Apparatus and method for confirming proper installation of slide tray

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a slide tray slot including a slot body, a light source generator provided on one inner surface of the slot body, a light source detection sensor capable of detecting a light source emitted from the light source generator, and a plurality of slide tray receiving units arranged in a vertical stack between the light source generator and the light source detection sensor. The light source generator may emit the light source in a vertical stack direction in which the plurality of slide tray receiving units are arranged.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for verifying proper installation of a slide tray, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for verifying whether one or more slide trays are inserted into a slide tray slot in a reference direction and properly installed. [Background technology]

[0002] The Department of Pathology provides a foundation for clinicians' treatment direction by observing and analyzing morphological changes in a patient's cells, tissues, tissue fluids, etc., and making diagnoses based on those observations. While traditional cytological or histological examinations in the Department of Pathology typically involved specialists visually examining a patient's cytological or histological slides under a microscope, digital slide scanners have recently been introduced into pathological diagnosis, and in addition to pathological diagnosis using a microscope, pathological diagnosis can now be performed using digital images of scanned cytological or histological slides.

[0003] Slides carrying patient specimens are placed in trays, and the slide trays are stored in slide tray slots, from which the slide trays can be extracted by a digital slide scanner or the like to perform pathological diagnosis. Unlike slide scanning performed by a person such as a specialist or examiner, in order for the digital slide scanner to automatically extract the slide trays from the slide tray slots, the slide trays must be inserted in the same direction into the slide tray slots.

[0004] However, conventional slide scanners only have a guide, such as a slide tray display, indicating the insertion direction, and there is no way to check whether all slide trays are inserted properly. Furthermore, if even one slide tray is inserted in the wrong direction, the digital slide scanner cannot scan the slide correctly. The present disclosure aims to solve these problems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for verifying proper loading of a slide tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a slide tray slot and a method of operation thereof for verifying proper installation of a slide tray.

[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a slide tray slot including: a slot body; a light source generator provided on one inner surface of the slot body; a light source detection sensor capable of detecting light emitted from the light source generator; and a plurality of slide tray receptacles arranged in a vertical stack between the light source generator and the light source detection sensor, wherein the light source generator emits the light source in the vertical stack direction in which the plurality of slide tray receptacles are arranged.

[0008] In one embodiment, each of the slide tray receiving units may be provided with an area through which light emitted from the light source generator can pass when the slide tray is properly installed.

[0009] In one embodiment, the slide tray holder may further include at least one guide pin disposed in each of the plurality of slide tray holders so as to provide an area through which the light source can pass.

[0010] In one embodiment, the slide tray accommodated in each of the plurality of slide tray accommodating units may include a transparent region through which light emitted from the light source generator can pass when the slide tray is properly installed.

[0011] In one embodiment, the slide tray slot further includes at least one processor, which identifies whether the light source is detected by the light source detection sensor and, based on whether the light source is detected, can display information regarding whether the slide trays are properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units.

[0012] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may display information indicating that slide trays are properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units when the light source is detected by the light source detection sensor.

[0013] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may display information indicating that slide trays are not properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units when the light source is not detected by the light source detection sensor after the light source is emitted by the light source generator.

[0014] In one embodiment, one side of the slide tray includes a light-reflective area, and if the light source is not detected by the light source detection sensor after the light source generator emits the light, the at least one processor determines a distance from the light source generator to the one side of the slide tray based on the light source reflected by the light-reflective area, identifies a position of a slide tray receptacle that is not properly inserted into the slide tray slot based on the determined distance, and displays information about the position of the slide tray receptacle that is not properly inserted into the slide tray slot.

[0015] In one embodiment, the light source may include a laser.

[0016] In one embodiment, the slide trays accommodated in the plurality of slide tray accommodating units may include a plurality of slide accommodating units, at least a portion of which is provided with an adhesive film.

