MICROSCOPE PATHOLOGY CAMERAS

COMPARE MICROSCOPE PATHOLOGY CAMERAS

The use of imaging and digital pathology applications has risen dramatically in recent years, and as more labs and pathologists decide to implement cameras within their microscope, there is a need to compare microscope pathology cameras.

While Augmentiqs is much more than just a microscope camera, functioning as a platform for digital pathology applications within the microscope – the camera can be purchased alone and a comparison is still important.

As there are a wide range of needs including image analysis, real time consultations, building pathology training sets and much more, the following information will serve to distinguish between Augmentiqs microscope camera and standard 3^rd ocular pathology cameras.

Positioning of the Camera on the Microscope

The first thing one would notice when comparing Augmentiqs to the 3^rd ocular camera is the positioning of the image sensor within the microscope. Augmentiqs is positioned below the microscope eyepiece, such that as the light from the microscope lamp passes the magnification objective through the tube lens, a beam splitter within the Augmentiqs system siphons off a small percentage of the light to an embedded camera, capturing a live view of the sample as seen within the microscope eyepiece.

There are multiple advantages for placing a camera at this location.

While scientific cameras have been installed with a C-mount and trinocular lens for many years, the optical field of view is substantially vignetted compared to the view within the eyepiece due to the longer path length. The Augmentiqs camera is positioned to capture a field of view that is comparable to the standard 22.5mm eyepiece.

The larger field of view is in itself a significant advantage for pathologists, as it enables remote pathologists viewing the image via telepathology to see the entire field of view as opposed to a coned-in image. This similar view provides the remote pathologist with more context of the tissue, and will in-turn lead to a better consultation and diagnosis.

Read what users are saying about Augmentiqs.

3rd Ocular Camera Field of View

Skin, 40x

Augmentiqs Camera Field of View

Skin, 40x

Another advantage of the Augmentiqs camera placement in comparison to the typical 3^rd ocular is the ability for Augmentiqs to work with any microscope. Should there be a need to transfer the Augmentiqs camera from one microscope to another, including one microscope brand to another brand, the system is interoperable with any microscope. A trinocular head is generally more complicated to switch, and most definitely in the event that the microscope is from a different manufacturer.

Furthermore, the placement of the Augmentiqs camera below the microscope eyepiece removes the need for a trinocular lens, C-mount and professional installation. When one would compare microscope pathology cameras, Augmentiqs comes with the C-mount pre-installed, while the system itself is plug & play. The added costs of the trinocular lens, C-mount and installation could easily reach 50% of the cost of the camera alone.

The removal of the need for the trinocular lens opens up many digital pathology applications by having the camera in a constant state of image capture – as there is no shutter adjustment required typical of a trinocular lens. Augmentiqs utilizes a unique optical solution that maintains a sufficient amount of light to continue to the microscope eyepiece while at the same time supplying enough light to the image sensor to provide a high quality image.

Advantages of Augmentiqs Pathology Camera Placement Compared to 3^rd Ocular Camera

Larger field of view
Keeps costs low
Fits any existing microscope
Switch between microscopes
Camera always available for imaging
Plug & play
No need for trinocular head and C-mount

Image Quality of Augmentiqs Compared to Microscope Cameras

Image quality is among the most important qualities of any digital microscopy camera for pathology applications. In fact, it’s a prerequisite to any camera purchase.

The ability to capture a reproducible image on camera as what is seen in the microscope eyepiece is no trivial matter, and only the best of camera manufacturers are able to consistently match the two.

Augmentiqs utilizes advanced optical components with a 20mp Sony chip to provide an image with optimal image quality. The following components play a role.

High Resolution
Pixel size
High frame rate
Color reproduction
USB 3 connection
High sensitivity
Low noise
High dynamic range

Compare Microscope Pathology Cameras – User Interface

One of the most unfortunate aspects of the user interface for the majority of microscopy imaging devices is the sheer magnitude of buttons and commands on the user interface. In the majority of instances, the pathologist does not know how, or has no use for these commands.

