Automatic dye sealing sweep system

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of automatic dyeing and sealing scanning system, comprising: slide rack, including handle;Automatic dyeing and sealing device;Automatic scanning device;Pretreatment device, for removing the handle of slide rack;Retaining device, for placing slide rack;Transfer device, for moving slide rack from automatic dyeing and sealing device to pretreatment device, from pretreatment device to retaining device, from retaining device to automatic scanning device, or from automatic scanning device to retaining device;First visual identification device, for identifying the man-machine interface of automatic dyeing and sealing device;Second visual identification device, for identifying the man-machine interface of automatic scanning device;Control device, electrically connected to pretreatment device, retaining device, transfer device, first visual identification device and second visual identification device;Workbench, for installing above device;And ventilation protection device, for providing protection and gas exchange of internal space for above device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pathological equipment technology, and in particular to an automatic staining, sealing, and scanning system. Background Technology

[0002] Pathology is a basic medical science that studies the causes, mechanisms, and development of human diseases, as well as the changes in the body's morphology, structure, function, metabolism, and disease outcome during the disease process.

[0003] Pathological research is inseparable from the preparation and observation of glass slides. Glass slides are the carriers that hold tissue sections. When preparing a sample, the tissue sections are placed on a glass slide, then stained and mounted with a coverslip to create a complete sample. Finally, the sample is scanned into digital slides for observation on a computer screen or various electronic devices. The staining process involves immersing the glass slide in a staining chamber; the coverslip mounting process involves placing a coverslip on the glass slide; and the scanning process involves scanning the complete sample to create an image.

[0004] To improve sample preparation and slide processing efficiency, related technologies have proposed automated staining and mounting machines, as well as automated scanners. The automated staining and mounting machine automatically stains and mounts samples, while the automated scanner automatically scans them. However, in these technologies, the automated staining and mounting machine and the automated scanner are used separately, requiring manual placement of samples from the automated staining and mounting machine to the automated scanner for further processing. This results in low automation and increased time and labor costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0006] Therefore, one objective of this invention is to provide an automatic staining, mounting, and scanning system that can automatically complete the staining, mounting, and scanning of samples, thereby improving the degree of automation and reducing time and labor costs.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an automatic staining, sealing, and scanning system is provided. The automatic staining, sealing, and scanning system includes: a slide holder, comprising a body and a handle; the body having multiple receiving slots for holding slides with slide sections; and the handle having two detachable ends connected to the two ends of the body for easy gripping and moving of the slide holder; an automatic staining and sealing device, which receives the slide holder from its loading chamber, stains and seals the slides on the slides, and places the slide holder in its unloading chamber after staining and sealing; and an automatic scanning device, which receives the slide holder from its storage compartment and stains and seals the slides on the slides. The system includes: a scanning device for placing the slide holder in the hopper after scanning; a pretreatment device for removing the handles from the slide holder; a holding device for placing the slide holder for drying or preservation; a transfer device for moving the slide holder from the unloading hopper of the automatic staining and sealing device to the pretreatment device to remove the handles, moving the slide holder from the pretreatment device to the holding device, moving the slide holder from the holding device to the automatic scanning device, or moving the slide holder from the hopper of the automatic scanning device to the holding device; and a first visual recognition device for recognizing human-machine interactions within the automatic staining and sealing device. The system includes: a human-machine interface for obtaining the operating status of the automatic staining and mounting device, thereby determining whether the transfer device is permitted to move the slide holder from the unloading compartment of the automatic staining and mounting device to the pretreatment device; a second vision recognition device for recognizing the human-machine interface of the automatic scanning device to obtain the operating status of the automatic scanning device, thereby determining whether the transfer device is permitted to move the slide holder from the material compartment of the automatic scanning device to the holding device or from the holding device to the material compartment of the automatic scanning device; and a control device electrically connected to the pretreatment device, the holding device, the transfer device, the first vision recognition device, and the second vision recognition device. A visual recognition device for controlling a pretreatment device, a holding device, a transfer device, a first visual recognition device, and a second visual recognition device; a workbench for mounting an automatic staining and sealing device, an automatic scanning device, a pretreatment device, a holding device, a transfer device, a first visual recognition device, a second visual recognition device, and a control device; and a ventilation and protection device installed around the workbench for providing protection and gas exchange within the automatic staining and sealing device, the automatic scanning device, the pretreatment device, the holding device, the transfer device, the first visual recognition device, the second visual recognition device, and the control device.

