Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing pathology diagnostic opinions to physicians at sites remote from where the consulting pathologist is physically located. The system includes a robotically controlled microscope at the remote site equipped with a video camera means for collecting video signals from the microscope. The system also uses a bidirectional communication means to link the microscope with a pathologist workstation. The workstation includes a monitor for viewing images received from the video camera means and control means for generating control signals which are sent over the bidirectional communication means to thereby remotely control the microscope. Preferably, the system also includes means for electronically storing the X, Y, and Z microscope stage coordinates for particular points of the specimen viewed by the pathologist together with means for storing electronically and reproducing photographically the images viewed.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing pathology diagnostic opinions to physicians at sites remote from where the consulting pathologist is physically located. The system includes a robotically controlled microscope at the remote site equipped with a video camera means for collecting video signals from the microscope. The system also uses a bidirectional communication means to link the microscope with a pathologist workstation. The workstation includes a monitor for viewing images received from the video camera means and control means for generating control signals which are sent over the bidirectional communication means to thereby remotely control the microscope. Preferably, the system also includes means for electronically storing the X, Y, and Z microscope stage coordinates for particular points of the specimen viewed by the pathologist together with means for storing electronically and reproducing photographically the images viewed.