carousels

Abstract

A slide holder turntable for a digital slide scanning apparatus is provided, which allows for the continuous loading and unloading of slide holders while the digital slide scanning apparatus simultaneously digitizes glass slides. The slide holder turntable includes a base having an angled inner portion on its upper surface. The turntable also includes a plurality of spacer members extending upward from the base, with adjacent spacer members defining slide slots. Each spacer member further includes a slide stop on each side, such that adjacent spacer members have slide stops facing each other. The slide stops prevent the slide holder from moving further than desired towards the center of the turntable.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The corresponding parent application was filed on November 30, 2018, with application number 201880070078.7, entitled "Slide Carrier Turntable," and the applicant is Leica Biosystems Imaging Inc.

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 593,444, filed December 1, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully described herein. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention generally relates to a digital pathology scanning device, and more specifically to a turntable supporting multiple physical slide holders. Background Technology

[0005] Digital pathology is an image-based information environment enabled by computer technology that allows the management of information generated from physical slides. It is partly achieved through virtual microscopy, the practice of scanning samples on physical glass slides and producing digital images that can be stored, viewed, managed, and analyzed on a computer monitor. With its ability to image the entire glass slide, digital pathology has rapidly developed and is currently considered one of the most promising approaches in diagnostic medicine for achieving even better, faster, and cheaper diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of cancer and other major diseases.

[0006] Digital slide scanning equipment typically scans one slide at a time. Some digital slide scanning equipment has been modified to hold one or more slide holders, allowing it to handle dozens or hundreds of glass slides. However, these systems remain limited in their capacity. Therefore, there is a need for a system and method to overcome these significant problems found in the conventional systems described above. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, this document describes a slide holder turntable for use with a digital slide scanning apparatus, the turntable allowing continuous loading and unloading of slide holders into the turntable while the digital slide scanning apparatus simultaneously digitizes glass slides. As used herein, the terms "continuous loading" and / or "continuous unloading" mean loading and unloading slide holders into the turntable during scanning of glass slides to generate a digital image of a portion of the glass slide. Advantageously, the slide holder turntable is used to allow continuous loading and unloading, and the turntable is also used to utilize vibrations generated by the operation of the apparatus to cause the glass slides to move to a more stable position within their respective slide holders in the turntable and to cause the slide holders to move to a more stable position within their respective slide holder slots in the turntable.

[0008] Furthermore, the housing of the digital scanning device has no door, which allows at least a portion of the turntable to always be accessible to the operator for continuous loading and to eliminate additional vibrations caused by a door. The tray turntable also includes multi-color status indicators for each tray slot.

[0009] Therefore, in one embodiment, a digital slide scanning apparatus turntable for holding multiple slide holders includes a base having a lower surface, an upper surface, and an outer edge, the outer edge of which is generally circular when viewed from a top view. The turntable also includes a plurality of spacer members extending upward from the base. Adjacent pairs of spacer members define spacer slots on three sides bounded by the base, a first side of a first spacer member, and a second side of a second spacer member. Each spacer member includes a first spacer stop on its first side and a second spacer stop on its second side. At least a portion of the upper surface of the turntable base is angled downward from a more outer position on the base toward a more central position on the base. Additionally, the base is configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees in any direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, a digital slide scanning apparatus turntable for holding multiple slide holders includes a base having a lower surface, an upper surface, and a circular outer edge, the upper surface having an angled central portion and a flat outer portion. The turntable also includes a plurality of slide spacers extending upward from the base, wherein adjacent pairs of slide spacers define slide slots on three sides bounded by the upper surface of the base, a first side of a first slide spacer, and a second side of a second slide spacer. Each slide spacer includes a first slide stop on its first side and a second slide stop on its second side. The turntable also includes a motor configured to drive the base 360 ​​degrees in any direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the motor is configured to drive the rotor 360 degrees in any direction, and the rotor contacts the belt such that rotation of the rotor in a first direction under the control of the motor causes the belt to move the base in the first direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lower surface of the base includes a cutout, and the turntable further includes three or more V-wheel bearings configured to stabilize the base during rotation. In one embodiment, at least one of the V-wheel bearings is adjustable.

