Automatic adjustment microtome and automatic adjustment method

Abstract

A first aspect of the invention relates to a microtome comprising: one or more motor drives for moving a sample and for moving a knife, and comprising a user interface, the microtome being arranged to: acquire a position of the sample; collecting the position of the knife; obtaining adjustment information about the sample; adjusting information about the cutter is obtained; the microtome is tuned based on the acquired location, the tuning information, and the user interface command.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to at least partially automatically calibrated microtomes and methods of automatic calibration. Background Art

[0002] Microtomes are used to produce extremely thin sections of samples for microscopic examination. The sample is prepared using an embedding medium (usually paraffin or resin) and clamped into a sample holder. The slice thickness can be set by the user on the microtome and is typically within a range of several micrometers. The user then guides the sample over the sharp knife (or vice versa) to produce the thin slice. It is important to keep the sample stable during the cutting process and to adapt the cutting speed to the sample conditions. Typically, the microtome needs to be calibrated or adjusted before use. For example, this involves aligning the knife with the sample or the sample holder. Mechanical interference can negatively affect the adjustment or subsequent cutting results, especially if the user is inexperienced or negligent. Improvements in this area are desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It is an object of the disclosed embodiments to improve microtome operation.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure provides embodiments, particularly those defined by the independent claims. Dependent claims relate to further embodiments. The following summary and detailed description further disclose various aspects and embodiments of these aspects, providing further features and advantages.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a microtome,

[0006] comprising one or more motor drives for moving the sample and for moving the knife, and a user interface; the microtome being configured to:

[0007] - The location where the sample was collected;

[0008] - The location of the harvesting knife;

[0009] - obtain calibration information about the sample;

[0010] - Get information about knife settings;

[0011] - Adjusting the microtome based on the acquired position, adjustment information and commands from the user interface.

[0012] Microtome is a sample cutting device that can be used to examine the microstructure of tissues (e.g., biological tissues) and / or other materials. Microtome can be used to cut one or more sufficiently thin (e.g., light-transmissive) slices from a sample so that these slices can be carefully examined under a microscope. In order to align and cut, the microtome can include a microscope and / or a camera that can record the cutting area / sample area of the microtome through one or more objective lenses so that it can be imaged. The knife of the microtome can, for example, be made of diamond or glass.

[0013] Microtomes can operate at room temperature or be used as cryomicrotomes for examining frozen samples. Microtomes can be rotary microtomes, suitable for cutting thin tissue sections. Microtomes can also be ultramicrotomes, suitable for cutting ultrathin sections for electron microscopy. Microtomes can also be laser microtomes, which use a laser to cut samples without contact.

[0014] The microtome can be configured so that the sample holder and the blade holder can move relative to each other. This relative movement can be achieved by moving only the sample holder, only the blade holder (i.e., the sample holder is fixed), and / or both the sample holder and the blade holder. The sample holder (also known as the chuck) can be used to reliably position the sample to be cut. The sample holder can be configured to maintain the correct orientation of the sample, thereby achieving a precise and uniform cut. The sample holder is adjustable so that the sample can be aligned with the cutting blade to achieve the desired cutting angle and the desired thickness.

[0015] The sample can be any material or materials that can be sliced thinly. For example, the sample might include biological tissue from various organs (used for disease diagnosis and research) or plant material. Cultured cells and hard tissues (such as bone) can also be sliced thinly. The expected thickness of the slices can range from millimeters to several micrometers or even nanometers.

[0016] To achieve such slice thickness, within the scope of the present disclosure, obtaining information (eg, calibration information) may include receiving and / or retrieving the information. Additionally or alternatively, obtaining may include determining information based on other received / retrieved information.

