Method and system for detecting orientation of cartridge

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments relate to an automated sample processing system that includes a cartridge having an upper member and a lower member, where the upper member and the lower member have a sufficient difference in opacity detectable by a sensor. The transmitter is configured to transmit a signal, wherein the signal passes through (or is diffused by) one member of the cartridge in a transverse direction and is configured to be received by the sensor. The sensor is configured to transmit signal processing logic configured to parse the signal and indicate an orientation of the cartridge. A method of detecting an orientation of a cartridge in an automated sample processing system is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority and interest in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 509,141, filed on June 20, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Many industries require determining the number or presence of microorganisms in a sample, often referred to as microbial counting or detection. One method for determining the number of microorganisms in a sample (or detecting the presence of microorganisms) involves exposing a filter membrane to the sample to capture the microorganisms in the sample onto the membrane, culturing the captured microorganisms on the membrane, and optionally counting the number of colonies that grow during the culturing.

[0003] A membrane can be placed inside the container to protect microbial cultures during incubation and / or analysis. The container also facilitates automated sample handling by preserving and organizing samples as they move through various processing stages. An example of an automated sample handling system is RAPID MICRO BIOSYSTEMS from Lowell, Massachusetts. TM GROWTH DIRECT TM system.

[0004] The operator can load cartridges into a turntable that allows multiple cartridges to be analyzed in an automated sample analysis system. The system can then retrieve the cartridges from the turntable and perform analysis on the samples within them. During some types of automated sample analysis, the irradiated sample is induced to fluoresce without damaging it. By combining digital imaging techniques with sophisticated software algorithms, these systems can detect and count the autofluorescence of growing microorganisms.

[0005] Therefore, the sample holder is designed with an optically clear or transparent lid through which light shines. The bottom of the holder is typically opaque to block any background light.

[0006] A common error when using systems for automated cassette processing is loading the cassette into the system with the clear cap side down, as is considered inverted by the operator. This is a relatively common mistake because routine manual incubation is often performed with the clear cap side down during incubation, and technicians rely on old habits from manual methods. In other cases, there may be oversights in operator training. When cassettes are loaded in an inverted configuration, the system cannot image the sample inside, and the operator must manually flip the cassette over before automated processing can occur. This increases the amount of time required to analyze samples, leads to sample loss, delays the processing of other samples, and reduces system accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An exemplary embodiment provides a sensor system for use in an automated sample handling system. This sensor system implements unique techniques to detect the orientation of each cassette before it is extracted from a turntable and loaded into an incubator and / or imaged. Software logic monitors the sensor for indication of the orientation of each cassette before it is loaded into the incubator. When the sensor indicates that a cassette is inverted, the software pauses loading to allow correction of the cassette orientation before restarting. The cassette orientation is corrected manually by the operator or automatically by the automated sample handling system. This prevents subsequent malfunctions during the process that could lead to sample loss and user dissatisfaction.

[0008] An automated sample handling system is disclosed, comprising a cartridge having an upper member and a lower member, wherein the upper and lower members have a sufficient difference in opacity to be detectable by a sensor. The system also includes a turntable having a turntable base and at least one row of cartridges, wherein each row of cartridges includes at least one cartridge. A cartridge lifter is configured to raise and lower the turntable base longitudinally. A transmitter is configured to transmit a signal, wherein the signal passes laterally through the upper member of the cartridge and is configured to be received by a sensor. The sensor is configured to transmit the signal to software logic on a computer, and the software logic is configured to parse the signal and determine the orientation of the cartridge.

[0009] A method for detecting the orientation of a cassette in an automated sample processing system is also disclosed. The disclosed method includes: loading a cassette having an upper member and a lower member into a cassette row on a turntable, wherein the upper member and the lower member are a combination of a cassette lid and a cassette base having a sufficient difference in opacity detectable by a sensor; using a lifter to raise the turntable base; transmitting a signal from a transmitter; passing the signal laterally through the upper member of the cassette; receiving the signal by a sensor; transmitting the signal result to software on a computer; and indicating the cassette orientation on a monitor connected to the computer. When the cassette lid is higher than the cassette base, the method may further include the step of: loading the cassette into an incubator due to a strong signal passing laterally through the cassette lid. When the cassette base is higher than the cassette lid, the method may further include the step of: stopping the loading of the cassette into the incubator due to a weak signal passing laterally through the cassette base. In this case, the method may further include: resuming loading the cassette into the incubator when the cassette orientation is automatically corrected by the automated sample processing system or manually corrected by an operator. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 An example of an automated sample analysis system according to an embodiment described herein is shown.

[0011] Figure 2A An example of an improperly loaded box turntable according to an embodiment described herein is shown.

[0012] Figure 2B An example of a box turntable correctly loaded according to the embodiments described herein is shown, with each box in the loading position.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an automated sample handling system according to embodiments described herein.

[0014] Figure 4 An example of a box component according to an embodiment described herein is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 An exemplary method for loading a cassette into a culturer using an automated sample handling system, according to embodiments described herein, is shown, wherein the cassette is in the correct loading position.

[0016] Figure 6 An exemplary method for loading a cassette into a culturer using an automated sample handling system, according to embodiments described herein, is shown where the cassette is not in the correct loading position. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Automated sample analysis system Figure 1 An example of an automated sample analysis system 100 according to embodiments described herein is shown. The analysis system 100 includes microbial colonies 102, a lamp 104 emitting light 106, a charge-coupled device (CCD) chip 108, a plurality of photosensitive pixels 110, a cartridge 112, a cartridge base 114, a cartridge cover 116, a growth substrate 118, and microbial fluorescence 120.

[0018] In some embodiments, the CCD chip 108 includes photosensitive pixels 110 to capture light emitted from the microorganism 102.

