Integrated fluorescence scanning system

Abstract

An integrated fluorescence scanning system is provided. The integrated fluorescence scanner combines an embedded computer, light engine, microscope, and motion stage into a compact rack-mountable network appliance that allows for automation of fluorescence microscopy. In an embodiment, the integrated fluorescence scanner includes a solid-state light engine which can provide intense, pure, and stable light across the spectrum required for imaging of all fluorophores of interest. The embedded computer allows for autonomous operation, and network appliance features including synchronous multi-scanner operation and monitoring, multisite operation via a single control terminal, and calibration for inter and intra instrument consistency.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An integrated fluorescence scanner comprising:
 a solid state light engine;   an epifluorescence microscope;   a motion stage;   an embedded computer which controls the solid state light engine, microscope and motion stage; and   the embedded computer having a network interface which allows for remote operation of the integrated fluorescence scanner as a network appliance.   
     
     
         2 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the embedded computer is configured to permit autonomous operation of the integrated fluorescence scanner.   
     
     
         3 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a housing enclosing the solid state light engine, embedded computer, epifluorescence microscope, and motion stage wherein the housing has a volume no greater than 2 cubic feet.   
     
     
         4 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 a single power supply located within the housing which supplies power to the solid state light engine; epifluorescence microscope; motion stage; and embedded computer.   
     
     
         5 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a server installed on said embedded computer wherein the server is configured to communicate with computer workstations over a network; and   wherein said server is also configured to operate said integrated fluorescence scanner to perform scanning operations autonomously when not in communication with a computer workstation.   
     
     
         6 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 1 , wherein said solid state light engine comprises:
 a plurality of led light sources under control of the embedded computer for providing light of selected wavelengths to said epifluorescence microscope.   
     
     
         7 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 1 , wherein said solid state light engine comprises:
 a plurality of led light sources and at least one light pipe light source under control of the embedded computer for providing light of selected wavelengths to said epifluorescence microscope.   
     
     
         8 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a filter block comprising a plurality of dichroic/emission pairs; and   an actuator under control of said embedded computer for moving said filter block to select one of said plurality of dichroic/emission pairs for use in a scanning operation.   
     
     
         9 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 1 , wherein said epifluorescence microscope comprises two objective lenses for imaging samples and an autofocus system for focusing said lenses on said samples. 
     
     
         10 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 1 , wherein said epifluorescence microscope comprises a camera for generating images of samples wherein said camera is under control of said embedded computer. 
     
     
         11 . An integrated fluorescence scanner comprising:
 a solid state light engine;   an epifluorescence microscope;   a camera;   a motion stage;   an embedded computer which controls the solid state light engine, camera microscope, and motion stage;   a network interface which allows for remote operation of the integrated fluorescence scanner; and   a housing enclosing the solid state light engine, embedded computer, epifluorescence microscope, camera, and motion stage wherein the housing has a volume no greater than 2 cubic feet.   
     
     
         12 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the embedded computer is configured to permit autonomous operation of the integrated fluorescence scanner.   
     
     
         13 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a single power supply located within the housing which supplies power to the solid state light engine; epifluorescence microscope; motion stage; camera, and embedded computer.   
     
     
         14 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a server installed on said embedded computer wherein the server is configured to communicate with computer workstations over a network; and   wherein said server is also configured to operate said integrated fluorescence scanner to perform scanning operations autonomously when not in communication with a computer workstation.   
     
     
         15 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 11 , wherein said solid state light engine comprises:
 a plurality of led light sources under control of the embedded computer for providing light of selected wavelengths to said epifluorescence microscope.   
     
     
         16 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 11 , wherein said solid state light engine comprises:
 a plurality of led light sources and at least one light pipe light source under control of the embedded computer for providing light of selected wavelengths to said epifluorescence microscope.   
     
     
         17 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a filter block comprising a plurality of dichroic/emission pairs; and   an actuator under control of said embedded computer for moving said filter block to select one of said plurality of dichroic/emission pairs for use in a scanning operation.   
     
     
         18 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 11 , wherein said epifluorescence microscope comprises two objective lenses for imaging samples and an autofocus system for focusing said lenses on said samples. 
     
     
         19 . The integrated fluorescence scanner of  claim 11 , wherein said embedded computer comprises a storage system configured to store image data generated by said camera; wherein said storage system includes one or more of a hard-drive and a solid-state drive. 
     
     
         20 . An integrated fluorescence scanner comprising:
 a solid state light engine;   an epifluorescence microscope;   a camera;   a motion stage;   an embedded computer which controls the solid state light engine, camera microscope, and motion stage wherein the embedded computer is configured to permit autonomous operation of the integrated fluorescence scanner;   a housing enclosing the solid state light engine, embedded computer, epifluorescence microscope, camera, and motion stage wherein the housing has a volume no greater than 2 cubic feet; and   a single power supply located within the housing which supplies power to the solid state light engine; epifluorescence microscope; motion stage; camera, and embedded computer.