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Interactive 3D Imaging for Telepathology | KFBIO Digital Pathology
How KFBIO and SCI Lab Are Advancing Remote Pathology
Bringing 3D Intelligence to Telepathology
Accurate communication is essential in pathology. During remote consultation, experts and local surgeons must work together to make the right diagnostic and treatment decisions.
However, traditional telemedicine mainly relies on 2D images and video. These methods cannot fully capture the three-dimensional structure of biological tissues. As a result, experts often struggle to provide precise guidance during procedures such as tissue sampling.
To address this challenge, KFBIO partnered with the Smart Computational Imaging Laboratory (SCI Lab) at Nanjing University of Science and Technology.
Together, the two teams developed an advanced 3D Structured Light Imaging Instrument.
The system captures high-resolution, full-color 3D models of biological tissues. More importantly, it allows remote experts to project interactive cutting guides directly onto physical specimens in real time.
This innovation makes remote collaboration more intuitive, accurate, and efficient.
The Challenge: Why 2D Telemedicine Is No Longer Enough
Limited Spatial Information Affects Remote Collaboration
Pathology telemedicine connects local medical teams with experienced specialists around the world.
Although this model improves access to expertise, traditional telemedicine still has significant limitations.
For example, experts must explain complex three-dimensional anatomy through flat images and video feeds. They also need to describe precise incision lines without physically interacting with the specimen.
Consequently, communication can become ambiguous. Even small misunderstandings may lead to suboptimal tissue sampling and affect diagnostic quality.
Healthcare providers therefore need a better solution.
An ideal system should accurately digitize physical specimens into detailed 3D models. At the same time, it should enable experts to provide clear visual guidance, allowing local clinicians to work as if the expert were standing beside them.
Our Solution: A Tri-View 3D Imaging and Interactive Projection System
Combining High-Precision Imaging with Real-Time Guidance
To overcome these challenges, KFBIO and SCI Lab developed a compact and highly reliable imaging system.
The platform combines:
- One digital projector
- Three high-resolution color cameras
The system uses Fringe Projection Profilometry (FPP) to reconstruct highly accurate 3D tissue models.
First, the projector casts specially designed sinusoidal fringe patterns onto the tissue surface.
Next, three cameras capture the distorted light patterns from different viewing angles.
Finally, the system analyzes these images and reconstructs a detailed 3D point cloud with realistic color texture.
As a result, remote experts can observe biological specimens with significantly greater depth and accuracy than traditional 2D imaging allows.
Key Technological Innovations
Optimized Fringe Pattern Design
Unlike conventional structured-light systems, this solution uses custom fringe patterns positioned perpendicular to the baseline between each camera and the projector.
This design significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio while increasing measurement accuracy.
More Accurate System Calibration
The team also developed a new calibration method.
Instead of relying on conventional reference points, the system uses the diagonal centers of checkerboard squares.
This approach minimizes errors caused by perspective distortion. Consequently, it delivers more accurate projector calibration and improves overall system performance.
Intelligent 3D Denoising for Complex Biological Tissues
Biological tissues present unique imaging challenges.
For example, shadows, surface reflections, and occlusions can reduce image quality and affect 3D reconstruction accuracy.
To overcome these issues, the system uses an intelligent 3D denoising strategy.
First, it performs phase consistency analysis to identify unreliable data. Then, it combines region recognition algorithms to remove unwanted noise while preserving important tissue structures.
As a result, the system generates clean, reliable, and highly accurate 3D models for pathological analysis.
Reverse Projection Enables Real-Time Expert Guidance
The most innovative feature of this system is its reverse projection technology.
Instead of describing cutting positions verbally, remote experts interact directly with the digital 3D model.
They can draw incision lines, annotations, or surgical markers on the virtual specimen with just a few clicks.
The system then projects these markings directly onto the physical tissue sample in the local laboratory.
Consequently, local technicians immediately see the expert’s instructions on the specimen itself.
This process creates an intuitive augmented reality (AR)-like guidance experience. More importantly, it reduces communication errors and improves the consistency of tissue sampling across different locations.
Validated Performance: Fast, Accurate, and Reliable
Designed for Clinical Practice
The research team extensively evaluated the system under practical laboratory conditions.
The results demonstrate that the platform meets the performance requirements for clinical pathology applications.
High-Speed 3D Reconstruction
Speed is essential during pathology workflows.
The system completes the entire 3D reconstruction process—including image acquisition and data processing—in less than three seconds.
As a result, laboratories can capture detailed 3D models without interrupting routine grossing procedures.
Exceptional Measurement Accuracy
Accuracy is equally important.
The research team evaluated the system using standard spheres and flat reference planes.
The results showed a repeatability error of less than 10 μm across a 6 × 10 cm field of view.
This level of precision satisfies the demanding requirements of pathological specimen analysis and supports highly reliable clinical applications.
Reliable Noise Removal Without Losing Tissue Details
The team also tested the denoising algorithm on challenging biological specimens, including heart tissue and gizzard tissue.
