Method and apparatus for scanning microscope slides using at least two microscope slide scanners

Abstract

1. A method for scanning a microscope slide using at least two microscope slide scanners, comprising: The method comprises the following steps: a) loading a plurality of microscope slides (14) each belonging to one of a plurality of sample sets into a supply unit (6) for microscope slides (14); b) transporting one microscope slide (14) from the supply unit (6) to each microscope slide scanner (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) that does not have a microscope slide loaded thereon; c) performing a scanning process on each loaded microscope slide scanner (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12); d) transporting each scanned microscope slide (14) from each microscope slide scanner (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) to an intermediate storage location (16); e) providing a data record of each scanning process for evaluation; f) transferring all microscope slides (14) of the sample set from intermediate storage (16) to final storage (17); Includes.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for scanning a microscope slide using at least two microscope slide scanners. [Background technology]

[0002] In many fields, particularly in the field of pathology, it is necessary to examine microscope slides containing cell or tissue samples. For this purpose, the microscope slide with the sample is placed under the microscope so that it can be evaluated by a pathologist. For some time now, classical microscopes have been replaced by microscope slide scanners, which scan the microscope slide, store the acquired data, and provide it to the pathologist as a digital image on a screen.

[0003] Microscope slide scanners are known that include a loading device into which multiple individual microscope slides to be scanned can be loaded. Also known are microscope slide scanners that have a supply case specially configured for each scanner into which the microscope slides can be loaded. Thus, the microscope slide scanner can scan individual microscope slides sequentially, eliminating the need to load each microscope slide into the microscope slide scanner before each scanning step.

[0004] Disadvantages of this known microscope slide scanner include the manual loading of microscope slides into the loading device or supply case, where the microscope slides must be individually removed from the microscope slide holder in which they are normally stored and moved into the loading device or supply case, and the supply case containing the microscope slides must be manually loaded into the microscope slide scanner or the supply case must be manually removed. After the scanning process, the microscope slides must again be manually removed from the loading device or supply case and can be stored in a storage unit.

[0005] Often, multiple such microscope slide scanners are used, and the microscope slide scanners must be individually loaded with microscope slides one after the other.

[0006] Typically, multiple cell or tissue samples are taken from a single patient, each of which is individually applied to a separate microscope slide and evaluated separately. Such multiple microscope slides carrying cell or tissue samples from a single patient are referred to as a sample set. A sample set thus includes all microscope slides loaded with samples from a single patient or samples related to each other.

[0007] Currently, in order to keep the individual microscope slides of a set together (so that they can be removed from the microscope slide scanner without further sorting and stored together), it is common for all microscope slides of a sample set to be scanned consecutively with a microscope slide scanner.

[0008] In this case, it is advantageous to keep all samples of a set together so that they can be viewed in one place in the archive, which also has the advantage that if individual microscope slides or all microscope slides of a set need to be removed from the archive again for evaluation, only one placeholder in the archive is required instead of multiple placeholders that would be required if the individual samples of a set were stored separately in the archive.

[0009] Additionally, a drawback of prior art methods is that if the microscope slide scanner onto which a set of samples is loaded fails, the set of samples cannot be further scanned and evaluated until the microscope slide scanner is repaired or a different microscope slide scanner is manually loaded with the set of samples.

[0010] It often happens that a microscope slide is poorly or insufficiently scanned. This is due, for example, to a poorly captured scan area or poor or inadequate autofocus. This is usually first discovered by a pathologist who evaluates the scan. Therefore, in such cases, the corresponding microscope slide must be retrieved from storage and scanned again, which is a disadvantage, and the scan area and focal plane may be determined by the microscope slide scanner. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for scanning microscope slides that overcomes the drawbacks known from the prior art. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for scanning microscope slides that does not require laborious loading and unloading of the microscope slide scanner, and in the event of a malfunction of the microscope slide scanner, a subset of the sample set can be scanned without manually reloading the microscope slides. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method that allows the sample set to be removed from the device en masse and stored in a simple manner and without further sorting. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method that allows for the rescanning of specimens that were incorrectly scanned in a first scanning pass without high labor costs. It may also include providing an apparatus that allows the implementation of the method according to the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To achieve this, a method for scanning a microscope slide using at least two microscope slide scanners is contemplated, the method comprising the steps of: a) loading a plurality of microscope slides, each belonging to one of a plurality of sample sets, into a supply unit for microscope slides; b) transporting the microscope slides one by one from the supply unit to each microscope slide scanner that does not have a microscope slide loaded thereon; c) performing a scanning process on each loaded microscope slide scanner; d) transporting each scanned microscope slide from its respective microscope slide scanner to an intermediate storage location; e) providing a data record of each scanning process for evaluation; f) transferring all microscope slides of the sample set from the intermediate storage to the final storage; Includes:

[0013] Thus, in this method, a supply unit is provided in which each microscope slide having a sample to be scanned is centrally stored until the scanning process, regardless of which of the slide scanners performs the scanning step. Thus, individual microscope slide scanners are not manually loaded in advance with multiple microscope slides to be scanned successively. Rather, the microscope slide scanners are automatically loaded individually with each microscope slide to be scanned from at least one central supply unit. As soon as one of the microscope slide scanners completes the scanning process, the microscope slide is removed and placed in intermediate storage. A new microscope slide can then be removed from the supply unit and placed in the most recently emptied microscope slide scanner. This ensures that all microscope slide scanners are used in sequence, and scanning of the microscope slides stored in the supply units that are yet to be scanned can occur even if one of the microscope slide scanners fails.