[0013] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The structure and operation of the invention will be understood by reading the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same parts and wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example wafer carrier turntable base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a top view showing an example slice holder turntable base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example cross-section of a turntable base for a slide carrier 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a side view showing an example cross-section of a tray turntable base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5A This is a side view showing an example cross-section of one side of a plate carrier turntable base engaged with a V-wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5B This is a perspective view of an example tray carrier turntable base that engages with a turntable belt to rotate the turntable base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5C This is a perspective view of an example tray carrier turntable base with tray carrier spacers, which engages with a turntable belt to rotate the turntable base according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5DThis is a perspective view showing an example plate carrier turntable base engaged with a plurality of V-wheel bearings according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5E This illustrates an embodiment of the invention involving engagement with multiple V-wheel bearings. Figure 5D An optional perspective view of an example slice holder turntable base;

[0024] Figure 5F This is a top view of an example tray carrier turntable base supported by a machine base and engaged with a turntable belt to rotate the turntable base, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an example tray carrier turntable base with a rack spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a top view showing an example tray carrier turntable base with a rack spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing an example slide holder with glass slides according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a top view showing an example slide holder with glass slides according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a side view illustrating an example slide holder with glass slides according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing an example slide holder with glass slides according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a top view showing an example slide holder with glass slides according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a side view illustrating an example slide holder with glass slides according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing an example slide holder turntable base with a shelf spacer and a slide holder with glass slides according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 15 This is a top view showing an example slide holder turntable base with shelf spacers and a slide holder with glass slides according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 16A This is a block diagram illustrating an example supporting processor that can be used in conjunction with the various implementations described herein;

[0036] Figure 16B This is a block diagram illustrating an example line scan camera with a single linear array;

[0037] Figure 16C This is a block diagram illustrating an example line scan camera with three linear arrays; and

[0038] Figure 16D This is a block diagram illustrating an example line scan camera with multiple linear arrays. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Some embodiments disclosed herein provide a slide carrier turntable configured to hold multiple slide carriers of different heights and from different manufacturers. The turntable allows for continuous slide carrier loading and unloading while glass slides are being scanned by a digital slide scanning device. After reading this specification, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art how the invention can be implemented in various alternative embodiments and applications. However, although various embodiments of the invention will be described herein, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Thus, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope or breadth of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0040] 1. Example film carrier turntable

[0041] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an example slide carrier turntable base 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 10 is substantially circular and takes the form of a ring 400. The base 10 has a lower surface and an upper surface, and at least a portion of the upper surface is angled downward toward the center of the ring 400.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a top view showing an example slide carrier turntable base 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface of the base 10 has an angled portion that is more centrally located, and the upper surface of the base 10 also has a flat portion that is more externally located near the periphery of the circular base 10 in the form of a ring 400.

[0043] Figure 3This is a perspective view showing an example cross-section of a tray carrier turntable base 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the base has a cutout 40 in its lower surface, the cutout 40 being configured to allow the base 10 to be secured to a drive powered by a motor, thereby allowing the base 10 to move 360 ​​degrees to the left or to the left.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a side view showing an example cross-section of a tray carrier turntable base 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the base 10 is in the form of a ring 400.

[0045] Figure 5A This is a side view showing an example cross-section of one side of a tray carrier turntable base 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the upper surface of the turntable base 10 is flat, and the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the turntable base 10 has a bevel. The flat portion of the upper surface is close to the periphery of the upper surface of the turntable base 10. The bevel facilitates loading the tray carrier 300 into the tray carrier slot 220 of the tray carrier 300 turntable. Additionally, different portions of the upper surface of the turntable base 10 are angled at an angle of θ°. Advantageously, at least a portion of the upper surface of the turntable base 10 is angled, and the degree of the angle θ° can be in the range of 1° to 10°, or even up to 45°. As previously discussed, when the tray carrier 300 is positioned on the angled upper surface of the turntable base 10, any vibration-induced movement or other movement of the tray carrier 300 is biased toward the center of the turntable, where the tray carrier stop 230 prevents further movement of the tray carrier 300. Additionally, individual slices in the slice holder 300 may experience movement caused by vibration or other movements, and the angled position of the slice holder 300 on which the individual slices are located also positions the individual slices at a certain angle, causing the movement of the individual slices to be biased toward the center of the turntable, where the end of the slice holder 300 prevents further movement of the slice holder 300.

[0046] Additionally, the turntable base 10 is supported by a machine base 60, which also supports a digital pathology scanning device. One or more V-wheel bearings 70 are positioned to engage the surface of the cutout 40 to maintain the position of the turntable base 10 as it rotates by a belt positioned in a recess 80.

