Control method for smear sample processor, and smear sample processor

Abstract

To establish compatibility between continuation of smear sample preparation and identification of slide glass.SOLUTION: A control method for a smear sample processor comprising a printing part for printing a machine-readable code on slide glass includes: acquiring information on availability of the machine-readable code printed by the printing part, by a control part of the smear sample processor; and performing first control for printing the machine-readable code on the slide glass by the printing part or second control different from the first control by the control part, on the basis of the information on the availability.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a smear sample processing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Known smear sample processing devices include a smear sample preparation device that smears a sample on a glass slide to prepare a smear sample. Patent Document 1 discloses a smear sample preparation device that uses a printing unit to print a sample number, date, barcode, or two-dimensional code, etc., in a printing area on a glass slide. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-198635 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A thermal transfer printer is used as the printing unit for printing on glass slides. The heating element of a thermal transfer printer can break with continued use. When this break occurs, part of the print is missing. For example, if the text of the patient's name or specimen number is missing, the printed characters will change, potentially making it impossible for the laboratory technician to identify the slide. Therefore, conventional smear sample processing devices would stop processing smear samples even if a slight break occurred in the printing unit. However, if smear sample processing was stopped, new smear samples could not be prepared during that time.

[0005] The present invention aims to achieve both the continuation of smear preparation and the identification of slide glasses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a control method for a smear sample processing device equipped with a printing unit, which includes: acquiring, by a control unit of the smear sample processing device, information indicating the availability of the printing unit for printing a readable machine-readable code; and, based on the information indicating the availability, performing, by the control unit, a first control for printing a machine-readable code for identifying a specimen on a glass slide by the printing unit, or a second control for canceling printing by the printing unit. A second aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a smear sample processing device equipped with a printing unit, which includes using a control unit of the smear sample processing device to control the printing unit to print multiple machine-readable codes for identifying the sample on a slide glass. A third aspect of the present invention is a smear sample processing device having a printing unit, and a control unit that acquires information indicating the availability of the printing unit for printing a readable machine-readable code, and performs a first control to cause the printing unit to print a machine-readable code for identifying the specimen on a slide glass based on the information indicating the availability, or a second control to stop printing by the printing unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to continue preparing smear samples while identifying glass slides. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a smear preparation device, which is an example of a smear processing device; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a slide glass. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a smear processing system configured with a plurality of smear processing apparatuses. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a smear preparation device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a thermal transfer printer. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a printing process of machine-readable code and character information. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a printed result of machine-readable code. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a printed result of machine-readable code. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print result of machine-readable code and character information. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a determination process executed by a control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a first embodiment of the printing modes, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a second embodiment of the printing modes. [Figure 12] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a first embodiment of the printing modes, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a second embodiment of the printing modes. [Figure 13] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a first embodiment of the printing modes, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a second embodiment of the printing modes. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of condition setting data stored in a storage unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a condition setting screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a determination process executed by a control unit in a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a first embodiment when a plurality of machine-readable codes are printed, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a second embodiment when a plurality of machine-readable codes are printed. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a reading unit is provided in a smear transport device capable of communicating with a smear preparation device. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a reading unit is provided in a smear imaging device capable of communicating with a smear preparation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An example of an embodiment for carrying out a control method and the like according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1 shows a perspective view of a smear preparation device 1, which is an example of a smear preparation processing device. The smear preparation device 1 is a device that prepares a smear by smearing a sample on a glass slide, and includes a control unit 21 and a printing unit 5, which will be described later.

[0011] In the following embodiment, a smear preparation device 1 will be described as an example of a smear processing device. The smear sample processing device to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the smear sample preparation device 1, but may also be a device in which the smear sample transport device 100 described later is configured to have a printing unit, or a device in which the smear sample imaging device 200 described later is configured to have a printing unit.

[0012] [First embodiment] (Slide glass SG) FIG. 2 shows an example of a glass slide SG. The glass slide SG is made of a rectangular glass plate, and a sample is smeared on a smearing area SGa in the center. A printing area SGf, which is a printing area for a machine-readable code m (described later), is provided at the top, which is one end in the longitudinal direction of the glass slide SG. For example, the printing area SGf is an area that has been subjected to a printable process by frosting the glass surface. The printing area SGf may be an area where a printable process has been performed by coating the glass surface with a synthetic resin or the like. The machine-readable code m is information for identifying the specimen, and is printed on the printing area SGf in the form of a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or a data matrix, or a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. Along with the machine-readable code m, character information such as the specimen number, date, and patient name may be printed on the printing area SGf.

[0013] (Smear processing system) An example of a smear processing system S1 made up of a plurality of smear processing devices will be described below with reference to FIG. The smear processing system S1 comprises a smear preparation device 1, a smear transport device 100, and a smear imaging device 200. A smear prepared by the smear preparation device 1 and supplied to the smear transport device 100 is supplied to the smear imaging device 200 by the smear transport device 100. The smear sample processing system S1 can automatically perform a series of operations from preparing a smear sample by smearing a specimen such as blood on a glass slide SG to imaging the smear sample, using the smear sample preparation device 1, the smear sample transport device 100, and the smear sample imaging device 200.

[0014] (Smear preparation device 1) The smear preparation apparatus 1 shown in Figure 4 is an apparatus that prepares a smear by smearing a specimen such as blood from a subject onto a glass slide SG and then performing processes such as drying and staining. The detailed configuration of the smear preparation apparatus 1 will be described later.

[0015] (Smear specimen transport device 100) The smear sample transporting device 100 is a device that transports slide glasses SG that have completed the staining process from the smear sample preparation device 1, separates the slide glasses SG into those that are to be imaged by the smear sample imaging device 200 and those that are not to be imaged by the smear sample imaging device 200, and supplies the slide glasses SG that are to be imaged to the smear sample imaging device 200. As shown in Figure 3, the smear transporting device 100 includes a control unit 110 that controls each part of the smear transporting device 100, and a communication unit 111 for communicating with the smear preparation device 1 and the smear imaging device 200.

[0016] The smear sample transport device 100 has a first supply area 131 that supplies magazines 90, which are sample storage devices containing slide glasses SG that have completed the staining process, and a second supply area 132 that supplies empty magazines 90 that are set by the user.It also has a first storage area 133 that stores only slide glasses SG that are not to be imaged (slide glasses SG that are to be visually inspected using a microscope) after the slide glasses SG to be imaged have been picked up, and a second storage area 134 that stores the slide glasses SG that have been imaged as the imaged samples. In addition, an interrupt specimen container setting area 135 in which a magazine 90 containing slide glasses SG prepared by a user is set may be provided on the left side of the first supply area 131.

[0017] The smear transport device 100 includes a specimen container transport section 140 that transports the supplied slide glass SG, and a specimen transport section 170 that stores the slide glass SG to be imaged in a transport case 152 and transports it to the smear imaging device 200. The specimen container transport section 140 includes a first transport section 141 and a second transport section 142. The first transport unit 141 and the second transport unit 142 transport the magazine 90 in the X2 direction. The smear transport device 100 is equipped with a horizontal movement mechanism 123 that moves the slide glass SG between the sample delivery position W and the delivery unit 205 of the smear imaging device 200. The first supply area 131 and the first storage area 133 belong to the first transport unit 141. The second supply area 132 and the second storage area 134 belong to the second transport unit 142.

[0018] The first transport unit 141 receives the magazine 90 from the smear preparation device 1 and transports it to the specimen pickup position P. At the specimen pickup position P, the slide glasses SG are picked up in order by a handling unit (not shown) of the specimen transfer unit 170, and are sorted into slide glasses SG to be imaged and slide glasses SG not to be imaged. This selection is performed, for example, by reading the machine-readable code m with a reading unit (e.g., a camera or a barcode reader) not shown in the figure and inquiring about the necessity of imaging from the storage unit 19. The magazine 90 containing the slide glasses SG that are not to be imaged is transported from the specimen pickup position P to the first storage area 133. These slide glasses SG are the subject of visual inspection using a microscope. The slide glasses SG to be imaged are inserted into a transport case 152 located at the specimen delivery position W, and the transport case 152 is positioned in the delivery section 205 of the smear imaging device 200.