[0014] In particularly urgent cases, the order of the slides to be scanned can be changed at any time by swapping the individual microscope slides in the supply unit without interrupting the method of the invention. Thus, the scanning order can be determined or changed depending on the priority of the individual samples without interrupting the method of the invention.

[0015] In the present invention, a "microscope slide" is understood to mean a slide containing a sample to be scanned. For this purpose, the sample is usually placed between a glass microscope slide and a cover glass or a transparent film. The microscope slide can also have a code that allows the sample and / or sample set to be deduced. Preferably, each microscope slide contains a unique code, preferably in the form of a machine-readable code.

[0016] In the present invention, "scanning a microscope slide" refers to scanning a sample placed on a slide.

[0017] In the simplest embodiment, the supply unit is a storage device for a plurality of microscope slides. Preferably, a supply unit is provided that can be loaded with microscope slide holders with microscope slides. In such a case, the supply unit is configured to store microscope slide holders. Preferably, the supply unit is configured to store microscope slide holders from different manufacturers and with different numbers of slots in a random sequence, with the microscope slides in the microscope slide holders. In an advantageous embodiment, the supply unit comprises at least one base plate and at least one front wall. It is also contemplated according to the invention that the device comprises two or more supply units, with different supply units being usable for different types of microscope slide holders.

[0018] Preferably, the supply unit, in particular the base plate, is arranged at an angle so that a microscope slide holder placed on the base plate slides under gravity against the front wall of the supply unit or against a microscope slide holder already present in the supply unit. The base plate of the supply unit therefore forms an oblique plane. In this way, it is ensured that the microscope slide holder always rests against the front wall of the supply unit when the supply unit is loaded with a microscope slide holder.

[0019] In one advantageous embodiment, the supply unit is U-shaped and has at least one end closed by a front wall. Preferably, the U-shape is arranged so that a microscope slide holder can be placed into the U from above. Preferably, the end with the front wall is arranged lower than the other end so that the plane of the base plate of the supply unit is oblique.

[0020] The microscope slide holder is a holder in which a plurality of microscope slides can be arranged substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, each microscope slide holder has slots for 3 to 50 microscope slides. Preferably, the microscope slides are arranged in the slots with one short side facing up and the other short side facing down. The microscope slides can be pulled out of the microscope slide holder by the top short side.

[0021] Preferably, the step of transferring microscope slides from a supply unit in one microscope slide scanner includes a vibration step in which the microscope slides grasped by the industrial robot are vibrated before and / or during removal from the microscope slide holder. The implementation of such a vibration movement allows microscope slides that are stuck in the microscope slide holder and / or that are stuck due to adhesive residue from the covering process to be removed without damage.

[0022] The microscope slide holders and supply unit are configured so that only microscope slide holders that are positioned in a predetermined direction in the supply unit can be loaded. This means that microscope slide holders can only be loaded into the supply unit when they are oriented so that a predetermined face of each microscope slide holder faces the front wall of the supply unit. This can be achieved by providing one face of the microscope slide holder with a raised portion or protrusion that can engage with a corresponding depression or recess in the loading area of ​​the supply unit.

[0023] Thus, in the supply unit, the two outward-facing surfaces of the microscope slide holder, which are arranged parallel to both sides of the U-shape of the supply unit, are different from each other. Similarly, in such an embodiment, the two sides of the U-shape of the supply unit are different from each other. Typically, individual microscope slides are inserted into the microscope slide holder manually or automatically after the staining and covering processes of the specimens, so that all microscope slides in the microscope slide holder face the same direction. The fixed orientation of the microscope slide holder in the supply unit ensures that all microscope slides in the supply unit face the same direction, eliminating the need to check the orientation of the slides to be scanned. The specific surface of the microscope slide holder can be determined individually and depending on the implementation of the staining and covering processes.

[0024] Preferably, the supply unit comprises a holding device which is arranged to prevent the microscope slide holder which is arranged first relative to the front wall of the supply unit from being removed upwards from the supply unit, thus preventing a microscope slide holder which is not yet completely empty from being unintentionally lifted when removing a microscope slide, which could result in the microscope slide falling and being damaged if it has not yet been scanned.

[0025] Preferably, the hold-down device is a protrusion or projection arranged on the supply unit. To remove the microscope slide holder, it is first necessary to move the microscope slide holder from the front wall and thereby from the hold-down device towards the other end of the supply unit and then upwards to remove it from the feeding unit.