[0017] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for operating a slide tray slot, the method including: using a light source generator to emit a light source in a vertical stack direction in which a plurality of slide tray receptacles are arranged; and using a light source detection sensor to determine whether the light source is detected as passing through the plurality of slide tray receptacles, the plurality of slide tray receptacles being arranged in a vertical stack between the light source generator and the light source detection sensor.

[0018] In one embodiment, each of the slide tray receiving units may be provided with an area through which light emitted from the light source generator can pass when the slide tray is properly installed.

[0019] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of slide tray holders may be provided with at least one guide pin so as to provide an area through which the light source can pass.

[0020] In one embodiment, the slide tray accommodated in each of the plurality of slide tray accommodating units may include a transparent region through which light emitted from the light source generator can pass when the slide tray is properly installed.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of displaying information regarding whether slide trays are properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units based on determining whether the light source is detected passing through the plurality of slide tray storage units.

[0022] In one embodiment, the operation of displaying information regarding whether the slide trays are properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units may include an operation of displaying information indicating that the slide trays are properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units when the light source is detected by the light source detection sensor after the light source is emitted by the light source generator.

[0023] In one embodiment, the operation of displaying information regarding whether the slide trays are properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units may include an operation of displaying information indicating that the slide trays are not properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units when the light source is not detected by the light source detection sensor after the light source is emitted by the light source generator.

[0024] In one embodiment, the operation of displaying information regarding whether the slide trays are properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units may include an operation of determining the distance from the light source generator to the underside of the slide tray based on the light source reflected by the light-reflective area on the underside of the slide tray when the light source is not detected by the light source detection sensor after the light source is emitted by the light source generator; an operation of identifying the position of the slide tray storage unit that is not properly installed in the slide tray slot based on the determined distance; and an operation of displaying information regarding the position of the slide tray storage unit that is not properly installed in the slide tray slot.

[0025] In one embodiment, the light source may include a laser.

[0026] In one embodiment, the slide trays accommodated in the plurality of slide tray accommodating units may include a plurality of slide accommodating units, at least a portion of which is provided with an adhesive film. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to confirm whether a slide tray is properly loaded, which can contribute to automating a pathology system.

[0028] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, information regarding whether the slide tray was successfully loaded can be displayed, thereby contributing to providing a more efficient pathology system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slide tray slot for insertion of a slide tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 illustrates a slide tray slot when a slide tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is properly installed. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 illustrates a slide tray slot when one or more slide trays are not properly installed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a slide tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front view of a slide tray slot with a slide tray seated therein according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a portion of a slide tray slot according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a rear view of a slide tray slot according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a slide tray slot including a guide pin according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a slide tray slot including a guide pin according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a slide tray slot when a slide tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is properly installed. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a portion of a slide tray slot when a slide tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is properly installed. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the slide tray slot when the slide tray is not properly installed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a portion of a slide tray slot when the slide tray is not properly installed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates a device provided on the ceiling of a slide tray slot according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 15] 10A-10C illustrate a device provided on a support portion of a slide tray slot according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 10A-10C illustrate a device provided on a support portion of a slide tray slot according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 illustrates a slide tray loaded with slides according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a slide tray slot according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] To clarify the technical concept of the present disclosure, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or components may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, such detailed description will be omitted. Components having substantially the same functional configurations among the drawings are given the same reference numerals and symbols whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. For convenience of description, an apparatus and a method will be described together when necessary. The operations of the present disclosure do not necessarily have to be performed in the order described, but may be performed in parallel, selectively, or individually.

[0031] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are currently commonly used and general terms that have been selected as much as possible in consideration of the functionality of the present disclosure, but these terms may change depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the description of the relevant embodiments. Therefore, the terms used in this specification should be interpreted not simply as names of terms, but based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present disclosure.

[0032] Throughout this disclosure, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, and should be understood as not precluding the presence or possible addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. In other words, throughout this disclosure, when a part "comprises" a certain component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but that it can further include other components, unless otherwise specified to the contrary.

