US5793969A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Network review and analysis of computer encoded slides
Assignee: TriPath Imaging Inc
•
Filing: 1996-01-11
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Granted: 1998-08-11
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Expires: 2016-01-11
Abstract
Abstract A network system for review and analysis of computer encoded microscope slides and specimens which were originally computer encoded from a microscope (attached via an encoder device to a local computer site), during an initial examination. The encoding includes parameters of viewing locations and events of interest on the slide, with such information being stored on a networked file server. The encoding also includes information regarding the manner in which the initial examination was conducted, for quality control purposes. The computer encoded information is retrievable at all remote locations of the network (either local or connected via modem) for supervisor review or for pathologist analysis. The network is further constituted by microscope sites having similar computer encoding devices attached thereto, which function, in this aspect, as computer terminals of the network. For enhanced analysis, the computer terminals have direct access to patient background information, e.g., such as from an HIS (hospital information system) for simultaneous slide analysis review in relation to the medical history of the patient. For diagnostic support, the computer terminals are networked with an on-line library of cell type images for comparison with the slide being examined. Slide diagnosis is either directly with the original slide on the microscope or with a scanned image of the slide stored in the network server or CD-ROM and retrieved on the computer terminal. The microscope is optionally motor driven, with computer control, to re-scan slides or slide images only at designated sites.
Inventors
- 👤 Louis A. Kamentsky
- 👤 Mark Weissman
- 👤 Lee D. Kamentsky
- 👤 Russell Gershman
- 👤 B. Martin Pomeroy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 16:30
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N1/00; G01N1/28; G01N1/2813; G02; G02B; G02B21/00; G02B21/24; G02B21/26; G02B21/34; G16; G16H; G16H10/00; G16H10/40; G16H30/00; G16H30/20; G01N2001/282
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
412 words
A method for network review of a specimen slide having a specimen and for network review of a manner of a prior microscope examination of the specimen slide with a microscope having a movable slide stage for mounting the specimen slide, the method comprising the steps of: (a) operatively linking a means for computing, with a means for correlation movement sensing, to the movable slide stage, to correlatively record movement of the movable slide stage in an x-y direction plane in which the movable slide stage is movable; (b) recording movements and locations of the movable slide stage during the prior microscope examination, at locations on the specimen slide, with the means for computing, pursuant to programmed instructions, into a means for data storage, wherein the means for computing, pursuant to additional programmed instructions automatically records, into the means for data storage at the recorded locations, predetermined indicia, with the predetermined indicia correlating to the microscope viewing area locations on the specimen slide, and wherein the predetermined indicia, correlating to viewing area locations of interest were marked and recorded with a distinguishing marking for subsequent review recognition to computer encode selected details of the specimen and the manner of the prior microscope examination; (c) causing the means for data storage to be independently accessible by separate microscope stations in a network, each of the separate microscope stations comprising a microscope and a means for computer viewing, with each of the separate microscope stations being separately individually linked to at least one computer means for recalling the recorded movements, locations and predetermined indicia from the means for data storage for review on the computer viewing means; (d) recalling, at one or more of the separate microscope stations, from the means for data storage, a computer generated image of a slide with the predetermined indicia thereon, onto the computer viewing means of the respective microscope station, for review of the manner in which a prior microscope examination of the specimen slide was conducted; (e) placing the specimen slide on the movable slide stage of the microscope, at the respective microscope station, with the microscope thereat being further operatively linked with the means for computing, by correlation movement sensing means; and (f) moving the moveable slide stage, with concomitant specimen slide movement, with correlation of each subsequent microscope viewing area with indicia on the computer generated image, by means for indicating, whereby correlated indicia having a distinguishing marking thereon is directly viewable with the microscope.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
412 words
A method for network review of a specimen slide having a specimen and for network review of a manner of a prior microscope examination of the specimen slide with a microscope having a movable slide stage for mounting the specimen slide, the method comprising the steps of: (a) operatively linking a means for computing, with a means for correlation movement sensing, to the movable slide stage, to correlatively record movement of the movable slide stage in an x-y direction plane in which the movable slide stage is movable; (b) recording movements and locations of the movable slide stage during the prior microscope examination, at locations on the specimen slide, with the means for computing, pursuant to programmed instructions, into a means for data storage, wherein the means for computing, pursuant to additional programmed instructions automatically records, into the means for data storage at the recorded locations, predetermined indicia, with the predetermined indicia correlating to the microscope viewing area locations on the specimen slide, and wherein the predetermined indicia, correlating to viewing area locations of interest were marked and recorded with a distinguishing marking for subsequent review recognition to computer encode selected details of the specimen and the manner of the prior microscope examination; (c) causing the means for data storage to be independently accessible by separate microscope stations in a