[0017] For example, the calibration information can be obtained from a user interface. Additionally or alternatively, the calibration information can be obtained from the manufacturer of the microtome and / or the microtome knife. The calibration information may refer to data and / or instructions for adjusting (i.e., fine-tuning or calibrating) the microtome. Calibration can be used to improve the accuracy, performance and / or reliability of the microtome, in particular by correcting deviations from target values. The calibration information may include various information: reference values, target predeterminations (in particular, target positions and / or target distances to be achieved), instructions for implementing the calibration (including the tools and methods used), and information about the tolerance range for normal operation of the microtome. The sample position and the knife position are collected for controlling the calibration or alignment.

[0018] The microtome according to the first aspect of the present disclosure allows for partially or fully automatic calibration, thereby avoiding or reducing external interference, such as mechanical vibrations caused by the operator. Accordingly, calibration can be initiated via a command in the user interface and then proceed essentially automatically. Additionally or alternatively, calibration can be at least partially controlled by the user in the user interface. The thinner the desired incision, the more important it is to avoid interference. For example, the operator of the microtome can activate calibration and then leave the room where the microtome is located. Calibration can then proceed automatically.

[0019] A first embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the user interface includes a remote user interface and the adjustment is controlled via the remote user interface.

[0020] Controlling may include activating and / or starting the adjustment. This allows the user to perform the adjustment without being physically present in the room. This avoids mechanical disturbances caused by the user (e.g., by stepping on or touching the microtome).

[0021] Information about activating and aligning the knife, sample holder and / or sample can be received via the remote user interface. For example, the adjustment can be preset so that the cutting can be performed parallel or obliquely relative to the sample block face (the sample portion to be cut).

[0022] The remote user interface can in particular be arranged to communicate with a plurality of microtomes. Thus, a plurality of microtomes logged into the user interface can be adjusted.

[0023] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the microtome is configured as follows:

[0024] - receiving commands for positioning the sample and / or the knife within the scope of the calibration from a user interface, in particular via a remote user interface.

[0025] This allows the operator to predefine how the adjustment should be performed. This predetermination can be a starting position. In particular, the operator can move the sample and / or knife to a specific position where automatic adjustment can / should be performed. This predetermination can save time, as automatic adjustment must, for example, cover a shorter travel distance. If this predetermination comes from a remote user interface, particularly one that is not located in the same room as the microtome, it can be set without direct contact with the microtome. This reduces mechanical interference with the microtome and the adjustments that need to be performed.

[0026] A first embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein a command for positioning includes one or more of the following information:

[0027] - Location-based information;

[0028] -Shape-based information.

[0029] The position-based information may be position, velocity, acceleration, etc. The shape-based information may be predetermined markings or the shape of the sample or the knife.

[0030] For example, the calibration can be performed so that a certain distance is maintained between the knife and the sample as the knife moves relative to the sample in the cutting direction. This calibration ensures that the cut is made in a straight line rather than a curved line. The distance between the knife and the sample can be observed by a camera, and the sample or knife can be adjusted by tilting the sample or knife so that the predetermined distance remains unchanged during the linear movement or varies within predetermined limits.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the adjustment can be carried out in such a way that the knife and the sample surface (i.e. the block face) must be parallel to each other. For this purpose, in particular, the shape of the light gap between the knife and the sample can be recorded and evaluated. For example, the upper edge of the sample surface (i.e. the block face) can be arranged to be parallel to the knife's blade. The sample can be a polyhedron, whose surface forms the sample surface. Therefore, the knife's blade can be parallel to a defined sample surface. This surface can be specified by the user. The side can also be defined by the mirror image or reflection of the knife's blade on the sample surface of the sample. Alignment can also be performed using mirror image reflections of other structures (e.g. marks in the knife or knife holder).

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, the user can select a specific calibration method by specifying specific information. For example, distance-based calibration can be performed by specifying a distance to be maintained. Shape-based calibration can be preset by maintaining a preset light gap shape.

[0033] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein one or more of the following commands are acquired through a user interface, in particular a remote user interface:

[0034] -Command to start tuning;

[0035] - Command to end the adjustment;

[0036] - Command to interrupt the calibration;

[0037] - Implemented manual tuning commands.

