Microscopic slide transfer between a sample preparation device and an imaging device

Abstract

The slide transfer device is configured to transfer a plurality of slides from a first container to a second container, which can improve the compatibility between the slide preparation device and the microscope. The first container is configured to receive slides from the slide preparation device, and the second container is configured to provide the slides to the slide loader of the microscope. The first container may not be compatible with the microscope slide loader. The first container may differ from the second container by one or more of maximum delivery, slide capacity, number of slide containers, distance between slide containers, or size of the slide containers. The plurality of slides have a first orientation and a first order within the first container, and the slide transfer device is configured to provide the plurality of slides to the second container in a second orientation or a second order.

Description

Background Art

[0001] (Related Application) This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) (Section 119(e) of the United States Patent Act) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 369,278, filed on July 25, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] Microscopy plays an important role in the analysis of samples such as blood samples. The analysis of samples such as blood samples can play an important role in patient screening, diagnosis, and prognosis, and delays in returning results can be problems where patients may not receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

[0003] Previous approaches to preparing and analyzing samples can be somewhat time-consuming and more complex than would be ideal. Efforts have been made to automate at least some aspects of the sample preparation and microscopy processes, but previous approaches can be somewhat sub-ideal in at least some respects. For example, there can be compatibility issues between the slide preparation system and the microscopy system, which can lead to sub-ideal automation. Some previous slide preparation systems automatically prepare and stain samples using a slide maker / staining device, etc., load the slides into a container such as a cassette or magazine, and some microscopy systems will automatically load the slides from the container into the microscope. However, the slide containers used with the sample preparation system may not be compatible with the slide containers used with the microscopy system, which can result in reduced automation and manual tasks being performed to move the slides from the slide preparation cassette to the cassette used with the microscope. The slides in the cassette from the slide preparation system may also not be in the proper order for use with the microscopy system. Some previous approaches have proposed using the same container for both the slide preparation system and the microscopy system, but this approach can be somewhat sub-ideal as it can limit compatibility between different systems and lead to an increase in the complexity of the design and implementation of the integration between systems, which can increase costs, time, engineering design effort, or administrative effort, affect the motivation or ability to participate in such projects, and reduce the margin for project success. In addition, there is a somewhat higher risk that materials such as dyes can be transferred from the container to the microscope in at least some cases, or that oil or adhesive paste can be transferred to the slide preparation system or the microscope.

[0004] Furthermore, in some cases, the speed of slide transfer between containers can be faster than the speed of sample acquisition by microscopy. Thus, in some cases, previous methods such as transferring slides one by one in a certain container type can lead to an increase in the time spent on loading or slide transfer, which can reduce the throughput of the system.

[0005] In light of the above, there is a need for improved methods and apparatuses that address at least some of the aforementioned limitations of previous approaches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0006] In some embodiments, a slide transfer device is configured to transfer a plurality of slides from a first container to a second container, which can improve the compatibility between the slide preparation device and the microscope. In some embodiments, the first container is configured to receive slides from a slide preparation device such as a slide stainer, and the second container is configured to provide the slides to a slide loader of the microscope. In some embodiments, the first container is not compatible with the microscope slide loader. In some embodiments, the first container differs from the second container by one or more of maximum delivery, slide capacity, number of slide containers, distance between slide containers, or size of the slide containers. In some embodiments, the plurality of slides comprises one or more of a first orientation or a first order within the first container, and the slide transfer device is configured to provide the plurality of slides with one or more of a second orientation or a second order to the second container, which can improve the workflow and automation of preparing and imaging the plurality of slides.

[0007] In a first aspect, the apparatus comprises a microscope configured to generate an enlarged digital image of a sample, a first container configured to hold a plurality of slides, a second container configured to receive the plurality of slides from the first container, the second container being different from the first container, a slide loader configured to load the plurality of slides from the second container onto the microscope, and a transfer device comprising a support configured to transfer the plurality of slides from the first container to the second container. In some embodiments, the slide loader and slide transfer device for the microscope may differ in that the slide transfer device is compatible with the first and second containers, while the slide loader for the microscope is compatible with the second container and the microscope.

[0008] In another aspect, a method of transferring slides includes transferring a plurality of slides from a first container to a second container using a support configured to move the plurality of slides from the first container to the second container.

[0009] (Incorporation by reference) All patents, applications, and publications referenced and identified herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and are considered to be fully incorporated by reference, even if referenced elsewhere in this application.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] A deeper understanding of the features, advantages, and principles of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which describe exemplary embodiments.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following detailed description provides a deeper understanding of the features and advantages of the invention described in this disclosure according to the embodiments disclosed herein. The detailed description includes many specific embodiments, but these are provided by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention disclosed herein.

[0019] The disclosed systems, methods, and apparatuses are well-suited for combination with previous approaches to analyzing samples such as blood samples and blood smear specimens. For example, an optical scanning device may comprise one or more components of a conventional microscope with a sufficient numerical aperture or a computational microscope as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 775,389, filed on November 10, 2016, entitled "Computational microscope and methods for generating an image under different illumination conditions" and published as U.S. Patent No. US20190235224. The system may comprise one or more components of an autofocus system as described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 10,705,326, entitled "Autofocus system for a computational microscope". The system may comprise an optional suitable user interface and a data storage device, but in some embodiments, the system comprises one or more components for data storage and user interaction as described in U.S. Patent No. 10,935,779, entitled "Digital microscope which operates as a server". The system may comprise one or more components of an automatic loader for loading slides as described in, for example, U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 875,665, filed on May 15, 2020, entitled "Multi / parallel scanner". The system may comprise one or more components for selectively scanning areas of a sample as described in, for example, U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 875,721, filed on May 15, 2020, entitled "Accelerating digital microscopy scans using empty / dirty area detection" and published as U.S. Patent No. US20200278530.The system may comprise a grid with a known pattern for facilitating image reconstruction as described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 10,558,029 entitled "System for image reconstruction using a known pattern". The system may comprise one or more classifiers as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 755,356, filed on December 29, 2022, and published as US20220415480, entitled "Method and apparatus for visualization of bone marrow cell populations", which may be modified by those skilled in the art in accordance with the present disclosure. Each of the foregoing patents and applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0020] The disclosed systems and methods are very suitable, for example, for use with automated methods and classifiers for analyzing cell morphology as described in PCT / IL2021 / 051329, filed on November 9, 2021, and published as WO / 2022 / 097155 on December 1, 2022, entitled "FULL FIELD MORPHOLOGY - PRECISE QUANTIFICATION OF CELLULAR AND SUB-CELLULAR MORPHOLOGICAL EVENTS IN RED / WHITE BLOOD CELLS".

