Method and apparatus for imaging a sample using a microscope scanner
AssigneeVentana Medical Systems, Inc.
InventorsWilliam Roland Hawes, Martin Philip Gouch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A microscope scanning apparatus is provided comprising a detector array for obtaining an image from a sample and a sample holder adapted to hold the sample when in use and to move relative to the detector array along a scan path. A controller is further provided to monitor the position of the sample holder relative to the detector array and to trigger image capture by the detector array in accordance with said monitored position.
Claims20
A microscope scanning apparatus comprising:
- a sample holder adapted to hold a sample,
- a detector array for obtaining an image of the sample, the detector array configured to move relative to the sample holder along a scan path;
- and
- a controller comprising a position sensor, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the position of the detector array relative to the sample holder and to trigger image capture by the detector array in accordance with said monitored position while the detector array is in motion.
A method for imaging a sample comprising:
- (a) moving one of a sample holder or a detector array along a first scan path;
- and
- (b) capturing a plurality of images of a sample positioned within the sample holder while the sample holder is moved relative to the detector array or while the detector array is moved relative to the sample holder;
- wherein each image of the plurality of images is captured after the sample holder or the detector array has moved a predetermined distance along the first scan path, wherein the predetermined distance between the capturing of each image of the plurality of images is about equal, but wherein the capturing of each image of the plurality of images occurs at the same or different time internals.
A method for imaging a sample with a microscope scanner comprising a motor, a scan head including a detector array, a sample holder, and a controller communicatively coupled to the scan head and/or of the sample holder, the method comprising:
- (a) positioning the scan head with the motor to align the scan head with an edge of a scan area;
- (b) accelerating the scan head with the motor in an x-direction along a scan path according to a predetermined target velocity profile;
- (c) monitoring with the controller the position of the scan head;
- and
- (d) capturing one or more images of the sample held by the sample holder each time the scan head moves a predetermined distance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.