DMetrix technology learning center FAQ

Validation

Q: Has the DMetrix DX-40 slide scanner, based on array microscope technology, been used in a clinical validation study?
A: Yes, it has. A validation study compared the diagnostic accuracy of pathologist case readers using array microscopy (with images viewed as virtual slides) and conventional light microscopy. Four senior pathologists at the University of Arizona College of Medicine diagnosed breast surgical pathology cases using both imaging modes, but on separate occasions. The pathologists achieved 97 to 100 percent diagnostic accuracy using the array microscope. Three out of four pathologists had more correct answers by array microscopy than by conventional light microscopy. Array microscopy and light microscopy did not differ significantly with respect to the number or percent of correct decisions rendered. The DMetrix DX-40 slide scanner is an effective and efficient digital image input device for ultrarapid virtual slide processors and other digital imaging applications. The results of the study have been accepted for publication in the journal Human Pathology. Request Info to request a copy of the manuscript.

Imaging

Q:    When can I view the image of the entire slide after the scan is completed?
A:    The image is available for viewing instantly after the scan is finished.

Q:    What part of the slide is imaged in one minute?
A:    A 24-bit color image of a 15 mm by 15 mm area is captured in 58 seconds. Only one image is recorded, at the maximum magnification.

Q:    How many magnifications are available?
A:    Virtually any magnification is available in principle: The DMetrix scanner rapidly captures a high-magnification image of the entire microscope slide. The user can then view that image at any magnification that is desired. The image-viewer software, digitalEyepiece^®, provides views equivalent to a 20X, 10X, 5X, and a 0.63X virtual microscope objective.

Q:    What kinds of imaging can the DMetrix DX-40 scanner perform?
A:    Trans-illumination absorbance imaging using stains such as hemotoxylin and eosin (H&E) or immunohistochemical stains. Epi-fluorescence and other imaging modalities are in development.
Q:    Does the DMetrix optics and detector technology cause any geometrical inaccuracies in the recorded image data?
A:    No. First, the DMetrix optics are designed to be free of any geometrical artifacts. Second, the formats of the DMetrix optics and image detector make the DMetrix scanner less susceptible to geometrical inaccuracies than conventional imaging systems based on a single microscope objective. What's more, the DMetrix optics are designed to produce images that are as clear and crisp as any that can be obtained with, for instance, a state-of-the-art, conventional microscope objective.
Q:    Does the DMetrix DX-40 scanner use off-the-shelf optics?
A:    DMetrix optical designers developed all of the patent-pending optics used in the array microscope. Our state-of-the-art, miniature objectives rely on precise aspheric lenses for superior image quality and contrast. There are no optics like ours in the world.
Q:    What kind of image sensor or digital camera does the DMetrix DX-40 scanner use?
A:    We have developed our very own image sensor, the DM5760. It is optimally matched to the format of the array microscope. The DMetrix image sensor has ten output channels for high-speed imaging. It has the smallest pixels of any digital camera. Our image sensor is also uniquely designed with noise-suppression features that minimize read-out noise. The image sensor and our own custom electronics result in a digital camera that records high signal-to-noise-ratio images suitable for visual examination or quantitative machine-vision analysis of slide images.

Automation

Q:    Do I need to select a scan area, adjust focus, source brightness, magnification, power, or slide position before or during the digital slide scan?
A:    No. All these functions are fully automated. That is the concept behind oneclick scanning^®. First, using a highly sensitive algorithm, the DX-40 slide scanner detects a region of interest on the slide. Second, the slide is carefully inspected by the scanner to assist our AOX® focusing algorithm that simultaneously focuses all 80 objectives. The DX-40 scanner features a highly articulated imaging engine that follows a trajectory as the slide moves past our optics.

Q:    Can slide loading be automated?
A:    Yes. DMetrix has developed a slide loader for batch scanning on our digital slide scanner. We use a unique method of handling the slides in each batch, called slipstream® technology. The slides are not gripped or lifted with suction cups. The capacity of the slide loader can be expanded to suit customers’ needs and resources. The slide loader can accommodate from 40 slides to hundreds of slides. The slide loader is designed with a minimum of moving components to make it a reliable and worry-free part of your lab’s automation.