[0019] In some embodiments, each box 112 includes a box base 114 and a box cover 116. In some embodiments, the box base 114 includes a growth substrate 118. In some embodiments, the growth substrate 118 includes microbial colonies 102. In some embodiments, the microbial colonies 102 in the growth substrate 118 are exposed to light 106 generated by a lamp 104. In some embodiments, the microorganisms in the microbial colonies 102 generate microbial fluorescence 120. In some embodiments, the microbial fluorescence 120 is captured by photosensitive pixels 110 of a CCD chip 108.

[0020] In some embodiments, the analysis system 100 includes one or more lamps 104. In some embodiments, at least one lamp is a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp, an incandescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp, a neon lamp, a laser lamp, a visible light lamp, an ultraviolet (UV) lamp, an infrared (IR) lamp, or any other type of light source capable of producing light. In some embodiments, the sun produces light for the analysis system 100.

[0021] In some embodiments, the light 106 produced by lamp 104 is incandescent light, fluorescent light, halogen light, high-intensity discharge (HID) light, neon light, laser light, visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, infrared (IR) light, or any other type of light.

[0022] In some embodiments, the analysis system 100 includes at least one cartridge 112. In some embodiments, the growth substrate 118 includes one type of microbial colony 102. In some embodiments, the growth substrate 118 includes more than one type of microbial colony 102. The microbial colonies 102 can produce microbial fluorescence 120 when exposed to light 106. In some embodiments, different types of microbial colonies 102 can be distinguished by the different types of microbial fluorescence 120 they produce.

[0023] In some embodiments, the analysis system 100 includes one or more CCD chips 108. The CCD chip 108 may include one or more photosensitive pixels 110. The photosensitive pixels 110 can convert microbial fluorescence 120 into electrical signals. In some embodiments, the electrical signals are parsed by logic on the analysis system 100 to indicate the number of microbial colonies 102 in the growth substrate 118. In some embodiments, imaging devices other than the CCD chip 108 may be used to capture the microbial fluorescence 120. In some embodiments, the imaging device is a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, a specific type of CMOS image sensor (such as an active pixel sensor CMOS), a scientific CMOS (sCMOS) image sensor, an indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) image sensor, other types of CCD chips (such as electron multiplication CCD chips), or any other type of sensor capable of being used for imaging.

[0024] In some embodiments, the lid 116 of the housing 112 is substantially transparent. The lid 116 can be considered substantially transparent when light emitted by the selected light source can pass from one side of the lid 116 to the other such that the light remains perceptible to a sensor after passing through the lid 116 side-to-side. The substantially transparent lid 116 also allows light 106 to pass through the top of the lid 116 to illuminate microbial colonies, and / or allows fluorescence 120 to pass through the lid 116, such that it remains perceptible to the photosensitive pixel 110. In some embodiments, the top surface of the lid 116 may have different optical properties than the side surfaces of the lid 116. The top surface may be configured to allow light and fluorescence 120 from the lamp 104 to pass through, while the side surfaces may be configured to allow light from a side-mounted light source to pass through the lid 116 and remain perceptible to a side-mounted sensor. The amount of transparency in the top surface may be selected based on the type of lamp 104 used, while the amount of transparency in the side surfaces may be selected based on the type or capability of the side-mounted light source and / or the side-mounted sensor.

[0025] In some embodiments, the base 114 of the housing 112 is substantially opaque. The base can be considered substantially opaque when light from a side-mounted light source (which can be detected by a side-mounted sensor when it passes through the housing cover 116) cannot be detected by the side-mounted sensor when it passes through the base 114. The substantially opaque base 114 also blocks background light from passing through the body of the base 114.

[0026] Automated sample handling system Figure 2A An example of an improperly loaded turntable 200 according to an embodiment described herein is shown. In some embodiments, the improperly loaded turntable 200 includes a box 204 having a box base 206 and a box cover 208, a box row 210, a turntable handle 212, a turntable base 214, a turntable rod 216, a row post 218, a row support 220, and a row opening 222.

[0027] In some embodiments, the top of each of the box rows 210 in the incorrectly loaded turntable 200 (the uppermost box 204 in each box row 210) is inverted, with the box base 206 positioned above the box cover 208. The exemplary embodiments are able to detect the box configuration when some, all, or none of the boxes are inverted in any combination or order.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lower end of the turntable rod 216 is connected to the upper part of the turntable base 214. In some embodiments, the upper end of the turntable rod 216 is connected to the turntable handle 212. In some embodiments, each box row 210 is connected to the turntable base 214.

[0029] In some embodiments, the turntable rod 216 is substantially cylindrical. In some embodiments, the turntable rod 216 is substantially rectangular or any shape capable of being connected to the turntable base 214 and the turntable handle 212.

[0030] In some embodiments, the turntable handle 212 is T-shaped. In some embodiments, the turntable handle 212 is straight, D-shaped, a knob, a ring, or any shape that can be gripped to lift an improperly loaded turntable 200. In some embodiments, the lateral end of the turntable handle 212 extends longitudinally to engage with the turntable base 214, thereby forming an opening between the longitudinally extending lateral end of the turntable handle 212 and the turntable rod 216.

[0031] In some embodiments, the turntable handle 212 is centered on the incorrectly loaded turntable 200 and is surrounded by at least one box column 210. In some embodiments, the turntable handle 212 is not centered on the incorrectly loaded turntable 200.

[0032] In some embodiments, the turntable base 214 is substantially circular. In some embodiments, the turntable base 214 is substantially square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or any other shape capable of holding at least one box column 210.

[0033] Each column 210 may include zero or more column posts 218 and zero or more column supports 220. In some embodiments, the column supports 220 include zero or more column apertures 222. The column apertures 222 may be evenly or unevenly spaced. The column apertures 222 may be any suitable shape, such as elliptical, square, rectangular, circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other shape.

