Microtome

Abstract

A microtome according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes: a body unit; a block support unit coupled to the body unit to be able to reciprocate a predetermined distance, and including a clamp to which a specimen block is fixed and a slope adjustment unit for adjusting the slope of the surface of the specimen block; a blade support unit coupled to the body unit, and to which a blade for cutting the specimen block is fixed; and a light emission unit for providing light to at least a portion of the surface of the specimen block.

Description

tissue sectioner

[0001] The present invention relates to a tissue sectioning machine. More specifically, it relates to a tissue sectioning machine capable of cutting a specimen block.

[0002] Typically, hospital pathology departments and clinical pathology laboratories prepare tissue slides for tissue observation. Tissue slides are prepared by embedding tissue in wax, such as paraffin, to create a specimen block. This block is then sliced ​​thinly to create sections. These sections are then placed on slides and the wax is melted.

[0003] At this time, the process of cutting the specimen block thinly to create specimen sections is called sectioning. Sectioning is a process necessary for observing tissues in detail using a microscope. A tissue microtome is used for the sectioning process. There are various types of tissue microtomes, such as rotary type microtomes, in which the blade is fixed and the specimen block moves back and forth during cutting, and slide type microtomes, in which the specimen block is fixed and the blade moves back and forth. Rotary type tissue microtomes capable of continuous cutting are mainly used to quickly produce multiple specimen sections.

[0004] Meanwhile, during sectioning, the tissue sectioner needs to be aligned to ensure uniform thickness of the specimen block. Aligning the tissue sectioner here can mean ensuring that the specimen block is flush with the blade, i.e., that the surface of the specimen block and the blade are aligned so that the specimen block can be cut to a uniform thickness. If the tissue sectioner is not aligned, the thickness of the sectioned specimen will not be uniform, making it difficult to observe the tissue precisely.

[0005] In conventional tissue sectioning, the user simply visually inspected the tilt of the specimen block and manipulated it to align it flush with the blade. However, this method often resulted in significant alignment errors, making precise alignment difficult. Furthermore, alignment required considerable time, making it inefficient.

[0006] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 6362641 (prior document 1), Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2119782 (prior document 2), and Japanese Patent Publication No. 5148828 (prior document 3) disclose tissue slicers. While prior documents 1 and 2 disclose auxiliary means for precisely aligning the tissue slicers, they are cumbersome and still require a considerable amount of time for alignment, making them inefficient. Prior document 3 discloses only an operating means for aligning the tissue slicer and does not disclose any auxiliary means for precisely aligning the tissue slicer.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a tissue sectioning machine capable of easily checking and controlling the degree of inclination of a specimen block.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a tissue sectioning machine capable of easily aligning a specimen block and a blade.

[0009] A tissue sectioning device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a body part; a block support part coupled to the body part and capable of reciprocating along a predetermined path, the block support part including a clamp to which a specimen block is fixed and an inclination control part to adjust the inclination of a surface of the specimen block; a blade support part coupled to the body part and to which a blade for cutting the specimen block is fixed; and a light irradiation part that provides light to at least a portion of a surface of the specimen block.

[0010] In one embodiment, the block support is reciprocally movable in the height direction of the tissue section, the blade support is disposed below the block support, and when the block support moves downward, the blade can slice the specimen block.

[0011] In one embodiment, the light irradiation unit can irradiate light toward at least one of the rear portion of the blade support and the rear portion of the blade, thereby providing light to at least a portion of the surface of the specimen block.

[0012] In one embodiment, when the light irradiating unit irradiates light toward at least one of the rear portion of the blade support and the rear portion of the blade, the incident angle of the light may be 60 to 85°.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least one of the block support and the blade support may be positionally adjustable so that light irradiated from the light irradiation unit can reach at least a portion of the surface of the specimen block.

[0014] In one embodiment, the color of light irradiated from the light irradiating unit can be adjusted, and the color of the light can include at least one of white, yellow, red, green, and blue.

[0015] In one embodiment, the light irradiating unit can irradiate any one of red light, green light, and blue light.