[0038] The command to start calibration can, in particular, include a timer. This allows the user to start calibration and then leave the microtome or the room. Calibration can then proceed undisturbed. For example, a timer can be set to start calibration 30 seconds after user activation. Additionally or alternatively, the start of calibration can be tied to one or more conditions. For example, a command to start calibration can be issued only when a sensor or other means indicates that the user has left the room containing the microtome. This also ensures that calibration can proceed undisturbed.

[0039] In particular, the calibration can be interrupted or terminated if a disturbance, in particular a mechanical disturbance, is detected. For example, the calibration can be interrupted if the sensor detects vibrations. Additionally or alternatively, the calibration can be interrupted if a user is detected at the microtome or in the room.

[0040] Manual adjustment can be carried out in particular after an automatic adjustment that has not yet been completed, ie when the manual adjustment by the user is more precise than the automatic adjustment.

[0041] A first embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, comprising: one or more position sensors for collecting the position of a sample and / or the position of a sample holder.

[0042] In addition to cameras, position sensors for measuring the calibration position can also be directly attached to the motor and / or the joint between the specimen holder and the knife. Furthermore, certain position information can be redundantly acquired, for example, by a sensor on the specimen holder and by a camera measuring the specimen holder's position. These two pieces of position information can then be integrated, for example, using maximum likelihood integration, to minimize measurement errors caused by mechanical disturbances (e.g., a person approaching the microtome).

[0043] A first embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, comprising: a camera for simultaneously recording the position of a sample and / or the position of a sample holder and the position of a knife.

[0044] The camera can record different positions simultaneously. In particular, the components to be recorded (sample holder, sample, knife, knife holder) can have markings that are easily identifiable by visual image processing, so that the position of each component can be determined based on this.

[0045] A first embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein sample calibration information may include the following information:

[0046] - Position on the sample holder;

[0047] - location on the sample block surface;

[0048] - distance from the sample or sample holder;

[0049] - markings on the sample or sample holder;

[0050] - Geometrical properties of the sample or sample holder.

[0051] The position on the sample holder or the position on the block face may be a predetermined point, such as a predetermined point on a corner, edge, or face.

[0052] In particular, the position can be calibrated, for example, by visually and / or electromagnetically detectable markings. Additionally or alternatively, the position can be determined by a dedicated sensor system for separately measuring the position (e.g., a laser position sensor and / or a joint sensor). For calibration purposes, for example, one or more markings on the sample and / or the sample holder can be synchronized with one or more markings on the knife and / or the knife holder, e.g., such that a point on the sample and / or the sample holder maintains a minimum distance or a predetermined distance from a point on the knife and / or the knife holder.

[0053] Calibration can also be performed based on specific geometric features of the sample or block surface, such as corners, edges, and / or faces.

[0054] A first embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein knife calibration information may include one of the following information:

[0055] - Position on the tool holder;

[0056] - the position on the knife, in particular the position of the knife section;

[0057] - distance from the knife and / or knife holder;

[0058] - markings on the knife or knife holder;

[0059] -Geometrical characteristics of the tool or tool holder.

[0060] The positions on the blade and / or the blade holder can be acquired using the same or similar means as the positions on the sample or the sample holder. This also applies to determining the distance. Calibration can also be performed based on markings and / or specific geometric features of the blade (e.g., corners, edges, segments, and / or faces).

[0061] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the sample and / or the knife comprises one or more position markings.

[0062] In particular, a plurality of position markings can be arranged at a predetermined distance and thereby form a scale. Based on the predetermined distance, the distance by which the sample and the knife are displaced relative to each other can be determined, for example by visual evaluation using a camera.

[0063] A first embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein not only a sample but also a knife has position marks forming a cursor.

[0064] The vernier scale consists of a movable scale. This movable scale is calibrated so that the markings along a given length differ slightly from the main scale (either on the specimen or on the knife). For example, the vernier scale can be set so that the ten vernier graduations on the knife align with the nine graduations on the specimen. This difference in graduations allows the automated image processing system (or the operator) to more accurately determine the values between the main scale graduations by comparing the alignment of the markings on the two scales. This allows for highly accurate identification of sample-to-knife misalignment, or for appropriate adjustments to mitigate such misalignment.