[0034] In some embodiments, the column support 220 is substantially recessed relative to the turntable rod 216. In some embodiments, the column support 220 has a substantially straight surface. In some embodiments, the column support 220 is substantially convex relative to the turntable rod 216.

[0035] In some embodiments, each column 218 is positioned internally and adjacent to the turntable rod 216, and the column support 220 is positioned externally, wherein the outer edge of the column support 220 is connected to the upper periphery of the turntable base 214. In some embodiments, each column 218 is positioned externally, wherein the outer edge of the column 218 is connected to the upper periphery of the turntable base 214, and the column support 220 is positioned internally and adjacent to the turntable rod 216.

[0036] In some embodiments, each box row 210 shares at least one column 218 with an adjacent box row 210. In some embodiments, each box row 210 shares two columns 218 with an adjacent box row 210. In some embodiments, each box row 210 includes its own column 218. In some embodiments, the lateral end of the turntable handle 212 is connected to the column 218.

[0037] In the depicted embodiment, the turntable 200 includes six rows of boxes 210, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. Each row of boxes 210 may have a capacity for zero or more boxes 112 (the specific number of boxes depends on the size of the turntable 200 and the size of the boxes 112).

[0038] Figure 2B An example of a properly loaded turntable 202 according to the embodiments described herein is shown, wherein each box 204 is in the loading position. The loading position is a position in which the box cover 208 is positioned above the box base 206. In some embodiments, an improperly loaded turntable 200 includes boxes 204, box base 206, box cover 208, box row 210, and turntable handle 212 (in...). Figure 2A (shown in the image), turntable base 214, column turntable rod 216 (in the image) Figure 2A (as shown in the figure), column 218, column support 220, and column orifice 222.

[0039] In some embodiments, all boxes 204 in each box row 210 are in the loading position, with the box lid 208 positioned above the box base 206. In some embodiments, one or more boxes 204 in one or more box rows 210 are loaded upright. In some embodiments, the box 204 at the top of each box row 210 is loaded upright.

[0040] Figure 3 A block diagram of an automated sample handling system 300 according to an embodiment described herein is shown. The system includes, as... Figures 1-4 The two boxes 302 shown and described herein each include, as follows: Figures 1-4 The box base 304 and box lid 306 shown and described in the figure, as Figures 2A-2B Box column 308 shown and described in the figure, such as Figures 2A-2B The turntable base 310, turntable lift 312, sensor 314, transmitter 316 and signal 318 are shown and described.

[0041] In some embodiments, box column 308 includes one box 302. In some embodiments, box column 308 includes more than two boxes 302. In some embodiments, box column 308 does not have boxes 302.

[0042] In some embodiments, transmitter 316 is a light emitter. In some embodiments, transmitter 316 is a laser emitter. In some embodiments, transmitter 316 is an incandescent lamp emitter, a fluorescent emitter, an LED emitter, a halogen emitter, a high-intensity discharge (HID) emitter, a neon emitter, a visible light emitter, an ultraviolet (UV) emitter, an infrared (IR) emitter, or any other type of emitter capable of producing light. In some embodiments, the sun is transmitter 316. In some embodiments, transmitter 316 is any type of thermal emitter. In some embodiments, transmitter 316 is any type of device capable of generating any signal, including but not limited to analog signal transmitters, digital signal transmitters, electromagnetic signal transmitters, audio signal transmitters, video signal transmitters, or optical signal transmitters.

[0043] In some embodiments, signal 318 is in the form of light. In some embodiments, signal 318 is a laser. In some embodiments, signal 318 is incandescent light, fluorescence, LED light, halogen light, high-intensity (HID) light, neon light, visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, infrared (IR) light, or any other type of light. In some embodiments, sunlight is signal 318. In some embodiments, signal 318 is any type of heat. In some embodiments, signal 318 is any form of indication generated by a transmitter and received by a sensor, including but not limited to analog signals, digital signals, electromagnetic signals, audio signals, video signals, motion signals, or light signals.

[0044] In some embodiments, sensor 314 is a light sensor. In some embodiments, sensor 314 is a laser sensor. In some embodiments, sensor 314 is an incandescent light sensor, a fluorescent sensor, an LED sensor, a halogen light sensor, a high-intensity discharge (HID) light sensor, a neon light sensor, a visible light sensor, an ultraviolet (UV) light sensor, an infrared (IR) light sensor, or any other type of sensor capable of receiving light. In some embodiments, sensor 314 is a solar panel. In some embodiments, sensor 314 is any type of heat receiver. In some embodiments, sensor 314 is any device capable of receiving any signal, including but not limited to analog signal sensors, digital signal sensors, electromagnetic signal sensors, audio signal sensors, video signal sensors, motion sensors, or light signal sensors.

[0045] In some embodiments, a vision system is used to analyze the box for unique features of the top or bottom to enable understanding of the box's orientation. In some embodiments, the vision system may detect features such as: the physical geometry of the box; references built into the box or applied via a printer or mark; barcodes etched, printed, or marked on the box; alphanumeric text etched, printed, or marked on the box; or any other identifiers that provide a unique understanding of whether the top or bottom of the box is facing upwards.

[0046] In some embodiments, the turntable lift 312 is a device capable of raising and lowering the turntable base 310 longitudinally. In some embodiments, the turntable lift 312 raises the turntable base 310 longitudinally such that the box 302 on top of the box row 308 is in a loading position. In the loading position, the box 302 is positioned to allow the signal 318 generated by the transmitter 316 to pass unobstructed through the box cover 306 for reception by the sensor 314.

[0047] In some embodiments, when the box 302 on top of the box row 308 is in the loaded position, the signal 318 passes through the transmitter 316 to the sensor 314 with high intensity because the signal 318 passes through the substantially transparent box cover 306, which allows most of the signal 318 to pass through. In some embodiments, if the box 302 is inverted, the substantially opaque box base 304 is positioned above the substantially transparent box cover 306 (e.g., Figure 2A (As shown in the diagram), then signal 318 will not pass through the essentially opaque box base 304, resulting in much lower signal detection or complete loss of signal.

[0048] In some embodiments, in the loading position, signal 318 passes through the central latitude axis of the lid 306. In some embodiments, in the loading position, signal 318 passes through the upper latitude half of the lid 306 (i.e., between the central latitude axis of the lid 306 and the top of the lid 306). In some embodiments, in the loading position, signal 318 passes through the lower latitude half of the lid 306 (i.e., between the central latitude axis of the lid 306 and the central latitude axis of the box 302). In some embodiments, in the loading position, signal 318 passes through the lid 306 from the upper latitude half to the lower latitude half. In some embodiments, in the loading position, signal 318 passes through the lid 306 from the lower latitude half to the upper latitude half.

[0049] In some embodiments, the transmitter 316 and sensor 314 are positioned such that the signal 318 passes through the top member of the housing 302 (i.e., positioned above the other members). In some embodiments, in the loading position, the signal 318 passes horizontally through the housing cover 306, wherein the transmitter 316 and sensor 314 are laterally flush with each other. In some embodiments, in the loading position, the signal 318 passes through the housing cover 306 at an angle such that the transmitter 316 is laterally above the sensor 314. In some embodiments, in the loading position, the signal 318 passes through the housing cover 306 at an angle such that the transmitter 316 is laterally below the sensor 314.

[0050] Although an embodiment is shown in which transmitter 316 transmits a signal to the upper member of the box 302, it is also contemplated that transmitter 316 can transmit a signal to the lower member of the box 302. For example, if transmitter 316 is positioned to transmit a signal to the lower member of the box, the system can interpret the absence (or attenuation) of the signal as an indication that the box is in an upright configuration. If the sensor detects an unattenuated or strong signal, this could indicate that the box is inverted.

[0051] In some embodiments, the sensor and transmitter do not need to be on opposite sides of the housing. For example, in some examples, the transmitter may emit a signal (such as light) into an upper member made of a material capable of diffusing signals. The lower member may not be able to diffuse the signal, or may diffuse the signal to varying degrees (making the differences discernible based on the sensor signal). The sensor may be positioned adjacent to the transmitter, or anywhere else along the circumference of the housing, where it may record whether it receives a diffused or non-diffused signal from the upper member.

[0052] Furthermore, while exemplary embodiments are generally described in conjunction with signals representing light, the invention is not so limited. Other types of signals are also contemplated; any type of signal that can be transmitted by a transmitter and received by a sensor after passing through a cartridge is suitable. The terms transparent and opaque may generally refer to materials having the property of relaying, transmitting, or otherwise manipulating signals into a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively. The first configuration may be the presence of a signal, and the second configuration may be the absence of a signal. In other embodiments, the first configuration may present a signal to the sensor in an unmanipulated configuration, and the second configuration may present a signal to the sensor in a manipulated configuration (e.g., filtered, attenuated, amplified, supplemented, having different properties, etc.), or vice versa.

[0053] In some embodiments, the sensor analyzes the signal emitted by the transmitter (due to the cover 306 or the base 304) and transmits the result to signal processing logic housed in a computer. In some embodiments, if the sensor receives a strong signal, the signal processing logic indicates a positive result on a monitor or display via the computer (or indicates a negative result if the signal processing logic does not receive a strong signal, or otherwise receives a signal indicating inverted orientation of the box). In some embodiments, when the signal processing logic receives a positive result, the box is loaded into an incubator or imaging system configured to capture an image of the box's interior through the top surface of the upper member of the box. In some embodiments, the box is automatically retrieved from a row of boxes on a turntable and loaded into an incubator by an automated sample handling system (e.g., using a robotic arm). In some embodiments, the box is manually retrieved from a row of boxes on a turntable and loaded into an incubator by an operator.

[0054] In some embodiments, if the sensor does not receive a strong signal, the signal processing logic indicates a negative result on the monitor via a computer. In some embodiments, a prominent visual indicator and message are displayed on the monitor to the operator to inform the operator about a problem with the box orientation. In some embodiments, in conjunction with or instead of the visual indicator, the computer transmits an electronic notification message to a pre-configured address to alert an operator who may be remotely located.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cassette is not loaded into the incubator. In some embodiments, if the cassette orientation is not corrected, loading the cassette into the incubator is stopped until the orientation is corrected by the operator or the automated sample handling system.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cassette orientation is corrected. In some embodiments, the cassette orientation is manually corrected by an operator. In some embodiments, the automated sample handling system may have the capability to automatically flip the cassette to the correct orientation (e.g., using a robotic arm). In some embodiments, the cassette is loaded into an incubator or imaging system. In some embodiments, the cassette is automatically retrieved from a cassette column on a turntable and loaded into an incubator or imaging system using a robotic arm. In some embodiments, the cassette is manually retrieved from a cassette column on a turntable and loaded into an incubator or imaging system by an operator.

[0057] Figure 4 An example of a box component according to an embodiment described herein is shown. Box 400 includes a box cover 402 and a box base 404. In this example, the box cover 402 and the box base 404 are shown before they are joined together.

[0058] In some embodiments, any transparent plastic may be used for the purpose of a substantially transparent lid 402 for the box 400. In some embodiments, the lid 402 may be made of an optically transparent, non-fluorescent plastic. For the purpose of detecting an inverted box 400, any plastic may be suitable for creating the lid 402, provided that it allows a sufficient amount of light (or other forms of signal) to pass through for sensor analysis purposes. In some embodiments, any material may be suitable for creating the lid 402, provided that it allows a sufficient amount of light (or other forms of signal) to pass through for analysis purposes, such as glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ceramic, or quartz.

[0059] In some embodiments, "transparent" may mean allowing at least 85% of light to pass through, but the present invention is not so limited. In fact, the definition of the "transparent" cover 306 may depend on the sensor 314 used by the automated sample handling system (in... Figure 3 The optical detection capability (shown in the diagram) – “transparent” simply means that the optical properties of the cartridge 400 are not degraded beyond those of the sensor 314 in the automated sample handling system (as shown in the diagram). Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram) The degree of transparency at which an acceptable reading can be obtained during sample processing. Alternatively, when the opacity of the lid 402 is sufficiently different from the opacity of the base 404 of the box 400, the transmitter 316 / sensor 314 pair of this embodiment (in...) Figure 3 When differences between them can be detected (as shown in the diagram), the lid 402 can be considered "transparent".

[0060] In some embodiments, any opaque plastic may be used for the purpose of a substantially opaque base 404 of the box 400. In some embodiments, the box base 404 may be made of an optically opaque, non-fluorescent plastic. For the purpose of detecting an inverted box 400, any plastic may be suitable, as long as it blocks a sufficient amount of light to pass through for analytical purposes. In some embodiments, any material may be suitable for creating the box base 404, as long as it blocks a sufficient amount of light to pass through for analytical purposes, such as metal, wood, brick, concrete, ceramic, or rubber.

[0061] In some embodiments, "opaque" may mean blocking at least 85% of light from passing through, but the invention is not so limited. In fact, the definition of the "opaque" base 404 may depend on the sensor 314 used by the automated sample handling system (in... Figure 3 The optical detection capability (shown in the diagram) – “opaque” can simply refer to the fact that the optical properties of the cartridge 400 are not attenuated beyond those of the sensor 314 in the automated sample handling system (as shown in the diagram). Figure 3(As shown in the diagram) The degree of opacity at which an acceptable reading can be obtained during sample processing. Alternatively, when the opacity of the base 404 is sufficiently different from the opacity of the cover 402, the transmitter 316 / sensor 314 pair in this embodiment (in...) Figure 3 When the difference between them can be detected (as shown in the diagram), the base 404 of the housing can be considered "opaque". The emitted signal 318 (in...) Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram) the plastic attenuation from the base 404 of the housing should be sufficient to reach the sensor 314 (in Figure 3 The reading shown is sufficiently different from the reading of the less opaque plastic of the lid 402.

[0062] In some embodiments, the lid 402 and base 404 of the box 400 do not actually need to be completely transparent and completely opaque, respectively. In some embodiments, the lid 402 and base 404 include sufficient signals to transmit through the material to allow for strong detection (in... Figure 3 (as shown in the diagram) intensity difference. In some embodiments, the sensor (in...) Figure 3 The placement and calibration shown in the diagram enable the signal received through the more transparent portion (lid 402) of the housing 400 (in the diagram) to be transmitted through the lens. Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram) a signal significantly different from the signal received through the less opaque portion of the housing 400 (the housing base 404). Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). This difference in signal values ​​allows software in an automated sample handling system housed on a computer to determine whether the transparent portion of the box is on top relative to the opaque portion. This information is used to determine if the box is inverted.

[0063] Automated sample handling methods In some embodiments, a method is described herein for detecting the orientation of each cassette before each cassette is extracted from a turntable and loaded into an incubator using an automated sample processing system. In some embodiments, a method for detecting the orientation of a cassette in an automated sample processing system includes: loading a cassette having an upper member and a lower member into a cassette column on a turntable, wherein the upper member and the lower member are a combination of a cassette lid and a cassette base having a difference in opacity sufficient to be detected by a sensor; using a lifter to raise the turntable base of the turntable; transmitting a signal from a transmitter; passing the signal laterally through the upper member of the cassette; receiving the signal by a sensor; transmitting the signal result to software on a computer; and indicating the cassette orientation on a monitor connected to the computer. When the cassette lid is higher than the cassette base, the method may further include the step of loading the cassette into the incubator due to a strong signal passing laterally through the cassette lid. When the cassette base is higher than the cassette lid, the method may further include the step of stopping loading the cassette into the incubator due to a weak signal passing laterally through the cassette base. In this case, the method may further include: resuming loading the cassette into the incubator when the cassette orientation is automatically corrected by the automated sample handling system or manually corrected by the operator.

[0064] Figure 5 Exemplary methods for loading cassettes into an incubator or image processing system using an automated sample handling system, according to embodiments described herein, are illustrated, wherein the cassettes are in the correct loading position. While the exemplary routines depict a particular sequence of operations, this sequence may be changed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, some of the depicted operations may be performed in parallel or in a different order that does not substantially affect the functionality of the routine. In other examples, different components of the exemplary apparatus or system of the exemplary routines may perform functions substantially simultaneously or in a particular order.

[0065] In step 502, the box (in) Figure 2B (as shown in the image) is placed on the turntable at the loading position. Figure 2B The box array shown in the figure (in) Figure 2B (as shown in the diagram). In some embodiments, a robotic arm is used to automatically place the boxes into the box column. In some embodiments, the boxes are placed into the box column manually by an operator.

[0066] In step 504, the elevator (in Figure 3 (as shown in the image) Raise the base of the turntable (in) Figure 2B (as shown in the image).

[0067] In step 506, the signal (in) Figure 3 (as shown in the image) from the transmitter (in) Figure 3 (As shown in the image) Launch.

[0068] In step 508, the signal passes through the cover (in Figure 2B (as shown in the diagram). In some embodiments, the automated sample handling system uses a transmitter / sensor (in the diagram) before the cassette is removed from the turntable for loading into the incubator (not shown). Figure 3 (As shown in the image) to send and receive separately via the cover (in the image) Figure 3 The signal is shown in the diagram. In some embodiments, the lid and base of the box (in the diagram) are... Figure 3 (As shown in the figure) includes a sufficient signal strength difference to transmit through the material.

