Sample processing system

Abstract

The present invention realizes an automatic processing system with a simple configuration, which can read an identification tag of a glass slide when the glass slide is transported between a plurality of functional units, and on the basis of the read identification tag, determine an efficient processing sequence and transport path according to a processing step specified for the glass slide. The conveying unit (20) includes a clamping part (50) for holding the glass slide (30), and the clamping part (50) is provided with an identification tag reading part (60) for reading the identification tag.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a specimen processing system. Background Art

[0002] In pathological examinations, biological specimens such as tissues and blood are processed to prepare slides for microscopic observation. The biological specimens on the slides are stained and then observed under a microscope for examination.

[0003] In recent years, automation has been promoted in various processes such as tissue staining processes, cover glass sealing processes for stained slides, and digital image acquisition processes for tissue slides. Further advancement has led to a demand for automating the entire process without human intervention.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012 - 141287 (Patent Document 1) proposes an example of an automatic processing system that automates the entire above - mentioned process.

[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005 - 31087 (Patent Document 2) describes a structure in which a moving device for moving an object such as a microplate has an identifier reading function.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid - Open No. 2003 - 526789 (Patent Document 3) describes a technique related to a transport device in which a barcode scanner is installed on a clamping member for grasping a specimen.

[0007] Prior Art Documents

[0008] Patent Documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012 - 141287

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005 - 31087

[0011] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid - Open No. 2003 - 526789 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0013] In an automatic processing system implemented by combining multiple functional units as in Patent Document 1, it is necessary for efficient automation to determine the processing required for each slide and decide which unit to transport the slide to.

[0014] However, while Patent Document 1 discloses the modules that make up the automatic processing system, on the other hand, it does not specifically describe how to operate in order to transport slides between the respective functional units.

[0015] Also, in Patent Document 1, attaching an identifier to a slide glass is disclosed, and an automatic processing system reads the identifier to execute specified processing steps. On the other hand, information required for efficient automatic processing such as the timing and location of reading the identifier is not described.

[0016] In Patent Document 2, a structure is described in which a moving device that moves an object such as a microplate has an identifier reading function.

[0017] However, in the moving device described in Patent Document 2, in order to read the identifier, it is necessary to move the object. When there is no need to process the object based on the information read, the object is returned to the original position again, performing actions that are originally unnecessary, resulting in reduced efficiency.

[0018] In Patent Document 3, a technique regarding a handling device in which a barcode scanner is installed in a gripper that grasps a specimen is described.

[0019] However, the technique described in Patent Document 3 is not a technique that focuses on the following: when automating the entire process such as a tissue staining process, a cover glass sealing process for a stained slide, and a digital image acquisition process for a tissue slide, using an identification label to determine the handling required for each slide glass and deciding which unit to transport the slide glass to in order to improve the handling efficiency.

[0020] An object of the present invention is to implement an automatic processing system with a simple structure. When transporting a slide glass between multiple functional units, the automatic processing system can read the identification label of the slide glass, and based on the read identification label, determine an efficient processing order and transport path according to the processing steps specified for the slide glass.

[0021] Solution to the problem

[0022] A specimen processing system in one embodiment includes: a slide glass supply unit that can supply a slide glass to which an identification label corresponding to handling information for transporting the slide glass is attached; a slide glass storage unit that can store the slide glass; a staining unit that can perform a staining process on a specimen placed on the slide glass; and a handling unit that can transport the slide glass based on the identification label. Here, the handling unit includes a gripping portion that holds the slide glass, and an identification label reading portion that reads the identification label is provided on the gripping portion.

[0023] The effects of the invention are as follows.

[0024] According to one embodiment, an automatic processing system can be implemented with a simple structure. When transporting a slide glass between multiple functional units, the automatic processing system can read the identification label of the slide glass, and based on the read identification label, determine an efficient processing order and transport path according to the processing steps specified for the slide glass. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a top view showing the structure of the specimen processing system.

[0026] Figure 2 is a front view showing the structure of the specimen processing system.

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic view showing the structure of the transfer unit.

[0028] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the basic operation of transferring a glass slide from the glass slide supply unit to the staining unit.