[0033] A phrase such as "at least one" modifies the entire list of members, and not each member of the list individually. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" and "at least one of A, B, or C" refer to exactly A, exactly B, exactly C, both A and B, both B and C, both A and C, both A, B, and C, or any combination thereof.

[0034] Furthermore, terms such as "... unit" and "... module" used in this disclosure refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0035] Throughout this disclosure, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only when it is "directly connected" to another part, but also when it is "electrically connected" via another element in between. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but that it can further include other components, unless otherwise specified.

[0036] As used throughout this disclosure, the phrase "configured to" may be used interchangeably with terms such as "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of," depending on the context. The term "configured to" does not necessarily mean "specifically designed to" hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "a system configured to" may mean that the system, together with other devices or components, is "capable of." For example, the phrase "a processor configured to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a dedicated processor for performing the operations (e.g., an embedded processor) or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform the operations by executing one or more software programs stored in memory.

[0037] Throughout this disclosure, a slide refers to a thin, flat piece of glass used to fix a specimen, and may include a glass slide, a glass slide, a specimen slide, a microscope slide, a glass slide on which a specimen is placed and then covered with a cover glass, etc. Of course, the term is not limited to the above examples.

[0038] Throughout this disclosure, a slide tray is a case for transporting or storing slides, and may also be referred to as a tray, glass plate, slide plate, slide holder, glass holder, slide case, glass case, slide folder, glass folder, etc.

[0039] Throughout this disclosure, adsorptivity can refer to the ability of atoms, ions, or molecules to adhere to a surface from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid. In one embodiment, adsorptivity can include physical adsorptivity, which utilizes weak van der Waals forces; chemical adsorptivity, which utilizes covalent bonds; electrostatic adsorptivity, which utilizes electrostatic attraction; and adhesiveness.

[0040] Throughout this disclosure, a slide tray slot is a device for storing slide trays and may also be referred to as a slide tray storage cabinet, slide tray cabinet, slide tray storage cabinet, slide tray rack, etc.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slide tray slot into which a slide tray is inserted according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1 , the slide tray slot 100 may include a slot body 110, a light source generator 120, a light source detection sensor 130, and a plurality of slide tray receiving sections 141, 143, 145, 147, and 149. However, this is merely an example, and the slide tray slot 100 may include more components or may include only some of the components shown. In one embodiment, the light source generator 120 may be provided on one inner surface of the slot body, and the light source detection sensor 130 may be provided on one side of the slot body 110 corresponding to the side on which the light source generator 120 is provided so as to detect light emitted from the light source generator 120. For example, the light source generator 120 may be provided on the ceiling 160 of the slot body 110, and the light source detection sensor 130 may be provided on the support 170 of the slot body 110. However, this is merely an example, and the light source generator 120 may be provided on the support 170, and the light source detection sensor 130 may be provided on the ceiling 160. For example, the light source generator 120 may emit a laser.

[0043] In one embodiment, multiple slide tray receptacles may be arranged in a vertical stack between the light source generator 120 and the light source sensor 130. The slide tray 150 may be inserted into the slide tray receptacle in the slide tray slot 100. The slide tray receptacle may include a slot block capable of supporting the slide tray 150.

[0044] In one embodiment, light source generator 120 may emit light in a vertical stack direction in which a plurality of slide tray storage units are arranged, and light source sensor 130 may detect the emitted light when slide trays are properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units. A method for light source sensor 130 to detect the emitted light depending on whether slide trays are properly installed will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0045] Throughout this disclosure, in relation to a method for determining whether a slide tray is properly installed in a plurality of slide tray storage units, a method using whether a light source emitted from a light source generator 120 is detected by a light source detection sensor 130 has been described as an example. However, the method is not limited to using a light source. Whether a slide tray is properly installed can also be determined by whether a signal generated from a specific signal generator provided at a position corresponding to the light source generator 120 is detected by a signal detection sensor provided at a position corresponding to the light source detection sensor 130. Whether a slide tray is properly installed can also be determined using a physical tool. For example, a hole may be formed at the position of the light source generator 120, and whether a rod can be inserted into the hole and whether the rod can reach the position of the light source detection sensor 130 can be determined. In this way, whether a slide tray is properly installed can be determined in various ways based on a hole or at least one device provided in at least one of the ceiling portion 160 and the support portion 170.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a slide tray slot when a slide tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is properly installed.