[0069] In step 510, the signal is transmitted by the sensor (in...) Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram) Reception. In some embodiments, the lid allows strong signal detection, while the base of the box does not. This difference in signal values ​​allows an automated sample handling system to determine whether the transparent portion of the box is on top relative to the opaque portion. This information is used to determine whether the box is inverted. In this embodiment, the lid is upright.

[0070] In step 512, the sensor transmits a positive result to software (not shown) on a computer. In some embodiments, a strong detection of the signal is transmitted to the software via the sensor, indicating that the transparent portion of the box is on top relative to the opaque portion. The box cover 402 and the box base 404 include a sufficient signal strength difference to transmit through the material to allow for strong detection.

[0071] In step 514, the software displays a positive result on the monitor via a computer. In some embodiments, the monitor is viewed by an operator.

[0072] In step 516, the cassette is loaded into the incubator or image processing system. In some embodiments, the cassette is automatically retrieved from the cassette column on the turntable and loaded into the incubator or image processing system using a robotic arm. In some embodiments, the cassette is manually retrieved from the cassette column on the turntable and loaded into the incubator or image processing system by an operator.

[0073] Figure 6 Exemplary methods for loading cassettes into an incubator or image processing system using an automated sample handling system, according to embodiments described herein, are illustrated where the cassettes are not in the correct loading position. While the exemplary routines depict a particular sequence of operations, this sequence may be changed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, some of the depicted operations may be performed in parallel or in a different order that does not substantially affect the functionality of the routine. In other examples, different components of the exemplary apparatus or system of the exemplary routines may perform their functions substantially simultaneously or in a particular order.

[0074] In step 602, the box (in) Figure 2A (As shown in the image) The box was not placed on the turntable in the loading position (i.e., it was upside down). Figure 2A The box array shown in the figure (in) Figure 2A (as shown in the diagram). In some embodiments, a robotic arm is used to automatically place the boxes into the box column. In some embodiments, the boxes are placed into the box column manually by an operator.

[0075] In step 604, the elevator (in Figure 3 (as shown in the image) Raise the base of the turntable (in) Figure 2A (as shown in the image).

[0076] In step 606, the signal (in) Figure 3 (as shown in the image) from the transmitter (in) Figure 3 (As shown in the image) Launch.

[0077] In step 608, the signal passes through the base of the housing (in Figure 2A (as shown in the diagram). In some embodiments, the automated sample handling system uses a transmitter / sensor (in the diagram) before the cassette is removed from the turntable for loading into the incubator (not shown). Figure 3 (As shown in the image) to send and receive separately via the cover (in the image) Figure 3 (as shown in the diagram). In some embodiments, such as in step 608, the box is incorrectly loaded, wherein the box base (instead of the box lid) is positioned at the top. In some embodiments, the box lid and the box base (in the diagram) are positioned at the top. Figure 3 (As shown in the figure) includes a sufficient signal strength difference to transmit through the material.

[0078] In step 610, a signal is received by a sensor. In some embodiments, the base of the box does not allow strong signal detection, while the lid does. This difference in signal values ​​allows the automated sample handling system to determine whether the transparent portion of the box is on top relative to the opaque portion. This information is used to determine whether the box is inverted. In this embodiment, the base of the box is upright. In some embodiments, a signal is not received by the sensor.

[0079] In step 612, the sensor transmits the negative result to software (not shown) on a computer. In some embodiments, a weak detection of the signal is transmitted to the software via the sensor, indicating that the opaque portion of the box is on top relative to the transparent portion. The box cover 402 and the box base 404 include a sufficient signal strength difference to transmit through the material to allow for strong detection.

[0080] In step 614, the software indicates a negative result on the monitor via a computer. In some embodiments, the monitor is viewed by an operator. In some embodiments, a prominent visual indicator and a message are displayed on the monitor to the operator to inform the operator about the box orientation issue. In some embodiments, simultaneously with or instead of the prominent visual indicator, the computer transmits an electronic notification message to a pre-configured address to alert an operator who can be located remotely.

[0081] In step 616, the cassette is not loaded into the incubator or image processing system. In some embodiments, if the orientation of the cassette is not corrected, loading the cassette into the incubator or image processing system is stopped until the orientation is corrected by an operator or an automated sample handling system (e.g., using a robotic arm).

[0082] In step 618, the box orientation is corrected. In some embodiments, the box orientation is manually corrected by an operator. In some embodiments, the automated sample handling system may have the ability to automatically flip the box to the correct orientation (e.g., by using a robotic arm).

[0083] In step 620, the cassette is loaded into the incubator or image processing system. In some embodiments, the cassette is automatically retrieved from the cassette column on the turntable and loaded into the incubator using a robotic arm or image processing system. In some embodiments, the cassette is manually retrieved from the cassette column on the turntable and loaded into the incubator by an operator.

[0084] The components and features of the device described above may be implemented using any combination of discrete circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic gates, and / or single-chip architectures. Furthermore, the features of the device may be implemented using microcontrollers, programmable logic arrays, and / or microprocessors, or any combination thereof (where appropriate). It should be noted that hardware, firmware, and / or software elements may be collectively referred to herein or individually as “logic” or “circuit”.

[0085] It will be understood that the exemplary apparatus shown in the block diagrams described above may represent an example of a functional description of many potential implementations. Therefore, the division, omission, or inclusion of block functions depicted in the figures does not imply that hardware components, circuits, software, and / or elements used to implement these functions will necessarily be divided, omitted, or included in the embodiments.

[0086] At least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include instructions that, when executed, cause a system to perform any of the computer-implemented methods described herein.

[0087] Some embodiments may be described using the expressions “one embodiment” or “embodiment” together with their derivatives. These terms mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, it is understood that the features described above can be used in any combination. Thus, unless it is specified that features are incompatible with each other, any feature discussed individually may be used in combination with each other.