[0029] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the basic operation of transferring a glass slide from the glass slide supply unit to the staining unit.

[0030] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the basic operation of transferring a glass slide from the glass slide supply unit to the staining unit.

[0031] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the basic operation of transferring a glass slide from the staining unit to the glass slide storage unit.

[0032] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the basic operation of transferring a glass slide from the staining unit to the glass slide storage unit.

[0033] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the basic operation of transferring a glass slide from the staining unit to the glass slide storage unit.

[0034] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the basic operation of transferring a glass slide from the staining unit to the glass slide storage unit.

[0035] Figure 11 is a schematic view illustrating the application operation.

[0036] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an application example of the application operation.

[0037] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the application operation.

[0038] Figure 14 is a top view showing the structure of the specimen processing system.

[0039] Figure 15 is a front view showing the structure of the specimen processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] In all the figures used to illustrate the embodiments, in principle, the same reference signs are assigned to the same components, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. In addition, for easy understanding of the drawings, hatching may sometimes be indicated in the plan view.

[0041] (Embodiment 1)

[0042] 〈Structure of Specimen Processing System〉

[0043] Figure 1 FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the structure of the specimen processing system 100 in the present Embodiment 1, Figure 2 and FIG. 11 is a front view showing the structure of the specimen processing system 100.

[0044] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the specimen processing system 100 in the present Embodiment 1 includes a slide supply unit 10, a slide storage unit 11, a staining unit 12, and a transfer unit 20.

[0045] The slide supply unit 10 has a tray 13 on which a plurality of slides 30 are arranged, and specimens are placed on each of the plurality of slides 30 arranged on the tray 13. The slides 30 arranged in the slide supply unit 10 are the slides 30 on which the specimens placed thereon are to be subjected to a staining process later.

[0046] The slide storage unit 11 has a tray 14 on which a plurality of slides 30 are arranged, and specimens that have been subjected to a staining process are placed on the slides 30 arranged on the tray 14. That is, the slide storage unit 11 stores the slides 30 on which the specimens that have been subjected to a staining process are placed.

[0047] The staining unit 12 is configured to perform a staining process on the specimens placed on the slides 30 supplied from the slide supply unit 10. The staining method used in the staining unit 12 is assumed, for example, to be "HE staining", "immunohistochemical staining", "in situ hybridization staining", etc.

[0048] The transfer unit 20 is configured to transfer the slides 30. For example, the transfer unit 20 is configured to transfer the slides 30 arranged in the slide supply unit 10 to the staining unit 12, and to transfer the slides 30 on which the specimens that have been subjected to a staining process in the staining unit 12 are placed from the staining unit 12 to the slide storage unit 11.

[0049] 〈Operation of Specimen Processing System〉

[0050] Next, the operation of the specimen processing system 100 will be described.

[0051] Figure 1In this case, after the glass slide 30 disposed in the glass slide supply unit 10 is gripped by the transfer unit 20, it is transferred from the glass slide supply unit 10 to the staining unit 12 by the transfer unit 20. Then, in the staining unit 12, a staining process is performed on the specimen placed on the glass slide 30. Next, when the staining process in the staining unit 12 is completed, the glass slide 30 on which the specimen after the staining process is placed is transferred from the staining unit 12 to the glass slide storage unit 11 by the transfer unit 20. In this way, the specimen processing system 100 operates.

[0052] <Structure of Transfer Unit>

[0053] Next, the structure of the transfer unit 20 will be described.

[0054] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the transfer unit 20.

[0055] Figure 3 In this case, the transfer unit 20 includes a clamping portion 50, an X transfer axis 51, and a Z transfer axis 52. Here, the clamping portion 50 is configured to be able to move horizontally along the X transfer axis 51 and is configured to be able to move up and down along the Z transfer axis 52.

[0056] The clamping portion 50 has a pair of finger portions 55A and 55B for gripping the glass slide 30, and is configured to perform the gripping action and the releasing action of the glass slide 30 by opening and closing the finger portions 55A and 55B.

