US5835620A — Boundary mapping system and method

Claim 1

Independent Claim 104 words

A method of mapping areas of a slide, comprising the steps of: a) selectively illuminating the slide from a first light source, wherein light from the first light source is directed generally obliquely to the surface of the slide; b) obtaining a first image of the slide illuminated by the first light source; c) selectively illuminating the slide from a second light source through a diffuser to provide generally scattered light; d) obtaining through the diffuser a second image of the slide illuminated by the second light source; and e) generating a map of areas of significance based on the first and second images.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 104 words

A method of mapping areas of a slide, comprising the steps of: a) selectively illuminating the slide from a first light source, wherein light from the first light source is directed generally obliquely to the surface of the slide; b) obtaining a first image of the slide illuminated by the first light source; c) selectively illuminating the slide from a second light source through a diffuser to provide generally scattered light; d) obtaining through the diffuser a second image of the slide illuminated by the second light source; and e) generating a map of areas of significance based on the first and second images.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 1, wherein step of illuminating the slide from a first light source includes illuminating from plural sides of the slide.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 55 words

The method of claim 1, wherein step of illuminating the slide from a second light source includes positioning a diffuser between the second light source and the slide when the second light source is illuminating the slide and positioning the diffuser in a different a position when the first light source is illuminating the slide.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 98 words

A slide mapping system for a slide having a coverslip, comprising: a first light source oriented generally obliquely to the surface of the slide; a second light source providing generally scattered light to the slide; a camera for obtaining a first image of light produced by the first light source that is reflected from the slide and for obtaining through a diffuser a second image of scattered light produced from the second light source that is reflected from the slide; and a processor for generating a map of areas of significance based on the first and second images.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 98 words

A slide mapping system for a slide having a coverslip, comprising: a first light source oriented generally obliquely to the surface of the slide; a second light source providing generally scattered light to the slide; a camera for obtaining a first image of light produced by the first light source that is reflected from the slide and for obtaining through a diffuser a second image of scattered light produced from the second light source that is reflected from the slide; and a processor for generating a map of areas of significance based on the first and second images.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 18 words

The system of claim 4, wherein the diffuser is selectively in the field of view of the camera.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 4, wherein the first light source directs light incident on the slide from plural sides of the slide.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 4, wherein the first light source directs light incident on the slide from four sides of the slide.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 4, wherein the light from the second light source is directed through a diffuser to scatter the light.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 34 words

The system of claim 8, wherein the diffuser is selectively positionable between a position in the field of view of the camera and a position outside of the field of view of the camera.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 87 words

A slide mapping system, comprising: a camera; a diffuser selectively positionable in a first position in the field of view of the camera and a second position outside of the field of view of the camera; wherein the camera obtains a first image of the slide when the diffuser is in the first position and a second image of the slide when the diffuser is in the second position; and a processor for generating a map of areas of significance based on the first and second images.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 87 words

A slide mapping system, comprising: a camera; a diffuser selectively positionable in a first position in the field of view of the camera and a second position outside of the field of view of the camera; wherein the camera obtains a first image of the slide when the diffuser is in the first position and a second image of the slide when the diffuser is in the second position; and a processor for generating a map of areas of significance based on the first and second images.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 19 words

The system of claim 10, including a first light source oriented generally obliquely to the surface of the slide.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 28 words

The system of claim 10, including a second light source oriented to direct light toward the slide through the diffuser when the diffuser is in the first position.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 77 words

A mapping system, comprising: a first light source oriented generally obliquely to a surface of a slide to create a first image; a second light source providing light to the slide; a diffuser for scattering light from the second light source reflected by the slide to create a second image; a camera for obtaining the first and second images; and a processor for generating a map of areas of significance based on the first and second images.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 77 words

A mapping system, comprising: a first light source oriented generally obliquely to a surface of a slide to create a first image; a second light source providing light to the slide; a diffuser for scattering light from the second light source reflected by the slide to create a second image; a camera for obtaining the first and second images; and a processor for generating a map of areas of significance based on the first and second images.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 34 words

The system of claim 13, wherein the diffuser is selectively positionable between a position in the field of view of the camera and a position outside of the field of view of the camera.