[0065] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the microtome is configured as follows:

[0066] - Check for sources of mechanical interference near the microtome.

[0067] This check can be carried out by means of suitable sensors at or around the microtome. Interferences may arise in particular from external influences. For example, interference may be external vibrations caused by the movement of machines, people or even buildings. Temperature fluctuations may also cause interference. Although this is not a direct source of mechanical interference, temperature changes may cause mechanical expansion or contraction of microtome components (sample, sample holder, knife, etc.), which may in turn affect the accuracy of the adjustment. Interference may also be due to air currents. Dirt and foreign matter may also cause interference. The intrusion of dust, dirt or other foreign matter into the mechanical structure of the microtome may restrict the freedom of movement of the moving parts or lead to inconsistent cutting or inaccurate adjustment. Therefore, sensors can be provided for one or more of these types of interference so that adjustment can be performed based on preset limit values, in particular to start adjustment or to interrupt or end adjustment.

[0068] A first embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, comprising a pump for emptying or filling a water tank located on a knife.

[0069] During calibration, the water in the water tank may contaminate the sample or knife due to electrostatic effects, etc. Therefore, before calibration, the water in the water tank can be removed or the water volume can be reduced using a pump before calibration. After successful calibration, especially before the cutting process, the pump can be used to fill the water tank with sufficient water.

[0070] In other embodiments, a pump can be used either without or with the water tank being filled before calibration, so that the cutting operation of the microtome can begin immediately after calibration, and the user does not need to go to the microtome to fill water (if there is no controllable pump).

[0071] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein one or more of the following commands are acquired through a user interface, in particular a remote user interface:

[0072] - command for emptying the knife's water tank;

[0073] - Commands for filling the knife's water tank.

[0074] In particular, the command to empty the water tank can be issued before calibration, but in other cases also after calibration. This command to empty the water tank can be issued especially after calibration if the calibration process is not disturbed and the water flow is not harmful to the sample. Electrostatic interference effects can also be eliminated by ensuring that the knife / knife holder (including the water tank) and the sample / specimen holder are at the same electrical potential (in particular, ground potential). This can be achieved, for example, by galvanic coupling of the corresponding microtome components (e.g., via wiring).

[0075] In particular, when the calibration is complete, a command to fill the water tank may be issued. Alternatively, in particular in the scenario described in the previous paragraph, a command to fill the water tank may also be issued before the calibration.

[0076] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for calibrating a microtome, comprising the following steps:

[0077] - The location where the sample was collected;

[0078] - The location of the harvesting knife;

[0079] - obtain calibration information about the sample;

[0080] - Get information about knife settings;

[0081] - obtaining a calibration command via a user interface, in particular a remote user interface;

[0082] - Aligning the sample relative to the knife based on the acquired position, the alignment position and the alignment command.

[0083] The method may in particular be configured to adjust the microtome according to the first aspect. To this end, the method may include the steps and / or functions described in conjunction with the first aspect of the present disclosure, or be used to operate the microtome assembly described in conjunction with the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0084] The method can be performed on the microtome according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, or on a computer that is independent of the microtome and is connected to the microtome and the user interface only via a communication infrastructure (e.g., a network). Information from external sensors (e.g., room sensors for monitoring unoccupied rooms) can also be connected via this communication infrastructure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] Further advantages and features are described in the following embodiments, some of which are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings do not necessarily represent the embodiments to scale. In particular, for clarity of illustration, the dimensions of various features may be scaled accordingly. For this reason, the drawings are at least partially schematic.

[0086] Figure 1 A microtome according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0087] Figure 2 A microtome calibration method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0088] Figure 3 A microtome calibration method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0089] Figure 4 A microtome calibration method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0090] Figure 5 A microscope system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0091] The following content is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of this disclosure and illustrate certain aspects and embodiments that facilitate understanding of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals refer to features that are the same or at least similar in function or structure.

