| 摘要 |
<p>An automated slide scanning system is described. The system comprises an automated focusing unit that is simple and that provides a fine adjustment of a focusing tube without any backlash. The focusing unit comprises a block that is cut or fabricated in a pattern forming a head to support a focusing tube and at least one elongated and rigid arm projecting perpendicularly from the head. One end of the at least one arm is integrally joined to the head. The focusing unit further comprises an elongated, rigid, lever which is substantially parallel and spaced apart from the at least one arm. The lever is pivotally mounted to a hinge and has a first end that is linked to the head of the focusing unit and a second free end. The focusing unit further includes a drive mechanism with a roller coupled to a motor. The roller is eccentric roller and is in constant contact to the lever's second end. When the roller rotates it engages the lever which subsequently engages the at least one arm and thus produces a substantially vertical movement in both direction to the head of the focusing unit. The scanning system further comprises a scanning stage that supports the focusing unit and which provides a continuous movement in Y-direction (back and forward) of the scanning stage, and a scanning track that moves the slide holder continuously in one direction along the x-axis until the last slide in the slide holder is scanned. The scanning system of the present invention is suitable for automated screening or prescreening of samples.</p> |
