Microscopic tomography system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of biological microscopic imaging, in particular to a microscopic tomography system which comprises an X-Y axis moving device, a sample lifting device, a sample groove, a cutting device and an optical imaging device. The sample lifting device is arranged on the X-Y axis moving device, the sample groove is formed in the X-Y axis moving device, the sample lifting device comprises an output end, the output end is arranged at the bottom of the sample groove in a penetrating mode and located in the sample groove, and the sample lifting device is used for driving a sample in the sample groove to vertically move. The cutting end of the cutting device is located in the sample groove, and the optical imaging device and the sample groove are oppositely arranged. According to the microscopic tomography system provided by the utility model, the defects that the volume and the weight of a solution are increased, the cost is increased, and the dynamic load and the complexity of the system are increased due to the fact that a container needs to be replaced when samples with different sizes are processed by an existing microscopic optical section tomography system are overcome.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological microscopic imaging technology, and in particular to a microscopic tomographic imaging system. Background Technology

[0002] Microscope Optical Sectioning Tomography (MOST) is a system that uses optical microscopy to perform high-resolution, non-invasive imaging of samples. It can obtain multi-layered images of the sample's internal structure without damaging it. Through optical slicing techniques, it can perform tomographic scanning of the sample, thereby constructing its three-dimensional structure.

[0003] However, existing microscopic optical sectioning tomography systems require changing containers of different heights when processing samples of different sizes. This not only increases the volume and weight of the solution, leading to higher reagent costs, but also increases the dynamic load on the system, affecting its stability. Furthermore, to avoid interference between the imaging and cutting components, these components typically need to be extended, increasing the complexity of the system design and reducing its versatility. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a microscopic tomographic imaging system to solve the shortcomings of existing microscopic optical section tomographic imaging systems, which require changing containers when processing samples of different sizes, resulting in increased solution volume and weight, higher costs, and increased dynamic load and complexity of the system.

[0005] This invention provides a microscopic tomographic imaging system, comprising: an XY-axis moving device, a sample lifting device, a sample groove, a cutting device, and an optical imaging device.

[0006] The sample lifting device is located on the XY axis moving device, the sample slot is located on the XY axis moving device, the sample lifting device includes an output end, the output end passes through the bottom of the sample slot and is located inside the sample slot, the sample lifting device is used to drive the sample in the sample slot to move vertically, the cutting end of the cutting device is located inside the sample slot, and the optical imaging device is arranged opposite to the sample slot.

[0007] According to the microtomographic imaging system provided by this utility model, the sample slot has a downwardly recessed sample receiving cavity in the middle, and the output end is located in the sample receiving cavity.

[0008] According to the microtomographic imaging system provided by this utility model, a support portion is provided on the outside of the sample receiving cavity, and the XY axis moving device is connected to the support portion.

[0009] The microtomographic imaging system provided by this utility model also includes a sample slot fixing bracket, the lower end of which is connected to the XY axis moving device, and the upper end of which is connected to the support portion.

[0010] According to the microtomographic imaging system provided by this utility model, the bottom of the sample slot is provided with a clearance through hole, and the output end of the sample lifting device is sealed with the clearance through hole.

[0011] According to the microtomographic imaging system provided by this utility model, the output end of the sample lifting device is fitted with a flexible outer sleeve, and the outer diameter of the flexible outer sleeve is larger than the diameter of the clearance through hole.

[0012] According to the microtomographic imaging system provided by this utility model, the inner wall of the clearance through hole is provided with a sealing ring, and the output end of the sample lifting device is sealed with the clearance through hole through the sealing ring.

[0013] According to the microtomographic imaging system provided by this utility model, a placement stage is provided in the sample slot, the placement stage is used to support the sample, and the output end is inserted through the bottom of the sample slot and connected to the placement stage.

[0014] According to the microtomographic imaging system provided by this utility model, the placement stage is provided with a sample fixing mechanism for fixing the sample.

[0015] According to the microtomographic imaging system provided by this utility model, the sample lifting device further includes a stepper motor and a transmission assembly, the output shaft of the stepper motor is connected to the transmission assembly, and the transmission assembly is connected to the output end.