[0008] In addition, the automatic dyeing, sealing and sweeping system according to the above embodiments of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features.

[0009] In some embodiments, the slide holder is used to be manually placed into the loading chamber of the automatic staining and sealing device after the automatic staining, sealing and scanning system is turned on and all devices have been initialized; and the slide holder is used to be manually unloaded from the holding device after the automatic scanning device has completed scanning.

[0010] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to trigger a door opening signal when the operating state of the automatic staining and sealing device, as identified by the first visual recognition device, meets the following conditions: when the number of slide holders in the unloading compartment is greater than or equal to a predetermined value; when the unloading compartment is closed; and when the door indicator light of the unloading compartment is green, wherein the door opening signal indicates that the transfer device is permitted to open the door of the unloading compartment of the automatic staining and sealing device and move the slide holders from the unloading compartment of the automatic staining and sealing device to the pretreatment device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to start a timer when the slide holder is placed from the pretreatment device to the holding device by the transfer device, so as to allow the slide holder to dry for a predetermined time; and the control device is configured to trigger a first loading signal when the predetermined time is reached, wherein the first loading signal indicates the presence of a slide holder for loading into the automatic scanning device.

[0012] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to trigger a second loading signal when the operating state of the automatic scanning device identified by the second visual recognition device meets the following conditions: confirming the slot arrangement in the hopper of the automatic scanning device; confirming the presence of the slide holder in the slot of the hopper of the automatic scanning device; and confirming the operating state of the hopper of the automatic scanning device, wherein the second loading signal indicates that the automatic scanning device is in a loading-allowed operating state.

[0013] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to control the transfer device to transfer the dried slides to the hopper of the automatic scanning device when the first loading signal and the second loading signal are triggered and the number of slide holders in the hopper of the automatic scanning device is less than or equal to 3; and the control device is configured to control the transfer device to transfer the slides from the hopper of the automatic scanning device to the holding device when the number of slide holders in the hopper of the automatic scanning device is greater than 3.

[0014] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to control the transfer device to continue execution according to the current program when the loading or unloading signal of the hopper of the automatic scanning device is not triggered; and the control device is configured to control the transfer device to prioritize the loading or unloading of the hopper of the automatic scanning device when the loading or unloading signal of the hopper of the automatic scanning device is triggered.

[0015] In some embodiments, the automatic staining and mounting device and the automatic scanning device are arranged side by side along a first horizontal direction; the pretreatment device, the holding device and the transfer device are arranged in front of the automatic scanning device along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction; the pretreatment device and the holding device are arranged away from the automatic staining and mounting device relative to the transfer device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the holding device includes: a retainer having a plurality of slots for inserting a slide holder; and a plurality of sensors, each correspondingly disposed at one of the plurality of slots, to determine whether a slide holder is inserted into a slot.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pretreatment device includes an actuator, a guide, and a recycling box. The guide is disposed below the actuator, and the recycling box is disposed below the guide. The actuator is used to open both ends of the handle from the inside of the handle to remove the handle from both ends of the body, and the guide is used to guide the removed handle into the recycling box.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Other features and advantages of this invention are described below, which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, explains the invention in more detail based on the embodiments.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic dyeing, sealing, and sweeping system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a slide holder according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the XYZ coordinate system is illustrated for ease of description and direction determination. The positive direction of the X-axis is the forward direction, and the negative direction is the backward direction; the positive direction of the Y-axis is the right direction, and the negative direction is the left direction; the positive direction of the Z-axis is the top direction, and the negative direction is the bottom direction.