[0016] In one embodiment, the tissue sectioning device may further include a sensor for sensing the surface of the specimen block to which the light is provided; a data analysis unit for extracting color data of at least a portion of the surface of the specimen block based on sensing data collected from the sensor; and a display unit for displaying the color data.

[0017] In one embodiment, the surface of the sample block includes a plurality of corners, and the data analysis unit can extract color data for at least one predetermined point or at least one predetermined area selected from each of the plurality of corners.

[0018] In one embodiment, the color data may include at least one of an RGB color value, a brightness value, and a saturation value.

[0019] In one embodiment, the tissue sectioning device may further include a sensor that senses the surface of the specimen block to which the light is provided; and a data analysis unit that extracts color data of a plurality of points or a plurality of regions on the surface of the specimen block based on sensing data collected from the sensor, and analyzes a difference value between the extracted color data.

[0020] In one embodiment, the tissue sectioning device may further include a control unit that controls the slope adjustment unit to adjust the slope of the surface of the specimen block so that the difference value of the color data becomes less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a tissue sectioning machine capable of easily checking and controlling the degree of inclination of a specimen block can be provided.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a tissue sectioning machine capable of easily aligning a specimen block and a blade can be provided.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a tissue sectioning machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tissue sectioning machine of Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining the appearance of the surface of a specimen block illuminated with light according to the slope of the surface of the specimen block when light is irradiated as in Figure 2.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a tissue sectioning machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a tissue sectioning machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below, along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms.

[0029] To clearly explain embodiments of the present invention, portions irrelevant to the description may be omitted. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known configuration or function is deemed to obscure the gist or description of the present invention, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0030] In this specification, the term "part" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. Some "parts" may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0031] The division of components in this specification is merely based on the primary function each component is responsible for. In other words, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be further subdivided into two or more components with more specific functions. Furthermore, each component may, in addition to its own primary function, additionally perform some or all of the functions performed by other components. Furthermore, some of the primary functions of each component may be exclusively performed by other components.

[0032] When describing components of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used. These terms are intended to distinguish one component from another for convenience of description, and unless otherwise specified, the nature, order, etc. of the components are not limited by these terms.

[0033] Additionally, when it is described herein that a first component is “connected” or “coupled” to a second component, it may mean that the first component is directly connected or coupled to the second component, or it may mean that the first component is connected or coupled to the second component via a third component.

[0034] In this specification, the phrase "the second layer is formed "on" the first layer may include not only the case where the second layer is formed directly on the first layer, but also the case where another third layer is interposed between the first layer and the second layer. Conversely, the phrase "the second layer is formed "directly on" the first layer may indicate that no other third layer is interposed between the first layer and the second layer.

[0035] For each step, the steps may be performed in a different order than stated, unless the context clearly dictates a specific order. That is, the steps may be performed in the same order as stated, may be performed substantially simultaneously, or may be performed in the opposite order.

[0036] In this specification, “and / or” may mean each of the listed components and any combination of two or more of the listed components.

[0037] The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis used in this specification may refer to the three axes of an orthogonal coordinate system. However, they are not limited to the three axes of an orthogonal coordinate system, and may be interpreted in a broader sense that includes these. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but they may also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0038] In this specification, "front direction (front)" may refer to the direction in which the cut surface of the specimen block (SB) faces, and the "front side" of a component may refer to a side of the component that faces the "front." "Rear direction (rear)" may refer to a direction opposite to the "front." The "rear side" of a component may refer to a side of the component that faces the "rear."

[0039] In this specification, the "surface" of the specimen block (SB) may mean a surface that is cut (or is scheduled to be cut) by the blade (B). For example, it may mean a front-facing surface of the specimen block (SB) in FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a tissue sectioning machine (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tissue sectioning machine (10) of FIG. 1.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tissue slicer (10) may include a body portion (100), a block support portion (200), a blade support portion (300), a position adjustment portion (400), and a light irradiation portion (500).