Q:    Does the addition of the DMetrix slipstream® slide loader influence image quality?
A:    No. In the DX-40 scanner, the entire imaging engine consisting of optics and image sensor flies a trajectory over the slide during scanning. Like everyone else’s solution, the imaging engine can lift or lower itself during scanning. But that may not be enough if a slide is tilted. For that reason, the imaging engine can also pitch and roll during scanning. The result is a patent-pending imaging method that can automatically follow the topography of the specimen. Therefore, each slide loaded automatically is automatically imaged at the same high level of sharp focus and crisp detail.

Telemedicine

Q: Can the DMetrix DX-40 scanner be used for telepathology?
A: Yes. No more fuss with remote control of a microscope over a busy network connection and a throughput of a few slides per hour. The DMetrix digital slide scanner will permit more efficient use of pathologists' time, increasing throughput in telepathology applications.

Q: Can the DMetrix digital-slide-scanning system be used for education?
A: Yes. The rapidly scanned slides are available for viewing over a network by multiple independent users immediately and simultaneously. Furthermore, each user can view images from more than one server at the same time and keep track of them all using the Slide Manager®.

Digital Pathology

Q: How many slides can be digitally archived with the DMetrix system?
A: The DMetrix system comes standard equipped with a terabyte (1,000 gigabytes) of disk storage. We estimate that such capacity can accommodate between 1,000-2,000 slides stored in DMetrix’s own image format. The number of archived slides can be readily increased by expanding the standard disk storage.

Q: How much training is required to use the instrument and the software applications?
A: In each case, the training required is minimal. The instrument is designed to be fully automated; it configures itself to optimize image quality and minimize scan time. The operator only has to load a slide or a slide cassette. The software applications are intuitive with familiar controls or guide the user by means of a wizard-style interface.

Q: Can I export images or segments of images to other applications?
A: Yes. Images can be exported from the digitalEyepiece^® image-viewer application to common formats such as JPEG, TIFF, GIF, and PNG. Image segments also can be exported from the digitalEyepiece^® image-viewer application to other popular applications, such as PowerPoint® or Microsoft Word®.

PowerPoint and Microsoft Word are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Software

Q: What software does DMetrix provide with its instrument?
A: DMetrix software is divided into three general applications: the image viewer (digitalEyepiece^®), the image-acquisition application (digitalRetina^®), and the image-server application.

Q: What are the features of the image-viewer application?
A: The image viewer application, digitalEyepiece^®, provides all the features required for efficient viewing of slides: panning, zooming, contrast & brightness adjustment, color balance. In addition, the digitalEyepiece^® lets you do things you can’t with an ordinary microscope, namely, make local image annotations, perform image-feature measurements and calculations, apply image-analysis algorithms, and retrace your steps across images from one or multiple image servers. The Slide Manager® and the Annotation Manager® help you keep track of your work. All data transfers are secured using 1024-bit SSL encryption. Request Info if you would like to propose features to include in digitalEyepiece.®

Q: What are the features of the image-acquisition application?
A: The image-acquisition application, digitalRetina^®, is responsible for enabling oneclick scanning^®. Slide scans can be launched by means of an intuitive, step-by-step wizard-style interface. The operator can enter slide or slide-batch specific information. All data transfers are secured using 1024-bit SSL encryption.

Q: What are the features of the image-server application?
A: The image server can transmit images and data over any TCP/IP network. Stored images can be served to multiple independent users simultaneously. A terabyte of disk space (1,000 gigabytes) enables storage of between 1,000 to 2,000 high-resolution slide images. A remote, web-based administration tool allows easy and convenient configuration of the system. All data transfers are secured using 1024-bit SSL encryption.

Q: What is the software platform? Can I put my own software on the platform?
A: DMetrix instruments are based on the Microsoft Windows® operating system. Users' own software may be installed only on the viewing workstations but not on the image server.

Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Upgrades

Q: When new capabilities are available, will my DMetrix scanner be upgradeable or will I have to buy a new system?
A: The DMetrix DX-40 scanner is being designed as a highly modular system. If your application evolves and requires additional features, our engineers can work with you to identify modular upgrades or a one-of-a-kind solution.

Q: How will software be kept up-to-date?
A: Software upgrades will be available on the web to users with a current software-maintenance agreement. Our goal is to vigorously expand software capabilities, guided by feedback from users, in order to put at your fingertips the most useful image interaction and image-analysis tools.