[0016] The microtomographic imaging system provided by this utility model, by setting a sample lifting device on the XY-axis moving device, allows for sample slicing during imaging. The XY-axis moving device drives the sample lifting device and the sample groove to move relative to the cutting end of the cutting device along the X and Y directions. After slicing, the optical imaging device acquires the image. Simultaneously, the sample lifting device can independently drive the sample upward to achieve multi-layer slicing. During this process, since the overall height of the sample gradually decreases after cutting, and the sample groove remains fixed vertically, the amount of liquid reagent used for samples of different sizes is almost not increased, and there is no need to increase the height of the sample groove. Therefore, there is no need to extend the objective lens of the optical imaging device and the cutting end of the cutting device, which improves the versatility of the system and reduces the design difficulty.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a microtomographic imaging system provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sample being lifted in a microtomographic imaging system provided in one embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the microtomographic imaging system provided in the second embodiment of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sample being lifted in the microtomographic imaging system provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the microtomographic imaging system provided in the third embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] Figure label:

[0025] 10. XY axis moving device; 20. Sample lifting device; 30. Sample slot; 310. Sample receiving cavity; 320. Support part; 40. Cutting device; 50. Optical imaging device; 60. Sample slot fixing bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0027] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and 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 the embodiments of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this embodiment of the utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. 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. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0031] Overview of Existing Technology: Current 3D imaging structures place the sample in a sample tank filled with a liquid medium, ensuring the liquid completely covers the sample. The cutting tool and objective lens are fixed. An XYZ 3D moving structure moves the sample tank, impacting the cutting tool to slice the sample. After slicing, the sample tank is moved to the objective lens for imaging; this constitutes one acquisition round. During second or subsequent acquisition rounds, the Z-axis of the XYZ 3D moving structure continuously rises, simultaneously driving the sample tank to rise synchronously, thus achieving imaging of all sample slices. Because existing 3D imaging methods require the XYZ 3D moving structure to move the sample tank, the liquid medium within the tank, and the entire sample upwards, as the sample size (height) increases, a deeper sample tank and more liquid medium are needed to completely submerge the sample, resulting in a greater load when the medium is excessive. Furthermore, to prevent the sample tank edge from impacting the cutting tool, cantilever arms for the cutting tool and objective lens need to be added accordingly.

[0032] In view of this, the present invention provides a microtomographic imaging system to solve the above problems.

[0033] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 5 This invention describes the microtomographic imaging system provided by this utility model.

[0034] See Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the microtomographic imaging system provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes: an XY axis moving device 10, a sample lifting device 20, a sample groove 30, a cutting device 40, and an optical imaging device 50.

[0035] The sample lifting device 20 is located on the XY axis moving device 10, and the sample groove 30 is located on the XY axis moving device 10. The sample lifting device 20 includes an output end, which passes through the bottom of the sample groove 30 and is located inside the sample groove 30. The sample lifting device 20 is used to drive the sample in the sample groove 30 to move vertically. The cutting end of the cutting device 40 is located inside the sample groove 30. The optical imaging device 50 is arranged opposite to the sample groove 30.

[0036] The microtomographic imaging system provided by this invention, by setting a sample lifting device 20 on the XY-axis moving device 10, allows for sample slicing during imaging. The XY-axis moving device 10 drives the sample lifting device 20 and the sample groove 30 to move relative to the cutting end of the cutting device 40 along the X and Y directions to achieve sample slicing. After slicing, the optical imaging device 50 acquires the image. Simultaneously, the sample lifting device 20 can independently drive the sample upwards to achieve multi-layer slicing. During this process, because the overall height of the sample gradually decreases after cutting, and the sample groove 30 remains fixed vertically, the amount of liquid reagent used for samples of different sizes is almost not increased (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown in the figure, there is no need to increase the height of the sample well, thus eliminating the need to extend the objective lens of the optical imaging device 50 and the cutting end of the cutting device 40, improving the versatility of the system and reducing the design difficulty.

[0037] Specifically, the XY-axis moving device 10 is a drive device used to precisely control the position of an object in two planar directions (X-axis and Y-axis), and is commonly used in various automated equipment, precision machining, scientific experiments, and other fields. In this embodiment, the XY-axis moving device 10 can drive the sample lifting device 20 and the sample groove 30 to translate relative to the cutting device 40 along the X-axis and Y-axis, ensuring that the sample can be precisely positioned and moved in both directions during the slicing process.