[0042] The tissue sectioner (10) can perform a process of thinly slicing the specimen block (SB). That is, the tissue sectioner (100) can section the specimen block (SB) or trim it before sectioning.

[0043] A specimen block (SB) may include a block (hereinafter, "wax block") in which a tissue specimen is embedded in a wax-like medium. For example, a wax block may be prepared by injecting and hardening (i.e., embedding) a wax-like medium such as paraffin or celloidin into the interior of a cassette containing a tissue specimen. Accordingly, the wax block and cassette may be combined during the manufacture of the wax block, and the specimen block (SB) may also be conceptually comprised of a cassette equipped with a wax block.

[0044] The body (100) can accommodate or support various components provided in the tissue section (10). A block support (200) can be supported on the front side of the body (100), and a blade support (300) can be supported on the lower side.

[0045] In one embodiment, the body (100) may include a support (110) that supports various components and a housing (120) that accommodates various components therein.

[0046] Additionally, an opening (130) may be formed in the front of the housing (120). The opening (130) may provide a path through which the block support (200) can move.

[0047] The block support (200) can fix and support the specimen block (SB). For example, the block support (200) can protrude forward from the front of the body (100) and reciprocate a predetermined distance. For example, the block support (200) can reciprocate in the height direction of the body (100) (e.g., in the y-axis direction).

[0048] The block support (200) may include a frame (210) that is inserted and coupled at one end into the interior of the body (100), i.e., the interior of the housing (130), and is movable along the opening (130). The frame (210) may protrude toward the front of the body (100).

[0049] The block support (200) is connected to the other end of the frame (210) and may include a clamp (220) that supports a specimen block (SB). The specimen block (SB) may be fixed to the clamp (220).

[0050] In one embodiment, the clamp (220) may include a groove into which a specimen block (SB) may be inserted. The specimen block (SB) may be inserted into the groove and fixed to the clamp (220). The clamp (220) may include a groove adjustment part (not shown) that can adjust the size of the groove. However, the clamp (220) is not limited to the above-described example, and may include various structures capable of fixing the specimen block (SB).

[0051] The blade support (300) can be coupled to the body (100) to support the blade (B). For example, the blade support (300) can have a structure in which the blade (B) can be inserted and fixed at the upper portion.

[0052] As the block support (200) moves, the specimen block (SB) supported on the block support (200) can be cut by coming into contact with the blade (B). Since the block support (200) reciprocates, the specimen block (SB) can be repeatedly cut by the blade (B).

[0053] When the specimen block (SB) moves in accordance with the movement of the block support member (200), the blade (B) can be positioned along the path along which the specimen block (SB) moves so that the blade (B) can cut the specimen block (SB). That is, the blade (B) can be positioned along the path along which the specimen block (SB) reciprocates. The blade support member (300) can be movably coupled to the body member (100). Accordingly, the position of the blade support member (300) can be adjusted so that the blade (B) is positioned along the above-described path.

[0054] In one embodiment, the blade support (300) may be positioned at the bottom of the block support (200). The blade support (300) may be positioned on the support (110). The blade (B) may be fixed to the blade support (300) facing upward. In this case, the blade (B) may cut the specimen block (SB) (i.e., slice the surface of the specimen block) when the block support (200) moves downward.

[0055] The position adjustment unit (400) is connected to the block support unit (200) and can adjust the position of the block support unit (200). That is, the position adjustment unit (400) can move the block support unit (200). For example, the position adjustment unit (400) can cause the block support unit (200) to reciprocate along a predetermined path (e.g., reciprocating linear motion).

[0056] In one embodiment, the position control unit (400) may include a rotation unit (410), a handle (420), and a motion conversion unit (not shown). When a user turns the handle (420), the rotation unit (410) rotates, and the rotational motion may be converted into linear motion by the motion conversion unit (not shown). For example, the block support unit (200) may perform a reciprocating linear motion by the rotational motion of the rotation unit (410). For example, the motion conversion unit (not shown) may include a linear gear, etc.

