Objective: To develop a telemicroscopy system that is independent of specialized hardware and software for microscope remote control.
Description of the system: An automatic microscope mounted on a CCD camera was connected to a computer that fulfills the function of an internet server. Any internet user can access this server and can control the microscope by use of an internet browser with Java support. The system can be tested at http:@amba.rz.charite.hu-berlin.de/telemic. FUNCTION AND APPLICATIONS: The user can move the microscope stage, change the magnification or execute any other microscope operations by pressing buttons of the downloaded telemicroscopy client program. The new microscope images are transferred automatically. Structures of interest within the images can be highlighted and discussed online with other telemicroscopy clients. Any internet browser with Java support, like Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer, makes an internet user a telemicroscopy client and thus a possible consultant for telepathology.
Conclusion: The internet telemicroscope offers new possibilities for telepathology. This development should promote communication between pathologists and may thus increase the quality of diagnosis.