[0019] The second transport unit 142 transports an empty magazine 90 that has been set in the second supply area 132 by the user to the specimen storage position A. The slide glasses SG that have been imaged by the smear specimen imaging device 200 at the specimen storage position A are stored sequentially in the magazine 90. When the magazine 90 at the specimen storage position A becomes full, the second transport unit 142 transports the full magazine 90 from the specimen storage position A to the second storage area 134. Thereafter, the empty magazine 90 is transported to the specimen storage position A by the second transport unit 142.

[0020] (Smear specimen imaging device 200) The smear sample imaging device 200 is a device that transports a glass slide SG determined to be the subject of imaging using the smear sample transport device 100 and images the glass slide SG.As shown in Figure 3, it is equipped with a control unit 202 that controls each part of the smear sample imaging device 200, a communication unit 204 for communicating with the smear sample preparation device 1 and the smear sample transport device 100, etc. In the smear imaging device 200, the glass slide SG is removed from the transport case 152 that has been moved to the delivery section 205. The removed glass slide SG is transported to the oil application section 207, where oil is applied to the specimen, such as blood, smeared on the glass slide SG as needed. The smear imaging device 200 reads the machine-readable code m printed on the glass slide SG using a reading unit (not shown) to identify the sample. Next, the glass slide SG is transported to the imaging unit 201 by a transport unit (not shown). In the imaging unit 201, an image of the sample is captured by a camera. The captured image data is transmitted to the control unit 202. The control unit 202 performs predetermined processes such as cell feature extraction and identification / classification, as well as cutting out blood cell images, automatic blood cell classification, and counting by blood cell type. The captured image data and analysis results can be displayed on the display monitor 203 together with information decoded from the read machine-readable code, and can be transmitted to other devices via the communication unit 204.

[0021] The imaged slide glass SG is returned to the delivery section 205 by a transport section (not shown) and then returned to the waiting transport case 152. The transport case 152 is moved to the specimen delivery position W, and its posture is changed from a horizontal posture to an upright posture by a posture change mechanism (not shown). The slide glass SG in the transport case 152, which has been brought to an upright posture at the specimen delivery position W, is picked up by a handling section (not shown) and stored in the magazine 90 waiting at the specimen storage position A. In other words, the imaged slide glass SG is stored in the magazine 90 waiting at the specimen storage position A. For example, the configuration of the specimen transport device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-20353 can be applied to the details of the smear specimen transport device 100. For example, the configuration of the specimen image capturing device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-20353 can be applied to the details of the smear specimen imaging device 200. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-20353 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] (Detailed configuration of smear preparation device 1) 4 is a diagram showing an example of a block diagram of the smear preparation apparatus 1. The smear preparation apparatus 1 includes a supply unit 3, a printing unit 5, a reading unit 7, a blood collection tube reading unit 9, a smear unit 11, a drying unit 12, a staining unit 13, an operation unit 15, a display unit 17, a memory unit 19, a control unit 21, a communication unit 23, and a storage unit 86, and each unit is connected to each other via an interface so as to be able to communicate with each other. The components of the embodiment of the smear preparation device 1 will be specifically described below mainly with reference to FIG.

[0023] (Supply section 3) The supply unit 3 has a function of supplying unprocessed slide glasses SG. The supply unit 3 stores, for example, a plurality of slide glasses SG and delivers the slide glasses SG one by one to a transport mechanism. The slide glasses SG supplied to the transport mechanism are transported by the transport mechanism to the printing unit 5, the reading unit 7, the smearing unit 11, and the drying unit 12. As the transport mechanism, for example, the transport mechanism described in JP 2017-198635 A can be applied. JP 2017-198635 A is incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] (Print section 5) The printing unit 5 prints a machine-readable code m and character information on the printing portion SGf of the slide glass SG. Figure 5(a) is a bottom view of a thermal transfer printer SP, which is an example of the printing unit 5, and Figures 5(b) and 5(c) are side views of the thermal transfer printer SP. The thermal transfer printer SP includes a head substrate PH, a heating unit PT provided at the rear tip of the head substrate PH, and an ink ribbon PI heated by the heating unit PT. The heating unit PT has minute heating elements arranged in a row in the main scanning direction. The heating unit PT can selectively heat one or more heating elements. The ink ribbon PI is brought into contact with the heating unit PT, and the printing area SGf of the glass slide SG is pressed against the heating unit PT via the ink ribbon PI. By heating a selected heating element, the ink on the ink ribbon PI in contact with the heating element melts. This causes the melted ink to adhere to the printing area SGf. By performing these operations while feeding the ink ribbon PI and glass slide SG in the sub-scanning direction, a specified machine-readable code, character, etc. is printed on the printing area SGf of the glass slide SG.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 5(b), a support member PA is fixed to the printing unit 5, a rotating member PR is rotatably supported by the support member PA, and a head substrate PH is fixed to the rotating member PR. As shown in Fig. 5(c), by rotating the head substrate PH downward together with the rotating member PR relative to the support member PA, the heating unit PT can be pressed against the printing target SGf via the ink ribbon PI, thereby printing. The heating unit PT may be stopped by pressing it against the printing unit SGf using a stopper (not shown). The mechanism for rotating the rotating member PR is, for example, a mechanism consisting of gears and cams. When printing is not in progress, the head base PH can be rotated upward together with the rotating member PR by the biasing force of a spring mechanism (not shown), separating the heating unit PT from the slide glass SG. The slide glass SG may be pressed against the heating unit PT via the ink ribbon PI, or the heating unit PT may be pressed against the slide glass SG via the ink ribbon PI, and the pressing direction is not limited. With the slide glass SG held on a holding mechanism (not shown), the printing process can be performed by moving the holding mechanism (not shown) up and down using an up and down positioning member (not shown) or the like.

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the process of printing a machine-readable code m and character information on a glass slide SG. Figure 6(a) shows the state before printing, Figure 6(b) shows the state during printing, and Figure 6(c) shows the state after printing. During printing, the head substrate PH is repeatedly pressed against the glass slide SG at high speed. In this example, a QR code is printed as the machine-readable code m, and the date and specimen number are printed as text information on the printing area SGf of the glass slide SG. The printing of the machine-readable code m on the printing area SGf of the glass slide SG is performed based on the blood collection tube identification information read by the blood collection tube reader 9 from the blood collection tube BP in which the collected blood is stored.

[0027] Figure 7(a) is a partial enlarged view of part R1 in Figure 6(a). Heating elements PT1 to PT10 are fixed to the head substrate PH. When printing is performed at the positions of heating elements PT4 to PT10, the heating elements PT4 to PT10 are heated, and the melted ink adheres to the printing portion SGf as shown in Figure 7(b). As mentioned above, the head substrate PH is repeatedly pressed against the glass slide SG at high speed, repeatedly subjecting the heaters PT4-10 to strong impacts. Because the glass slide is made of a particularly hard material, the impact on the heater when pressed is particularly large, which can cause the heater to break. Fine glass powder may adhere to the surface of the glass slide SG. When the heater collides with glass powder adhering to the surface of the glass slide SG, a strong force is applied to the heater, which can also cause the heater to break. If the heater breaks, it will no longer be heated, and ink will no longer be able to adhere to the printing area SGf, preventing the formation of dots corresponding to that heater. For example, if heater PT8 breaks, there will be a loss of print in the sub-scanning direction as shown in Figures 8(c) and 8(d). If heaters PT5 to PT9 break, there will be a loss of print in the sub-scanning direction as shown in Figures 8(e) and 8(f).