[0024] The automatic dyeing, sealing, and sweeping system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The automatic staining, sealing, and scanning system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a slide holder 900, which includes a body 910 and a handle 930. The body 910 is provided with multiple receiving slots for placing slides with sections. The two ends of the handle 930 are detachably connected to the two ends of the body 910 for easy gripping and moving of the slide holder 900; an automatic staining and sealing device 110, which receives the slide holder 900 from its loading chamber, stains and seals the sections placed on the slides, and places the slide holder 900 in its unloading chamber after staining and sealing; and an automatic scanning device 120, which is used to scan... The device 120 receives a slide holder 900 in its hopper, scans the slides placed on the slides, and places the slide holder 900 in the hopper after scanning. A pretreatment device 130 is used to remove the handle 930 of the slide holder 900. A holding device 140 is used to hold the slide holder 900 for drying or preservation. A transfer device 150 is used to move the slide holder 900 from the unloading hopper of the automatic staining and sealing device 110 to the pretreatment device 130 to remove the handle 930, move the slide holder 900 from the pretreatment device 130 to the holding device 140, move the slide holder 900 from the holding device 140 to the automatic scanning device 120, or move the slide holder 900 from... The hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 is moved to the holding device 140; a first visual recognition device 160 is used to identify the human-machine interface of the automatic staining and mounting device 110 to obtain the working status of the automatic staining and mounting device 110, thereby determining whether the transfer device 150 is allowed to move the slide holder 900 from the unloading bin of the automatic staining and mounting device 110 to the pretreatment device 130; a second visual recognition device 165 is used to identify the human-machine interface of the automatic scanning device 120 to obtain the working status of the automatic scanning device 120, thereby determining whether the transfer device 150 is allowed to move the slide holder 900 from the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 to the holding device 140. Alternatively, the slide holder 900 can be moved from the holding device 140 to the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120; the control device 170 is electrically connected to the pretreatment device 130, the holding device 140, the transfer device 150, the first visual recognition device 160, and the second visual recognition device 165, and is used to control the pretreatment device 130, the holding device 140, the transfer device 150, the first visual recognition device 160, and the second visual recognition device 165; the worktable 180 is used to mount the automatic staining and sealing device 110, the automatic scanning device 120, the pretreatment device 130, the holding device 140, the transfer device 150, the first visual recognition device 160, the second visual recognition device 165, and the control device 170;A ventilation and protective device 190 is installed around the workbench 180 to provide protection and gas exchange for the automatic staining and sealing device 110, automatic scanning device 120, pretreatment device 130, holding device 140, transfer device 150, first visual recognition device 160, second visual recognition device 165, and control device 170.

[0026] In the automatic staining, sealing, and scanning system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the working status of the automatic staining and sealing device 110 and the automatic scanning device 120 are respectively identified by the first visual recognition device 160 and the second visual recognition device 165. This facilitates the control device 170 to control the transfer device 150 to transfer the slide holder 900 from the automatic staining and sealing device 110 to the pretreatment device 130, from the pretreatment device 130 to the holding device 140, from the holding device 140 to the automatic scanning device 120, or from the automatic scanning device 120 to the holding device 140. This enables the automatic completion of sample staining, sealing, and scanning, improving the degree of automation and reducing time and labor costs.

[0027] In some examples, the automated staining and mounting device 110 may be an integrated automated staining and mounting machine already existing in the related art. For example, the Leica SPECTRAWORKSTATION. The working principle and structure of the integrated automated staining and mounting machine are known in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0028] In some examples, the automatic scanning device 120 may be an automatic scanner already existing in the related art. For example, the Leica GT450. The operating principle and structure of automatic scanners are known in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0029] In some examples, the first visual recognition device 160 and the second visual recognition device 165 may include a camera, a lighting system, an image acquisition card, a built-in CPU, etc., to acquire and recognize images. In some alternative examples, the first visual recognition device 160 and the second visual recognition device 165 may only acquire images, and the image recognition function may be integrated into the control device 170.

[0030] Furthermore, by setting up a workbench 180, the automatic dyeing and sealing device 110, the automatic scanning device 120, the pretreatment device 130, the holding device 140, the transfer device 150, the first visual recognition device 160, the second visual recognition device 165, and the control device 170 are securely installed on the workbench 180. By setting up a ventilation and protection device 190, the staff can be isolated from the automatic dyeing, sealing, and scanning system 100, protecting the staff; and it can also promptly remove irritating odors such as dyeing agents, preventing accumulation that could harm the staff.

[0031] In some examples, the control device 170 can be located near the loading chamber of the automatic staining and sealing device 110, so that staff can conveniently control the automatic staining, sealing and scanning system 100 and load the slide holder 900 into the loading chamber of the automatic staining and sealing device 110, reducing walking distance and handling intensity.