[0047] Figure 5BThis is a perspective view of an example tray carrier turntable base 10, which engages with a turntable belt 90 to rotate a turntable base 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the turntable base 10 is supported by a machine base 60. The machine base 60 also supports a turntable motor 100, which is configured to be controlled by a processor and to rotate the turntable belt 90 engaged with the turntable base 10. The rotation of the turntable belt 90 advantageously causes the turntable to rotate. The turntable motor 100 is configured to rotate the turntable belt 90 in both directions, such that the turntable can rotate left or right.

[0048] Figure 5C This is a perspective view of an example slice holder turntable base 10 having a slice holder spacer 210 engaged with a turntable belt 90 to rotate a turntable base 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 5D This is a perspective view of an example tray carrier turntable base 10 engaged with a plurality of V-bearings 70 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of V-bearings 70 are positioned to engage or proximate with the inner surface of a cutout 40 of the turntable base 10. In the illustrated embodiment, three V-bearings 70 are present, which are advantageously positioned in a relative triangular orientation to fix the turntable base 10 to prevent lateral movement while allowing rotation of the turntable base 10. In one embodiment, at least one of the V-bearings 70 is an adjustable V-bearing 72 to allow the turntable to be initially positioned between opposing V-bearings 70, while the other V-bearings 70 may be non-adjustable V-bearings 74. In an alternative embodiment, two or more V-bearings 70 may be adjustable. In one embodiment, the V-bearings 70 are fixed to a machine base 60 (not shown). In one embodiment, the adjustable V-bearings are manually adjustable, while in an alternative embodiment, the adjustable V-bearings are adjusted under the control of a processor.

[0050] Figure 5E This illustrates an embodiment of the invention involving engagement with a plurality of V-wheel bearings 70. Figure 5D An optional perspective view of the example slide carrier turntable base 10.

[0051] Figure 5FThis is a top view illustrating an example tray carrier turntable base 10 supported by a machine base 60 and engaged with a turntable belt 90 to rotate a turntable base 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the turntable belt 90 is positioned in a belt recess 80 of the turntable base 10 and extends around the turntable base 10, and also extends around at least one rotor 110, which is rotated by a turntable motor 100 (not shown). Advantageously, the turntable motor 100 can be operated under the control of a processor to rotate the rotor 110 to the left or right, and thereby rotate the turntable belt 90 to the left or right, and thereby rotate the turntable base 10 to the left or right.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the turntable base 10 may have a drive system employing a belt or another mechanism (such as direct drive or direct drive). Advantageously, the drive system can be paired with various types of bearing systems to achieve movement of the turntable base 10.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustrating an example slide carrier turntable base 10 with slide spacers 210 according to one embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 10 has an upper surface with a flat portion further outward and an angled portion further inward, on which the slide carrier 300 is positioned. The turntable includes a plurality of slide spacers 210 extending upward from the upper surface of the base 10. Adjacent slide spacers 210 form slide slots 220, which are configured to receive various types of slide carriers 300 manufactured by different manufacturers. In one embodiment, the slide carriers 300 may have different heights and / or widths and still fit within at least one slide slot 220.

[0054] Figure 7This is a top view illustrating an example slide carrier turntable base 10 with slide spacers 210 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, each slide spacer 210 includes a first slide stop 230 on a first side and a second slide stop 230 on a second side. Each of the first and second slide stops 230 of a single slide spacer 210 faces a different slide slot 200. Thus, the first and second slide stops 230 of the first slide spacer 210 face each other. Advantageously, the distance between the first and second slide stops 230 of a particular slide slot 220 is less than the width of the slide carrier 300. In this way, the combination of the opposing first and second slide stops 230 prevents the slide carrier 300 from traveling further toward the center of the slide carrier turntable. In one embodiment, at least one of the opposing first and second stop members 230 includes a stop member gap 240 configured to facilitate the detection of the presence of the slide carrier 300.

[0055] In one embodiment, one or more of the tray holder stops 230 are configured with detectors 250 oriented in the tray holder stop gap 240 of the tray holder 300. These detectors are positioned to determine whether the tray holder 300 occupies a tray slot 220 in which the tray holder 300 stops 230 are positioned. A digital scanning device can receive signals from one or more detectors 250 in a single tray slot 220 and, based on one or more signals, determine the presence or absence of the tray holder 300 in a particular tray slot 220. Additionally, based on the determination of the presence or absence of the tray holder 300 in a particular tray slot 220, the digital scanning device can also illuminate a multi-color status indicator light associated with that particular tray slot 220.

[0056] 2. Example film holder

[0057] Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 These are perspective, top, and side views illustrating an example slide holder 300 with a glass slide 310 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the slide holder 300 is from a first manufacturer.