[0047] 2, each of the slide tray storage units may have an area through which the light source emitted from the light source generator 120 can pass when the slide tray is properly installed. As a result, when the slide tray is properly installed in the slide tray slot 100, the light source emitted from the light source generator 120 can reach the light source detection sensor 130, which can detect the light source.

[0048] The slide tray slot 100 may further include a processor (not shown). In one embodiment, the processor may determine that the slide tray has been properly inserted if a light source is detected by the light source detection sensor 130. The processor may also output information indicating that the slide tray has been properly inserted. For example, the processor may emit a light of a specific color (e.g., green), display a specific message such as "Success," or output a specific sound through a speaker.

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a slide tray slot when one or more slide trays are not properly installed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] 3, if at least one slide tray 150 is not properly installed in slide tray slot 100, the light emitted from light source generator 120 is absorbed or reflected by slide tray 150 and does not reach light source detection sensor 130. As a result, light source detection sensor 130 cannot detect the light emitted from light source generator 120.

[0051] The slide tray slot 100 may further include a processor (not shown). In one embodiment, the processor identifies that a light source has been emitted by the light source generator 120, and if the light source is not detected by the light source detection sensor 130 within a specific time, it may determine that a slide tray has not been properly installed in at least one of the slide tray storage units. The processor may also output information indicating that the slide tray has not been properly installed. For example, the processor may emit a light of a specific color (e.g., red), display a specific message such as "fail," or output a specific sound through a speaker.

[0052] In one embodiment, one surface of the slide tray 150 may include a light-reflective area. Furthermore, the surface 160 of the slot body 110 on which the light source generator 120 is provided may further include a second light source detection sensor (not shown). The processor can identify that a light source is emitted by the light source generator 120. Furthermore, if the slide tray 150 is not properly installed, the light source may be reflected by the light-reflective area of ​​the slide tray 150. Furthermore, the processor can determine the distance from the light source generator 120 to the one surface of the slide tray 150 by detecting the reflected light source by the second light source detection sensor (not shown). For example, the processor can determine the distance from the light source generator 120 to the one surface of the slide tray 150 based on the difference between the time when the light source is emitted by the light source generator 120 and the time when the reflected light source is detected by the second light source detection sensor (not shown). Furthermore, the processor can identify the location of a slide tray receptacle that is not properly installed in the slide tray slot 100 based on the distance from the light source generator 120 to the one surface of the slide tray 150. Furthermore, the processor can output information regarding the position of a slide tray receptacle that is not properly installed in the slide tray slot 100. For example, the processor can control an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided at the corresponding position to emit light, output information regarding the corresponding position on a display provided in the slide tray slot 100, or output a sound indicating the corresponding position using a speaker.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a slide tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4, slide tray 150 may include a planar member 400. In one embodiment, planar member 400 may include an end region 410 that is rectangular with some of the corners cut off. The presence of end region 410 makes it easy to check whether slide tray 150 is properly inserted into the slide tray slot. In one embodiment, end region 410 is an area that abuts against a guide pin, and the role of end region 410 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 through 15.

[0055] In one embodiment, a plurality of slide receiving portions formed as grooves capable of receiving slides may be formed on one surface of the planar member 400. For example, the plurality of slide receiving portions may include a first slide receiving portion 420, a second slide receiving portion 430, a third slide receiving portion 440, a fourth slide receiving portion 450, etc. In one embodiment, the plurality of slide receiving portions may be formed as grooves having a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the slides formed in the planar member 400.

