Manual vs.
Motorized Scanning
Manual and motorized slide scanning serve different purposes in microscopic imaging. The appropriate choice depends on technical requirements, sample volume, budget, and workflow considerations. This page compares three practical approaches: manual scanning with mvSlide, configurable motorized scanning with autoWSI, and dedicated slide scanners.
Choosing the Appropriate Scanning Approach
Different Approaches to Whole Slide Scanning
Manual scanning with mvSlide:
Manual slide scanning refers to the digitization of microscope slides using a conventional microscope equipped with a camera, where image acquisition is controlled by the operator.
The scanning process relies on dedicated software that captures individual image tiles and performs the stitching required to generate a coherent digital slide. Without such software, manual slide scanning beyond single fields of view would not be possible.
The operator manually adjusts focus, illumination, magnification, and scan area according to the specimen and application, while the software handles image acquisition, stitching, and documentation. Manual slide scanning does not rely on motorized stages or fully automated scanning workflows.
Configurable motorized scanning with autoWSI:
Scanning with autoWSI combines suitable microscope optics with motorized positioning, autofocus and automated image acquisition. The setup is configured around the specimen and imaging task, providing an option for specialized applications where manual acquisition becomes time consuming and dedicated slide scanners are too expensive.
Motorized scanning with dedicated slide scanners:
Dedicated slide scanners combine acquisition hardware and software in an integrated system. Depending on the model and configuration, they support standardized workflows, batch scanning or specialized imaging tasks. Available modalities, slide formats and loading options vary between systems.
Technical Suitability: Specimen- And Application-Driven Considerations
This comparison describes typical configurations rather than universal capabilities. Suitability and performance depend on the complete optical, mechanical and software setup.
Criterion
Manual Slide Scanning with mvSlide
Motorized Microscope Scanning with autoWSI
Dedicated Slide Scanners
Specimen variability
Well suited for heterogenous and non-standard specimens
Well suited for heterogenous and non-standard specimens
Best suited for standardized specimens
Illumination & contrast requirements
Highly felxible, adjustable per specimen
Highly felxible, adjustable per specimen
Typically predefined or limited by system design
Slide formats, specimen thickness & focus plane variations
Handles non-standard sizes and variable thickness and focus planes extremely well
Handles non-standard sizes and variable thickness and focus planes
Optimized for standard slide formats and even focus planes
Magnification strategy
Flexible, any objective can be used
Flexible, any objective can be used
Determined by the objectives offered by the system
Throughput
Low to moderate is most appropriate
Moderate
Moderate to very high
Typical sample volume
Occasional, low or medium volume scanning
Medium volume scanning
Routine, high-volume scanning
Workflow integration
Preserves existing microscope workflows
Can preserve existing microscope workflows
Requires a dedicated scanning workflow
Operator involvement
Operator-driven
Preparation, followed by automated acquisition
Typically minimal operator interaction
Investment cost
Low, largely independent of application
Typically lower investment than a standard slide scanner
Ranges from moderate to very high, depending on application and capacity
Entry into digital slide scanning
Cost-effective first step with the option to upgrade the software license to autoWSI later; equally suitable as permanent solution
Cost-effective route to motorized scanning for specialized applications
Suitable when budget and workflow requirements support the investment
Use alongside other scanning systems
Complements automated scanners for on-demand scanning and specialized applications
Complements standard scanners for specialized applications
Can handle routine workloads alongside a flexible microscope-based system
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Start with mvSlide. Add motorization when you need it.
You do not need to invest in automation from the beginning. Start developing methods, testing feasibility and generating initial data with mvSlide. Add motorization later when growing sample volumes or additional funding make it worthwhile.
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Upgrade your software license
Your mvSlide license can be upgraded to autoWSI at any time by paying the difference between the software license prices.
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Keep your camera
Your mvSlide-compatible camera remains compatible with autoWSI.
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Plan your microscope upgrade with us
Motorized scanning requires a suitable motorized stage. We assess whether your microscope can accommodate the upgrade either when you are ready or before you purchase your initial setup.
Application Examples and Use Cases
Geology and Material Science
Flexible contrast methods and non-standard slide formats make microscope-based scanning particularly useful.
autoWSI
Motorized acquisition for larger areas and higher sample volumes.
mvSlide
Particularly affordable; suitable when the workload can be handled manually or funding for automation is limited.
autoWSI
Motorized acquisition reduces manual workload when higher sample volumes justify the additional investment.
Teaching and Documentation
Microscope-based scanning allows diverse slides to be digitized on demand for teaching and documentation. Both solutions retain microscope flexibility at comparatively low investment costs; sample volume and budget guide the choice.
Research
Research often involves varied specimens, imaging requirements and fluctuating sample volumes. Both solutions preserve microscope flexibility; the appropriate level of automation depends on workload and available funding.
mvSlide
Cost-effective scanning for manageable manual workloads, initial experiments and projects with limited budgets.
Scientific publications using mvSlide
autoWSI
Automated acquisition supports larger scan areas and higher sample volumes when workload and budget justify motorization.
Additional use cases and further details are available throughout the Microvisioneer website.