[0026] Preferably, the microscope slide holders are removed by an industrial robot starting from the leading microscope slide holder adjacent the front wall. Since in some cases not all slots in a microscope slide holder contain microscope slides, the industrial robot tries each slot, which may be empty, in turn, until it reaches a slot that contains a microscope slide and removes it. This ensures that the microscope slides arrive at one of the microscope slide scanners in the order in which they are present in the microscope slide holder, and that each microscope slide is scanned.

[0027] Thus, according to the present invention, it is contemplated that a plurality of microscope slides belonging to a plurality of series may be loaded into the supply unit. Thus, a plurality of sample sets of microscope slides may be loaded into the supply unit. A sample set may comprise two or more microscope slides containing respective samples from a single patient or other related samples. Thus, two or more such sample sets may be placed in the supply unit.

[0028] The microscope slides located in the supply unit are removed from the supply unit, preferably in the order in which they are present, and loaded into one of the unoccupied microscope slide scanners which performs the scanning process.

[0029] The method of the present invention contemplates the use of at least two microscope slide scanners. Thus, at least two, but possibly three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more microscope slide scanners may be used in accordance with the present invention, depending on the number of microscope slides to be scanned. The present invention allows for the use of cost-effective, trouble-free, freestanding microscope slide scanners that do not have a loading device or supply case for storing microscope slides.

[0030] Preferably, the individual code of each microscope slide delivered to the microscope slide scanner is known and stored in a database. Similarly, information about which microscope slide scanner the microscope slide was scanned by can be stored.

[0031] Thus, it is also contemplated that the method according to the invention includes one or more steps in which the microscope slide code is scanned. It is also contemplated that, after the code is determined, information about the location of the microscope slide is stored. Preferably, which microscope slide scanner the microscope slide is loaded into, in which position in the intermediate storage the microscope slide is placed, and / or in which position in the final storage the microscope slide is placed. Therefore, preferably, the microscope slides, and in particular their codes, are determined by individual scanners before being placed in the microscope slide scanner, in the intermediate storage, and / or in the final storage, so that the position or current position of each microscope slide can be read at any time.

[0032] Preferably, step b) of each microscope slide additionally comprises scanning the microscope slide code of said microscope slide. Preferably, in this process, not only is the coding of the microscope slide read, but also the area on the microscope slide in which the sample to be scanned, e.g. tissue, is located is identified. Also preferably, according to the invention, it is provided that only this area of ​​the microscope slide in which the sample to be scanned is located is scanned with one of the microscope slide scanners.

[0033] Additionally, the method may include creating and saving an overview image of the complete microscope slide by means of an overview scanner, preferably including at least one illumination unit and a camera.

[0034] After the microscope slide has been transferred to the microscope slide scanner, and after the scanning process is complete, the scanned microscope slide is removed from the scanner and placed in intermediate storage.

[0035] The intermediate storage is thus a device in which microscope slides are placed after the scanning process. Preferably, the microscope slides are placed in the intermediate storage in the order in which they are removed from the scanner and therefore in the order in which they arrive at the intermediate storage, regardless of whether the microscope slides were placed in a different order in the supply unit. Preferably, the intermediate storage comprises a plurality of slots or a plurality of holders, into which a scanned microscope slide can be inserted. In some embodiments, the intermediate storage comprises 100, 1000 or more slots or holders. Thus, the intermediate storage may comprise any number of slots or holders.

[0036] Before storing the microscope slides in the intermediate storage, their individual codes can be ascertained. This can be done by a data acquisition device or by multiple data acquisition devices, for example in the form of a scanner. Preferably, the intermediate storage comprises multiple storage locations, with each storage location, i.e., each slot or holder, being capable of accommodating one microscope slide. Each storage location can be identified by an individual identifier or code. Preferably, the storage location of each microscope slide placed therein is stored in a database.

[0037] Preferably, in accordance with step b), all available microscope slide scanners are loaded. Preferably, all available loaded microscope slide scanners perform the scanning process in accordance with step c). Preferably, in accordance with step d), all available loaded microscope slide scanners are unloaded. In this way, all microscope slide scanners of the apparatus of this method according to the present invention are used and contribute to facilitating the scanning method.

[0038] A data record for evaluation is provided for each scanning process by one of the microscope slide scanners. The data record encodes the image captured by the microscope slide scanner, and the image can be evaluated after being provided. Preferably, such evaluation is performed by a pathologist.

[0039] After the evaluation of a sample set is completed, all microscope slides of this series are transferred from the intermediate storage to the final storage. For this purpose, preferably, all microscope slides of a sample set are transferred individually from the intermediate storage to the final storage. Preferably, the microscope slides of a sample set are placed consecutively in the final storage. Preferably, each sample set is placed numerically sorted in the final storage so that all microscope slides of a series are arranged numerically consecutively in the final storage.

[0040] The information that the evaluation of a sample set is complete can be transmitted to the device according to the invention. The evaluation of a sample set can also be considered complete when all samples of this series have been evaluated, without requiring rescanning of one or more microscope slides of this series.