[0032] In some examples, the ventilation protection device 190 may have an opening at the control device 170 and the loading chamber of the automatic dyeing and sealing device 110; and the ventilation protection device 190 may have an opening at the holding device 140, thereby facilitating staff access to the control device 170, the loading chamber of the automatic dyeing and sealing device 110, and the holding device 140.

[0033] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the slide holder 900 is used by manual placement into the loading chamber of the automatic staining and sealing device 110 after the automatic staining, sealing and scanning system 100 is turned on and all devices have been initialized; and the slide holder 900 is used by manual unloading from the holding device 140 after the automatic scanning device 120 has completed scanning.

[0034] It is understood that the control device 170 is electrically connected to the pretreatment device 130, the holding device 140, the transfer device 150, the first visual recognition device 160, and the second visual recognition device 165. Therefore, the control device 170 can obtain the operating status of the pretreatment device 130, the holding device 140, the transfer device 150, the first visual recognition device 160, and the second visual recognition device 165. The first visual recognition device 160 and the second visual recognition device 165 are used to identify the operating status of the automatic staining and mounting device 110 and the automatic scanning device 120. Thus, the control device 170 indirectly obtains the operating status of the automatic staining and mounting device 110 and the automatic scanning device 120 through the first visual recognition device 160 and the second visual recognition device 165. Therefore, the operator can obtain the initialization status of all devices through the control device 170 and manually load the slide holder 900 containing the tissue sections into the loading chamber of the automatic staining and mounting device 110. In some examples, the automatic processing flow of the automatic staining, mounting, and scanning system 100 can be manually started.

[0035] Understandably, when the control device 170 determines that the number of slide holders 900 in the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 is zero and the last slide holder 900 has been placed in the holding device 140, it can notify the staff to manually unload the stained, sealed and scanned slide holders 900 from the holding device 140.

[0036] In some examples, the control device 170 includes a controller and a human-machine interface. The controller may include a programmable logic controller, a microcontroller, a processor, etc., to control the aforementioned device. The human-machine interface may include a display, indicator lights, a touch screen, a mouse, and a keyboard, etc., to facilitate the reading and input of information by operators.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the control device 170 is used to trigger a door opening signal when the operating state of the automatic staining and sealing device 110, as identified by the first visual recognition device 160, meets the following conditions: when the number of slide holders 900 in the unloading compartment is greater than or equal to a predetermined value; when the unloading compartment is closed; and when the door indicator light of the unloading compartment is green, wherein the door opening signal indicates that the transfer device 150 is allowed to open the door of the unloading compartment of the automatic staining and sealing device 110 and move the slide holders 900 from the unloading compartment of the automatic staining and sealing device 110 to the pretreatment device 130.

[0038] It is understood that the human-machine interface of the automatic staining and sealing device 110 may include a display and indicator lights. The control device 170, through the first visual recognition device 160, can obtain the number of slide holders 900 in the unloading compartment of the automatic staining and sealing device 110, whether the unloading compartment door is open, and whether the unloading compartment door indicator light is green or red. For example, if the number of slide holders 900 in the unloading compartment is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and the unloading compartment door is closed, the unloading compartment door indicator light changes from red to green. The control device 170 can trigger a door opening signal, informing the transfer device 150 that the door can be opened to remove the slide holders 900. For example, the predetermined value can be 1, 2, or even the maximum capacity of the unloading compartment; this invention does not specifically limit this.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the door of the unloading chamber of the automatic staining and sealing device 110 is equipped with a button. The control device 170 is used to control the transfer device 150 to touch the button to open the door of the unloading chamber when the opening signal of the unloading chamber of the automatic staining and sealing device 110 is triggered, and to move the slide holder 900 from the unloading chamber of the automatic staining and sealing device 110 to the pretreatment device 130.

[0040] Understandably, the door indicator light can be integrated with the button. The transfer device 150 can open the door of the unloading compartment and remove the slide holder 900 to the pretreatment device 130 when it receives an open signal.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the control device 170 is used to start timing when the slide holder 900 is placed from the pretreatment device 130 to the holding device 140 by the transfer device 150, so that the slide holder 900 dries for a predetermined time; and the control device 170 is used to trigger a first loading signal when the predetermined time is reached, wherein the first loading signal indicates the presence of a slide holder 900 for loading into the automatic scanning device 120.

