Device for cutting slice of sample and method for operating the same

Abstract

To improve sample cutting devices such as a microtome.SOLUTION: A device for cutting slicing a slice of a sample comprises: a sample holder configured to hold the sample to be cut and to move the sample in one or more directions; and a blade holder configured to move one blade in multiple directions to cut a sample. The device is configured or may be configured to move the sample holder relative to the blade holder in a first motion including a phase in which the sample is cut by the blade, and in a second motion including a retraction phase in which the sample holder moves away from and / or toward the blade. The two motions are performed to cut the sample in a predetermined direction, and the device shows whether or not it is in a retraction phase.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to sample cutting devices, such as microtomes, and methods of operating sample cutting devices. [Background technology]

[0002] A microtome is a specialized tool used in laboratories to cut sample material into extremely thin slices, primarily in histology, the study of tissue microstructure. The instrument uses a sharp blade to slice thin sections of material, typically ranging in thickness from a few nanometers to a few micrometers. Microtomes are either manual, where the user mechanically controls the slicing action, or mechatronic, where the movement is motorized. Extremely sharp blades can be susceptible to improper use. For example, cutting slices that are too thick can damage the blade. Improvements to these and similar situations are desirable. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to improve sample cutting devices such as microtomes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The above objects are solved by the disclosed embodiments, which are particularly defined by the subject matter of each independent claim. Each dependent claim provides information on further embodiments. Various aspects and embodiments of these aspects are also disclosed in the following summary and description, which offer additional features and advantages.

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a device for cutting slices of a sample, comprising: a sample holder configured to hold a sample to be cut and to move the sample in one or more directions; a blade holder configured to move a blade in one or more directions to cut the sample; wherein the device comprises: - moving the sample holder relative to the blade holder in a first movement comprising a phase in which the sample is cut by the blade, - be configurable or configured to move the sample holder relative to the blade holder in a second movement comprising a retraction phase in which the sample holder moves away from and / or towards the blade; Two movements are performed to cut the sample in a predefined direction, The device indicates whether the device is in the evacuation phase; Regarding the device.

[0006] Slice-cutting devices can be used to study the microstructure of tissues, e.g., biological tissues, and / or other materials. The devices can be used to cut one or more slices from a sample so that they are translucent and can be examined in detail under a microscope.

[0007] Samples can be any material that can be sliced, or different materials. Samples include biological tissues from various organs that aid in the diagnosis or study of disease, and plant material for plant anatomical studies. Animal tissues are often prepared for scientific research, and human biopsy samples are crucial for identifying diseases such as cancer. In materials science, various substances, such as polymers, may be sliced into multiple thin layers to analyze their microstructure. Cryomicrotomes are used for rapid pathological observation of frozen sections. Additionally, cultured cells and hard tissues, such as bone, can also be sliced. The desired thickness of the slices can vary from a few millimeters to a few micrometers. Block face.

[0008] The microtome can be a rotary microtome, suitable for cutting thinner tissue sections. The microtome can also be a cryomicrotome, suitable for cutting frozen samples, which can be useful in preparing specimens / samples for biological and / or medical research. The microtome can be an ultramicrotome, suitable for cutting ultrathin sections for electron microscopy. The microtome can be a laser microtome, suitable for cutting samples non-contact using a laser.

[0009] The device can be configurable to move the sample holder and the blade holder relative to each other. This can be done by moving only the sample holder, and / or by moving only the blade holder (i.e., the sample holder remains fixed), and / or by moving the sample holder and the blade holder. Thus, the first motion and / or the second motion can be realized by the sample holder, or by the device holder, or by both parts of the device.

[0010] A sample holder, also known as a chuck or specimen holder, can be used to ensure reliable positioning of the sample during slicing. The sample holder can be designed to securely hold the sample in the correct orientation, allowing for accurate and consistent slicing. The sample holder can be adjustable, allowing for alignment of the cutting blade with the sample to achieve the desired sectioning angle and thickness. Such adjustment can be configurable independently of the first and second motions, for example, by a manual slider. The sample holder can also include temperature control, for example, to maintain a low temperature in a cryomicrotome.

