Fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system
The fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system uses automated equipment to process slide samples, solving the problems of low throughput and time-consuming and labor-intensive traditional cell microscopy image acquisition, and achieving efficient and accurate slide sample analysis.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 笑纳科技(苏州)有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
Traditional microscopic cell image acquisition relies on manual operation, which has low throughput, is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and is prone to errors and missed detections.
A fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system was designed, including a slide loading module, a stage, an image acquisition module, and a light field module. It employs automated equipment such as a conveying module, a height module, a transport arm, and an image acquisition module to achieve automated processing of slide samples and high-precision image acquisition.
It enables automatic scanning, identification, collection, and analysis of slide samples, reducing errors and the probability of missed detections, improving processing efficiency, and meeting the needs of efficient processing of batch samples.
Smart Images
Figure CN224480614U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical image processing, and in particular to a fully automated cell microscopic image scanning system. Background Technology
[0002] Microscopic cell image processing is an important branch of medical image processing. It uses computational image processing and pattern recognition technologies to achieve quantitative analysis and lesion identification of microscopic cell images.
[0003] In recent years, the rapid development of computer and image processing technologies has driven their application in the biomedical field and promoted the development of microscopic cell image analysis technology. This technology, combined with medical analysis methods, can replace the traditional method of medical personnel directly observing cells under a microscope and making subjective judgments about cells. It has advantages such as objectivity, efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. It not only plays a prominent role in clinical diagnosis and treatment but has also become a major analytical and testing method in biomedical research, driving the field from qualitative to quantitative analysis. With the development of digital slide scanning technology, the use of cell microscopy scanning systems to automatically or semi-automatically acquire chromosome images can greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of cell or chromosome karyotype analysis, meeting clinical needs.
[0004] However, traditional image acquisition currently relies mainly on manual operation and judgment under a microscope, which has low throughput, is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and is prone to errors and missed detections.
[0005] Therefore, a new technical solution is needed to address the problems existing in the current technology. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system to solve the problems of low throughput, time-consuming and labor-intensive traditional image acquisition, and easy errors and missed detections in the existing technology.
[0007] The technical solution of this utility model is: a fully automatic cell microscopy image scanning system, comprising: a host, the host comprising a slide loading module, a stage, an image acquisition module and a light field module arranged sequentially along the slide delivery direction;
[0008] The slide loading module includes at least one slide compartment that can move up and down, and several slide samples are stacked inside the slide compartment;
[0009] The platform is provided with a slide mounting plate for receiving slide samples. The slide loading module is provided with a conveying module for conveying the slide compartment to the docking position with the slide mounting plate. A height module is provided on one side of the slide compartment. A carrier is fixedly connected to the moving end of the height module. The carrier is used to carry the slide compartment and make it move back and forth along the height direction.
[0010] Preferably, the slide mounting plate has a groove for receiving slide samples, and the slide loading module is provided with a transport arm that can reciprocate between the slide compartment and the groove. The transport arm includes a first pushing finger and a second pushing finger. The first pushing finger is used to push the slide sample into the groove, and the second pushing finger is used to remove the slide sample from the groove.
[0011] Preferably, an X-axis moving device and a Y-axis moving device are provided below the stage to move the stage along the X-axis and Y-axis directions respectively, and the stage automatically adjusts its position to complete the focusing of the slide sample.
[0012] Preferably, the light field module includes a bright field module, which includes a bright field illumination source, a refractor, and a filter. The bright field illumination source is used as an illumination source in the bright field imaging mode.
[0013] Preferably, the light field module includes a fluorescence module, which includes a fluorescence excitation source used to excite fluorescence signals in the sample to be detected.
[0014] Preferably, the fluorescence module includes a filter block and a driving component. The filter block is located at the output end of the fluorescence light path generated by the fluorescence excitation light source. The filter block controls the entry of excitation light and the output of fluorescence signal. The driving component is located on the side of the filter block away from the fluorescence excitation light source. The filter block is switched and the position of the light path is adjusted by the driving component.
[0015] Preferably, the image acquisition module includes a camera and a sensor for image acquisition.
[0016] Preferably, the main unit further includes an automatic oiler for adding oil medium between the oil immersion lens of the microscope and the slide sample.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are:
[0018] (1) It can realize automatic scanning, identification, collection, statistics and analysis of target samples, and provides a user-friendly interface. It has the ability to scan bright field, fluorescence and high-precision oil immersion. The overall layout of the system is more compact and reasonable.
[0019] (2) The centralized loading of the slide compartment reduces the risk of sample dispersion, loss, and contamination. Combined with the conveying module, height module, and transport arm to replace manual operation and automate the movement and transport of slide samples, the movement error of slide samples is reduced, the loading time of slide samples is shortened, the probability of errors and missed detections is reduced, and the efficiency requirements of batch sample processing are met. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system described in this utility model;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the glass slide loading module described in this utility model;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the platform described in this utility model;
[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bright field module described in this utility model;
[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fluorescent module described in this utility model;
[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the image acquisition module described in this utility model.