[0088] Generally referring to the notation and nomenclature used herein, the detailed descriptions herein can be presented according to the procedures executed on a computer or computer network. These procedures are described and represented by those skilled in the art to most effectively communicate the basic content of their work to others skilled in the art.

[0089] The procedure here (and generally) is conceived as a self-consistent sequence of operations that yields the desired results. These operations are those that require physical manipulation of physical quantities. These quantities are typically (but not necessarily) in the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals that can be stored, transmitted, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. Sometimes, primarily for reasons of common usage, these signals are referred to as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, quantities, etc., as is convenient. However, it should be noted that all such terms and similar expressions are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient notations applied to those quantities.

[0090] Furthermore, the manipulation performed is typically referred to using terms such as addition or comparison (which are generally associated with thinking operations performed by a human operator). In any of the operations described herein that form part of one or more embodiments, such capabilities of a human operator are, in most cases, not necessary or desired. Instead, the operation is a machine operation. Useful machines for performing the operations of the various embodiments include general-purpose digital computers or similar devices.

[0091] Some embodiments may use the terms “connection” and “linkage” along with their derivatives for description. These terms are not necessarily intended to be synonyms for each other. For example, some embodiments may use the terms “connection” and / or “linkage” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. However, the term “connection” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0092] Various embodiments also relate to apparatus or systems for performing these operations. The apparatus may be specifically constructed for the desired purpose, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer, such as one selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in a computer. The procedures presented herein are not inherently associated with a particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose machines may be used with programs written in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the desired method steps. The desired structures for the wide variety of such machines will become apparent from the given description.

[0093] It is emphasized that this summary of the disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, as can be seen in the detailed description above, various features are combined in a single embodiment for the purpose of conciseness of the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiment requires more features than those expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention lies in fewer features than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim exists as a separate embodiment on its own. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as concise English equivalents to the corresponding terms “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used only as designations and are not intended to impose a quantitative requirement on their contents.

[0094] The foregoing description includes examples of the disclosed architecture. It is certainly impossible to describe every conceivable combination of components and / or methods, but those skilled in the art will recognize that many other combinations and permutations are possible. Therefore, this novel architecture is intended to encompass all such changes, modifications, and variations falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0095] Exemplary embodiments include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. An automated sample handling system comprising: a cartridge including an upper member having a lateral side and a lower member having a lateral side, wherein the lateral sides of the upper member and the lower member have different opacities; a turntable configured to support the cartridge; a transmitter configured to transmit a signal to the lateral side of the upper member of the cartridge; a sensor capable of receiving the signal at least when the signal passes through a cartridge member that is more optically transparent than another cartridge member; and signal processing logic operable on a processor, the sensor configured to transmit an output to the signal processing logic, the signal having a first characteristic when passing through a more optically transparent cartridge member and a second characteristic when passing through another cartridge member, the signal processing logic configured to parse the output to determine the orientation of the cartridge.

[0096] 2.1 An automated sample processing system, wherein the first characteristic is the presence of a signal and the second characteristic is the absence of a signal.

[0097] 3.1 or 2, wherein the signal processing logic is further configured to display the orientation of the box on a display.

[0098] 4. Any of the automated sample handling systems in 1-3, wherein the transmitter and sensor are arranged such that when the turntable positions the box in a predetermined configuration, the transmitter and sensor are configured to be adjacent to the lateral side of the upper member on the opposite side of the box.

[0099] 5. Any of the automated sample handling systems in 1-4, wherein the transmitter and sensor are arranged such that when the turntable positions the cassette in a predetermined configuration, the transmitter and sensor are configured to be adjacent to the lateral side of the lower member on the opposite side of the cassette.

[0100] 6. Any of the automated sample handling systems in 1-5, wherein the signal is light of a predetermined wavelength and the sensor is a photodetector.

[0101] 7. Any of the automated sample handling systems in 1-6, wherein the upper component is one of a lid or a base, and the lower component is the other of a lid or a base.

[0102] 8.7 An automated sample handling system, wherein the lid is substantially transparent to signals emitted by the transmitter, and the base of the box is substantially opaque to signals emitted by the transmitter.

[0103] 9. Any of the automated sample handling systems in 7-8, wherein the lid is made of optically clear, non-fluorescent plastic.

[0104] 10. Any of the automated sample handling systems in 7-9, wherein the base of the cassette is made of substantially opaque plastic.

[0105] 11. Any of the automated sample handling systems of 1-10, further comprising a robot manipulator configured to flip the box to place the lower component in the upper position, and further comprising control logic configured to instruct the robot manipulator to flip the box when signal processing logic determines that the box is in an inverted orientation.

[0106] 12. Any of the automated sample handling systems described in 1-11, further comprising control logic configured to execute one or more of the following: suspending automatic handling of the box when the signal processing logic determines that the box is in an inverted orientation, and / or automatically handling the box when the signal processing logic determines that the box is in an upright orientation, or 13. Any of the automated sample handling systems in 1-12, further comprising an imaging system configured to capture an image through the top surface of the upper member of the cassette, wherein signal processing logic is configured to determine the orientation of the cassette before the cassette is presented to the imaging system.

[0107] 14. An automated sample handling system, comprising: a box including an upper member having a lateral side and a lower member having a lateral side, wherein the lateral sides of the upper member and the lateral sides of the lower member have different diffusion properties; and a turntable configured to support the box. A transmitter configured to transmit a signal to a lateral side of an upper or lower member of a box; a sensor capable of receiving the signal at least when it is diffused by a box member having a greater ability to diffuse a signal than another box member; and signal processing logic operable on a processor, the sensor configured to transmit an output to the signal processing logic having a first characteristic when passing through a box member having a greater ability to diffuse a signal and a second characteristic when passing through another box member, the signal processing logic being configured to parse the output to determine the orientation of the box.