[0056] In one embodiment, the plurality of slide receiving portions may be formed at predetermined intervals on the planar member 400. For example, using the slide tray 150 of FIG. 4 as an example, eight slide receiving portions, including a first slide receiving portion 420, a second slide receiving portion 430, and a third slide receiving portion 440, may be formed at predetermined intervals in a first row of the planar member 400, and eight slide receiving portions, including a fourth slide receiving portion 450, may be formed at predetermined intervals in a second row different from the first row. In addition, the slide receiving portions formed in the first row and the slide receiving portions formed in the second row may be formed at predetermined intervals from each other. However, this is merely an example, and the number of slide receiving portions included in the slide tray 150, the shape of the planar member 400, the shape of the plurality of slide receiving portions formed at predetermined intervals, and the like are not limited to these examples and various modifications are possible.

[0057] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of slide receiving sections may be formed with at least a hollow portion. For example, the fourth slide receiving section 450 may be formed with a first hollow portion 480 and a second hollow portion 485. Alternatively, the fourth slide receiving section 450 may be formed with only the first hollow portion 480. However, this is merely an example, and each of the plurality of slide receiving sections may include at least one of the hollow portions corresponding to the first hollow portion 480 and the second hollow portion 485, or may further include hollow portions other than the hollow portions corresponding to the first hollow portion 480 and the second hollow portion 485.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first hollow portion 480 is a hollow portion for lifting a slide stored in the slide storage portion, and a user of the slide tray 150 can easily lift a slide stored in the slide tray 150 using the first hollow portion 480. Accordingly, the first hollow portion 480 may have a hole large enough to easily grip a slide with a human finger. In one embodiment, the first hollow portion 480 may include an outer curved surface. For example, the first hollow portion 480 may have a shape consisting of a circle, a semicircle, a part of a circle, and a straight line.

[0059] In one embodiment, an adhesive film 460, 470 may be attached to at least a portion of each of the slide receiving portions so that the slides can be attached and detached to the slide receiving portions. When a slide is received in the slide receiving portion, the adhesive film 460, 470 may fix the relative position of the slide and the slide receiving portion. When a slide is received in the slide receiving portion, an adhesive force may be generated between the slide and the slide receiving portion by the adhesive film. For example, the adhesive force between the slide and the slide receiving portion may be an intermolecular bonding force, including an electrostatic force.

[0060] In one embodiment, the adhesive films 460 and 470 may include electrostatic films, porous adhesive films, films using van der Waals force, covalent adhesive films, adhesive films, etc. For example, when a porous adhesive film is used, the slide can be accommodated in the slide accommodating portion by vacuum suction through a porous material between the slide and the slide accommodating portion. Furthermore, an example of an adhesive film is adhesive tape.

[0061] According to one embodiment, adhesive films 460, 470 are used to increase the fixing force between the slide tray and the slide, so that no additional energy supply other than an appropriate external force is required to lift the slide. This eliminates the need for other equipment such as springs, electrical wiring, and air piping, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing the slide tray.

[0062] In one embodiment, the adhesive films 460 and 470 may include a polymer-based base and a coating layer made of a resin material. According to one embodiment, the use of a coating layer made of a resin material may allow for repeated use of the slide tray. Furthermore, if the adhesive film loses its adhesive strength after repeated use, the adhesive film may be replaced with a new one.

[0063] The first adhesive film 460 and the second adhesive film 470 may have different shapes. For example, the first adhesive film 460 may have a plain shape, and the second adhesive film 470 may have a rectangular shape. However, this is merely an example and is not intended to be limiting. The adhesive films attached to the slide receiving portions may have the same shape or different shapes, such as a circle, a semicircle, a rectangle, a polygon, or a shape with rounded corners.

[0064] The description with reference to Figure 4 is merely an example of the various shapes and numbers of films that can be attached to multiple slide holders, and the method of attaching the films is not limited thereto. Taking into consideration the strength of the external force required for sufficient fixing force to the slides and easy separation, films of an appropriate number and shape can be attached to appropriate positions on the slide holders.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first hollow portion 480 may be a hollow portion for lifting a slide accommodated in the fourth slide accommodating portion 450 from the fourth slide accommodating portion 450. When a slide is accommodated on one side of the fourth slide accommodating portion 450, a portion of the first hollow portion 480 may be covered by the slide in a direction perpendicular to the one side of the planar member 400, and another portion may be exposed in a direction perpendicular to the one side of the planar member 400. Furthermore, when a slide is accommodated on one side of the fourth slide accommodating portion 450, the entire area of ​​the second hollow portion 485 may be covered by the slide.

