Abstract: A diagram based visual procedure note writing, in one aspect, presents an image representing a structure on a user interface display. A plurality of objects is presented on the user interface display. Responsive to an object being placed onto the image of the structure, metadata associated with the object is updated based on region information associated with a position where the object is placed onto the image. The updated metadata is presented on the user interface display. A note is composed based on the updated metadata.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for constructing a virtual microscope slide. The method encompasses the construction of a data structure by digitally scanning a specimen and acquiring digital image data of a series of digitized adjacent image segments of the specimen. The image segments are useable to provide an overall magnified image of the specimen as well as higher magnification images of selected points on the specimen. The scanned digital image data can be stored and transferred over an Internet or intranet communication channel. A control program is provided for the data structure for viewing the overall magnified image and higher magnification images of selected points on the specimen. The control program allows for the selection of a point on the overall magnified image, and display from the stored digital image data a corresponding higher magnification image of the selected point.

Abstract: A wide field microscopic image acquisition apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus is configured to acquire images of a specimen on a microscope slide and includes first and second illuminators each having unique illumination characteristics. The apparatus includes a microscope imaging system with an imaging device, an objective lens and a stage configured to digitally acquire a plurality of images of the specimen using the first and second illuminators. A controller is configured to automatically control the microscope imaging system and acquire the plurality of images of the specimen using the first and second illuminators. The first and second illuminators can be bright field, dark field or fluorescent illuminators.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for viewing microscopic images include transmitting tiled microscopic images from a server to a client. The client assembles the tiled images into a seamless virtual slide or specimen image and provides tools for manipulating image magnification and viewpoint. The method and apparatus also provides a virtual multi-headed microscope function which allows scattered viewers to simultaneously view and interact with a coherent magnified microscopic image.

Abstract: A virtual microscope slide includes images of a specimen for a given level of optical magnification which are associated and stored in a data structure. The forming of the data structure having the multiple Z-plane images preferably includes automatically focusing at a principal reference focal plane and capturing and digitizing an optically magnified reference Z-image and then shifting the specimen relative to the lens system by a predetermined increment to capture and digitize another Z-plane image. Preferably, a multiple sequence of Z-plane images above and below the reference image and captured and digitized. For ease of retrieval and use, each reference image has its associated Z-plane images are formed in a stack that is sent over the Internet, or Intranet to a local computer storage for quick retrieval when a viewer wants to mimic a focusing up or down to better view a detail in an image.

Abstract: A wide field microscopic image acquisition apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus is configured to acquire images of a specimen on a microscope slide and includes first and second illuminators each having unique illumination characteristics. The apparatus includes a microscope imaging system with an imaging device, an objective lens and a stage configured to digitally acquire a plurality of images of the specimen using the first and second illuminators. A controller is configured to automatically control the microscope imaging system and acquire the plurality of images of the specimen using the first and second illuminators. The first and second illuminators can be bright field, dark field or fluorescent illuminators.

Abstract: A virtual microscope slide includes images of a specimen for a given level of optical magnification which are associated and stored in a data structure. The forming of the data structure having the multiple Z-plane images preferably includes automatically focusing at a principal reference focal plane and capturing and digitizing an optically magnified reference Z-image and then shifting the specimen relative to the lens system by a predetermined increment to capture and digitize another Z-plane image. Preferably, a multiple sequence of Z-plane images above and below the reference image and captured and digitized. For ease of retrieval and use, each reference image has its associated Z-plane images are formed in a stack that is sent over the Internet, or Intranet to a local computer storage for quick retrieval when a viewer wants to mimic a focusing up or down to better view a detail in an image.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for viewing microscopic images include transmitting tiled microscopic images from a server to a client. The client assembles the tiled images into a seamless virtual slide or specimen image and provides tools for manipulating image magnification and viewpoint. The method and apparatus also provides a virtual multi-headed microscope function which allows scattered viewers to simultaneously view and interact with a coherent magnified microscopic image.

Abstract: A virtual microscope slide includes images of a specimen for a given level of optical magnification which are associated and stored in a data structure. The forming of the data structure having the multiple Z-plane images preferably includes automatically focusing at a principal reference focal plane and capturing and digitizing an optically magnified reference Z-image and then shifting the specimen relative to the lens system by a predetermined increment to capture and digitize another Z-plane image. Preferably, a multiple sequence of Z-plane images above and below the reference image and captured and digitized. For ease of retrieval and use, each reference image has its associated Z-plane images are formed in a stack that is sent over the Internet, or Intranet to a local computer storage for quick retrieval when a viewer wants to mimic a focusing up or down to better view a detail in an image.

Abstract: A method to optimize and prioritize video routing operations in conjunction with multiple integrated device controls in an integrated operating room system is presented. The method comprises initializing a routing having a source and a destination for routable devices, displaying the routing and a device menu including routable and non-routable devices, requesting a change in the devices, and for each of the devices for which a change is requested, opening a device control window for the device using the device menu, changing the device according to the change request, and closing the device control window, wherein for every device for which a change is requested, when the device control window is opened, all other devices remain accessible. In one embodiment, displaying is performed using a touch screen. In one embodiment, when a change is requested for a routable device, a small video preview window replaces the normal video preview window.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for viewing microscopic images include transmitting tiled microscopic images from a server to a client. The client assembles the tiled images into a seamless virtual slide or specimen image and provides tools for manipulating image magnification and viewpoint. The method and apparatus also provides a virtual multi-headed microscope function which allows scattered viewers to simultaneously view and interact with a coherent magnified microscopic image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a magnified composite image of a microscope specimen comprises making error corrections for imprecise movements of the specimen relative to an objective lens when capturing data for first and second images. A correction offset is computed based on a comparison of data for overlapped portions of the first and second images and then the specimen is moved through a distance modified by the correction offset for capture of a subsequent tiled image. Image center portions are retained as the data structure tile. The area about the center portion is used to align images and to compensate for stage inaccuracies and to provide a feedback signal for a drive system. Differences in X, Y coordinates for macro and micro view images may be used as navigation offsets to view a selected point for the micro image marked on the macro image.