[0057] In another embodiment, the position control unit (400) may include a driving unit (not shown) and a driving control unit (not shown) that controls the driving unit (not shown). For example, the driving unit (not shown) may include a motor, etc. In this case, the block support unit (200) may reciprocate along a predetermined path by the driving force of the driving unit (not shown).

[0058] Meanwhile, during the sectioning, it is necessary to align the tissue section (10) to cut the specimen block (SB) into uniform thicknesses. Aligning the tissue section (10) may mean that the specimen block (SB) is aligned flatly with the blade, that is, the surface of the specimen block (SB) and the blade (B) are arranged parallel so that the specimen block (SB) can be cut into uniform thicknesses. If the tissue section (10) is not aligned, the thickness of the cut specimen section will not be uniform, making it impossible to observe the tissue precisely.

[0059] Hereinafter, 'flatly aligning' the specimen block (SB) with the blade (B) may mean that the surface (i.e., the cutting surface) of the specimen block (SB) and the blade (B) are arranged parallel so that the specimen block is cut to a uniform thickness.

[0060] The block support (200) may include a tilt adjustment unit (230) that can adjust the tilt of the specimen block (SB), i.e., the tilt of the surface of the specimen block (SB). For example, the tilt adjustment unit (230) is connected to the clamp (220) and can adjust the horizontality of the clamp (220) in the up, down, left, and right directions, thereby adjusting the tilt of the surface of the specimen block (SB).

[0061] For example, the tilt adjustment unit (230) can rotate around a predetermined axis to adjust the tilt of the surface of the specimen block (SB). For example, the tilt adjustment unit (300) can rotate around the Y-axis and the Z-axis as rotation axes. As the tilt adjustment unit (300) rotates, the horizontal, vertical, left-right, and right-hand sides of the clamp (220) and the tilt of the surface of the specimen block (SB) can be changed.

[0062] As another example, the tilt adjustment unit (230) can rotate the clamp (220) around a predetermined axis (e.g., the Y-axis and the Z-axis). For example, the tilt adjustment unit (230) may have a plurality of pillars (not shown) on the front side that can repeatedly protrude and recover (or sink) in the forward direction. The plurality of pillars (not shown) may be connected to the rear side of the clamp (220). For example, the plurality of pillars (not shown) may be respectively connected to corners (or the center of the sides) of the rear side of the clamp (220). At least one of the plurality of pillars (not shown) protrudes and pushes a corresponding part of the clamp (220) in the forward direction, thereby adjusting the horizontality in the up, down, left, and right directions of the clamp (220). Accordingly, the tilt adjustment unit (230) can change the inclination of the surface of the specimen block (SB).

[0063] For example, the tilt control unit (230) can be manually operated by the user. However, as described below, it can also be automatically adjusted.

[0064] However, without any auxiliary device, it is very difficult for the user to 'flatly align' the specimen block (SB) with the blade (B) by visually checking the degree to which the specimen block (SB) is tilted, and even if it is aligned, the error is large.

[0065] A tissue sectioning device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a light irradiation unit (500). The light irradiation unit (500) may irradiate light to provide light to at least a portion of the surface of a specimen block (SB).

[0066] The light irradiation unit (500) can be coupled to the rear portion (310) of the body portion (100) or the blade support portion (300). At least one of the block support portion (200) and the blade support portion (300) can be positionally adjusted so that light irradiated from the light irradiation unit (500) can reach at least a portion of the surface of the specimen block (SB).

[0067] “Providing light to the surface of the specimen block (SB)” may be a concept that includes not only the light irradiation unit (500) directly irradiating light to the surface of the specimen block (SB), but also the light irradiation unit (500) irradiating light to other components, and the irradiated light moving along the other components to reach the surface of the specimen block (SB).

[0068] For example, it is possible to more easily determine whether the specimen block (SB) and blade (B) are 'flatly aligned' based on the appearance (brightness distribution, saturation distribution, color distribution, etc.) of the surface of the illuminated specimen block (SB).

[0069] In one embodiment, the light irradiation unit (500) can irradiate light toward the rear portion (310) of the blade support unit (300) and / or the rear portion (BB) of the blade (B).

