Demonstration with Equipment

Exploring Histology using a CD-based Microscope

Jens Doerup, Michael Schacht Hansen
Section for Health Informatics & Institute of Anatomy, University of Aarhus

Abstract:

The objective of the histology explorer programme is to provide students in cytology and histology with a tool resembling a true microscope by using digital images, large enough for exploration (panning and seeking objects of interest for detailed study) as it is done on true histological sections. Magnification (zooming), corresponding to use of different objectives should be possible in several steps without visible image pixels.

The programme was designed in Macromedia Director in collaboration between medical students and teachers. Analogue images were scanned from original 9x12 cm slides in full colour. Text was kept to a minimum. The user interface, menu structures and labelling were designed to be simple, yet dynamic and intuitive and emphasis was placed on putting the student rather than the teacher in control of learning. Several independent indexing, searching and navigation tools were designed and a diagnostic quiz was included.

The image quality was evaluated as being at least as good as in a printed atlas of the same images but the possibilities for exploration by far exceeded those of the printed atlas.

The CD for PC and Mac is avalialable from Munksgaard publishers http://www.munksgaard.dk. A demo version and an on-line version is available from http://www.health.au.dk/microscope/

Benefit in Attending Session:

Share our experience from development and first use of an Interactive learning tool that works like a virtual microscope.

Jens Doerup
Section for Health Informatics, Department of Biostatistics,
University of Aarhus, Vennelyst Boulevard 6
8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
 
+45 8942 6123
Fax Number:
+45 8942 6140
jd@hi.au.dk
http://www.intermed.dk/jd.htm
 
Michael Schacht Hansen (1)
Finn Geneser (2)
(1) Section for Health Informatics, Department of Biostatistics,
(2) Institute of Anatomy
University of Aarhus, Vennelyst Boulevard 6
8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
msh@hi.au.dk
http://www.health.au.dk/microscope/