[0057] Moreover, an identification label reading unit 60 for reading the identification label is provided in the clamping portion 50. The identification label reading unit 60 is configured to be able to move integrally with the clamping portion 50. That is, the identification label reading unit 60 and the clamping portion 50 move horizontally along the X transfer axis 51 and move up and down along the Z transfer axis 52 together.

[0058] <Features of Embodiment 1>

[0059] Next, the features of the present Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0060] The feature of the present Embodiment 1 is that, for example, as Figure 3 shown, the transfer unit 20 includes a clamping portion 50 for holding the glass slide 30, and an identification label reading unit 60 for reading the identification label attached to the glass slide 30 is provided in the clamping portion 50. Thus, according to the specimen processing system 100 of the present Embodiment 1, an automatic processing system can be realized with a simple structure. When transferring a glass slide between a plurality of functional units, the automatic processing system can read the identification label of the glass slide and perform efficient transfer of the glass slide based on the read identification label.

[0061] Hereinafter, this point will be described.

[0062] For example, in Figure 1 the sample processing system 100 shown in Figure 1 , a tray 13 is provided in the slide supply unit 10, and a plurality of slides 30 are arranged on the tray 13. Further, in the staining unit 12, it is also configured to be able to arrange a plurality of slides 30 to perform a staining process. That is, in both the slide supply unit 10 and the staining unit 12, a plurality of slides 30 can be processed.

[0063] In this case, the transport unit 20 sequentially transports a plurality of slides 30 from the slide supply unit 10 to the staining unit 12, and a plurality of slides 30 are stored in the staining unit 12. Then, in the staining unit 12, the samples respectively placed on the plurality of stored slides 30 are sequentially subjected to a staining process. In this way, in the staining unit 12, there are mixed slides 30 on which the samples after the staining process are placed and slides 30 on which the samples that have not yet completed the staining process, that is, the samples that have not been subjected to the staining process or are in the middle of the staining process, are placed. Therefore, when it is impossible to identify the slide 30 on which the sample after the staining process is placed and the slide 30 on which the sample that has not yet completed the staining process is placed, it is difficult to select the slide 30 on which the sample after the staining process is placed from the plurality of slides 30 arranged in the staining unit 12 and transport the slide 30 on which the sample after the staining process is placed from the staining unit 12 to the slide storage unit 11.

[0064] Then, for example, for the slide 30, by attaching an identification label to the slide 30 and establishing a correspondence between the transport information for transporting the slide 30 and the identification label, it is possible to transport only a specific slide 30 that one wants to transport from among the plurality of slides 30. Therefore, in order to select and transport a specific slide 30 that one wants to transport from among the plurality of slides 30, it is useful to attach an identification label specific to each of the plurality of slides 30 and establish a correspondence between the transport information and the identification label.

[0065] Thus, for example, by providing an identification label reading device in the sample processing system, after reading the identification label attached to the slide 30, the slide 30 can be selectively transported based on the transport information corresponding to the identification label. For example, among the multiple slides 30 stored in the staining unit 12, the transport information indicating that "the staining process has been completed and can be transported to the slide storage unit 11" is associated with the identification label attached to the slide 30 on which the sample with the completed staining process is placed, and the transport information indicating that "the staining process is not completed and thus cannot be transported to the slide storage unit 11" is associated with the identification label attached to the slide 30 on which the sample with the uncompleted staining process is placed. Thus, for example, based on the identification label attached to the slide 30, only the slide 30 on which the sample with the completed staining process is placed can be selectively transported from the staining unit 12 to the slide storage unit 11.

[0066] Among them, for example, when the identification label reading device for reading the identification label is provided in the sample processing system separately from the transport unit 20, there is room for improvement as described below. That is, when the transport unit 20 and the identification label reading device are provided separately, it newly becomes necessary to transport the slide 30 between the identification label reading device and the transport unit 20. As a result, the transport path of the slide 30 becomes complicated, and it is difficult to transport the slide 30 efficiently. This is the first room for improvement. And when the identification label reading device for reading the identification label is provided in the sample processing system separately from the transport unit 20, for example, it is necessary to provide an identification label reading device for reading the identification label of the slide 30 arranged in the slide supply unit 10, and an identification label reading device for reading the identification label of the slide 30 arranged in the staining unit 12. This not only complicates the sample processing system, but also increases the cost of the sample processing system due to the provision of multiple identification label reading devices. This is the second room for improvement.