[0011] A blade holder is a specially designed component for securely mounting and positioning the cutting device's blade. It can play a key role in ensuring accurate and precise slicing of the sample. Blade holders can be configured for adjustment along various axes, allowing the user and / or the method to properly align the blade relative to the sample. This is important for achieving the desired thickness and quality of the section. Blade holders can be compatible with different types of blades, including disposable and reusable blades, and are designed to withstand the rigors of sectioning while maintaining stability. Blades placed in or on the blade holder can be made of metal, particularly steel, glass, and / or diamond.

[0012] The retraction phase can be a phase realized only by the second movement. The retraction phase can be a phase of the second movement in which the sample holder is far away from the blade holder or the blade, preventing the blade from cutting the sample. In the retraction phase, the sample holder can be moved away from the blade holder to a safe position so that harmful movements are not directed to the blade. The movement to the retraction phase can be small, for example, 200 μm to 300 μm. Therefore, the second movement can also be of a similar magnitude. However, the movement here can also be larger.

[0013] The retraction phase, in particular, ensures that the cut is always made in the same direction, e.g., above the sample (the retraction phase involves a movement in the opposite direction). Thus, a superposition of the first and second movements is performed, so that the blade cuts the sample only when it moves in a predefined cutting direction (e.g., from a point above the sample to a point below the sample). This can be important because cutting from another direction can damage the blade in the blade holder. Such blade vulnerability can result from grinding for very thin slices (up to a few micrometers). Furthermore, damage to a blade designed for very thin cuts can be costly and time-consuming, as it requires the blade to be removed and shipped to a service provider specializing in blade grinding.

[0014] The retraction phase can be indicated in various ways, as described below. Indicating the retraction phase can protect the device, especially the blade, from damage. This can occur, in particular, if the user manually repositions the sample holder and / or blade holder while the device is in the retraction phase without considering that the device is in the retraction phase. The user may then initiate a cut with the device and perform a cut that exceeds the blade's maximum cutting thickness (0.2 mm to 2 mm), which can also cause damage to the blade. In particular, a novice user may stall the device during the retraction phase. If a subsequent (novice) user attempts to use the device and adjusts the blade closer to the material holder without realizing that the device is in the retraction phase, this user will disrupt the protective function of the retraction phase and cause the problems described above.

[0015] An embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device for cutting slices of a sample, wherein the sample holder is configured to be manually and / or electrically actuated to thereby perform the first movement and / or the second movement.

[0016] The sample holder can be moved in several ways to facilitate precise cutting of the sample. The sample holder can be moved vertically, horizontally, and / or rotationally. The retraction motion (for the retraction phase) can include one or more of these primary motions. One or more of these motions can be performed manually or automatically.

[0017] Manual movement requires the user to physically adjust the sample holder. The manual movement can be indicated by a pivoting wheel, slider, screw, or other indicator. The sample holder can have an indicator for any of its possible movements. Additionally or alternatively, the indicator can be configured to indicate the first and / or second movements. For example, the pivoting wheel can be configured to move the sample holder in a first direction and a second direction, i.e., by moving the pivoting wheel, the first and second movements are indicated in a predefined manner, e.g., the blade holder performs an elliptical movement relative to the fixed blade. The coupling of the first and second movements can be performed, for example, by an eccentric tappet.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, one or more of these movements can be controlled by one or more motors, particularly servo motors. In one embodiment, a mechanical control element, such as a swivel wheel, can be used to direct the first and / or second movements, similar to the above. This allows for greater flexibility, particularly in the coupling of the first and second movements.

[0019] An embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device for cutting a slice of a sample, wherein the second movement is substantially perpendicular to the first movement.

[0020] For example, a device according to the first aspect can be configured to perform a first movement in a direction perpendicular to the blade of the device. The device can then be configured to perform a second movement in a horizontal direction. By positioning the first and second movements perpendicular to each other, independent movements are performed, allowing the device to move to the retraction phase independently of its position within the first movement.

[0021] An embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device for cutting a slice of a sample, wherein the second movement is smaller than the first movement.

[0022] The retraction phase may be configured to only allow for a small second movement, e.g., for cutting a single sample, such that the blade cannot contact the sample at a predefined setting of 200 μm to 300 μm. However, this can cause problems when cutting a second sample (perhaps on a different day by a different user), as the device may be reconfigured by adjusting the sample holder and blade holder closer to each other without realizing that the device is positioned in the retraction phase. In this case, cutting the second sample may result in damage to the blade.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the retraction phase of the second movement only partially overlaps with the adjustment freedom of the sample holder and / or blade holder, such that possible collisions only occur in the overlapping parts of the retraction phases.

