Pathological section scanner

Abstract

A pathological section scanner comprises a loading and unloading mechanism, a scanning mechanism and a rack, and a containing cavity and an opening structure located on one side of the containing cavity are arranged in the rack; the loading and unloading mechanism and the scanning mechanism are arranged in the containing cavity, the loading and unloading mechanism is provided with a slice feeding station and a slice moving-out station, the position of the slice feeding station corresponds to the position of the opening structure, and the position of the scanning mechanism corresponds to the position of the slice moving-out station; wherein after a slice rack for accommodating slices to be scanned is put into the loading and unloading mechanism from the opening structure, the loading and unloading mechanism conveys the slices on the slice rack to the slice moving-out station, so that the slices are scanned by the scanning mechanism; and / or the slices scanned on the scanning mechanism are transferred back to the loading and unloading mechanism and conveyed to the slice feeding station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pathological slide scanning technology, and more particularly to a pathological slide scanner. Background Technology

[0002] A pathology slide scanner is a medical device that can rapidly scan the entire slide, providing comprehensive information from all angles, transforming the traditional materialized information on the slide into digital information. In other words, it can digitize tissue slides from fields such as pathology, oncology, immunohistochemistry, and cytology, converting them into high-resolution slide images. This allows doctors to easily observe and diagnose diseases anytime, anywhere via the internet, without needing a microscope, facilitating global online synchronous remote consultations or offline remote consultations.

[0003] Existing pathology slide scanners typically include at least a scanning mechanism and a gantry. The scanning mechanism is mounted on the gantry to enable omnidirectional scanning of the slides. However, current pathology slide scanners do not clearly define the slide loading and unloading positions, leading to designers being insensitive to the spatial layout of the scanning mechanism within the gantry. Alternatively, the gantry casing may not be precisely designed with openings for inserting slide holders, resulting in most or all of the scanning mechanism's perimeter being open, thus failing to provide comprehensive protection from the casing. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a pathological slide scanner that, through the planning of the layout space of the slide feeding station, slide removal station, scanning mechanism and opening structure, as well as the transport route of the slide rack, reduces the number or size of opening structures on the rack, thereby enabling the scanning mechanism to be fully protected.

[0005] This application provides a pathological slide scanner, including a loading and unloading mechanism, a scanning mechanism, and a frame.

[0006] The frame is provided with a receiving chamber and an opening structure located on one side of the receiving chamber;

[0007] The loading and unloading mechanism and the scanning mechanism are disposed in the receiving chamber. The loading and unloading mechanism has a slice feeding station and a slice removal station. The position of the slice feeding station corresponds to the position of the opening structure, and the position of the scanning mechanism corresponds to the position of the slice removal station.

[0008] When the slice holder containing the slice to be scanned is placed into the loading and unloading mechanism from the opening structure, the loading and unloading mechanism transports the slice on the slice holder to the slice removal station for scanning by the scanning mechanism; and / or transfers the scanned slice on the scanning mechanism back to the loading and unloading mechanism and transports it to the slice delivery station.

[0009] In a scanner according to one embodiment of this application, the frame includes a housing for protecting the loading / unloading mechanism and the scanning mechanism within the receiving cavity.

[0010] In a scanner according to one embodiment of this application, the frame includes a protective shell disposed in the opening structure. The protective shell is provided with a feed port for enclosing part of the loading and unloading mechanism and the scanning mechanism within the frame, and enabling the loading and unloading mechanism to transfer the slice rack between the slice feeding station and the slice removal station through the feed port.

[0011] In one embodiment of the scanner of this application, the frame includes a door panel, which is installed in the opening structure and is used to open or close to block the opening structure; and / or,

[0012] The door panel includes a sensor for sensing the opening and closing state of the door panel. The sensor is electrically connected to the loading and unloading mechanism and / or the scanning mechanism. When the door panel is in the open state, the loading and unloading mechanism and / or the scanning mechanism is in the stationary state.

[0013] In a scanner according to one embodiment of this application, the loading and unloading mechanism includes a conveying component and a loading component for fixing and accommodating a slice holder to be scanned. The loading component is disposed on the conveying component, so that the conveying component can convey the loading component.

[0014] In a scanner according to one embodiment of this application, the conveying assembly includes a conveying track arranged along a first direction, the loading assembly reciprocates along the first direction under the drive of the conveying assembly, and the length direction of the loading assembly is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0015] In a scanner according to one embodiment of this application, the loading assembly includes a loading seat and a positioning structure for limiting the position of the slice holder. The loading seat is connected to the transport assembly, and the positioning structure is disposed on the loading seat.

[0016] In a scanner according to one embodiment of this application, the loading assembly is tilted toward one side of the opening structure, such that the slice holder placed inside the loading assembly can tilt toward one side of the opening structure.