Abstract: A virtual microscope slide includes images of a specimen for a given level of optical magnification which are associated and stored in a data structure. The forming of the data structure having the multiple Z-plane images preferably includes automatically focusing at a principal reference focal plane and capturing and digitizing an optically magnified reference Z-image and then shifting the specimen relative to the lens system by a predetermined increment to capture and digitize another Z-plane image. Preferably, a multiple sequence of Z-plane images above and below the reference image and captured and digitized. For ease of retrieval and use, each reference image has its associated Z-plane images are formed in a stack that is sent over the Internet, or Intranet to a local computer storage for quick retrieval when a viewer wants to mimic a focusing up or down to better view a detail in an image.

Abstract: A virtual microscope slide includes images of a specimen for a given level of optical magnification which are associated and stored in a data structure. The forming of the data structure having the multiple Z-plane images preferably includes automatically focusing at a principal reference focal plane and capturing and digitizing an optically magnified reference Z-image and then shifting the specimen relative to the lens system by a predetermined increment to capture and digitize another Z-plane image. Preferably, a multiple sequence of Z-plane images above and below the reference image and captured and digitized. For ease of retrieval and use, each reference image has its associated Z-plane images are formed in a stack that is sent over the Internet, or Intranet to a local computer storage for quick retrieval when a viewer wants to mimic a focusing up or down to better view a detail in an image.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for viewing microscopic images include transmitting tiled microscopic images from a server to a client. The client assembles the tiled images into a seamless virtual slide or specimen image and provides tools for manipulating image magnification and viewpoint. The method and apparatus also provides a virtual multi-headed microscope function which allows scattered viewers to simultaneously view and interact with a coherent magnified microscopic image.

Abstract: This invention is a continuing submission of multi-functional gelatin particle and its use, provisional patent application 60/880,734 filed at 01/17/2007. And this invention is related to former patent applications of 11/698,966, 11/788,829, 11/799,487. Multi-functional gelatin particle has been used for the variety of biological assays and applications. In this patent application, we extend to use multi-functional gelatin particles as for the in vivo & in vitro shuttle assay. We modified particle preparation steps and then, we can add extra functions in inside and outside of gelatin particles. Such multi-modified and functioned gelatin particles worked for the encapsulation of cells and serve subcutaneous injection too. Such Multi-functional gelatin particles can work as molecular indicator, target molecule isolator, and local area stimulator for the living cells also.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope including: a light source; a lens for altering the cross-sectional shape aspect ratio of a beam of light emitted from the light source; at least one lens for converging beams of light of different cross-sectional shape aspect ratio to create a linear light; a first light modulation member able to impart shade to the converged linear light; a lens that can form the light to which the shade has been imparted as a parallel light; a scanning member that can alter the angle of illumination; a lens for focusing the light to which the shade has been imparted; an objective lens for projecting the light to which the shading has been imparted to a sample body; and a lens for imaging the reflected light from the sample body or the light generated by the sample body on to a sensor.

Abstract: A business planning and project facilitation method, program, and system for a new or existing venture is provided. Default values based on data retrieved from a knowledge database according to user-provided venture estimate information, are provided to the user. The user can enter additional information based on the user's estimate of a value for the venture to supplement and/or override at least one default value of the plurality of provided default values provided by the system. Based on the default value information and the user estimate information, a business plan customized for the venture is reported to the user. The database has information specific to a local business environment and detailed information about the industry of the target venture, including for example, ambulatory surgery centers and facilities, such as endoscopy. System, method and program storage device for providing valuation of a new or existing venture is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for making and using a virtual microscope slide data structure having data for an overall image of the specimen or a substantial portion thereof along with data for higher magnification images of selected areas within the overall image and along with data useable for correlating, linking and/or coherently assembling low magnification, overall image segments with the higher image segments. This latter data may comprise a control program for manipulating images to allow zooming different, higher magnification images into view, scrolling adjacent high magnification images into view or marking the location of a displayed higher magnification view on the overall image to assist in navigation by a viewer to locate and quickly display suspicious areas within the specimen. The data structure may be sent over the Internet.

Abstract: A sample aliquot pipette tip (SAT) includes a pipette tip and a sample aliquot cup. The pipette tip is collapsible. The sample aliquot cup is arranged above the pipette tip and is fluidly coupled with the pipette tip. The SAT works in concert with a tip aliquot support (TAS). The TAS may include a channel for accepting a collapsed pipette tip of an SAT, a support for accommodating a sample aliquot cup of a SAT and a constricted passage arranged between the support and the channel. As an SAT is inserted into a TAS, the constricted passage of the TAS collapses the pipette tip of the SAT. The collapsed pipette tip of the SAT is then received by the channel of the TAS. When the SAT is fully inserted into the TAS, the support of the TAS accommodates the sample aliquot cup of the SAT.