Slide stuck determination system

Abstract

A slide stuck determination system is provided, which determines whether a slide (e.g., a glass slide) positioned on a scanning platform at the beginning of a scanning process is stuck and does not move with the scanning platform after the scanning process is initiated. In one embodiment, the system includes a sensor having a transmitter and a receiver, and the transmitter and the receiver are relatively positioned to detect the presence of the platform or the slide or the absence of the platform or the slide. When the scanning platform begins to move at the beginning of the scanning process, a processor monitors the signal from the sensor and determines whether the slide is improperly positioned after the scanning process has been initiated. If the slide is improperly positioned, the processor stops the movement of the scanning platform to protect the slide from damage.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 201880062724.5 (International application date: October 4, 2018, invention name: Carrier jam determination system). Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a digital slide scanning device, and more particularly, to the processing of individual slides (e.g., glass slides) from a slide rack to a scanning platform by a digital slide scanning device (e.g., for digital pathology).

[0003] Related technologies

[0004] Digital pathology is an image-based information environment enabled by computer technology that allows the management of information generated from physical slides. Digital pathology is enabled in part by virtual microscopy, which is the practice of scanning samples on physical slides and creating digital slide images that can be stored, viewed, managed, and analyzed on a computer monitor. With the ability to image entire slides, the field of digital pathology has grown rapidly and is currently considered one of the most promising diagnostic medical approaches to achieve even better, faster, and cheaper diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of important diseases such as cancer.

[0005] Slides handled by digital slide scanning devices are very fragile and very valuable. In some cases, the slide may be improperly positioned on the scanning platform. This can cause conventional digital slide scanners to damage the slide, for example by moving the platform out from under the slide when the slide becomes stuck. Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods that overcome these significant problems encountered in the conventional systems described above. Summary of the invention

[0006] Therefore, a slide stuck determination system for use with a digital slide scanning device is described herein. In one embodiment, the system is configured to determine whether a slide (e.g., a glass slide) positioned on a platform for scanning is stuck so that it does not move with the scanning platform at the beginning of a scanning process. The system may include a sensor having a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter and the receiver being positioned relative to each other to detect the presence of the platform or slide or the absence of the platform or slide. When the scanning platform begins to move at the beginning of the scanning process, a processor monitors a signal from the sensor to determine whether the slide is improperly positioned after the scanning process has been initiated. If the slide is improperly positioned, the processor stops the movement of the scanning platform to protect the slide from damage.

[0007] In one embodiment, a digital slide scanning device is disclosed, comprising: a scanning platform configured to receive a slide and secure the slide to the scanning platform; a motor configured to move the scanning platform and the slide during a scanning process; a sensor pair comprising a transmitter element and a receiver element, wherein the relative positions of the transmitter and receiver elements are configured to detect the presence of the scanning platform or the slide before initiating the scanning process; and a processor configured to control the motor to move the scanning platform during the scanning process, the processor further configured to receive a signal from the sensor pair after initiating the scanning process, the processor further configured to analyze the signal to determine the presence or absence of the slide, and the processor further configured to control the motor to stop movement of the scanning platform in response to determining that the slide is improperly positioned based on the presence or absence of the slide. The processor may be configured to determine the improper position of the slide based on the presence of the slide after starting the scanning process, and / or to determine the improper position of the slide based on the absence of the slide after starting the scanning process. Each of the transmitter element and the receiver element of the sensor pair may be positioned on the same side of the slide. The processor may be configured to determine the improper position of the slide based on the presence of the slide after starting the scanning process. One of the transmitter element and the receiver element of the sensor pair may be positioned on a first side of the slide, and the other of the transmitter element and the receiver element of the sensor pair may be positioned on a second side of the slide. The processor may be configured to determine the improper position of the slide based on the absence of the slide after starting the scanning process. The sensor pair may be positioned to detect the presence or absence of the rear portion of the slide as determined by the direction of movement of the scanning platform. The sensor pair may be positioned to detect the presence or absence of the front portion of the slide as determined by the direction of movement of the scanning platform.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method is disclosed, comprising: using a processor to activate a sensor pair including a transmitter element and a receiver element, wherein the relative positions of the transmitter element and the receiver element are configured to detect the presence of a scanning platform or a slide; after activating the sensor pair, using the processor to control a motor to move a scanning platform supporting a slide to start a scanning process; after starting the scanning process, using the processor to receive a signal from the sensor pair; using the processor to analyze the received signal to determine the presence or absence of the slide; and in response to determining that the slide is improperly positioned based on the presence or absence of the slide, using the processor to control the motor to stop the movement of the scanning platform. The method may also include: using the processor to determine the improper position of the slide based on the presence of the slide after starting the scanning process, and / or using the processor to determine the improper position of the slide based on the absence of the slide after starting the scanning process.

[0009] In one embodiment, a digital slide scanning device is disclosed, comprising: a scanning platform configured to receive a first slide and secure the first slide to the scanning platform; a motor configured to move the scanning platform and the first slide during a scanning process; a sensor pair including a transmitter element and a receiver element, wherein the relative positions of the transmitter element and the receiver element are configured to detect the presence of the scanning platform or the first slide before initiating the scanning process; and a processor configured to receive a signal from the sensor pair before loading a second slide onto the scanning platform, the processor further configured to analyze the signal to determine the presence or absence of the first slide on the scanning platform, the processor further configured to unload the first slide from the scanning platform in response to determining the presence of the first slide on the scanning platform. Each of the transmitter element and the receiver element of the sensor pair can be positioned on the same side of the first slide. One of the transmitter element and the receiver element of the sensor pair may be positioned on a first side of the first slide, and the other of the transmitter element and the receiver element of the sensor pair may be positioned on a second side of the first slide. The sensor pair may be positioned to detect the presence or absence of a rear portion of the first slide as determined by a direction of movement of the scanning platform. The sensor pair may be positioned to detect the presence or absence of a front portion of the first slide as determined by a direction of movement of the scanning platform.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The structure and operation of the present invention will be understood by reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary digital scanning device showing loading a slide from a slide rack onto a scanning platform according to an embodiment;