[0017] In one embodiment of the scanner of this application, the loading and unloading mechanism further includes a transfer component, which is used to transfer slices on the loading component to the scanning mechanism, and / or transfer scanned slices on the scanning mechanism to the loading component.

[0018] In a scanner according to one embodiment of this application, the position of the transfer component corresponds to the position of the slice removal station, so that the transfer gripper of the transfer component can move vertically to the loading component to remove the slice from the loading component.

[0019] In a scanner according to one embodiment of this application, the transfer assembly includes a transfer gripper and a moving assembly. The transfer gripper is mounted on the frame via the moving assembly, such that the moving assembly can drive the transfer gripper to move along at least one degree of freedom, thereby realizing the transfer of the slice between the scanning mechanism and the loading assembly.

[0020] In a scanner according to one embodiment of this application, the transfer gripper includes a gripper structure and a rotating structure. The gripper structure is connected to the moving component through the rotating structure, so that the gripper structure can rotate about the rotation axis of the rotating structure toward one side of the scanning mechanism.

[0021] In a scanner according to one embodiment of this application, the transfer gripper includes a first gripper and a second gripper, which are spaced apart along the conveying direction of the conveying assembly to alternately realize the slice transfer between the scanning mechanism and the loading assembly.

[0022] In a scanner according to one embodiment of this application, the scanning mechanism includes a base, a scanning component, and a stage assembly. The stage assembly reciprocates along the second direction, such that a slice to be scanned placed on the stage assembly is scanned by the scanning component as the stage assembly moves along the second direction, and / or the scanned slice is moved out along the second direction.

[0023] In a scanner according to one embodiment of this application, a scanning channel is provided on the base, the scanning channel is located at a position corresponding to the scanning component, the stage assembly is located on the scanning channel, and the orthographic projection of the scanning component along its height direction onto the base is located within the scanning channel; and / or,

[0024] The scanning mechanism further includes a linear drive assembly, under the drive of the linear drive assembly, the stage assembly reciprocates along the second direction, such that the slice to be scanned placed on the stage assembly can pass through a portion of the scanning assembly that is completely within the scanning range of the scanning assembly; and / or,

[0025] The scanning assembly includes multiple microscope objectives arranged in an array to form an array of objectives; and / or...

[0026] The scanning component includes an image recognition component, which is used to read identity information on the slice.

[0027] The scanning mechanism further includes a first transmission member and a first linear motion assembly. The first transmission member is slidably mounted on the first linear motion assembly. The linear drive assembly and the stage assembly are mounted on the first transmission member. The first linear motion assembly is mounted on the base and is used to guide the stage assembly to reciprocate along the second direction.

[0028] In a scanner according to one embodiment of this application, the stage assembly includes a focusing stage and a platform. The platform has a support surface for placing a slide to be scanned. The platform is mounted on the scanning channel via the focusing stage, so that the slide on the support surface is focused relative to the scanning assembly by adjusting the focusing stage; and / or,

[0029] The scanning mechanism includes a positioning component, which is disposed along the second direction and electrically connected to the linear drive component, for controlling the movement position of the stage component; and / or,

[0030] The scanning mechanism includes an illumination component disposed on the stage of the stage assembly for providing light during scanning of the slice.

[0031] The technical solution provided in this application embodiment can include the following beneficial effects: This application designs a pathological slide scanner, including a loading and unloading mechanism, a scanning mechanism, and a frame. The frame is provided with a receiving chamber and an opening structure located on one side of the receiving chamber. The loading and unloading mechanism has a slide feeding station and a slide removal station. The position of the slide feeding station corresponds to the position of the opening structure, and the position of the scanning mechanism corresponds to the position of the slide removal station, so that the slide holder that holds the slide to be scanned can be placed into the loading and unloading mechanism from the opening structure. Then, the loading and unloading mechanism can transport the slides on the slide holder to the slide removal station for scanning by the scanning mechanism; and / or transfer the scanned slides on the scanning mechanism back to the loading and unloading mechanism and transport them to the slide feeding station. That is, by planning the layout space of the slide feeding station, the slide removal station, the scanning mechanism, and the opening structure, as well as the transport route of the slide holder, the number or size of the opening structures on the frame is reduced, so that the scanning mechanism can be fully protected.