[0108] 15. A method for detecting the orientation of a cartridge in an automated sample handling system, comprising: loading a cartridge onto a turntable, the cartridge including an upper member having a lateral side and a lower member having a lateral side, wherein the lateral sides of the upper member and the lower member have different opacities; using a transmitter to transmit a signal to the lateral side of the upper member of the cartridge, the signal being receiveable by a sensor at least when the signal passes through a cartridge member that is more optically transparent than another cartridge member; and using signal processing logic to process an output of the sensor having a first characteristic when passing through a more optically transparent cartridge member and a second characteristic when passing through another cartridge member, the signal processing logic being configured to parse the output to determine the orientation of the cartridge.

[0109] The method of 16.15, wherein the first characteristic is the presence of a signal and the second characteristic is the absence of a signal.

[0110] 17. Any of the methods in 15-16, further comprising instructing the robot manipulator to flip the box when the signal processing logic determines that the box is in an inverted orientation.

[0111] 18. Any of the methods in 15-17, further comprising pausing automatic processing of the box when the signal processing logic determines that the box is in an inverted orientation.

[0112] 19. Any of the methods in 15-18, further comprising automatically processing the box when the signal processing logic determines that the box is in an upright orientation.

[0113] 20. Any of the methods in 15-20, wherein determining the orientation of the box is performed before the box is presented to an imaging system configured to capture an image through the top surface of the upper member of the box.

Claims

1. An automated sample processing system, comprising: A box, the box comprising an upper member having a lateral side and a lower member having a lateral side, wherein the lateral sides of the upper member and the lateral sides of the lower member have different opacities; A turntable configured to support the box; A transmitter configured to transmit a signal to the lateral side of the upper or lower member of the box; A sensor, capable of receiving the signal at least when it passes through a box member that is more optically transparent than the other box member; and On-processor signal processing logic, the sensor is configured to transmit an output to the signal processing logic, the signal having a first characteristic when passing through the more optically transparent box member and a second characteristic when passing through the other box member, the signal processing logic being configured to parse the output to determine the orientation of the box.

2. The automated sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The first characteristic is the presence of a signal, and the second characteristic is the absence of a signal.

3. The automated sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The signal processing logic is further configured to display the orientation of the box on a display.

4. The automated sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The transmitter and the sensor are arranged such that when the turntable positions the box in a predetermined configuration, the transmitter and the sensor are positioned on the opposite side of the box, adjacent to the lateral side of the upper member.

5. The automated sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The transmitter and the sensor are arranged such that when the turntable positions the box in a predetermined configuration, the transmitter and the sensor are positioned on the opposite side of the box, adjacent to the lateral side of the lower member.

6. The automated sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The signal is light of a predetermined wavelength, and the sensor is a photodetector.

7. The automated sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The upper component is one of the lid or the base, and the lower component is the other of the lid or the base.

8. The automated sample processing system according to claim 7, wherein, The lid is substantially transparent to signals emitted by the transmitter, while the base of the box is substantially opaque to signals emitted by the transmitter.

9. The automated sample processing system according to claim 7, wherein, The lid is made of optically clear, non-fluorescent plastic.

10. The automated sample processing system according to claim 7, wherein, The base of the box is made of mostly opaque plastic.

11. The automated sample handling system of claim 1, further comprising a robot manipulator configured to flip the box to place the lower component in the upper position, and further comprising control logic configured to instruct the robot manipulator to flip the box when the signal processing logic determines that the box is in an inverted orientation.

12. The automated sample handling system of claim 1, further comprising control logic configured to execute at least one of the following: When the signal processing logic determines that the box is in an inverted orientation, the automatic processing of the box is paused; or The signal processing logic automatically processes the box when it determines that the box is in an upright orientation.

13. The automated sample handling system of claim 1, further comprising an imaging system configured to capture images through the top surface of the upper member of the cartridge, wherein, The signal processing logic is configured to determine the orientation of the box before the box is presented to the imaging system.

14. An automated sample processing system, comprising: A box, the box comprising an upper member having a lateral side and a lower member having a lateral side, wherein the lateral sides of the upper member and the lateral sides of the lower member have different diffusion properties; A turntable, the turntable being configured to support the box; A transmitter configured to transmit a signal to the lateral side of the upper or lower member of the box; A sensor capable of receiving the signal at least when the signal is diffused through a housing member having a greater signal diffusion capability than the other housing member; and On-processor signal processing logic, the sensor is configured to transmit an output to the signal processing logic, the signal having a first characteristic when passing through a box member with a greater ability to diffuse the signal and a second characteristic when passing through the other box member, the signal processing logic being configured to parse the output to determine the orientation of the box.

15. A method for detecting the orientation of a cartridge in an automated sample handling system, comprising: A box is loaded into a turntable. The box includes an upper member having a lateral side and a lower member having a lateral side, wherein the lateral sides of the upper member and the lateral sides of the lower member have different opacities. A transmitter is used to transmit a signal to the lateral side of the upper component of the box, the signal being received by a sensor at least when the signal passes through a box component that is more optically transparent than the other box component; and The output of the sensor is processed using signal processing logic, the signal having a first characteristic when passing through the more optically transparent box member and a second characteristic when passing through the other box member, the signal processing logic being configured to parse the output to determine the orientation of the box.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The first characteristic is the presence of a signal, and the second characteristic is the absence of a signal.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising instructing a robot manipulator to flip the box when the signal processing logic determines that the box is in an inverted orientation.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising pausing automatic processing of the box when the signal processing logic determines that the box is in an inverted orientation.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising automatically processing the cell when the signal processing logic determines that the cell is in an upright orientation.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein, The orientation of the box is determined before the box is presented to an imaging system configured to capture an image through the top surface of the upper component of the box.

Images