Table 1

Major Developmental Steps of Digital Pathology in Japan

1991

Open experiment of satellite telepathology challenged (Kyoto)

1992

Use of a digital line, ISDN net 64, for a still image telepathology (Kyoto)

1993

Introduction and prevalence of internet started in academic institutions

1995

Use of digital images in routine surgical pathology started (Kyoto)

1997

Web based internet telecytology started (Hokkaido)

2003

Virtual slide (VS) system development, domestic in Japan (Aomori)

2004

Use of VS system for pathology laboratory education (Yamaguchi)

2005

Network conferences using VS systems challenged

2006

Use of VS images in hospital information system (Toyama)

2007

VS telepathology using a public optic fibre line started (Kyoto)

2007

Introduction of VS system supported by Japanese government having its peak

2008

Quantification of immunostain VS images introduced

2009

Quantification of immunostain VS images on business (Toyama)

2009

Diagnostic consultation of difficult tumour cases using VS in National Cancer Centre, Tokyo, in progress (Tokyo)

2009

Diagnostic aid system development challenged (Kanagawa)

2009

Experimental diagnostic aid system for prostate carcinoma (Kyoto)

Tsuchihashi Diagnostic Pathology 2011 6(Suppl 1):S19   doi:10.1186/1746-1596-6-S1-S19