[0032] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pathological slide scanner provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of a slice scanner, in which the slice holder is located at the slice removal station;

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of a slice scanner, wherein the slice holder is located at the slice transfer station;

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the loading and unloading mechanism in the middle;

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded view of the material transfer component in the diagram;

[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the conveying and loading components;

[0040] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An exploded view of the loading components and slicing rack in the image;

[0041] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 An exploded view of the scanning mechanism in the diagram;

[0042] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A partial schematic diagram of the scanning mechanism.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0044] 10. Loading and unloading mechanism; 11. Loading assembly; 11a. Receiving trough; 12. Conveying assembly; 12a. Slice feeding station; 12b. Slice removal station; 121. Conveying track; 13. Transfer assembly; 131. Transfer gripper; 1311. Gripper structure; 131a. First gripper; 131b. Second gripper; 1312. Rotating structure; 132. Moving assembly; 1321. Longitudinal assembly; 1322. Vertical assembly; 1323. Lateral assembly; 14. Detection assembly;

[0045] 20. Scanning mechanism; 21. Base; 22. Stage assembly; 23. Linear drive assembly; 24. Scanning assembly; 25. First linear motion assembly; 26. First transmission component; 27. Illumination assembly; 28. Image recognition assembly; 29. ​​Positioning assembly;

[0046] 30. Frame; 31. Outer shell; 311. Opening structure; 312. Receiving chamber; 32. Protective shell;

[0047] 40. Slicing rack;

[0048] 50. Slice. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0050] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this application specification is merely for describing specific realities within the scope of this application. It is important to understand that terms such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used solely for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0051] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this application provides a pathological slide scanner, including a loading and unloading mechanism 10, a scanning mechanism 20, and a frame 30. The frame 30 has a receiving chamber 312 and an opening structure 311 located on one side of the receiving chamber 312. The loading and unloading mechanism 10 and the scanning mechanism 20 are both disposed in the receiving chamber 312, and part of the structure of the loading and unloading mechanism 10 corresponds to the opening structure 311, so that the slide holder 40 containing the slide to be scanned 50 can be placed into the loading and unloading mechanism 10 from the opening structure 311. Then, the loading and unloading mechanism 10 can transfer the slide to be scanned 50 on the slide holder 40 to the scanning mechanism 20 for scanning. In order to plan the transport route of the slide holder 40, the position and size of the opening structure 311 are precisely set, reducing the number or size of the opening structures 311 on the frame 30, so that the scanning mechanism 20 can be completely contained in the receiving chamber 312 for comprehensive protection, simplifying the operation of the pathological slide scanner and improving the safety of using the pathological slide scanner.

[0053] For example, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the loading and unloading mechanism 10 has a slice feeding station 12a and a slice removal station 12b. The position of the slice feeding station 12a corresponds to the position of the opening structure 311, and the position of the scanning mechanism 20 corresponds to the position of the slice removal station 12b. When the slice holder 40 containing the slice 50 to be scanned is placed into the loading and unloading mechanism 10 from the opening structure 311, the loading and unloading mechanism 10 transports the slice 50 on the slice holder 40 to the slice removal station 12b for scanning by the scanning mechanism 20; and / or transfers the scanned slice 50 from the scanning mechanism 20 back to the loading and unloading mechanism 10 and transports it to the slice feeding station 12a.

[0054] By adopting the above technical solution, this application has planned the layout space of the slide feeding station 12a, the slide removal station 12b, the scanning mechanism 20 and the opening structure 311, as well as the conveying route of the slide rack 40. This saves the layout space inside the frame 30, ensures the compactness and safety of the pathology slide scanner, and avoids exposing part of the loading and unloading mechanism 10 and the scanning mechanism 20 outside the frame 30. In this way, the pathology slide scanner can be protected whether it is stopped or working, which solves the safety hazards caused by the exposed loading and unloading mechanism 10 and the scanning mechanism 20 during operation. It also effectively avoids the scanning mechanism 20 from direct contact with moisture in the air, which affects its service life, improves the safety of use, and ensures the overall appearance and structure of the pathology slide scanner.

[0055] In an optional embodiment, the frame 30 includes a housing 31, which is used to protect the loading and unloading mechanism 10 and the scanning mechanism 20 inside the housing chamber 312. This solves the safety hazards caused by the loading and unloading mechanism 10 and the scanning mechanism 20 being exposed during operation, and also effectively prevents the scanning mechanism 20 from directly contacting moisture in the air, which would affect its service life, improve the safety of use, and ensure the overall appearance and structure of the pathology slide scanner.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, the frame 30 includes a protective shell 32 disposed in the opening structure 311. The protective shell 32 is provided with a feed port for enclosing part of the loading and unloading mechanism 10 and the scanning mechanism 20 within the frame 30. This allows the loading and unloading mechanism 10 to transfer the slide rack 40 between the slide feeding station 12a and the slide removal station 12b through the feed port. This separates the working space of the loading and unloading mechanism 10 and the scanning mechanism 20 from the loading and unloading space of the loading and unloading mechanism 10, protecting the operator's safety and solving the safety hazards caused by the exposed loading and unloading mechanism 10 and the scanning mechanism 20 during operation. It also effectively prevents the scanning mechanism 20 from directly contacting moisture in the air, affecting its service life, improving the safety of use, and ensuring the overall appearance and structure of the pathology slide scanner.