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a microscope 100 consistent with an exemplary disclosed embodiment. As used herein, the term "microscope" generally refers to any device or instrument for magnifying an object smaller than that which can be easily observed by the naked eye (e.g., any device or instrument capable of creating an image of an object larger than the object for a user). One type of microscope can be an "optical microscope" that uses light in combination with an optical system for magnifying an object. An optical microscope can be a simple microscope having one or more magnifying lenses, or an optical microscope in which an image is constructed from a hologram using, for example, a digital holographic microscope. Another type of microscope can be a "computational microscope" that includes an image sensor and an image processing algorithm for enhancing or magnifying the size or other characteristics of an object. A computational microscope can be a dedicated device or can be created by integrating software and / or hardware with an existing optical microscope to produce a high-resolution digital image. As shown in FIG. 1, microscope 100 includes an image capture device 102, a focus actuator 104, a controller 106 connected to a memory 108, an illumination assembly 110, and a user interface 112. An exemplary use of microscope 100 can be to capture an image of a sample 114 mounted on a stage 116 located within the field of view (FOV) of image capture device 102, process the captured image, and present an enlarged image of sample 114 on user interface 112. Although the presentation of an enlarged image on the user interface is referenced, in some embodiments, the processor is configured to automatically obtain the image data, for example, without displaying an enlarged image of sample 114 on the user interface. Alternatively, or in combination, the enlarged image can be visually recognized by a user for morphological scrutiny of the sample, for example, when the sample is flagged for morphological scrutiny by an expert such as a pathologist as described herein.

[0022] The image capture device 102 can be used to capture an image of the sample 114. As used herein, the term "image capture device" as used herein generally refers to a device that records an optical signal incident on a lens as an image or a sequence of images. The optical signal can be in the near-infrared, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectra. Examples of image capture devices include CCD cameras, CMOS cameras, color cameras, photosensor arrays, video cameras, mobile phones equipped with cameras, webcams, preview cameras, microscope objectives and detectors, and the like. Some embodiments may include only a single image capture device 102, while other embodiments may include two, three, or four or more image capture devices 102. In some embodiments, the image capture device 102 may be configured to capture an image within a defined field of view (FOV). Further, when the microscope 100 includes several image capture devices 102, the image capture devices 102 may have overlapping areas within their respective FOVs. The image capture device 102 may have one or more image sensors (not shown in FIG. 1) for capturing image data of the sample 114. In other embodiments, the image capture device 102 may be configured to capture images at an image resolution higher than VGA, higher than 1 megapixel, higher than 2 megapixels, higher than 5 megapixels, higher than 10 megapixels, higher than 12 megapixels, higher than 15 megapixels, or higher than 20 megapixels. Additionally, the image capture device 102 may also be configured to have a pixel size smaller than 15 micrometers, smaller than 10 micrometers, smaller than 5 micrometers, smaller than 3 micrometers, or smaller than 1.6 micrometers.

[0023] In some embodiments, microscope 100 includes a focus actuator 104. As used herein, the term "focus actuator" generally refers to any device capable of converting an input signal into a physical movement for adjusting the relative distance between sample 114 and image capture device 102. For example, various focus actuators including linear motors, electrostrictive actuators, electrostatic motors, capacitive motors, voice coil actuators, magnetostrictive actuators, etc. may be used. In some embodiments, focus actuator 104 may include an analog position feedback sensor and / or a digital position feedback element. Focus actuator 104 is configured to receive commands from controller 106 for converging the light beam to form a clear and well-defined image of sample 114. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, focus actuator 104 may be configured to adjust the distance by moving image capture device 102.

[0024] However, in other embodiments, the focus actuator 104 may be configured to adjust the distance by moving the stage 116 or by moving both the image capture device 102 and the stage 116. The microscope 100 may also include a controller 106 for controlling the operation of the microscope 100 in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The controller 106 may comprise various types of devices for performing logical operations on one or more inputs of image data and other data in accordance with stored or accessible software instructions that provide the desired functionality. For example, the controller 106 may comprise any other type of device for image processing and analysis, such as a central processing unit (CPU), support circuitry, digital signal processor, integrated circuit, cache memory, or graphics processing unit (GPU). The CPU may comprise any number of microcontrollers or microprocessors configured to process an image from an image sensor. For example, the CPU may comprise any type of single or multi-core processor, mobile device microcontroller, etc. For example, various processors, including processors available from manufacturers such as Intel®, AMD®, etc., may be used and may comprise various architectures (e.g., x86 processors, ARM®, etc.). The support circuitry may be any number of circuits generally well known in the art, including cache, power supply, clock, and input / output circuitry. The controller 106 may be located at a remote location and may be a computing device communicatively coupled to the microscope 100, etc.

[0025] In some embodiments, the controller 106 may be associated with a memory 108 used to store software that, when executed by the controller 106, controls the operation of the microscope 100. Additionally, the memory 108 may store electronic data associated with the operation of the microscope 100, such as, for example, images captured or generated of the sample 114. In one instance, the memory 108 may be integrated within the controller 106. In another instance, the memory 108 may be separated from the controller 106.

[0026] Specifically, the memory 108 may refer to a plurality of structures or computer-readable storage media located at a remote location such as the controller 106 or a cloud server. The memory 108 may include any number of random access memories, read-only memories, flash memories, disk drives, optical storage devices, tape storage devices, removable storage devices, and other types of storage devices.

[0027] The microscope 100 may include an illumination assembly 110. As used herein, the term "illumination assembly" generally refers to any device or system capable of projecting light for illuminating the sample 114.

[0028] The illumination assembly 110 may include any number of light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), LED arrays, lasers, and lamps configured to emit light such as halogen lamps, incandescent lamps, or sodium lamps. For example, the illumination assembly 110 may include a Kohler illumination source. The illumination assembly 110 may be configured to emit multi-color light. For example, the multi-color light may include white light.

[0029] In some embodiments, the illumination assembly 110 may include only a single light source. Alternatively, the illumination assembly 110 may include four, sixteen, or more than one hundred light sources arranged in an array or matrix. In some embodiments, the illumination assembly 110 may use one or more light sources located on a parallel surface to illuminate the sample 114. In other embodiments, the illumination assembly 110 may use one or more light sources located on a surface perpendicular to the sample 114 or on a surface at an angle to the sample 114.

[0030] In addition, the illumination assembly 110 can be configured to illuminate the sample 114 under a series of different illumination conditions. In one example, the illumination assembly 110 can include a plurality of light sources arranged at different illumination angles, such as a two-dimensional arrangement of light sources. In this case, the different illumination conditions can include different illumination angles. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a beam 118 projected from a first illumination angle α1 and a beam 120 projected from a second illumination angle α2. In some embodiments, the first illumination angle α1 and the second illumination angle α2 can have opposite signs but the same value. In other embodiments, the first illumination angle α1 can be distinct from the second illumination angle α2. However, both angles originate from a point within the acceptance angle of the optical system. In another example, the illumination assembly 110 can include a plurality of light sources configured to emit light at different wavelengths. In this case, the different illumination conditions can include different wavelengths. For example, each light source can be configured to emit light with a full-width at half-maximum bandwidth of 50 nm or less so as to emit substantially monochromatic light. In yet another example, the illumination assembly 110 can be configured to use some of the light sources at a given time. In this case, the different illumination conditions can include different illumination patterns. For example, the light sources can be arranged to sequentially illuminate the sample at different angles to provide one or more of digital refocusing, aberration correction, or resolution enhancement. Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, the different illumination conditions can be selected from the group including different durations, different intensities, different positions, different illumination angles, different illumination patterns, different wavelengths, or any combination thereof.

