Smart feedback for reliable scanning: developing the OpenFlexure Microscope for medical imaging

The digital age and advances in engineering have triggered a wave of low-cost, accessible, and customisable microscopes. Already utilised for outreach, education and field work, the potential of these devices extends beyond accessible prototypes, and into microscopy in research and medical settings. The open-source, 3D-printed OpenFlexure Microscope is one such device, with development focused on supporting the diagnosis of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. This project motivated the redesign and verification of core functionality, to ensure that automated scanning, focusing, and tiling of blood samples is sufficiently reliable to support the workflow of frontline healthcare professionals. This talk will cover examples of "smart" microscopy, where on-line analysis of data is used to identify and correct errors in the experiment.