[0024] In addition, if the sample is inserted into the sample holder so that it protrudes too far from the holder, the above-mentioned dangerous overlap between the sample and the blade may occur. Therefore, such an attachment state can also be indicated by the device according to the first aspect.

[0025] An embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device for cutting slices of a sample, wherein the device is configured to perform the first movement and / or the second movement as a cyclic movement.

[0026] For example, the first and second movements can be superimposed such that the sample holder and / or blade holder perform a circular, elliptical, and / or substantially triangular or rectangular movement relative to one another. In this case, the first and / or second movements can be configured as periodic movements, e.g., by a reciprocating movement. This can in particular be achieved by constantly actuating a control element, such as by constantly rotating a wheel in one direction, to achieve a closed (e.g., elliptical) movement. Such a coupling can simplify the handling of the device and reduce the cognitive load on the user.

[0027] An embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device for cutting slices of a sample, wherein a first motion and a second motion are superimposed by a single actuator.

[0028] If a single actuator is used to perform the first and / or second movements of the sample holder and / or blade holder relative to one another, the retraction phase can be indicated and / or identified by checking the position of the single actuator. If the single actuator is a motor, the retraction phase can be identified by checking the movement of the motor and visually indicating the retraction phase on a screen attached to the device according to the first aspect.

[0029] An embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device for cutting slices of a sample, wherein the second movement is coordinated by a rotating wheel and the retraction phase is marked relative to the rotating wheel.

[0030] If the single actuator is a mechanical control element such as a swivel wheel, the retract phase may be visually indicated at each position of the swivel wheel.

[0031] An embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device for cutting slices of a sample, the device being configured to provide a visual signal, in particular to a microscope and / or a monitor connected to the device.

[0032] The visual indication can be provided by goggles and / or a microscope screen. In this way, the user can see that the device is in the evacuation phase on the same screen that the user uses to check the cutting operation. This can increase the likelihood that the user will recognize the information. Additionally or alternatively, the information that the device according to the first aspect is in the evacuation phase can also be provided on an additional screen provided on or attached to the device. In one embodiment, the device can be provided with a small screen, for example on the sample holder or blade holder, configured to provide information that the device is in the evacuation phase. In another embodiment, the evacuation phase information can be displayed on an additional screen. This can be used in particular if the device does not have a screen.

[0033] An embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device for cutting slices of a sample, the device being configured to provide an acoustic signal when the device is in a retraction phase.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively to a visual indication of the evacuation phase, an audible signal can be emitted when the device is in the evacuation phase. Such an audible signal can indicate when the device is in the evacuation phase. Additionally or alternatively, such an indication can be emitted when the device is activated, providing immediate information to the user that the device is in the evacuation phase and that caution should be used when initiating a cutting operation.

[0035] An embodiment of the first aspect is a device for cutting slices of a sample, the device comprising: - When the sample is placed in the sample holder, -When the blade is placed in the blade holder, - the rotary adjustment wheel for directing the second movement is positioned so that the device moves to the retreat phase; and configured to check whether the device is in an evacuation phase in one or more of the following cases: The device is further configured to provide an indicative signal when at least one of these conditions is true. Regarding the device.

[0036] The test can be performed automatically, for example, by monitoring the position of mechanical control elements. Additionally or alternatively, the test can be performed by directly monitoring the position of the sample holder and / or blade holder, or by monitoring one or more actuators that move the sample holder and / or blade holder. Monitoring of these conditions can be performed by respective sensors. However, such tests do not necessarily have to be performed constantly.

[0037] By monitoring whether the device is in the retracted state when a sample is placed in the sample holder, the user can be made aware of this fact before using the device for a cutting operation. In addition to monitoring the retraction phase, it can be monitored whether the sample is provided in the sample holder in the correct position and whether the block face does not protrude too far from the sample holder. Additionally or alternatively, the retraction phase can also be checked by the positioning of the blade in the blade holder, which has the same effect as the previous embodiment. Another option is for the indicator wheels operating the first and / or second movements to perform an effective retraction phase check, e.g., to prevent damage to the blade.