[0058] Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 These are perspective, top, and side views illustrating an example slide holder 300 with a glass slide 310 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the slide holder 300 is from a second manufacturer.

[0059] 4. Example slide carrier turntable filled with slide carriers

[0060] Figure 14 and Figure 15 These are perspective and top views illustrating an example slide holder turntable base 10 with shelf spacers 210 and slide holders 300 with glass slides 310 at different heights according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the turntable includes a base having a flat upper surface portion 30 and an angled upper surface portion 20. The shelf spacers 210 are attached to and extend upward from the upper surface of the base 10. Adjacent shelf spacers 210 define shelf slots 220 in which the slide holders 300 can be positioned such that the slide holders 300 rest primarily on the angled portions of the upper surface of the base 10. The glass slides 310 occupy various slots in the slide holders 300, and the glass slides 310 are advantageously positioned at an angle relative to the upper surface of the base 10. Additionally, the turntable includes a central ring 400 fixed to the upper portion of each of the plurality of shelf spacers 210.

[0061] 4. Example Implementation Plan

[0062] In one embodiment, a digital slide scanning apparatus turntable for holding a plurality of glass slide holders 300 includes a base having a lower surface, an upper surface, and an outer edge. When viewed from a top view, the outer edge of the base 10 is generally circular. The turntable also includes a plurality of spacer members 210 extending upward from the base 10. This configuration causes adjacent pairs of spacer members 210 to define a slot 220 on three sides bounded by the base 10, a first side of the first spacer member 210, and a second side of the second spacer member 210. Each spacer member 210 includes a first stop on the first side and a second stop on the second side. Additionally, at least a portion of the upper surface of the base 10 is angled downward from a more outer position on the base 10 toward a more central position on the base 10, and the angle is at least 1 degree. This angle advantageously causes any vibration imposed on the glass slide 310 in the turntable to push the glass slide 310 further into its corresponding slide holder 300. Additionally, the base 10 is configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees in either direction.

[0063] The digital wafer scanning apparatus turntable may also include a motor configured to rotate the turntable in either direction. In one embodiment, the angled portion of the upper surface of the base 10 is angled at least 5 degrees. Additionally, in one embodiment, each holder stop includes a wafer holder 300 detector configured to detect the presence of a wafer holder 300 in the wafer holder slot 220.

[0064] In one embodiment, the turntable is configured with fifteen individual rack slots 200. Advantageously, in one embodiment, each rack slot 220 may be numbered and include a multi-color status indicator light. In one embodiment, the outer portion of the upper surface of the base 10 adjacent to the outer edge is substantially flat, and the angled portion of the upper surface of the base 10 is more centrally located than the substantially flat portion. In one embodiment, the base 10 is formed in an annular shape.

[0065] Advantageously, in one embodiment, each of the plurality of shelf spacers 210 is fixed to the base 10. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the turntable also includes a ring 400 fixed to the upper portion of each of the plurality of shelf spacers 210. Additionally, in one embodiment, the first shelf spacer 210 and the second shelf spacer 210 define a first shelf slot 220, and a first shelf stop 230 of the first shelf spacer 210 faces a second shelf stop 230 of the second shelf spacer 210. In this embodiment, the distance between the first shelf stop 230 and the second shelf stop 230 is less than the width of the slide carrier 300. This advantageously causes the slide carrier 300, positioned at an angle on the upper surface of the base 10, to be biased toward the center of the turntable for vibration-induced movement, wherein this potential vibration-induced movement is prevented by the combination of the first shelf stop 230 and the second shelf stop 230.

[0066] 4. Example Digital Slide Scanning Equipment

[0067] Use such as about Figures 16A to 16D The described digital pathology scanning apparatus enables the various implementation schemes described herein.

[0068] Figure 16AThis is a block diagram illustrating an example processor-supporting device 550 that can be used in conjunction with the various embodiments described herein. As those skilled in the art will understand, alternative forms of device 550 may also be used. In the illustrated embodiment, device 550 is presented as a digital imaging device (also referred to as a digital slide scanning device, digital slide scanner, scanner, scanner system, or digital imaging device, etc.), which 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 stages 580, each of which supports one or more glass slides 585 having one or more samples 590; one or more illumination systems 595, which illuminate the samples; one or more objectives 600, each of which defines an optical path 605 traveling along an optical axis; one or more objective positioners 630; one or more optional incident 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 area scan cameras 620, each of which defines a separate field of view 625 on the sample 590 and / or glass slide 585. Various components of the scanner system 550 are communicatively coupled via one or more communication buses 560. Although one or more of each of the various components of the scanner system 550 may be present, for the sake of simplicity of description, these components will be described in the singular unless a plural description is required to convey appropriate information.