[0066] In one embodiment, the planar member 400 may display identification information for the slide tray 150, reference direction information 495 for inserting the slide tray into the slide scanner, and identification information 490 for the slide holders. For example, the identification information for the slide tray 150 may include a serial number for the slide tray 150, and the identification information for the slide holders may include an identification number indicating the order of the slide holders. In one embodiment, the slide scanner may be equipment that scans slides stored in the slide tray 150 into high-resolution digital images. The slide scanner may also be referred to as a digital slice scanner, and may automatically scan multiple slides to generate virtual slide images.

[0067] In one embodiment, the slide tray 150 includes slide tray identification information, reference orientation information 495 for insertion into a slide scanner, and the like, thereby providing information that may further facilitate analysis of the slides contained in the slide tray.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a front view of a slide tray slot with a slide tray seated therein according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] 5, a slide tray can be seated in each of the multiple slide tray receptacles of the slide tray slot 100. In one embodiment, the slide tray receptacle 510 can include a first slot block 520 and a second slot block 530 that can support the slide tray 150. When the slide tray 150 is inserted into the slide tray receptacle 510, the slide tray 150 can be seated in the slide tray receptacle 510 by the normal force applied to the slide tray 150 by the one or more slot blocks 520 and 530.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view illustrating a portion of a slide tray slot according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] 6, a slide tray 620 containing slides 610 can be inserted into the slide tray slot 100. In one embodiment, the slide tray storage unit 640 includes a slot block 630 for supporting the slide tray 620, and the slide tray 620 can be stacked on the slot block 630.

[0072] FIG. 7 is a rear view of a slide tray slot according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7, a slide tray can be seated in each of the multiple slide tray receptacles of the slide tray slot 100. In one embodiment, the slide tray receptacle 510 can include a first slot block 520 and a second slot block 530 that can support a slide tray 150. FIG. 5 is a front view of the slide tray slot 100, and FIG. 7 is a rear view of the slide tray slot 100. The first slot block 520 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the first slot block 520 in FIG. 7, and the second slot block 530 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the second slot block 530 in FIG. 7. In one embodiment, at least one of the first slot block 520 and the second slot block 530 can be provided with one or more guide pins. For example, the second slot block 530 can be provided with two guide pins, as will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. The first slot block 520 can be provided with three guide pins, as will be described below with reference to FIG. 9. 8 and 9 are merely examples, and the position and number of guide pins may vary. In one embodiment, when slide tray 150 is inserted into slide tray housing 510, one or more slot blocks 520 and 530 apply normal force to slide tray 150, thereby allowing slide tray 150 to be seated in slide tray housing 510.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a slide tray slot including a guide pin according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 8 , each of the slide tray storage units may include a second slot block 530. The second slot block 530 may correspond to the second slot block 530 described above with reference to FIG. 5 and the second slot block 530 described above with reference to FIG. 7 . In one embodiment, the second slot block 530 may include a first guide pin 810 and a second guide pin 820. The first guide pin 810 and the second guide pin 820 may serve as guides for guiding the slide tray 150 to a predetermined position when the slide tray 150 is inserted into the slide tray storage unit. That is, the slide tray 150 may be inserted into the slide tray storage unit until it abuts against the first guide pin 810 and the second guide pin 820. While FIG. 8 illustrates two guide pins arranged side by side, this is merely an example, and the second slot block 530 may include fewer or more guide pins, with each guide pin being arranged in an appropriate position to guide the slide tray 150 to a predetermined position.