[0042] Understandably, during the mounting process, the coverslip is attached to the slide via a mounting medium, which can be cured and stabilized by drying. After the slide holder 900 has been placed in the holding device 140 for a predetermined period of time, it can be used for scanning, and therefore, the control device 170 can trigger the first loading signal.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the control device 170 is used to trigger a second loading signal when the operating state of the automatic scanning device 120 identified by the second vision recognition device 165 meets the following conditions: confirming the slot arrangement in the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120; confirming the presence of the slide holder 900 in the slot of the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120; and confirming the operating state of the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120, wherein the second loading signal indicates that the automatic scanning device 120 is in a loading-allowed operating state.

[0044] It is understood that the human-machine interface of the automatic scanning device 120 may include a display screen. The information displayed on the screen can be obtained through the second visual recognition device 165, thereby determining the working status of the automatic scanning device 120. The automatic scanning device 120 has a carousel-type hopper. The slide holder 900 is loaded into or unloaded from the automatic scanning device 120 through the hopper. The hopper moves the slide holder 900 to be scanned into the scanning receiving mechanism by rotating. Through the second visual recognition device 165, the control device 170 can determine the distribution of slots in the hopper, the presence of slide holders 900 in the slots, and whether the hopper is rotating. For example, when determining the number and distribution of slots in the hopper, and finding that some slots do not contain slide holders 900 and the hopper is not rotating, the control device 170 can generate a second loading signal, indicating that the automatic scanning device 120 is ready to load.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the control device 170 is used to control the transfer device 150 to transfer the dried slide holder 900 to the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 when the first loading signal and the second loading signal are triggered and the number of slide holders 900 in the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 is less than or equal to 3; and the control device 170 is used to control the transfer device 150 to transfer the slide holder 900 from the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 to the holding device 140 when the number of slide holders 900 in the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 is greater than 3.

[0046] For example, when the number of slide holders 900 in the hopper is 3, and when the first loading signal and the second loading signal are triggered, the transfer device 150 loads one slide holder 900 into the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120, then the number of slide holders 900 in the hopper is 4.

[0047] For example, after loading, the number of slide holders 900 in the hopper is 4. The hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 can operate, and the second loading signal is not triggered at this time. After scanning is completed, the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 stops operating, and the second loading signal is triggered. Since the number of slide holders 900 in the hopper is 4, it is possible to control the unloading of one slide holder 900 from the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120. Therefore, the number of slide holders 900 in the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 can always be maintained at 3 to 4.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the control device 170 is used to control the transfer device 150 to continue executing the current program when the loading or unloading signal of the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 is not triggered; and the control device 170 is used to control the transfer device 150 to prioritize the loading or unloading of the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 when the loading or unloading signal of the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 is triggered.

[0049] In the former case, the current main program is executed first, meaning that loading or unloading the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 does not need to be prioritized. For example, under such conditions, the transfer device 150 is opening the door of the unloading hopper of the automatic staining and sealing device 110. After the transfer device 150 opens the door of the unloading hopper of the automatic staining and sealing device 110, it will continue to move the slide holder 900 from the unloading hopper of the automatic staining and sealing device 110 to the pretreatment device 130.