[0028] Heating element disconnections occur randomly. For example, the heating element corresponding to the dots of the QR code may disconnect, or the heating element corresponding to the dots of the character information may disconnect. For example, if the heating element corresponding to the QR code disconnects, the QR code will be missing, as shown in Figures 8(e) and 8(f). If the heating element corresponding to the character information disconnects, the character information will be missing, as shown in Figure 9(g). For example, even if the letter "A" in a patient's name is missing, it does not affect the recognition of the character. On the other hand, if the "1" in a numerical specimen number is missing, the specimen number itself changes, making the slide impossible to visually identify. Because print defects due to heater disconnections occur randomly and their impact on slide identification is unpredictable, conventional smear preparation devices monitor approximately 400 heaters arranged in the scanning direction and stop printing if only a few (e.g., one or two) are disconnected. While this improves the visual identification of slides, it also causes the smear preparation device to frequently shut down, shortening the mean time between failures (MTBF).

[0029] In contrast, in this embodiment, the smear preparation device is not controlled based on whether or not a random break occurs in the heater, but rather based on information (hereinafter referred to as "availability information") indicating the availability (hereinafter referred to as "availability") of the printing unit 5 to print a readable machine-readable code m. As a result, even if a break occurs in the heater, printing by the smear preparation device continues as long as the printed machine-readable code m is available, i.e., can be mechanically read. By adopting this configuration, frequent shutdowns of the smear preparation device can be avoided, improving the MTBF. Control according to this embodiment will be described later.

[0030] (Reading unit 7) Returning to FIG. 3 , the reading unit 7 will be described. The reading unit 7 is configured to read a machine-readable code m, such as a QR code, printed by the printing unit 5. The reading unit 7 is composed of a camera unit that captures images and an image processing unit that decodes the captured images, and is provided in a position where it can capture an image of the printing portion SGf of the slide glass SG on which printing has been completed. After the reading unit 7 acquires the machine-readable code m based on the captured image, it transmits the machine-readable code m to the control unit 21. If the reading unit 7 is unable to decode from the captured image, it transmits read error information to the control unit 21. For example, cases where it is unable to decode from the captured image include a timeout due to an inability to detect the finder pattern, or a case where the error correction function cannot be applied due to the degree of loss in the data area, making it impossible to decode into a predetermined format. In this way, the control unit 21 obtains the machine-readable code m or read error information as the reading result by the reading unit 7.

[0031] The reading unit 7 does not necessarily have to include an image processing unit that performs decoding. The control unit 21 that acquires the captured image from the reading unit 7 may then perform decoding.

[0032] The reading unit 7 may detect any defects in the printing in addition to decoding the printed machine-readable code m. In this case, the reading unit 7 may not detect any defects in the printing, but the control unit 21 may detect any defects in the printing after acquiring the captured image from the reading unit 7.

[0033] The reading unit 7 may be the same as the blood collection tube reading unit 9.

[0034] The reading unit 7 does not have to be provided in the smear preparation apparatus 1, and for example, a reading unit having similar functions may be provided in a smear transport device 100 capable of communicating with the smear preparation apparatus 1 or in a smear imaging device 200 capable of communicating with the smear preparation apparatus 1. This embodiment will be described later.

[0035] (Blood collection tube reading unit 9) The blood collection tube reading unit 9 is composed of, for example, a camera unit that acquires images, similar to the reading unit 7. The blood collection tube reading unit 9 reads blood collection tube identification information, such as a barcode, displayed on the blood collection tube BP and transmits the blood collection tube identification information to the control unit 21 as a specimen number.

[0036] (smear section 11) The smearing unit 11 has the function of smearing a sample on a glass slide SG. The smearing unit 11 aspirates the sample using a sample suction mechanism (not shown), drops the sample onto the smeared area SGa of the glass slide SG, and performs a smearing process using a smearing mechanism appropriate for the smearing method. For example, the sample is smeared onto the smeared area SGa by a smearing method (the so-called wedge method) using a smearing member (not shown) such as a drawing glass.

[0037] (Drying section 12) The drying unit 12 has a function of receiving the slide glass SG on which the sample has been smeared from the smearing unit 11 and blowing air onto the smeared area SGa of the slide glass SG to dry the sample smeared on the slide glass SG. The drying unit 12 may be included in the smearing unit 11.

[0038] (Dyeing Section 13) The staining unit 13 includes a staining tank 120 and a drying tank 50, which will be described below. The staining unit 13 stores a staining liquid and stains the glass slides SG smeared by the smearing unit 11 with the staining liquid. The staining tank 120 and the drying tank 50 may be configured to be able to hold a plurality of glass slides SG.

[0039] In the staining section 13, the specimen-smeared slide glass SG that has been dried in the drying section 12 is stained and washed in the staining tanks 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, and 120e and the washing tanks 40a and 40b of the staining tank 120. The stained slide glass SG is dried by blowing air in the drying tank 50. After staining and drying, the slide glass SG is transferred to the storage section 86 by a transfer section (not shown).

[0040] The staining tank 120 has a container shape that can accommodate a slide glass SG and contains a staining solution inside. The cleaning tank 40 has a container shape that can accommodate a slide glass SG and contains a cleaning solution inside. Three staining tanks 120a, 120b, and 120c, a cleaning tank 40a, two staining tanks 120d and 120e, and a cleaning tank 40b are arranged in order along the Y-axis direction. The number of staining tanks 120 and cleaning tanks 40 can be changed as appropriate depending on the content of the staining process, the number of steps, etc.

[0041] (Operation unit 15, display unit 17, storage unit 19) The operation unit 15 accepts input to the smear preparation apparatus 1. The operation unit 15 is realized by, for example, hardware keys such as a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation unit 15 may also be a touch panel, a camera (for operation input via moving images), or a microphone (for operation input by voice). The display unit 17 displays the state of the smear preparation apparatus 1, data related to the sample, information for operation, etc. The display unit 17 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display (OLED). The memory unit 19 has a function of storing various programs and various data required for the operation of the smear preparation apparatus 1. The memory unit 19 is, for example, one of various storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, a random access memory (RAM), or a read only memory (ROM).

[0042] (Control unit 21, communication unit 23) The control unit 21 has a physically structured circuit for executing functions realized by the codes or instructions included in the program, and is realized by a data processing device built into hardware. The control unit 21 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), but may also be a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an ASIC, or an FPGA. The control unit 21 controls the smear preparation device 1 based on the programs stored in the memory unit 19. The communication unit 23 is communicably connected to the communication unit 111 of the smear transport device 100 and the communication unit 204 of the smear imaging device 200, and is capable of transmitting and receiving information to perform mutually linked operations.

[0043] In this embodiment, the control unit 21 generates raster data for printing a machine-readable code (such as a two-dimensional code) and the sample number based on the sample number received from the blood collection tube reading unit 9. The control unit 21 then executes control for executing printing by transmitting the raster data to the printing unit 5. The printing unit 5 controls the heating ON / OFF of each heating element constituting the heating unit PT based on the received command to perform printing. The printing unit 5 can check for disconnection of the heater at one or more of the following predetermined times: when the power is turned on (before the first printing is performed after the power is turned on), before printing is performed on the glass slide SG, and after printing is performed on the glass slide SG. The disconnection check for the heater will be described later.

[0044] The control unit 21 may transmit printing information including at least information to be encoded into a two-dimensional code (e.g., specimen number, date, name) to the printing unit 5. Then, the printing unit 5 may generate raster data including at least the two-dimensional code based on the received printing information and perform printing.

[0045] (Storage Department 86) The storage unit 86 stores slide glasses SG after staining in a magazine 90 for storage, and transports them using a magazine transport unit 91. The magazine transport unit 91 includes a magazine entry path 92 capable of storing multiple empty magazines 90, a magazine exit path 93 capable of storing magazines 90 containing slide glasses SG after staining, and a lateral feed mechanism 94 that spans from the magazine entry path 92 to the magazine exit path 93. Each magazine 90 contains, for example, 10 slide glasses SG separated by a partition. When a user sets an empty magazine 90 in the insertion section D of the magazine entry path 92, the magazine transport unit 91 automatically transports the magazine 90 toward the specimen storage position 95.