[0067] Regarding this point, as Figure 3 shown, according to the feature of the first embodiment in which the identification label reading unit 60 is provided in the clamping portion 50 of the transport unit 20, the above-mentioned first room for improvement and the second room for improvement can be overcome. Hereinafter, the basic operation based on the feature of the first embodiment will be described for this.

[0068] First, with reference to Figures 4 - 6 , the basic operation of transporting the slide 30 from the slide supply unit 10 to the staining unit 12 will be described.

[0069] First, Figure 4 in, the slide supply unit 10 has a tray 13, and a plurality of slides 30 are arranged on the tray 13 ( Figure 4There are 12 pieces in the middle). Identification tags corresponding to the handling information of the plurality of glass slides 30 are respectively attached. This identification tag is also corresponding to the information of each specific glass slide 30. And, the handling unit 20 has a clamping portion 50 for holding the glass slide 30, and an identification tag reading portion 60 capable of reading the identification tag attached to the glass slide 30 is provided on the clamping portion 50.

[0070] Next, as Figure 5 shown, by sliding the tray 13 located in the glass slide supply unit 10, the glass slide 30 is arranged directly below the clamping portion 50 of the handling unit 20. In this state, for example, the identification tag attached to the glass slide 30 is read by the identification tag reading portion 60 provided on the clamping portion 50.

[0071] Then, when the identification tag is read by the identification tag reading portion 60, the control portion included in the specimen processing system accesses the data storage portion storing the data in which the identification tag is corresponding to the handling information, and acquires the handling information. After that, the control portion controls the handling unit 20 for handling the glass slide 30 based on the handling information.

[0072] For example, in the case where the handling information corresponding to the identification tag is the information indicating "transport the glass slide 30 from the glass slide supply unit 10 to the staining unit 12", the control portion controls the handling unit 20 to hold the glass slide 30, and then as Figure 6 shown, the handling unit 20 transports the held glass slide 30 to the staining unit 12. In this way, the glass slide 30 can be transported from the glass slide supply unit 10 to the staining unit 12.

[0073] Next, with reference to Figures 7 - 10 , the basic operation of transporting the glass slide 30 from the staining unit 12 to the glass slide storage unit 11 will be described.

[0074] First, as Figure 7 shown, the clamping portion 50 of the handling unit 20 is moved directly above one of the plurality of glass slides 30 arranged in the staining unit 12. Then, for example, the identification tag attached to the glass slide 30 is read by the identification tag reading portion 60 provided on the clamping portion 50.

[0075] Then, when the identification tag is read by the identification tag reading portion 60, the control portion included in the specimen processing system accesses the data storage portion storing the data in which the identification tag is corresponding to the handling information, and acquires the handling information. After that, the control portion controls the handling unit 20 for handling the glass slide 30 based on the handling information.

[0076] For example, in a case where the handling information corresponding to the identification label indicates "The staining process for the specimen placed on the slide 30 is not completed, and the slide 30 is not to be transported to the slide storage unit 11", the control unit stores the slide 30 in the staining unit 12 until the staining process is completed.

[0077] On the other hand, in a case where the handling information corresponding to the identification label indicates "The staining process for the specimen placed on the slide 30 is completed, and the slide 30 is to be transported to the slide storage unit 11", the control unit controls the handling unit 20 to hold the slide 30, and then as Figure 8 shown, slides the tray 14 of the slide storage unit 11. After that, as Figure 9 shown, the handling unit 20 transports the held slide 30 from the staining unit 12 to the slide storage unit 11.

[0078] Next, the holding of the slide 30 by the clamping portion 50 of the handling unit 20 is released, and the slide 30 is placed on the tray 14. Then, as Figure 10 shown, slides the tray 14 on which the slide 30 is placed.

[0079] In this way, the slide 30 can be transported from the staining unit 12 to the slide storage unit 11.