[0038] The indicia signal may be a visual, audible and / or tactile signal and may be configured to effectively alert the user.

[0039] An embodiment of the first aspect is a device for cutting slices of a sample, the device comprising: - During the start-up procedure, - during the first movement, in particular if the first movement is directed in different directions during a predefined time interval, configured to check whether the device is in an evacuation phase when one or more of The device is further configured to provide an indicative signal when at least one of these conditions is true. Regarding the device.

[0040] By monitoring the inspection during the start-up procedure, it is possible to discover that the device was in the retract phase just before it was used. This can be particularly useful if the user starts the device without knowing where the sample holder and / or blade holder are still in from the last use. If the user commands the first reciprocating motion during a predefined time interval, a possible harmful use is inferred. If the device is in a retracted state, the user is aware of this before starting the cutting procedure. Thus, possible damage to the blade due to a misaligned system can be prevented.

[0041] An embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device for cutting slices of a sample, the device being configured to inhibit and / or stop a first movement based on an indication that the device is in a retraction phase.

[0042] The blocking function may relate to the combined motion of a first motion and a second motion, for example, when the two motions are performed by a single actuator. The blocking may be indicated, in particular, when the cutting device recognizes that, with the current adjustment of the sample holder and blade holder, the cutting operation may damage the device's blade. This can be achieved by software that performs the kinematic configuration of the currently adjusted device (i.e., the sample holder and blade holder) and analyzes whether the adjusted configuration is likely to result in blade damage. This can be performed, for example, by mounting one or more samples on a kinematic model of the device and simulating the kinematic configuration. Samples may have different lengths that allow the sample's block face to extend beyond the sample holder.

[0043] An embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device for cutting slices of a sample, the device being configured to prevent and / or stop adjustment of a movement of a blade holder parallel to a second movement based on an indication that the device is in a retraction phase.

[0044] This reduces the distance from the sample holder to the blade holder, which prevents the retraction phase from cancelling out the safety distance between the two parts.

[0045] An embodiment of the first aspect is a device for cutting slices of a sample, comprising: - Obtaining a release signal from the human system interface; - based on the release signal, release the block of the first movement The present invention relates to a device configured to:

[0046] The release signal for releasing the blocking of the first movement can be a mechanism indicating correct configuration of the device according to the first aspect such that no damage occurs to the blade. In particular, the release signal for the first movement is indicated only when the effective distance between the retract phase position of the sample holder and the blade holder is maintained. The release signal can be, for example, an event signal, a semaphore signal, a condition variable, a dedicated message, or a hardware interrupt.

[0047] The release of the block can be associated with a general block, i.e., a block that is always active for the first movement in the absence of a release signal. Alternatively, the release signal can refer to a specific block that has blocked the first movement due to a specific condition, in particular a condition relating to the retraction phase, for example as described in the context of the previous embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, the release of the block of the first movement can be associated with the first movement in general or with a specific part of the first movement, in particular the first movement in the cutting direction, e.g., the first movement in the direction in which cutting of the blade occurs.

[0048] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a method for operating a device for slicing a sample, comprising: the device comprising a sample holder and a blade holder configured for relative movement to one another; The relative motion is a first movement having a phase in which the sample is cut by the blade of the blade holder; a second movement having a retraction phase in which the sample holder moves away from and / or towards the blade; and wherein the method comprises: determining that the device is in an evacuation phase; - providing information, in particular a signal and / or a message, that the device is in an evacuation phase; The present invention relates to a method comprising:

[0049] The method according to the second aspect may include one or more steps that perform one or more functions of the device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. The steps of the method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure may be configured to have the functions of the device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0050] Further advantages and features result from the following embodiments, some of which refer to the figures. The figures do not necessarily show the embodiments to scale. Dimensions of various features may have been increased or decreased, particularly for clarity of presentation. To this end, the figures are at least partially schematic. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a microtome system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates the operation 200 of a microtome according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates the operation 300 of a microtome according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a microscope system for an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the disclosure, and which illustrate specific embodiments to provide an understanding of the disclosure. Like reference numerals indicate identical features or at least functionally or structurally similar features.

