JP2018106029A - Mechanical stage for digital pathology, and pathology diagnosis system therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mechanical stage for digital pathology.SOLUTION: A mechanical state, which includes a movement mechanism for moving a pathological sample set in a plane surface parallel with a state of a microscope in an X-axis direction and Y-axis direction, comprises: a holding part that holds the pathological sample; a fixation part for fixing the mechanical stage to the stage of the microscope; a first driving unit that drives the pathological sample in the X-axis direction; a second driving unit that drives the pathological sample in the Y-axis direction; a control unit that controls the first driving unit and the second driving unit; a first communication unit that communicates with an external terminal; and a second communication unit that receives an imaging signal from an imaging device photographing the pathological sample. The control unit is configured to control the first driving unit and the second driving unit on the basis of a movement instruction received from the external terminal via the first communication unit; and transmit images based on the imaging signal received from the imaging device via the second communication unit to the external terminal via the first communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a mechanical stage and a pathological diagnosis system for digital pathology in which a digital image of a pathological specimen is photographed and displayed on a display to observe the pathological specimen.

  In recent years, in order to obtain histopathological information on lesions, etc., when investigating whether there are any leftovers at the resected margin of the lesion during surgery, or when there are unforeseen findings, etc. A quick diagnosis is performed. However, if the pathologist is not working full-time at a medical institution where surgery is performed, it is not possible to make an intraoperative quick diagnosis within the medical institution, so it is possible to perform an intraoperative quick diagnosis by a remote pathologist It has been demanded.

  Also, in normal pathological diagnosis, it is required that a remote pathologist performs pathological diagnosis from the viewpoint of promptly performing pathological diagnosis, such as when the pathologist is not working full-time at the medical institution that produced the pathological specimen. Sometimes.

  In view of such a situation, Patent Literature 1 discloses a remote control microscope system. However, in order to remotely operate the microscope, a remote microscope operating device having a shape imitating the microscope must be introduced. For this reason, there is a problem that it cannot be introduced in a small medical institution.

JP-A-10-186238

  An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanical stage and a pathological diagnosis system for digital pathology.

  The mechanical stage for digital pathology of the present invention is a mechanical stage comprising a moving mechanism for moving a pathological specimen in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction set on a plane parallel to the stage of the microscope, the pathological specimen A holding unit that holds the mechanical stage to the stage of the microscope, a first driving unit that drives the pathological specimen in the X-axis direction, and the pathological specimen in the Y-axis direction. A second driving unit for driving, a control unit for controlling the first driving unit and the second driving unit, a first communication unit for communicating with an external terminal, and an imaging signal from the imaging device for imaging the pathological specimen A second communication unit for receiving the first drive unit and the second drive unit based on a movement instruction received from the external terminal via the first communication unit, Above An image based on the imaging signal received from the imaging device via the second communication unit, and transmits through the first communication unit to the external terminal.

  The mechanical stage for digital pathology of the present invention includes a moving mechanism for moving the pathological specimen in the Z-axis direction set perpendicular to a plane parallel to the stage, and the pathological specimen in the Z-axis direction. And a third driving unit that drives the third driving unit based on a movement instruction received from the external terminal via the first communication unit.

  The mechanical stage for the digital pathology of the present invention includes a full color LED having a red LED element, a green LED element, and a blue LED element, and includes an illuminating unit that illuminates the pathological specimen, and the control unit includes: The light quantity of each of the red LED element, the green LED element, and the blue LED element is controlled based on a light quantity adjustment instruction received from the external terminal.

  The mechanical stage for digital pathology of the present invention further includes a white LED, and the control unit controls the light amount of the white LED based on a light amount adjustment instruction received from the external terminal. To do.

  In the mechanical stage for digital pathology according to the present invention, the external terminal is a tablet terminal.

  The pathological diagnosis system of the present invention is a digital pathology that is detachable from the microscope and includes a moving mechanism that moves the pathological specimen in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction set on a plane parallel to the microscope stage. A pathological diagnosis system comprising a mechanical stage for and an external terminal, wherein the mechanical stage includes a holding unit for holding the pathological specimen, a fixing unit for fixing the mechanical stage to a microscope, and the pathology A first drive unit that drives a specimen in the X-axis direction; a second drive unit that drives the pathological specimen in the Y-axis direction; a control unit that controls the first drive unit and the second drive unit; A first communication unit that communicates with the external terminal; and a second communication unit that receives an imaging signal from an imaging device that images the sample on the pathological specimen. An operation unit for inputting a movement instruction for moving the pathological specimen in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction with respect to the stage, and the movement instruction transmitted to the mechanical stage, and an image based on the imaging signal from the mechanical stage And a display unit for displaying the image received via the communication unit, the control unit based on the movement instruction received via the first communication unit. The driving unit and the second driving unit are controlled.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanical stage and a pathological diagnosis system for digital pathology.

It is a top view of the mechanical stage which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the pathological diagnosis system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state which attached the mechanical stage which concerns on embodiment to the microscope. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the remote observation by the pathological diagnosis system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on the tablet of the pathological diagnosis system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on the tablet of the pathological diagnosis system which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a mechanical stage and a pathological diagnosis system for digital pathology according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a mechanical stage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the mechanical stage 2 includes a moving mechanism that moves the pathological specimen 5 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction set on a plane parallel to the stage 64 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, the mechanical stage 2 is pivotally supported by the support plate 4 and one end of the support plate 4, and rotates around the shaft to hold one end of the pathological specimen 5. An X-axis moving mechanism having a second holding member 8 fixed to the other end of the plate 4 and holding the other end of the pathological specimen 5 and a guide rail 10 connected to the support plate 4 and moving the support plate 4 in the X-axis direction. 12, an X-axis motor 14 provided in the X-axis moving mechanism 12 and connected to the X-axis motor 14 for driving the support plate 4 in the X-axis direction, and a guide rail 16 for moving the X-axis moving mechanism 12 in the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis moving mechanism 18 and the Y-axis moving mechanism 18 provided in the Y-axis moving mechanism 18 are connected to the Y-axis motor 20 and the X-axis moving mechanism 12 that drive the X-axis moving mechanism 12 in the Y-axis direction. Z set perpendicular to a plane parallel to 64 (see FIG. 3) Z-axis moving mechanism 22 having a guide rail (not shown) for moving in the direction, Z-axis motor 24 provided in Z-axis moving mechanism 22 for driving X-axis moving mechanism 12 in the Z-axis direction, and mechanical stage 2 as a microscope A fixing portion (not shown) for fixing to 60 stages 64 (see FIG. 3) is provided.

  Here, the pathological specimen 5 is created as a preparation in which a tissue or organ processed into a thin film is pasted on a slide glass. Further, the first holding member 6 may be biased by a spring or the like toward the support plate 4 in order to hold the pathological specimen 5. Moreover, it does not specifically limit as a microscope which attaches the mechanical stage 2, A generally available microscope can be used and it is not necessary to replace the existing stage.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a pathological diagnosis system configured to include the mechanical stage according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the pathological diagnosis system 26 includes a tablet 28 as an external terminal capable of communicating with the mechanical stage 2 via the mechanical stage 2 or the Internet.

  The mechanical stage 2 includes a control unit 30, and the control unit 30 includes a first communication unit 32 that communicates with the X-axis motor 14, the Y-axis motor 20, the Z-axis motor 24, the tablet 28 via the Internet, and the microscope 60 ( 2, which is attached to the imaging device 34 that is attached to the imaging lens 34 and is imaged by an objective lens 66, which will be described later, by wireless communication such as wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wired communication. A communication unit 36 and a third communication unit 39 that communicates with the illumination unit 38 that illuminates the pathological specimen 5 are connected.

  Here, the illumination unit 38 includes a full color LED 46 having a red LED element 40, a green LED element 42 and a blue LED element 44, and a white LED 48.

  Further, the tablet 28 includes a control unit 50. The control unit 50 includes a communication unit 52 that communicates with the mechanical stage 2 via the Internet, a display unit 54 that displays an image, and an operation on the mechanical stage 2 through the communication unit 52. An operation unit 56 for giving instructions and a storage unit 58 for storing image data and preset data for controlling the light quantity of each light source constituting the illumination unit 38 are connected. Here, the operation unit 56 is a touch sensor disposed on the display unit 54 in a stacked manner.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the mechanical stage according to the embodiment is attached to a microscope. Here, the microscope 60 is installed in a medical institution or the like where surgery is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the microscope 60 includes an imaging device 34, an illumination unit 38, a base 62 provided with the illumination unit 38, a stage 64 for placing the pathological sample 5, and a pathological sample placed on the stage 64. 5 includes an objective lens 66 for observing 5 at a predetermined magnification, an eyepiece 68 for directly observing an image of the pathological specimen 5 formed by the objective lens 66, and a handle 69 for adjusting the position of the stage 64.

  Here, the imaging device 34 captures an image of the pathological specimen imaged through the objective lens 66. The mechanical stage 2 is fixed to the stage 64. Moreover, the illumination part 38 may be equipped with the lens etc. which condense the illumination light inject | emitted from these other than full color LED46 and white LED48.

  Here, although the clenmel is usually attached to the stage 64 of the microscope 60, after the clenmel is removed from the stage, a fixing portion (not shown) is fixed to the hole where the clenmel is attached, and the mechanical stage 2 is fixed to the stage 64. Install.

  Next, processing during remote observation of the pathological diagnosis system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, a pathologist prepares a pathological specimen 5 in a medical institution or the like where surgery is performed (step S1), and sets the pathological specimen 5 on the mechanical stage 2 attached to the stage 64 of the microscope 60 (see FIG. 3) ( Step S2). Note that when the pathologist sets the pathological specimen 5 on the mechanical stage 2, rough adjustment (rough adjustment) of the pathological specimen 5 may be performed using the handle 69.

  When the pathologist receives notification from the pathologist that the pathological specimen 5 is set on the mechanical stage 2 attached to the microscope 60, the pathologist operates the tablet 28 and communicates with the mechanical stage 2 via the communication unit 52. Is established (step S3).

  When the connection is established, the control unit 30 of the mechanical stage 2 receives an imaging signal obtained by imaging the pathological specimen 5 from the imaging device 34 via the second communication unit 36, and displays an image based on the imaging signal in the first communication unit. It transmits to the tablet 28 via 32 (step S4).

  The control unit 50 of the tablet 28 displays the image received via the communication unit 52 on the display unit 54 (step S5). The pathologist observes the image displayed on the display unit 54, and first operates the operation unit 56 that is stacked on the display unit 54 to change the color and brightness of the image displayed on the display unit 54. adjust.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, an image 70 of the pathological specimen 5, a light amount adjustment image 72, and a movement image 74 are displayed on the display unit 54.

  In the light quantity adjustment image 72, the light quantity (W) of the white LED, the light quantity (R) of the red LED element 40 of the full color LED 46, the light quantity (G) of the green LED element 42, and the light quantity (B) of the blue LED element 44 are adjusted. An image (for example, an image of a fader) is included.

  The moving image 74 displays an image for moving the pathological specimen set on the mechanical stage 2 in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

  When adjusting the color and brightness of the image displayed on the display unit 54, when the pathologist performs a predetermined operation on the image included in the light amount adjustment image 72, the control unit 50 of the tablet 28 A signal indicating a light quantity adjustment instruction is transmitted to the mechanical stage 2 via the communication unit 52 (step S6). Note that a preset light amount stored in the storage unit 58 may be read according to the type (manufacturer or model number) of the imaging device 34 and a signal indicating a light amount adjustment instruction may be transmitted.

  When the control unit 30 of the mechanical stage 2 receives a signal indicating a light amount adjustment instruction via the first communication unit 32, the red LED element 40, the green LED element 42, and the like via the third communication unit 39 based on this signal. The light amounts of the blue LED element 44 and the white LED 48 are respectively adjusted (step S7). Here, the color of the image of the pathological specimen 5 displayed on the display unit 54 can be adjusted by adjusting the light amounts of the red LED element 40, the green LED element 42, and the blue LED element 44. Further, the brightness of the image of the pathological specimen 5 displayed on the display unit 54 can be adjusted by adjusting the light quantity of the white LED 48.