Claim 19

Independent Claim 102 words

A method of displaying mapping information for a specimen, comprising the steps of: generating a pixel intensity map of the specimen; determining locations of interest in the specimen; assigning pixels within the locations of interest one of either odd or even numbers, with the assigned number for each pixel representative of its intensity; assigning other pixels the other of either odd or even numbers, with the assigned number for each pixel representative of its intensity; and displaying the pixels, with the pixels having odd numbers assigned thereto being displayed with a different color characteristic than pixels having an even number assigned thereto.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 102 words

A method of displaying mapping information for a specimen, comprising the steps of: generating a pixel intensity map of the specimen; determining locations of interest in the specimen; assigning pixels within the locations of interest one of either odd or even numbers, with the assigned number for each pixel representative of its intensity; assigning other pixels the other of either odd or even numbers, with the assigned number for each pixel representative of its intensity; and displaying the pixels, with the pixels having odd numbers assigned thereto being displayed with a different color characteristic than pixels having an even number assigned thereto.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 15, wherein the pixels within the locations of interest are displayed in black and white.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 15, wherein the pixels outside of the areas of interest are displayed in a certain color.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 15, wherein the pixels within the locations of interest are assigned an odd number.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 15, wherein the pixels outside of the areas of interest are assigned an even number.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 15, wherein the number assigned to a pixel is different from the gray scale intensity of the pixel by a visibly insignificant amount when the pixels are displayed.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 18, wherein the number assigned to a pixel is different from the gray scale intensity of the pixel by a visibly insignificant amount when the pixels are displayed.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 15, further including the step of permitting a user to edit the pixel intensity map.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 102 words

The method of claim 15, wherein the step of generating a pixel intensity map includes the steps of: a) selectively illuminating a slide containing the specimen from a first light source wherein light from the first light source is directed generally obliquely to the surface of the slide; b) obtaining a first image of the slide illuminated by the first light source; c) selectively illuminating the slide from a second light source; d) obtaining a second image of the slide illuminated by the second light source; and e) generating a map of areas of significance based on the first and second images.

Claim 29

Independent Claim 112 words

A method of auditing the mapping information for a specimen, comprising the steps of: generating a pixel intensity map of the specimen; determining locations of interest in the specimen; assigning pixels within the locations of interest one of either odd or even numbers, with the assigned number for each pixel representative of its intensity; assigning other pixels the other of either odd or even numbers, with the assigned number for each pixel representative of its intensity; displaying the pixels, with the pixels having odd numbers assigned thereto being displayed with a different color characteristic than pixels having an even number assigned thereto; and permitting an operator to change the pixel intensity map.

Claim 30

Independent Claim 112 words

A method of auditing the mapping information for a specimen, comprising the steps of: generating a pixel intensity map of the specimen; determining locations of interest in the specimen; assigning pixels within the locations of interest one of either odd or even numbers, with the assigned number for each pixel representative of its intensity; assigning other pixels the other of either odd or even numbers, with the assigned number for each pixel representative of its intensity; displaying the pixels, with the pixels having odd numbers assigned thereto being displayed with a different color characteristic than pixels having an even number assigned thereto; and permitting an operator to change the pixel intensity map.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 24, wherein the pixels within the locations of interest are displayed in black and white.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 24, wherein the pixels outside of the areas of interest are displayed in a certain color.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 24, wherein the pixels within the locations of interest are assigned an odd number.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 24, wherein the pixels outside of the areas of interest are assigned an even number.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 24, wherein the number assigned to a pixel is different from the gray scale intensity of the pixel by a visibly insignificant amount when the pixels are displayed.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 27, wherein the number assigned to a pixel is different from the gray scale intensity of the pixel by a visibly insignificant amount when the pixels are displayed.

Claim 37

Independent Claim 122 words

A method of detecting the location of bubbles on a slide, comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a first image of the slide illuminated under a first lighting condition; b) obtaining a second image of the slide illuminating under a second lighting condition; c) finding edges in the first and second images and combining the edges to form a third image; d) finding bounded areas defined by the edges in the third image; e) calculating a gray scale intensity average for each area in the second image corresponding to a bounded area in the third image; and f) comparing the calculated averages for each area to a threshold based on the gray scale intensity of a corresponding area in the first image.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 122 words