[0050] In the latter case, loading or unloading of the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 is performed first. For example, under such conditions, the transfer device 150 is opening the door of the unloading hopper of the automatic dyeing and sealing device 110, and after the transfer device 150 opens the door of the unloading hopper of the automatic dyeing and sealing device 110, loading or unloading of the hopper of the automatic scanning device 120 will be performed.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the automatic staining and mounting device 110 and the automatic scanning device 120 are aligned along the first horizontal direction (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The pretreatment device 130, holding device 140, and transfer device 150 are arranged side by side in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (e.g., in the left-right direction shown); Figure 1 The automatic scanning device 120 (shown in the front-back direction) is positioned in front of the automatic scanning device 120; the pretreatment device 130 and the holding device 140 are positioned away from the automatic staining and mounting device 110 relative to the transfer device 150. In this way, the automatic staining, mounting and scanning system 100 has a compact structure and occupies less space.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the holding device 140 includes: a holder with multiple slots for inserting a slide holder 900; and multiple sensors, each correspondingly disposed at one of the multiple slots, to determine whether a slide holder 900 is inserted into a slot. Thus, the control device 170 can clearly identify which slot of the holding device 140 contains a slide holder 900 and can clearly identify when the slide holder 900 is placed on the holding device 140 for timed drying.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the pre-processing device 130 includes an actuator 131, a guide 133, and a collection box 135. The guide 133 is located below the actuator 131, and the collection box 135 is located below the guide 133. The actuator 131 is used to open both ends of the handle 930 from the inside of the handle 930 to remove the handle 930 from both ends of the body 910. The guide 133 is used to guide the removed handle 930 into the collection box 135. In this way, the handle 930 of the slide holder 900, which affects the scanning operation, can be removed, facilitating the scanning operation of the automatic scanning device 120.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the transfer device 150 is a multi-axis robot; and the first vision recognition device 160 is fixedly mounted on the end effector of the multi-axis robot. For example, the multi-axis robot can be a collaborative robot, a six-axis robot, or a four-axis robot; it can also be a multi-axis linear or rotary module; or it can be various conveyor belts or other conveying mechanisms. The collaborative robot has high repeatability and positioning accuracy, and its built-in force sensor detects collisions in real time and stops immediately, enabling human-robot collaborative operation without safety fences, thus ensuring personnel safety and improving production line flexibility. Therefore, preferably, the multi-axis robot can be a collaborative robot, and the end effector is a gripper mechanism. The first vision recognition device 160 is fixed to the gripper mechanism of the collaborative robot, so the first vision recognition device 160 is movable, allowing it to move between the display and the door indicator light of the automatic dyeing and sealing device 110.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second visual recognition device 165 is fixedly mounted in front of the human-machine interface of the automatic scanning device 120. In this way, the second visual recognition device 165 can promptly identify the working status of the automatic scanning device 120.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, there are two automatic scanning devices 120, which are arranged vertically at intervals. This increases the efficiency of automatic scanning and makes full use of space.

[0057] In some embodiments, the pretreatment device 130 is disposed below the holding device 140. This shortens the distance the slide holder 900 travels from the pretreatment device 130 to the holding device 140 and makes the automated staining, sealing, and scanning system 100 more compact.

[0058] In some examples, the automatic staining, sealing and scanning system 100 may also include an additional holding device disposed between the automatic staining and sealing device 110 and the automatic scanning device 120 for drying or temporarily storing the slide holder 900, thereby expanding the capacity of the holding device 140 for the slide holder 900.

[0059] The automatic dyeing, sealing and scanning system 100 according to the present invention makes full use of the existing automatic dyeing and sealing device 110 and automatic scanning device 120, and can complete an integrated system of automatic dyeing, sealing and scanning, thereby achieving rapid deployment at low cost, improving the degree of automation and reducing labor costs.

[0060] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0061] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0062] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0063] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0064] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic dyeing, sealing, and scanning system, characterized in that, include: A slide holder, comprising a body and a handle, wherein the body is provided with multiple receiving slots for placing slides with slices, and the two ends of the handle are detachably connected to the two ends of the body for easy gripping and moving of the slide holder; An automatic staining and mounting device is used to receive the slide holder from the loading chamber of the automatic staining and mounting device, stain and mount the slices placed on the slide, and place the slide holder in the unloading chamber of the automatic staining and mounting device after completing the staining and mounting. An automatic scanning device is used to receive the slide holder from the hopper of the automatic scanning device, scan the slices placed on the glass slide, and place the slide holder in the hopper after the scanning is completed. A pretreatment device for removing the handle of the slide holder; A holding device for holding the slide holder to dry or preserve the slide holder; A transfer device for moving the slide holder from the unloading compartment of the automatic staining and sealing device to the pretreatment device to remove the handle, moving the slide holder from the pretreatment device to the holding device, moving the slide holder from the holding device to the automatic scanning device, or moving the slide holder from the hopper of the automatic scanning device to the holding device; The first visual recognition device is used to identify the human-machine interface of the automatic staining and mounting device to obtain the working status of the automatic staining and mounting device, thereby determining whether the transfer device is allowed to move the slide holder from the unloading compartment of the automatic staining and mounting device to the pretreatment device. The second visual recognition device is used to identify the human-machine interface of the automatic scanning device to obtain the working status of the automatic scanning device, thereby determining whether the transfer device is allowed to move the slide holder from the hopper of the automatic scanning device to the holding device or move the slide holder from the holding device to the hopper of the automatic scanning device. A control device electrically connected to the preprocessing device, the holding device, the transfer device, the first visual recognition device, and the second visual recognition device, for controlling the preprocessing device, the holding device, the transfer device, the first visual recognition device, and the second visual recognition device; A workbench, the workbench being used to mount the automatic staining and mounting device, the automatic scanning device, the pretreatment device, the holding device, the transfer device, the first visual recognition device, the second visual recognition device, and the control device; A ventilation and protection device is installed around the workbench to provide protection and gas exchange for the internal space of the automatic staining and sealing device, the automatic scanning device, the pretreatment device, the holding device, the transfer device, the first visual recognition device, the second visual recognition device, and the control device.