[0092] In general, the contents of the method described in the present disclosure are also applicable to the corresponding device for performing the method or the corresponding system including one or more devices, and vice versa. For example, if a specific method step is described, the corresponding device may include features for performing the method step, even if the feature is not explicitly described or depicted in the figure. On the other hand, if a specific device is described, for example, based on functional units, the corresponding method may include one or more steps for performing the function, even if these steps are not explicitly described or depicted in the figure. Similarly, a system may include corresponding device features or features for performing specific method steps. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features of the various example aspects and embodiments described above and below may be combined with each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] Figure 1 A microtome 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The microtome 100 includes a housing 102 in which components of the microtome are arranged. The microtome 100 includes a knife holder (or blade holder) 110 configured to hold a knife 114. The knife holder can be moved in various directions by an actuator system 112. The knife 114 includes a cutting edge that can be made of, for example, glass or diamond.

[0094] Microtome 100 includes a sample holder 120 that can be actuated in at least two translational degrees of freedom and two rotational degrees of freedom via actuator systems 122 and 124. Sample holder 120 is configured to hold a sample 130. Sample 130 includes a block face 132, representing the area where the cutting process is to occur. The block face and the area of the blade can be illuminated by a light source 140 that emits a light beam 142.

[0095] The microtome system 100 includes a microscope 160 that is disposed on the housing 102 and configured to allow a user to observe (and inspect) the block face 132 of the sample 130 and the blade 114. For example, in this manner, the user can inspect the cutting motion and / or quality of the blade 116. Light generated by an illumination source 140 illuminates the (physical) gap between the sample 130 (or its block face 132) and the blade 114, which is captured by a detector (objective lens) 162 of the microscope 160 (e.g., via a camera).

[0096] The cutting process can be controlled by a mechanical element (i.e., a rotating wheel 170). The microtome system 100 also includes a user interface 180, on which the user can display information about the cutting process and / or instructions for aligning the knife 114 with the block face 132 of the sample 130, and through which commands, in particular calibration commands, can be entered. The user interface can be arranged on the microtome or it can be a remote user interface located in another room or location. The remote user interface can exchange information with one or more microtomes via a corresponding communication interface (e.g., a communication network). Calibration can also be performed via the remote user interface.

[0097] If the user interface 180 is located on the microtome or in the same room as the microtome, the adjustment can only be activated and then carried out by the microtome when the activating user has moved sufficiently far away from the microtome or has left the room. In particular, the activated adjustment can be carried out only after it has been determined by a sensor that no one is near the microtome. For example, the closing of the door 192 can be observed from the outside via the sensor 194, thereby determining that the user 190 who activated the adjustment of the microtome has left the room where the microtome is located. Additionally or alternatively, the start of the activated adjustment can be delayed via a timer so that the user who activated the adjustment can leave the room. Another way to determine that the room is empty before starting the adjustment of the microtome is by means of a motion detector located in the microtome room. As long as the motion detector detects movement, the adjustment should not be started.

[0098] If user interface 180 is located in another room or other location, it can also be determined by motion detectors and / or cameras whether the room containing the microtome is empty before calibration begins. This check can be done automatically or by a user at a remote user interface.

[0099] Figure 2 A microtome (eg, Figure 1 Method 200 for calibrating a microtome (shown).

[0100] In a first step 210, the position of the sample and the knife are recorded to provide actual values for calibration. In parallel with the position recording, the water tank of the knife of the microtome can be filled with water, in particular by a pump, so that after calibration, cutting of the sample already in the sample holder can be started quickly.

[0101] In the second step 220, calibration information about the sample and calibration information about the knife are obtained. For example, information can be selected or input via a user interface. The calibration information can include information about calibration marks on the sample and on the knife. In addition, the calibration information can include information about the distance between the knife to be calibrated and the sample (i.e., the distance between the knife and the sample after calibration). Additionally, the calibration information can include information for positioning the knife and the sample so that a straight cut can be performed. For this purpose, for example, the shape between the block surface of the sample and the blade of the knife can be evaluated. For example, the above information can be collected by a camera.