[0070] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the light irradiation unit (500) can irradiate light toward the rear portion (310) of the blade support portion (300). The light irradiated in the d1 direction from the light irradiation unit (500) can travel in the d2 and d3 directions along the rear portion (310) of the blade support portion (300) and the rear portion (BB) of the blade (B) to reach the surface of the specimen block (SB). In this case, the appearance (brightness distribution, saturation distribution, color distribution, etc.) of the surface of the specimen block (SB) illuminated with light can significantly change depending on the alignment state of the specimen block (SB) and the blade (B). Accordingly, it is possible to more easily check whether the specimen block (SB) and the blade (B) are 'flatly aligned'. In addition, when irradiating light so that it moves along the blade (B), the change in the surface appearance of the light-illuminated sample block (SB) according to the alignment state of the sample block (SB) and the blade (B) can be more evident than when the light irradiating unit (500) irradiates light parallel to the blade (B).

[0071] In one embodiment, when the light irradiation unit (500) irradiates light toward at least one of the rear portion (310) of the blade support portion (300) and the rear portion (BB) of the blade (B), the incident angle of the light may be 20 to 85°, preferably 30 to 85°, more preferably 45 to 85°, and particularly preferably 60 to 85°. In this case, the amount of light traveling along the rear portion (310) of the blade support portion (300) and / or the rear portion (BB) of the blade (B) increases, so that changes in the surface appearance of the specimen block (SB) illuminated by the light can be more clearly confirmed.

[0072] In one embodiment, the color of the light irradiated by the light irradiation unit (500) can be adjusted so that changes in the surface of the light-illuminated specimen block (SB) can be more clearly confirmed. For example, the light irradiation unit (500) may irradiate white light, but may also irradiate colored light such as red light, green light, blue light, or yellow light. The color of the light irradiated by the light irradiation unit (500) can be adjusted according to various conditions such as the lighting of the space where the sectioning is performed, the color of the specimen block (SB), and the color of the clamp (220).

[0073] In one embodiment, the light irradiation unit (500) can irradiate any one of red light, green light, and blue light. In this case, when a user manually performs a sectioning operation on a specimen block (SB), the surface appearance of the illuminated specimen block (SB) becomes more distinct, thereby improving the accuracy of alignment.

[0074] In one embodiment, the light irradiation unit (500) may irradiate green light. In this case, when a user manually performs a sectioning operation on a specimen block (SB), the user's eye fatigue may be alleviated, thereby further improving the accuracy of alignment.

[0075] Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining the appearance of the surface of a specimen block (SB) illuminated with light according to the inclination of the surface of the specimen block when light is irradiated as in Figure 2.

[0076] When light is shone on the surface of the specimen block (SB), the surface appearance of the specimen block (SB) shone on may change depending on the inclination of the surface of the specimen block (SB), i.e., the alignment state of the specimen block (SB) and the blade (B). In Fig. 3, P1 may refer to an area where sufficient light reaches and has a brightness higher than a predetermined level, and P2 may refer to an area where less light reaches and has a brightness lower than a predetermined level. However, for the convenience of understanding, it may be understood that P1 is an area shone on, and P2 is an area not shone on.

[0077] Referring to Fig. 3, when light reaches the surface of the specimen block (SB) evenly, the specimen block (SB) may exhibit a surface appearance as shown in (A) of Fig. 3. In this case, the specimen block (SB) and the blade (B) may be judged to be 'flatly aligned'.

[0078] On the other hand, the surface appearance of the specimen block (SB) illustrated in (B), (C), and (D) of FIG. 3 may appear to be such that at least a portion of the specimen block (SB) is not flat with respect to the blade (B), but is tilted forward or backward. In this case, it can be determined that the specimen block (SB) is not 'flatly aligned' with the blade (B).

[0079] In one embodiment, the user can check the surface appearance of the illuminated specimen block (SB) and perform sectioning through the position control unit (400).