2. The automatic dyeing, sealing, and scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide holder is used by manual placement into the loading chamber of the automatic staining and sealing device after the automatic staining, sealing and scanning system is turned on and all devices have completed initialization; and the slide holder is used by manual unloading from the holding device after the automatic scanning device has completed scanning.

3. The automatic dyeing, sealing, and scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device is used to trigger a door opening signal when the operating status of the automatic staining and sealing device, as identified by the first visual recognition device, meets the following conditions: When the number of slide holders in the unloading chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined value; When the unloading bay is closed; and When the door indicator light of the unloading compartment is green, The door opening signal indicates that the transfer device is allowed to open the door of the unloading compartment of the automatic staining and sealing device and move the slide holder from the unloading compartment of the automatic staining and sealing device to the pretreatment device.

4. The automatic dyeing, sealing, and scanning system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control device is configured to start a timer when the slide holder is placed from the pretreatment device to the holding device by the transfer device, so as to allow the slide holder to dry for a predetermined time; and the control device is configured to trigger a first loading signal when the predetermined time is reached. The first loading signal indicates the presence of the slide holder for loading onto the automatic scanning device.

5. The automatic dyeing, sealing, and scanning system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control device is used to trigger a second loading signal when the operating state of the automatic scanning device, as identified by the second visual recognition device, meets the following conditions: Confirm the slot arrangement in the hopper of the automatic scanning device; Confirm the presence and status of the slide holder in the slot of the hopper of the automatic scanning device; as well as Confirm the operating status of the hopper in the automatic scanning device. The second loading signal indicates that the automatic scanning device is in a loading-allowed working state.

6. The automatic dyeing, sealing, and scanning system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control device is used to control the transfer device to transfer the dried slides to the automatic scanning device's hopper when the first loading signal and the second loading signal are triggered and the number of slide holders in the hopper of the automatic scanning device is less than or equal to 3; and The control device is used to control the transfer device to transfer the slide holder from the hopper of the automatic scanning device to the holding device when the number of slide holders in the hopper of the automatic scanning device is greater than 3.

7. The automatic dyeing, sealing, and scanning system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control device is used to control the transfer device to continue executing the current program when the loading or unloading signal of the hopper of the automatic scanning device is not triggered; and The control device is used to control the transfer device to preferentially perform the loading or unloading of the hopper of the automatic scanning device when the loading or unloading signal of the hopper of the automatic scanning device is triggered.

8. The automatic dyeing, sealing, and scanning system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The automatic staining and mounting device and the automatic scanning device are arranged side by side along a first horizontal direction; the pretreatment device, the holding device and the transfer device are arranged in front of the automatic scanning device along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction; the pretreatment device and the holding device are arranged away from the automatic staining and mounting device relative to the transfer device.

9. The automatic dyeing, sealing, and scanning system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The holding device includes: A retainer, the retainer being provided with a plurality of slots for inserting the slide holder; and Multiple sensors are respectively disposed at the multiple slots to determine whether the slide holder is inserted into the slot.

10. The automatic dyeing, sealing, and scanning system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The pretreatment device includes an actuator, a guide, and a recycling box. The guide is located below the actuator, and the recycling box is located below the guide. The actuator is used to open both ends of the handle from the inside of the handle to remove the handle from both ends of the body. The guide is used to guide the removed handle into the recycling box.

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