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an exemplary scanning platform according to an embodiment, wherein a slide is positioned to begin a scanning process;

[0014] Figure 3A is a perspective view showing an exemplary scanning platform according to an embodiment, wherein a slide is positioned to begin a scanning process and a sensor pair is aligned with the slide;

[0015] Figure 3B It is shown that according to the embodiment Figure 3A A perspective view of an exemplary scanning platform in FIG. 1 with the slide properly positioned (i.e., not stuck) after starting a scanning process;

[0016] Figure 3C It is shown that according to the embodiment Figure 3A A perspective view of an exemplary scanning platform in FIG. 1 after starting a scanning process and with the sensor pair aligned with a stuck slide;

[0017] Figure 4A is a perspective view showing an exemplary scanning platform according to an embodiment, wherein a slide is positioned to begin a scanning process and a sensor pair is aligned with the scanning platform;

[0018] Figure 4B It is shown that according to the embodiment Figure 4A A perspective view of an exemplary scanning platform in FIG. 1 with the slide properly positioned (i.e., not stuck) after starting a scanning process;

[0019] Figure 4C It is shown that according to the embodiment Figure 4A A perspective view of an exemplary scanning platform in FIG. 1 after starting a scanning process and with the sensor pair aligned with an opening in the scanning platform due to a stuck slide;

[0020] Figure 5A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary processor-enabled device that may be used in conjunction with various embodiments described herein;

[0021] Figure 5Bis a block diagram illustrating an exemplary line scan camera having a single linear array according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 5C is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary line scan camera having three linear arrays according to an embodiment; and

[0023] Figure 5D is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary line scan camera having multiple linear arrays according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a system for determining when a slide positioned on a platform for scanning is stuck so that it cannot move with the scanning platform. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art will understand how to implement the present invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented only by way of example and not limitation. Thus, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be interpreted as limiting the scope or breadth of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary digital scanning device showing loading a slide from a slide rack onto a scanning platform according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the digital scanning device includes a push / pull assembly 180, the push / pull assembly 180 including: a push rod 182 configured to be inserted into a slot of a slide rack 190 when loading the platform 100 to push the slide 150 out of the slot; and a pull rod 184 having a pull finger 186, the pull rod 184 configured to pull the slide 150 out of the slide rack 190 when loading the platform 100, and / or to push the slide 150 into the slide rack 190 when unloading the platform 100. The processor of the digital scanning device is configured to control the push / pull assembly 180 to load the slide 150 from the slide rack 190 onto the scanning platform 100, and to unload the slide 150 from the scanning platform 100 into the slide rack 190.

[0026] Once the slide 150 is loaded onto the scanning platform 100, the processor of the digital slide scanning device controls the push / pull assembly 180 to reposition and move away before scanning begins. After the slide 150 is positioned on the platform 100, the slide 150 is fixed to the platform 100 so that the slide 150 remains stationary on the platform 100 during the scanning process.

[0027] Figure 21 is a perspective view showing an exemplary scanning platform according to an embodiment, wherein a slide is positioned to begin a scanning process. In the illustrated embodiment, a loaded slide 150 is secured to the platform 100 such that the slide remains stationary on the platform 100 during the scanning process. However, in some cases, the slide 150 may become stuck such that the slide 150 does not remain secured to the platform 100 during scanning.

[0028] Figure 3A is a perspective view showing an exemplary scanning platform according to an embodiment, wherein a slide is positioned to begin a scanning process and a sensor pair is aligned with the slide. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor pair 310 includes a transmitting element 310A and a receiving element 310B. The elements of the sensor pair 310 are positioned relative to each other and the platform 100 so that the sensor pair 310 is configured to detect the presence of a slide 150 on the platform 100 before the scanning process is initiated. This positioning allows the processor of the digital slide scanning device to confirm the presence of the slide 150 on the platform 100 before any movement of the platform 100 related to the scanning process. For example, the processor of the digital slide scanning device can be configured to prevent the scanning process from being initiated if there is no slide 150 on the scanning platform 100 after the digital scanning device attempts to load the slide 150 onto the scanning platform 100.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, both the transmitting element 310A and the receiving element 310B are above the platform 100 and are positioned to detect the presence or absence of the slide 150 by reflection of a signal sent by the transmitting element 310A and received or not received by the receiving element 310B. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the transmitting element 310A transmits a signal to a fixed position where a portion of the slide 150 should be at the beginning of the scanning process, but where no portion of the slide 150 should be at the fixed position during at least a portion of the scanning process. Figure 3A As shown in , since the slide 150 is loaded onto the platform 100, at the beginning of the scanning process, the signal from the transmitting element 310A is reflected off the slide 150 and received by the receiving element 310B. Therefore, the sensor pair 310 detects the presence of the slide 150 and provides this information to the processor of the digital slide scanning device for analysis. Based on this information from the sensor pair 310, the processor will determine that the slide 150 is present, and therefore in this case, the scanning process can be initiated.

[0030] It is worth noting that, in one embodiment, if the slide 150 is not present, the signal from the transmitting element 310A will pass through the through hole used to illuminate the slide 150 from below (e.g., Figure 4C132 shown in FIG. 1 ), and therefore, the signal will not be reflected and will not be received by receiving element 310B. Based on this information from sensor pair 310, the processor can determine that there is no slide 150, and therefore does not initiate the scanning process.

[0031] Figure 3B It is shown that according to the embodiment Figure 3A 10B is a perspective view of an exemplary scanning platform 100 in FIG. 10 after the scanning process has been started and the slide 150 is properly positioned so as not to get stuck. In the illustrated embodiment, the scanning platform 100 has moved because the scanning process has been initiated. In this case, because the slide 150 is properly positioned and not stuck, the slide 150 has moved with the scanning platform 100. Since the slide 150 and the platform 100 have left the signal path of the transmitting element 310A, the signal will not be reflected by the slide 150 and will not be received by the receiving element 310B. Therefore, the sensor pair 310 no longer detects the presence of the slide 150. Based on this information (or lack thereof) from the sensor pair 310, the processor will determine that the slide 150 is not present, and therefore, in this case, the scanning process continues as usual.