[0031] Although computational microscopy is referenced, the disclosed systems and methods are well-suited for use with many types of microscopy and microscopes, such as one or more of high-resolution microscopy, digital microscopy, scanning digital microscopy, 3D microscopy, phase contrast microscopy, phase difference microscopy, dark field microscopy, differential interference contrast microscopy, light sheet microscopy, confocal microscopy, holographic microscopy, computational microscopy, or fluorescence-based microscopy.

[0032] In some embodiments, the image capture device 102 may have a numerical aperture (“NA”) of at least 0.8, although any effective NA may be used. In some embodiments, the effective NA corresponds to the resolution of a microscope having the same resolution as the objective lens with that NA under relevant illumination conditions. The image capture device 102 may have an objective lens with an NA less than the effective NA of the microscope, but may also have an objective lens with an appropriate NA to provide the effective NA. For example, the imaging device may comprise a computational microscope for reconstructing an image from a plurality of images captured using different illumination angles as described herein, and the reconstructed image corresponds to an effective NA higher than the NA of the objective lens of the image capture device. In some embodiments involving a conventional microscope, the NA of the microscope objective lens corresponds to the effective NA of the image. The lens may include any suitable lens such as an oil immersion lens or a non-oil immersion lens.

[0033] Consistent with the disclosed embodiments, microscope 100 includes, is connected to, or can communicate with user interface 112 (e.g., via a network or wirelessly, e.g., via Bluetooth®). As used herein, the term "user interface" generally refers to any device suitable for presenting data such as numerical results, microscope image data, or magnified images of sample 114, or any device suitable for receiving input from one or more users of data related to microscope 100, such as a remote user. FIG. 1 illustrates two examples of user interface 112. The first example is a smartphone or tablet that communicates wirelessly with controller 106 directly or through a remote server via a Bluetooth®, cellular, or Wi-Fi connection. The second example is a PC display physically connected to controller 106. In some embodiments, user interface 112 may include user output devices such as, for example, a display, a tactile device, a speaker, etc. In other embodiments, user interface 112 may include user input devices such as, for example, a touch screen, a microphone, a keyboard, a pointer device, a camera, a knob, a button, etc. Using such input devices, a user may provide information input or commands to microscope 100 by typing commands or information, providing voice commands, selecting menu options on the screen using buttons, pointers, or eye-tracking capabilities, or through any other suitable technique for communicating information to microscope 100. User interface 112 may be (physically or wirelessly) connected to one or more processing devices, such as controller 106, to provide and receive information to and from the user and to process that information.In some embodiments, such a processing device may execute instructions for responding to keyboard input or menu selections, recognizing and interpreting touches and / or gestures made on a touch screen, recognizing and tracking eye movements, receiving and interpreting voice commands, and the like.

[0034] Microscope 100 may also include or be connected to a stage 116. The stage 116 comprises any horizontal rigid surface on which a sample 114 can be mounted for inspection. The stage 116 may include mechanical connectors for holding a slide containing the sample 114 in a fixed position. The mechanical connectors may use one or more of the following: mounting portions, attachment members, holding arms, clamps, clips, adjustable frames, locking mechanisms, springs, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the stage 116 may include a translucent portion or opening to allow light to illuminate the sample 114. For example, light transmitted from the illumination assembly 110 may pass through the sample 114 and towards the image capture device 102. In some embodiments, the stage 116 and / or the sample 114 may be moved in the XY plane using a motor or manual control device to enable imaging of multiple areas of the sample.

[0035]

[0036] Figures 2A and 2B show a system 200 for processing slides involving a slide preparation device 210, a slide transfer device 250, and a microscope 100 as described herein. The slide preparation device, the slide transfer device, and the microscope may be arranged in any suitable manner, for example, as modular components that can be installed on a bench 205. In some embodiments, another device, such as a complete blood count (“CBC”) machine, is located upstream in the workflow.

[0037] The slide preparation device 210 may comprise any suitable slide preparation device such as a slide making machine or a stainer, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the slide preparation device is configured to provide a plurality of smear slides. In some embodiments, the slide preparation device comprises an automated slide stainer.

[0038] In some embodiments, the slide preparation device 210 is configured to place a plurality of slides in a container 212, which may allow the slides to be generated, for example, sequentially or in portions over several times and processed. When a slide is prepared using the slide preparation device 210, the prepared slide is placed, for example, in a container 212 that may comprise a first container. The container 212 may comprise any suitable slide holder and may, for example, comprise a cassette or magazine configured to hold a plurality of slides. The container 212 may comprise a plurality of containers for receiving and holding a plurality of slides from the slide preparation device.

[0039] The slide transfer device 250 is configured to receive a plurality of slides from the container 212 and transfer the plurality of slides to a container 252. In some embodiments, the container 212 for the slide preparation device is different from the container 252 for the microscope. In some embodiments, the microscope slide loader is not configured to work with the first container. For example, the microscope slide loader may not be compatible with the first container. In some embodiments, the first container is different from the second container by one or more of maximum delivery, slide capacity, number of slide containers, distance between slide containers, or size of the slide containers. In some embodiments, the slide loader cannot load slides from the first container when the first container is placed at a location corresponding to the location of the second container for loading slides into the microscope.

[0040] In some embodiments, the slide transfer device includes a container transfer device configured to move a second container from a slide transfer location to a slide loader location. The container transfer device can include any suitable device such as, for example, a coupling, a conveyor, a conveyor belt, or a chain.

[0041] In some embodiments, the slide transfer device is configured to remove a slide from a first container 212, place the removed slide into a second container 252, and transfer the slide between two different containers, which, in some embodiments, can facilitate and automate the workflow.

[0042] In some embodiments, the slide transfer device 250 includes a reader 251 configured to read an identification code on each of a plurality of slides. In some embodiments, the reader 251 is configured to read an identification code of the container 212. The identification code of the slide or container can include any suitable identification code such as one or more of an optical code, a barcode, a quick response (QR) code, or a radio frequency identification (RFID), and the reader 251 can include one or more of an optical code reader, a barcode reader, a QR code (registered trademark) reader, or an RFID reader.

[0043] In some embodiments, the slide transfer device is configured to position a plurality of slides so that a readable code in a second container is within the range of the reader.

[0044] Container 252 can be configured in any suitable manner. The container 252 can include any suitable slide holder, for example, it can include a cassette or magazine configured to hold a plurality of slides. In some embodiments, the container 252 is configured to receive a plurality of slides received from a slide transfer device 250 that provides the plurality of slides to the slide loader 199 of the microscope 100.

[0045] In some embodiments, the microscope 100 includes a slide loader 199 configured to load one or more slides into the microscope 100. The slide loader can be coupled to the microscope in many ways and can be a component of the microscope or external to the microscope and can include a separate device for loading the microscope. The slide loader can include any suitable slide loader as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the microscope 100 includes a reader 101 configured to read an identification code from the container 252 or one or more of the plurality of slides. In some embodiments, the reader 199 is configured to read the identification code of the container 222. The identification code of the slide and the identification code of the container can include any suitable identification code as described herein, and the reader 101 can include any suitable reader as described herein, such as one or more of an optical code reader, a barcode reader, a QR code (registered trademark) reader, or an RFID reader.