A method of detecting the location of bubbles on a slide, comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a first image of the slide illuminated under a first lighting condition; b) obtaining a second image of the slide illuminating under a second lighting condition; c) finding edges in the first and second images and combining the edges to form a third image; d) finding bounded areas defined by the edges in the third image; e) calculating a gray scale intensity average for each area in the second image corresponding to a bounded area in the third image; and f) comparing the calculated averages for each area to a threshold based on the gray scale intensity of a corresponding area in the first image.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 31, wherein the first lighting condition includes illuminating the slide with obliquely incident light.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 31, wherein the second lighting condition includes illuminating the slide with scattered light.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 31, including the step of connecting gaps in the edges in the third image.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of claim 31, wherein the areas in the second image having calculated averages exceeding the relevant threshold are determined to represent a bubble.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method of claim 31, wherein the areas in the second image corresponding to areas in the first image having a relatively high gray scale intensity are compared to a lower threshold than areas in the second image corresponding to areas in the first image having a relatively lower gray scale intensity.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 95 words

A method of finding a line in an image formed of a plurality of rows and columns of pixels, comprising the steps of; a) accumulating the intensity values for plural pixels in a row with the intensity values for previous pixels in the row and storing the accumulated sum for each of said plural pixels; b) comparing the stored sums for a plurality of said plural pixels in the same column to a threshold value; and, c) estimating a point on the line as a function of the pixels having stored sums exceeding the threshold.

Claim 45

Independent Claim 95 words

A method of finding a line in an image formed of a plurality of rows and columns of pixels, comprising the steps of; a) accumulating the intensity values for plural pixels in a row with the intensity values for previous pixels in the row and storing the accumulated sum for each of said plural pixels; b) comparing the stored sums for a plurality of said plural pixels in the same column to a threshold value; and, c) estimating a point on the line as a function of the pixels having stored sums exceeding the threshold.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 37, wherein the step of estimating includes performing a weighted average of the pixels and the stored sums.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 37, including the step of using the estimated point to estimate the location of another point on the line.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method of claim 37, including the further step of bisecting the image into plural subimages and using the estimated point to estimate the location of additional points on the line.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method of claim 40, including the step of obtaining the sums of the intensity values for plural pixels in a row within each subimage for a plurality of rows adjacent the estimated point and comparing the sums to a threshold value.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 39 words

The method of claim 41, wherein the step of obtaining the sums includes subtracting the stored sum for the pixel at one distal column of a subimage from the stored sum at the other distal column of that subimage.

Claim 51

Independent Claim 159 words

A method of finding a line in an image formed of a plurality of rows and columns of pixels comprising the steps of: a) summing the intensity values for plural pixels in a row with the intensity values for previous pixels in the row and storing the sum for each of said plural pixels; b) comparing the stored sums for a plurality of said plural pixels in the same column to a threshold value; c) estimating a first point on the line as a function of the pixels having stored sums exceeding the threshold; d) bisecting the image into plural subimages; e) obtaining the sums of the intensity values for plural pixels in a row within each subimage for a plurality of rows adjacent the estimated point; f) comparing the obtained sums to the threshold value; and, g) estimating the location of additional points on the line as a function of the pixels having obtained sums exceeding the threshold.

Claim 52

Independent Claim 159 words

A method of finding a line in an image formed of a plurality of rows and columns of pixels comprising the steps of: a) summing the intensity values for plural pixels in a row with the intensity values for previous pixels in the row and storing the sum for each of said plural pixels; b) comparing the stored sums for a plurality of said plural pixels in the same column to a threshold value; c) estimating a first point on the line as a function of the pixels having stored sums exceeding the threshold; d) bisecting the image into plural subimages; e) obtaining the sums of the intensity values for plural pixels in a row within each subimage for a plurality of rows adjacent the estimated point; f) comparing the obtained sums to the threshold value; and, g) estimating the location of additional points on the line as a function of the pixels having obtained sums exceeding the threshold.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 39 words

The method of claim 43, wherein the step of obtaining the sums includes subtracting the stored sum for the pixel at one distal column of a subimage from the stored sum at the other distal column of that subimage.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 43, wherein the step of estimating the location of additional points includes performing a weighted average of the pixels and the obtained sums.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-11-09	2002-05-11	2002-11-10	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-11-09	2006-05-11	2006-11-10	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-11-09	2010-05-11	2010-11-10	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Boundary mapping system and method

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag