Sample processing system, method, control system, and cell image analysis device

Abstract

A sample processing system, method, control system and cell image analysis device (20, 200), a smear preparation device (10, 100) prepares a sample smear of a sample to be tested, the cell image analysis device (20, 200) performs image shooting and analysis on the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device (10, 100), and a first smear storage device (30, 300) places the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device (10, 100). After the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device (10, 100) is placed in the first smear storage device (30, 300), the first smear storage device (30, 300) placed with the sample smear is transported from the smear preparation device (10, 100) to the cell image analysis device (20, 200) by a conveying device (40, 400), and the first smear storage device (30) is transported from the cell image analysis device (20) to the smear preparation device (10) by the conveying device (40). The automatic circulation of the first smear storage device (30) between the smear preparation device (10) and the cell image analysis device (20) is realized by the conveying device (40), unnecessary human-computer interaction operations are reduced, and the workload of the user is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to medical device technology, and more particularly to a sample processing system, method, control system, and cell image analysis device. Background Technology

[0002] The smear preparation device spreads the sample to be tested onto a glass slide to form a blood film, and then stains the slide covered with the blood film to prepare a sample smear. The cell image analysis device can capture and analyze images of the sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device. Currently, the sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device can be placed by the user in a smear storage device (such as a slide basket), which the user then moves to the location of the cell image analysis device. The cell image analysis device can remove the sample smears one by one from the smear storage device for image capture and analysis, and then return the analyzed sample smears to the smear storage device, which the user then removes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a sample processing system, method, control system, and cell image analysis device to automatically retrieve smear storage devices and reduce the workload of users.

[0004] On one hand, embodiments of the present invention provide a sample processing system, including:

[0005] A smear preparation apparatus for preparing sample smears of samples to be tested;

[0006] A cell image analysis device is used to capture and analyze images of sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device;

[0007] A first smear storage device is used to hold sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device;

[0008] A transport device, connected to the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device, and configured for:

[0009] After the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device is placed into the first smear storage device, the first smear storage device containing the sample smear is transported from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device.

[0010] And transporting the first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device.

[0011] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention provide a sample processing method, including:

[0012] A sample smear of the sample to be tested is prepared using the smear preparation device;

[0013] After the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device is placed into the first smear storage device, the first smear storage device containing the sample smear is transported from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device by the transport device.

[0014] The cell image analysis device extracts the sample smear from the first smear storage device for image capture and analysis.

[0015] The first smear storage device is transported from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device via the transport device.

[0016] In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a control system, including:

[0017] Transport equipment;

[0018] A control device, connected to the conveying device, and configured to:

[0019] The transport device is controlled to transport the first smear storage device containing the sample smear from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device, wherein the sample smear in the first smear storage device is prepared by the smear preparation device.

[0020] The transport device is controlled to transport the first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device.

[0021] In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a sample processing system, comprising:

[0022] A smear preparation apparatus for preparing sample smears of samples to be tested;

[0023] A cell image analysis device is used to capture and analyze images of sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device;

[0024] A first smear storage device is used to hold sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device;

[0025] A transport device is used to transport the first smear storage device containing the sample smear from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device after the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device is placed into the first smear storage device.

[0026] The second smear storage device is used to retrieve sample smears after the cell image analysis device has completed image capture.

[0027] In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a cell image analysis device, comprising:

[0028] The first sample receiving component is used to receive sample smears transported from the smear preparation device;

[0029] An imaging device is used to capture images of the sample smear to obtain cell images;

[0030] An analytical device for analyzing cell images;

[0031] The second sample receiving component is used to receive the sample smear after the imaging device has completed image capture;

[0032] A transfer component is located between the first sample receiving component and the imaging device, and between the imaging device and the second sample receiving component, for providing sample smears in the first sample receiving component to the imaging device and transporting sample smears after the imaging device has completed image capture to the second sample receiving component.

[0033] Using the above technical solution, a smear preparation device prepares a sample smear of the sample to be tested, a cell image analysis device captures and analyzes images of the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device, a first smear storage device holds the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device, and a transport device is connected to the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device. After the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device is placed in the first smear storage device, the first smear storage device containing the sample smear is transported from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device by the transport device, and the first smear storage device is also transported from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device by the transport device. Thus, the first smear storage device is automatically circulated between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device by the transport device, and the first smear storage device is automatically returned to the smear preparation device, eliminating the need for the user to manually return the first smear storage device, reducing unnecessary human-computer interaction, and thus reducing the user's workload. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample processing system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cell image analysis device in a sample processing system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another cell image analysis device in the sample processing system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another sample processing system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figures 5 to 13 This is a schematic diagram of the transport device in the sample processing system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 14 This is another schematic diagram of the transport device in the sample processing system provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 15 A flowchart of a sample processing method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 16 A flowchart of another sample processing method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating another sample processing method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of another sample processing system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cell image analysis device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention should not be construed as limited to the provided embodiments. On the contrary, the content described in the embodiments of this invention makes the invention comprehensive and complete, and conveys the concept of the embodiments of this invention to those skilled in the art. Therefore, other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0047] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method or server that includes a list of elements includes not only the elements expressly described, but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to implementing the method or server. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a..." does not exclude the presence of other related elements (e.g., steps in the method or units in the server, such as portions of circuitry, processors, programs, or software, etc.) in the method or server that includes that element.

[0048] For example, the sample processing system provided in this embodiment includes a series of devices, but the sample processing system provided in this embodiment is not limited to the devices explicitly described. Similarly, the sample processing method provided in this embodiment includes a series of steps, but the sample processing method provided in this embodiment is not limited to the steps described. It should be noted that in the following description, the term "embodiment" refers to a subset of all possible embodiments. However, it is understood that "embodiment" can be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments, and can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 This illustrates an optional structure of a sample processing system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, which may include: a smear preparation device 10, a cell image analysis device 20, a first smear storage device 30, and a transport device 40.

[0050] The smear preparation device 10 is used to prepare a sample smear of the sample to be tested, so as to enable targeted analysis of specific cells in the sample to be tested, such as abnormal cells. The sample smear is also called a substrate for smearing specimens, such as a glass slide after a blood sample has been evenly smeared and the cells therein have been stained.

[0051] In this embodiment, the smear preparation device 10 obtains a sample smear of the sample to be tested through operations such as smear pushing and staining. However, it should be noted that the sample to be tested currently includes at least one of blood samples and body fluid samples. The preparation methods for blood samples and body fluid samples are different. The difference is that when preparing a sample smear of a body fluid sample, it is necessary to use a slinging operation to create a region of a specific shape, such as a circular region. In view of this characteristic of sample smears of body fluid samples, the smear preparation device 10 may include a first preparation device (such as a slear pusher) for preparing smears of blood samples and a second preparation device (such as a centrifugal slinger) for preparing smears of body fluid samples. When the smear preparation device obtains a sample to be tested, if the sample to be tested is a blood sample, the sample to be tested is transported to the first preparation device (such as a slear pusher), and if the sample to be tested is a body fluid sample, the sample to be tested is transported to the second preparation device (such as a centrifugal slinger).