[0069] One or more processors 555 may include, for example, a central processing unit (“CPU”) and a separate graphics processing unit (“GPU”) capable of processing instructions in parallel, or 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, additional processors may include auxiliary processors for managing data input, auxiliary processors for performing floating-point mathematical operations, dedicated processors (e.g., digital signal processors) with an architecture suitable for rapidly executing signal processing algorithms, slave processors (e.g., back-end processors) subordinate to the main processor, and additional processors for controlling the line scan camera 615, stage 580, objective lens 225, and / or display (not shown). Such additional processors may be separate discrete processors or may be integrated with processor 555.

[0070] Memory 565 provides storage for data and instructions of a program executable by processor 555. Memory 565 may include one or more volatile and / or non-volatile computer-readable storage media for storing data and instructions, including, for example, random access memory, read-only memory, hard disk drive, removable storage device drive, etc. Processor 555 is configured to execute instructions stored in memory 565 and communicate with various components of scanner system 550 via communication bus 560 to implement the overall functionality of scanner system 550.

[0071] One or more communication buses 560 may include communication buses 560 configured to transmit analog electrical signals, and may also include communication buses 560 configured to transmit digital data. Therefore, communication from the processor 555, motion controller 570, and / or interface system 575 via one or more communication buses 560 may include both electrical signals and digital data. The processor 555, motion controller 570, and / or 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.

[0072] The motion control system 570 is configured to precisely control and coordinate the XYZ movement of the stage 580 and objective lens 600 (e.g., via 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 filters, etc., in the incident illumination system 635.

[0073] Interface system 575 allows scanner system 550 to interface with other systems and human operators. For example, interface system 575 may include a user interface for providing information directly to the operator and / or allowing direct input from the operator. Interface system 575 is also configured to facilitate communication and data transfer between scanner system 550 and one or more external devices directly connected to it (e.g., printers, removable storage media, etc.) or external devices (such as image server systems, operator stations, user stations, and management server systems) connected to scanner system 550 via a network (not shown).

[0074] Illumination system 595 is configured to illuminate a portion of sample 590. Illumination system 595 may include, for example, a light source and illumination optics. The light source may be a variable intensity halogen light source having a concave mirror to maximize light output and a KG-1 filter to suppress heat. The light source may also be any type of arc lamp, laser, or other light source. In one embodiment, illumination system 595 illuminates sample 590 in transmission mode, such that line scan camera 615 and / or area scan camera 620 sense the optical energy transmitted through sample 590. Optionally or additionally, illumination system 595 may be configured to illuminate sample 590 in reflection mode, such that line scan camera 615 and / or area scan camera 620 sense the optical energy reflected from sample 590. In general, illumination system 595 is configured to be suitable for probing microscope sample 590 in any known mode of optical microscopy.

[0075] 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 comprising fluorescent molecules, which are photon-sensitive molecules that absorb light (excitement) at a specific wavelength. These photon-sensitive molecules also emit light (emission) at higher wavelengths. Because this photoluminescence phenomenon is very inefficient, the amount of emitted light is typically very low. This low amount of emitted light typically hinders conventional techniques (e.g., transmission mode microscopy) used for scanning and digitizing the sample 590. Advantageously, in an optional fluorescence scanner system embodiment of the scanner system 550, a line scan camera 615 comprising multiple linear sensor arrays (e.g., a time-delay integration (“TDI”) line scan camera) is used to increase the light sensitivity of the line scan camera by exposing the same region of the sample 590 to each of the multiple linear sensor arrays of the line scan camera 615. This is particularly useful when scanning weakly fluorescent samples with low-emission light.

[0076] Therefore, in the fluorescence scanner system implementation, the line scan camera 615 is preferably a monochrome TDI line scan camera. Advantageously, monochrome images are desirable in fluorescence microscopy because they provide a more accurate representation of the actual signals from the various channels present on the sample. As those skilled in the art will understand, the fluorescent sample 590 can be labeled with a variety of fluorescent dyes that emit light at different wavelengths, these wavelengths also referred to as “channels”.