network, each of the separate microscope stations comprising a microscope and a means for computer viewing, with each of the separate microscope stations being separately individually linked to at least one computer means for recalling the recorded movements, locations and predetermined indicia from the means for data storage for review on the computer viewing means; (d) recalling, at one or more of the separate microscope stations, from the means for data storage, a computer generated image of a slide with the predetermined indicia thereon, onto the computer viewing means of the respective microscope station, for review of the manner in which a prior microscope examination of the specimen slide was conducted; (e) placing the specimen slide on the movable slide stage of the microscope, at the respective microscope station, with the microscope thereat being further operatively linked with the means for computing, by correlation movement sensing means; and (f) moving the moveable slide stage, with concomitant specimen slide movement, with correlation of each subsequent microscope viewing area with indicia on the computer generated image, by means for indicating, whereby correlated indicia having a distinguishing marking thereon is directly viewable with the microscope.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
451 words
A method for network review of a specimen slide having a specimen and for network review of a manner of a prior microscope examination of the specimen slide with a microscope having a movable slide stage for mounting the specimen slide, the method comprising the steps of: (a) operatively linking a means for computing, with a means for correlation movement sensing, to the movable slide stage, to correlatively record movement of the movable slide stage in an x-y direction plane in which the movable slide stage is movable; (b) recording movements and locations of the movable slide stage during the prior microscope examination, at locations on the specimen slide, with the means for computing, pursuant to programmed instructions, into a means for data storage, wherein the means for computing, pursuant to additional programmed instructions and a clock, automatically records, into the means for data storage, at the recorded locations on the specimen slide, predetermined indicia at predetermined time intervals, determined by the clock, with the predetermined indicia correlating to the microscope viewing area locations on the specimen slide, at the predetermined time intervals, and wherein the predetermined indicia, correlating to viewing area locations of interest were optionally marked and recorded with a distinguishing marking for subsequent review recognition to computer encode selected details of the specimen and the manner of the prior microscope examination; (c) causing the means for data storage to be independently accessible by separate microscope stations in a network, each of the separate microscope stations comprising a microscope and a means for computer viewing, with each of the separate microscope stations being separately individually linked to at least one computer means for recalling recorded movements, locations and predetermined indicia from the means for data storage for review on the computer viewing means; and (d) recalling, at one or more of the separate microscope stations, from the means for data storage, a computer generated image of a slide with the predetermined indicia thereon, onto the computer viewing means of the respective microscope station, for review of the manner in which a prior microscope examination of the specimen slide was conducted, and if the predetermined indicia correlating to sites of interest have been marked with a distinguishing marking: i) placing the specimen slide on the movable slide stage of the microscope, at the respective microscope station, with the microscope thereat being further operatively linked with the means for computing, by correlation movement sensing means; and ii) moving the moveable slide stage, with concomitant specimen slide movement, with correlation of each subsequent microscope viewing area with indicia on the computer generated image, by a means for indicating, whereby correlated indicia having a distinguishing marking thereon are directly viewable with the microscope.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
451 words
A method for network review of a specimen slide having a specimen and for network review of a manner of a prior microscope examination of the specimen slide with a microscope having a movable slide stage for mounting the specimen slide, the method comprising the steps of: (a) operatively linking a means for computing, with a means for correlation movement sensing, to the movable slide stage, to correlatively record movement of the movable slide stage in an x-y direction plane in which the movable slide stage is movable; (b) recording movements and locations of the movable slide stage during the prior microscope examination, at locations on the specimen slide, with the means for computing, pursuant to programmed instructions, into a means for data storage, wherein the means for computing, pursuant to additional programmed instructions and a clock, automatically records, into the means for data storage, at the recorded locations on the specimen slide, predetermined indicia at predetermined time intervals, determined by the clock, with the predetermined indicia correlating to the microscope viewing area locations on the specimen slide, at the predetermined time intervals, and wherein the predetermined indicia, correlating to viewing area locations of interest were optionally marked and recorded with a distinguishing marking for subsequent review recognition to computer encode selected details of the specimen and the manner of the prior microscope examination; (c) causing the means for data storage to be independently accessible by separate microscope stations in a network, each of the separate microscope stations comprising a microscope and a means for computer viewing, with each of the separate microscope stations being separately individually linked to at least one computer means for recalling recorded movements, locations and predetermined indicia from the means for data storage for review on the computer viewing means; and (d) recalling, at one or more of the separate microscope stations, from the means for data storage, a computer generated image of a slide with the predetermined indicia thereon, onto the computer viewing means of the respective microscope station, for review of the manner in which a prior microscope examination of the specimen slide was conducted, and if the predetermined indicia correlating to sites of interest have been marked with a distinguishing marking: i) placing the specimen slide on the movable slide stage of the microscope, at the respective microscope station, with the microscope thereat being further operatively linked with the means for computing, by correlation movement sensing means; and ii) moving the moveable slide stage, with concomitant specimen slide movement, with correlation of each subsequent microscope viewing area with indicia on the computer generated image, by a means for indicating, whereby correlated indicia having a distinguishing marking thereon are directly viewable with the microscope.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