[0038] The sample lifting device 20 is used to drive the sample located in the sample groove 30 to move vertically for sample layer-by-layer slicing. The sample lifting device 20 needs to have high control precision to meet the accuracy requirements of sample slicing.

[0039] The sample lifting device 20 can be implemented using various methods known in the prior art, such as stepper motor drive devices, linear servo motor drive devices, and piezoelectric drive devices. Among these, the stepper motor drive device uses a stepper motor as the drive source and connects to the output end of the sample lifting device 20 through a transmission component, thereby driving the sample to move vertically. Stepper motors can provide high positioning accuracy, especially at low speeds and small step sizes, making them suitable for applications requiring micron-level precision. The transmission component can be a high-precision form such as a ball screw. A linear servo motor, on the other hand, can directly drive the sample to move vertically using its output end, without requiring any mechanical transmission components and providing extremely high response speed and accuracy.

[0040] Preferably, in this embodiment, the sample lifting device 20 further includes a stepper motor and a transmission assembly, wherein the output shaft of the stepper motor is connected to the transmission assembly, and the transmission assembly is connected to the output end.

[0041] The cutting device 40 has a cutting tool at its cutting end. When the XY axis moving device 10 drives the sample to move relative to the cutting tool along the X and Y directions, the cutting tool can slice the sample. The optical imaging device 50 is used to acquire cross-sectional images after slicing. The optical imaging device 50 can not only acquire single-layer slice images, but also potentially obtain the three-dimensional structural information of the sample by stacking multiple slice images and combining them with computer algorithms for tomographic reconstruction.

[0042] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample groove 30 has a downwardly recessed sample receiving cavity 310 in the middle, and the output end is located in the sample receiving cavity 310.

[0043] By providing a downwardly recessed sample receiving cavity 310 in the middle of the sample tank 30, the sample can be contained in the sample receiving cavity 310. The downwardly recessed sample receiving cavity 310 can ensure that there is sufficient liquid in the sample receiving cavity 310 while reducing the overall liquid volume in the sample tank 30, thereby reducing the amount of liquid used.

[0044] Specifically, the sample groove 30 can be processed by integral molding, which can be achieved by setting a mold cavity structure for forming the sample receiving cavity 310 at the corresponding position of the mold.

[0045] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a support portion 320 is provided on the outer side of the sample receiving cavity 310, and the XY axis moving device 10 is connected to the support portion 320.

[0046] By providing a support portion 320 on the outside of the sample receiving cavity 310, the support portion 320 can provide a connection position for connecting with the XY axis moving device 10, ensuring that the sample slot 30 can dock with the XY axis moving device 10. The support portion 320 is located on the outside of the sample receiving cavity 310, which helps to distribute and stabilize the weight and mechanical load of the sample receiving cavity 310, so that the XY axis moving device 10 can move more smoothly and reduce the instability of the sample caused by inertia or vibration.

[0047] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the microtomographic imaging system further includes a sample slot fixing bracket 60, the lower end of which is connected to the XY axis moving device 10, and the upper end of which is connected to the support portion 320.

[0048] By setting the sample cell fixing bracket 60, the sample cell 30 can be fixed to the XY axis moving device 10, and then the XY axis moving device 10 can drive the sample cell 30 to move through the sample cell fixing bracket 60.

[0049] Specifically, both the upper and lower ends of the sample cell fixing bracket 60 can be fixed by means of snap-fit, threaded connection (using threaded connectors for auxiliary connection), etc.

[0050] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom of the sample groove 30 is provided with a clearance through hole, and the output end of the sample lifting device 20 is sealed to the clearance through hole.

[0051] By providing a clearance through hole at the bottom of the sample tank 30, the output end of the sample lifting device 20 can smoothly enter the sample tank 30 and drive the sample to move vertically. Since the output end of the sample lifting device 20 is sealed with the clearance through hole, the liquid in the sample tank 30 can be prevented from flowing out from the position where the output end and the clearance through hole are fitted when the output end of the sample lifting device 20 drives the sample to move vertically.

[0052] It should be noted that the sealing fit between the output end of the sample lifting device 20 and the clearance through hole specifically refers to the sealing fit between the shaft of the output end of the sample lifting device 20 and the clearance through hole.

[0053] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the output end of the sample lifting device 20 is fitted with a flexible outer sleeve, the outer diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the clearance through hole.