[0057] For example, the slide feeding station 12a is located on the outside of the protective shell 32 and is correspondingly arranged with the opening structure 311. The slide removal station 12b and the scanning mechanism 20 are located on the inside of the protective shell 32. This reduces the area of ​​the scanning mechanism 20 and the loading and unloading mechanism 10 exposed in the opening structure 311. At the same time, it also allows the loading and unloading mechanism 10 to transfer the slide rack 40 through the feed port. This solves the safety hazards caused by the exposed loading and unloading mechanism 10 and the scanning mechanism 20 during operation. It also effectively prevents the scanning mechanism 20 from directly contacting moisture in the air, which would affect its service life, improve the safety of use, and ensure the overall appearance and structure of the pathological slide scanner.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the frame 30 includes a door panel installed in the opening structure 311 for opening or closing to shield the opening structure 311, thereby preventing the pathology slide scanner from being exposed to the air when the machine is stopped, which could affect the service life of the scanning mechanism 20 and the loading and unloading mechanism 10, and thus protecting the scanning mechanism 20 and the loading and unloading mechanism 10.

[0059] In an optional embodiment, the door panel includes a sensor for sensing the opening and closing state of the door panel. The sensor is electrically connected to the loading and unloading mechanism 10 and / or the scanning mechanism 20. When the door panel is in the open state, the loading and unloading mechanism and / or the scanning mechanism are in a stationary state, which can protect the operator's operational safety.

[0060] In one alternative implementation, such as Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the loading and unloading mechanism 10 includes a conveying assembly 12 and a loading assembly 11 for fixing and accommodating the slide holder 40 to be scanned 50. The loading assembly 11 is mounted on the conveying assembly 12, enabling the conveying assembly 12 to transport the loading assembly 11, reducing the manual intervention process of the slide 50 during the transfer process. This not only reduces labor costs but also improves the working efficiency of the pathological slide scanner, greatly avoiding the problem of fragments or damage to the slide 50 due to manual intervention. That is, the slide holder 40 can be placed on the loading assembly 11 through the opening structure 311 by manual or mechanical grippers, so that the conveying assembly 12 can transport the slide holder 40 containing the slide to be scanned 50 without the need for manual intervention.

[0061] In an optional embodiment, the transport assembly 12 includes a transport track 121 arranged along a first direction. The loading assembly 11 reciprocates along the first direction under the drive of the transport assembly 12, and the length direction of the loading assembly 11 is perpendicular to the first direction. This not only facilitates the placement of the slide holder 40 in the limited space of the opening structure 311, but also extends the length direction of the slide holder 40 toward the side of the scanning mechanism 20, which facilitates the transfer of the slides 50 in the slide holder 40 between the loading assembly 11 and the scanning mechanism 20 without the need for extra movements. This allows for efficient transfer of the slides 50 and simplifies the structure of the entire pathology slide scanner, reducing its size.

[0062] In an optional embodiment, the loading assembly 11 is tilted towards the side of the opening structure 311, so that the slice holder 40 placed in the loading assembly 11 can tilt towards the side of the opening structure 311. This not only prevents the slices 50 in the slice holder 40 from tilting towards the side of the scanning mechanism 20, that is, all the slices 50 in the slice holder 40 tilt towards the side away from the scanning mechanism 20, ensuring the consistency of the state of the slices 50 and facilitating the subsequent gripping by the grippers; at the same time, it can also cooperate with the transfer assembly 13 of the loading and unloading mechanism 10, so that the transfer assembly 13 can quickly grip the slices 50 and then rotate them towards the side of the scanning mechanism 20, so that the printed information on the slices 50 can face the outside of the scanning mechanism 20, that is, the QR code or handwritten code information on the slices 50, so that the image recognition assembly 28 on the scanning mechanism 20 can read the QR code or handwritten code information, thereby reducing the angle that the slices 50 need to rotate.

[0063] It should be noted that a receiving groove 11a is formed in the loading assembly 11. The receiving groove 11a can be used to place the slice holder 40 containing the slice 50, so that the slice 50 or the slice holder 40 can be moved to the scanning mechanism 20 for scanning by the conveying assembly 12. After all the slices 50 have been scanned, the material transfer assembly 13 of the loading and unloading mechanism 10 transfers the slice 50 from the scanning mechanism 20 to the slice holder 40 in the loading assembly 11. The conveying assembly 12 then moves the loading assembly 11 containing the slice holder 40 to outside the frame 30 so that the slice holder 40 can be retrieved.