293 words
A method for network review of a specimen slide having a specimen and for network review of a manner of a prior microscope examination of the specimen slide with a microscope having a movable slide stage for mounting the specimen slide, the method comprising the steps of: (a) operatively linking a means for computing, with a means for correlation movement sensing, to the movable slide stage, to correlatively record movement of the movable slide stage in an x-y direction plane in which the movable slide stage is movable; (b) recording movements and location information of the movable slide stage during the prior microscope examination, with the means for computing, pursuant to programmed instructions, into a means for data storage, wherein the means for computing, pursuant to additional programmed instructions and a clock, automatically records, into the means for data storage, predetermined indicia at predetermined time intervals, determined by the clock, with the predetermined indicia correlating to the microscope viewing area locations on the specimen slide, at the predetermined time intervals, and wherein the predetermined indicia, correlating to viewing area locations of interest were optionally marked and recorded with a distinguishing marking for subsequent review recognition to computer encode selected details of the specimen and the manner of the prior microscope examination; (c) causing the means for data storage to be independently accessible by separate microscope stations in a network, each of the separate microscope stations having a microscope and means for computing; (d) linking each one of the microscope stations to at least one means for computing capable of recalling the recorded movements and the recorded location information from the means for data storage; and (e) reviewing the specimen slide at a location remote from the microscope used in the prior microscope examination.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
293 words
A method for network review of a specimen slide having a specimen and for network review of a manner of a prior microscope examination of the specimen slide with a microscope having a movable slide stage for mounting the specimen slide, the method comprising the steps of: (a) operatively linking a means for computing, with a means for correlation movement sensing, to the movable slide stage, to correlatively record movement of the movable slide stage in an x-y direction plane in which the movable slide stage is movable; (b) recording movements and location information of the movable slide stage during the prior microscope examination, with the means for computing, pursuant to programmed instructions, into a means for data storage, wherein the means for computing, pursuant to additional programmed instructions and a clock, automatically records, into the means for data storage, predetermined indicia at predetermined time intervals, determined by the clock, with the predetermined indicia correlating to the microscope viewing area locations on the specimen slide, at the predetermined time intervals, and wherein the predetermined indicia, correlating to viewing area locations of interest were optionally marked and recorded with a distinguishing marking for subsequent review recognition to computer encode selected details of the specimen and the manner of the prior microscope examination; (c) causing the means for data storage to be independently accessible by separate microscope stations in a network, each of the separate microscope stations having a microscope and means for computing; (d) linking each one of the microscope stations to at least one means for computing capable of recalling the recorded movements and the recorded location information from the means for data storage; and (e) reviewing the specimen slide at a location remote from the microscope used in the prior microscope examination.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 3, wherein the location information further comprises grayscale display information, which indicates by shades of increasingly darker shades of gray increasing dwell time during the prior microscope examination, degree of overlap of viewing areas and proximity to a center of a viewing area, whereby a degree of efficacy of the prior microscope examination may be determined at a remote location.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 3, wherein the separate microscope stations are further independently linked to a hospital HIS system whereby means for computer viewing are made to provide simultaneous slide analysis review in relation to a medical history of a patient from whom the specimen was derived.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 3, wherein areas on the specimen slide, selected for additional review during the prior microscope examination, are video digitized areas representative in appearance of the areas on the specimen slide.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 6, wherein the separate microscope stations are further independently linked to a library data base of known slide specimen images whereby the video digitized areas are visually compared to known slide specimens in a side by side comparison.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
71 words