[0080] According to the first embodiment, since the identification label reading unit 60 is provided in the clamping portion 50 of the handling unit 20, the handling unit 20 can perform the operation of reading the identification label of the identification label reading unit 60. This means that it is not necessary to transport the slide 30 between the identification label reading device and the handling unit 20, for example, in a structure where the handling unit 20 and the identification label reading device are separately provided. As a result, according to the feature of the first embodiment, the transport path of the slide 30 becomes simple, and the slide 30 can be transported efficiently. Therefore, according to the feature of the first embodiment, the first room for improvement that appears in the case where the handling unit 20 and the identification label reading device are separate structures can be overcome.

[0081] Next, according to the present Embodiment 1, the identification label reading unit 60 provided in the clamping unit 50 of the transfer unit 20 can be commonly used to perform the reading operation of the identification label attached to the glass slide 30 arranged in the glass slide supply unit 10 and the reading operation of the identification label attached to the glass slide 30 arranged in the staining unit 12. That is to say, according to the feature points of the present Embodiment 1, there is no need to separately provide an identification label reading device for reading the identification label of the glass slide 30 arranged in the glass slide supply unit 10 and an identification label reading device for reading the identification label of the glass slide 30 arranged in the staining unit 12. Thus, according to the feature points of the present Embodiment 1, simplification of the specimen processing system can be achieved, and an increase in the cost of the specimen processing system can also be suppressed. Therefore, according to the feature points of the present Embodiment 1, it is also possible to overcome the second room for improvement that appears when the transfer unit 20 and the identification label reading device are separate structures.

[0082] In this way, in terms of being able to solve the above-mentioned first room for improvement and the above-mentioned second room for improvement with a simple structure, it can be said that the technical idea of the present Embodiment 1 is an extremely excellent technical idea.

[0083] 〈Application operation〉

[0084] According to the feature points of the present Embodiment 1, not only the above-mentioned basic operation but also the application operation shown below can be performed, so this will be described.

[0085] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the application operation.

[0086] The application operation is an operation of collectively reading the identification labels respectively attached to the multiple glass slides 30 of the tray 13 arranged in the glass slide supply unit 10.

[0087] Figure 11 In this case, the glass slide supply unit 10 has a tray 13 on which multiple glass slides 30 are arranged, and a tray moving unit that slides the tray 13 in such a way that the identification labels respectively attached to the multiple glass slides 30 can be read by the identification label reading unit 60. At this time, if the tray 13 is slid by the tray moving unit, the transfer unit 20 is configured to sequentially read the identification labels respectively attached to the multiple glass slides 30 arranged on the tray 13 by the identification label reading unit 60.

[0088] Such an application operation is effectively applied to the example shown below, for example.

[0089] 〈〈Applicable example 1〉〉

[0090] For example, the following situation is also considered: In Figure 1In the sample processing system 100 shown, instead of the transfer unit 20 sequentially transferring a plurality of glass slides 30 on the tray 13 of the glass slide supply unit 10 to the staining unit 12, it is desired to transfer the plurality of glass slides 30 to the staining unit 12 in an arbitrary order. In this case, the Figure 11 application operation shown is performed. Before starting the transfer operation, the identification tags of all the glass slides 30 are grasped, whereby the plurality of glass slides 30 arranged on the tray 13 can be transferred to the staining unit 12 in an arbitrary order. That is, by the application operation, the order of the plurality of glass slides 30 transferred by the transfer unit 20 can be arbitrarily selected.

[0091] <<Applicable Example 2>>

[0092] Figure 12 FIG. is a diagram showing Applicable Example 2 (sample processing system 100A) of the application operation.

[0093] Figure 12 In this case, the sample processing system 100A has a staining unit 12A and a staining unit 12B that perform different staining processes. Moreover, the plurality of glass slides 30 on the tray 13 of the glass slide supply unit 10 include a glass slide 30 on which a sample to be stained by the staining unit 12A is placed and a glass slide 30 on which a sample to be stained by the staining unit 12B is placed.

[0094] In this case, the above application operation is performed. Before starting the transfer operation, the identification tags of all the glass slides 30 are grasped, whereby it is possible to easily identify the glass slides 30 to be transferred to the staining unit 12A and the glass slides 30 to be transferred to the staining unit 12B. As a result, based on the grasped identification tags, it is possible to selectively transfer from the glass slide supply unit 10 to the staining unit 12A or the staining unit 12B.