[0046] The slide transfer device can be configured in many ways, but in some embodiments, the slide transfer device is configured to sequentially transfer a plurality of slides from a first container to a second container. Alternatively, the slide transfer device can be configured to transfer a plurality of slides together, for example, in several portions. In some embodiments, the slide transfer device is configured to transfer a plurality of slides from a first container to a second container simultaneously.

[0047] In some embodiments, the slide transfer device is configured to maintain the order of a plurality of slides between a first container and a second container. In some embodiments, the plurality of microscope slides are sequentially arranged at a first plurality of locations on the first container, and the slide transfer device is configured to transfer the plurality of slides to the second container and maintain the order at a second plurality of locations on the second container. In some embodiments, the first plurality of locations on the first container correspond to one or more empty slots between two or more slides on the first container, and the second plurality of locations correspond to non-empty slots between two or more slides on the second container.

[0048] In some embodiments, the slide transfer device is configured to change the order of the slides transferred from the first container to the second container. For example, the slide transfer device can be configured to change the order to prioritize one or more of the plurality of slides.

[0049] FIG. 3 shows a slide transfer device 250 for transferring slides between a first container 212 and a second container 252. In some embodiments, the slide transfer device 250 includes a support portion 260 configured to support one or more slides 310 for transferring a plurality of slides from the first container 212 to the second container 252. In some embodiments, a coupling portion 270 is coupled to the support portion 260 for moving a plurality of slides from the first container to the second container. In some embodiments, the first container 212 includes a plurality of containers 214 configured to hold a plurality of slides, and the second container 252 includes a plurality of containers 254 configured to receive a plurality of slides from the slide transfer device 250. The plurality of containers 214 can be configured in any suitable manner, for example, can include a plurality of slots. The plurality of containers 254 can be configured in any suitable manner, for example, can include a plurality of slots.

[0050] In some embodiments, a processor 280 is operably coupled to the coupling portion 270 for transferring slides from the first container to the second container in response to instructions from the processor.

[0051] The support portion 260 can be configured in many ways, for example, can include one or more of an extension, a finger, a plurality of fingers, a fork, a gripping portion, an adhesive element, a vacuum holder, a guide, a surface for supporting a slide, a slide surface, a pushing mechanism, a pulling mechanism, a magnetic holder, an end effector, or a rotating stage.

[0052] The connecting part 270 can be configured in many ways. In some embodiments, the connecting part is configured to move the support part between the first container of the first container and the second container of the second container with the slide supported on the support part. In some embodiments, the connecting part includes one or more motors coupled to one or more gears for moving the support part, optionally two or more motors coupled to two or more gears, and further optionally three or more motors coupled to three or more gears, for example. In some embodiments, the connecting part includes one or more of, for example, a robotic arm, a robotic arm with six or more degrees of freedom, a linear stage, a two-dimensional linear stage or a three-dimensional linear stage, a rotary stage, a gantry, a delta robot, or a pulley.

[0053] The processor 280 can be configured in many ways and can include any suitable processor as described herein. In some embodiments, the processor is configured with instructions for maintaining the order of the slides from the first order on the first container to the second order on the second container. In some embodiments, the processor 280 is configured with instructions for changing the order of the slides from the first order on the first container to the second order on the second container.

[0054] Figures 4A-4C illustrate the transfer of slides from a first container to a second container using a slide transfer device. In some embodiments, the support 260 is moved to an engagement position with one or more slides 310 using the linkage 270. The support 260 is translated using the linkage 270 to remove one or more slides from the container 212, as shown by arrow 410 in FIG. 4A. The support 260 is translated using the linkage 270 to move one or more slides 310 towards the second container 252, as shown by arrow 412 in FIG. 4B. The support 260 is translated using the linkage 270 to move one or more slides 310 into the second container 252, as shown by arrow 414 in FIG. 4B. References are made to each of the translations as shown by arrows 410, 412, 414, but the movement may include any suitable movement such as, for example, one or more of translational or rotational movement. In some embodiments, one or more slides 310 comprise a first orientation 550 within the first container 212 and a second orientation 560 within the second container 252.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first container 212 comprises a first opening 216 for accessing one or more slides 310 on a first side of the container 212, and the second container 252 comprises a second opening 256 for accessing one or more slides 310 on a second side of the container 212. In some embodiments, the orientation of one or more slides 310 is maintained with respect to the first opening 216 of the first container and the second opening 256 of the second container. Alternatively, or in combination, one or more slides 310 can be rotated using a linkage to provide different orientations of the one or more slides between the first container 212 and the second container 252.

[0056] In some embodiments, the plurality of slides comprise a first orientation within a first container and a second orientation within a second container. In some embodiments, the first orientation is substantially similar to the second orientation. In some embodiments, the slide transfer device is configured to maintain the orientation of the plurality of slides between the first container and the second container. In some embodiments, the slide transfer device is configured to change the orientation of the plurality of slides from the first orientation within the first container to the second orientation within the second container.

[0057] The first orientation of the plurality of slides within the first container and the second orientation of the plurality of slides within the second container can include any suitable orientation. In some embodiments, the orientation is such that the loader is configured to remove the plurality of slides from the second container and place the plurality of slides into one or more of the microscope or the slide loader in a manner compatible with obtaining an image of the microscope. In some embodiments, the first orientation includes a substantially vertical orientation, the second orientation includes a substantially vertical orientation, and the first orientation is different from the second orientation by rotation of the slide about a rotation axis extending through the slide. In some embodiments, the first orientation includes a substantially horizontal orientation, the second orientation includes a substantially horizontal orientation, and the first orientation is different from the second orientation by rotation of the slide about a rotation axis extending through the slide. In some embodiments, the first orientation includes a substantially horizontal orientation and the second orientation includes a substantially vertical orientation. In some embodiments, the first orientation includes a substantially vertical orientation and the second orientation includes a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0058] The first orientation 550 and the second orientation 560 can be referred to in many ways. In some embodiments, the first orientation corresponds to a plane extending along the length and width of each of the plurality of slides, and the second orientation corresponds to a plane extending along the length and width of each of the plurality of slides. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of slides has a thickness transverse to, for example, the length and width of the slide.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first orientation and the second orientation are referred to with respect to a fixed reference frame such as the Earth. Alternatively, or in combination, the first orientation and the second orientation can be referred to with respect to the first access opening of the first container and the second access opening of the second container, as described herein.

[0060] The connection portion can be configured to provide any suitable orientation of the plurality of slides, as described herein.

[0061] In some embodiments, the slide transfer device 250 is configured to transfer the plurality of slides to a third container, for example, following imaging of the plurality of slides.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first container 212 and the second container 252 remain in a substantially fixed location during the transfer of a plurality of slides from the first container to the second container. In some embodiments, one or more of the first container or the second container move during the slide transfer, for example, to align the containers and facilitate the transfer of the slides. Alternatively, or in combination, the slide transfer device may comprise a container transfer device for transferring the second container from a first location for slide transfer to a second location for interaction with a microscope slide loader. In some embodiments, the container transfer device is located between the slide transfer device and the slide loader. In some embodiments, the container transfer device is located between the location of the slide transfer device and the location of the slide loader.

[0063] Figures 5A and 5B show access to the slides within the first container 212 and the second container 252 and the transfer of slides from the first container to the second container. In some embodiments, the first container 212 comprises a plurality of containers 214 that can be accessed through one or more openings 216 of the first container 212, and the second container 252 comprises a plurality of containers 254 that can be accessed through one or more openings 256 of the second container 252. In some embodiments, one or more of the openings 216 are sized to receive a portion of a support 260 that engages one or more slides 310 as described herein. In some embodiments, one or more of the openings 256 are sized to receive a portion of a support 260 that releases one or more slides 310 into one or more of the plurality of containers 254. In some embodiments, each of the one or more slides 310 within the first container 212 has a first orientation 550, and each of the one or more slides 310 has a second orientation 560 when installed within the second container 252.

[0064] In some embodiments, one or more of the first container 212, the second container 252, or the one or more slides 310 comprise a machine-readable identifier. In some embodiments, the one or more slides comprise a machine-readable identifier 312, and each of the plurality of slides may comprise a machine-readable identifier 312. In some embodiments, the first container 212 comprises a first machine-readable identifier 330. In some embodiments, the second container 252 comprises a machine-readable identifier 340. In some embodiments, the machine-readable identifier 312 of the one or more slides 310 is positioned relative to a reader as described herein. In some embodiments, the machine-readable identifier 312 of each of the plurality of slides is directed to one or more of the machine-readable identifier 330 of the first container 212 or the machine-readable identifier 340 of the second container 252.

[0065] The plurality of slides can be transferred from the first container to the second container in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the one or more slides are sequentially transferred between the first container and the second container. Alternatively, or in combination, the plurality of slides can be transferred in parallel, e.g., simultaneously, between the first container and the second container.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first container 212 includes a first accessible side 217 for accessing a plurality of slides through one or more openings 216 on the first container, and the second container 252 includes a second accessible side 257 for accessing a plurality of slides 310 through second one or more openings 256 on the second container 252. In some embodiments, the first accessible side 217 includes one or more openings 216 for accessing a plurality of slides on a plurality of containers 214 of the first container 212. In some embodiments, the second accessible side 257 includes one or more openings 256 for accessing a plurality of slides on a plurality of containers 254 of the second container 252.

[0067] In some embodiments, the second container can receive slides from a plurality of first containers. Alternatively, or in combination, in some embodiments, the first container can include slides that are loaded by slide transfer into a plurality of second containers.

[0068] <s In some embodiments, the first accessible side 217 and the second accessible side 257 have a substantially similar orientation, such as facing in a similar direction.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first accessible side 217 and the second accessible side 257 have a substantially different orientation. For example, the first opening on the first side of the first container can be oriented towards the opening on the side of the first container. In some embodiments, the one or more access openings of the first container face the one or more access openings of the second container.

[0070] In some embodiments, one or more slides 310 are oriented horizontally, as shown, for example, with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first accessible side 217 has a substantially vertical orientation, and the second accessible side 257 has a substantially vertical orientation.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first plurality of slides 510 stored in the first container 212 are arranged in a first order, and the second plurality of slides stored in the second container 252 are arranged in a second order 520. The slide transfer device can be configured to maintain or change the order in any suitable manner as described herein.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first accessible side has a substantially horizontal orientation and the second accessible side has a substantially vertical orientation.

[0073] Figures 6A - 6C show a support 260 with a guide 605 configured to enable a plurality of slides to move smoothly between a first container and a second container. The guide can include a single guide for sequentially transferring the slides, or, for example, a plurality of guides configured to transfer a plurality of slides simultaneously in a parallel configuration. The guide 605 uses a slide support 260 configured to enable one or more slides 310 to move smoothly along the guide 605 to a desired location to transfer the slides from the first container 212 to the second container 252. In some embodiments, one or more slides 310 can move smoothly between the first container 212 and the second container 252 along the support 260 in response to gravity. In some embodiments, a motor can be used to generate additional motion, such as vibration, to assist in facilitating the movement of the slides, which can reduce the likelihood that the slides become stuck along the path. The support 260 can be configured in many ways, but in some embodiments, the slide support 260 is configured to rotate about an axis 612 as indicated using an arrow 610.

[0074] In some embodiments, the support 260 includes a container 620 for maintaining the orientation of one or more slides 310 relative to an opening to the first container 212 and an opening to the second container 252. In a first orientation, the one or more slides 310 are positioned within the first container 212 as shown in FIG. 6A. In a second orientation, the first container 212 releases the one or more slides 310 and is rotated, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, to provide the one or more slides to the container 620 along with the sliding of the one or more slides along the guide 605. In a third orientation, the one or more slides 310 smoothly move along the guide 605 to the second container 252.

[0075] In some embodiments, the linkage includes a gear configured to rotate the support 260 about the shaft 612, and the linkage is operably coupled to a processor as described herein.

[0076] In some embodiments, the orientation of the one or more slides 310 is substantially similar with respect to the access opening 256 of the second container 252 as compared to the orientation of the one or more slides 310 with respect to the access opening 216 of the first container 212. In some embodiments, this includes the container 620. Alternatively, or in combination, the linkage 270 can be configured to maintain the orientation, for example, as described herein.

[0077] FIGS. 6A-6C are referenced with respect to the container 620 for maintaining the orientation of the one or more slides 310 within the first container 212 and the second container 252. In some embodiments, the guide 605 is configured to directly transfer the one or more slides 310 from the first container to the second container, for example, without using the container 620. In some embodiments, the orientation of the one or more slides 310 is reversed with respect to the access opening 256 of the second container 252 as compared to the orientation of the one or more slides 310 with respect to the access opening 216 of the first container 212.

[0078] In this specification, microscope 100 is referred to, but in some embodiments, microscope 100 includes a plurality of microscopes. In some embodiments, system 200 includes a plurality of microscopes. Alternatively, or in combination, the slide transfer device can be configured to transfer slides to a plurality of microscopes.

[0079] In some embodiments, the second container is manually loaded into the microscope after transfer. In some embodiments, the second container can also be manually placed such that the container transfer device will move it to the slide loader.

[0080] FIG. 7 shows a method 700 of transferring slides from a first container to a second container.

[0081] In step 710, a plurality of slides are transferred from the first container to the second container. In some embodiments, a support moves the plurality of slides from the first container to the second container. In some embodiments, the first container is different from the second container, for example, as described herein.

[0082] In step 720, the slide transfer device receives a plurality of slides from the first container in a first orientation or a first order, for example, as described herein.

[0083] In step 730, the slide transfer device provides a plurality of slides to the second container in a second orientation and a second order.