[0102] In a third step 230, the calibration is activated. After activation, the calibration can begin immediately, particularly if it is ensured that there are no predefined interference sources (e.g., people) in the room. In particular, the calibration can begin immediately if the calibration is ordered via a remote user interface located outside the room where the microtome is to be calibrated.

[0103] In a fourth step 240, a pre-configured adjustment is performed and the knife is aligned with the sample accordingly. In this case, the actual position of the sample and the knife can be captured by a camera and / or position sensors at the joint between the sample holder and the knife holder. Sensors can also be provided in the drive device. The adjustment can be performed fully automatically. The adjustment can also be performed manually by the user via a user interface. This allows, in particular, professional users who are more adept at adjustment than automatic adjustment to take over the adjustment. Additionally or alternatively, the adjustment that has been started can be interrupted or ended via a user interface, in particular a remote user interface. This can occur, for example, if it is determined that the adjustment that has been started cannot be successfully completed because, for example, the camera captures that someone has entered the room where the microtome is being adjusted, because the entry of someone could cause vibrations, which could result in an incorrect adjustment or inability to use the microtome.

[0104] Figure 3 A method for calibrating a microtome based on shape-based calibration information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The figure shows a top view of a sample area 300 having an optical gap 302. Optical gap 302 is formed between a blade 310 of a knife 114 and a sample 132. In this case, light from, for example, a light source 140 can pass through optical gap 302 (i.e., the space between blade 310 and sample 132) and be captured by a camera.

[0105] The optical gap 302 has a profile 320. A first section 312 of the profile or shape 320 is formed by the knife edge 310. A second section 332 of the profile 320 is formed by the sample 132 or sample surface (block face) 330.

[0106] Before the cutting process, the sample 132 can be precisely positioned relative to the knife 114 during a placement process. A computer-implemented method can be used for this purpose. The computer-implemented method can include the step of determining the light gap 302, wherein the light gap 302 is captured by means of a camera.

[0107] The light gap 302 may be segmentally defined by the blade 114 and the sample 122. In other words, the adjustment includes aligning the blade 114 and / or the sample 132 so that the light gap 302 has a predetermined shape. The predetermined shape may include a polygon, particularly a rectangle.

[0108] Figure 4 A method for calibrating a microtome based on marker-based calibration information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The figure shows a top view of a sample area 400 with a gap 402 between the sample and the knife. Gap 402 is formed between a cutting edge 412 of the knife 114 and a block surface 430 of the sample 132. The knife 114 and the sample 132 can be captured by a camera.

[0109] The knife has a mark 410 on its edge, which is parallel to and adjacent to the blade 412. Through image processing, the mark 410 can be effectively identified in the image captured by the camera, thereby knowing the position of the knife. In addition, the sample has marks 420 at each corner of its block surface, which can be used by the calibration algorithm for orientation.

[0110] The microtome can now be calibrated so that distances 440 and 442 must reach predetermined values. Alternatively, it can be determined that marking 410 on the knife must be parallel to knife edge 412, while the sum of distances 440 and 442 must be minimized. This allows the position to be found where the knife is parallel to the sample's block surface 430 and the sample 132 is centered relative to the knife 114.

[0111] Some embodiments relate to a microscope comprising a Figures 1 to 4 Alternatively, the microscope may be a reference Figures 1 to 4 Part of or associated with the system being described. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a system 500 configured to perform the methods described herein is shown. System 500 includes a microscope 510 and a computer system 520. Microscope 510 is configured to capture images and is connected to computer system 520. Computer system 520 is configured to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. Computer system 520 can be configured to execute a machine learning algorithm. Computer system 520 and microscope 510 can be separate entities, but can also be integrated into a common housing. Computer system 520 can be part of a central processing system of microscope 510, and / or computer system 520 can be part of a subassembly of microscope 510, such as a sensor, actuator, camera, or lighting unit of microscope 510.