[0046] The slide glass SG for which the staining process has been completed is picked up by a transport unit (not shown) and stored in an empty storage portion of the magazine 90 arranged at the specimen storage position 95. When the storage portion of the magazine 90 is full, it is transported laterally from the magazine inlet path 92 to the magazine outlet path 93 by a lateral feed mechanism 94. The magazine 90 transported laterally to the magazine outlet path 93 is automatically transported forward along the Y axis. The magazine 90 transported to the frontmost side is transported by the lateral feed unit 130 to the first supply area 131 of the smear transport device 100.

[0047] <Example> Below, several examples will be described, focusing on the processing performed by the device.

[0048] <First Example> FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the determination process performed by the control unit 21 in the first embodiment. The processing in the flowcharts described below may be realized by the control unit 21 reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 19, for example. In the following, each symbol S in the flowchart means a step.

[0049] This process is a process for controlling the printing unit 5 based on availability information before or after printing is started. Availability information is information on whether the printing unit 5 can print a machine-readable code m that can be mechanically read by a reading device (e.g., a camera). Types of availability information will be described later.

[0050] First, the control unit 21 acquires availability information (S101).

[0051] Next, the control unit 21 determines the availability of the printing unit 5 for printing the readable machine-readable code m based on the availability information acquired in S101 (S103). If the control unit 21 determines that the printing unit 5 is available (S103: OK), the control unit 21 performs control to cause the printing unit 5 to execute printing (hereinafter referred to as "print execution control") (S105). The print execution control may be an example of the first control.

[0052] As the first control, in addition to the print execution control, further controls such as control to issue an alert via an output unit such as the display unit 17 (hereinafter referred to as "alert output control") and control to change the printing mode (hereinafter referred to as "print mode") of the printing unit 5 (hereinafter referred to as "print mode change control") may be performed. These will be described in detail later.

[0053] In the print execution control, a slide glass SG to be printed is supplied from the supply unit 3 to the printing unit 5, and printing is performed. The control unit 21 transmits raster data to the printing unit 5. Then, the printing unit 5 performs thermal transfer based on the raster data onto the slide glass SG.

[0054] On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that there is no availability (S103: NG), the control unit 21 performs control (hereinafter referred to as "printing cancellation control") to prevent the printing unit 5 from starting printing (to cancel printing) (S107). The printing cancellation control may be an example of the second control.

[0055] When print cancellation control is performed as the second control, a notification that printing has been cancelled may be given via an output unit such as display unit 17 (hereinafter referred to as a "print cancellation notification").

[0056] After S105 or S107, the control unit 21 ends the process.

[0057] (Availability information) Next, we will explain the availability information. The availability information is (1) information on whether the reading device successfully reads the machine-readable code m actually printed by the printing unit 5, or (2) information on the status of the printing unit 5 related to the readability of the machine-readable code m. In the case of (1), the printing unit 5 actually prints a machine-readable code m on the slide glass SG, and the control unit 21 acquires information regarding the reading result obtained by the reading unit 7 reading this (hereinafter referred to as "information regarding the reading result" as appropriate) as availability information. In the case of (2), information on the status of the printing unit 5 may be obtained, for example, information on a disconnection of the heating element output from the printing unit 5 (hereinafter referred to as "information on a disconnection of the heating element" as appropriate).

[0058] (1) Information about the reading results An example of acquiring information about the read result as availability information will be described.

[0059] When obtaining information regarding the reading result as availability information, the control unit 21, in S101, causes the printing unit 5 to print a machine-readable code m on the slide glass SG, and obtains the reading result by having the reading unit 7 read the printed machine-readable code m. More specifically, the control unit 21 controls the supply unit 3 to supply the slide glass SG to the printing unit 5, and controls the printing unit 5 to print the machine-readable code m. The slide glass SG on which the machine-readable code m is printed may be referred to as the first slide glass. Next, the control unit 21 supplies the printed first slide glass from the printing unit 5 to the reading unit 7 and causes the reading unit 7 to read the machine-readable code m. If the reading unit 7 can decode the machine-readable code m, the control unit 21 receives the decoded sample information from the reading unit 7. If the reading unit 7 fails to decode the code, information about a reading error is sent to the control unit 21.

[0060] If the decoded sample information is received in S103, that is, if it is available, the control unit 21 determines that it can be read (S103: OK), and in S105, the control unit 21 controls the continuation of processing on the first slide glass. That is, the control unit 21 performs smearing of the sample on the first glass slide by the smearing unit 11, drying by the drying unit 12, and staining by the staining unit 13. Furthermore, the control unit 21 controls printing on the second glass slide that arrives at the printing unit after the first glass slide. The processing continuation control for the first glass slide and the printing execution control for the second glass slide may be examples of the first control. After the first control, the control unit 21 may execute smearing of the sample on the first glass slide by the smearing unit 11, drying by the drying unit 12, and staining by the staining unit 13.

[0061] If information of a reading error is received in S103, that is, if there is no availability, the control unit 21 determines that reading is not possible (S103: NG) and stops the process in S107. When stopping the process, the control unit 21 stops the process for the first glass slide. Furthermore, the control unit 21 performs control to stop printing for the second glass slide that arrived at the printing unit after the first glass slide. For example, the control unit 21 may discharge the first glass slide without smearing the sample in the smearing unit 11, drying in the drying unit 12, or staining in the staining unit 13. If another glass slide SG is being processed in the smearing unit 11, drying unit 12, or staining unit 13, the control unit 21 may stop processing the first and second glass slides while continuing processing the other glass slide SG.

[0062] In addition, if multiple machine-readable codes are printed on the slide glass, all of the machine-readable codes may be read, and if any one of the multiple machine-readable codes is determined to be readable, the first control may be executed, and if all of the codes are determined to be unreadable, the second control may be executed.

[0063] (2) Information regarding disconnection of the heating element The following describes an example in which information regarding a disconnection of a heater is acquired as availability information. When acquiring information regarding a disconnection of a heater as availability information, the control unit 21 causes the printing unit 5 to execute a disconnection check in S101. In the disconnection check, for example, the printing unit 5 compares the resistance value of each heater with a threshold value, and if the resistance value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, determines that the heater is disconnected. The printing unit 5 transmits the numbers of the disconnected heaters to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 may identify information regarding the number and location of the disconnected heaters from the acquired numbers of the disconnected heaters.

[0064] If a resistance value lower than the threshold for determining that a break has occurred by a certain value is observed, it may be further determined that there is a possibility that a break will occur in the near future. In this case, the printing unit 5 may transmit the numbers of the heating elements that may break in the near future to the control unit 21, and the control unit 21 may identify information on the number and locations of the heating elements that may break in the near future. The number of identified heating elements that may break in the near future may or may not be included in the "number of broken heating elements." The locations of identified heating elements that may break in the near future may or may not be included in the "locations of broken heating elements."

[0065] Availability is determined based on the results of a check for broken heaters corresponding to the printing position of the machine-readable code. That is, the control unit 21 determines that machine-readable code m cannot be read if a predetermined number and location of broken heaters are found among the heaters corresponding to the printing position of the machine-readable code. For example, if there are "A consecutive and B random" broken heaters among the heaters corresponding to the dots of machine-readable code m, it is determined that there is no availability. In this case, if neither of the following conditions is met: the number of consecutive heater wire breaks among the heaters corresponding to the dots of the machine-readable code m reaches A; nor the total number of heater wire breaks, whether consecutive or not (hereinafter referred to as the "number of random heater wire breaks") reaches B, the control unit 21 determines that availability is OK (S103: OK). Then, the control unit 21 performs print execution control (S105). The print execution control may be an example of first control. In the print execution control, a slide glass SG to be printed is supplied from the supply unit 3 to the printing unit 5, and printing is performed. The control unit 21 transmits raster data to the printing unit 5. Then, the printing unit 5 performs thermal transfer based on the raster data onto the slide glass SG.

[0066] In contrast, for example, when at least one of the following conditions is met: the number of wire breaks in consecutive heaters reaches A among the heaters corresponding to the dots of the machine-readable code m, and the number of wire breaks in random heaters reaches B, the control unit 21 determines that the availability is NG (S103: NG). Then, the control unit 21 performs, for example, print abort control (S107). The print abort control may be an example of the second control.

[0067] Furthermore, a condition for a heater breakage may be set, and the control unit 21 may determine whether or not to include alert output control as the first control based on that condition. For example, alert output control may be executed in addition to print execution control when the number of heater breakages is smaller than when print abort control is executed as the second control. Also, if none of the conditions apply, it may be determined that only print execution control is executed. This point will be described later.

[0068] It should be noted that the user may set conditions for monitoring the heater, including the heater monitoring range, and check for disconnection in accordance with these conditions. This will be described later.

[0069] (Modification of the first control) In addition to the print execution control described above, the control unit 21 may also perform, as the first control, alert output control and print mode change control, for example. These will be described in detail below.

[0070] The alert output control is, for example, control to display a message indicating that an abnormality has been detected in the printing unit 5 on the display unit 17. Note that the alert output control may also be to cause an audio output unit (not shown) to output an alert message or an alert sound.

[0071] The alert output control is executed according to the state of the printing unit 5. The information for determining the state of the printing unit 5 may be information about the reading result, or information about the number and positions of breaks in the heating elements of the printing unit 5. For example, even if it is determined that there is availability, if a predetermined number and positions of breaks are detected in the heating elements corresponding to the printing position of the machine-readable code m, the alert output control may be executed. Even if it is determined that there is availability, if breaks are found in the heating elements corresponding to the printing position of the character information, the alert output control may be executed. The user may set the conditions for executing the alert output control, as will be described later.

[0072] The print mode change control is a control to change the print mode from the first mode to the second mode before the print execution control. The print mode change control is executed when there is availability but a disconnection in the printing unit 5 or when a print defect is detected.

[0073] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a printing mode, where an example of a first mode is shown in FIG. 11(a) and an example of a second mode is shown in FIG. 11(b). In this example, the first mode is a mode in which a QR code as a machine-readable code m is printed on the left side of the printing portion SGf, and a specimen number as character information is printed on the right side. In contrast to this, the second embodiment is an embodiment in which a QR code as the machine-readable code m is printed on the right side of the printing portion SGf, and the specimen number as character information is printed on the left side. In other words, the second embodiment is an embodiment in which the position of the machine-readable code m is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0074] The machine-readable code m may be a machine-readable code such as a QR code as described above, and the second embodiment may be an embodiment in which the position of the machine-readable code is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0075] FIG. 11(a) shows a state in which a part of the QR code is missing due to a break in the heater. In this case, there is a possibility that the QR code cannot be read, but by changing to the second mode as shown in Figure 11(b), although some of the characters on the left side are missing, the QR code on the right side is not missing, and the QR code can be read reliably. In this way, the readability of the machine-readable code m can be increased.

[0076] For example, if the finder pattern or alignment pattern in the QR code is missing (for example, at the left or right end of the QR code), the reading unit 7 may not be able to detect the finder pattern or alignment pattern, and may not be able to detect the QR code. For this reason, for example, the second mode may be a printing mode of raster data in which the QR code printing position is shifted horizontally by a predetermined number of printing dots from the first mode. Alternatively, when obtaining the position of a break in the heating element, the second mode may be a mode in which printing is performed while avoiding the position of the break. In the second mode, the finder pattern and alignment pattern are printed, but the data area is missing. However, the data area is allowed to be missing according to the error correction level by the error correction code, so the QR code can be decoded.

[0077] Similarly, when the format information in the QR code is lost, the QR code printing position may be shifted horizontally to change to a second format that enables decoding.

[0078] The second mode may be a mode in which the angle of the machine-readable code is different from that of the first mode, or the angle of the machine-readable code may be different from that of the first mode. Specifically, for example, the first mode may be a mode in which the QR code is printed in the normal mode (default mode), and the second mode may be a mode in which the QR code is printed rotated at a predetermined angle from the normal mode. The predetermined angle may be, for example, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, etc.

[0079] FIG. 12 shows an example of a printing mode in this case, with an example of a first mode being shown in FIG. 12(a) and an example of a second mode being shown in FIG. 12(b). In this example, in the second mode, the QR code is printed in a mode rotated 45 degrees clockwise on the printing target portion SGf.

[0080] FIG. 12(a) shows a state in which a part of the QR code is missing due to a break in the heater. In this case, there is a possibility that the QR code cannot be read because a certain range of the data area is missing. However, in the second mode as shown in Figure 12(b), the missing range in the data area becomes smaller as the QR code is rotated, thereby increasing the possibility of reading the QR code. In this way, the readability of the machine-readable code m can be increased.

[0081] The control unit 21 may calculate the predetermined angle based on the availability information so that the disconnection will avoid the alignment pattern or the finder pattern.

[0082] The size of the machine-readable code may differ between the first and second modes. For example, the second mode may be configured to reduce the size of the QR code symbol (reducing the number of cells) or downgrade the version from the first mode, as long as the amount of information stored in the code is sufficient. This may prevent the code in the second mode from overlapping with a broken heater.

[0083] The second aspect may be a code that combines any of the above horizontal shift, rotation, and reduction elements with the machine-readable code of the first aspect.

[0084] FIG. 13 shows another example of the printing mode, with an example of the first mode being shown in FIG. 13(a) and an example of the second mode being shown in FIG. 13(b). In this example, in the second embodiment, two identical QR codes are printed on the left side of the printing area SGf, one on the left and one on the right. In other words, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the number of QR codes, which are an example of a machine-readable code containing an error correction code.

[0085] In addition, FIG. 13(a) shows a state in which a part of the QR code on the left side is missing due to a break in the heater. In this case, there is a possibility that the QR code on the left cannot be read, but by changing to the second mode as shown in Figure 13(b), although part of the QR code on the left remains missing, the QR code on the right is not missing, so at least one of the QR codes can be read reliably. In this way, the readability of the machine-readable code m can be increased.

[0086] In addition, a second embodiment may be one in which information other than the machine-readable code including the error correction code as the machine-readable code to be printed on the glass slide SG is reduced, for example, text information such as the specimen number, date, and patient name, and multiple machine-readable codes including the error correction code are added in the freed space and printed.

[0087] It is also possible to prepare in advance a plurality of types of slide glasses SG with different sizes of the printing portions SGf. When printing in the second mode, the QR code or the like will not fit on the printing area SGf of the slide glass SG that has the error if an attempt is made to avoid disconnection, but it may fit on a slide glass SG with a larger printing area SGf. For this reason, the control unit 21 may, as an alert output control, display information on the display unit 17 urging the user to use a slide glass SG with a larger printing area SGf.

[0088] When controlling the change of the print mode, the control unit 21 may be configured to notify the change of the print mode. Specifically, for example, the control unit 21 may control the display unit 17 to display information indicating that the print mode has been changed or information that identifies the changed print mode. The sound output unit may also be configured to output sound.

[0089] For example, the control unit 21 may perform both print mode change control and alert output control in addition to print execution control.

[0090] The print mode change control may be performed, for example, before printing on each slide, or after printing on a predetermined number of slides and before controlling the printing of the next slide. In this case, the heaters used to print the machine-readable code can be distributed, reducing the risk of heater breakage.

[0091] The necessity of executing the alert output control and the print mode change control may be determined based on the availability information.

[0092] For example, if information regarding the reading results is obtained as availability information and it is determined that the print is available, and if the reading unit 7 detects a predetermined range of missing print data, alert output control or print mode change control may be executed.

[0093] For example, when obtaining information regarding a broken heater element as availability information, if the number and location of broken heater elements is predetermined, alert output control or print mode change control may be executed.

[0094] The types of availability information used by the control unit 21 to determine availability and to determine whether alert output control and print mode change control need to be executed may be different. For example, if the control unit 21 acquires information about the reading result and determines that reading is possible, it determines that availability exists and determines to execute print execution control. Thereafter, it may further acquire information about a disconnection of the heater and determine whether alert output control or print mode change control needs to be executed.