[0053] In general, the disclosure of a described method also applies to a corresponding device (or apparatus) for performing the method or a corresponding system comprising one or more devices, and vice versa. For example, if certain method steps are described, the corresponding device may include functionality for performing the described method steps, even if that functionality is not explicitly described or represented in the diagram. Conversely, for example, if a particular device is described in terms of functional units, the corresponding method may include one or more steps for performing the described functionality, even if such steps are not explicitly described or represented in the diagram. Similarly, a system may include corresponding device features or features for performing certain method steps. Features of the various exemplary aspects and embodiments described above or below may be combined unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0054] 1 illustrates a microtome system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The microtome system 100 includes a housing 102 within which the components of the microtome system are disposed. The microtome 100 includes a blade holder 110 configured to hold a blade 114. The blade holders are movable in different directions by an actuator system 112. The blade 114 includes a blade edge 116 that performs the cutting and is made of glass or diamond. Sharpening a glass or diamond blade can require significant resources, and damage to the blade, which can occur when the blade is loaded in the wrong direction, must be avoided.

[0055] The microtome 100 includes a sample holder 120 that can be actuated with at least two translational and two rotational degrees of freedom by actuator systems 122, 124. The sample holder 120 is configured to hold a sample 130. The sample 130 has a block face 132, which is the area where the cutting operation is to be performed. The block face and blade area are illuminated by a light source 140 that emits a light beam 142.

[0056] The cutting operation can be controlled by a mechanical element, namely, the rotating wheel 150. When rotated, the rotating wheel 150 directs the sample holder to perform a first movement in the y dimension and a second movement in the x dimension of the reference coordinate system 180. The resulting movement has an elliptical shape such that the cutting operation is performed during the downward movement, where the position of the sample holder in the second movement is further to the right on the x-axis. The retraction phase, where the blade 114 clears the block face 132 and a second position in the second dimension is further to the left on the x-axis, occurs during the upward phase of the first movement. The cutting operation can also be controlled independently of the retraction phase operation, for example, by two different input elements.

[0057] The microtome system 100 comprises a microscope 170 disposed in the housing 102 and configured to allow a user to view (inspect) the block face 132 and blade 114 of the sample 130. For example, the user can inspect the cutting motion and / or the quality of the knife edge 116 in this way. Light generated by the illumination unit 140 illuminating the (physical) gap between the sample 130 (or its block face 132) and the blade 114 (or its edge 116) is detected by a detector 172 of the microscope 170. This may require appropriate placement and / or orientation of the detector 172.

[0058] Additionally, microscope 170 can be positioned and / or oriented such that the optical gap is visible by microscope 170. Thus, microscope 170 can be configured to be repositionable relative to viewing axis 174. Repositioning can be performed, in particular, along angle φ of coordinate system 180. Microscope 170 can be an optical microscope, a fluorescence microscope, a confocal microscope, etc. In one embodiment, detector 172 can be external to microscope 170 and configured to only exchange information with microscope 170.

[0059] The microtome system 100 further comprises a display 160, which can display to a user information regarding the cutting process and / or an indication 162 of the alignment of the blade 114 with the block face 132 of the sample 130. In one embodiment, the microtome system 100 is also configured, among other things, to render a user interface or a graphical user interface by using the display 160 or by exchanging information with a corresponding device.

[0060] One possibility for indicating that the microtome is in the retraction phase is via the rotating wheel 150. By means of the rotating wheel 150, the user commands the first and second movements as described above. This is performed by software that converts the position of the rotating wheel 150 into the respective positions of the first and second movements, controlled, for example, by the actuator systems 122 and 124. The actual position of the rotating wheel 150 is indicated by a marker 152. The retraction phase can therefore be passively visualized on the rotating wheel 150. This is performed by a marker 154. When the position marker 152 is within the marker 154, the system is in the retraction phase. The position marker 152 can be, for example, a red marker and can cover, for example, 25% to 40% of the rotating wheel, or more depending on the corresponding retraction phase. Active visualization is also possible, e.g., the evacuation phase can be actively indicated by sending a message (which can be displayed on a visual screen) depending on the state of one or more of the actuator systems, or by announcing the evacuation phase, e.g., visually, acoustically and / or tactilely.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the rotating wheel can vibrate when the system is in the evacuation phase. The vibration can be performed particularly when the device 100 is activated. This can provide an active indication to the user that the device was left in the evacuation phase in a previous use. Additionally or alternatively, this type of active indication can also be performed when a new sample is placed in the sample holder, and / or when the blade holder is adjusted, and / or when a new blade is attached to the blade holder. This can provide an active indication to the user that the device 100 is still in the evacuation phase, despite changes in critical parameters that could result in potentially damaging operation.