[0032] Figure 3C It is shown that according to the embodiment Figure 3A 10A is a perspective view of an exemplary scanning platform 100 after starting the scanning process, wherein the sensor pair 310 is still aligned with the stuck slide 150. In the illustrated embodiment, because the scanning process has been initiated, the scanning platform 100 has moved. Therefore, the slide 150 should have moved with the scanning platform 100 and moved out from under the signal from the transmitting element 310A. However, because the slide 150 is stuck, the sensor pair 310 still detects the presence of the slide 150. Specifically, the signal from the transmitting element 310A continues to reflect away from the slide 150 and is received by the receiving element 310B, which provides this information to the processor of the digital slide scanning device for analysis. Based on this information from the sensor pair 310 indicating that the slide 150 continues to exist after the scanning process has been initiated, the processor determines that the slide 150 is stuck. The processor is configured to stop the movement of the platform 100 in response to determining that the slide 150 is stuck so as to protect the slide 150 from damage.

[0033] In one embodiment, the processor of the digital slide scanning device is configured to receive and analyze the signal from the sensor pair 310 before loading the slide 150 onto the platform 100 to confirm that the slide 150 is not already present on the scanning platform 100. Specifically, as mentioned above, if the slide 150 is not present on the platform 100 before the loading process, the signal from the transmitting element 310A will pass through the through hole (e.g., Figure 4C10A) and, therefore, the signal will not be reflected and will not be received by the receiving element 310B. Based on this information from the sensor pair 310, the processor can determine that there is no slide 150 on the platform 100 yet, and, therefore, initiate loading of the slide 150 from the slide rack 190 onto the platform 100. On the other hand, if a slide 150 is detected (i.e., the receiving element 310B receives the reflected signal from the transmitting element 310A), the processor of the digital slide scanning device can be configured to unload the slide 150 into the slide rack 190 and then load a new slide 150 from the slide rack 190.

[0034] Figure 4A is a perspective view showing an exemplary scanning platform according to an embodiment, wherein a slide is positioned to begin a scanning process and a sensor pair is aligned with the scanning platform. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor pair 310 includes an emitting element 310A and a receiving element 310B. The elements of the sensor pair 310 are positioned relative to each other and the platform 100 so that the sensor pair 310 is configured to detect the presence of a slide 150 on the platform 100 and / or the presence of the platform 100 itself before the scanning process is initiated. For example, in this embodiment, the sensor pair 310 can be positioned to reflect the signal of the emitting element 310A off the surface of the platform 100 itself rather than the slide 150 supported on the platform 100 when the platform 100 is positioned to begin a scanning process. However, it should be understood that positioning the sensor pair 310 to reflect the signal off the slide 150 allows the processor of the digital slide scanning device to confirm the presence of the slide 150 on the platform 100 before any movement of the platform 100 associated with the scanning process. For example, the processor of the digital slide scanning device may be configured to prevent the scanning process from being initiated if a slide 150 is not present on the scanning platform 100 after the digital scanning device attempts to load the slide 150 onto the scanning platform 100 .

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, both the transmitting element 310A and the receiving element 310B are above the platform 100 and are positioned to detect the presence or absence of the slide 150 by reflection of a signal transmitted by the transmitting element 310A and received or not received by the receiving element 310B. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the transmitting element 310A transmits a signal to a fixed position where a portion of the slide 150 should be at the beginning of the scanning process and throughout the scanning process. For example, the sensor pair 310 can be fixed to the platform 100 so that the signal from the transmitting element 310A is always aimed at the same fixed position, which is located on the platform 100 and is located within the boundaries of the position where the slide 150 will exist when supported on the platform 100. Alternatively, the sensor pair 310 can be positioned relative to the platform 100 so that the signal from the transmitting element 310A is always aimed at a position within the boundaries of the platform 100, and during at least a portion of the scanning process, the signal will be aimed at a position within the boundaries of the position where the slide 150 will exist when supported on the platform 100. like Figure 4A As shown in , since the slide 150 is loaded onto the platform 100, at the beginning of the scanning process, the signal from the transmitting element 310A is reflected off the slide 150 and received by the receiving element 310B. Therefore, the sensor pair 310 detects the presence of the slide 150 and provides this information to the processor of the digital slide scanning device for analysis. Based on this information from the sensor pair 310, the processor will determine that the slide 150 is present, and therefore in this case, the scanning process can be initiated.

[0036] Notably, in one embodiment, if the slide 150 is not present, the signal from the transmitting element 310A will pass through the through hole 132 used to illuminate the slide 150 from below, and therefore, the signal will not be reflected and will not be received by the receiving element 310B. Based on this information from the sensor pair 310, the processor can determine that the slide 150 is not present, and therefore do not initiate the scanning process.

[0037] Figure 4B It is shown that according to the embodiment Figure 4A100 after the start of the scanning process when the slide 150 is properly positioned so as not to get stuck. In the illustrated embodiment, the scanning platform 100 has moved because the scanning process has been initiated. In this case, because the slide 150 is properly positioned and not stuck, the slide 150 has moved with the scanning platform 100. Since both the slide 150 and the platform 100 have moved, and the transmitting element 310A aligns the signal to a position within the boundaries of the position where the slide 150 should be positioned during the movement of the platform 100, the signal is reflected off the slide 150 and received by the receiving element 310B. Therefore, the sensor pair 310 continues to detect the presence of the slide 150 and provides this information to the processor of the digital slide scanning device for analysis. Based on this information from the sensor pair 310, the processor will determine that the slide 150 is present at the position where it should be during the scanning process, and therefore in this case, the scanning process continues as usual.