[0095] (Specific examples of alert output conditions and print cancellation conditions) As described above, there are cases where alert output control is executed and cases where print stop control is executed. The control unit 21 may determine whether a condition for stopping printing (hereinafter referred to as a "printing stop condition") is met based on the acquired information about the disconnection of the heating element. The printing stop condition can also be said to be a condition under which the control unit 21 determines whether to perform the first control or the second control. Furthermore, the control unit 21 may determine a condition for performing alert output control (hereinafter referred to as an "alert output condition"). The alert output condition can also be said to be a condition under which the control unit 21 determines, after determining that the first control is to be performed, whether to perform only print execution control as the first control, or to perform alert output control in addition to print execution control. The conditions for canceling printing and the conditions for outputting an alert in the above process may be stored in advance in the memory unit 19, and the control unit 21 may make a judgment based on the conditions stored in the memory unit 19. The conditions for executing alert output control and print stop control will be described below.

[0096] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of condition setting data, which is an example of data stored in the storage unit 19 in this case. Here, the conditions are set based on the information on the number of broken wires in the heater, and "number" means the number of broken wires in the heater. Note that the location of the breakage is also an issue, so information on the location of the breakage in the heater is also required.

[0097] In this condition setting data, a monitoring range, an alert output condition, and a printing stop condition are set in association with each other.

[0098] For each of the alert output condition and the printing stop condition, a (A) finder pattern / alignment pattern and a (B) data area of the QR code are defined.

[0099] (A) finder pattern / alignment pattern The finder pattern is a pattern in which finder patterns are arranged at three corners of the QR code. The alignment pattern is a pattern in which a pattern for correcting the positional deviation of each cell caused by distortion is arranged in the QR code.

[0100] For the alert output condition, "C consecutive and D random" is defined. This means that when the control unit 21 determines that at least one of the conditions that the number of broken wires of consecutive heating elements among the heating elements used for printing the finder pattern and the alignment pattern reaches C and the number of broken wires of random heating elements reaches D is satisfied, alert output control may be performed.

[0101] For the printing stop condition, "E consecutive and F random" is defined. This means that when the control unit 21 determines that at least one of the conditions that the number of broken wires of consecutive heating elements among the heating elements used for printing the finder pattern and the alignment pattern reaches E and the number of broken wires of random heating elements reaches F is satisfied, printing stop control may be performed. In this case, the alert output may be set with a smaller number of books than the printing stop condition. For example, the number of broken wires may be set so that "C < E" and "D < F".

[0102] (B) data area For the alert output condition, "I consecutive and J random" is defined. This may be such that when the control unit 21 determines that at least one of the conditions that the number of broken wires of consecutive heating elements among the heating elements used for printing the finder pattern and the alignment pattern reaches I and that the number of broken wires of random heating elements reaches J is satisfied, alert output control is performed.

[0103] For the printing stop condition, "consecutive M pieces, random N pieces" is defined. This may be such that when the control unit 21 determines that at least one of the conditions that the number of broken wires of consecutive heating elements among the heating elements used for printing the finder pattern and the alignment pattern reaches M and that the number of broken wires of random heating elements reaches N is satisfied, printing stop control is performed. In this case, the alert output may be conditioned on a smaller number than the printing stop condition. For example, the number of broken wires may be set so that "I < M" and "J < N".

[0104] Note that, for example, since the finder pattern and the alignment pattern greatly affect the reading accuracy, the condition may be a smaller number than the condition of the data area. For example, the number of broken wires may be set so that for "consecutive", "C < I" and "E < M", and for "random", "D < J" and "F < N".

[0105] Note that in the data area, for the area where the format information storing mask patterns and the like essential for decoding the QR code are arranged vertically, for example, conditions similar to those for the finder pattern / alignment pattern may be used.

[0106] Note that as described above, the number of QR codes may be one or more, and the monitoring range "only the QR code range" may include the case where the number of QR codes is one and the case where the number is plural. For example, if the number of QR codes is two, alert output control is performed if it is determined that the alert output condition is met for even one of the QR codes, and print cancellation control is performed if it is determined that the print cancellation condition is met for both of the QR codes.

[0107] (User sets alert output conditions) The alert output conditions may be set by the user. Hereinafter, the alert output conditions set by the user will be referred to as "user-set conditions."

[0108] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a condition setting screen displayed on the display unit 17 in this embodiment. On this condition setting screen, a box is provided in the upper left corner for setting the monitoring range for outputting an alert, and in this example, the user can select from a pull-down menu either "Code area only," "Code area + character area," or "Character area only."

[0109] Below that is an area containing input boxes for setting the number of breaks that will be the user-defined condition. In this example, there is a box for inputting the number of consecutive breaks that will be the condition for the QR code finder pattern, and a box for inputting the number of random breaks that will be the condition. In addition, for the data area of ​​the QR code, there are provided a box for inputting the number of consecutive breaks that are to be a condition, and a box for inputting the number of random breaks that are to be a condition. The same can be applied to the alignment pattern of the QR code.

[0110] In the upper right corner of the screen, a sample image is displayed to allow the user to recognize the printing format of the machine-readable code m, highlighting the code area on the glass slide SG where the machine-readable code m is printed and the character area where characters are printed. Also, in the lower right corner of the screen, a sample image of the machine-readable code m to be printed, in this example a sample image of a QR code, is displayed.

[0111] The user can operate the operation unit 15 while looking at the sample image displayed on the right side of the screen to set the monitoring range and number of broken wires displayed on the left side of the screen.

[0112] Here, the user-set conditions are conditions based on the monitoring range set by the user and the number and location of breaks in the heating element, and if it is determined that the set number of breaks exist at the set break locations among the heating elements included in the set monitoring range, it may be determined that the user-set conditions are met.

[0113] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to this embodiment, availability information of the machine-readable code is acquired, and based on the availability information, control is performed to execute printing of the machine-readable code by the printing unit, or control is performed to stop printing by the printing unit. Even if an abnormality occurs in the printing unit, if reading is possible, it is possible to continue processing of the smear sample, so that it is possible to both identify the slide glass and continue preparing the smear sample.

[0114] By executing the alert output control as a control based on the state of the printing unit, the user can recognize that an abnormality has been detected and can take measures to resolve the abnormality.

[0115] By executing print mode change control as control based on availability information, the readability of the machine-readable code can be increased. Furthermore, even if an abnormality occurs in the printing section, the readability of the machine-readable code can be increased by changing the printing position. Furthermore, even if an abnormality occurs in the printing section, the readability of the machine-readable code can be increased by changing the printing angle. Furthermore, even if an abnormality occurs in the printing unit, the readability of the machine-readable code can be increased by changing the number of prints.

[0116] By obtaining the results of reading the machine-readable code actually printed on the slide as information on the availability of the machine-readable code, control is performed based on the reading results.This makes it possible to continue processing smear samples as long as reading is possible, even if there is an abnormality in the printing section, thereby contributing to the continuation of smear sample preparation and the identification of slides. If the reading results for the slide are available, the processing of the slide continues, which contributes to both the continuation of smear preparation and the identification of the slide. By applying image processing techniques to the image captured by the camera, it becomes possible to easily read the machine-readable code. The effects of abnormalities in the printing section of the smear preparation device can be reduced. By providing the reading unit in the smear preparation device itself, the smear preparation device alone can reduce the effects of abnormalities in the printing unit provided in the smear preparation device. The system reads multiple machine-readable codes printed on a glass slide, and if any one of the multiple machine-readable codes is readable, executes the first control, and if none of the codes are readable, executes the second control.Even if an abnormality occurs in the printing unit, smear sample processing can continue as long as there is at least one readable machine-readable code, which contributes to both the continuation of smear sample preparation and the identification of glass slides.

[0117] By obtaining information regarding a broken wire in the heating element before printing the machine-readable code on the slide as availability information for the machine-readable code, control can be performed based on that information, preventing the printing of slides that are unable to be identified due to missing machine-readable codes.

