We published a paper in 2001 with the first digital light sheet macroscope, allowing to scan small objects rapidly in three dimensions. 
We even patented the use of digital cameras for 3D light sheet based reconstruction, the use of lasers for light sheets etc. However, at the time neither the major microscope producers nor the scientific community cared much. Digital light sheet microscopy has since gained much attention….
For fun, here are a few pictures from some of the insects we captured:
