Microtome Trim-End Detection Using Image and Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anatomical pathology processes in trimming biological tissue are prone to human errors, inefficiencies, and variability, particularly in the trimming step, which can lead to incorrect tissue removal and diagnosis issues.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and process utilizing a microtome equipped with a photoelectric proximity sensor, camera, Hall effect sensor, and electronic processing unit to automate the trimming step by detecting the end of trimming and initiating sectioning, reducing operator reliance and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical detection methods are used to recognise the end of trimming, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical detection systems with a simple mechanical sensor system. A sensor detects the presence or absence of tissue material at the trim line, providing accurate detection without requiring complex optical components. This mechanical approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing system complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring is performed during trimming, then accurate end detection is achieved, but trimming time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously monitors the trim line during the trimming process. When the sensor detects that tissue material is no longer present at the trim line, it provides feedback to stop the trimming action. This feedback-based approach achieves accurate end detection while minimizing trimming time by stopping immediately when the endpoint is reached.
Solution Approach 2:
The trimming system uses its own operational state to provide detection information. The act of trimming itself brings the tissue material to the sensor location, and the sensor detects the endpoint based on the natural progression of the trimming process. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate detection mechanisms and reduces overall processing time.
3Measurement precision
If a sensor is placed at the trim line for detection, then accurate endpoint recognition is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor placed at the trim line serves multiple functions: it detects the endpoint of trimming, monitors the presence of tissue material, and provides feedback for process control. By making the sensor multi-functional, the patent achieves accurate endpoint detection without adding significant structural complexity, as the same component performs multiple detection tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the trimming mechanism and the control system. It translates the physical state of tissue material at the trim line into detectable signals without requiring complex integration between the mechanical trimming components and the control system. This intermediary role simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining detection accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus achieves standardized, fast, and reliable trimming with reduced errors, ensuring accurate tissue preservation for analysis, thereby enhancing diagnostic efficiency and reducing human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor to detect whether or not tissue is present at the trim line
Implementation Method 2
an optical detector to detect an optical property of the tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for processing in an automated way a biological tissue embedded within a block of containment material (B), in particular for automatically recognizing the end of a trimming step of said biological tissue embedded within said block of containment material (B). The apparatus (1) comprises an instrument (2) provided with a cutting element (3), at least one camera (8) arranged to acquire a plurality of images related to the state of the block of containment material (8) during the cutting operations, at least one sensor (10) arranged to send an activation signal of the camera (8) to acquire an image after the cutting of each slice portion, a cleaning device (11) configured to remove in real time waste of containment material generated during the cutting operations, an electronic processing and control group (E) configured to process in real time each acquired image to check if there is a trimming condition, such that the microtome cuts slice portions consisting only of containment material.