The method of claim 6, wherein the separate microscope stations are further independently linked to a cell analysis instrument, whereby cell analysis of other specimens from the same source as the specimen of the prior microscope examination, is effected by the cell analysis instrument and wherein analysis data from the cell analysis instrument and results of the prior microscope examination are simultaneously available at the separate microscope stations, for review thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 8, wherein the cell analysis instrument is a hematology analyzer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 8, wherein the cell analysis instrument is a Pap smear analyzer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 8, wherein the cell analysis instrument is an image analyzer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 8, wherein the cell analysis instrument is a laser scanning cytometer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 3, wherein the separate microscope stations each have microscopes with motor driven stages, with computer control, to re-scan slides or slide images only at viewing area locations of interest which were marked and recorded with a distinguishing marking.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 8, wherein at least one of the separate microscope stations provide at least one of anatomic pathology and cytology diagnosis reports to a central Hospital Information System, where a permanent record thereof is generated.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 3, wherein during the prior microscope examination, multiple images of selected fields, at different focuses of the microscope and at any magnification are stored and indexed, and wherein microscopes at the microscope stations are equipped with means for automatically moving a focus position as images are being captured, stored, and recalled.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
125 words
A network of interconnected microscope stations comprising: (a) a means for operatively linking microscope stations; and (b) a plurality of microscope stations connected to the means for operatively linking microscope stations, wherein a microscope of the plurality of microscope stations includes: (i) a movable slide stage for mounting a specimen slide having a specimen; (ii) a means for computing wherein information relating to the specimen slide being examined by the microscope is stored by the means for computing and is made accessible to other microscopes; and (iii) means for automatically recording location information of interest of the movable slide stage during a microscope examination, wherein the automatically recorded location information of interest represents microscope viewing locations on the specimen slide that are locations of interest.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
125 words
A network of interconnected microscope stations comprising: (a) a means for operatively linking microscope stations; and (b) a plurality of microscope stations connected to the means for operatively linking microscope stations, wherein a microscope of the plurality of microscope stations includes: (i) a movable slide stage for mounting a specimen slide having a specimen; (ii) a means for computing wherein information relating to the specimen slide being examined by the microscope is stored by the means for computing and is made accessible to other microscopes; and (iii) means for automatically recording location information of interest of the movable slide stage during a microscope examination, wherein the automatically recorded location information of interest represents microscope viewing locations on the specimen slide that are locations of interest.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
35 words
The network of claim 16, wherein each microscope station in the network of the interconnected microscope stations further comprises a terminal for a data base having information relevant to appropriate examination of the slide specimen.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The network of claim 17, wherein the data base comprises a Hospital Information System and wherein the slide specimen is from a patient whose medical records are contained in a Hospital Information System.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
88 words
The network of claim 18, wherein selected areas of the slide specimen are converted to video digitized images by means for conversion and means for storing a data base, with the video digitized images being accessible at the interconnected microscope stations and wherein the data base further includes a library data base of known slide specimen images whereby the video digitized images are visually compared to known slide specimens in a side by side comparison on a means for video display at any of the interconnected microscope stations.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
38 words
The network of claim 18, wherein each interconnected microscope station of the network of interconnected microscope stations further comprises means for generating a report into the Hospital Information System for a patient, based on a slide specimen examination.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
44 words
The network of claim 16, wherein the network further includes at least one cell analysis instrument and wherein at least one interconnected microscope station of the network of interconnected microscope stations further comprises a terminal for receipt of analysis from the cell analysis instrument.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising a means for recording time information of the movable slide stage during a prior microscope examination, wherein the time information includes an amount of time spent on viewing a location of interest.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising a means for encoding selected details of the specimen and a manner of the microscope examination based on the location information and the time information.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
68 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein separate microscope stations are further independently linked to a cell analysis instrument, whereby cell analysis of other specimens from the same source as the specimen of the microscope examination, is effected by the cell analysis instrument and wherein analysis data from the cell analysis instrument and results of the microscope examination are simultaneously available at the separate microscope stations, for review thereof.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the cell analysis instrument is a hematology analyzer.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the cell analysis instrument is a Pap smear analyzer.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the cell analysis instrument is an image analyzer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the cell analysis instrument is a laser scanning cytometer.
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