[0041] Step f) is carried out for all sample sets in which the microscope slides loaded into the supply unit according to step a) belong to the entire sample set.

[0042] The final storage section is a storage device into which all microscope slides of a sample set that were placed in the intermediate storage section can be placed once evaluation of the sample set is complete. The final storage section may consist of multiple final storage sections or partial final storage sections. Such a multi-component final storage section allows for the replacement of a filled partial final storage section with a new, empty partial final storage section during the ongoing method, since different partial final storage sections are available for storing scanned microscope slides during the replacement process. Preferably, one sample set or multiple sample sets are placed in such a partial final storage section. All of the microscope slides of a set placed in the final storage section can be removed and stored together, or partial final storage sections containing one or more complete sample sets can be removed and stored. Furthermore, a multi-component final storage section is advantageous, for example, when sample sets intended for third parties are scanned by the device, and these sample sets must then be stored separately. In such cases, the sample sets being investigated for third parties can be separated from the other sample sets and placed in separate partial final storage sections.

[0043] Preferably, the final storage section comprises a plurality of identifiable partial final storage sections. Preferably, the or each partial final storage section comprises a plurality of final storage locations for one microscope slide each, each final storage location being identifiable by a separate identifier. Preferably, the storage location within the final storage section for each microscope slide located therein is stored in a database.

[0044] As soon as the final storage unit or one of the partial final storage units becomes completely full, information or a warning relating to this can be issued so that the final storage unit / partial final storage unit can be emptied or replaced.

[0045] Preferably, microscope slides are removed from the supply units as soon as a free microscope slide scanner becomes available. Thus, preferably, all microscope slides are successively removed from the supply units, scanned, and placed in intermediate storage. Thus, preferably, each microscope slide of the supply unit is transported to one microscope slide scanner, scanned there, and then transported to intermediate storage, according to steps b), c), and d).

[0046] As mentioned above, the microscope slides can be placed in a microscope slide holder in the supply unit. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the supply unit loads the microscope slides which are placed in the microscope slide holder, and the method further comprises the following steps: a`) removing a microscope slide holder from a supply unit; a``) placing a microscope slide holder, preferably in a microscope slide holder storage device; wherein steps a`) and a``) are preferably performed by at least one industrial robot. Preferably, steps a`) and a``) are performed after step a), when all microscope slides in the microscope slide holder have been removed. Thus, the empty microscope slide holder can be removed from the supply unit, and microscope slides in another microscope slide holder located in the supply unit can be removed for scanning. After removing the completely emptied microscope slide holder, the next microscope slide holder can automatically slide in towards the front wall. By automatically removing the empty microscope slide holder, space is freed in the supply unit for loading another microscope slide holder into the supply unit.

[0047] Preferably, after scanning a microscope slide with a microscope slide scanner, the microscope slide is checked for damage before storing the microscope slide in the intermediate storage section. This makes it possible to ensure that no microscope slide parts damaged during loading or unloading remain in any microscope slide scanner. For this purpose, the length of the slide is preferably checked. Preferably, the length check is performed mechanically. Particularly preferably, for the length check, the microscope slide passes through a switch, in particular a microswitch, which is activated only if the microscope slide has its original length. If a microscope slide is determined to be damaged, it is intended that the microscope slide scanner that scanned the damaged microscope slide will not be loaded with a new microscope slide, will be treated as "blocked," and a corresponding warning will be output. However, microscope slide scanners that are not blocked can still be used, and the method of the present invention can still be performed.

[0048] In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated that microscope slides that cannot be scanned by the microscope slide scanner, and / or whose microscope slide codes cannot be read, and / or microscope slides that are determined to be damaged are stored in a separate collection device for defective microscope slides rather than in the storage device.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the microscope slides are placed in the intermediate storage according to step d) randomly, rather than by sample set. In such an embodiment, the microscope slides are placed randomly in the intermediate storage. Preferably, one microscope slide is pushed into an empty slot in the intermediate storage, regardless of whether the adjacent slot is empty or occupied by a microscope slide of another sample series. The order in which the microscope slides are placed in the intermediate storage may therefore differ from the order in which they are placed in the supply unit.

[0050] In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, in step f) the storage positions in the intermediate storage where all microscope slides of each sample set are stored are read and the microscope slides are arranged by sample set in the final storage, with all microscope slides of a sample set being arranged directly adjacent to each other in the final storage.

[0051] When scanning a microscope slide, the focal plane is generally determined automatically by the microscope slide scanner's software. Because the sample placed on the microscope slide may have a surface topography, e.g., in the form of a structure, the focal plane determined by the software is often not optimally selected. Furthermore, certain sample areas important for the evaluation may not be scanned. However, improper scanning is often only identified during evaluation (e.g., during viewing of the captured images by a pathologist), by which time, in the case of prior art devices, the microscope slide has already been removed from the device and stored.