[0052] The cell image analysis device 20 is used to capture and analyze images of sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device, particularly to identify and locate cells in the sample smear by capturing cell images, and then to capture and analyze images of the identified and located cells. One optional structure of the cell image analysis device 20 is as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cell image analysis device 20 includes at least an imaging device 201, a smear moving device 202, and an image analysis device 203.

[0053] The imaging device 201 includes a camera 2012 and a lens group 2011, and is used to photograph cells in a sample smeared on a sample smear. The smear moving device 202 is used to move the sample smear relative to the imaging device 201 so that the imaging device 201 can capture cell images of a specific area of ​​the sample smear. The image analysis device 203 is used to analyze the cell images of the sample smear.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, lens group 2011 may include a first objective lens 2111 and a second objective lens 2112. One of the first objective lenses 2111 and the second objective lens 2112 is a low-power objective lens, and the other is a high-power objective lens. For example, the first objective lens 2111 is a low-power objective lens, and the second objective lens 2112 is a high-power objective lens. For instance, the first objective lens 2111 may be a 10x objective lens, and the second objective lens 2112 may be a 100x objective lens. Lens group 2011 may also include a third objective lens 2113, the magnification of which is between that of the first objective lens and the second objective lens. For instance, the third objective lens 2113 may be a 40x objective lens.

[0055] The cell image analysis device 20 also includes an identification device 204 and a smear gripping device 205. The identification device 204 is used to identify the sample identification information of the sample smear, and obtain at least the sample type of the sample to be tested through the sample identification information, such as whether the sample to be tested is a blood sample or a body fluid sample. The smear gripping device 205 is used to grip the sample smear from the identification device 204 onto the smear moving device 202, so that the smear moving device 202 can drive the sample smear to move relative to the imaging device 201.

[0056] The first smear storage device 30 is used to hold sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device. The form of the first smear storage device 30 is not limited in this embodiment; for example, the first smear storage device 30 can be a smear basket. The corresponding cell image analysis device 20 also includes a smear basket loading device 206 for loading a smear basket containing sample smears to be tested. The smear clamping device 205 is also used to clamp the sample smears from the smear basket loaded on the smear basket loading device 206 and place them into the identification device 204 for sample information identification.

[0057] The transport device 40 is connected to the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20, and is configured to: after the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device 10 is placed into the first smear storage device 30, transport the first smear storage device 30 containing the sample smear from the smear preparation device 10 to the cell image analysis device 20, and transport the first smear storage device 30 from the cell image analysis device 20 to the smear preparation device 10, thereby cyclically transporting the first smear storage device 30 between the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20 via the transport device 40.

[0058] In this embodiment, the transport device 40 can be any device that circulates the first smear storage device 30 between the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20. For example, the transport device 40 can be a conveying device (such as a conveyor belt) or a clamping mechanism. Of course, the transport device 40 can include a conveying device and a clamping mechanism. The first smear storage device 30 containing the sample smear is transported from the smear preparation device 10 to the cell image analysis device 20 by one of the conveying device and the clamping mechanism, and the first smear storage device 30 is transported from the cell image analysis device 20 to the smear preparation device 10 by the other of the conveying device and the clamping mechanism.

[0059] If the transport device 40 is a conveying device, at least one conveying device can be provided between the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20. For example, a conveyor belt with bidirectional movement can be provided between the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20. The first smear storage device can be transported from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device and from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device through bidirectional transport. Alternatively, a conveyor belt with unidirectional movement but forming a closed loop can be provided, which can also complete the cyclic transport of the first smear storage device between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device. Or, a conveyor belt can be provided in the transport direction from the smear preparation device 10 to the cell image analysis device 20, and a conveyor belt can be provided in the transport direction from the cell image analysis device 20 to the smear preparation device 10. In this way, the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20 can be placed arbitrarily.

[0060] Similarly, if the transport device 40 is a clamping mechanism, at least one clamping mechanism can be provided between the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20. For example, a clamping mechanism can be provided between the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20 to complete the cyclic transport of the first smear storage device 30 between the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20. Alternatively, a gripping mechanism can be provided in the transport direction from the smear preparation device 10 to the cell image analysis device 20, and a gripping mechanism can be provided in the transport direction from the cell image analysis device 20 to the smear preparation device 10. Although the number of gripping mechanisms is increased, the running trajectory of the clamping mechanism will be shortened.

[0061] It should be noted that when the transport device 40 includes a gripping mechanism, it can not only grip the first smear storage device 30, but also grip the sample smears stored in the first smear storage device 30 to the cell image analysis device 20 and / or grip the sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device 10 into the first smear storage device 30. This eliminates the need for the cell image analysis device 20 and / or the smear preparation device 10 to have their own gripping mechanism, reducing their size. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transport device 40 may also include multiple gripping mechanisms, which can simultaneously perform at least one of the following operations:

[0062] Simultaneously, multiple sample smears are captured into the first smear storage device 30, and multiple sample smears stored in the first smear storage device 30 are captured to the cell image analysis device 20, and multiple first smear storage devices 30 are captured simultaneously.

[0063] The timing for the transport device 40 to transport the first smear storage device 30 from the cell image analysis device 20 to the smear preparation device 10 can be as follows: after the cell image analysis device has removed all the sample smears from the first smear storage device 30, the first smear storage device 30 is transported from the cell image analysis device 20 to the smear preparation device 10. That is, the first smear storage device 30 is retrieved after all the sample smears in the first smear storage device 30 have been extracted to the cell image analysis device. Whether the cell image analysis device 20 has completed the imaging of the sample smears at this time is not limited in this embodiment. During the transport of the first smear storage device by the transport device 40, the first smear storage device 30 transported by the transport device 40 to the cell image analysis device 20 contains sample smears, while the first smear storage device 30 transported from the cell image analysis device 20 to the smear preparation device 10 can have the following two situations:

[0064] In one scenario, a sample smear is placed in the first smear storage device 30 after being photographed by the cell image analysis device 20. In this case, the user needs to manually remove the sample smear from the first smear storage device 30 when the first smear storage device 30 is transported to the smear preparation device 10.

[0065] In another scenario, the transport device 40 can transport an empty first smear storage device 30 (i.e., without a sample smear) from the cell image analysis device 20 to the smear preparation device 10, eliminating the need for the user to manually remove the sample smear. The empty first smear storage device 30 can then hold sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device 10. Furthermore, normally, during the process of the sample smear passing through the cell image analysis device 20, the cell image analysis device will apply immersion oil to the surface of the sample smear. If the sample smear with the immersion oil applied to its surface is returned to the first smear storage device 30, it will contaminate the first smear storage device 30. During repeated use, the first smear storage device 30 needs to be manually cleaned by the user. However, if an empty first smear storage device 30 can be transported back to the smear preparation device 10 after passing through the cell image analysis device 20, it means that the sample smear that passed through the cell image analysis device 20 was not returned to the first smear storage device 30, and the first smear storage device 30 will not be contaminated by the sample smear, thus saving the user the step of manually cleaning the first smear storage device 30.

[0066] Correspondingly, the sample processing system provided in this embodiment may further include: a second smear storage device 50, such as... Figure 4As shown, the second smear storage device 50 is used to collect sample smears after the cell image analysis device 20 has completed image capture. This allows for centralized collection of sample smears, reducing the workload for users in sorting processed sample smears and preventing contamination of the first smear storage device 30. The form of the second smear storage device 50 is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the second smear storage device 50 can be a smear basket. Because the storage space of the second smear storage device 50 is limited, if the storage space is full, such as when all the sample smear placement positions are filled, an empty second smear storage device 50 can be used. Alternatively, the sample smears in the second smear storage device 50 can be removed, for example, manually by the user, or by adding a gripping mechanism to the sample processing system to remove the sample smears from the second smear storage device 50.

[0067] In this embodiment, the second smear storage device 50 may retrieve the sample smear after the cell image analysis device 20 has completed image acquisition in a manner that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

[0068] One approach: The cell image analysis device 20 includes a transport component that transports the image-captured sample smear to the second smear storage device 50. For example, the transport component could be a gripping mechanism that transports the image-captured sample smear to the second smear storage device 50. This allows the cell image analysis device 20 to retrieve the sample smear itself, eliminating the need to modify the structure of the cell image analysis device 20 and simplifying the structure of the transport device 40. Here, the first transport path of the transport component transporting the image-captured sample smear to the second smear storage device 50 is different from the second transport path of the transport device 40 transporting the first smear storage device 30 between the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20, and they do not overlap. That is, the first transport path of the transport component transporting the sample smear is different from the second transport path of the transport device 40 transporting the first smear storage device 30, and they do not overlap. For example, they are located on opposite sides of the cell image analysis device 20. This facilitates structural design, reduces the likelihood of interference during transport, and improves efficiency.

[0069] Another approach: The transport device 40 includes a first transport branch and a second transport branch. The first transport branch is used to circulate the first smear storage device 30 between the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20. The second transport branch is used to transport the sample smear after image acquisition to the second smear storage device 50, so that the transport device 40 completes all the sample smear transport work. This method eliminates the need for the cell image analysis device 20 to retrieve the sample smear, allowing the cell image analysis device 20 to focus on image acquisition and analysis. In this embodiment, the first and second transport branches can be at least one of a conveyor belt and a gripping mechanism (the gripping mechanism here is not part of the cell image analysis device). Please refer to the above description of the transport device 40 for details, which will not be elaborated here. In particular, the first and second transport branches are different from each other and have no overlapping parts.

[0070] The second smear storage device 50 can also be installed in the cell image analysis device 20, and the sample smear after being captured by the cell image analysis device 20 can be retrieved by the transport component of the cell image analysis device 20. However, this will increase the volume of the cell image analysis device 20.

[0071] Using the above technical solution, the smear preparation device 10 prepares a sample smear of the sample to be tested, the cell image analysis device 20 captures and analyzes images of the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device 10, the first smear storage device 30 holds the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device 10, and the transport device 40 is connected to the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20. After the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device 10 is placed into the first smear storage device 30, the first smear storage device 30 containing the sample smear is transported from the smear preparation device 10 to the first smear storage device 30 by the transport device 40. The device 10 is transported to the cell image analysis device 20, and the first smear storage device 30 is transported from the cell image analysis device 20 to the smear preparation device 10 via the transport device 40. Thus, the transport device 40 realizes the automatic cyclic transport of the first smear storage device 30 between the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20, and automatically retrieves the first smear storage device 30 back to the smear preparation device 10. This eliminates the need for the user to manually retrieve the first smear storage device, reduces unnecessary human-computer interaction, and thus reduces the user's workload.

[0072] The transport device 40 can also transport the first smear storage device 30 for placing sample smears to the smear preparation device 10. Note that the first smear storage device 30 here is not the first smear storage device 30 recovered from the cell image analysis device 20, but rather an empty first smear storage device 30 that is transported to the smear preparation device 10 for the first time by the transport device 40. These first smear storage devices 30 will be continuously transported between the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20 by the transport device 40 to complete the recycling of the first smear storage device 30. Of course, the first smear storage device 30 may be damaged during use. Damaged first smear storage device 30 can be manually removed by the user; or an imaging device and a control device can be added to the sample processing system. The imaging device can take pictures of the first smear storage device 30, and the image recognition algorithm can be used to identify whether the first smear storage device 30 is damaged. If it is, the control device can instruct the transport device 40 to transport the damaged first smear storage device 30 away and no longer use it; or the sample processing system can set a preset usage time for the first smear storage device 30. If the actual usage time is longer than the preset usage time, the first smear storage device 30 can be transported away by the transport device 40 and no longer used.

[0073] The removal of the first smear storage device 30 will reduce the number of first smear storage devices 30 available for use by the smear preparation device 10. In this embodiment, the first smear storage device can also be replenished by the transport device 40. The specific replenishment process will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0074] The sample smears prepared by the smear preparation apparatus 10 include at least two types: sample smears that require image capture and analysis and sample smears that do not require image capture and analysis. The smear preparation apparatus 10 is further configured to transport the first smear storage device 30 containing the sample smears that require image capture and analysis from the smear preparation apparatus 10 to the cell image analysis device 20 via the transport device 40 if the sample smears require image capture and analysis. The first smear storage device 30 containing the sample smears that do not require image capture and analysis is transported away from the smear preparation apparatus 10.

[0075] To address this situation, after preparing the sample smears, the smear preparation device 10 needs to classify and store the sample smears. For example, the smear preparation device 10 controls the placement of sample smears that require image capture and analysis and those that do not require image capture and analysis in different first smear storage devices. This ensures that all sample smears that only require image capture and analysis can reach the cell image analysis device, preventing sample smears that do not require image capture and analysis from reaching the cell image analysis device. Compared to transporting all sample smears to the cell image analysis device, this shortens the time it takes for sample smears that require image capture and analysis to reach the cell image analysis device, thus improving the analysis efficiency of the sample smears.

[0076] The conveying device 40 provided in this embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the conveying device 40 may include: a first conveying component and a second conveying component, and has the following configuration:

[0077] A first transport component is used to transport the first smear storage device containing the prepared sample smear from the smear preparation device after the smear preparation device places the prepared sample smear into the first smear storage device; a second transport component is used to transport the empty first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the first transport component. The first and second transport components can be conveying devices or gripping structures. Of course, the first and second transport components can include both conveying devices and gripping mechanisms; please refer to the description of the transport device 40 above for details, which will not be elaborated here.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first transport component and the second transport component can be two independent components, such as two independent gripping mechanisms or conveyor belts. In this way, while the first transport component is transporting the first smear storage device 30 to the cell image analysis device 20, the second transport component can also transport the empty first smear storage device 30 to the smear preparation device, thereby reducing the time that the cell image analysis device 20 and the smear preparation device 10 wait for the first smear storage device 30.

[0079] The first and second transport components can also be the same component, such as a single gripping mechanism or a conveyor belt with bidirectional motion. This approach would only transport the first smear storage device to the cell image analysis device 20 or the smear preparation device 10 at a time, increasing the waiting time for the first smear storage device 30. Alternatively, the first and second transport components could be a single closed conveyor belt with unidirectional motion, enabling simultaneous transport of the first smear storage device 30 to both the cell image analysis device 20 and the smear preparation device 10, thus reducing the waiting time for the first smear storage device 30.

[0080] Because the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20 have different working efficiencies, in this embodiment, the transport device 40 can complete the cyclic transport of the first smear storage device between at least one smear preparation device 10 and at least one cell image analysis device 20. For example, if the working efficiency of the smear preparation device 10 is greater than that of the cell image analysis device 20, then one smear preparation device corresponds to multiple cell image analysis devices. That is, the first smear storage device 30 containing the sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device will be transported to different cell image analysis devices by the transport device 40, so that the sample smears can be processed simultaneously by multiple cell image analysis devices, thus accelerating the processing efficiency. Similarly, if the working efficiency of the smear preparation device 10 is less than that of the cell image analysis device 20, then multiple smear preparation devices correspond to one cell image analysis device. That is, the sample smears transported to the first smear storage device of the cell image analysis device by the transport device 40 are prepared by multiple smear preparation devices, thereby accelerating the preparation and processing of sample smears. This embodiment does not limit the correspondence and number of smear preparation devices and cell image analysis devices.

[0081] Because the working efficiency of the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20 is different, at least one of the first transport component and the second transport component has a buffer. The buffer is used to cache the first smear storage device. For example, the buffer of the first transport component is used to cache the first smear storage device containing the sample smear, and the buffer of the second transport component is used to cache the empty first smear storage device.

[0082] In this embodiment, the conveying device 40 includes at least one of a first input buffer, a first output buffer, a second input buffer, and a second output buffer, and is configured to:

[0083] A first input buffer is used to buffer an empty first smear storage device 30 that needs to be transported to the smear preparation device 10; a first output buffer is used to buffer a first smear storage device 30 containing sample smears that is transported out of the smear preparation device 10; a second input buffer is used to buffer a first smear storage device 30 containing sample smears that needs to be transported to the cell image analysis device 20; and a second output buffer is used to buffer an empty first smear storage device 30 that needs to be transported to the first input buffer, so that the first smear storage device 30 can be buffered at each transport stage through these four buffers. The relationship between the first input buffer, the first output buffer, the second input buffer, and the second output buffer is as follows:

[0084] The first input buffer and the second output buffer are the same buffer, and / or the first output buffer and the second input buffer are the same buffer, so as to reduce the buffer spacing in the transport device 40 and reduce the volume of the transport device.

[0085] The first input buffer, the first output buffer, the second input buffer, and the second output buffer are all independent buffers. Although this will increase the volume of the transport device, it can provide more first smear storage devices for the cell image analysis device 20 and the smear preparation device 10.

[0086] The first input buffer and the first output buffer can be set on the same level, and / or the second input buffer and the second output buffer can be set on the same level. When set on the same level, the first input buffer can be located in front of the first output buffer, and / or the second input buffer can be located in front of the second output buffer. Of course, the first input buffer can also be located behind the first output buffer, and / or the second input buffer can be located behind the second output buffer.

[0087] The first input buffer and the first output buffer are arranged in a stacked manner, and / or the second input buffer and the second output buffer are arranged in a stacked manner to reduce the volume of the transport device 40. The corresponding transport device 40 not only has the function of cyclically transporting the first smear storage device between the cell image analysis device and the first smear storage device, but also has the function of transferring the first smear storage device 30 between the first input buffer and the first output buffer, and the function of transferring the first smear storage device 30 between the second input buffer and the second output buffer. For example, the transport device can be implemented by a gripping mechanism or by a lifting mechanism, such as a conveyor belt with lifting function.

[0088] For example, the first output buffer may be located above the first input buffer. Correspondingly, the transport device 40 is further configured to transfer the empty first smear storage device buffered in the first input buffer to the first output buffer to place the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device 10. For example, the empty first smear storage device buffered in the first input buffer may be transferred to the first output buffer by a lifting mechanism in the transport device 40. And / or, the second output buffer may be located below the second input buffer. Correspondingly, the transport device 40 is further configured to transfer the empty first smear storage device 30 in the second input buffer from the second input buffer to the second output buffer. The sample smear in the empty first smear storage device 30 in the second input buffer is taken away by the cell image analysis device 20.

[0089] The first input buffer and / or the first output buffer are located in the smear preparation device 10; and / or, the second input buffer and / or the second output buffer are located in the cell image analysis device 20.

[0090] To better understand, the buffer zone in the transport device 40 will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein... Figures 5 to 13 The form and arrangement of the buffer zone included in the transport device 40 are described. Figures 5 to 13 In the diagram, A represents the smear preparation device, B represents the cell image analysis device, Ain represents the first input buffer, Aout represents the first output buffer, Bin represents the second input buffer, Bout represents the second output buffer, Alift represents transferring an empty first smear storage device buffered in the first input buffer to the first output buffer, and Blift represents transferring an empty first smear storage device 30 from the second input buffer to the second output buffer. Rectangles with crosses indicate first smear storage devices containing sample smears, while rectangles without crosses indicate empty first smear storage devices. Figures 5 to 13 The arrows in the diagram indicate the transport direction of the first smear storage device. Solid arrows indicate the transport direction of the empty first smear storage device, while dashed arrows indicate the transport direction of the first smear storage device containing sample smears.

[0091] Figure 5In the smear preparation device 10, Ain and Aout are arranged on the same layer with Ain located on one side of Aout. In the cell image analysis device 20, Bin and Bout are arranged on the same layer with Bin located on one side of Bout. Bin and Aout are located in the smear preparation device 10. Bin and Bout are located in the cell image analysis device 20. In order to realize the retrieval of the first smear storage device 30 from the cell image analysis device 20, a connecting mechanism D is provided between Bout and Ain. The first smear storage device 30 is transported from Bout to Ain through the connecting mechanism D. Another connecting mechanism E is provided between Aout and Bin. The first smear storage device 30 is transported from Aout to Bin through the connecting mechanism E. The relationship between the connecting mechanisms D and E and the buffer can be on the same layer or on different layers. This embodiment does not limit this. Of course, in the actual design process, the partial buffer of Bout can be located outside the cell image analysis device 20, or the partial buffer of Ain can be located outside the smear preparation device, so that a direct connection between Bout and Ain can be achieved through the external partial buffer, thus eliminating the need to set up a connection mechanism D between Bout and Ain. Similarly, a similar arrangement can be made between Aout and Bin, connecting them through partial buffers. Figure 5 The difference of the conveying device 40 shown is that: Figure 6 In the conveying device shown, Ain is located inside the smear preparation device, while Aout is located outside the smear preparation device.

[0092] Figure 7 Another structure of the conveying device 40 provided in this embodiment, and... Figure 5 The difference lies in the fact that although Ain and Aout are arranged in the same layer and both located in the smear storage device 10, Ain and Aout are on the same axis, with Ain preceding Aout. The same applies to Bin and Bout; although Bin and Bout are arranged in the same layer and both located in the cell image storage device 20, Bin and Bout are on the same line, with Bout preceding Bin. Ain and Bout can be connected by a connecting mechanism or by having a portion of the buffer located outside the smear storage device 10. The same applies to Bin and Aout. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation] for details. Figure 5 Explanation of the location.

[0093] and Figure 7 The difference of the conveying device 40 shown is that: Figure 8The transport device 40 shown has only two buffers, Ain and Bout, which buffer empty first smear storage devices 30. Each time the transport device 40 transports a first smear storage device 30 containing a sample smear from the smear preparation device 10 to the cell image analysis device 20, the cell image analysis device 20 immediately processes the sample smear placed in that first smear storage device, thus accelerating the processing speed. Figure 8 The conveying device shown is suitable for both the smear preparation device 10 and the cell image analysis device 20, with comparable operating efficiency.

[0094] for Figure 9 Regarding the conveying device 40 shown, Figure 9 The transport device shown includes three buffers: Ain, Aout, and Bout. Ain is located within the smear preparation device 10, Aout is located outside the smear preparation device 10, and Bout is located within the cell image analysis device. This transport device is suitable for applications where the cell image analysis device 20 has a lower operating efficiency than the smear preparation device 10. The connection between Ain and Bout is described above.

[0095] Figure 10 The conveying device 40 shown includes four buffers, in which the settings of Ain and Aout are consistent with... Figure 9 The settings for Ain and Aout are the same, while the settings for Bin and Bout are the same. Figure 7 The settings for Bin and Bout are the same.

[0096] The above Figures 5 to 10 In the conveying device shown, the buffer zones included in the conveying device 40 are all arranged on the same layer, while Figure 11 The transport device 40 shown includes four buffers, but these four buffers are arranged in a stacked manner, with Aout above Ain, Bin above Bout, and Ain and Aout located in the smear preparation device 10, and Bin and Bout located in the cell image analysis device 20. The connection between Ain and Bout and the connection between Aout and Bin can be referred to the above description.

[0097] Compared to the aforementioned conveying device 40, Figure 11 The conveying device 40 shown also has the function of transferring the first smear storage device between Ain and Aout, and between Bin and Bout. The transfer process can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 12 and Figure 13 ,in Figure 12 The empty first smear storage device 30 is shown being transferred from Ain to Aout. Figure 13The diagram illustrates the transfer of the first smear storage device 30 from Bin to Bout after all sample smears have been removed. To transfer the empty first smear storage device 30 from Bin to Bout, the transport device includes a lifting mechanism within the smear storage device 10, which facilitates the transfer of the first smear storage device. Similarly, to transfer the first smear storage device 30 from Bin to Bout after all sample smears have been removed, the transport device 40 includes a lifting mechanism within the cell image analysis device 20, which facilitates the transfer of the first smear storage device 30.

[0098] For at least one of the aforementioned first input buffer and second output buffer, the user can manually place an empty first smear storage device 30 in at least one of these two buffers. The empty first smear storage devices 30 placed in at least one of these two buffers are arranged sequentially, meaning that the placed first smear storage devices 30 are consecutive and there are no extra empty spaces between them. The sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device 10 include sample smears that do not require image capture and analysis. For this type of sample smear, the transport device 40 can transport the first smear storage device containing the sample smear that does not require image capture and analysis from the smear preparation device 10. The corresponding transport device may also include another output buffer area, which is used to buffer the first smear storage device 30 containing the sample smear that does not require image capture and analysis. Figure 14 As shown, in Figure 14 In this context, Aout' represents the output buffer of the first smear storage device 30, which is used to buffer and place sample smears that do not require image capture and analysis.

[0099] Compared to the sample processing system described above, the sample processing system provided in this embodiment may further include: a control device configured to instruct the transport device 40 to transport the first smear storage device 30 from the second output buffer to the first input buffer when there is free space in the first input buffer and the second output buffer contains the first smear storage device 30. Furthermore, the control device is also configured to instruct the smear storage device 10 to stop working when the buffer space of the first output buffer is less than a preset buffer space (indicating that the first smear storage device can no longer be stored; the value of the preset buffer space is not limited), and / or instruct the cell image analysis device 20 to stop working when the buffer space of the second output buffer is full; similarly, it instructs the cell image analysis device 20 to stop working when there is no first smear storage device 30 in the second input buffer.

[0100] During the preparation of sample smears by the smear preparation device 10, multiple glass slides are simultaneously soaked and stained after the slide is pushed out. After staining, the slides need to be placed in the first smear storage device 30 in a timely manner. Otherwise, the staining time will be too long and affect the staining effect. Therefore, the number of sample smears that can be stored in the empty first smear storage device 30 in the first input buffer is greater than the number of sample smears currently prepared by the smear preparation device 10, so as to ensure timely loading of the prepared sample smears. Based on this, the control device in this embodiment is also used to instruct the smear preparation device 10 to stop working if the number of sample smears that can be stored in the empty first smear storage device 30 in the first input buffer is less than the number of sample smears currently prepared by the smear preparation device 10.

[0101] Please see Figure 15 This illustrates an optional flow of a sample processing method provided by an embodiment of the present invention, which may include the following steps:

[0102] S101: A sample smear is prepared from the sample to be tested using a smear preparation device.

[0103] S102: After the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device is placed into the first smear storage device, the first smear storage device containing the sample smear is transported from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device by a transport device. For a description of the transport device, please refer to the above system embodiment.

[0104] S103: Extract sample smears from the first smear storage device using a cell image analysis device for image capture and analysis.

[0105] S104: The first smear storage device is transported from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device by a transport device.

[0106] In this embodiment, the timing for the transport device to transport the first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device can be as follows: after the cell image analysis device has removed all the sample smears from the first smear storage device, the transport device transports the first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device. That is, after all the sample smears in the first smear storage device have been extracted to the cell image analysis device, the first smear storage device is retrieved. Whether the cell image analysis device has completed the imaging of the sample smears at this time is not limited in this embodiment.

[0107] During the transport of the first smear storage device by the transport device, the first smear storage device delivered to the cell image analysis device contains a sample smear. The first smear storage device delivered from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device can have the following two configurations:

[0108] In one scenario, a sample smear is placed in the storage device after being photographed by a cell image analysis device. In this case, the user needs to manually remove the sample smear from the storage device when the first smear storage device is transported to the smear preparation device.

[0109] Another scenario: An empty first smear storage device (i.e., without any sample smears) is transported from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device via a transport device, eliminating the need for the user to manually remove the sample smears. The empty first smear storage device can then hold sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device. Furthermore, normally, during the passage of the sample smears through the cell image analysis device, the device applies immersion oil to the surface of the sample smears. If a sample smear with immersion oil is returned to the first smear storage device, it will contaminate the first smear storage device. During repeated use, the first smear storage device would require manual cleaning by the user. However, if an empty first smear storage device can be transported back to the smear preparation device after passing through the cell image analysis device, it indicates that the sample smears passed through the cell image analysis device were not returned to the first smear storage device, and the first smear storage device will not be contaminated by the sample smears, thus eliminating the need for manual cleaning by the user.

[0110] Correspondingly, the sample processing method provided in this embodiment may further include step S105: storing the sample smear after the cell image analysis device has completed image capture into a second smear storage device, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the second smear storage device enables centralized retrieval of sample smears, reducing the workload for users in sorting processed sample smears and preventing contamination of the first smear storage device. This embodiment does not limit the form of the second smear storage device; for example, it could be a smear basket. Since the storage space of the second smear storage device is limited, if the storage space is full (e.g., all sample smear placement positions are filled), an empty second smear storage device can be used. Alternatively, the sample smears can be removed from the second smear storage device, either manually by the user or by a gripping mechanism.

[0111] In this embodiment, the method of storing the sample smear after the cell image analysis device has completed image acquisition into the second smear storage device may include, but is not limited to, the following methods:

[0112] One approach involves using a transport component within the cell image analysis device to store the imaged sample smear into a second smear storage device. For example, the transport component could be a gripping mechanism that transports the imaged sample smear to the second smear storage device. This allows the cell image analysis device itself to retrieve the sample smear, eliminating the need to modify the structure of the cell image analysis device and simplifying the transport device's structure. Specifically, the transport component can transport the imaged sample smear to the second smear storage device via a first transport path, while the transport device transports the first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device via a second transport path. The first and second transport paths are different and do not overlap except at the cell image analysis device.

[0113] Another approach: The image-captured sample smear is transported to the second smear storage device via the second transport branch of the transport device. The first transport branch of the transport device is used to circulate the first smear storage device between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device, so that the transport device completes all the sample smear transport work. This method eliminates the need for the cell image analysis device 20 to retrieve the sample smear, allowing the cell image analysis device to focus on image capture and analysis. Here, the first and second transport branches are different from each other and have no overlap except at the cell image analysis device.

[0114] By employing the above technical solution, after the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device is placed into the first smear storage device, the first smear storage device containing the sample smear is transported from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device by a transport device, and then transported from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device by the transport device. Thus, the first smear storage device is automatically circulated between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device by the transport device, and the first smear storage device is automatically returned to the smear preparation device. This eliminates the need for the user to manually retrieve the first smear storage device, reduces unnecessary human-computer interaction, and thus reduces the user's workload.

[0115] The sample processing method provided in this embodiment may further include: transporting a first smear storage device for holding sample smears to a smear preparation device via a transport device. Note that this first smear storage device is not the first smear storage device retrieved from the cell image analysis device, but rather an empty first smear storage device initially transported to the smear preparation device by the transport device. These first smear storage devices will be continuously circulated between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device via the transport device, completing the recycling of the first smear storage devices. Of course, damage may occur during the use of the first smear storage device. Damaged first smear storage devices can be manually removed by the user; or other steps can be added to the sample processing method, such as taking an image of the first smear storage device with an imaging device to identify whether the first smear storage device is damaged through an image recognition algorithm. If damaged, the transport device is instructed to remove the damaged first smear storage device and discard it; or the sample processing method can set a preset usage time for the first smear storage device. If the actual usage time exceeds the preset usage time, the first smear storage device is removed by the transport device and discarded.

[0116] The sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device include at least two types: sample smears that require image capture and analysis, and sample smears that do not require image capture and analysis. Transporting the first smear storage device containing the sample smears from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device via a transport device includes: if the sample smears require image capture and analysis, transporting the first smear storage device containing the sample smears requiring image capture and analysis from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device via the transport device. If the sample smears do not require image capture and analysis, an optional flow of the sample processing method provided in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 17 As shown, the following steps may be included:

[0117] S301: A sample smear is prepared from the sample to be tested using a smear preparation device.

[0118] S302: Determine whether the sample smear needs to be image captured and analyzed. If yes, proceed to step S303; otherwise, proceed to step S306.

[0119] S303: After the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device is placed into the first smear storage device, if the sample smear needs to be image captured and analyzed, the first smear storage device containing the sample smear to be image captured and analyzed is transported from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device by the transport device.

[0120] S304: Extract sample smears from the first smear storage device using a cell image analysis device for image capture and analysis.

[0121] S305: The first smear storage device is transported from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device by a transport device.

[0122] S306: If the sample smear does not require image capture and analysis, the first smear storage device containing the sample smear that does not require image capture and analysis is transported out of the smear preparation device by a transport device.

[0123] For sample smears that require image capture and analysis as well as those that do not, the sample processing method provided in this embodiment may further include: controlling the sample smears that require image capture and analysis and those that do not to be placed in different first smear storage devices to classify and store the sample smears. This ensures that all sample smears that only require image capture and analysis can reach the cell image analysis device, while avoiding the need for sample smears that do not require image capture and analysis from reaching the cell image analysis device. Compared to transporting all sample smears to the cell image analysis device, this shortens the time it takes for the sample smears that require image capture and analysis to reach the cell image analysis device, thereby improving the analysis efficiency of the sample smears.

[0124] Regarding the above-described sample processing method, the sample processing method provided in this embodiment may further include: caching the first smear storage device in the buffer of the transport device to avoid the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device being unable to operate on the first smear storage device in a timely manner.

[0125] In this embodiment, caching the first smear storage device in the buffer of the transport device includes at least one of the following:

[0126] The empty first smear storage device that needs to be transported to the smear preparation device is cached in the first input buffer of the transport device;

[0127] The first smear storage device containing the sample smear, which is transported from the smear preparation device, is buffered in the first output buffer of the transport device;

[0128] The first smear storage device containing the sample smears that needs to be transported to the cell image analysis device is cached in the second input buffer of the transport device;

[0129] The empty first smear storage device that needs to be transported to the first input buffer is cached in the second output buffer of the transport device.

[0130] The first smear storage device is effectively utilized by means of the first input buffer, the first output buffer, the second input buffer, and the second output buffer. For a description of these four buffers, please refer to the above system embodiment. If the first output buffer is located above the first input buffer, the sample processing method provided in this embodiment may further include: transferring the empty first smear storage device buffered in the first input buffer to the first output buffer by means of a transport device, so as to place the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device.

[0131] and / or

[0132] If the second output buffer is located below the second input buffer, the sample processing method provided in this embodiment may further include: transferring the first smear storage device, which is empty in the second input buffer, from the second input buffer to the second output buffer via a transport device, and the sample smear in the first smear storage device, which is empty in the second input buffer, is taken away by the cell image analysis device.

[0133] In this embodiment, the sample processing method can also control when the transport device transports the first smear storage device to the first input buffer. For example, the sample processing method may further include: when there is free space in the first input buffer and there is an empty first smear storage device in the second output buffer, instructing the transport device to transport the first smear storage device in the second output buffer to the first input buffer.

[0134] In this embodiment, the sample processing method can also operate the smear preparation device and / or the cell image analysis device. For example, the sample processing method further includes the following steps:

[0135] When the buffer space of the first output buffer is less than the preset buffer space, the smear preparation device is instructed to pause operation;

[0136] and / or

[0137] When the second output buffer is full, the cell image analysis device is instructed to pause operation.

[0138] and / or

[0139] If the number of sample smears that can be stored in the first smear storage device in the first input buffer is less than the number of sample smears currently being prepared by the smear preparation device, the smear preparation device is instructed to stop working.

[0140] Corresponding to the sample processing method described above, an optional structure of a control system provided in this embodiment of the invention may include: a conveying device and a control device. The control device is connected to the conveying device and configured for:

[0141] The control transport device transports the first smear storage device containing the sample smear from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device. The sample smear in the first smear storage device is prepared by the smear preparation device. The control transport device also transports the first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device. For the process of the control device controlling the transport device, please refer to the above method embodiment. This embodiment will not be described further.

[0142] Please see Figure 18 This illustrates an alternative structure of a sample processing system provided in an embodiment of the present invention, which may include: a smear preparation device 100, a cell image analysis device 200, a first smear storage device 300, a transport device 400, and a second smear storage device 500.

[0143] The smear preparation apparatus 100 is used to prepare sample smears of the sample to be tested.

[0144] The cell image analysis device 200 is used to capture and analyze images of sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device.

[0145] The first smear storage device 300 is used to hold sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device.

[0146] The transport device 400 is used to transport the first smear storage device containing the sample smear from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device after the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device is placed into the first smear storage device.

[0147] The second smear storage device 500 is used to retrieve sample smears after the cell image analysis device has completed image acquisition.

[0148] With the above Figure 1 The difference in the sample processing system shown is that: Figure 18 In the sample processing system shown, the transport device 400 is responsible for transporting the first smear storage device 300, which contains the sample smear, from the smear preparation device 100 to the cell image analysis device 200, but not from the cell image analysis device 200 to the smear preparation device 100. However, this reduces unnecessary human-computer interaction to some extent and reduces the user's workload. Meanwhile... Figure 18The sample processing system shown includes a second smear storage device 500 to centrally collect sample smears, reducing the workload for users in organizing processed smears and preventing contamination of the first smear storage device 300. The form of the second smear storage device 500 is not limited in this embodiment. For example, it could be a smear basket. Since the storage space of the second smear storage device 500 is limited, if it is full (e.g., all smear placement positions are filled), an empty second smear storage device 500 can be used. Alternatively, the sample smears can be removed from the second smear storage device 500, for example, manually by the user, or by adding a gripping mechanism to the sample processing system to remove the sample smears from the second smear storage device 500.

[0149] In this embodiment, the second smear storage device 500 may retrieve the sample smear after the cell image analysis device 200 has completed image acquisition in a manner that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

[0150] One approach: A cell image analysis device 200 is further configured to transport a sample smear after image acquisition to a second smear storage device via a transport component of the cell image analysis device. The transport component, for example, is used to transport the sample smear after image acquisition to the second smear storage device via a first transport path, while the transport device is used to transport the first smear storage device from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device via a second transport path, wherein the first transport path and the second transport path are different and do not overlap.

[0151] Another approach: The transport device includes a first transport branch and a second transport branch. The first transport branch is used to complete the cyclic transport of the first smear storage device between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device. The second transport branch is used to transport the sample smear after image acquisition to the second smear storage device.

[0152] Using the above technical solution, the first smear storage device 300, containing sample smears, is transported from the smear preparation device 100 to the cell image analysis device 200 via the transport device 400. This reduces unnecessary human-computer interaction and user workload to some extent. Simultaneously, the second smear storage device 500 enables centralized retrieval of sample smears, reducing the user's workload in organizing processed sample smears and preventing contamination of the first smear storage device 300.

[0153] Please see Figure 19The illustration shows an optional structure of a cell image analysis device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, which may include: a first sample storage component 401, an imaging device 402, an analysis device 403, a second sample storage component 404, and a transfer component 405.

[0154] The first sample receiving component 401 is used to receive sample smears transported from the smear preparation device.

[0155] Imaging device 402 is used to capture images of sample smears to obtain cell images.

[0156] Analysis device 403 is used to analyze cell images.

[0157] The second sample receiving component 404 is used to receive the sample smear after the imaging device has completed image capture.

[0158] The transfer component 405 is located between the first sample receiving component and the imaging device, and between the imaging device and the second sample receiving component. It is used to provide the sample smear in the first sample receiving component to the imaging device and to transport the sample smear after the imaging device has completed image capture to the second sample receiving component.

[0159] The form of the first sample storage component 401 and the second sample storage component 404 is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the first sample storage component 401 and the second sample storage component 404 can be a smear basket. The first sample storage component 401 centrally receives the sample smears transported from the smear preparation device for use by the imaging device 402. The second sample storage component 404 centrally collects the sample smears that have been photographed by the imaging device. This achieves the classification and storage of sample smears that have not been photographed by the imaging device and sample smears that have been photographed by the imaging device, and prevents contamination of the first sample storage component, thereby contaminating the sample smears received from the smear preparation device.

[0160] The transfer component 405 can be a component with a gripping function, such as a robotic arm, etc. This embodiment does not limit the transfer component 405.

[0161] This invention also provides a storage medium storing executable instructions, configured to cause a processor to execute the executable instructions to implement the above-described sample processing method.

[0162] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention can take the form of hardware embodiments, software embodiments, or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including disk storage and optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0163] Embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program operations. These computer programs can be provided to operate on a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that operations performed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce implementations in the flowchart. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0164] These computer program operations may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the operations stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including an operating device, the operating device being implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0165] These computer program operations can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, causing a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing the operations performed on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0166] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sample processing system, comprising: A smear preparation apparatus for preparing sample smears of samples to be tested; A cell image analysis device is used to capture and analyze images of sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device; A first smear storage device is used to hold sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device; A transport device is connected to the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device, and is configured to: after the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device is placed into the first smear storage device, transport the first smear storage device containing the sample smear from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device; And transporting the first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device; The transport device includes at least: a first input buffer and a second output buffer, wherein the first input buffer is used to buffer an empty first smear storage device that needs to be transported to the smear preparation device; and the second output buffer is used to buffer an empty first smear storage device that needs to be transported to the first input buffer. The sample processing system further includes: a transport path for transporting sample smears after image capture to a second smear storage device, wherein the second smear storage device is used to retrieve sample smears after image capture by the cell image analysis device; The transport path for transporting the sample smear after image capture to the second smear storage device is different from the transport path for transporting the first smear storage device between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device, and there is no overlap between them.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The transport device is further configured to transport the first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device after the cell image analysis device has removed all the sample smears from the first smear storage device.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The transport device is further configured to transport the empty first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The cell image analysis device is further configured to transport the sample smear after image capture to the second smear storage device via the transport component of the cell image analysis device; or The transport device includes a first transport branch and a second transport branch. The first transport branch is used to complete the cyclic transport of the first smear storage device between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device. The second transport branch is used to transport the sample smear after image acquisition to the second smear storage device.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The smear preparation apparatus is further configured to, if the sample smear requires image capture and analysis, transport a first smear storage device containing the sample smear to be image captured and analyzed from the smear preparation apparatus to the cell image analysis apparatus via the transport device.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The smear preparation apparatus is further configured to place sample smears that require image capture and analysis, as well as sample smears that do not require image capture and analysis, in different first smear storage devices.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The transport device is further configured to transport the first smear storage device for placing sample smears to the smear preparation device.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The conveying device includes: a first conveying component and a second conveying component, and is configured for: The first transport component is used to transport the first smear storage device containing the prepared sample smear from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device after the smear preparation device places the prepared sample smear into the first smear storage device. The second transport component is used to transport the empty first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the first transport component.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The first transport component and the second transport component are the same transport component.

10. The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, At least one of the first and second transport components has a corresponding buffer, which is used to cache the first smear storage device.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The conveying device further includes a first output buffer and a second input buffer, and is configured for: The first output buffer is used to buffer the samples transported from the smear preparation apparatus. The first smear storage device for this smear; The second input buffer is used to cache the first smear storage device containing sample smears that needs to be transported to the cell image analysis device.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The first input buffer and the second output buffer are the same buffer, and / or the first output buffer and the second input buffer are the same buffer.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The first input buffer and the first output buffer are arranged in an overlay configuration; and / or The second input buffer and the second output buffer are arranged in an overlay manner.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The first output buffer is located above the first input buffer; The transport device is further configured to transfer an empty first smear storage device cached in the first input buffer to the first output buffer to place the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device. and / or The second output buffer is located below the second input buffer; The transport device is further configured to transfer the empty first smear storage device in the second input buffer from the second input buffer to the second output buffer, wherein the sample smear in the empty first smear storage device in the second input buffer is removed by the cell image analysis device.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The first input buffer and / or the first output buffer are located in the smear preparation apparatus; and / or The second input buffer and / or the second output buffer are located in the cell image analysis device.

16. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein, It also includes: a control device configured to instruct the transport device to transport the first smear storage device in the second output buffer to the first input buffer when there is free space in the first input buffer and the second output buffer has a first smear storage device.

17. A sample processing method, comprising: Sample smears of the sample to be tested are prepared using a smear preparation device; After the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device is placed into the first smear storage device, the first smear storage device containing the sample smear is transported from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device by a transport device. The cell image analysis device extracts the sample smear from the first smear storage device for image capture and analysis. The first smear storage device is transported from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device via the transport device; The sample smears after image capture are transported to a second smear storage device, which is used to retrieve the sample smears after image capture by the cell image analysis device. The transport path for transporting the sample smear after image capture to the second smear storage device is different from the transport path for transporting the first smear storage device between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device, and there is no overlap between them. The transport device includes at least: a first input buffer and a second output buffer, wherein the first input buffer is used to cache empty first smear storage devices that need to be transported to the smear preparation device; and the second output buffer is used to cache empty first smear storage devices that need to be transported to the first input buffer.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The step of transporting the first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device via the transport device includes: After the cell image analysis device removes all the sample smears from the first smear storage device, the first smear storage device is transported from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device by the transport device.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The step of transporting the first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device via the transport device includes: The empty first smear storage device is transported from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device by the transport device.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein, The step of storing the sample smear after the cell image analysis device has completed image capture into the second smear storage device includes: The sample smear after image capture is stored in the second smear storage device via the transport component in the cell image analysis device; or The sample smear after image capture is transported to the second smear storage device via the second transport branch of the transport device, and the first transport branch of the transport device is used to complete the cyclic transport of the first smear storage device between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device.

21. The method according to claim 17, wherein, Also includes: The first smear storage device, used to hold the sample smears, is transported to the smear preparation device by a transport device.

22. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The step of transporting the first smear storage device containing the sample smear from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device via the transport device includes: If the sample smear needs to be imaged and analyzed, the first smear storage device, which contains the sample smear to be imaged and analyzed, is transported from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device via the transport device.

23. The method according to claim 17, wherein, Also includes: The sample smears that require image capture and analysis, as well as those that do not require image capture and analysis, are placed in different first smear storage devices.

24. The method of claim 17, wherein, Also includes: The first smear storage device is cached in the buffer of the transport device.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The step of caching the first smear storage device in the buffer of the transport device includes: An empty first smear storage device that needs to be transported to the smear preparation device is cached in the first input buffer of the transport device; and / or A first smear storage device containing sample smears, which is transported from the smear preparation device, is buffered in the first output buffer of the transport device; and / or The first smear storage device containing the sample smears that needs to be transported to the cell image analysis device is cached in the second input buffer of the transport device; and / or The empty first smear storage device that needs to be transported to the first input buffer is cached in the second output buffer of the transport device.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, Also includes: The empty first smear storage device buffered in the first input buffer is transferred to the first output buffer by the transport device to place the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device. The first output buffer is located above the first input buffer. and / or The first smear storage device, which is empty in the second input buffer, is transferred from the second input buffer to the second output buffer via the transport device. The sample smear in the first smear storage device, which is empty in the second input buffer, is removed by the cell image analysis device. The second output buffer is located below the second input buffer.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, Also includes: When the buffer space of the first output buffer is less than the preset buffer space, the smear preparation device is instructed to suspend operation; and / or When the buffer space of the second output buffer is full, the cell image analysis device is instructed to pause operation.

28. The method according to claim 25, wherein, Also includes: When there is free space in the first input buffer and there is an empty first smear storage device in the second output buffer, the transport device is instructed to transport the first smear storage device in the second output buffer to the first input buffer.

29. A control system, comprising: Transport equipment; A control device, connected to the conveying device, and configured to: The transport device is controlled to transport a first smear storage device containing sample smears from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device. The sample smears in the first smear storage device are prepared by the smear preparation device. The transport device is controlled to transport the first smear storage device from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device; The transport device is controlled to transport the sample smear after image acquisition to the second smear storage device, which is used to retrieve the sample smear after image acquisition by the cell image analysis device. The transport path for transporting the sample smear after image capture to the second smear storage device is different from the transport path for transporting the first smear storage device between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device, and there is no overlap between them. The transport device includes at least: a first input buffer and a second output buffer, wherein the first input buffer is used to cache empty first smear storage devices that need to be transported to the smear preparation device; and the second output buffer is used to cache empty first smear storage devices that need to be transported to the first input buffer.

30. A sample processing system, comprising: A smear preparation apparatus for preparing sample smears of samples to be tested; A cell image analysis device is used to capture and analyze images of sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device; A first smear storage device is used to hold sample smears prepared by the smear preparation device; A transport device is used to transport the first smear storage device containing the sample smear from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device after the sample smear prepared by the smear preparation device is placed into the first smear storage device. The second smear storage device is used to retrieve sample smears after the cell image analysis device has completed image acquisition; The transport path for transporting the sample smear after image capture to the second smear storage device is different from the transport path for transporting the first smear storage device between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device, and there is no overlap between them. The transport device includes at least: a first input buffer and a second output buffer, wherein the first input buffer is used to cache empty first smear storage devices that need to be transported to the smear preparation device; and the second output buffer is used to cache empty first smear storage devices that need to be transported to the first input buffer.

31. The system according to claim 30, wherein, The cell image analysis device is further configured to transport the sample smear after image capture to the second smear storage device via the transport component of the cell image analysis device; or The transport device includes a first transport branch and a second transport branch. The first transport branch is used to complete the cyclic transport of the first smear storage device between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device. The second transport branch is used to transport the sample smear after image acquisition to the second smear storage device.

32. A cell image analysis device, comprising: The first sample receiving component is used to receive sample smears transported from the smear preparation device; An imaging device is used to capture images of the sample smear to obtain cell images; An analytical device for analyzing cell images; The second sample receiving component is used to receive the sample smear after the imaging device has completed image capture; A transfer component is located between the first sample receiving component and the imaging device, and between the imaging device and the second sample receiving component, for providing the sample smear in the first sample receiving component to the imaging device and transporting the sample smear after the imaging device has completed image capture to the second sample receiving component; The transport path for transporting the sample smear after image capture to the second sample storage component is different from the transport path for providing the sample smear from the first sample storage component to the imaging device and there is no overlap. A transport device is connected to the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device; The transport device includes at least: a first input buffer and a second output buffer, wherein the first input buffer is used to cache empty first smear storage devices that need to be transported to the smear preparation device; and the second output buffer is used to cache empty first smear storage devices that need to be transported to the first input buffer.

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