[0076] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a slide tray slot including a guide pin according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 9, each of the slide tray receptacles may include a slot block. For example, a first slide tray receptacle 950 may include a first slot block 910. The first slot block 910 may correspond to the first slot block 520 described above with reference to FIG. 5 and the first slot block 520 described above with reference to FIG. 7. In one embodiment, the first slot block 910 may include a third guide pin 920, a fourth guide pin 930, and a fifth guide pin 940. The third guide pin 920, the fourth guide pin 930, and the fifth guide pin 940 located on the first slot block 910 may serve as guides for guiding the first slide tray 970 to a predetermined position when the first slide tray 970 is inserted into the first slide tray receptacle 950. In particular, the first slide tray 970 can be inserted into the first slide tray storage unit 950 until the end region 960 of the first slide tray 970 abuts the third guide pin 920, the fourth guide pin 930, and the fifth guide pin 940. Thus, the third guide pin 920, the fourth guide pin 930, and the fifth guide pin 940 can be arranged on one side of the first slot block 910 to correspond to the shape of the end region 410. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , the third guide pin 920 can be arranged to abut one corner of the slide tray, like the first guide pin 810 and the second guide pin 820 described above, and the fourth guide pin 930 and the fifth guide pin 940 can be arranged to abut corners of the end region.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the guide pins located on the first slot block 910 are arranged to correspond to the shape of the end region, so that if the slide tray is inserted in the opposite direction to the reference direction or upside down, the slide tray can be guided so that it cannot be fully inserted into the slide tray storage section.

[0079] Although Figure 9 illustrates three guide pins arranged on first slot block 910, this is merely an example, and first slot block 910 may include fewer or more guide pins, each of which may be arranged in an appropriate position to guide first slide tray 970 to a specific position.

[0080] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the slide tray slot when a slide tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is properly installed.

[0081] 10, when slide tray 970 is properly inserted into slide tray receiving portion 950 of slide tray slot 100, end region 960 of slide tray 970 can abut against guide pins 920, 930, and 940. As a result, slide tray 970 can be inserted until it contacts guide pins 920, 930, and 940, and when slide tray 970 is fully inserted until it contacts guide pins 920, 930, and 940, the front of slide tray slot 100 may have the shape shown in FIG.

[0082] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a portion of the slide tray slot when a slide tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is properly installed.

[0083] 11 shows a front view of the slide tray slot when a slide tray 970 is properly installed in the slide tray housing 950. In one embodiment, when the slide tray 970 is properly installed, an area is formed through which a light source emitted in the vertical stack direction in which multiple slide tray housings are arranged can pass. In contrast, when the slide tray 970 is not properly installed, the front view of the slide tray slot can be formed as shown in FIG. 13.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the slide tray slot when the slide tray is not properly installed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] 12, the first slot block 520 may include one or more guide pins 1210, 1220, and 1230. In one embodiment, the first slot block 520 may correspond to the first slot block 520 described above with reference to FIG. 5 and the first slot block 520 described above with reference to FIG. 7.

[0086] In one embodiment, if slide tray 150 is not properly inserted into slide tray slot 100, the end regions will not abut guide pins 1210, 1220, and 1230, and slide tray 150 may not abut at least one of guide pins 1210, 1220, and 1230. For example, slide tray 150 may be inserted so that it does not contact first guide pin 1210 or second guide pin 1220, but does contact third guide pin 1230.

[0087] According to one embodiment, by arranging guide pins 1210, 1220, and 1230 to correspond to the end regions, if the end regions are not inserted so as to abut against guide pins 1210, 1220, and 1230, i.e., if slide tray 150 is not inserted in the reference direction, the area through which the light source emitted in the vertical stack direction in which multiple slide tray storage sections are arranged may become clogged, as will be described later in FIG. 13, and the light source may not be able to pass through and may be blocked.

[0088] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a portion of the slide tray slot when the slide tray is not properly installed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 13, if the slide tray 150 is not properly installed in the slide tray storage unit 1330, the light emitted in the vertical stack direction in which multiple slide tray storage units are arranged may be blocked by the slide tray 150 protruding from the reference point and not be able to reach the light source detection sensor.

