscopic image (sub-step <NUM>), and mapping a third one of the three images to a third color channel of the artificial color microscopic image (sub-step <NUM>). Step <NUM>, and sub-steps <NUM>-<NUM>, are typically performed by computer processor <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, for some applications, in step <NUM>, three images of a microscopic imaging field of the blood sample are acquired using the microscope, each of the images being acquired using respective, different imaging conditions. Subsequently, in step <NUM>, an artificial color microscopic image of the microscopic imaging field is generated, by generating normalized versions of each of the images, such as to remove pixels within the image having an intensity that is below a threshold (sub-step <NUM>), and mapping the normalized version of each one of the images to a respective, different channel within an additive color model (sub-step <NUM>). Step <NUM>, and sub-steps <NUM>-<NUM>, are typically performed by computer processor <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, for some applications, in step <NUM>, three images of a microscopic imaging field of the blood sample are acquired using the microscope, each of the images being acquired using respective, different imaging conditions. Subsequently, in step <NUM>, an artificial color microscopic image of the microscopic imaging field is generated, by mapping each one of the images to a respective, different channel within an additive color model to generate an initial color image (sub-step <NUM>), and generating a normalized version of the initial color image, such as to remove pixels within the image having an intensity that is below a threshold (sub-step <NUM>). Step <NUM>, and sub-steps <NUM>-<NUM>, are typically performed by computer processor <NUM>.

For some applications, the apparatus and methods described herein are applied to a biological sample, such as, blood, saliva, semen, sweat, sputum, vaginal fluid, stool, breast milk, bronchoalveolar lavage, gastric lavage, tears and/or nasal discharge, mutatis mutandis. The biological sample may be from any living creature, and is typically from warm blooded animals. For some applications, the biological sample is a sample from a mammal, e.g., from a human body. For some applications, the sample is taken from any domestic animal, zoo animals and farm animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, horses, cows and sheep. Alternatively or additionally, the biological sample is taken from animals that act as disease vectors including deer or rats.

For some applications, the apparatus and methods described herein are applied to a non-bodily sample. For some applications, the sample is an environmental sample, such as, a water (e.g. groundwater) sample, surface swab, soil sample, air sample, or any combination thereof, mutatis mutandis. In some embodiments, the sample is a food sample, such as, a meat sample, dairy sample, water sample, wash-liquid sample, beverage sample, and/or any combination thereof.

For some applications, the sample as described herein is a sample that includes blood or components thereof (e.g., a diluted or non-diluted whole blood sample, a sample including predominantly red blood cells, or a diluted sample including predominantly red blood cells), and parameters are determined relating to components in the blood such as platelets, white blood cells, anomalous white blood cells, circulating tumor cells, red blood cells, reticulocytes, Howell-Jolly bodies, etc..

Applications of the invention described herein can take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system, such as computer processor <NUM>. The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium. Typically, the computer-usable or computer readable medium is a non-transitory computer-usable or computer readable medium.

Examples of a computer-readable medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk. Current examples of optical disks include compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk-read/write (CD-R/W) and DVD.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing program code will include at least one processor (e.g., computer processor <NUM>) coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements (e.g., memory <NUM>) through a system bus. The memory elements can include local memory employed during actual execution of the program code, bulk storage, and cache memories which provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution. The system can read the inventive instructions on the program storage devices and follow these instructions to execute the methodology of the embodiments of the invention.

Network adapters may be coupled to the processor to enable the processor to become coupled to other processors or remote printers or storage devices through intervening private or public networks. Modems, cable modem and Ethernet cards are just a few of the currently available types of network adapters.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the C programming language or similar programming languages.

It will be understood that algorithms described herein, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer (e.g., computer processor <NUM>) or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the algorithms described in the present application. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart blocks and algorithms. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the algorithms described in the present application.

Computer processor <NUM> is typically a hardware device programmed with computer program instructions to produce a special purpose computer. For example, when programmed to perform the algorithms described herein, computer processor <NUM> typically acts as a special purpose artificial-image-generation computer processor. Typically, the operations described herein that are performed by computer processor <NUM> transform the physical state of memory <NUM>, which is a real physical article, to have a different magnetic polarity, electrical charge, or the like depending on the technology of the memory that is used.

The apparatus and methods described herein may be used in conjunction with apparatus and methods described in any one of the following patents or patent applications:.

Claim 1:
A method for use with a blood sample, the method comprising:
using a microscope (<NUM>), acquiring three images of a microscopic imaging field of the blood sample, each of the images being acquired using respective, different imaging conditions, and the first one of the three images being acquired under violet-light brightfield imaging; and
using at least one computer processor (<NUM>), generating an artificial color microscopic image of the microscopic imaging field, by:
mapping the first one of the three images to a red channel of the artificial color microscopic image;
mapping a second one of the three images to a second color channel of the artificial color microscopic image; and
mapping a third one of the three images to a third color channel of the artificial color microscopic image.