[0095] <<Other Advantages of the Application Operation>>

[0096] When performing the Figure 11 application operation shown, the glass slide supply unit 10 can stack and arrange a plurality of trays 13. For example, when stacking a plurality of trays 13 in a two-layer structure, first, the tray 13 in the one-layer part is slid, and the identification tags of the plurality of glass slides 30 arranged on the tray 13 in the one-layer part are read together. Then, after returning the tray 13 in the one-layer part to its original state, the tray 13 in the two-layer part is slid this time, and the identification tags of the plurality of glass slides 30 arranged on the tray 13 in the two-layer part are read together. Thus, when performing the application operation, it is possible to use the glass slide supply unit 10 in which a plurality of trays 13 are stacked in a two-layer structure. As a result, the number of glass slides 30 that can be stored in the sample processing system 100A can be increased.

[0097] <<Variant Examples of Application Actions>>

[0098] Figure 11 In this case, an application action of reading the identification tags of the plurality of glass slides 30 arranged on the tray 13 all at once by the identification tag reading unit 60 provided in the holding unit 50 by moving the tray 13 is described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be configured as shown in Figure 13 such that the holding unit 50 of the transfer unit 20A is moved relative to the plurality of glass slides 30 that are stationary on the tray 13, and the identification tag reading unit 60 provided in the holding unit 50 reads the identification tags in sequence.

[0099] <<Timing of Reading Action>>

[0100] Examples of the timing of the identification tag reading action by the identification tag reading unit 60 provided in the holding unit 50 can be the timings shown below.

[0101] That is, the transfer unit 20 can be configured to perform the identification tag reading action at the timings shown below.

[0102] (1) The transfer unit 20 can be configured such that before the glass slide 30 is held by the holding unit 50, the identification tag reading unit 60 reads the identification tag attached to the glass slide 30.

[0103] (2) The transfer unit 20 can be configured such that while the glass slide 30 is held by the holding unit 50, the identification tag reading unit 60 reads the identification tag attached to the glass slide 30.

[0104] (3) The transfer unit 20 can be configured such that after the glass slide 30 is lifted a predetermined distance while being held by the holding unit 50, the identification tag reading unit 60 reads the identification tag attached to the glass slide 30.

[0105] (4) The glass slide supply unit 10 has a tray 13 on which a plurality of glass slides 30 are arranged. The transfer unit 20 can be configured such that when it is detected that the tray 13 is arranged in the glass slide supply unit 10, the identification tag reading unit 60 reads the identification tags respectively attached to the plurality of glass slides 30.

[0106] (5) The specimen processing system 100 has a tray detection unit that detects the case where a tray 13 on which a plurality of glass slides 30 are arranged is provided in the glass slide supply unit 10, and a detection state storage unit that stores the detection state detected by the tray detection unit. At this time, the transfer unit 20 can be configured such that when a start instruction for starting the supply action of the glass slide 30 is input to the specimen processing system 100, based on the detection state stored in the detection state storage unit, the identification tag reading unit 60 reads the identification tags respectively attached to the plurality of glass slides 30.

[0107] (6) The transfer unit 20 can be configured such that when a start instruction for reading the identification label for starting the identification label reading operation is input to the specimen processing system 100, the identification label attached to the slide 30 is read by the identification label reading unit 60.

[0108] (Embodiment 2)

[0109] Figure 14 is a top view showing the structure of the specimen processing system 100B in the present Embodiment 2, Figure 15 is a front view showing the structure of the specimen processing system 100B.

[0110] As Figure 14 and Figure 15 shown, the specimen processing system 100B in the present Embodiment 2 includes a slide supply unit 10, a slide storage unit 11, a staining unit 12, a coverslip sealing unit 15, an imaging unit 16, and a transfer unit 20.

[0111] The coverslip sealing unit 15 is a unit configured to place a coverslip for sealing the specimen on the slide 30 on which the specimen subjected to the staining process is placed.

[0112] The imaging unit 16 is a unit configured to acquire a digital image of the slide 30 on which the specimen is placed.