[0052] In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises, after step e) and before step f), the following step: e`) transporting the microscope slide from the intermediate storage to the unloaded microscope slide scanner; e) performing a rescanning process of the microscope slide; e) transporting the rescanned microscope slides to an intermediate storage location; Includes:

[0053] The additional steps e`) to e```) ensure that an improperly scanned microscope slide can be scanned again before being stored in the final storage. Preferably, immediately after providing the data record, in particular during the evaluation by the pathologist, it is decided whether the microscope slide to be evaluated should be rescanned. If the scan of the microscope slide is improper, this information can be transmitted to the device according to the invention, so that the corresponding microscope slide is then again removed from the intermediate storage and transferred to an unoccupied microscope slide scanner. After the rescanning has been performed, the microscope slide is again transferred to the intermediate storage.

[0054] Preferably, the evaluation is carried out on a monitor-equipped computer on which evaluation software is installed, the computer being connectable to the device according to the invention for scanning microscope slides according to the method according to the invention and capable of transmitting input information or control commands to the device.

[0055] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, after step e), the scan parameters for the scanning process according to step e'') are determined. Thus, during evaluation of the displayed scanned image of the microscope slide, it is possible to determine which focal planes can be used in the rescan according to step e''). For this purpose, the focal plane can be preferably defined in the displayed image by determining three points that determine the focal plane. Likewise, it can be determined which area of ​​the microscope slide should be scanned. This information can be transmitted to the device according to the invention, so that the corresponding microscope slide can be removed from the intermediate storage and the microscope slide scanner that performs the scan can focus on this plane or this scan area.

[0056] Preferably, therefore, after step e), it is determined for each data record whether the associated microscope slide is to be rescanned according to steps e') to e```). Steps e') to e```) can be performed for one, several or all of the microscope slides located in the intermediate storage.

[0057] In an advantageous embodiment, step e') is performed for the microscope slide to be rescanned prior to step b), in which a different microscope slide is brought from the supply unit to one of the microscope slide scanners, so that new data records from the rescan can be quickly provided for evaluation.

[0058] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, at least one microscope slide scanner is different from other existing microscope slide scanners. In particular, scanners with different objective lenses, e.g., different in terms of magnification, are used. Preferably, there is at least one microscope slide scanner with an objective lens with a higher magnification than most of the other microscope slide scanners. In this way, it can be ensured that each microscope slide can be scanned with the appropriate microscope slide scanner. This is particularly important if a rescanning process according to step e) of the microscope slide can be performed, e.g., if certain areas of the microscope slide can be scanned in a more detailed manner. In this case, a microscope slide scanner with an optimal magnification level can be selected.

[0059] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of steps b), d), f), e′) and e′″) is performed by at least one industrial robot. Preferably, these steps are performed by at least one industrial robot. Preferably, steps b), d), f) and, if present in the method, steps e′) and e′″) are performed by at least one industrial robot. Particularly preferably, one, several or all of steps b), d), f), e′) and e′″) are performed by a single industrial robot.

[0060] "At least one industrial robot" refers to one or more programmable machines that can independently or in cooperation carry out the method steps to be carried out by the industrial robot. When only one single industrial robot is used, it is configured to carry out all the method steps that are intended to be carried out by the use of the industrial robot. Preferably, the industrial robot comprises a robot arm, a control device and a gripper.

[0061] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one industrial robot is an articulated robot. Preferably, the at least one industrial robot is a six-axis articulated robot, a seven-axis articulated robot, or an eight-axis articulated robot. Preferably, the articulated robot is equipped with a gripper for gripping a microscope slide. Preferably, a microscope slide is loaded into the microscope slide scanner, removed from the microscope slide scanner, and transferred to the intermediate storage and final storage by the same articulated robot that removes the microscope slide from the supply unit.

[0062] Preferably, the microscope slide scanners are positioned so that an industrial robot can load and unload each microscope slide scanner. The microscope slide scanners can be positioned in the same plane. Also, particularly when using a 7-axis or 8-axis articulated robot, microscope slide scanners can be positioned next to each other or one above the other, forming a wall of microscope slide scanners. Multiple walls of microscope slide scanners can also be positioned around the industrial robot.

[0063] The method according to the invention comprises at least steps a) to f). Accordingly, the method according to the invention may comprise further method steps. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, step b) is repeated before step d) is performed until each microscope slide scanner is loaded with a microscope slide.

[0064] Preferably, method steps b) to f) are repeated until all microscope slides have been removed from the supply unit and / or the intermediate storage is completely empty.

[0065] Furthermore, it is provided in accordance with the present invention that method step a) is again carried out simultaneously with one of method steps b) to f), and thus the method according to the present invention provides for loading further microscope slides into the supply unit during the ongoing method.

[0066] In an advantageous embodiment, the method comprises steps a) to f), and optionally further comprises steps e') to e''`) and / or a') and a''), wherein each step can be performed multiple times.