[0027] The components include: 1. Slide loading module; 11. Slide compartment; 12. Conveying module; 13. Height module; 14. Carrier; 15. Transport arm; 151. First pushing finger; 152. Second pushing finger; 2. Stage; 21. Slide mounting plate; 211. Groove; 22. X-axis moving device; 23. Y-axis moving device; 3. Image acquisition module; 31. Camera; 32. Sensor; 4. Bright field module; 41. Bright field illumination source; 42. Refractor; 43. Filter; 5. Fluorescence module; 51. Fluorescence excitation source; 52. Filter block; 53. Drive unit; 6. Automatic lubricator. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments:
[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, a fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system includes a host computer, scanning and browsing software, and a workstation. The scanning and browsing software uses algorithms to achieve automated control of the hardware and in-depth processing of image data. The workstation provides computing support and a user-friendly interface. Together, they achieve fully automated analysis of slide samples. Through the efficient collaboration between the host computer, scanning and browsing software, and workstation, a complete hardware chain is built from slide sample loading to image acquisition, providing support for subsequent data analysis.
[0030] like Figures 1-6As shown, the main unit includes a slide loading module 1, a stage 2, and an image acquisition module 3 arranged sequentially along the slide delivery direction. The main unit also includes an automatic lubricator 6 and a light field module. The light field module includes a bright field module 4 and / or a fluorescence module 5. The image acquisition module 3 includes a camera 31 and a sensor 32 for image acquisition. In the imaging mode using either the bright field module 4 or the fluorescence module 5, the image recorded by the chip of the image sensor 32 and acquired by the camera 31 is synthesized and the microscopic imaging result is displayed. The bright field module 4 includes a bright field illumination source 41, a refractor 42, and a filter 43. The bright field illumination source 41 is used for illumination in the bright field imaging mode, and the filter 43 improves imaging clarity through selective light transmission, absorption, or adjustment. The fluorescence module 5 includes a fluorescence excitation source 51, a filter block 52, and a driver 53. The fluorescence excitation source 51 is used to excite the fluorescence signal in the sample to be tested, and the filter block 52 is located in the fluorescence light path generated by the fluorescence excitation source 51. At the output end, filter block 52 controls the entry of excitation light and the output of fluorescence signal, and can filter stray light. The drive unit 53 is located on the side of filter block 52 away from the fluorescence excitation light source 51. The drive unit 53 is used to switch filter block 52 and adjust the position of the optical path. Automatic oiler 6 is used to add oil medium between the oil immersion lens of the microscope and the slide sample. Automatic oiler 6 includes an oil supply pump. When using the oil immersion lens of the microscope, because the oil immersion lens needs to be magnified to a higher magnification, its aperture is very small, and very little light enters, resulting in a dim field of view and a blurry image. Therefore, a layer of cedar oil medium with a refractive index similar to that of glass needs to be added between the oil immersion lens and the slide sample to reduce or eliminate refraction of the light passing through, increase the amount of light entering the lens, increase the brightness of the field of view, and enable clearer observation of the image. When manually adding oil, deviations in the amount and position of oil can cause blurry images or edge distortion. Automatic oiler 6, by precisely controlling the amount and position of oil, keeps the oil immersion lens in the best imaging state during scanning, providing a clear image basis for high-precision analysis.
[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the slide loading module 1 includes at least one slide compartment 11 that can move up and down. Several slide samples are stacked inside the slide compartment 11. Centralized placement of slide samples reduces the risk of loss and contamination caused by scattered placement, while also providing a sufficient number of slide samples at once, reducing the need for frequent slide additions and improving scanning efficiency. The stage 2 is equipped with a slide mounting plate 21, which has grooves 211 for receiving slide samples. These grooves 211 position the slide samples and contain clips for securing the slides. To reduce the risk of sample shifting, sliding, or shaking during the subsequent movement of the stage 2, the slide loading module 1 is equipped with a conveying module 12 for transporting the slide compartment 11 to the docking position with the slide mounting plate 21. A height module 13 is provided on one side of the slide compartment 11, and a carrier 14 is mounted on the moving end of the height module 13 via a bracket. The carrier 14 is used to carry the slide compartment 11 and move it back and forth along the height direction. The transport by the conveying module 12 and the height module 13 reduces the risk of sample transfer failure or sample damage due to positional deviation.
[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the slide loading module 1 is equipped with a transport arm 15 capable of reciprocating between the slide chamber 11 and the groove 211. The transport arm 15 includes a first pushing finger 151 and a second pushing finger 152. The first pushing finger 151 is used to push the slide sample into the groove 211, and the second pushing finger 152 is used to remove the slide sample from the groove 211. The carrier 14 adjusts the height of the slide chamber 11 in real time according to the height of the slide mounting plate 21 and the number of remaining slide samples in the slide chamber 11, ensuring that the uppermost slide sample is always at the optimal height for the transport arm 15 to push. The first pushing finger 151 and the second pushing finger 152 can improve the accuracy and stability of slide sample transfer, preventing the slide sample from failing to accurately enter the groove 211 due to directional deviation. If there is deviation during the movement of the slide sample, it will cause the scanning area to be misaligned with the target sample, resulting in missed scans or repeated scans. The transport arm 15 can also reduce the error and contamination risk caused by manual intervention, while improving the transfer efficiency of the slide sample and reducing the deviation problem of the slide sample during the movement.