The experiments showed that the algorithm effectively removes imaging artifacts while preserving important morphological features.
Consequently, pathologists can evaluate cleaner 3D models without sacrificing critical diagnostic information.
From Research Innovation to Clinical Practice
Empowering the KFBIO KF-GSC-200 Gross Sample Imaging System
This innovation extends far beyond laboratory research.
KFBIO has integrated the core 3D imaging technology into its KF-GSC-200 Gross Sample Imaging System, significantly expanding the platform’s capabilities.
As a result, hospitals can combine high-quality gross specimen imaging with advanced 3D visualization and remote collaboration in a single workflow.
Beyond Digital Documentation
Traditional grossing stations mainly capture specimen photographs for documentation.
The enhanced KF-GSC-200 goes much further.
Using interactive 3D technology, remote pathology experts can guide specimen grossing step by step.
This collaborative workflow helps local technicians collect the most representative tissue samples for diagnosis.
Ultimately, it improves specimen quality and supports more accurate pathological evaluation.
Improving Workflow Efficiency
Rapid and accurate 3D reconstruction also improves daily pathology workflows.
Compared with traditional 2D photography, 3D models provide richer spatial information and more comprehensive digital records.
In addition, pathologists can use these models for case review, documentation, education, and long-term archival.
Consequently, hospitals can improve both workflow efficiency and data management.
Building the Foundation for Future Digital Pathology
The value of this technology extends beyond today’s clinical applications.
It also creates a foundation for future innovations, including:
- 3D surgical margin assessment
- Volumetric tumor analysis
- Advanced AI-assisted pathology
- Comprehensive digital pathology workflows
As digital pathology continues to evolve, these capabilities will help hospitals deliver more intelligent, standardized, and efficient pathology services.
Conclusion: Redefining Remote Collaboration in Pathology
Advancing Telepathology with Interactive 3D Imaging
The collaboration between KFBIO and the Smart Computational Imaging Laboratory (SCI Lab) marks an important step forward in pathology telemedicine.
By combining high-precision 3D imaging with real-time interactive projection, the solution transforms how pathology experts collaborate across different locations.
Instead of relying on verbal instructions or 2D images, specialists can provide clear visual guidance directly on physical specimens. As a result, local teams can perform tissue sampling with greater confidence and accuracy.
This innovative workflow reduces communication barriers while improving consistency throughout the grossing process.
Delivering Better Outcomes for Pathology Laboratories
The benefits extend far beyond remote consultation.
Interactive 3D imaging helps pathology laboratories improve specimen quality, standardize workflows, and strengthen collaboration between medical teams.
In addition, high-quality 3D digital records support education, case review, quality control, and long-term data management.
Consequently, pathology departments can improve both operational efficiency and diagnostic confidence while laying the foundation for future digital transformation.
Expanding the Future of Digital Pathology
As digital pathology continues to evolve, three-dimensional imaging will play an increasingly important role.
Combined with whole slide imaging (WSI), artificial intelligence (AI), and telepathology platforms, interactive 3D technologies will create smarter and more connected pathology workflows.
Furthermore, these technologies will enable hospitals to deliver more accurate diagnoses, improve multidisciplinary collaboration, and expand access to expert pathology services regardless of location.
The future of pathology is no longer limited to digital slides. It is becoming an intelligent ecosystem that integrates imaging, collaboration, AI, and clinical decision support
How KF-GSC-200 Supports Next-Generation Gross Imaging
KFBIO has integrated this innovative technology into the KF-GSC-200 Gross Sample Imaging System.
Compared with conventional grossing stations, the KF-GSC-200 offers much more than image documentation. It combines high-quality specimen imaging with interactive 3D visualization and remote expert guidance.
As a result, pathology laboratories can:
- Improve tissue sampling accuracy.
- Standardize gross examination workflows.
- Enhance communication between local teams and remote experts.
- Build comprehensive digital pathology records.
- Prepare for future AI-powered pathology applications.
Together, these capabilities make the KF-GSC-200 an important component of modern digital pathology laboratories.
Final Takeaway
Interactive 3D imaging is changing the way pathology experts collaborate.
By combining accurate 3D reconstruction, intelligent projection, and digital pathology technologies, KFBIO and SCI Lab have created a practical solution for remote specimen guidance.
More importantly, this innovation bridges the gap between physical specimens and digital collaboration. It helps hospitals improve diagnostic quality today while preparing for the next generation of intelligent pathology services.
Reference
This application is based on the collaborative research between KFBIO and the Smart Computational Imaging Laboratory:
Hu, Y., Liang, Z., Wang, K., Gui, K., Zhang, J., Chen, Q., & Zuo, C. (2023). Structured Light 3D Imaging Instrument for Biological Tissues With Potential Application in Telemedicine. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 73, 5001411. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIM.2023.3331396
Ready to bring interactive 3D guidance to your pathology workflow? Contact KFBIO to learn more about our advanced imaging solutions.