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the loading assembly 11 includes a loading seat and a positioning structure for limiting the position of the slice holder 40. The loading seat is connected to the transport assembly 12, and the positioning structure is disposed on the loading seat.

[0065] For example, the positioning component 29 includes a propulsion structure and a positioning part. The positioning part is connected to the propulsion structure, so that the positioning part can abut against the side wall of the slide holder 40 under the drive of the propulsion structure to form a limit. The receiving groove 11a is formed within the loading seat, the propulsion structure is fixed to the loading seat, and the positioning part is movably installed within the receiving groove 11a and can move along a first direction to confine the slide holder 40 within the receiving groove 11a, thereby pressing the slide holder 40 and preventing it from moving relative to the loading seat. This prevents the slide holder 40 from shaking during transport, which could affect the detection results of the detection component 14. The entire structure is simple, reliable, and easy to operate, improving the versatility of the pathology slide scanner.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the loading and unloading mechanism 10 further includes a transfer component 13, which is used to transfer the slide 50 on the loading component 11 to the scanning mechanism 20, and / or transfer the scanned slide 50 on the scanning mechanism 20 to the loading component 11. This is convenient to operate, simple in structure, and effectively improves the working efficiency of the pathology slide scanner.

[0067] In an optional implementation, the position of the transfer component 13 corresponds to the position of the slide removal station 12b, so that the transfer gripper 131 of the transfer component 13 can move vertically to the loading component 11 to remove the slide 50 from the loading component 11. No extra action is required, the slide 50 can be transferred efficiently, and the structure of the entire pathology slide scanner can be simplified and the size reduced.

[0068] In an optional embodiment, the transfer assembly 13 includes a transfer gripper 131 and a moving assembly 132. The transfer gripper 131 is mounted on the frame 30 via the moving assembly 132, so that the moving assembly 132 can drive the transfer gripper 131 to move in at least one degree of freedom direction, thereby realizing the transfer of the slide 50 between the scanning mechanism 20 and the loading assembly 11, improving the automation level of the pathological slide scanner, saving labor, reducing labor costs, and improving work efficiency.

[0069] In an optional embodiment, the transfer gripper 131 includes a gripper structure 1311 and a rotating structure 1312. The gripper structure 1311 is connected to the moving component 132 through the rotating structure 1312, so that the gripper structure 1311 can rotate around the rotation axis of the rotating structure 1312 toward the scanning mechanism 20, so as to move the slide 50 to be scanned in the slide holder 40 to the vertical scanning mechanism 20 for scanning, reducing the rotation angle of the gripper structure 1311 and eliminating the need for extra movements. After the slide 50 is scanned, the gripper structure 1311 then transfers the slide 50 from the scanning mechanism 20 back into the slide holder 40, efficiently transferring the slide 50, simplifying the structure of the entire pathology slide scanner, and reducing its size.

[0070] In an optional embodiment, the transfer gripper 131 includes a first gripper 131a and a second gripper 131b, which are spaced apart along the conveying direction of the conveying assembly 12 to alternately transfer the slice 50 between the scanning mechanism 20 and the loading assembly 11.

[0071] In an optional embodiment, the moving component 132 includes a longitudinal component 1321 and a vertical component 1322. The transfer gripper 131 is connected to the vertical component 1322 through the longitudinal component 1321. The vertical component 1322 is mounted on the frame 30, so that the transfer gripper 131 can move along two degrees of freedom under the drive of the moving component 132 to stably transfer the slice 50. The structure is reasonable and simple, and the degree of automation is high.

[0072] In an optional embodiment, the moving component 132 includes a lateral component 1323, which drives at least two transfer grippers 131 to move left and right in the horizontal direction. After one transfer gripper 131 removes the scanned slice 50 from the scanning mechanism 20, the lateral component 1323 drives the other transfer gripper 131 to place the slice 50 to be scanned onto the scanning mechanism 20. During the scanning process of the slice 50, the transfer gripper 131 can return the scanned slice 50 to the loading component 11 and then grip a new slice 50 to be scanned, greatly saving the waiting time during the slice 50 gripping process and speeding up the scanning speed. The lateral component 1323 is used to align the multiple transfer grippers 131 with the scanning mechanism 20 during the switching process.

[0073] In one alternative implementation, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the loading and unloading mechanism 10 also includes a detection component 14 for detecting the status information of the slices 50 placed in the loading component 11, so that the transfer component 13 can transfer the slices 50 in the loading component 11 according to the status information detected by the detection component 14. The detection component 14 is mounted on the frame 30. The status information of the slices 50 may include the status information of the slices 50 placed in the receiving slot 11a, or the status information of the slices 50 placed in the slice holder 40; this application does not impose any limitations.