  Next, the pathologist adjusts the observation area of the pathological specimen. When the pathologist performs an operation such as tracing the X axis of the moving image 74 from left to right or from right to left and the Y axis from top to bottom or from bottom to top, for example, with a finger, the control of the tablet 28 is performed. The unit 30 transmits a signal indicating an instruction to move the pathological specimen to the mechanical stage 2 via the communication unit 52 (step S8). Further, when the pathologist performs an operation such as tracing the Z axis of the moving image 74 from left to right or from right to left with a finger, the control signal 30 of the tablet 28 moves the mechanical stage 2 through the communication unit 52 to Z. A signal for focusing is transmitted by moving in the axial direction.

  When the control unit 30 of the mechanical stage 2 receives the signal indicating the movement instruction of the pathological specimen via the first communication unit 32, the control unit 30 drives the X-axis motor 14 and the Y-axis motor 20 based on this signal to perform predetermined observation. The pathological specimen is moved so that the region is displayed on the display unit 54 (step S9). When the control unit 30 of the mechanical stage 2 receives a signal indicating a pathological specimen movement instruction via the first communication unit 32, the control unit 30 performs focusing by driving the Z-axis motor 24.

  The pathologist operates an imaging button (not shown) displayed on the display unit 54 as necessary. Thereby, the control unit 50 of the tablet 28 transmits an imaging instruction signal to the mechanical stage 2 via the communication unit 52. When receiving the signal indicating the imaging instruction, the control unit 30 of the mechanical stage 2 transmits an imaging instruction signal to the imaging device 34 via the second communication unit 36 based on this signal to cause the imaging to be performed. Then, the control unit 30 acquires an imaging signal of a still image captured by the imaging device 34 via the second communication unit 36 and transmits it to the tablet 28 via the first communication unit 32.

  The control unit 50 of the tablet 28 causes the storage unit 58 to store still image imaging data received via the communication unit 52.

  The pathologist moves the observation region by performing the process shown in step S8 until imaging of one pathological specimen is completed (step S10: No), and performs imaging as necessary.

  When the pathologist finishes observing one pathological specimen (step S10: Yes), the pathologist contacts a pathologist such as a medical institution to check whether there is a pathological specimen to be observed next (step S11A). .

  If there is a pathological specimen to be observed next (step S11B), the pathologist at the medical institution replaces the pathological specimen set on the mechanical stage 2 with the pathological specimen to be observed next (step S12). . Then, the processes shown in steps S2 to S10 are repeated.

  In step S11A, if there is no pathological specimen to be observed next, the pathologist creates and prints a pathology report (step S13). The pathologist registers the pathology report in the pathology chart. In the case of performing an operation such as a quick pathological diagnosis during an operation, the pathologist may directly contact the doctor performing the operation.

  Here, when there is no pathological specimen to be observed next (step S11B), a pathologist such as a medical institution removes the pathological specimen from the mechanical stage 2.

  When the pathologist creates and prints the pathology report, the pathologist notifies the pathologist about the end of the observation of the pathology report and ends the remote observation (step S14).

  According to the mechanical stage and the pathological diagnosis system for digital pathology according to the present embodiment, remote pathological diagnosis can be performed at low cost. In addition, by using the mechanical stage for digital pathology according to the present embodiment, when a clinician sets a pathological specimen on the mechanical stage in a small medical institution such as a clinic, pathological diagnosis by a clinician from a remote place is performed. A pathologist can help.

  In the above-described embodiment, the tablet 28 is described as an example of the external terminal. However, the external terminal may be a terminal that includes a display unit and an operation unit and can establish communication with the mechanical stage 2. There is no particular limitation.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image 70 of the pathological specimen 5, the light quantity adjustment image 72, and the movement image 74 are displayed on the display unit 54 of the tablet 28. However, the image is not operated by the pathologist. The display may be omitted. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the light quantity (W) of the white LED, the light quantity (R) of the red LED element 40 of the full color LED 46, the light quantity (G) of the green LED element 42, and the light quantity (B) of the blue LED element 44. In the case of adjustment, the light quantity adjustment image 72 and the image 70 of the pathological specimen 5 may be displayed, and the display of the movement image 74 may be omitted. By doing in this way, the image 70 of the pathological sample 5 can be displayed large, and the remote observation of the pathological sample can be performed more accurately.