[0038] Figure 4C It is shown that according to the embodiment Figure 4A 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary scanning platform 100 in FIG. 1 after starting a scanning process, wherein the sensor pair 310 is aligned with the through hole 132 in the scanning platform. During normal operation, during the scanning process, the slide 150 will cover the through hole 132. Specifically, in an embodiment of scanning a slide, the slide 150 is positioned above the through hole 132 so that the slide 150 can be illuminated from below the platform 100 during the scanning process.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, because the scanning process has already been initiated, the slide 150 should have moved with the platform 100 to a position within the field of view of the signal of the sensor pair 310, such as Figure 4B . However, because the carrier 150 is stuck, the sensor pair 310 no longer detects the presence of the carrier 150 when the platform 100 moves to start the scanning process. In contrast, because the carrier 150 has not yet moved with the platform 100, the transmission signal emitted by the transmitting element 310A passes through the through hole 132 instead of reflecting off the carrier 150. Therefore, the receiving element 310B will not receive the reflected signal from the transmitting element 310A. Based on this information (or lack of said information) from the sensor pair 310 indicating that the carrier 150 is not present after the scanning process has been initiated, the processor determines that the carrier 150 is stuck. The processor is configured to stop the movement of the platform 100 in response to determining that the carrier 150 is stuck so as to protect the carrier 150 from damage.

[0040] In one embodiment, the processor of the digital slide scanning device is configured to check the signal from the sensor pair 310 within seconds or milliseconds after the movement of the platform 100 is initiated with the start of the scanning process to determine whether the slide 150 is stuck. Advantageously, if a stuck slide 150 is detected, the processor of the digital scanning device can be configured to apply retry logic to attempt to release the slide 150. The retry logic can include: repositioning the platform 100 at the "load slide" position. The retry logic can also include: adjusting the position of the slide 150 using the push / pull assembly 180. For example, the processor can control the push / pull assembly 180 to at least partially unload the slide 150 from the scanning platform 100 (e.g., into a slot of the slide rack 190), and then reload the slide 150 (e.g., from the slot of the slide rack 190) onto the scanning platform 100. The processor can execute the retry logic a predetermined number of times (e.g., once, three times, etc.). If the processor determines that the slide 150 is still stuck after a predetermined number of retry attempts, the processor may generate an alarm (e.g., via an audible alert and / or a prompt on a display or user interface of the digital slide scanning device).

[0041] Although the transmitting element 310A and the receiving element 310B are primarily shown herein as being on the same side of the scanning platform 100 (i.e., on the FIG. 3A to FIG. 4C In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , above platform 100 ), but FIG. 3A to FIG. 4CIn an alternative embodiment of the system shown in , one of the transmitting element 310A and the receiving element 310B may be positioned above the platform 100, and the other of the transmitting element 310A and the receiving element 310B may be positioned below the platform 100. For example, the transmitting element 310A may always be positioned on one side of the through-hole 132 (e.g., above the through-hole 132), while the receiving element 310B is always positioned in the line of sight of the signal from the transmitting element 310A on the opposite side of the through-hole (e.g., below the through-hole 132). In this case, when the receiving element 310B receives the signal from the transmitting element 310A, the processor of the digital slide scanning device may determine that the slide 150 is not present, and when the receiving element 310B does not receive the signal from the transmitting element 310A, it may determine that the slide 150 is present. In an alternative embodiment, the transmitting element 310A may be positioned on one side of the platform 100 (e.g., above the platform 100), while the receiving element 310B is always positioned in the line of sight of the signal from the transmitting element 310A on the opposite side of the platform 100 (e.g., below the platform 100), and the sensor pair 310 may be positioned so that when the carrier 150 is positioned on the platform 100 before the scanning process is started, a portion of the carrier 150 is located between the transmitting element 310A and the receiving element 310B so as to interrupt the signal, and when the scanning process is started, the properly positioned carrier 150 should move out from between the transmitting element 310A and the receiving element 310B with the platform 100 so as to no longer interrupt the signal, however, a stuck carrier will not move with the platform 100 and will remain between the transmitting element 310A and the receiving element 310B to interrupt the signal. In this case, when the receiving element 310B does not receive a signal from the transmitting element 310A before the start of the scanning process, the processor of the digital slide scanning device can determine that the slide 150 is loaded, when the receiving element 310B receives a signal from the transmitting element 310A during the scanning process, it can be determined that the slide 150 is not stuck, and when the receiving element 310B does not receive a signal from the transmitting element 310A during the scanning process, it can be determined that the slide 150 is stuck.

[0042] Alternative sensor arrangements may also be employed to confirm placement of the slide 150 on the scanning platform 100 prior to initiating the scanning process, and also to monitor for a stuck slide 150 after initiating the scanning process. Additional sensors may also be included. For example, a dedicated sensor may be employed to confirm placement of the slide 150 on the scanning platform 100 prior to initiating the scanning process.

[0043] Exemplary embodiments

[0044] In one embodiment, a digital slide scanning device includes: a scanning platform configured to receive a slide (e.g., a glass slide) and fix the slide to the scanning platform; and a motor configured to move the scanning platform and the slide during a scanning process. In this embodiment, the digital slide scanning device also includes a sensor pair, the sensor pair including a transmitter element and a receiver element, wherein the relative position of the transmitter element and the receiver element is configured to detect the presence of the scanning platform and / or the slide before starting the scanning process. Also in this embodiment, the digital slide scanning device includes a processor, the processor is configured to control the motor to move the scanning platform during the scanning process. The processor is also configured to receive a signal from the sensor pair after starting the scanning process, and analyze the signal to determine the presence or absence of the slide. The processor is also configured to control the motor to stop the movement of the scanning platform in response to determining the improper position of the slide based on the presence or absence of the slide.

[0045] In one embodiment, the processor is configured to determine the improper position of the slide based on the presence of the slide after starting the scanning process. In an alternative embodiment, the processor is configured to determine the improper position of the slide based on the absence of the slide after starting the scanning process.

[0046] In one embodiment, each of the transmitter element and the receiver element of the sensor pair is positioned on the same side of the slide, wherein a side is one of the top, bottom, or one of the four sides of the slide. In one aspect of this embodiment, the processor is configured to determine improper position of the slide based on the presence of the slide after starting the scanning process.