[0067] In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, information can be transmitted between individual components of the apparatus according to the present invention, such as the microscope slide scanner and at least one industrial robot, or between the individual components and a central control unit, so that the individual method steps can be time-coordinated. For example, after the scanning process is completed, the microscope slide scanner can output an information signal containing information that the scanning process is complete. This signal can be converted into a control signal for the industrial robot, which instructs the industrial robot to remove the corresponding microscope slide from the microscope slide scanner and insert it into an empty slot in the intermediate storage or transfer it from the intermediate storage to the final storage. Similarly, the control unit can be configured as a component of the industrial robot itself.

[0068] In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the industrial robot removes a microscope slide from one of the microscope slide scanners and stores it in intermediate storage, and then immediately removes the microscope slide from the supply unit and loads it into an unloaded microscope slide scanner or the most recently emptied microscope slide scanner, regardless of whether another microscope slide scanner has in the meantime transmitted information that the scanning process is complete, thereby reducing the downtime of the microscope slide scanners.

[0069] In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the microscope slide scanner may include a rotatable holder for microscope slides. Particularly preferably, the holder is configured as a turntable that rotates 90° about a vertical axis for loading. Many microscope slide scanners in the prior art include holders for microscope slides in which the microscope slides are loaded sideways when viewed from the front of the microscope slide scanner. To facilitate loading of microscope slides by an industrial robot, the microscope slide holder rotates during loading so that the microscope slide is loaded into the holder from the front.

[0070] Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for scanning microscope slides by the method according to the invention, which apparatus overcomes the drawbacks known from the prior art.

[0071] To achieve this object, an apparatus for scanning a microscope slide according to the method of the present invention is provided, which comprises: A) at least one supply unit for microscope slides; B) at least two microscope slide scanners; C) at least one intermediate storage area for microscope slides; D) at least one final storage compartment for microscope slides; Equipped with.

[0072] In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises at least one industrial robot, This industrial robot is configured to perform one, several or all of steps b), d) and f); and / or Preferably, the apparatus comprises a single industrial robot configured to perform steps b), d) and f), and / or steps e`) and e```). Preferably, the apparatus comprises only a single industrial robot, preferably a single articulated robot, for transporting microscope slides from the supply unit to the microscope slide scanner, from the microscope slide scanner to the intermediate storage, from the intermediate storage to the final storage, and optionally from the intermediate storage to the microscope slide scanner.

[0073] The device according to the invention is configured to carry out the method according to the invention, and thus the device may be able to carry out the method autonomously, continuously and without manual intervention, wherein a data set is provided for the test evaluation.

[0074] Preferably, the components A) to D) of the device are arranged on a base frame, thereby providing a compact device that is mobile, e.g., so that it can be transported through a door opening without disassembly. Preferably, the base frame is provided with a casing that encloses the supply unit, the storage section, and the microscope slide scanner. Furthermore, an operating panel and / or operating elements for operating the device may be provided.

[0075] The description of the inventive device and the description of the inventive method are complementary, so that any description of the method in relation to the inventive device, either individually or in combination, should be understood as a description of the method, and any feature of the device described in relation to the inventive method, either individually or in combination, should also be understood as a feature of the inventive device.

[0076] The present invention will be explained again below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0077] [Figure 1] 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic diagram; [Figure 2] 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic diagram; [Figure 3] 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic diagram; [Figure 4] 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic diagram; [Figure 5] 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic diagram; [Figure 6] 1 shows a schematic view of a part of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention; [Figure 7] 1 shows a schematic view of a part of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0078] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus 1 for scanning microscope slides. The apparatus includes a base frame 2 on which a supply unit 6, several microscope slide scanners 7 and 8, and an industrial robot 13 in the form of an articulated robot are arranged. The apparatus is provided with a casing 3 attached to the base frame 2. The apparatus can be operated using an operating panel 4 and with operating elements 5. The apparatus is equipped with a flap, shown here in the open position, which can be closed, so that the working area of ​​the industrial robot 13 is not accessible from the outside. A microscope slide holder loaded with a microscope slide can be loaded into the supply unit 6 from the outside via a recess in the casing in the area of ​​the supply unit 6. The articulated robot 13 can transfer the microscope slides arranged in the supply unit 6 to the microscope slide scanners 7 and 8 and to another microscope slide scanner not designated by a reference number here, using a gripper 15. As soon as all microscope slides in the microscope slide holders arranged in the supply unit 6 have been transferred to the microscope slide scanner, the articulated robot 13 uses the gripper 15 to transfer the empty microscope slide holder through a recess in the casing 3 to an externally accessible microscope slide holder storage section 18.

[0079] 2 shows in perspective view an apparatus 1 according to the invention, which comprises six microscope slide scanners 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 mounted on the side walls of a base frame. An intermediate storage section 16 is provided on the opposite side wall for the intermediate storage of microscope slides, so that after a scan has been carried out by one of the six microscope slide scanners 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, the slide can be temporarily stored in the intermediate storage section before being rescanned or transported to final storage.

