PFI:AIR - TT: Developing high-throughput whole slide imaging platform using single-frame instant-focusing scheme

此PFI：AIR技术翻译项目专注于翻译单帧即时对焦方案，以满足高通量全幻灯片成像(WSI)的需求。WSI指的是扫描传统的玻璃片，以便创建数字幻灯片，然后通过计算机将其用于诊断目的，在计算机上可以查看、管理和分析这些幻灯片。它是世界各地病理学部门正在使用的最新成像方式，并继续获得诊断、教育和研究目的的牵引力。拟议的创新非常重要，因为它可以解决高通量显微成像的挑战，并降低生物研究和医疗诊断市场的Brightfield和荧光全片成像的成本障碍。该项目将产生一个具有以下独特功能的WSI产品原型：1)它可以在不需要机械z扫描的情况下快速、精确地检测长轴向范围内的样品位置，2)它能够处理透明和低对比度的样品，3)它可以在同一平台上提供多种成像方式，以及4)它只需要对现有显微镜平台进行最小的硬件修改。与这一市场领域的竞争对手WSI产品相比，这些功能带来了更好的成像质量、更高的吞吐量性能和成本节约。这个项目解决了耗时的自动聚焦过程的技术差距，因为它从研究发现转化为商业应用。通过使用双针孔光圈或双LED照明器进行自动对焦，可以实时在长轴向范围内精确检测样品的最佳焦距位置。所提出的创新的单帧检测特性还允许即使当舞台处于连续运动中并且聚焦误差不会累积到其他空间位置时也能够自动对焦。此外，参与该项目的人员，包括本科生和毕业生，将通过“加速康涅狄格州”项目获得创业和技术转换体验。该项目聘请多佛移动公司的商业合作伙伴，指导这项技术转换工作中的商业化方面，从研究发现到商业现实。

This PFI: AIR Technology Translation project focuses on translating the single-frame instant-focusing scheme to fill the need for high-throughput whole slide imaging (WSI). WSI refers to scanning conventional glass slides in order to create digital slides which can then be used for diagnostic purposes via a computer where they can be viewed, managed and analyzed. It is the most recent imaging modality being employed by pathology departments worldwide and continues to gain traction for diagnostic, educational, and research purposes.The proposed innovation is important because it can address the challenges of high-throughput microscopy imaging and lower the cost barrier of brightfield and fluorescence whole slide imaging for the biological research and medical diagnostic markets. The project will result in a WSI product prototype that has the following unique features: 1) it can rapidly and precisely detect the sample position over a long axial range without mechanical z-scanning, 2) it is able to handle transparent and low-contrast samples, 3) it can provide multiple imaging modalities in the same platform, and 4) it requires minimum hardware modification to an existing microscope platform. These features lead to a better imaging quality, a higher throughput performance, and a cost saving when compared to the competing WSI products in this market space.  This project addresses the technology gap of the time-consuming autofocusing process as it translates from research discovery toward commercial applications. By employing a dual-pinhole aperture or a dual-LED illuminator for autofocusing, the optimal focal position of the sample can be precisely detected over a long axial range in real time. The single-frame detection nature of the proposed innovation also allows autofocusing even when the stage is in continuous motion and the focus errors will not be accumulated to other spatial positions. In addition, personnel involved in this project, including undergraduates and graduates, will receive entrepreneurship and technology translation experiences through the "Accelerate UConn" program.The project engages business partners from Dover Motion to guide commercialization aspects in this technology translation effort from research discovery toward commercial reality.