[0112] The computer system 520 can be a local computer device (e.g., a personal computer, laptop, tablet computer, or mobile phone) having one or more processors and one or more storage devices, or can be a distributed computer system (e.g., a cloud computing system having one or more processors and one or more storage devices distributed in different locations, such as distributed in a local client and / or one or more remote server farms and / or multiple data centers). The computer system 520 can include any circuit or combination of circuits. In one embodiment, the computer system 520 can include one or more processors, which can be of any type. As used herein, the term "processor" can refer to a microscope or a microscope component (e.g., a camera) or any other type of computing circuit, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, graphics processor, digital signal processor (DSP), multi-core processor, field programmable gate array (FPGA) of a microscope or computer system. Other types of circuits that may be included in the computer system 520 can be custom circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc., such as one or more circuits (e.g., communication circuits) for wireless devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, two-way radios, and similar electronic systems). The computer system 520 may include one or more storage devices, which may include one or more memory elements suitable for a particular application, such as main memory in the form of random access memory (RAM), one or more hard disk drives, and / or one or more drives for handling removable media, such as compact disks (CDs), flash memory cards, digital video disks (DVDs), etc. The computer system 520 may also include a display device, one or more speakers, and a keyboard and / or controller, which may include a mouse, a trackball, a touch screen, a voice recognition device, or any other device that allows a system user to input information to and receive information from the computer system 520.

[0113] Part or all of the method steps can be performed by (or using) hardware devices, such as processors, microprocessors, programmable computers or electronic circuits. In some embodiments, one or more of some of the main method steps can be performed by such devices.

[0114] Depending on specific implementation requirements, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware or software. They may be implemented using a non-transitory storage medium (e.g., a digital storage medium, such as a floppy disk, DVD, Blu-ray, CD, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or FLASH memory) that stores electronically readable control signals that cooperate with (or can cooperate with) a programmable computer system to execute the corresponding method. Thus, the digital storage medium may be computer-readable.

[0115] Some embodiments according to the invention comprise a data carrier having electronically readable control signals, which are capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system, such that one of the methods described herein is performed.

[0116] Generally, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product with a program code, for performing one of the methods when the computer program product runs on a computer. The program code can, for example, be stored on a machine-readable carrier.

[0117] Other embodiments comprise the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein, stored on a machine readable carrier.

[0118] In other words, one embodiment of the present invention is, therefore, a computer program having a program code for performing one of the methods described herein, when the computer program runs on a computer.

[0119] Therefore, another embodiment of the present invention is a storage medium (or data carrier or computer-readable medium) having stored thereon a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein when executed by a processor. The data carrier, digital storage medium or recorded medium is typically tangible and / or non-transitory. Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus as described herein, comprising a processor and a storage medium.

[0120] Therefore, another embodiment of the present invention is a data stream or a sequence of signals representing the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein.For example, the data stream or the sequence of signals can be configured to be transmitted via a data communication connection (for example via the Internet).

[0121] A further embodiment comprises a processing means, for example a computer or a programmable logic device, configured to or adapted to perform one of the methods described herein.

[0122] A further embodiment comprises a computer having installed thereon the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein.

[0123] Another embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus or system configured to transfer (e.g., electronically or optically) a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein to a receiver. The receiver may be, for example, a computer, a mobile device, a storage device, etc. The apparatus or system may include, for example, a file server for transferring the computer program to the receiver.

[0124] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field programmable gate array) can be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field programmable gate array can collaborate with a microprocessor to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, these methods are preferably performed by any hardware device.

[0125] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as " / ".

[0126] Although some aspects are described in the context of an apparatus, it is clear that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, where a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or item or feature of the corresponding apparatus.