[0080] 3 shows in side view an apparatus 1 according to the invention, in which microscope slide scanners 7, 9, 10 can be loaded with microscope slides by an industrial robot 13. The scanned microscope slides can then be transported to intermediate storage 16. From intermediate storage 16, the microscope slides can either be rescanned by one of the microscope slide scanners or transported to final storage 17.

[0081] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the apparatus 1 according to the invention. The apparatus 1 comprises microscope slide scanners 7 and 8. An articulated robot 13 can remove microscope slides 14 from the supply unit 6 and transfer them to the microscope slide scanners 7 and 8. After the scanning process, the scanned microscope slides 14 can be transferred by the articulated robot 13 to an intermediate storage section 16. From the intermediate storage section 16, the microscope slides 14 can be transferred to a final storage section 17. The final storage section 17 is made up of several parts, five in this example. The intermediate storage section 16 has several storage positions, each for one microscope slide 14. In the intermediate storage section, the microscope slides 14 can be stored randomly after sample placement. All microscope slides 14 of one sample set, randomly distributed within the intermediate storage section 16, can be successively removed from the intermediate storage section 16 by the articulated robot 13 and placed consecutively in the final storage section 17. Preferably, all microscope slides 14 of one sample set can be arranged in a partial final storage area and can be removed, eg stored, together.

[0082] 5 shows an apparatus 1 according to the invention in a perspective view, which illustrates a number of microscope slide scanners 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, an industrial robot 13 and a final storage unit 17. Furthermore, a microscope slide holder storage unit 18 can be seen, which is configured to receive empty microscope slide holders. The apparatus further comprises a collection device for defective microscope slides 19, to which microscope slides that cannot be scanned, are faulty or whose code cannot be read are transferred.

[0083] 6 shows a representation of a part of the device 1 according to the invention, showing a supply unit 6 loaded with microscope slides 14, an intermediate storage section 16 and a final storage section 17. The supply unit 6 is configured as a two-part supply unit 6, with each part of the supply unit 6 comprising a base plate on which it is arranged at an angle. The supply unit 6 is configured to receive individual microscope slides 14 or microscope slide holders loaded with microscope slides 14. The microscope slide holders delivered to the supply unit 6 can slide towards the front wall due to their own weight.

[0084] 7 shows a representation of a portion of an apparatus according to the invention. A supply unit 6, an intermediate storage 16 and a final storage 17 are shown. The supply unit 6 is configured to receive a microscope slide holder loaded with a microscope slide. The intermediate storage 16 is configured to receive a plurality of microscope slides, with each storage position of the intermediate storage 16 being provided with an individual identifier. Similarly, the final storage 17 is configured to receive a plurality of microscope slides. Typically, the microscope slides in the intermediate storage 16 are not arranged in sequence according to sample sets, whereas the microscope slides in the final storage 17 are arranged according to sample sets. The present application relates to the invention described in the claims, but also includes the following as other aspects. 1. 1. A method for scanning a microscope slide using at least two microscope slide scanners (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), comprising: The method comprises the following steps: a) loading a plurality of microscope slides (14) each belonging to one of a plurality of sample sets into a supply unit (6) for microscope slides (14); b) transporting one microscope slide (14) from the supply unit (6) to each microscope slide scanner (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) that does not have a microscope slide loaded thereon; c) performing a scanning process on each loaded microscope slide scanner (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12); d) transporting each scanned microscope slide (14) from each microscope slide scanner (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) to an intermediate storage location (16); e) providing a data record of each scanning process for evaluation; f) transferring all microscope slides (14) of the sample set from intermediate storage (16) to final storage (17); A method comprising: 2. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that each microscope slide of the supply unit (6) is transported to one microscope slide scanner (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) according to steps b), c) and d), scanned there and then transported to an intermediate storage unit (16). 3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that step f) is carried out for the entire sample set to which the microscope slides (14) loaded into the supply unit (6) according to step a) belong. 4. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the intermediate storage unit (16) has a plurality of identifiable storage positions, and the storage position of each microscope slide (14) in the intermediate storage unit (16) is stored in a database. 5. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in step d) the microscope slides (14) are placed randomly in the intermediate storage (16) without following a sample set. 6. 6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in step f) the storage positions in the intermediate storage section (16) where all microscope slides (14) of each sample set are stored are read and the microscope slides (14) are placed in the final storage section (17) for each sample set. 7. The method may further comprise the steps of: e`) transporting the microscope slides (14) from the intermediate storage (16) to the unloaded microscope slide scanners (7, 8, 9, 10, 10, 11, 12); e) performing a rescanning process of the microscope slide (14); e```) transferring the rescanned microscope slides to intermediate storage (16); 7. The method according to any one of the above items 1 to 6, comprising: 8. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that after step e) it is determined for each data record whether the associated microscope slide (14) is rescanned according to steps e`) to e```). 9. 9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that after step e), scan parameters for the scanning process according to step e``) are determined. 10. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that one, several or all of the movements of the microscope slides (14) according to steps b), d) and f) and / or according to steps e`) and e``) are performed by at least one industrial robot (13), preferably by exactly one industrial robot (13). 11. 10. The method according to claim 10, wherein at least one industrial robot (13) is an articulated robot, preferably a six-axis articulated robot, a seven-axis articulated robot, or an eight-axis articulated robot, and the articulated robot is preferably equipped with a gripper for grasping the microscope slide (14). 12. An apparatus (1) for scanning a microscope slide (14) by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The device comprises: A) at least one supply unit (6) for microscope slides; B) At least two microscope slide scanners (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), C) at least one intermediate storage area (16) for microscope slides; D) at least one final storage compartment for microscope slides (17); An apparatus comprising: 13. 13. The device according to claim 12, The device comprises at least one industrial robot (13), preferably exactly one industrial robot (13), This industrial robot (13) adapted to perform one, several or all of steps b), d) and f) in accordance with claim 1; and / or configured to perform steps e`) and e```) according to claim 6, An apparatus characterized in that [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 device 2 Base frame 3 Casing 4 Operation panel 5 Operational Elements 6 Supply Unit 7. Microscope Slide Scanner 8. Microscope Slide Scanner 9. Microscope Slide Scanner 10. Microscope Slide Scanner 11. Microscope Slide Scanner 12. Microscope Slide Scanner 13 Industrial robots 14 microscope slides 15 Gripper 16 Intermediate storage 17 Final storage 18 Microscope slide holder storage area 19. Collection device for defective microscope slides