[0077] Furthermore, since the low-end and high-end signal levels of various fluorescent samples exhibit a broad spectrum of wavelengths to be sensed by the line scan camera 615, it is desirable that the low-end and high-end signal levels sensed by the line scan camera 615 be similarly broad. Therefore, in the fluorescence scanner embodiment, the line scan camera 615 used in the fluorescence scanning system 550 is a monochrome 10-bit 64-line array TDI line scan camera. It should be noted that various bit depths of the line scan camera 615 can be employed for use with the fluorescence scanner embodiment of the scanning system 550.

[0078] The movable stage 580 is configured to perform precise XY-axis movement under the control of processor 555 or motion controller 570. The movable stage can also be configured to move along the Z-axis under the control of processor 555 or motion controller 570. The movable stage is configured to position the sample at a desired location during image data acquisition by line scan camera 615 and / or area scan camera. The movable stage is also configured to accelerate the sample 590 to a substantially constant speed in the scanning direction and then maintain that substantially constant speed during image data acquisition by line scan camera 615. In one embodiment, the scanner system 550 may employ a high-precision and tightly coordinated XY grid to aid in positioning the sample 590 on the movable stage 580. In one embodiment, the movable stage 580 is a linear motor-based XY stage employing high-precision encoders on both the X and Y axes. For example, very precise nano-encoders may be used on the axis in the scanning direction and on the axis in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction and in the same plane as the scanning direction. The stage is also configured to support a glass slide 585 on which the sample 590 is placed.

[0079] Sample 590 can be anything that can be examined by optical microscopy. For example, glass microscope slides 585 are frequently used as observation substrates for samples including tissues and cells, chromosomes, DNA, proteins, blood, bone marrow, urine, bacteria, droplets, biopsy material, or any other type of dead or living, stained or unstained, labeled or unlabeled biological material or substance. Sample 590 can also be an array of any type of DNA or DNA-related material (such as cDNA, RNA, or proteins) 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, such as a 96-well plate. Other examples of sample 590 include integrated circuit boards, electrophoresis records, petri dishes, membranes, semiconductor materials, forensic materials, and machined parts.

[0080] Objective lens 600 is mounted on objective lens positioner 630. In one embodiment, the objective lens positioner may employ a very precise linear motor to move objective lens 600 along the optical axis defined by objective lens 600. For example, the linear motor of objective lens positioner 630 may include a 50-nanometer encoder. The relative positions of stage 580 and objective lens 600 on the XYZ axes are coordinated and controlled in a closed-loop manner using motion controller 570 under the control of processor 555, which employs memory 565 to store information and instructions, including computer-executable programming steps for the entire operation of scanning system 550.

[0081] In one embodiment, objective 600 is a plan apochromatic (“APO”) infinity-corrected objective with a numerical aperture corresponding to the desired highest spatial resolution, wherein objective 600 is suitable for transmission-mode illumination microscopy, reflection-mode illumination microscopy, and / or incident-illumination-mode fluorescence microscopy (e.g., Olympus 40X, 0.75NA or 20X, 0.75NA). Advantageously, objective 600 is capable of correcting chromatic aberration and spherical aberration. Since objective 600 is infinity-corrected, focusing optics 610 can be positioned above objective 600 in optical path 605, where the light beam passing through objective is collimated. Focusing optics 610 focuses the light signal captured by objective 600 onto the light-response elements of line scan camera 615 and / or area scan camera 620 and may include optical components (such as filters, magnifier-converter lenses, etc.). Objective 600, combined with focusing optics 610, provides total magnification for scanning system 550. In one embodiment, the focusing optics 610 may include a barrel lens and an optional 2X magnification converter. Advantageously, the 2X magnification converter allows the native 20X objective lens 600 to scan the sample 590 at a 40X magnification.

[0082] The line scan camera 615 includes at least one linear array of image 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 or complex linear array can also be used, whether packaged as part of the camera or custom-integrated into an imaging electronics module. 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 significantly better SNR in the output signal by summing intensity data from previously imaged areas of the sample, resulting in a signal-to-noise ratio (“SNR”) that is proportional to the square root of the number of integration stages. TDI line scan cameras include 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 various formats, including some with 512 pixels, some with 1024 pixels, and others with up to 4096 pixels. Similarly, linear arrays with various pixel sizes can also be used in the scanner system 550. A key requirement for selecting any type of line scan camera 615 is that the movement of the stage 580 can be synchronized with the line rate of the line scan camera 615, so that the stage 580 can be in motion relative to the line scan camera 615 during the digital image capture of the sample 590.

[0083] Image data generated by the 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 the processed continuous digital image may also be stored in memory 565.

