Abstract: A microscopy imaging system and method acquires digital images of a microscope specimen using a computer-controlled microscope and digital camera. A specimen on a microscope slide is placed within the microscope. The method comprises the steps of determining whether an area of the specimen contained within a microscope field of view has a thickness, and, if so, capturing digital images of the field of view at a plurality of depths of focus. In a preferred embodiment, the step of determining whether an area of the specimen contained within a microscope field of view has a thickness comprises the steps of: capturing a digital image of the field of view at two or more depths of focus; comparing the captured digital images, and determining that the specimen has a thickness, if the comparing step finds that the images are different. The method may be implemented in the form of a computer program.

Abstract: A method of telemicroscopy comprises the step of preparing a specimen on a microscopy slide. The slide is placed upon the stage of a microscope equipped with digital imaging apparatus and motorised stage and the specimen imaged to obtain a composite high resolution image of the whole specimen. A relatively low resolution copy of that image is obtained and stored in a datastore. The method further comprises the steps of allowing access to the datastore from a terminal transferring the low resolution image to the terminal and displaying the image upon a monitor selecting by means of the remote terminal, as desired, an area of the low resolution image and transferring corresponding high resolution image data for that area from the datastore to the terminal.