[0084] In step 740, the reader reads one or more identification codes of the plurality of slides, the first container, or the second container. The reader may comprise any suitable reader as described herein, and the reader may comprise, for example, one or more readers of a slide transfer device, a microscope slide loader, or a microscope. In some embodiments, the slide transfer device is configured to transfer a plurality of slides in response to an identification code. In some embodiments, the slide transfer device is configured to maintain one or more of the order or orientation of the plurality of slides between the first container and the second container. In some embodiments, the slide transfer device is configured to change one or more of the order or orientation of the plurality of slides between the first container and the second container.

[0085] In step 750, the support engages one or more of the plurality of slides. In some embodiments, the support comprises a guide, and the plurality of slides move smoothly along the guide to transfer the slides between the first container and the second container.

[0086] In step 760, a processor and a coupling operably coupled to the support move the slide between the first container and the second container.

[0087] In step 770, the slide transfer device positions the plurality of slides such that the readable code of each of the plurality of slides within the second container is within the range of the microscope reader.

[0088] FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 for transferring slides according to some embodiments, and those skilled in the art will recognize many adaptations and variations. For example, the steps can be performed in any order, some of the steps can be repeated, and some of the steps may not be performed. Some of the steps may include sub-steps of other steps. Additional steps can be added, for example, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein. At least some of the steps of method 700 can be performed using a processor as described herein.

[0089] As described herein, the computing devices and systems described and / or illustrated herein broadly represent any type or form of computing device or system capable of executing computer-readable instructions such as those included within the modules described herein. In their most basic configuration, these computing devices can each comprise at least one memory device and at least one physical processor.

[0090] The term "memory" or "memory device" as used herein generally represents any type or form of volatile or non-volatile memory device or medium capable of storing data and / or computer-readable instructions. In one example, a memory device can store, load, and / or maintain one or more of the modules described herein. Examples of memory devices include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), optical disk drive, cache, variations or combinations of one or more of them, or any other suitable storage memory.

[0091] In addition, as used herein, the term "processor" or "physical processor" generally refers to any type or form of hardware-implemented processing unit capable of interpreting and / or executing computer-readable instructions. In one example, a physical processor can access and / or modify one or more modules stored within the memory devices described above. Examples of physical processors include, but are not limited to, microprocessors, microcontrollers, central processing units (CPUs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) implementing softcore processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), portions of one or more of these, variations or combinations of one or more of these, or any other suitable physical processor. A processor can include, for example, a distributed processor system that executes parallel processors, or a remote processor such as a server, and combinations thereof.

[0092] Illustrated as separate elements, the method steps described and / or illustrated herein can represent part of a single application. In addition, in some embodiments, one or more of these steps, when executed by a computing device, can represent or correspond to one or more software applications or programs that cause the computing device to perform one or more tasks such as method steps.

[0093] In addition, one or more of the devices described herein can convert data, physical devices, and / or representations of physical devices from one form to another. In addition or alternatively, one or more of the modules listed herein can, by executing on a computing device, storing data on a computing device, and / or otherwise interacting with a computing device, convert a processor, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and / or any other part of a physical computing device from one form of computing device to another form of computing device.

[0094] As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" generally refers to any form of device, carrier, or medium capable of storing or transporting computer-readable instructions. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, transmission-type media such as carrier waves, and magnetic storage media (e.g., hard disk drives, tape drives, and floppy (R) disks), optical storage media (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), and BLU-RAY (R) discs), electronic storage media (e.g., solid state drives and flash media), and non-transitory media such as other distributed systems.

[0095] Those skilled in the art will recognize that any process or method disclosed herein can be modified in many ways. The process parameters and set of steps described and / or illustrated herein are provided by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, the steps illustrated and / or described herein can be shown or discussed in a particular order, but these steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed.

[0096] The various exemplary methods described and / or illustrated herein may also include omitting one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein, or in addition to those disclosed, may include additional steps. Further, any steps of any method disclosed herein can be combined with any one or more steps of any other method disclosed herein.

[0097] A processor as described herein can be configured to perform one or more steps of any method disclosed herein. Alternatively, or in combination, a processor can be configured to combine one or more steps of one or more methods as disclosed herein.

[0098] Unless otherwise noted, the terms "connected to" and "coupled to" (and their derivatives) as used herein and in the claims should be construed to permit both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connections. Additionally, the term "a" or "an" as used herein and in the claims should be construed to mean "at least one of". Finally, for ease of use, the terms "including" and "having" (and their derivatives) as used herein and in the claims are synonymous with the word "comprising" and shall have the same meaning.

[0099] A processor as disclosed herein can be configured with instructions for performing one or more steps of any method as disclosed herein.

[0100] It should be understood that terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various layers, elements, components, regions, or sections without referring to any particular order or sequence of events. These terms are only used to distinguish one layer, element, component, region, or section from another. A first layer, element, component, region, or section as described herein may be referred to as a second layer, element, component, region, or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0101] As used herein, the term "or" is used inclusively to refer to items in the alternative and in combination.

[0102] As used herein, letters such as numbers refer to similar elements.

[0103] As used herein, the term "substantially" with respect to orientation, direction, horizontal, or vertical means within 30 degrees.

[0104] The present disclosure includes the following numbered appendices.

[0105] Appendix 1. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a microscope configured to generate an enlarged digital image of a sample; a first container configured to hold a plurality of slides; a second container configured to receive the plurality of slides from the first container, the second container being different from the first container; a slide loader configured to load the plurality of slides from the second container into the microscope; and a transfer device comprising a support configured to transfer the plurality of slides from the first container to the second container.

[0106] Appendix 2. The first container is the device described in Appendix 1, which is different from the second container by one or more of the maximum transfer, slide capacity, number of slide containers, distance between slide containers, or size of the slide containers.

[0107] Appendix 3. The device described in Appendices 1-2, further comprising a reader configured to read an identification code on the container, and optionally, the code includes one or more of a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), or RFID.

[0108] Appendix 4. The container has an identification code, and optionally, the code includes one or more of a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), or RFID. The device described in Appendices 1-3.

[0109] Appendix 5. Each of the plurality of slides has an identification code, and optionally, the identification code includes one or more of a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), or RFID. The device described in Appendices 1-4.

[0110] Appendix 6. The device described in Appendices 1-5, further comprising a reader configured to read the identification code on each of the plurality of slides.

[0111] Appendix 7. The device described in Appendices 1-6, further comprising a container transfer device configured to move the second container from the slide transfer location to the slide loader location.

[0112] Appendix 8. The slide loader is not configured to work with the first container. The device described in Appendices 1-7.

[0113] Appendix 9. The first container is not compatible with the slide loader. The device described in Appendices 1-8.

[0114] Appendix 10. The slide loader is the device according to Appendix 1-9 that cannot load slides from the first container when the first container is installed at a location corresponding to the location of the second container for loading slides into the microscope.

[0115] Appendix 11. The slide transfer device is the device according to Appendix 1-10 that is configured to sequentially transfer a plurality of slides from the first container to the second container.

[0116] Appendix 12. The slide transfer device is the device according to Appendix 1-11 that is configured to maintain the order of a plurality of slides between the first container and the second container.

[0117] Appendix 13. A plurality of microscope slides are sequentially arranged at a plurality of first locations on the first container, and the slide transfer device is configured to transfer the plurality of slides to the second container and maintain the order at a plurality of second locations on the second container. The device is as described in Appendix 1-12.

[0118] Appendix 14. The plurality of first locations on the first container correspond to one or more empty slots between two or more slides on the first container, and the plurality of second locations correspond to non-empty slots between two or more slides on the second container. The device is as described in Appendix 1-13.

[0119] Appendix 15. The slide transfer device is the device according to Appendix 1-14 that is configured to change the order of the slides transferred from the first container to the second container.

[0120] Appendix 16. The slide transfer device is the device according to Appendix 1-15 that is configured to change the order to prioritize one or more of the plurality of slides.

[0121] Appendix 17. The slide transfer device is the device according to Appendix 1-16 that is configured to simultaneously move a plurality of slides from the first container to the second container.

[0122] Supplementary Note 18. The slide transfer device is the device described in Supplementary Note 1-17, configured to transfer a plurality of slides between a first container and a second container in several times.

[0123] Supplementary Note 19. The support part is the device described in Supplementary Note 1-18, equipped with a guide configured to enable a plurality of slides to move smoothly between a first container and a second container.

[0124] Supplementary Note 20. The slide transfer device is the device described in Supplementary Note 1-19, configured to transfer a plurality of slides from a second container to a first container.

[0125] Supplementary Note 21. The slide transfer device is the device described in Supplementary Note 1-20, configured to transfer a plurality of slides from a second container to a third container.

[0126] Supplementary Note 22. The second container is the device described in Supplementary Note 1-21, configured to hold a plurality of slides simultaneously.

[0127] Supplementary Note 23. The device further includes a container transfer device between the slide transfer device and the slide loader. Optionally, the container transfer device is located between the location of the slide transfer device and the location of the slide loader, as described in Supplementary Note 1-22.

[0128] Supplementary Note 24. The first container is configured to receive a plurality of smear slides from a slide preparation device configured to prepare smear slides. Optionally, the slide preparation device is equipped with an automated slide stainer, as described in Supplementary Note 1-23.

[0129] Supplementary Note 25. The first container is equipped with a cassette configured to hold a plurality of slides in a plurality of slide containers. Optionally, the plurality of containers are equipped with a plurality of slots, as described in Supplementary Note 1-24.

[0130] Appendix 26. The second container includes a cassette configured to hold a plurality of slides within a plurality of slide containers, and optionally, the second container includes a plurality of slots, the apparatus according to Appendices 1-25.

[0131] Appendix 27. The slide transfer device includes a support for moving a plurality of slides between the first container and the second container, the apparatus according to Appendices 1-26.

[0132] Appendix 28. The support includes one or more of an extension, a finger, a plurality of fingers, a fork, a gripping portion, an adhesive element, a vacuum holder, a guide, a surface for supporting a slide, a slide surface, a pushing mechanism, a pulling mechanism, a magnetic holder, an end effector, or a rotating stage, the apparatus according to Appendices 1-27.

[0133] Appendix 29. The apparatus further includes a connecting portion coupled to the support and configured to move the support, and a processor operably coupled to the connecting portion, the connecting portion moving a slide between the first container and the second container, the apparatus according to Appendices 1-28.

[0134] Appendix 30. The connecting portion is configured to move the support between a first container of the first container and a second container of the second container while the slide is supported on the support, the apparatus according to Appendices 1-29.

[0135] Appendix 31. The connecting portion includes one or more motors coupled to one or more gears for moving the support, and optionally, two or more motors coupled to two or more gears, and further optionally, three or more motors coupled to three or more gears, the apparatus according to Appendices 1-30.

[0136] Appendix 32. The connecting part is the device according to Appendix 1-31, comprising one or more of a robotic arm, a robotic arm with 6 or more degrees of freedom, a linear stage, a two-dimensional linear stage or a three-dimensional linear stage, a rotary stage, a gantry, a delta robot, or a pulley.

[0137] Appendix 33. The supporting part comprises a slide surface for guiding a plurality of slides between the first container and the second container, and optionally, the connecting part comprises a gear for rotating the slide surface, of the device according to Appendix 1-32.

[0138] Appendix 34. The processor is composed of instructions for maintaining the order of slides from a first order on the first container to a second order on the second container, of the device according to Appendix 1-33.

[0139] Appendix 35. The processor is composed of instructions for changing the order of slides from a first order on the first container to a second order on the second container, of the device according to Appendix 1-34.

[0140] Appendix 36. The first container, the slide transfer device, the slides, and the slide loader are arranged in sequence so as to receive a plurality of slides from a slide preparation device in the first container, transfer the plurality of slides from the first container to the second container, and sequentially transfer the plurality of slides from the slide loader to a microscope, of the device according to Appendix 1-35.

[0141] Appendix 37. The microscope includes one or more of a computational microscope, a high-resolution microscope, a digital microscope, a scanning digital microscope, a 3D microscope, a phase contrast microscope, a phase difference microscope, a dark field microscope, a differential interference contrast microscope, a light sheet microscope, a confocal microscope, a holographic microscope, or a fluorescence-based microscope, of the device according to Appendix 1-36.

[0142] Appendix 38. The plurality of slides have a first orientation in the first container and a second orientation in the second container, of the device according to Appendix 1-37

[0143] Appendix 39. The device according to Appendices 1 - 38, wherein the first orientation is substantially similar to the second orientation.

[0144] Appendix 40. The device according to Appendices 1 - 39, wherein the slide transfer device is configured to maintain the orientation of a plurality of slides between the first container and the second container.

[0145] Appendix 41. The device according to Appendices 1 - 40, wherein the slide transfer device is configured to change the orientation of a plurality of slides from the first orientation within the first container to the second orientation within the second container.

[0146] Appendix 42. The device according to Appendices 1 - 41, wherein the first orientation includes a substantially vertical orientation, the second orientation includes a substantially vertical orientation, and the first orientation is different from the second orientation by rotation of the slide about a rotation axis extending through the slide.

[0147] Appendix 43. The device according to Appendices 1 - 42, wherein the first orientation includes a substantially horizontal orientation, the second orientation includes a substantially horizontal orientation, and the first orientation is different from the second orientation by rotation of the slide about a rotation axis extending through the slide.

[0148] Appendix 44. The device according to Appendices 1 - 43, wherein the first orientation includes a substantially horizontal orientation and the second orientation includes a substantially vertical orientation.

[0149] Appendix 45. The device according to Appendices 1 - 44, wherein the first orientation includes a substantially vertical orientation and the second orientation includes a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0150] Appendix 46. Each of the plurality of slides is provided with a machine-readable identification code, and the slide transfer device is configured to direct the machine-readable code in the second container to be read by a reader. Optionally, the reader includes one or more of a barcode reader, a QR code (registered trademark) reader, or an RFID reader. The device described in Appendices 1-45.

[0151] Appendix 47. The slide transfer device is configured to position the plurality of slides so that the machine-readable code in the second container is directed within the range of the reader. The device described in Appendices 1-46.