[0118] By executing control based on the printing cancellation conditions that are memorized and stored in advance, even if the heating elements corresponding to the printing position of the machine-readable code include broken heating elements, it is possible to continue processing the smear sample as long as the number of broken heating elements is less than a predetermined number, which contributes to both the continuation of smear sample preparation and the identification of slide glasses. Furthermore, even if the heating element corresponding to the printing position of the machine-readable code includes a broken heating element, it is possible to continue processing the smear sample as long as the position is not the specified position, which contributes to both continuing smear sample preparation and identifying the slide glass.

[0119] By allowing the user to set the user-defined conditions, even if a broken heating element is present, it is possible to continue processing the smear sample when the conditions set by the user are not met, which contributes to both the continuation of smear sample preparation and the identification of slide glasses. By displaying the user-defined conditions on the display unit, the user can determine the extent to which disconnection is acceptable based on the displayed information and set any desired conditions.

[0120] <Modification 1 of the First Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which either information about the reading result or information about the disconnection of the heater was acquired as availability information. Below, a modified example will be described in which both information about the reading result and information about the disconnection of the heater are acquired as availability information.

[0121] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing another example of the flow of the determination process performed by the control unit 21 in this embodiment. This process is a combination of the processes of Figure 10, in which the control unit 21 acquires availability information before the printing unit 5 prints the machine-readable code m on the slide glass SG, and acquires availability information after the printing unit 5 prints the machine-readable code m on the slide glass SG.

[0122] First, the control unit 21 acquires information about disconnection of the heater as availability information (S101).

[0123] If it is determined in S103 that the availability is OK (S103: OK), the control unit 21 performs print execution control (an example of first control) (S105) and causes the printing unit 5 to print the machine-readable code m (including the code) on the slide glass SG. If it is determined in S103 that the availability is NG (NG), the control unit 21 performs the same process as S107 described in Fig. 10. For example, print cancellation control is performed as the second control, and the process ends.

[0124] Next, when the printing in S105 is completed, the control unit 21 acquires information about the reading result as availability information (S111). The control unit 21 further determines the availability of the printing unit 5 based on the information about the reading result acquired in S111 (S113). The availability information acquired in S111 is not limited to information about the reading result, but may be information about a disconnection of the heater, or may be both information about the reading result and information about a disconnection of the heater. In S113, it is sufficient that the determination is made based on at least one of the availability information.

[0125] If it is determined that the availability is OK (passed) (S113: OK), the control unit 21, for example, sends out the slide glass SG from the printing unit 5 and causes the supply unit 3 to supply a new slide glass SG to be printed to the printing unit 5, thereby continuing printing (S119: NO → S105). This series of controls for continuing printing (hereinafter referred to as "print continuation control") may be an example of first control.

[0126] When the print continuation control is performed, the smear preparation process continues. Therefore, it can be said that the print continuation control is the control to continue the smear preparation process such as smearing, drying, staining, etc. in the smear preparation device 1.

[0127] Next, the control unit 21 determines, for example, whether printing on all the slide glasses SG that need to be printed has been completed (S119). If it is determined that the printing is completed (S119: YES), the control unit 21 ends the process. If it is determined that printing is not completed (S119: NO), the control unit 21 returns the process to, for example, S105.

[0128] If it is determined in S113 that the availability is NG (failed) (S113: NG), the control unit 21 executes the same process as S107 described with reference to Fig. 10. That is, the control unit 21 executes print cancellation control as the second control, and ends the process (S117).

[0129] If it is determined in S113 that the availability is OK (passed) (S113: OK), the control unit 21 may further perform first control such as alert output control or print mode change control based on the availability information (e.g., information related to the reading result) acquired in S111. That is, after performing print execution control (first control) in S105 based on the availability information acquired in S101, the control unit 21 may further perform first control such as alert output control or print mode change control based on the availability information acquired in S111. After executing the first control, the control unit 21 may proceed to S119, for example. That is, after executing the first control such as the alert output control or the print mode change control based on the availability information acquired in S111, the control unit 21 may further execute the print execution control (first control) in S105 (S105 based on the result of NO in S119) for the next slide glass SG.

[0130] When the control unit 21 performs print cancellation control in S107 and S117, the control unit 21 may also issue a print cancellation notification.

[0131] The conditions for determining the type of first control and the conditions for performing second control, such as the conditions for performing alert output control and the conditions for performing print stop control, may be set based on user input or the like.

[0132] For example, a process for performing control based on the code reading result may be combined with a process for performing control based on the result of determining conditions such as an alert output condition or a print stop condition.

[0133] <Second Example> The second embodiment is an embodiment in which the control unit 21 performs control to print multiple machine-readable codes for identifying specimens on a slide glass.

[0134] The processing in this embodiment can be applied to the processing in the various embodiments and their modifications described above. For example, when applying the processing of Figures 10 and 16, the control unit 21 sets a printing mode that prints the same machine-readable code multiple times as the default printing mode, and causes the printing unit 5 to print in the set printing mode.

[0135] For example, the machine-readable code may be a QR code, and the default printing mode may be set to print two identical QR codes in the main scanning direction, as shown in Figure 17(a). In other words, on one glass slide SG, the second machine-readable code may be printed in a different position from the first machine-readable code.

[0136] In this case, even if the heater used to print one QR code breaks and the QR code cannot be read, it may still be possible to read the other QR code. In other words, when a first machine-readable code and a second machine-readable code are printed on a glass slide SG, even if one of the machine-readable codes cannot be read, it may still be possible to read the other machine-readable code.

[0137] It is also possible to print three or more of the same machine-readable code. The code is not limited to a QR code and may be a barcode. In addition, for example, any of the following patterns may be applied to the combination of a barcode and a QR code. Barcode: 1, QR Code: Multiple Multiple barcodes, one QR code Multiple barcodes, multiple QR codes (the same number or different numbers are acceptable)

[0138] 17(b), the control unit 21 may cause the printing unit 5 to print one QR code (an example of a first machine-readable code) in a normal state and another QR code (an example of a second machine-readable code) in a state rotated by a predetermined angle from the normal state. In other words, the second machine-readable code may be printed on one slide glass SG in a state different from that of the first machine-readable code.

[0139] When the control unit 21 prints multiple machine-readable codes on the slide glass and obtains information about the reading results as availability information, the reading results are obtained by having the reading unit 7 read the multiple printed machine-readable codes. At this time, if at least one of the machine-readable codes is readable, the first control may be executed, and if all of the machine-readable codes are unreadable, the second control may be executed.

[0140] <Effects of the second embodiment> According to this embodiment, by printing multiple machine-readable codes on the slide, even if an abnormality occurs in the printing section, there is a higher possibility that a machine-readable code that is less affected by the abnormality will be present, which increases the possibility that smear sample processing can be continued, contributing to the compatibility of continuing smear sample preparation and identifying slides. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by printing the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code in different formats, even if an abnormality occurs in the printing section, there is a higher possibility that a machine-readable code with a printing format that is less affected by the abnormality will exist, which contributes to both the continuation of smear preparation and the identification of slide glasses. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by printing the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code at different angles, even if an abnormality occurs in the printing section, there is a high possibility that a machine-readable code will exist that has been printed at an angle that is less affected by the abnormality, which contributes to both the continuation of smear preparation and the identification of slide glasses.

[0141] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the smear preparation device 1 itself is equipped with a reading unit 7, and information regarding the reading result is obtained from the reading unit 7 as availability information in the form of a machine-readable code, and based on the availability information, a first control is performed in which the printing unit 5 prints on the slide glass SG, or a second control is performed in which the printing unit 5 stops printing. Without being limited to this form, the smear preparation device 1 may also obtain information regarding the reading results as availability information from a reading unit provided in an external device, as shown in the second embodiment and the third embodiment described below, and perform the first control or the second control based on the availability information.