Claims

1. 1. A method for scanning a microscope slide using at least two microscope slide scanners (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), comprising: The method comprises the following steps: a) loading a plurality of microscope slides (14) each belonging to one of a plurality of sample sets into a supply unit (6) for microscope slides (14); b) transporting one microscope slide (14) from the supply unit (6) to each microscope slide scanner (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) that does not have a microscope slide loaded thereon; c) performing a scanning process on each loaded microscope slide scanner (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12); d) transporting each scanned microscope slide (14) from each microscope slide scanner (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) to an intermediate storage location (16); e) providing a data record of each scanning process for evaluation; f) transferring all microscope slides (14) of the sample set from intermediate storage (16) to final storage (17); A method comprising: said intermediate storage (16) being a device on which the microscope slides (14) are placed after the scanning process; the final storage section (17) is a storage device in which all the microscope slides (14) of a sample set placed in the intermediate storage section (16) can be placed when the evaluation of the sample set has been completed; The sample set comprises all microscope slides (14) loaded with samples from one patient or samples related to each other. A method characterized by:

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein each microscope slide of the supply unit (6) is transported to one microscope slide scanner (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), scanned there, and then transported to an intermediate storage (16), according to steps b), c) and d).

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that step f) is carried out for the entire sample set to which the microscope slides (14) loaded into the supply unit (6) according to step a) belong.

4. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate storage (16) has a plurality of identifiable storage positions, and the storage position of each microscope slide (14) in the intermediate storage (16) is saved in a data bank.

5. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein in step d) the microscope slides (14) are placed in the intermediate storage (16) in the order in which they arrive there.

6. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein in step f) the storage positions in the intermediate storage (16) in which all microscope slides (14) of each sample set are stored are read and the microscope slides (14) are deposited for each sample set in the final storage (17).

7. The method may further comprise the steps of: e') transporting the microscope slides (14) from the intermediate storage (16) to the unloaded microscope slide scanners (7, 8, 9, 10, 10, 11, 12); e") performing a rescanning process of the microscope slide (14); e") transferring the rescanned microscope slides to an intermediate storage (16); The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises:

8. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein after step e) it is determined for each data record of a scanning process whether the associated microscope slide (14) is to be re-scanned according to steps e') to e''').

9. 9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that after step e) scan parameters for the scanning process according to step e'') are determined.

10. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that one, several or all of the movements of the microscope slides (14) according to steps b), d) and f) and / or according to steps e') and e') are performed by at least one industrial robot (13).

11. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the at least one industrial robot (13) is an articulated robot, which is provided with a gripper for gripping the microscope slide (14).

12. An apparatus (1) for scanning a microscope slide (14) by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: The device comprises: A) at least one supply unit (6) for microscope slides; B) at least two microscope slide scanners (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12); C) at least one intermediate storage area (16) for microscope slides; D) at least one final storage area for microscope slides (17); Equipped with said intermediate storage (16) being a device on which the microscope slides (14) are placed after the scanning process; the final storage section (17) is a storage device in which all the microscope slides (14) of a sample set placed in the intermediate storage section (16) can be placed when the evaluation of the sample set has been completed; The sample set comprises all microscope slides (14) loaded with samples from one patient or samples related to each other. An apparatus characterized in that

13. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, The apparatus includes at least one industrial robot (13), This industrial robot (13) adapted to carry out one, several or all of steps b), d) and f) in accordance with claim 1; and / or Steps e') and e') are configured to be carried out according to claim 6, An apparatus characterized in that

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