[0080] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of a tissue sectioning machine (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] In another embodiment, the tissue section (10) may further include a sensor (610) for sensing the surface of a specimen block (SB) to which light is provided, a data analysis unit (620) for extracting color data of at least a portion of the surface of the specimen block (SB) based on sensing data collected from the sensor (610), and a display unit (630) for displaying the extracted color data. In this case, the specimen block (SB) and the blade (B) can be aligned based on the extracted color data, thereby further improving the accuracy of the alignment.

[0082] For example, the sensor (610) may include a black and white camera, an RGB camera, etc., and the display unit (630) may include a display, etc.

[0083] In some embodiments, the color data may include RGB color values, brightness values, saturation values, etc. For example, the RGB color values ​​may be represented as (0~255, 0~255, 0~255), the brightness values ​​may be represented as 0~255, and the saturation values ​​may be represented as 0~255.

[0084] In some embodiments, the color data may include at least one of an RGB color value of a given point, an average of RGB color values ​​of a given area, an average of maximum and minimum RGB color values ​​of a given area, a brightness value of a given point, an average of brightness values ​​of a given area, an average of maximum and minimum brightness values ​​of a given area, a saturation value of a given point, an average of saturation values ​​of a given area, and an average of maximum and minimum saturation values ​​of a given area.

[0085] In some embodiments, the surface of the specimen block (SB) may include a plurality of corners. For example, a corner may refer to a predetermined area that includes a corner and has a set of points adjacent to the corner as its boundary.

[0086] At this time, the data analysis unit (620) can extract color data for at least one predetermined point or at least one predetermined area selected from each of a plurality of corners. For example, if the shape of the surface of the specimen block (SB) is a square, there may be four corners. By selecting one predetermined point (or predetermined area) from each corner, color data for a total of four predetermined points (or predetermined areas) can be extracted. For example, the display unit (630) can display the extracted color data in real time. The user can align the specimen block (SB) and the blade (B) based on the displayed color data.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of a tissue sectioning machine (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 5, the tissue sectioning device (10) may further include a sensor (610) that senses the surface of a specimen block (SB) to which light is provided, a data analysis unit (620) that extracts color data of a plurality of points (or a plurality of regions) on the surface of the specimen block (SB) based on sensing data collected from the sensor (610), and a control unit (640) that controls a slope adjustment unit (230) to adjust the slope of the surface of the specimen block (SB) based on the extracted color data. The tissue sectioning device (10) may further include a display unit (630) that displays the extracted color data.

[0089] For example, the control unit (640) may include at least one processor, at least one circuit, etc.

[0090] For example, the data analysis unit (620) can determine whether the color data of each of a plurality of points (or a plurality of areas) falls within a predetermined range. If at least one color data does not fall within the predetermined range, the control unit (640) can control the slope adjustment unit (230) to adjust the slope of the surface of the sample block (SB) so that the corresponding color data falls within the predetermined range.

[0091] As another example, the data analysis unit (620) can calculate the difference value between the color data of a plurality of points (or a plurality of areas). In addition, the data analysis unit (620) can determine whether the difference value between the color data is below a predetermined threshold. If the difference value between the color data exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control unit (640) can control the slope adjustment unit (230) to adjust the slope of the sample block (SB) so that the difference value between the color data becomes below the predetermined threshold.

[0092] In addition, for example, the control unit (640) can control the position control unit (400) to perform sectioning on the sample block (SB) if the color data of each of the plurality of points (or the plurality of areas) falls within a predetermined range or the difference value between the color data is below a predetermined threshold.

[0093] Although not shown in the drawings, the tissue slicer (10) may further include a storage unit capable of storing data used in the tissue slicer (10), software for the operation of the tissue slicer (10), programs, and commands. The storage unit may store applications, drivers, and the like to be driven by the control unit (640). For example, the storage unit may include RAM such as DRAM, SRAM, etc.; ROM; EEPROM; HDD; SSD; flash storage means, etc.