[0113] Next, the layout of the specimen processing system 100B will be described.

[0114] In Figure 14 the specimen processing system 100B shown, the occupied area of the specimen processing system 100B includes a first side area where the processing unit is arranged ( Figure 14 the left side area), a second side area where the staining unit 12 is arranged ( Figure 14 the right side area), and a central area where the slide supply unit 10 and the slide storage unit 11 are arranged and which is sandwiched between the first side area and the second side area. Here, the transfer unit 20 is configured to be arranged across the first side area, the second side area, and the central area, and can transfer the slide 30 to the first side area, the second side area, and the central area.

[0115] In particular, in the present Embodiment 2, the processing unit is composed of a coverslip sealing unit 15 that seals the specimen placed on the slide 30 with a coverslip and an imaging unit 16 that acquires a digital image of the specimen placed on the slide 30. Moreover, in the transfer unit 20, similar to the above Embodiment 1, the identification label reading unit 60 that reads the identification label attached to the slide 30 is provided in the clamping unit 50.

[0116] The sample processing system 100B configured as such operates as follows.

[0117] Figure 14 In this case, the slide 30 disposed in the slide supply unit 10 has its identification label read by the identification label reading unit 60 of the clamping unit 50 provided in the transfer unit 20, and then the transfer unit 20 transfers the slide 30 from the slide supply unit 10 to the staining unit 12. Then, the slide 30 on which the sample has been stained by the staining unit 12 has its identification label read by the identification label reading unit 60 provided in the transfer unit 20 in the state of being disposed within the staining unit 12, and then the transfer unit 20 transfers the slide 30 from the staining unit 12 to the cover glass sealing unit 15. Next, in the cover glass sealing unit 15, a process of sealing the sample subjected to the staining process placed on the slide 30 with a cover glass is performed.

[0118] Next, the slide 30 subjected to this process has its identification label read by the identification label reading unit 60 provided in the transfer unit 20 in the state of being disposed within the cover glass sealing unit 15. At this time, when the transfer information corresponding to the read identification label indicates "no imaging is required and no transfer to the imaging unit 16 is required", the transfer unit 20 transfers the slide 30 from the cover glass sealing unit 15 to the slide storage unit 11. On the other hand, when the transfer information corresponding to the read identification label indicates "imaging is required and transfer to the imaging unit 16 is required", the transfer unit 20 transfers the slide 30 from the cover glass sealing unit 15 to the imaging unit 16. Then, the imaging unit 16 performs a process of acquiring a digital image of the slide 30. After that, the slide 30 has its identification label read by the identification label reading unit 60 provided in the transfer unit 20 in the state of being disposed within the imaging unit 16, and the transfer unit 20 transfers the slide 30 from the imaging unit 16 to the slide storage unit 11.

[0119] In summary, the sample processing system 100B operates.

[0120] According to the second embodiment, when transferring the slide 30 between multiple functional units with a simple structure, the identification label of the slide 30 can be read, and based on the read identification label, the slide 30 can be efficiently transferred.

[0121] In particular, as Figure 14 shown, in the sample processing system 100B of the second embodiment, functional units are disposed on both sides of a central region where the slide supply unit 10 and the slide storage unit 11 are disposed. Thus, according to the sample processing system 100B, the transfer distance of the slide 30 can be shortened, and as a result, efficient transfer can also be achieved from the perspective of layout.

[0122] As described above, the invention completed by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the above-described embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof.

[0123] The above identification label can be constituted by any one of a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and an RFID. However, the technical idea of the above-described embodiment is not limited thereto, and as long as the label corresponds to the handling information on the handling destination of the slide and the specific information of the specific slide, its type is not limited.

[0124] Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, a structural example of holding the slide with a finger part has been described. However, the technical idea of the above-described embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be widely applied to a structure in which the slide is adsorbed and held by a component such as a suction cup.