[0047] In one embodiment, one of the transmitter element and the receiver element of the sensor pair is positioned on a first side of the slide, and the other of the transmitter element and the receiver element of the sensor pair is positioned on a second side of the slide. For example, the first side and the second side can be opposite sides, such as top and bottom or left and right long sides, so that the transmitter element and the receiver element of the sensor pair are positioned in a line of sight orientation. In one aspect of this embodiment, the processor is configured to determine the improper position of the slide based on the absence of the slide after starting the scanning process.

[0048] In one embodiment, the sensor pair is positioned to detect the presence or absence of the rear portion of the slide as determined by the direction of movement of the scanning platform. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor pair is positioned to detect the presence or absence of the front portion of the slide as determined by the direction of movement of the scanning platform.

[0049] In one embodiment, a method includes: using a processor to activate a sensor pair including a transmitter element and a receiver element, wherein the combined position of the transmitter and receiver elements is configured to detect the presence of a scanning platform or a slide. The method also includes: after activating the sensor pair, using the processor to control a motor to move a scanning platform supporting a slide to start a scanning process, and after starting the scanning process, using the processor to receive a signal from the sensor pair. The method also includes: using the processor to analyze the received signal to determine the presence or absence of the slide, and in response to determining that the slide is improperly positioned based on the presence or absence of the slide, using the processor to control the motor to stop the movement of the scanning platform.

[0050] In one embodiment, the method further comprises: using the processor to determine the improper position of the slide based on the presence of the slide after initiating the scanning process. In an alternative embodiment, the method comprises: using the processor to determine the improper position of the slide based on the absence of the slide after initiating the scanning process.

[0051] Exemplary Digital Slide Scanning Device

[0052] Figure 5A5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary processor-enabled device 550 that may be used in conjunction with the various embodiments described herein. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, alternative forms of device 550 may also be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 550 is presented as a digital imaging apparatus (also referred to herein as a scanner system, scanning system, scanning device, digital scanning device, digital slide scanning device, etc.) that includes: one or more processors 555; one or more memories 565; one or more motion controllers 570; one or more interface systems 575; one or more movable platforms 580, each supporting one or more slides 585 having one or more samples 590; one or more illumination systems 595 that illuminate the samples; one or more objective lenses 600, each defining an optical path 605 that travels along an optical axis; one or more objective lens positioners 630; one or more optional epi-illumination systems 635 (e.g., included in a fluorescence scanner system); one or more focusing optics 610; one or more line scan cameras 615 and / or one or more additional cameras 620 (e.g., line scan cameras or area scan cameras), each of which defines a separate field of view 625 on the sample 590 and / or slide 585. The various elements of the scanner system 550 are communicatively coupled via one or more communication buses 560. Although there may be one or more of each of the various elements of the scanner system 550 , for simplicity these elements will be described herein in the singular form unless they are required to be described in the plural form to convey the appropriate information.

[0053] The one or more processors 555 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) capable of processing instructions in parallel and a separate graphics processing unit (GPU), or the one or more processors 555 may include a multi-core processor capable of processing instructions in parallel. Additional separate processors may also be provided to control specific components or perform specific functions, such as image processing. For example, the additional processors may include: an auxiliary processor for managing data input; an auxiliary processor for performing floating-point mathematical operations; a dedicated processor (e.g., a digital signal processor) having an architecture suitable for fast execution of signal processing algorithms; a slave processor (e.g., a back-end processor) subordinate to the main processor; an additional processor for controlling the line scan camera 615, the platform 580, the objective 225, and / or a display (not shown). Such additional processors may be separate discrete processors or may be integrated with the processor 555.

[0054] In one embodiment, processor 555 is configured to control the movement of scanning platform 580 (e.g., corresponding to scanning platform 100) and control the activation of sensor pair 310. The processor is also configured to receive and analyze signals from sensor pair 310 to determine the presence or absence of slide 585 (e.g., corresponding to slide 150) or platform 580 (as the case may be). In one embodiment, the processor is configured to control platform 580 to stop moving if an improper position of slide 585 is determined.

[0055] The memory 565 stores data and instructions for programs that can be executed by the processor 555. The memory 565 may include one or more volatile and / or non-volatile computer-readable storage media that store data and instructions, including, for example, random access memory, read-only memory, hard disk drives, removable storage drives, etc. The processor 555 is configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory 565 and communicate with the various elements of the scanner system 550 via the communication bus 560 to perform the overall functions of the scanner system 550.

[0056] The one or more communication buses 560 may include a communication bus 560 configured to communicate analog electrical signals, and may include a communication bus 560 configured to communicate digital data. Accordingly, communications from the processor 555, the motion controller 570, and / or the interface system 575 via the one or more communication buses 560 may include both electrical signals and digital data. The processor 555, the motion controller 570, and / or the interface system 575 may also be configured to communicate with one or more of the various elements of the scanning system 550 via a wireless communication link.

[0057] The motion control system 570 is configured to precisely control and coordinate the X, Y, and / or Z movement of the platform 580 (e.g., within the XY plane) and / or the objective lens 600 (e.g., along the Z axis orthogonal to the XY plane, via the objective lens positioner 630). The motion control system 570 is also configured to control the movement of any other moving parts in the scanner system 550. For example, in a fluorescence scanner embodiment, the motion control system 570 is configured to coordinate the movement of optical filters, etc., in the epi-illumination system 635.

[0058] The interface system 575 allows the scanner system 550 to interface with other systems and human operators. For example, the interface system 575 may include a user interface to provide information directly to an operator and / or allow direct input from an operator. The interface system 575 is also configured to facilitate communication and data transfer between the scanner system 550 and one or more external devices (e.g., printers, removable storage media) connected directly or connected to the scanner system 550 via a network (not shown), such as an image server system, an operator station, a user station, and a management server system.