[0084] In embodiments having two or more line scan cameras 615, at least one of the line scan cameras 615 may be configured to function as a focus sensor, operating in combination with at least one of the line scan cameras 615 configured to function as an imaging sensor. The focus sensor may be logically positioned on the same optical axis as the imaging sensor, or the focus sensor may be logically positioned before or after the imaging sensor relative to the scanning direction of the scanner system 550. In one embodiment where at least one line scan camera 615 functions as a focus sensor, image data generated by the focus sensor is stored in a portion of 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. Alternatively, in one embodiment, at least one line scan camera 615 used as a focus sensor may be oriented such that each of the plurality of individual pixels of the focus sensor is positioned at a different logical height along the optical path 605.

[0085] In operation, various components of the scanner system 550 and the programmed modules stored in the memory 565 enable the automatic scanning and digitization of a sample 590 positioned on a glass slide 585. The glass slide 585 is securely placed on a movable stage 580 of the scanner system 550 to scan the sample 590. Under the control of the processor 555, the movable stage 580 accelerates the sample 590 to a substantially constant speed for sensing by the line scan camera 615, wherein the speed of the stage is synchronized with the line rate of the line scan camera 615. After scanning an image data strip, the movable stage 580 decelerates and brings the sample 590 to a substantially complete stop. The movable stage 580 then moves orthogonally to the scanning direction to position the sample 590 for scanning subsequent image data strips (e.g., adjacent strips). Additional strips are then scanned until the entire portion or the entire sample 590 has been scanned.

[0086] For example, during a digital scan of sample 590, consecutive digital images of sample 590 are acquired as multiple consecutive fields of view, which are combined together to form image stripes. Multiple adjacent image stripes are similarly combined to form a portion of or the entire sample 590 as a consecutive digital image. Scanning of sample 590 may include acquiring vertical or horizontal image stripes. Scanning of sample 590 may be top-down, bottom-up, or both (bidirectional), and may begin at any point on the sample. Alternatively, scanning of sample 590 may be left-to-right, right-to-left, or both (bidirectional), and may begin at any point on the sample. Additionally, image stripes need not be acquired in an adjacent or consecutive manner. Furthermore, the resulting image of sample 590 may be an image of the entire sample 590 or only a portion of sample 590.

[0087] In one embodiment, computer-executable instructions (e.g., programmed modules or other software) are stored in memory 565 and, when executed, enable scanning system 550 to perform the various functions described herein. In this specification, the term "computer-readable storage medium" is used to refer to any medium used to store computer-executable instructions and provide them to scanning system 550 for execution by processor 555. Examples of such media include memory 565 and any removable or external storage medium (not shown) that is directly or indirectly communicatively coupled (e.g., via a network) to scanning system 550.

[0088] Figure 16B A line scan camera with a single linear array 640 is shown, which 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 formats for linear arrays include 512, 1024, and 4096 pixels. The pixels 645 are arranged linearly to define a field of view 625 of the linear array 640. The size of the field of view varies depending on the magnification of the scanner system 550.

[0089] Figure 16C A line scan camera with three linear arrays is shown, each of which can be implemented as a CCD array. The three linear arrays are combined 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). Color image data from each individual linear array in the color array 650 are combined to form a single field of view 625 of color image data.

[0090] Figure 16DA line scan camera with multiple linear arrays is shown, each of which can be implemented as a CCD array. The multiple linear arrays are combined to form a TDI array 655. Advantageously, the TDI line scan camera can provide a significantly better SNR in its output signal by increasing the SNR proportional to the square root of the number of linear arrays (also called integral stages) by summing intensity data from previously imaged regions of a sample. TDI line scan cameras can include even more linear arrays. For example, common formats for TDI line scan cameras include 24, 32, 48, 64, 96, 120, and even more linear arrays.

[0091] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent currently preferred embodiments of the invention, and thus represent the subject matter broadly contemplated by the invention. It should also be understood that the scope of the invention fully covers other embodiments that may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and the scope of the invention is accordingly not limited.

Claims

1. A turntable for holding a plurality of glass slide holders in a digital slide scanning apparatus, the turntable comprising: A turntable base has a lower surface on a first side of the turntable base, an upper surface on a second side of the turntable base opposite to the first side, and an outer edge on the side of the turntable base intersecting the first and second sides between the lower and upper surfaces, wherein, from a top view perspective, the outer edge of the turntable base is generally circular. At least a portion of the upper surface of the turntable base is angled downwards toward the center of the turntable base, and the angle is at least 1 degree. The turntable base is configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees in at least one direction.