[0152] Appendix 48. The first container has a first accessible side for accessing the plurality of slides on the first container, and the second container has a second accessible side for accessing the plurality of slides on the second container. The device described in Appendices 1-47.

[0153] Appendix 49. The first accessible side includes one or more openings for accessing the plurality of slides on the plurality of containers of the first container. The device described in Appendices 1-48.

[0154] Appendix 50. The second accessible side includes one or more openings for accessing the plurality of slides on the plurality of containers of the second container. The device described in Appendices 1-49.

[0155] Appendix 51. The first accessible side and the second accessible side have substantially similar orientations. The device described in Appendices 1-50.

[0156] Appendix 52. The first accessible side and the second accessible side have substantially different orientations. The device described in Appendices 1-51.

[0157] Appendix 53. The first accessible side has a substantially vertical orientation, and the second accessible side has a substantially vertical orientation. The device described in Appendices 1-52.

[0158] Appendix 54. The apparatus according to Appendix 1-53, wherein the first accessible side has a substantially horizontal orientation and the second accessible side has a substantially vertical orientation.

[0159] Appendix 55. The apparatus according to Appendix 1-54, wherein the second container is manually loaded into the microscope after transfer.

[0160] Appendix 56. The apparatus according to Appendix 1-55, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of microscopes.

[0161] Appendix 57. A method of transferring slides, the method comprising transferring a plurality of slides from a first container to a second container using a support configured to move the plurality of slides from the first container to the second container.

[0162] Appendix 58. The method according to Appendix 57, wherein the first container is different from the second container by one or more of maximum delivery, slide capacity, number of slide containers, distance between slide containers, or size of the slide containers.

[0163] Appendix 59. The plurality of slides comprises one or more of a first orientation or a first order within the first container, and the slide transfer device provides the plurality of slides with one or more of a second orientation or a second order to the second container. The method according to Appendix 57-58.

[0164] Appendix 60. The reader of the slide transfer device reads an identification code of one or more of the plurality of slides, the first container, or the second container. The method according to Appendix 57-59.

[0165] Appendix 61. The slide transfer device is configured to maintain one or more of the order or orientation of the plurality of slides between the first container and the second container. The method according to Appendix 57-60.

[0166] Appendix 62. The method according to Appendices 57-61, wherein the slide transfer device is configured to change one or more of the order or orientation of a plurality of slides between a first container and a second container.

[0167] Appendix 63. The method according to Appendices 57-62, wherein the support portion engages one or more of the plurality of slides.

[0168] Appendix 64. The method according to Appendices 57-63, wherein the support portion includes a guide, and the plurality of slides move smoothly along the guide for transferring the slides between the first container and the second container.

[0169] Appendix 65. The method according to Appendices 57-64, wherein a processor and a connecting portion operably coupled to the support portion move the slide between the first container and the second container.

[0170] Appendix 66. The first container, the slide transfer device, the slide, and the slide loader are arranged in sequence, and a plurality of slides from the slide stainer are received in the first container, the plurality of slides are transferred from the first container to the second container, and from the second container to the slide loader and to the microscope, according to the method of Appendices 57-65.

[0171] Appendix 67. The method according to Appendices 57-66, wherein the plurality of slides have a first orientation in the first container and a second orientation in the second container.

[0172] Appendix 68. The method according to Appendices 57-67, wherein the slide transfer device is configured to position the plurality of slides so that each readable code of the plurality of slides in the second container is within the range of the reader of the microscope.

[0173] Appendix 69. The method according to Appendices 57-68, wherein the support portion accesses the plurality of slides through a first accessible side on the first container and through a second accessible side of the second container.

[0174] Appendix 70. The "substantially" regarding orientation, direction, horizontal, or vertical refers to within 30 degrees, and is a method or apparatus described in any one of the preceding appendices.

[0175] The embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described as set forth herein and are provided only as examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize numerous adaptations, changes, variations, and substitutions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Some alternatives and combinations of the embodiments disclosed herein may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and invention disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention disclosed herein is defined only by the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Apparatus, the apparatus, A microscope configured to generate an enlarged digital image of a sample, A first container configured to hold multiple slides, A second container configured to receive the plurality of slides from the first container, wherein the second container is different from the first container, A slide loader configured to load the plurality of slides from the second container into the microscope, A transfer device comprising a support configured to transfer the plurality of slides from the first container to the second container, A device equipped with the following features.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first container differs from the second container in one or more of the following: maximum cross-section, slide capacity, number of slide containers, distance between slide containers, or size of slide containers.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reader configured to read an identification code on the container, wherein the code optionally includes one or more of a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), or RFID.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container is equipped with an identification code, and optionally the code includes one or more of a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), or RFID.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of slides is provided with an identification code, and optionally the identification code includes one or more of a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), or RFID.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reader configured to read an identification code on each of the plurality of slides.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a container transfer device configured to move the second container from a slide transfer location to a slide loader location.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slide loader is not configured to work with the first container.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first container is incompatible with the slide loader.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slide loader is not capable of loading slides from the first container when the first container is positioned in a location corresponding to the location of the second container for loading slides into the microscope.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slide transfer device is configured to sequentially transfer the plurality of slides from the first container to the second container.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slide transfer device is configured to maintain the order of the plurality of slides between the first container and the second container.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of microscope slides are arranged in a sequential order at a first plurality of locations on the first container, and the slide transfer device is configured to transfer the plurality of slides to the second container and maintain the sequential order at a second plurality of locations on the second container.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first plurality of locations on the first container correspond to one or more empty slots between two or more slides on the first container, and the second plurality of locations correspond to non-empty slots between two or more slides on the second container.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slide transfer device is configured to change the order in which the slides are transferred from the first container to the second container.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the slide transfer device is configured to change the order of one or more of the plurality of slides in order to prioritize one or more slides.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slide transfer device is configured to move the plurality of slides simultaneously from the first container to the second container.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slide transfer device is configured to transfer the plurality of slides between the first container and the second container in several steps.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support portion includes a guide configured to allow the plurality of slides to slide between the first container and the second container.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slide transfer device is configured to transfer the plurality of slides from the second container to the first container.

21. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a container transfer device between the slide transfer device and the slide loader, wherein the container transfer device is optionally located between the location of the slide transfer device and the location of the slide loader.

22. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first container, the slide transfer device, the slides, and the slide loader are arranged in order to receive a plurality of slides from a slide preparation device into the first container, transfer the plurality of slides from the first container to a second container, and sequentially transfer the plurality of slides from the slide loader to the microscope.

23. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of slides have a first orientation in the first container and a second orientation in the second container.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the slide transfer device is configured to change the orientation of the plurality of slides from a first orientation in the first container to a second orientation in the second container.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the first orientation includes a substantially vertical orientation, the second orientation includes a substantially vertical orientation, and the first orientation differs from the second orientation by the rotation of the slide about a rotation axis extending through the slide.

26. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the first orientation includes a substantially horizontal orientation, the second orientation includes a substantially horizontal orientation, and the first orientation differs from the second orientation by rotation of the slide about a rotation axis extending through the slide.

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