DIGITAL PATHOLOGY SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A data processing system for handling images of specimens and associated data, comprising:
- a source of digital image data representing images of the specimens to a predetermined magnification;
an image database containing memory for storing the digital image data and associated data relating to the image data;
a workflow database containing memory for storing case management data associated with the specimens;
a computer workstation comprising at least one digital processor coupled to the image database and to the workflow database, the processor being operable under control of a user to obtain and display selected ones of the images for review, to accept user input and to record in at least one of the image database and the workflow database information resulting from the user input;
wherein the digital processor is programmed to present the image data to the user on a display controlled according to the user input to emulate controls of an optical microscope.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A digital pathology system has a central workflow server hosting digital pathology application services and supporting one or more pathology workstations. The digital pathology system may include one or more image servers, providing digital images of sample specimen slides that are associated with medical cases. Residing at and executing on each pathology workstation is a digital pathology application client, which is the counterpart of digital pathology application services at the central workflow server. The combination of digital pathology application services at the central workflow server and digital pathology application client at each pathology workstation support a pathology workflow software module and a slide viewer software module. The present disclosure also describes a method of operation and/or use of the digital pathology system.
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Citations
41 Claims
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1. A data processing system for handling images of specimens and associated data, comprising:
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a source of digital image data representing images of the specimens to a predetermined magnification; an image database containing memory for storing the digital image data and associated data relating to the image data; a workflow database containing memory for storing case management data associated with the specimens; a computer workstation comprising at least one digital processor coupled to the image database and to the workflow database, the processor being operable under control of a user to obtain and display selected ones of the images for review, to accept user input and to record in at least one of the image database and the workflow database information resulting from the user input; wherein the digital processor is programmed to present the image data to the user on a display controlled according to the user input to emulate controls of an optical microscope. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 31)
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23. A method for digitally managing examination of patient samples by a pathologist or technician user by computational steps using at least one programmed digital processor, comprising:
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obtaining tissue samples and preparing the samples on slides; scanning and digitally encoding microscopic images of at least a predetermined area of the slides encompassing the tissue samples; associating images defining at least one of a patient, a case, a patient part and a block, and storing digital data files representing the microscopic images in at least one database with associated information identifying the images and associated patient medical information, the images from the slides and the associated patient medical information defining a virtual case package containing images and information; providing a workstation having a digital processor in data communication with the at least one database, at least one display and user operated input devices; operating the digital processor under control of a stored data processing program to present to the user options for selection of case packages and portions of case packages forming a workload, to display the images and information and to record and to store data in the at least one database, data generated as a result of review of the images and information by the user; wherein presentation and manipulation of the images is controlled by the digital processor to emulate controls of stage positioning and magnification on an optical microscope; and
,wherein presentation and manipulation of the case packages is controlled by the digital processor and user input using icons visually emulating virtual slides and files of a physical case package. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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Specification