[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, an X-axis moving device 22 and a Y-axis moving device 23 are provided below the stage 2 to move the stage 2 along the X-axis and Y-axis directions, respectively. The stage 2 automatically adjusts its position to complete the focusing of the slide sample. The X-axis moving device 22 and the Y-axis moving device 23 can improve the matching accuracy between the moving position and the scanning path set by the software, thereby improving the accuracy of image stitching and realizing large-scale, high-precision movement of the slide sample. It can cover the scanning area of the entire slide sample and perform fine positioning in the target area to meet different observation needs. An auxiliary slide rail is provided below the end of the Y-axis moving device 23 away from the X-axis moving device 22. The length direction of the auxiliary slide rail is parallel to the X-axis moving device 22 to ensure the stability and accuracy of the overall movement of the stage 2, thereby ensuring the accuracy of focusing and detection results.
[0034] In at least one embodiment, the conveying module 12, height module 13, X-axis moving device 22, Y-axis moving device 23 and driving component 53 used in this utility model are all linear modules.
[0035] Operating steps:
[0036] S1. Place the slide container 11 containing the slides into the fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system, select the scanning item in the scanning software and start it;
[0037] S2. The slide sample is automatically transported to the stage 2 via the conveying module 12 and the height module 13. After the slide sample enters the groove 211, the stage 2 moves with the slide sample via the X-axis moving device 22 and the Y-axis moving device 23 and scans the slide sample. A rapid panoramic preview and target positioning are performed through a low-magnification objective lens. Then, the objective lens magnification is automatically switched according to the preset protocol. Combined with high-precision autofocus and multi-channel imaging technology, high-speed image acquisition is performed on the target area. After the scan is completed, the next slide sample is scanned. This process continues until all slide samples in the slide chamber 11 have been scanned. The slide chamber 11 is then replaced, and the above operation is repeated until all slide samples have been scanned.
[0038] S3. After the acquired image data is processed by stitching, fusion, enhancement, etc., a whole slice image (WSI) or target field-of-view image set is generated and stored in the database for browsing, analysis and management.
[0039] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and therefore, all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this utility model.
Claims
1. A fully automated cell microscopic image scanning system, characterized in that, Includes: a host, which includes a slide loading module (1), a stage (2), an image acquisition module (3), and a light field module arranged sequentially along the direction of slide delivery; The slide loading module (1) includes at least one slide compartment (11) that can move up and down, and several slide samples are stacked inside the slide compartment (11); The stage (2) is provided with a slide mounting plate (21) for receiving slide samples. The slide loading module (1) is provided with a conveying module (12) for conveying the slide compartment (11) to the docking position with the slide mounting plate (21). A height module (13) is provided on one side of the slide compartment (11). A carrier (14) is fixedly connected to the moving end of the height module (13). The carrier (14) is used to carry the slide compartment (11) to move back and forth along the height direction.
2. The fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slide mounting plate (21) has a groove (211) for receiving slide samples. The slide loading module (1) is provided with a transport arm (15) that can move back and forth between the slide compartment (11) and the groove (211). The transport arm (15) includes a first push finger (151) and a second push finger (152). The first push finger (151) is used to push the slide sample into the groove (211), and the second push finger (152) is used to remove the slide sample from the groove (211).
3. The fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Below the stage (2) are provided an X-axis moving device (22) and a Y-axis moving device (23) for moving the stage (2) along the X-axis and Y-axis directions respectively. The stage (2) automatically adjusts its position to complete the focusing of the slide sample.
4. The fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light field module includes a bright field module (4), which includes a bright field illumination source (41), a refractor (42), and a filter (43). The bright field illumination source (41) is used as an illumination source in the bright field imaging mode.
5. The fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light field module includes a fluorescence module (5), which includes a fluorescence excitation source (51) used to excite fluorescence signals in the sample to be tested.
6. The fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fluorescence module (5) includes a filter block (52) and a driver (53). The filter block (52) is located at the output end of the fluorescence light path generated by the fluorescence excitation light source (51). The filter block (52) controls the entry of excitation light and the output of fluorescence signal. The driver (53) is located on the side of the filter block (52) away from the fluorescence excitation light source (51). The driver (53) switches the filter block (52) and adjusts the position of the light path.
7. The fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The image acquisition module (3) includes a camera (31) and a sensor (32) for image acquisition.
8. The fully automated cell microscopy image scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main unit also includes an automatic oiler (6) for adding oil medium between the oil immersion lens of the microscope and the slide sample.