Device and method for wide-field and high resolution imaging of tissue

A system for providing wide-field and high resolution images, comprising:

• a first imaging modality having high-resolution imaging means;
• a second imaging modality including an image sensor arranged in an image plane at a first angle with respect to an object plane, having a wider imaging field than the first imaging modality;
• and
• a computer system operatively associated with the first and second imaging modalities, the computer system comprising a processor and executable code being adapted and configured to:
• capture a first image by way of the second imaging modality;
• receive instructions to image with the first imaging modality, a selected region of the first image;
• capture a second image of the selected region, via the first imaging modality, in accordance with the instructions.

A method of wide-field and high resolution imaging of an object, the method comprising:

• providing a device having:
• a first imaging modality having high-resolution imaging means and a first observation line;
• and
• a second imaging modality including an image sensor arranged in an image plane at a first angle with respect to an object plane, the second imaging modality having a second observation line and a wider imaging field than the first imaging modality;
• positioning the first and second imaging modalities in an imaging region of an object surface of which an image is desired, such that the first and second optical axes mutually intersect in the imaging region;
• illuminating the imaging region via confocal optics of the first imaging modality;
• capturing a first image of the imaging region with the second imaging modality;
• identifying a first sub-region of interest within the first image of the imaging region;
• capturing a second image of the first sub-region with the first imaging modality;
• and
• analyzing the second image.

A system for providing wide-field and high resolution images, comprising:

• a first imaging modality having high-resolution imaging means;
• a second imaging modality capable of providing a macroscopic image having a wider imaging field than the first imaging modality;
• and
• a computer system operatively associated with the first and second imaging modalities, the computer system comprising a processor and executable code being adapted and configured to:
• receive instructions from a user to capture a macroscopic first image of an object;
• capture a first image of the object by way of the second imaging modality;
• display the first image for a user to view;
• receive input selecting a first region of the first image, corresponding to a first region of the object, to be imaged with the first imaging modality;
• send instructions to adjust the first imaging modality to a position in which an image of the first region can be captured;
• and
• capture a second image of the first region, via the first imaging modality.