[0125] Symbol Explanation

[0126] 10—Slide supply unit, 11—Slide storage unit, 12—Staining unit, 12A—Staining unit, 12B—Staining unit, 13—Tray, 14—Tray, 15—Coverslip encapsulation unit, 16—Imaging unit, 20—Handling unit, 30—Slide, 50—Clamping part, 51—X handling axis, 52—Z handling axis, 55A—Finger part, 55B—Finger part, 60—Identification label reading part, 100—Specimen processing system, 100A—Specimen processing system.

Claims

1. A specimen processing system, comprising: A slide supply unit capable of supplying the above-mentioned slides to which identification tags corresponding to handling information for handling the slides are attached; A slide storage unit capable of storing the above-mentioned slides; A staining unit capable of performing a staining process on a specimen placed on the above-mentioned slide; And A handling unit capable of handling the above-mentioned slides based on the above-mentioned identification tags, The specimen processing system is characterized in that, The handling unit includes a clamping portion for holding the above-mentioned slide, An identification tag reading portion for reading the above-mentioned identification tag is provided on the above-mentioned clamping portion.

2. The specimen processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handling unit is configured to read the above-mentioned identification tag by the above-mentioned identification tag reading portion before holding the above-mentioned slide.

3. The specimen processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handling unit is configured to read the above-mentioned identification tag by the above-mentioned identification tag reading portion while holding the above-mentioned slide.

4. The specimen processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handling unit is configured to read the above-mentioned identification tag by the above-mentioned identification tag reading portion after raising the above-mentioned slide a predetermined distance while the above-mentioned slide is held by the above-mentioned clamping portion.

5. The specimen processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide supply unit has a tray for arranging a plurality of the above-mentioned slides, The handling unit is configured to, when it is detected that the tray is arranged in the slide supply unit, read the above-mentioned identification tags respectively attached to the plurality of the above-mentioned slides arranged on the tray by the above-mentioned identification tag reading portion.

6. The specimen processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specimen processing system has: A tray detection portion for detecting a case where a tray for arranging a plurality of the above-mentioned slides is provided in the slide supply unit; and A detection state storage portion for storing the detection state detected by the above-mentioned tray detection portion, The handling unit is configured to, when a start instruction for starting the supply operation of the above-mentioned slides is input to the specimen processing system, read the above-mentioned identification tags respectively attached to the plurality of the above-mentioned slides arranged on the tray by the above-mentioned identification tag reading portion based on the detection state stored in the above-mentioned detection state storage portion.

7. The specimen processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handling unit is configured to, when a start instruction for starting the reading operation of the above-mentioned identification tag is input to the specimen processing system, read the above-mentioned identification tag attached to the above-mentioned slide by the above-mentioned identification tag reading portion.

8. The specimen processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide supply unit has: A tray for arranging a plurality of the above-mentioned slides; and A tray moving portion for sliding the above-mentioned tray in such a manner that the above-mentioned identification tags respectively attached to the plurality of the above-mentioned slides can be read by the above-mentioned identification tag reading portion. When the tray is slid by the above-described tray moving unit, the transfer unit is configured to sequentially read the identification labels respectively attached to the plurality of the above-described glass slides arranged on the above-described tray by the above-described identification label reading unit.

9. The specimen processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The glass slide supply unit has a tray on which a plurality of the above-described glass slides are arranged, The clamping unit is configured to sequentially read the identification labels respectively attached to the plurality of the above-described glass slides arranged on the above-described tray by the above-described identification label reading unit while moving on the above-described tray.

10. The specimen processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The occupied area of the above-described specimen processing system includes: A first side area where a processing unit can be arranged; A second side area where the above-described staining unit can be arranged; and A central area where the above-described glass slide supply unit and the above-described glass slide storage unit can be arranged and is clamped by the above-described first side area and the above-described second side area, The transfer unit is configured to be able to be arranged across the above-described first side area, the above-described second side area, and the above-described central area, and is configured to be able to transfer the above-described glass slides to the above-described first side area, the above-described second side area, and the above-described central area.

11. The specimen processing system according to claim 10, wherein: The above-described processing unit includes a cover glass encapsulation unit that seals a specimen placed on the above-described glass slide with a cover glass, or an imaging unit that acquires an image of the above-described specimen placed on the above-described glass slide.

12. The specimen processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The above-described identification label is any one of a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and an RFID.

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