[0059] The illumination system 595 is configured to illuminate a portion of the sample 590. The illumination system may include, for example, a light source and an illumination optical device. The light source may include a variable intensity halogen light source with a concave reflector to maximize light output and a KG-1 filter to suppress heat. The light source may also include any type of arc lamp, laser or other light source. In one embodiment, the illumination system 595 illuminates the sample 590 in a transmission mode so that the line scan camera 615 and / or the camera 620 senses the light energy transmitted through the sample 590. Alternatively or in combination, the illumination system 595 may also be configured to illuminate the sample 590 in a reflection mode so that the line scan camera 615 and / or the camera 620 senses the light energy reflected from the sample 590. The illumination system 595 may be configured to be suitable for interrogating the microscope sample 590 in any known optical microscope mode.

[0060] In one embodiment, the scanner system 550 optionally includes an epi-illumination system 635 to optimize the scanner system 550 for fluorescence scanning. Fluorescence scanning is the scanning of a sample 590 including fluorescent molecules, which are photon-sensitive molecules that can absorb light of a specific wavelength (excitation). These photon-sensitive molecules also emit light of a higher wavelength (emission). Because the efficiency of this photoluminescence phenomenon is very low, the amount of emitted light is usually very low. This low amount of emitted light usually frustrates conventional techniques (e.g., transmission mode microscopy) for scanning and digitizing the sample 590. Advantageously, in the optional fluorescence scanner system embodiment of the scanner system 550, the use of a line scan camera 615 (e.g., a time delay integration ("TDI") line scan camera) including multiple linear sensor arrays improves the sensitivity of the line scan camera to light by exposing the same area of ​​the sample 590 to each of the multiple linear sensor arrays of the line scan camera 615. This is particularly useful when scanning weak fluorescent samples with low emission light.

[0061] Thus, in the fluorescence scanner system embodiment, the line scan camera 615 is preferably a monochrome TDI line scan camera. Advantageously, monochrome images are ideal in fluorescence microscopy because they provide a more accurate representation of the actual signals from the various channels present on the sample. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the fluorescent sample 590 may be labeled with a variety of fluorescent dyes that emit light of different wavelengths, also referred to as "channels."

[0062] In addition, because the low-end and high-end signal levels of various fluorescent samples present a wide spectrum of wavelengths for line scan camera 615 to sense, it is desirable that the widths of the low-end and high-end signal levels that line scan camera 615 can sense are similar. Therefore, in the fluorescence scanner embodiment, the line scan camera 615 used in the fluorescence scanning system 550 is a monochrome 10-bit 64 linear array TDI line scan camera. It should be noted that a variety of bit depths of line scan camera 615 can be used with the fluorescence scanner embodiment of scanning system 550.

[0063] The movable platform 580 is configured for precise XY movement under the control of the processor 555 or the motion controller 570. The movable platform may also be configured for Z movement under the control of the processor 555 or the motion controller 570. The movable platform is configured to position the sample in a desired position during image data capture by the line scan camera 615 and / or the area scan camera. The movable platform is also configured to accelerate the sample 590 to a substantially constant speed in the scan direction and then maintain the substantially constant speed during image data capture by the line scan camera 615. In one embodiment, the scanner system 550 may employ a high precision and tightly coordinated XY grid to assist in positioning the sample 590 on the movable platform 580. In one embodiment, the movable platform 580 is a linear motor-based XY platform that employs high precision encoders on both the X-axis and the Y-axis. For example, very precise nano encoders may be used on the axis in the scan direction and on the axis in the direction perpendicular to the scan direction and on the same plane as the scan direction. The platform is also configured to support a slide 585 on which a sample 590 is disposed.

[0064] Sample 590 can be anything that can be interrogated by optical microscopy. For example, microscope slides 585 are often used as observation substrates for samples, including tissues and cells, chromosomes, DNA, proteins, blood, bone marrow, urine, bacteria, beads, biopsy materials, or any other type of biological material or substance that is dead or alive, colored or uncolored, labeled or unlabeled. Sample 590 can also be an array of any type of DNA or DNA-related materials (such as, cDNA or RNA or protein) deposited on any type of slide or other substrate, including any and all samples commonly referred to as microarrays. Sample 590 can be a microtiter plate (e.g., 96-well plate). Other examples of sample 590 include: integrated circuit boards, electrophoresis records, culture dishes, membranes, semiconductor materials, electronic forensics materials, or processed parts.

[0065] The objective lens 600 is mounted on an objective lens positioner 630, which, in one embodiment, employs a very precise linear motor to move the objective lens 600 along the optical axis defined by the objective lens 600. For example, the linear motor of the objective lens positioner 630 may include a 50 nanometer encoder. The relative position of the platform 580 and the objective lens 600 in the X, Y, and / or Z axes is coordinated and controlled in a closed-loop manner using a motion controller 570 under the control of a processor 555, which employs a memory 565 for storing information and instructions, including computer executable programming steps for the operation of the overall scanning system 550.

[0066] In one embodiment, objective 600 is a plan apochromatic ("APO") infinity-corrected objective having a numerical aperture corresponding to the highest desired spatial resolution, wherein objective 600 is suitable for use in transmission mode illumination microscopy, reflection mode illumination microscopy, and / or epi-mode fluorescence microscopy (e.g., Olympus 40X, 0.75NA or 20X, 0.75NA). Advantageously, objective 600 can be corrected for chromatic aberration and spherical aberration. Because objective 600 is infinity-corrected, focusing optics 610 can be placed above objective 600 in optical path 605 at a location where a light beam passing through objective 600 becomes a collimated light beam. Focusing optics 610 focuses the optical signal captured by objective 600 onto the light-responsive elements of line scan camera 615 and / or area scan camera 620, and can include optical components such as filters, magnification converter lenses, etc. The objective lens 600, in combination with the focusing optics 610, provides the total magnification of the scanning system 550. In one embodiment, the focusing optics 610 may include a tube lens and an optional 2X magnification changer. Advantageously, the 2X magnification changer allows the original 20X objective lens 600 to scan the sample 590 at a 40X magnification.