[0054] By fitting a flexible outer sleeve with an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the clearance through-hole onto the output end of the sample lifting device 20, the flexible outer sleeve can undergo elastic deformation under the compression of the clearance through-hole wall when the output end of the sample lifting device 20 moves vertically, thereby sealing the mating position of the two. Furthermore, the flexible outer sleeve does not affect the rigidity of the output end of the sample lifting device 20 and will not negatively impact the accuracy of the vertical movement of the sample.

[0055] According to some embodiments of this utility model, a sealing ring is provided on the inner wall of the clearance through hole, and the output end of the sample lifting device 20 is sealed with the clearance through hole through the sealing ring.

[0056] By setting a sealing ring on the inner wall of the clearance through hole, the output end of the sample lifting device 20 is sealed with the clearance through hole through the sealing ring. When the output end of the sample lifting device 20 moves vertically, the sealing ring can undergo elastic deformation under the squeezing action of the output end of the sample lifting device 20, thereby sealing the mating position of the two.

[0057] Specifically, to improve the sealing effect of the sealing ring, the sample groove 30 can be thickened at the location of the clearance through hole, and multiple sealing rings can be set at intervals along the thickness direction.

[0058] Furthermore, the connection between the sample lifting device 20 and the sample reservoir 30 can be configured as a sealed fit using a piston-like structure. For details, see [link to documentation]. Figure 5As shown, in this method, a sample fixing groove is provided in the lower middle part of the sample groove 30. The sample fixing groove is used to fix the sample and its upper end is connected to the sample groove 30. The output end of the sample lifting device 20 adopts a piston. The side wall of the piston is sealed to the inner wall of the sample fixing groove. When slicing, the piston pushes the sample upward, exposing part of the sample outside the sample groove 30. During this process, the side wall of the piston is always sealed to the inner wall of the sample fixing groove, which can effectively prevent the leakage of liquid medium.

[0059] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a placement platform is provided inside the sample tank 30. The placement platform is used to support the sample, and the output end passes through the bottom of the sample tank 30 and is connected to the placement platform.

[0060] By setting a placement stage in the sample cell 30 and connecting the output end of the sample lifting device 20 to the placement stage, the placement stage can provide a stable support surface to support the sample and can also work with the sample lifting device 20 to drive the sample to lift precisely.

[0061] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a sample fixing mechanism for fixing the sample is provided on the placement platform.

[0062] By setting a sample fixing mechanism on the placement stage to fix the sample, the sample can be assisted in being fixed and prevented from shifting position during the slicing process.

[0063] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A microscopic tomographic imaging system, characterized in that, include: XY axis moving device, sample lifting device, sample groove, cutting device and optical imaging device; The sample lifting device is located on the XY axis moving device, the sample slot is located on the XY axis moving device, the sample lifting device includes an output end, the output end passes through the bottom of the sample slot and is located inside the sample slot, the sample lifting device is used to drive the sample in the sample slot to move vertically, the cutting end of the cutting device is located inside the sample slot, and the optical imaging device is arranged opposite to the sample slot.

2. The microtomographic imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample slot has a downwardly recessed sample receiving cavity in the middle, and the output end is located in the sample receiving cavity.

3. The microtomographic imaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sample receiving cavity is provided with a support part on the outside, and the XY axis moving device is connected to the support part.

4. The microtomographic imaging system according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a sample cell fixing bracket, the lower end of which is connected to the XY axis moving device, and the upper end of which is connected to the support portion.

5. The microtomographic imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the sample slot is provided with a clearance through hole, and the output end of the sample lifting device is sealed to the clearance through hole.

6. The microtomographic imaging system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The output end of the sample lifting device is fitted with a flexible outer sleeve, the outer diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the clearance through hole.

7. The microtomographic imaging system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the clearance through hole is provided with a sealing ring, and the output end of the sample lifting device is sealed with the clearance through hole through the sealing ring.

8. The microtomographic imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The sample tank is equipped with a placement platform for supporting the sample, and the output end passes through the bottom of the sample tank and is connected to the placement platform.

9. The microtomographic imaging system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The placement platform is equipped with a sample fixing mechanism for fixing the sample.

10. The microtomographic imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The sample lifting device also includes a stepper motor and a transmission assembly. The output shaft of the stepper motor is connected to the transmission assembly, and the transmission assembly is connected to the output end.

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