[0062] Another active indication of the retraction phase can be provided if the user begins to rotate the rotating wheel 150 back and forth during the retraction phase. This indication can also be provided visually, audibly, and / or tactilely by a message. If the user recognizes that they are in the retraction phase, the first motion, particularly in the cutting direction, can also be prevented, for example, by a software function. This can be beneficial, for example, for systems 100 that can independently direct the first and second motions. Additionally or alternatively, automatic alignment of the sample (or sample holder) with respect to the blade (or blade holder) can be inhibited (e.g., by a software function) as long as the device 100 is in the retraction phase and / or unless explicit user approval has been registered.

[0063] Figure 2 illustrates operation 200 of a microtome according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, a first motion 210 and a second motion 212 are performed by a sample holder (not shown), for example, by an actuator system similar to actuator systems 122, 124 described in connection with Figure 1. This causes the sample holder to move the sample 202 relative to the blade 230.

[0064] The microtome 200 includes a blade holder (not shown) with a blade 230. The blade includes a blade edge 232 and is therefore configured similarly to the blade 114 of the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 1. The blade holder is adjustable in a direction 234 parallel to the second motion 212, i.e., parallel to the x-dimension of the coordinate system 180. The blade holder is adjustable up to a mechanical end stop at position 236. During the movement of the sample holder 202, the blade holder, i.e., the blade 230, is fixed and does not move.

[0065] Movement along first dimension 210 and second dimension 212 allows sample holder 202 to move cyclically around ellipse 214. Motion is directed only in a single direction 216 such that cutting of the sample by blade edge 232 is performed only in a motion from above toward blade edge 232. Thus, the block face of the sample is moved cyclically through successive positions 220, 222, 224, with cutting of block face 220 of sample 202 occurring at position 224. In this manner, damage to the delicate blade edge 232 can be ensured.

[0066] During normal cutting operation, the sample holder periodically performs an elliptical motion 214, thereby covering an area 242. The retraction phase is marked by area 240, i.e., all positions on ellipse 214 that are within area 240 are defined as the retraction phase. During the retraction phase 240, the sample cannot contact the blade, and therefore ensures that it does not approach / contact the blade 230 from a direction that would damage it.

[0067] However, it may happen that, for example, while performing various analyses, the user who performed the first analysis leaves the sample holder of the device somewhere in the retraction phase 240. Another user, unaware of the state of the device, thinks the sample holder is at position 226, when in fact the sample holder is at position 228. This is possible because the second movement typically covers only a short distance and is exaggerated for illustrative purposes. The second user adjusts the blade so that it is positioned within the retraction area 240 without properly adjusting the sample holder (means for adjusting the sample holder are not depicted but may be similar to 234). Initiating a cutting operation in this situation would result in the blade 230 cutting the sample 202 much deeper than the second user intended. This could also damage the delicate blade edge 232, leading to serious consequences as described above.

[0068] To prevent such erroneous / hazardous movements that could damage the microtome or blade, the microtome is indicated as being in the retracted phase. This can alert a user who is unaware that the device is in the retracted phase. This can be done, for example, by indicating the retracted phase position on a manual control element, as described in connection with FIG. 1 . Additionally or alternatively, a message and / or signal can be provided to the user, for example, a message displayed on the screen 160 or an audible and / or tactile signal. Such a message / signal can be issued, in particular, when the microtome is activated / initialized for a new analysis. Additionally, the retracted phase signal can prevent a first movement, so that a cutting operation cannot be performed before the device is moved out of the retracted phase and / or the user has explicitly authorized that the cutting operation can begin.

[0069] FIG. 3 illustrates the operation 300 of a microtome according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment is similar to the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 2, except that the first and second movements are performed by the blade 230. The blade 230 performs an elliptical movement 302. The sample holder and / or sample do not change position during the cutting operation. This embodiment can result in similar problems as described in connection with FIG. 2, which can lead to costly damage to the blade 230. Therefore, when the device is in (or left unattended with) the retraction phase 242, this is indicated, for example, by a visual, tactile, or audible signal and / or message.