[0067] The line scan camera 615 includes at least one linear array of picture elements ("pixels"). The line scan camera can be monochrome or color. A color line scan camera typically has at least three linear arrays, while a monochrome line scan camera can have a single linear array or multiple linear arrays. Any type of singular linear array or plural linear array (whether packaged as part of the camera or custom integrated into the imaging electronics module) can also be used. For example, a 3-linear array ("red-green-blue" or "RGB") color line scan camera or a 96-linear array monochrome TDI can also be used. TDI line scan cameras typically provide a substantially better signal-to-noise ratio ("SNR") in the output signal by summing the intensity data from previously imaged areas of the sample, resulting in an increase in SNR proportional to the square root of the number of integration stages. A TDI line scan camera includes multiple linear arrays. For example, a TDI line scan camera can have 24, 32, 48, 64, 96 or even more linear arrays. The scanner system 550 also supports linear arrays manufactured in a variety of formats, including some arrays with 512 pixels, some arrays with 1024 pixels, and other arrays with up to 4096 pixels. Similarly, linear arrays with a variety of pixel sizes may also be used in the scanner system 550. A prominent requirement for selecting any type of line scan camera 615 is that the motion of the platform 580 can be synchronized with the line rate of the line scan camera 615 during digital image capture of the sample 590 so that the platform 580 can be in motion relative to the line scan camera 615.

[0068] Image data generated by line scan camera 615 is stored in a portion of memory 565 and processed by processor 555 to generate a continuous digital image of at least a portion of sample 590. The continuous digital image may be further processed by processor 555, and revised continuous digital images may also be stored in memory 565.

[0069] In an embodiment having two or more line scan cameras 615, at least one of the line scan cameras 615 can be configured to function as a focus sensor that operates in conjunction with at least one of the other line scan cameras 615 that is configured to function as an imaging sensor. The focus sensor can be logically positioned on the same optical axis as the imaging sensor, or the focus sensor can be logically positioned before or after the imaging sensor relative to the scanning direction of the scanner system 550. In such an embodiment having at least one line scan camera 615 functioning as a focus sensor, image data generated by the focus sensor is stored in a portion of the memory 565 and processed by one or more processors 555 to generate focus information, thereby allowing the scanner system 550 to adjust the relative distance between the sample 590 and the objective lens 600 to maintain focus on the sample during scanning. Additionally, in one embodiment, the at least one line scan camera 615 functioning as a focus sensor can be oriented such that each of a plurality of individual pixels of the focus sensor is positioned at a different logical height along the optical path 605.

[0070] In operation, the various components of the scanner system 550 and the programming modules stored in the memory 565 enable automatic scanning and digitization of a sample 590 disposed on a slide 585. The slide 585 is securely placed on the movable platform 580 of the scanner system 550 for scanning the sample 590. Under the control of the processor 555, the movable platform 580 accelerates the sample 590 to a substantially constant speed for sensing by the line scan camera 615, wherein the speed of the platform is synchronized with the line rate of the line scan camera 615. After scanning the image data strip, the movable platform 580 decelerates and brings the sample 590 to a substantially complete stop. The movable platform 580 then moves orthogonally to the scan direction to position the sample 590 for scanning subsequent image data strips (e.g., adjacent strips). Additional strips are subsequently scanned until an entire portion of the sample 590 or the entire sample 590 is scanned.

[0071] For example, during digital scanning of sample 590, a continuous digital image of sample 590 is acquired as a plurality of continuous fields of view, which are combined together to form an image strip. A plurality of adjacent image strips are similarly combined together to form a continuous digital image of a portion or the entire sample 590. Scanning of sample 590 may include acquiring vertical image strips or horizontal image strips. Scanning of sample 590 may be from top to bottom, from bottom to top, or both (bidirectional), and may start at any point on the sample. Alternatively, scanning of sample 590 may be from left to right, from right to left, or both (bidirectional), and may start at any point on the sample. In addition, it is not necessary to acquire image strips in an adjacent or continuous manner. In addition, the resulting image of sample 590 may be an image of the entire sample 590 or an image of only a portion of sample 590.

[0072] In one embodiment, computer executable instructions (e.g., programming modules and software) are stored in memory 565 and, when executed, enable scanning system 550 to perform various functions described herein. In this specification, the term "computer-readable storage medium" is used to refer to any medium for storing computer executable instructions and providing them to scanning system 550 for execution by processor 555. Examples of such media include memory 565 and any removable or external storage media (not shown) that is communicatively coupled to scanning system 550, either directly or indirectly (e.g., via a network (not shown)).

[0073] Figure 5B A line scan camera is shown with a single linear array 640 that can be implemented as a charge coupled device (CCD) array. The single linear array 640 includes a plurality of individual pixels 645. In the illustrated embodiment, the single linear array 640 has 4096 pixels. In alternative embodiments, the linear array 640 may have more or fewer pixels. For example, common styles of linear arrays include 512 pixels, 1024 pixels, and 4096 pixels. The pixels 645 are arranged in a linear manner to define a field of view 625 of the linear array 640. The size of the field of view 625 varies depending on the magnification of the scanner system 550.

[0074] Figure 5C A line scan camera is shown with three linear arrays, each of which may be implemented as a CCD array. The three linear arrays combine to form a color array 650. In one embodiment, each individual linear array in the color array 650 detects a different color intensity, e.g., red, green, or blue. The color image data from each individual linear array in the color array 650 is combined to form a single field of view 625 of color image data.

[0075] Figure 5DA line scan camera is shown having multiple linear arrays, each of which may be implemented as a CCD array. Multiple linear arrays are combined to form a TDI array 655. Advantageously, a TDI line scan camera can provide a substantially better SNR in its output signal by summing the intensity data from previously imaged areas of the sample, thereby producing an increase in SNR proportional to the square root of the number of linear arrays (also called integrating stages). A TDI line scan camera may include a greater number of linear arrays. For example, common styles of TDI line scan cameras include 24, 32, 48, 64, 96, 120, and even more linear arrays.