2. The turntable according to claim 1, wherein, The angle is between 1 degree and 5 degrees.

3. The turntable according to claim 1, wherein, The angle is at least 5 degrees.

4. The turntable according to claim 1, wherein, The outer portion of the upper surface of the base adjacent to the outer edge is substantially flat, and the angled portion of the upper surface of the turntable base is closer to the center of the turntable base than the outer portion.

5. The turntable according to claim 1, wherein, The turntable base is formed in a ring shape.

6. The turntable according to claim 1, wherein, The outer edge is orthogonal to the first side and the second side.

7. The turntable according to claim 1, wherein, The peripheral edge of the upper surface has a bevel.

8. The turntable according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of frame spacers extending from the upper surface away from the lower surface, wherein, Each pair of adjacent rack spacers in the plurality of rack spacers defines a rack slot between them.

9. The turntable according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the plurality of rack spacers includes a rack stop extending from the rack spacer to an adjacent one of the plurality of rack spacers.

10. The turntable according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the plurality of shelf spacers includes two shelf stops, wherein a first shelf stop extends from the shelf spacer toward a first adjacent shelf spacer on a first side of the shelf spacer, and wherein a second shelf stop extends from the shelf spacer toward a second adjacent shelf spacer on a second side of the shelf spacer opposite to the first side of the shelf spacer.

11. The turntable according to claim 9, wherein, The width of each frame stop is less than the minimum width of each frame slot, so that there is a stop gap between each pair of adjacent frame spacers.

12. The turntable of claim 11, further comprising a detector oriented in the gap of each stop member, wherein each detector is configured to detect whether the corresponding rack slot is occupied.

13. A digital wafer scanning device, comprising: The turntable according to claim 1; as well as A motor configured to rotate a turntable in at least one direction.

14. The digital wafer scanning apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The lower surface of the turntable base has a notch, and the digital wafer scanning device further includes: Machine base; and Three or more V-wheel bearings engage with a turntable base in a cutout to secure the turntable base to the machine base during turntable rotation.

15. The digital wafer scanning apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, At least one of the three or more V-wheel bearings is adjustable.

16. The digital wafer scanning apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, Three of the three or more V-wheel bearings are positioned in a triangular orientation.

17. The digital wafer scanning apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: Rotor; as well as The belt, which contacts the rotor and part of the turntable base, The motor is configured to drive the rotor in at least one direction, and The rotation of the rotor, driven by the motor, in at least one direction causes the belt to move the turntable base in the first direction.

18. The digital wafer scanning apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, The motor is configured to drive the rotor in each of two opposite directions.

19. The digital wafer scanning apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, The outer edge includes a recessed section extending around the turntable base, wherein the strip contacts the turntable base within the recessed section.

20. The digital wafer scanning device according to claim 13 further includes a plurality of multi-color status indicator lights, wherein, Each of the plurality of multi-color status indicator lights indicates the status of one of the plurality of rack slots on the turntable.

21. A digital slide scanning device turntable for holding multiple glass slide holders, comprising: A base having a lower surface, an upper surface and a circular outer edge, the upper surface having an angled central portion and a flat outer portion, wherein at least a portion of the upper surface of the base is angled downward from a more outer position on the base toward a more central position on the base, and the angle is at least 1 degree. Multiple rack spacers extending upward from the base, wherein adjacent pairs of rack spacers are defined on three sides by rack slots bounded by the upper surface of the base, the first side of the first rack spacer, and the second side of the second rack spacer. as well as A motor configured to drive the base 360 ​​degrees in any direction.

22. The digital wafer scanning device turntable according to claim 21, wherein, The angle of the angled portion of the upper surface of the base is between 1 degree and 5 degrees.

23. The digital wafer scanning device turntable according to claim 21, wherein, The motor is configured to drive the rotor 360 degrees in any direction, wherein the digital wafer scanning device turntable further includes a belt that contacts the rotor and a portion of the base, and wherein rotation of the rotor in a first direction under the control of the motor causes the belt to move the base in the first direction.

24. The digital wafer scanning apparatus turntable according to claim 23, wherein, The lower surface of the base includes a cutout, and the digital wafer scanning device turntable further includes three or more V-wheel bearings configured to stabilize the base during rotation.

25. The digital wafer scanning apparatus turntable according to claim 24, wherein, At least one of the V-wheel bearings is adjustable.

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