[0127] Reference Signs List

[0128] 100 Microtome

[0129] 102 housing

[0130] 110 Tool holder

[0131] 112 Actuator System

[0132] 114 knives

[0133] 120 Sample holder

[0134] 122 Actuator System

[0135] 124 Actuator System

[0136] 130 samples

[0137] 132 blocks

[0138] 140 Light Source

[0139] 142 Beam

[0140] 160 microscope

[0141] 162 detectors

[0142] 170 Wheel

[0143] 180 User Interface

[0144] 190 Activate the user of the adjustment

[0145] 192 doors

[0146] 194 Door Sensor

[0147] 200 Adjustment Method

[0148] 210 First Adjustment Step

[0149] 220 Second Adjustment Step

[0150] 230 Third Adjustment Step

[0151] 240 Fourth Adjustment Step

[0152] 300 sample areas

[0153] 302 Light Gap

[0154] 310 Blade

[0155] 312 First shape segment

[0156] 320 outline

[0157] 330 sample surface

[0158] 332 Second shape segment

[0159] 400 sample areas

[0160] 402 Gap

[0161] 410 markings on the knife

[0162] 412 Blade

[0163] 420 Marking on sample

[0164] 430 noodles

[0165] 440 Left distance

[0166] 442 right distance

[0167] 500 Microscope System

[0168] 510 Microscope

[0169] 520 Computer

Claims

1. A microtome comprising: one or more motor drives (112, 122, 124) for moving the sample (130) and for moving the knife (114), and User interface (180); The microtome is set up as follows: - the location where the sample was collected; - Acquiring the position of the knife; - obtaining calibration information about the sample (332, 420); - obtaining calibration information about the knife (312, 410); as well as - calibrating the microtome based on the acquired positions, the calibration information and commands from a user interface.

2. Microtome (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The user interface (180) includes a remote user interface and is adapted to be controlled via the remote user interface.

3. The microtome according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the microtome is configured to: - obtain commands for positioning the sample (130) and / or the knife (114) within the scope of the adjustment from the user interface (180), in particular via the remote user interface.

4. Microtome (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The command for positioning includes one or more of the following information: - Location-based information (410, 420); - Shape-based information (320).

5. Microtome according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Collect one or more of the following commands via the user interface (180), in particular the remote user interface: -Command to start tuning; - Command to end the adjustment; - Command to interrupt the calibration; - Implemented manual tuning commands.

6. The microtome according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: One or more position sensors for acquiring the position of the sample (130) and / or the position of the sample holder (120).

7. The microtome according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: A camera is used to simultaneously capture the position of the sample (130) and / or the position of the sample holder (120) and the position of the knife (114).

8. Microtome according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The calibration information of the sample may include the following information: - a position on the sample holder (120); - the position of the sample (130) on the block surface; - the distance from the sample or the sample holder; - a marking on the sample or the sample holder; - Geometrical properties of the sample or of the sample holder.

9. A microtome according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The calibration information of the knife (114) can include one of the following information: - Position on the tool holder (110); - the position on the knife, in particular the position of a section of the knife; - a distance (440, 442) from the knife and / or the knife holder; - a marking (410) on the knife or the knife holder; - Geometrical properties of the knife or the knife holder (312).

10. The microtome according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The sample (130) and / or the knife (114) include one or more position markings (410).

11. Microtome (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein Both the sample ( 130 ) and the knife ( 114 ) have position markings ( 410 ) forming a vernier.

12. The microtome according to any of the preceding claims, being arranged to: - check the vicinity of the microtome for the presence of mechanical interference sources (190).

13. The microtome according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: A pump for emptying or filling a water tank located on the knife (114).

14. A microtome according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Collect one or more of the following commands via the user interface (180), in particular the remote user interface: - Command for the water tank of the knife (114) to be emptied; - Commands for filling the knife's water tank.

15. A computer-implemented method for calibrating a microtome (100), comprising the steps of: - location where the sample (130) is collected; - the position of the harvesting knife (114); - obtaining calibration information about the sample (332, 420); - obtaining calibration information about the knife (312, 410); - obtaining a calibration command via a user interface, in particular a remote user interface (180); - Aligning the sample relative to the knife based on the acquired position, the alignment position and the alignment command.

Images