[0076] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles described herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent currently preferred embodiments of the present invention, and therefore represent the broadly contemplated subject matter of the present invention. It should be further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and the scope of the present invention is therefore not limited.

Claims

1. A digital slide scanning device, comprising: a scanning platform configured to receive a slide and secure the slide to the scanning platform; a motor configured to move the scanning platform during a scanning process; a transmitter and a receiver, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are positioned relative to the scanning platform to detect the presence or absence of a slide at one or more locations during a scanning process, the transmitter being configured to transmit a signal that is reflected from a surface at the one or more locations and received by the receiver; as well as at least one processor configured to, during said scanning process of the slide, controlling the movement of the scanning platform, receiving and analyzing the signal resulting from the reflection to determine the presence or absence of the slide, determining that the slide is improperly positioned based on a determination of the presence or absence of the slide; When the slide is determined to be improperly positioned, the motor is controlled to stop the movement of the scanning platform.

2. A digital slide scanning device as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine that the slide is improperly positioned based on the slide being present at a location external to the scanning platform.

3. A digital slide scanning device as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine that the slide is improperly positioned based on the absence of the slide at the location of the scanning platform.

4. A digital slide scanning device as described in claim 1, wherein at least one processor is configured to determine that the slide is present when a receiver receives a signal transmitted by the transmitter.

5. The digital slide scanning device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to determine the absence of the slide when the receiver does not receive the signal transmitted by the transmitter.

6. A digital slide scanning device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the scanning platform includes a through hole, a glass slide is supported by the scanning platform above the through hole, and during the scanning process, when the glass slide is located on the scanning platform, the slide can be illuminated through the through hole, and wherein the transmitter is positioned so that when the glass slide is improperly positioned during movement of the scanning platform, the signal emitted by the transmitter passes through the through hole without being reflected to the receiver.

7. The digital slide scanning device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one processor is configured, before loading a first slide onto the scanning platform: receiving signals from said transmitter and receiver, analyzing the signal to determine the presence of a second slide on the scanning platform, and As long as it is determined that the second carrier is present on the scanning platform, the first carrier is prevented from being loaded onto the scanning platform.

8. The digital slide scanning device of claim 7, further comprising: a slide rack configured to hold the slide in the slot; as well as a component configured to load a slide from the slide rack onto the scanning platform and to unload a slide from the scanning platform onto the slide rack, wherein the at least one processor is configured to, before loading the first slide, controlling the assembly to unload the second slide into a slot in the slide rack, and After unloading the second carrier, the assembly is controlled to load the first carrier from the slot in the carrier rack onto the scanning platform.

9. The digital slide scanning device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one processor is configured, prior to initiating the scanning process: receiving a signal from the transmitter, analyzing the signal to determine the presence or absence of a slide on the scanning platform, and The scanning process is prevented from initiating until after it is determined that a slide is present on the scanning platform.

10. The digital slide scanning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a slide rack comprising a plurality of slots configured to hold slides; as well as an assembly configured to load a slide from each of the plurality of slots in the slide rack onto the scanning platform and to unload a slide from the scanning platform into each of the plurality of slots in the slide rack, Wherein the at least one processor is configured to control the components to load a slide from each of the plurality of slots in the slide rack onto the scanning platform, and to unload a slide from the scanning platform into each of the plurality of slots in the slide rack.

11. The digital slide scanning device of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to, upon determining that the slide is improperly positioned, control the component to: unloading the slide at least partially into a slot in the slide rack; and The slide is reloaded from the slot in the slide rack onto the scanning platform.

12. The digital slide scanning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a motor configured to move the scanning platform, The at least one processor is configured to control the motor to reposition the scanning platform upon determining that the slide is improperly positioned.

13. A digital slide scanning device, comprising: a scanning platform configured to receive a slide and secure the slide to the scanning platform; a motor configured to move the scanning platform; a sensor pair, the sensor pair comprising a transmitter and a receiver, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are positioned to sense a location during the scanning process by transmitting a signal from the transmitter such that the signal is reflected by a surface of the sensing location and received by the receiver; as well as at least one processor configured to: controlling the motor, receiving a signal from the pair of sensors, analyzing the signal to determine whether the carrier is present at the sensing location, The slide is determined to be improperly positioned by detecting the presence or absence of the sensing position of the slide, wherein, before the scanning process begins, the sensing position is within the boundaries of the slide if the slide is correctly positioned on the scanning platform, and during at least an initial portion of the scanning process, the sensing position is outside the boundaries of the slide if the slide remains correctly positioned on the scanning platform, and When the slide is determined to be improperly positioned, the motor is controlled to stop the movement of the scanning platform.

14. The digital slide scanning device of claim 13, wherein: The transmitter and the receiver are both positioned on the same side of the scanning platform.

15. The digital slide scanning device of claim 14, wherein: The transmitter and receiver of the sensor pair are positioned above the scanning platform.

16. A digital slide scanning device, comprising: a scanning platform configured to receive a slide and secure the slide to the scanning platform; a motor configured to move the scanning platform; a transmitter positioned on one side of the scanning platform; a receiver positioned on another side of the scanning platform; at least one processor, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are positioned to detect the presence or absence of the slide at one or more locations; wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit a signal, and the receiver is positioned within a line of sight of the transmitter such that the receiver is capable of receiving the transmitted signal when the signal passes through the one or more locations; Wherein, the at least one processor is configured to: controlling the motor to move the scanning platform, receiving a signal from one or more of the transmitter and the receiver, analyzing the signal to determine the presence or absence of the slide; determining that the slide is improperly positioned based on a determination of the presence or absence of the slide; When the slide is determined to be improperly positioned, the motor is controlled to stop the movement of the scanning platform.

17. The digital slide scanning device of claim 16, wherein: One of the transmitter and the receiver is positioned above the scanning platform, and the other is positioned below the scanning platform.

18. The digital slide scanning device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to determine that the slide is present when the receiver does not receive a signal.

19. The digital slide scanning device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to determine that the slide is not present when the receiver receives the signal.

Images