[0094] In addition, the tissue slicer (10) may further include a communication unit that performs a function for transmitting and receiving signals with other devices. The communication unit performs wired or wireless communication and may process signals under the control of the control unit (640). It may include an RF circuit, an antenna, etc. for wireless communication, or a connection terminal, a modem, a driver module, etc. for wired communication. For example, the communication unit may support at least one of various communication protocols, such as cellular communication such as LTE and 5G, short-range wireless communication such as WiFi and Bluetooth, and short-range wired communication such as Ethernet.

[0095] Additionally, the tissue slicer (10) may further include at least one of a power supply (e.g., a battery, a power supply), an input unit (a touch panel, a button, etc.), and an output unit.

[0096] References to "one embodiment" of the principles of the present invention and various variations of this expression in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, etc., is included in at least one embodiment of the principles of the present invention in connection with that embodiment. Accordingly, the expression "in one embodiment" and any other variations disclosed throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0097] All embodiments and conditional examples disclosed in this specification are intended to help those skilled in the art understand the principles and concepts of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the present invention.

[0098] [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10: Tissue section 100: Body section

[0100] 110: Base 120: Housing

[0101] 130: Aperture 200: Block support

[0102] 210: Frame 220: Clamp

[0103] 230: Tilt adjustment part 300: Blade support part

[0104] 400: Position adjustment part 410: Rotation part

[0105] 420: Handle 500: Light irradiation part

[0106] 610: Sensor 620: Data Analysis Unit

[0107] 630: Display unit 640: Control unit

[0108] SB: Specimen Block B: Blade

Claims

1. Body part; A block support unit coupled to the above body unit and capable of reciprocating along a predetermined path, comprising a clamp to which a specimen block is fixed and an inclination adjusting unit for adjusting the inclination of the surface of the specimen block; A blade support part coupled to the above body part and to which a blade for cutting the specimen block is fixed; and A tissue sectioning device, comprising a light irradiation unit for providing light to at least a portion of a surface of the specimen block.

2. In claim 1, The above block support member can reciprocate in the height direction of the tissue sectioning machine, The above blade support is placed at the bottom of the above block support, A tissue sectioning machine in which the blade slices the specimen block when the block support moves downward.

3. In claim 1, A tissue sectioning device in which the light irradiating unit irradiates light toward at least one of the rear end of the blade supporter and the rear end of the blade, thereby providing light to at least a portion of the surface of the specimen block.

4. In claim 3, A tissue sectioning device in which the light irradiating unit irradiates light toward at least one of the rear portion of the blade support member and the rear portion of the blade such that the incident angle of the light is 60 to 85°.

5. In claim 1, A tissue sectioning device, wherein at least one of the block support member and the blade support member is positionally adjustable so that light irradiated from the light irradiation member can reach at least a portion of the surface of the specimen block.

6. In claim 1, The color of the light irradiated from the above light irradiation unit can be adjusted, A tissue sectioning apparatus wherein the color of said light comprises at least one of white, yellow, red, green and blue.

7. In claim 1, A tissue sectioning device wherein the light irradiating unit irradiates any one of red light, green light, and blue light.

8. In claim 1, A sensor for sensing the surface of the specimen block to which the light is provided; A data analysis unit that extracts color data of at least a portion of the surface of the specimen block based on sensing data collected from the sensor; and A tissue sectioning machine, further comprising a display unit for displaying the above color data.

9. In claim 8, The surface of the above specimen block includes a plurality of corner portions, The above data analysis unit is a tissue sectioning device that extracts color data for at least one predetermined point or at least one predetermined area selected from each of the plurality of corner sections.

10. In claim 8, The above color data comprises at least one of RGB color value, brightness value and saturation value.

11. In claim 1, a sensor for sensing the surface of the specimen block to which the light is provided; and A tissue sectioning device further comprising a data analysis unit that extracts color data of a plurality of points or a plurality of areas on the surface of the specimen block based on sensing data collected from the sensor, and analyzes the difference value between the extracted color data.

12. In claim 11, A tissue sectioning machine further comprising: a control unit that controls the inclination control unit to adjust the inclination of the surface of the specimen block so that the difference value of the color data becomes less than a predetermined threshold value.

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