[0142] 18 shows an example in which the reading unit 7 is not provided in the smear preparation apparatus 1, but a reading unit 107 is provided in a smear transport device 100 that can communicate with the smear preparation apparatus 1. The reading unit 107 is installed at a predetermined position in the smear transport device 100, for example, at the specimen pickup position P (see FIG. 3), and reads the machine-readable code m printed on the picked-up slide glass SG. When the control unit 110 of the smear transport device 100 acquires information relating to the reading results, it transmits the information to the smear preparation device 1 via the communication unit 111. The control unit 21 of the smear preparation device 1 acquires the information relating to the reading results received from the smear transport device 100 as availability information in the form of a machine-readable code, and executes the first control or the second control described above based on the availability information.

[0143] In this way, even if the smear preparation device 1 equipped with the printing unit 5 does not itself have a reading unit 7, availability information can be obtained from the reading unit 107 by providing it in the smear transport device 100 that is responsible for the post-printing process. The second embodiment may be an example of a smear processing system configured by two smear processing devices, the smear preparation device 1 and the smear transport device 100.

[0144] [Third embodiment] 19 shows an example in which the reading unit 7 is not provided in the smear preparation apparatus 1, but a reading unit 209 is provided in a smear preparation apparatus 200 that can communicate with the smear preparation apparatus 1. The reading unit 209 is installed at a predetermined position in the smear preparation apparatus 200, for example, at the position of the imaging unit 201, and reads the machine-readable code m printed on the glass slide SG to be imaged. Note that the reading unit 209 may include the camera of the imaging unit 201, or may include a camera different from the camera of the imaging unit 201. When the control unit 202 of the smear sample imaging device 200 acquires information relating to the reading results, it transmits the information to the smear sample preparation device 1 via the communication unit 204. The control unit 21 of the smear sample preparation device 1 acquires the information relating to the reading results received from the smear sample imaging device 200 as availability information in the form of a machine-readable code, and executes the first control or the second control described above based on the availability information.

[0145] In this way, even if the smear preparation device 1 equipped with the printing unit 5 does not itself have a reading unit 7, availability information can be obtained from the reading unit because the reading unit 209 is provided in the smear imaging device 200, which is responsible for the post-printing process. The third embodiment may be an example of a smear processing system configured by two smear processing devices, the smear preparation device 1 and the smear imaging device 200.

[0146] [Example of printing method] In the above embodiment, an example in which the printing unit 5 is a thermal transfer printer has been described. According to the above embodiment, even if an abnormality occurs in the thermal transfer printer, it can be prevented from affecting the processing of the smear sample.

[0147] The printing unit 5 is not limited to a thermal transfer printer, and may be one that prints machine-readable codes using other printing methods. For example, the printing unit 5 may be a laser printer.

[0148] In a laser printer, for example, laser light scanned by a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) is focused onto a glass slide SG, causing a chemical change in the pigment pre-applied to the printing area of ​​the glass slide SG, and raster data relating to the machine-readable code m is printed. For example, if a micromirror (DMD element) of the DMD malfunctions, defects will appear in the printed result.

[0149] In this case, the availability information may be, for example, a malfunction rate detected by a means for detecting the malfunction rate of the DMD element, and the control unit 21 may receive the malfunction rate of the DMD element transmitted from the printing unit 5. The first control and the second control may be performed in the same manner as in the case of a thermal transfer printer, for example.

[0150] The availability information may be information related to the result of reading the machine-readable code printed on the glass slide SG by the reader 7. In this case, the printing method of the printer is not limited, since information related to the result of reading the machine-readable code can be obtained as availability information regardless of the printing method used for printing the code. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1 Smear preparation device 5 Printing Department 7 Reading unit 21 Control Unit 100 Smear transport device 200 Smear imager

Claims

1. A method for controlling a smear sample processing apparatus having a printing unit that prints a machine-readable code on a slide glass, comprising: obtaining information indicating availability of the printing unit for printing a readable machine-readable code by a control unit of the smear processing device; and performing, by the control unit, a first control of printing a machine-readable code on the slide glass by the printing unit or a second control of stopping printing by the printing unit based on the information indicating the availability. A control method comprising:

2. the printing unit prints the machine-readable code on the slide glass by pressing a heating element of a thermal transfer printer against the slide glass via an ink ribbon; The control method according to claim 1 .

3. monitoring the status of the printing unit; and outputting a notification of an abnormality in the printing unit to a user in accordance with the state of the printing unit. The control method according to claim 2 .

4. the first control further includes printing the machine-readable code by the printing unit in a first format or a second format different from the first format; The control method according to claim 2 .

5. The second aspect includes an aspect in which the printing position of the machine-readable code is different from the position of the machine-readable code of the first aspect. The control method according to claim 4.

6. The second aspect includes an aspect in which the printing angle of the machine-readable code is different from the printing angle of the first aspect. The control method according to claim 4.

7. The second aspect includes an aspect in which the number of printed machine-readable codes is greater than the number of printed machine-readable codes in the first aspect. The control method according to claim 4.

8. printing a first machine-readable code on a first glass slide by the printing unit; obtaining information regarding a result of reading the machine-readable code printed on the first glass slide as information indicating the availability; printing a second machine-readable code on a second slide as the first control; The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the first control includes continuing processing the first glass slide. The control method according to claim 8.

10. The machine-readable code is read by a reading unit including a camera. The control method according to claim 9.

11. printing a plurality of machine-readable codes on a first glass slide by the printing unit; obtaining information regarding a result of reading the machine-readable code printed on the first glass slide as information indicating the availability; execute the first control when at least one of the plurality of machine-readable codes is readable, and execute the second control when all of the machine-readable codes are unreadable. The control method according to claim 10.

12. the smear sample processing device is a smear sample preparation device that smears the sample on the first slide glass and the second slide glass to prepare a smear sample; The control method according to claim 10.

13. The smear preparation device includes the reading unit. The control method according to claim 12.

14. The reading of the machine-readable code is performed by the reading unit provided in the smear imaging device that images the smear. The control method according to claim 12.

15. The reading of the machine-readable code is performed by the reading unit provided in a smear transport device that transports the smear. The control method according to claim 12.

16. The control method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising: acquiring information regarding a broken wire in the heating element as information indicating the availability by the control unit before the printing unit prints a machine-readable code on the slide glass.

17. detecting a break in the heater corresponding to a printing position of the machine-readable code by the control unit; 17. The control method of claim 16.

18. the first control is performed based on the fact that the number of disconnected heating elements among the heating elements corresponding to the printing position of the machine-readable code is less than a predetermined number, and the second control is performed based on the fact that the number of disconnected heating elements is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

18. The control method of claim 17.

19. the first control is performed based on the fact that the position of the disconnected heating element, among the heating elements corresponding to the printing position of the machine-readable code, is not a predetermined position, and the second control is performed based on the fact that the position of the disconnected heating element is the predetermined position.

20. The control method of claim 18.

20. When the output conditions set by the user are met, an abnormality is output to the user.

20. The control method of claim 19.

21. The smear sample processing device includes a display unit and an input unit, displaying information for setting the output conditions on the display unit; setting the output condition by the control unit based on an input by the user to the input unit; 21. The control method of claim 20, comprising:

22. A method for controlling a smear sample processing apparatus equipped with a printing unit A control method comprising: controlling, by a control unit of the smear sample processing apparatus, the printing unit to print a plurality of machine-readable codes for identifying the specimen on a slide glass.

23. and controlling the control unit to print the first machine-readable code in a first manner on the slide glass by the printing unit and to print the second machine-readable code in a second manner different from the first manner.

23. The control method of claim 22.

24. the second machine-readable code is printed at a different angle than the first machine-readable code; 24. The control method of claim 23.

25. A smear sample processing apparatus equipped with a printing unit, a control unit that acquires information indicating availability of the printing unit for printing a readable machine-readable code, and performs a first control to cause the printing unit to print the machine-readable code on the slide glass, or a second control to stop printing by the printing unit, based on the information regarding availability. Smear processing equipment.

26. monitoring the status of the printing unit; and outputting a notification of an abnormality in the printing unit to a user in accordance with the state of the printing unit.

26. The smear processing device according to claim 25.

27. the information indicating availability is information regarding the result of reading the machine-readable code printed on the slide glass; 27. A smear processing device according to claim 25 or 26.

Images