Neopath, Inc.

Keith L Frost

Jon W Hayenga

Kim J Hansen

James K Riley

James A Stephanick

Tuan H Phan

William C Lindow

Shih-Jong James Lee

William E Ortyn

Seho Oh

Chih-Chau L Kuan

Larry A Nelson

Alan C Nelson

Michael G Meyer

Paul S Wilhelm

Robert C Schmidt

Wendy R Bannister

Michael J Seo

Carl E Youngmann

Measurement of the optical transfer function of an optical system imaging a bar pattern. A one dimensional fast Fourier transform processes sampled image data from the bar pattern. A model of the system utilizes robust measurements of the period, duty cycle and center of each stripe in the pattern. A signal alias free optical transfer function is estimated from the plurality of one dimensional frequency representation of the signal. An idealized bar pattern synthesized from the measured parameters of period, duty cycle and the center of each stripe in the pattern generates an ideal optical transfer function. The noise reduced optical transfer function, OTF, is estimated from OTF of the signal and OTF of the synthesized bar pattern.

Method and apparatus for alias free measurement of optical transfer

The invention detects areas of interest at low magnification, locating possible abnormal cells or other cells of interest using image processing and statistical pattern recognition techniques. Next, at high magnification, the areas identified at low magnification are re-examined. The information from the low magnification and high magnification scans is collated and a determination is made about the slide--whether it is normal, abnormal, contains endocervical component, and so forth. The invention also provides a method and apparatus to train object feature and slide feature classifiers. The invention provides an automated cytology system that can process training slides for use in a feed back classifier development environment. The invention also can classify endocervical groups of cells.

Cytological slide scoring apparatus

A computer receives image data from a star-shaped optical target in the object plane and calculates angle-dependent boundary sharpness. The horizontal, x-direction, amplitude derivative and the vertical, y-direction, amplitude derivative are computed over a portion of each star pattern image from a Z panning sequence. A microscope slide stage, carrying the target, is moved vertically from a level just below where the target is in focus to a level just above where the target is in focus. For each small increment of vertical motion, Z panning, an image of the star pattern is captured for analysis. Computations are performed on the differentiated images to search for evidence of elongation of the point spread function and variation with stage Z position of the angle of long axis of such an out-of-round point spread function. The presence of a distorted point spread function that varies along the optical axis indicates astigmatism.

Astigmatism measurement apparatus and method based on a focal plane

Separation apparatus and method for measuring focal plane

A method for automatically focusing on a slide includes the steps of locating a coverslip, acquiring images from predetermined focal depths in the slide, and starting at an initial focal depth proximate the surface of the coverslip. A set of predetermined characteristics within each of the images are measured to generate at least one image measurement for each of the plurality of images. A focus measure is computed for each of the images, where each focus measure is a function of at least one image measurement. A best focus location is determined relative to a focal depth where an acquired image has a highest focus measure.

Automatic focusing of biomedical specimens apparatus

A cytological system dynamic normalization of a normal threshold. An analysis score from a slide is compared against a threshold to determine whether or not the slide is normal or requires microscopy review. The normal threshold is dynamically adjusted using a three step process. The process is implemented on an automatic cytology system. The first step is initial calibration of the system to determine an initial threshold. The second step is a running adjustment of the normal threshold in response to the presentation of new slides to the automatic cytology system. The third step is the batch certification of every slide. The threshold may be adjusted for an analysis score, a quality control score, or a screening score.

Method for cytological system dynamic normalization

Accurately measuring and controlling the system transfer function of an imaging system, by eliminating interference from aliases. An image is captured of an image primitive with a uniaxial pattern, oriented at an angle to the primary axes of a sampling array. In order to accurately measure the system transfer function, a two-dimensional frequency representation is computed. The aliased components of the representation are separated from the unaliased components by translation in frequency along the axis perpendicular to the axis of the image primitive. Accurate measurement of the system transfer function makes it possible to accurately control the system transfer function.

Imaging system transfer function control method and apparatus

An automated apparatus for checking cytological system image collection integrity in an automated cytological system including an imaging apparatus controlled by a digital processor. The automated apparatus includes linearity checking apparatus, coupled to the imaging apparatus and the digital processor. System frequency response is checked using a modulation transfer function, where the sampling frequency may be determined by pixel size so as to allow the MTF to be determined beyond the sampling frequency of a system detector. A system signal to noise ratio is also checked for specific regions of the frequency spectrum.

Cytological system image collection integrity checking apparatus

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Seattle, WA, United States of America

Keith L Frost