Automated hardware and software for mobile microscopy

A system for automatically scanning and imaging a slide containing a biological sample, comprising:

• (a) one or more optical elements having an optical path configured to be disposed within view of a camera of a portable device;
• (b) the one or more optical elements comprising an objective;
• (c) an automated stage disposed within the optical path, the automated stage comprising a platform configured for receiving a slide containing a biological sample and a drive mechanism for translating the stage in at least one direction with respect to said objective;
• (d) a communications interface coupled to the automated stage;
• (e) a computer processor;
• and
• (f) a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing instructions executable by the computer processor;
• (g) wherein said instructions, when executed by the computer processor, perform steps comprising:
• for receiving a command from the portable device;
• (ii) sending the command via the communication interface to the automatic stage;
• and
• (iii) translating the mechanical stage in response to said command.

A method for automatically scanning and imaging a slide containing a biological sample, comprising:

• providing an automated stage having an optical path and an objective disposed within the optical path, the automated stage comprising a platform configured for receiving a slide containing a biological sample and a drive mechanism for translating the stage in at least one direction with respect to said objective;
• positioning a camera of a portable device in view of the optical path;
• sending a command from the portable device to the automatic stage;
• translating the mechanical stage in response to said command;
• and
• imaging the biological sample with the camera.