Low-cost instrumentation of Automated Whole – slide Microscope for Biomedical Imaging

Abstract

Microscope is one of the essential devices in medical profession. It is usually used for finding out types of abnormal cells or tissues, detecting the diseases, and defining a range treatment option for patient. Recently, there is a new technology of whole-slide imaging (WSI) which has been developed in the microscope. The technology provides the scanning of conventional glass slides to produce digital images of cumulative data. Since the WSI is a complex system and very expensive price, hence we aim to implement the prototype of a cost- effective whole – slide imaging system based on the principle of microscopic design. The implemented prototype consisting of optical and mechanical parts was developed using 3D printing. The optical system employed a 40x objective lens aligning with the digital camera for imaging the specimen on the standard slide. The mechanical system was designed for the movement of the slide in 3 dimensions automatically and controlled by stepper motors and microcontrollers based on controlling computer program. To accumulate the whole- slide image, the slide was scanned and captured in the X-Y axes and the focal (Z) axis in a sequence. The cumulative data was then analyzed and rendered the whole- slide image. The implemented device would be advantageous to cytologists and doctors for the biomedical imaging and recording numerous medical data of the patients.