[0074] For example, the detection component 14 can be used to detect the skewness value of the slices 50 in the slice holder 40, and then compare the measured skewness value with a pre-stored standard skewness value to determine whether there is a state such as skewed slice insertion, stacked slices, or missing slices in the slice holder 40; or, the detection component 14 can be used to detect the distance value between two adjacent slices 50, and then compare the measured distance value with a pre-stored standard distance value to determine whether there is a state such as skewed slice insertion, stacked slices, or missing slices in the receiving slot 11a or the slice holder 40; or, the detection component 14 can be used to detect the number of slices 50 in the slice holder 40, and then compare the measured number with a pre-stored standard number to determine whether there is a state such as stacked slices, skewed slice insertion, or missing slices in the slice holder 40, and so on.

[0075] Therefore, the transfer component 13 can transfer the slices 50 in the slice holder 40 to the scanning mechanism 20 for scanning based on the detected status information, and then transfer the scanned slices 50 from the scanning mechanism 20 to the corresponding position in the slice holder 40. This eliminates the need for manual correction by the operator, saving time and improving work efficiency. It also avoids accidents during the transfer of slices 50, such as the risk of the slices 50 being broken during clamping, the slices 50 falling during transfer, or the slices 50 tilting or tilting during transfer, or the transfer component 13 being unable to transfer due to abnormal conditions of the slices 50 in the slice holder 40. This significantly improves the safety of unattended operation, ensures that the slices 50 are accurately transferred to the scanning mechanism 20 for scanning, and guarantees work efficiency.

[0076] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the scanning mechanism 20 includes a base 21, a scanning component 24, and a stage assembly 22. The stage assembly 22 reciprocates along a second direction, so that the slice 50 to be scanned placed on the stage assembly 22 can be scanned by the scanning component 24 as the stage assembly 22 moves along the second direction, and / or the scanned slice is moved out along the second direction. That is, the slice 50 and the scanning component 24 are aligned and scanned in all directions by moving in one direction, without moving the scanning component 24 by other moving mechanisms, and / or without moving the stage assembly 22 in other directions by other moving mechanisms.

[0077] In an optional embodiment, the scanning mechanism 20 further includes a linear drive component 23, under which the stage component 22 reciprocates along a second direction, such that the portion of the slice 50 to be scanned placed on the stage component 22 that passes through the scanning component 24 is completely within the scanning range of the scanning component 24, so that only one linear drive component 23 is needed to drive the stage component 22 to move along the second direction.

[0078] It is understandable that the stage moving assembly 132 does not require multi-axis linkage to move the stage assembly 22 and / or the scanning assembly 24. This simplifies the overall structure of the scanning mechanism 20, reduces its space occupation, facilitates miniaturization, and makes it easier to transport. Secondly, it avoids multi-axis installation errors and multi-axis linkage control errors, reduces the probability of vibration in the scanning area, ensures the stable movement of the stage assembly 22, and facilitates more precise control of scanning accuracy. This allows the scanning assembly 24 to scan the slice 50 smoothly and clearly, thereby improving the scanning effect of the slice 50.

[0079] For example, the scanning component 24 remains stationary. Driven by the linear drive component 23, the stage component 22 can carry the slice 50 to be scanned placed on it and move along the second direction to slowly transport the slice 50 to be scanned below the scanning component 24. During the process of the slice 50 passing under the scanning component 24, the scanning component 24 can scan the slice 50. When the slice 50 is completely transported out of the scanning component 24, the scanning component 24 can complete the omnidirectional scan of the slice 50. After the slice 50 has been scanned, driven by the linear drive component 23, the stage component 22 can carry the slice 50 and move in the opposite direction of the second direction to transport the slice 50 out of the scanning component 24, so that the moving component 132 can transfer the scanned slice 50 to the slice holder 40.

[0080] It should be noted that the first direction refers to the left-right direction of the pathology slide scanner, the second direction refers to the front-back direction of the pathology slide scanner, and the transfer gripper 131 moving vertically to the loading component 11 means that the transfer gripper 131 moves vertically to the loading component 11 along the pathology slide scanner.

[0081] In an optional embodiment, the base 21 is provided with a scanning channel, which is located at the position corresponding to the scanning component 24. The stage component 22 is located on the scanning channel, and the orthographic projection of the scanning component 24 along its height direction on the base 21 is located within the scanning channel. In this way, during the scanning process when the stage component 22 carries the slice 50, it is beneficial to ensure that the scanning of the slice 50 can be conveniently achieved without moving the scanning component 24.

[0082] In one optional embodiment, the scanning assembly includes multiple microscope objectives arranged in an array to form an array objective. The effective scanning width region of the array objective in the second direction at least covers the width of the tissue on the slide to be scanned. That is, when the pathological slide scanner performs pathological analysis, the pathological tissue to be analyzed and the coverslip on slide 50 are offset, and the scanning width of the array objective is greater than or equal to the sum of the width of the pathological tissue and the positional offset of the pathological tissue on slide 50.