[0070] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as " / ".

[0071] While some aspects have been described in the context of an apparatus, it will be apparent that these aspects also represent a description of a corresponding method, where a block or apparatus corresponds to a step or feature of a step, and similarly, aspects described in the context of a step also represent a description of a corresponding block or item or feature of a corresponding apparatus.

[0072] Some embodiments relate to a microscope including a system such as that described in connection with one or more of FIGS. 1-3. Alternatively, the microscope may be part of or connected to a system such as that described in connection with one or more of FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a system 400 configured to perform the methods described herein. The system 400 includes a microscope 410 and a computer system 420. The microscope 410 is configured to capture images and is connected to the computer system 420. The computer system 420 is configured to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. The computer system 420 may be configured to execute a machine learning algorithm. The computer system 420 and the microscope 410 may be separate entities or may be integrated within a common housing. The computer system 420 may be part of a central processing system of the microscope 410 and / or part of a subsidiary component of the microscope 410, such as a sensor, actor, camera, or lighting unit of the microscope 410.

[0073] The computer system 420 may be a local computing device (e.g., a personal computer, laptop, tablet computer, or mobile phone) with one or more processors and one or more storage devices, or may be a distributed computing system (e.g., a cloud computing system with one or more processors and one or more storage devices distributed at various locations, such as local clients and / or one or more remote server farms and / or data centers). The computer system 420 may include any circuit or combination of circuits. In one embodiment, the computer system 420 may include one or more processors, which may be of any type. As used herein, a processor may contemplate any type of computing circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor of a microscope or microscope component (e.g., a camera), a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a multi-core processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other type of processor or processing circuit. Other types of circuits that may be included in computer system 420 may be custom circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc., such as one or more circuits (e.g., communications circuits) used in wireless devices such as cell phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, two-way radios, and similar electronic systems. Computer system 420 may also include one or more storage devices, which may include one or more memory elements suitable for a particular application, such as main memory in the form of random access memory (RAM), one or more hard drives and / or one or more drives that handle removable media, such as compact discs (CDs), flash memory cards, digital video discs (DVDs), etc.Computer system 420 may also include a display device, one or more speakers and a controller which may include a keyboard and / or mouse, trackball, touch screen, voice recognition device, or any other device that allows a user of the system to input information to and receive information from computer system 420.

[0074] Some or all of the steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware apparatus, such as, for example, a processor, microprocessor, programmable computer, or electronic circuitry. In some embodiments, any one or more of the critical steps may be performed by such an apparatus.

[0075] Depending on certain implementation requirements, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware or software. The implementation may be performed by a non-transitory storage medium, such as a digital storage medium, for example, a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or a FLASH memory, on which electronically readable control signals are stored that cooperate (or can cooperate) with a programmable computer system to execute the respective methods. Therefore, the digital storage medium may be computer-readable.

[0076] Some embodiments of the present invention include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals that can cooperate with a programmable computer system to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0077] Generally, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a computer program product comprising program code which is operable to perform any of the methods when the computer program product is run on a computer, and which may for example be stored on a machine-readable carrier.

[0078] Further embodiments comprise the computer program for performing any of the methods described herein, stored on a machine readable carrier.

[0079] In other words, an embodiment of the present invention is, therefore, a computer program having a program code for performing any of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer.

[0080] Therefore, another embodiment of the invention is a recording medium (or data carrier or computer readable medium) containing a computer program stored thereon for performing any of the methods described herein when executed by a processor. The data carrier, digital recording medium or recording medium is typically tangible and / or non-transitory. Another embodiment of the invention is an apparatus as described herein, comprising a processor and a recording medium.

[0081] A further embodiment of the present invention is, therefore, a data stream or a sequence of signals representing the computer program for performing any of the methods described herein, the data stream or sequence of signals being for example adapted to be transmitted via a data communication connection, for example the Internet.

[0082] Another embodiment comprises a processing means, for example a computer, or a programmable logic device configured to or adapted to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0083] Another embodiment comprises a computer having the computer program installed thereon for performing any of the methods described herein.

