Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to intelligently directed segmentation analysis for automated microscope systems. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes obtaining an image of at least a portion of a scan region including a biological specimen, partitioning the obtained image into zelles, determining one or more parameters of the zelles, performing a cluster analysis on the one or more parameters of the zelles, differentiating tissue of greater interest from tissue of lesser interest in the obtained image based on the cluster analysis and based on a test being performed for the biological specimen, and storing more information for the tissue of greater interest than information for the tissue of lesser interest. The cluster analysis can be a multivariate statistical cluster analysis, and the zelles can be test-dependent zelles (e.g., having dimensions defined according to the test being performed for the biological specimen).

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention provide for assigning coordinates to samples in an array. The method is based on a hierarchical pattern matching to a local lattice structure that is used as a template. Starting from the best local match, the pattern is expanded hierarchically to encompass the entire array.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and systems by which a device could detect if it has been loaded with a consumable that was not authorized by the manufacturer of the device even if the gray market could exactly remanufacture or duplicate the consumable. The methods and systems utilize an asymetric key pair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated analysis of transmitted and fluorescently labeled biological samples, wherein the apparatus automatically scans at a low magnification to acquire images which are analyzed to determine candidate cell objects of interest. Once candidate objects of interest are identified, further analysis is conducted automatically to process and collect data from samples having different staining agents.

Abstract: Systems and techniques to acquire image data. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: acquiring image data for a plurality of areas of a scan region. The technique may further include processing the image data to determine whether an area includes one or more desired features. The technique may further include designating an area as “interesting” if it includes a desired feature, and designating an area as non-interesting if it does not include the desired feature. The areas may be sub-divided one or more times, and subdivisions may be analyzed to determine if they include a desired feature.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated staining apparatus (autostainer) capable of staining sample on a microscope slide. The autostainer is capable of limiting the amount of reagent used through a process including image acquisition and processing techniques, wherein an image of the slide is acquired and used to determine a region on the slide to be stained. Also disclosed are methods of using images acquired by the autostainer in sample processing. In addition, a system including the autostainer functionally linked to an imaging system is provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an imager is used to generate an image of a sample, e.g., a tissue sample including diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride (DAB) stained cells. A user selects a region to be scored in the image. A mean intensity value of a selected color is determined from the pixels in the selected region. The selected color may be the complement of a color to be scored, which, in the case of a DAB test, is blue. A score is generated in response to the mean intensity value using a stored calibration curve.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated staining apparatus (autostainer) capable of staining sample on a microscope slide. The autostainer is capable of limiting the amount of reagent used through a process including image acquisition and processing techniques, wherein an image of the slide is acquired and used to determine a region on the slide to be stained. Also disclosed are methods of using images acquired by the autostainer in sample processing. In addition, a system comprising the autostainer functionally linked to an imaging system is provided.

Abstract: A keyed color generator for use in a machine vision system may include three color channels with a subtractor in each to subtract a corresponding component color of a background on which the object under inspection is being observed. This subtraction operation produces adjusted red (R), green (G), and blue (B) values. The R and B values may be divided by the adjusted G value to produce R/G and B/G color ratios. These color ratios and the adjusted G value may be compared to associated upper and lower threshold values corresponding to a keyed color. If all of the calculated values fall within the associated ranges, the generator outputs a signal indicative of the keyed color.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated analysis of transmitted and fluorescently labeled biological samples, wherein the apparatus automatically scans at a low magnification to acquire images which are analyzed to determine candidate cell objects of interest. Once candidate objects of interest are identified, further analysis is conducted automatically to process and collect data from samples having different staining agents.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are described for the handling of biological specimens for analysis. The systems, methods and apparatus are designed to reduce errors in misidentification, incorrect processing, and recordkeeping and reporting. The systems, methods, and apparatus can also provide real time tracking of samples at any stage, from collection to processing to analyzing to storage.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an imager is used to generate an image of a sample, e.g., a tissue sample including diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride (DAB) stained cells. A user selects a region to be scored in the image. A mean intensity value of a selected color is determined from the pixels in the selected region. The selected color may be the complement of a color to be scored, which, in the case of a DAB test, is blue. A score is generated in response to the mean intensity value using a stored calibration curve.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention provide for assigning coordinates to samples in an array. The method is based on a hierarchical pattern matching to a local lattice structure that is used as a template. Starting from the best local match, the pattern is expanded hierarchically to encompass the entire array.

Abstract: A color transition and area counting device for use in a machine vision system may include an input port for inputting a stream of pixels in a frame. The pixels in the frame with particular colors may be counted and stored by associated counters. The frame may be loaded simultaneously into four frame memories. Each frame memory may be read out in a different pattern, for example, horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and cross-diagonally. The number of valid color transitions detected in each of the four read out operations may be added to determine a transition count for the frame. The area count and transition count may be used to flag potentially defective objects examined by the system.

Abstract: A color threshold analyzer includes a converter to convert signals representative of a pixel color value, e.g., red (R), green (G), and blue (B) signals, to signals representing hue (H), saturation (S), and intensity (I) values. Comparators are provided to compare the hue value to upper and lower hue reference values, the saturation value to a lower saturation reference value, and the intensity value to upper and lower intensity values. A switch may be provided to select a desired orientation (i.e., clockwise or counter-clockwise) on a polar hue scale to define the values between the upper ad lower hue reference values. A color identifier may output a signal indicating that the pixel color value corresponds to a desired color range in response to each of the H, S, and I values falling within their associated range.

Abstract: A diode laser spectrometer includes a sample chamber for holding a sample gas, e.g., human breath, having first and second isotopic species in an unknown concentration ratio and a reference chamber for holding a reference gas having the first and second isotopic species in a known concentration ratio. Laser light is directed through both chambers at wavelengths corresponding to absorption wavelength of the isotopic species, and the light is detected and sample and reference signals generated. The signals are processed by a computer to determine the concentration ratio of the first isotopic species to the second isotopic species in the sample gas. The diode laser is cooled by a thermoelectric cooler or a cryocooler operating as a reverse Sterling engine.

Abstract: A diode laser spectrometer includes a sample chamber for holding a sample gas, e.g., human breath, having first and second isotopic species in an unknown concentration ratio and a reference chamber for holding a reference gas having the first and second isotopic species in a known concentration ratio. Laser light is directed through both chambers at wavelengths corresponding to absorption wavelength of the isotopic species, and the light is detected and sample and reference signals generated. The signals are processed by a computer to determine the concentration ratio of the first isotopic species to the second isotopic species in the sample gas. The diode laser is cooled by a thermoelectric cooler or a cryocooler operating as a reverse Sterling engine.