[0083] In an optional embodiment, the scanning mechanism 20 further includes a first transmission member 26 and a first linear motion assembly 25. The first transmission member 26 is slidably mounted on the first linear motion assembly 25. The linear drive assembly 23 and the stage assembly 22 are mounted on the first transmission member 26. The first linear motion assembly 25 is mounted on the base 21 and is used to guide the stage assembly 22 to reciprocate along a second direction. In this way, the stage assembly 22 can remain parallel to the linear drive assembly 23 when moving, guided by the first linear motion assembly 25, ensuring the smooth movement of the stage assembly 22 and further improving the stability and accuracy of the movement of the stage assembly 22.

[0084] In an optional embodiment, the stage assembly 22 includes a focusing stage and a stage. The stage has a support surface for placing the slice 50 to be scanned. The stage is mounted on the scanning channel via the focusing stage so that the slice on the support surface can be focused relative to the scanning assembly 24 by adjusting the focusing stage.

[0085] In an optional embodiment, the stage assembly 22 includes at least three leveling components. The stage of the stage assembly 22 is mounted on the scanning channel by at least three leveling components that are not in a straight line, so that the flatness of the slice 50 on the stage relative to a preset reference plane is within a preset range by adjusting the leveling components.

[0086] In an optional implementation, the stage is mounted on the focusing stage by at least three leveling components that are not in a straight line, so that the flatness of the support surface relative to the preset reference plane is within a preset range by adjusting the leveling components.

[0087] Understandably, to improve scanning results and ensure the flatness of the slices 50 loaded on the stage assembly 22, a preset reference plane can be used as a reference surface. The tightness of the stage and focusing stage can be adjusted by regulating the leveling components, which are arranged in at least a triangular pattern, to bring the flatness of the support surface for the slices 50 to a preset range. It should be noted that the flatness of the preset reference plane described herein can be guaranteed by the manufacturer's manufacturing requirements; that is, the preset reference plane is an inherent reference surface of the equipment using this scanning mechanism 20.

[0088] In an optional embodiment, the scanning mechanism 20 includes a positioning component 29, which is disposed along a second direction and electrically connected to the linear drive component 23 for controlling the moving position of the stage component 22 to improve the moving accuracy, motion reliability and safety of the stage component 22.

[0089] For example, the positioning component 29 includes a limit switch disposed on the base 21 and a position sensor disposed on the stage assembly 22. The position sensor cooperates with the limit switch to sense the moving position of the stage assembly 22 so that the linear drive component 23 can control it to stop moving. The limit switch includes a minimum limit switch and a maximum limit switch. When the position sensor is at the minimum limit switch position, the stage assembly 22 is stationary at the initial position. When the stage assembly 22 moves away from the loading and unloading mechanism 10, if the position sensor moves to the maximum limit switch position, the linear drive component 23 can control it to stop moving so that the stage assembly 22 is at the maximum limit position.

[0090] In an optional embodiment, the scanning mechanism 20 includes an illumination component 27 disposed on the stage assembly 22 for providing light during scanning of the slice 50, such that the light emitted from the illumination component 27 passes through the slice 50 and enters the scanning assembly 24 to form a scanned image.

[0091] In an optional embodiment, the scanning mechanism 20 includes an image recognition component 28, which is used to read the identity information on the slide 50 to organically combine the identity information on the slide 50 with the pathological information. The slide 50 has a scanning area and a marking area. The scanning area contains the pathological tissue to be analyzed and a coverslip, while the marking area contains identity information recording relevant information about the slide 50. This identity information includes, but is not limited to, a QR code, barcode, or handwritten mark. In this embodiment, the image recognition component 28 is used to read the identity information on the slide 50 to obtain the identity information; the scanning component 24 is used to scan the pathological tissue to be analyzed to obtain the pathological information on the slide 50. Therefore, by setting up the image recognition component 28, this application can organically combine the patient information and pathological information on the slide 50.

[0092] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0093] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0094] The foregoing disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described above. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this application, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0095] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A pathological slide scanner, characterized in that, Includes loading and unloading mechanism, scanning mechanism and frame, The frame is provided with a receiving chamber and an opening structure located on one side of the receiving chamber; The loading and unloading mechanism and the scanning mechanism are disposed in the receiving chamber. The loading and unloading mechanism has a slice feeding station and a slice removal station. The position of the slice feeding station corresponds to the position of the opening structure, and the position of the scanning mechanism corresponds to the position of the slice removal station. When the slice holder containing the slice to be scanned is placed into the loading and unloading mechanism from the opening structure, the loading and unloading mechanism transports the slice on the slice holder to the slice removal station for scanning by the scanning mechanism; and / or transfers the scanned slice on the scanning mechanism back to the loading and unloading mechanism and transports it to the slice delivery station.