  In the above-described embodiment, the illumination unit 38 is provided on the base 62. For example, the illumination unit 38 and the illumination optical system (lens and lens for condensing illumination light emitted from the illumination unit 38) A filter that transmits the illumination light collected by the mirror and a mirror that reflects the illumination light transmitted by the filter in the direction of the stage 64 is disposed in the base 62 and is provided with the illumination unit 38 shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure which provides the hole for injecting illumination light. Further, the illumination method that can be employed in the microscope is not limited to the above-described transmission illumination, and side illumination, epi-illumination, and the like may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, a coarse adjustment of the focus is performed by driving the Z-axis motor 24 via the Internet or the like and the first communication unit 32 using a digital camera having an autofocus function as the imaging device 34. When an imaging instruction is transmitted to the digital camera via the Internet or the like and the first communication unit 32, the pathological specimen may be imaged by performing fine adjustment of the focus by the autofocus function of the digital camera.

2 ... mechanical stage, 6 ... first holding member, 8 ... second holding member. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... X-axis motor, 20 ... Y-axis motor, 24 ... Z-axis motor, 26 ... Pathological diagnosis system, 28 ... Tablet, 32 ... 1st communication part, 34 ... Imaging device, 36 ... 2nd communication part, 38 ... Illumination 39, third communication unit 60, microscope

Claims (6)

A mechanical stage having a moving mechanism for moving a pathological specimen in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction set on a plane parallel to the microscope stage,
A holding unit for holding the pathological specimen;
A fixing portion for fixing the mechanical stage to the stage of the microscope;
A first drive unit that drives the pathological specimen in the X-axis direction;
A second drive unit for driving the pathological specimen in the Y-axis direction;
A control unit for controlling the first drive unit and the second drive unit;
A first communication unit that communicates with an external terminal;
A second communication unit that receives an imaging signal from an imaging device that images the pathological specimen;
The control unit drives the first drive unit and the second drive unit based on a movement instruction received from the external terminal via the first communication unit,
A mechanical stage for digital pathology, wherein an image based on the imaging signal received from the imaging device via the second communication unit is transmitted to the external terminal via the first communication unit. A moving mechanism for moving the pathological specimen in the Z-axis direction set perpendicular to a plane parallel to the stage;
A third drive unit that drives the pathological specimen in the Z-axis direction,
The mechanical stage for digital pathology according to claim 1, wherein the control unit drives the third driving unit based on a movement instruction received from the external terminal via the first communication unit. . A full-color LED having a red LED element, a green LED element and a blue LED element, comprising an illumination unit for illuminating the pathological specimen;
The said control part controls each light quantity of the said red LED element, the said green LED element, and the said blue LED element based on the light quantity adjustment instruction | indication received from the said external terminal, The Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Mechanical stage for digital pathology. In addition, with a white LED,
The mechanical stage for digital pathology according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the light amount of the white LED based on a light amount adjustment instruction received from the external terminal.   The mechanical stage for digital pathology according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the external terminal is a tablet terminal. A mechanical stage for digital pathology that is detachable from the microscope and includes a moving mechanism for moving a pathological specimen in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction set on a plane parallel to the microscope stage;
A pathological diagnosis system comprising an external terminal,
The mechanical stage is
A holding unit for holding the pathological specimen;
A fixing portion for fixing the mechanical stage to the stage of the microscope;
A first drive unit that drives the pathological specimen in the X-axis direction;
A second drive unit for driving the pathological specimen in the Y-axis direction;
A control unit for controlling the first drive unit and the second drive unit;
A first communication unit for communicating with the external terminal;
A second communication unit that receives an imaging signal from an imaging device that images a sample on the pathological specimen;
The external terminal is
An operation unit for inputting a movement instruction to move the pathological specimen in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction with respect to the mechanical stage;
A communication unit that transmits the movement instruction to the mechanical stage and receives an image based on the imaging signal from the mechanical stage;
A display unit for displaying the image received via the communication unit,
The pathological diagnosis system, wherein the control unit controls the first driving unit and the second driving unit based on the movement instruction received via the first communication unit.

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