Augmentiqs was designed for ease of use, with a user interface that presents pathologists only the information necessary to do their work faster and better. The system is calibrated once upon installation, and the settings for each particular objective magnification are recognized; automating many routine tasks such as white balance and morphometric calibration.

Furthermore, images are automatically saved within a file directory that can be setup according to case data. For example, the Augmentiqs system can automatically detect the slide label identification, which will in turn allow Augmentiqs to file the images within the folder for that particular sample.

The Augmentiqs camera is attached to the PC via a single USB 3.0 cable, with the user software running directly from the PC.

Image database with filters for easy search

User interface with morphometric toolbar and advanced analysis

Compare Microscope Pathology Cameras for image Analysis Software

Augmentiqs was revolutionary in enabling pathologists to utilize 3^rd party image analysis software directly within the microscope. As opposed to the majority of cameras that require saving an image to the computer and then running the image within the analysis software, Augmentiqs saves precious time for the pathologists by deploying the 3^rd party software directly from the image while the slide is on the stage.

Augmentiqs further breaks down the barriers to accessing 3^rd party image analysis software within the microscope camera by providing an open API through which any new software can be integrated.

Augmentiqs currently supports open-source QuPath, ImageJ, proprietary Aira Matrix artificial intelligence and an entire range of quantitative toolsets developed by Augmentiqs. Augmentiqs also supports image acquisition directly into Laboratory Information Systems and patient records.

Another benefit of utilizing the Augmentiqs camera is the real-time telepathology software application. Augmentiqs enables multi-directional communication between the microscope and an unlimited number of remote participants. The telepathology solution is ideal for pathology applications, as it provides an image with lossless compression to remote participants, allows remote parties to make annotations and morphometric measurements, is HIPPA compliant, secure for IT, and easy to use.

Compare Microscope Pathology Camera – Image Analysis and Other Pathology Software

Augmentiqs further breaks down the barriers to accessing 3^rd party image analysis software within the microscope camera by providing an open API through which any new software can be integrated.

Compare Microscope Pathology Camera – Pricing (Capital Expense, Ongoing Costs and Total Cost of Ownership)

Within the current state of healthcare where the labs are seeing revenues drop due to competition and reduced reimbursement, pricing of new equipment has become very sensitive. Augmentiqs provides the ideal solution to laboratories by offering the Augmentiqs system as a modular solution, enabling pathologists to choose which hardware components and software applications are of the most relevance for their budget and needs. The Augmentiqs system can come with a camera, augmented reality and stage camera. Though if the goal is a low-cost microscope camera for tissue imaging, the Augmentiqs system can include just the camera of the region of interest, keeping costs to under $7,000.

Furthermore, Augmentiqs keeps costs low by including multiple software applications with the hardware, allowing pathologists to perform multiple workflow enhancement techniques with even the most basic package.

Finally, Augmentiqs includes integration support, extended product warranty and technical support, providing insurance to pathologists that the microscope camera they love will always be available.

Augmentiqs offers pathologists the most cost effective solution for their microscope imaging needs, including:

Compatible with any microscope
No need for c-mount or trinocular lens
Costs less than any comparable microscope camera
Plug and play installation with no need for service team
Suite of image analytics software
Ongoing software updates
Product warranty
Telepathology
Much more

About Augmentiqs

Augmentiqs is an electro-optic module that integrates within existing infinity-corrected microscopes, connecting them with the PC and transforming them into smart & connected devices. Placed in the optical path above the nosepiece and below the eyepiece, Augmentiqs maintains normal viewing of the optical plane of the microscope, allowing the microscope user to continue viewing and working the tissue specimen in the same manner while providing advantages in workflow, collaboration and diagnostic capabilities.

Augmentiqs provides its users unsurpassed workflow enhancement features, allowing them to reduce costs while increasing their level of clinical excellence.

For labs in the Eastern United States seeking more information, contact Morrell Instruments.

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