2. The pathological slide scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame includes a housing for protecting the loading / unloading mechanism and the scanning mechanism within the receiving cavity; and / or, The frame includes a protective shell disposed in the opening structure. The protective shell is provided with a feed port for enclosing part of the loading and unloading mechanism and the scanning mechanism within the frame, and enabling the loading and unloading mechanism to transfer the slice rack between the slice feeding station and the slice removal station through the feed port.

3. The pathological slide scanner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The frame includes a door panel, which is installed in the opening structure and is used to open or close to cover the opening structure; and / or, The door panel includes a sensor for sensing the opening and closing state of the door panel. The sensor is electrically connected to the loading and unloading mechanism and / or the scanning mechanism. When the door panel is in the open state, the loading and unloading mechanism and / or the scanning mechanism is in the stationary state.

4. The pathological slide scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loading and unloading mechanism includes a conveying assembly and a loading assembly for fixing and accommodating a slice holder to be scanned. The loading assembly is disposed on the conveying assembly so that the conveying assembly can convey the loading assembly.

5. The pathological slide scanner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The conveying assembly includes a conveying track arranged along a first direction, and the loading assembly reciprocates along the first direction under the drive of the conveying assembly, with the length direction of the loading assembly perpendicular to the first direction; and / or, The loading assembly includes a loading seat and a positioning structure for limiting the position of the slicer holder; the loading seat is connected to the conveying assembly, and the positioning structure is disposed on the loading seat; and / or, The loading assembly is tilted toward one side of the opening structure, so that the slicer placed inside the loading assembly can tilt toward one side of the opening structure. And / or, The loading and unloading mechanism further includes a material transfer component, which is used to transfer slices on the loading component to the scanning mechanism, and / or transfer scanned slices on the scanning mechanism to the loading component.

6. The pathological slide scanner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The position of the material transfer component corresponds to the position of the slice removal station, so that the material transfer gripper of the material transfer component can move vertically to the loading component to remove the slice from the loading component; And / or, The transfer assembly includes a transfer gripper and a moving component. The transfer gripper is mounted on the frame via the moving component, enabling the moving component to drive the transfer gripper to move along at least one degree of freedom, thereby transferring the slice between the scanning mechanism and the loading assembly.

7. The pathological slide scanner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The material transfer gripper includes a gripper structure and a rotating structure. The gripper structure is connected to the moving component through the rotating structure, so that the gripper structure can rotate about the rotation axis of the rotating structure toward one side of the scanning mechanism. And / or, The transfer gripper includes a first gripper and a second gripper, which are spaced apart along the conveying direction of the conveying assembly to alternately transfer slices between the scanning mechanism and the loading assembly.

8. The pathological slide scanner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The loading and unloading mechanism also includes a detection component for detecting the status information of the slices placed in the loading component, so that the transfer component can transfer the slices in the loading component according to the status information detected by the detection component.

9. The pathological slide scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scanning mechanism includes a base, a scanning component, and a stage assembly. The stage assembly reciprocates along a second direction, such that the slice to be scanned placed on the stage assembly is scanned by the scanning component as the stage assembly moves along the second direction, and / or the scanned slice is moved out along the second direction.

10. The pathological section scanner according to claim 9, characterized in that, The base is provided with a scanning channel, the scanning channel is located at the position corresponding to the scanning component, the stage component is located on the scanning channel, and the orthographic projection of the scanning component on the base along its height direction is located within the scanning channel; The scanning mechanism further includes a linear drive assembly, under the drive of the linear drive assembly, the stage assembly reciprocates along the second direction, such that the slice to be scanned placed on the stage assembly can pass through a portion of the scanning assembly that is completely within the scanning range of the scanning assembly; and / or, The scanning component includes multiple microscope objectives, which are arranged in an array to form an array of objectives. And / or, The scanning component includes an image recognition component, which is used to read identity information on the slice.

11. The pathological section scanner according to claim 10, characterized in that, The stage assembly includes a focusing stage and a stage. The stage is provided with a support surface for placing the slice to be scanned. The stage is mounted on the scanning channel via the focusing stage, so that the slice on the support surface can be focused relative to the scanning assembly by adjusting the focusing stage. And / or, the scanning mechanism includes a positioning component disposed along the second direction and electrically connected to the linear drive component, for controlling the movement position of the stage assembly; and / or, The scanning mechanism includes an illumination component disposed on the stage of the stage assembly for providing light during scanning of the slice.

Images