[0084] Another embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus or system configured to transfer (e.g., electronically or optically) a computer program for performing any of the methods described herein to a receiver. The receiver may be, for example, a computer, a mobile device, a storage device, etc. The apparatus or system may include, for example, a file server for transferring the computer program to the receiver.

[0085] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functionality of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor to perform any of the methods described herein. In general, the methods may be advantageously performed by any hardware apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 100 Microtome System 102 Housing 110 Blade Holder 112 Actuator System 114 Blade 116 Blade Edge 120 Sample Holder 122 Actuator System 124 Actuator System 130 samples 132 Block Face 140 light source 142 Rays of light 150 spinning wheels 152 Wheel position indicator 154 Evacuation Phase Sign 160 display 162 Display information 170 Microscope 172 detectors 174 visual axis 180 coordinate system 200 Microtome Operation 202 Samples 210 First Movement 212 Second Movement 214 Sample holder movement 216 Sample holder movement direction 220 Block Face 222 sample positions 224 Cutting position 226 Estimated Location 228 Actual Position 230 Blade 232 Blade Edge 234 Blade holder adjustment 236 Blade stop screw 240 Evacuation Phase Area 242 Range of motion 300 Microtome Operation 302 Elliptical motion of the blade

Claims

1. A device (100) for cutting slices of a sample, in particular a microtome, said device (100) comprising: a sample holder (120) configured to hold the sample (130) to be cut and to move said sample in one or more directions (x, y); a blade holder (110) configured to move a blade (114) in one or more directions to cut said sample; Equipped with The device (100) comprises: - moving the sample holder relative to the blade holder in a first movement (210) including a phase in which the sample is cut by the blade, - moving the sample holder relative to the blade holder in a second movement (212) including a retraction phase (240) in which the sample holder moves away from and / or towards the blade, configurable or configured to: Two movements are performed to cut the sample in a predefined direction; The device indicates whether the device is in the evacuation phase (152). device.

2. the sample holder (120) is configured to be manually and / or electrically actuated to thereby perform the first movement (210) and / or the second movement (212); The device of claim 1.

3. the second movement (212) is substantially perpendicular to the first movement (210); 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the second movement (212) is smaller than the first movement (210); 4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the device is configured to perform the first movement (210) and / or the second movement (212) as a cyclic movement; 5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first movement (210) and the second movement (212) are superimposed by a single actuator.

6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The second movement (212) is coordinated by a rotating wheel (150), and the retreat phase (240) is marked (152) relative to the rotating wheel.

7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The device is configured to provide a visual signal to a microscope (170) and / or a monitor (160) connected to the device. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the device is configured to provide an acoustic signal when in the evacuation phase (240). A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The device comprises: - when a sample (130) is placed in said sample holder, - when a blade (114) is placed in said blade holder (110), - when a rotary adjustment wheel (150) for directing said second movement (212) is positioned so that said device moves into said retraction phase (240), is configured to check whether it is in the evacuation phase (240) in one or more of the following cases: The device is further configured to provide an indicative signal when at least one of these conditions is true.

10. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The device comprises: - during the start-up procedure, - during said first movement (210), in particular when said first movement is directed in different directions during a predefined time interval, and configured to check whether the device is in the evacuation phase if one or more of The device is further configured to provide an indicative signal when at least one of these conditions is true. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the device is configured to inhibit and / or stop the first movement (210) based on an indication that the device is in the retraction phase (240).

12. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the device is configured to prevent and / or stop adjustment of the movement of the blade holder parallel to the second movement (212) based on an indication that the device is in the retraction phase (240).

13. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The device comprises: - receiving a release signal from the human system interface; - releasing the blocking of the first movement (210) based on the release signal; It is configured as follows: The device of claim 13.

15. A method for operating a device (100) for slicing a sample, in particular a microtome, comprising: The device comprises a sample holder (120) and a blade holder (110) configured for relative movement with respect to one another; The relative movement is a first movement (210) having a phase in which the sample is cut by the blade of said blade holder; a second movement (212) having a retraction phase (240) during which the sample holder moves away from and / or towards the blade; and the method comprises: - determining that the device is in the evacuation phase; - providing information, in particular a signal and / or a message, that said device is in said evacuation phase; A method comprising:

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