[0090] In one embodiment, when the slide tray is properly inserted into the slide tray holder 1330, the corners of the slide tray may abut against the reference points 1310 and 1320. However, if the slide tray 150 is not inserted in the reference direction, as shown in FIG. 12, the slide tray may engage with at least one of the guide pins and protrude beyond the reference points, as described above.

[0091] According to one embodiment, guide pins corresponding to the shape of the end region are arranged, so that it is easy to determine whether the slide tray is properly installed.

[0092] FIG. 14 illustrates a device mounted on the ceiling of a slide tray slot according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] FIG. 15 illustrates an apparatus provided on a support portion of a slide tray slot according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] 14 and 15, slide tray slot 100 may include device 120 mounted on ceiling 160 and device 130 mounted on support 170. Device 120 mounted on ceiling 160 and device 130 mounted on support 170 may be light source generating devices or light source detecting sensors. In one embodiment, when all slides are properly inserted into the multiple slide tray storage sections, the light source generating device mounted on the ceiling may emit a light source, and the light source detecting sensor mounted on the support may detect the emitted light. Alternatively, the light source generating device mounted on the support may emit a light source, and the light source detecting sensor mounted on the ceiling may detect the emitted light.

[0095] According to one embodiment, when all slide trays are properly installed in the slide tray slots 100, the light source emitted by the slide trays is not blocked, allowing the light source sensor to detect the light source, thereby allowing the processor to identify that all slide trays are properly installed.

[0096] FIG. 16 illustrates an apparatus provided on a support portion of a slide tray slot according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] 16 illustrates the slide tray slot 100 viewed from the ceiling toward the support portion 170. In one embodiment, the device 130 provided in the support portion 170 may include a light-generating device or a light-detecting sensor. When all slide trays are properly installed in the slide tray slot 100, the light source emitted from the light-generating device can reach the light-detecting sensor without any obstruction. In contrast, when any one slide tray is not properly installed, at least a portion of the light-detecting sensor is covered, preventing the light source emitted from the light-generating device from reaching the light-detecting sensor.

[0098] Throughout this disclosure, it has been described that when light emitted from a light-generating device provided on the ceiling or support is detected by a light-detecting sensor provided on the support or ceiling, it can be determined that multiple slide trays have been properly installed in the slide tray slots. However, this is merely an example, and it is also possible to determine that multiple slide trays have been properly installed in the slide tray slots based on whether or not it is possible to reach from the ceiling to the support or from the support to the ceiling without any obstacles using a signal or physical device other than a light source.

[0099] FIG. 17 illustrates a slide tray loaded with slides according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] FIG. 17 illustrates a slide tray 150 with slides 1740, 1750, and 1760 accommodated in multiple slide receptacles. The slide tray 150 may correspond to the slide tray 150 described above, as shown in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the slides 1740, 1750, and 1760 may be accommodated in their corresponding slide receptacles. To properly accommodate the slides 1740, 1750, and 1760, the width (length along the x-axis) and groove height (length along the z-axis) of the slide receptacles may correspond to the width (length along the x-axis) and thickness (length along the z-axis) of the slides. However, the length along the y-axis of the grooves corresponding to the slide receptacles may be at least partially longer than the vertical length (length along the y-axis) of the slides. This allows a user of the slide tray 150 to easily lift the slides 1740, 1750, and 1760 from the slide receptacles using the gaps 1710, 1720, and 1730 between the slide receptacles and the slides. For example, a user can lift slides 1740, 1750, and 1760 by inserting part of a finger into gaps 1710, 1720, and 1730 between the slide receiving portion and the slide.

[0101] In one embodiment, slide 1740 may include specimen information 1770 generated using at least one of numbers, letters, a Quick Response code (QR code), and a barcode, and the specimen information may correspond to at least one of the subject's life history, sex, age, medical history, and specimen information.

[0102] In one embodiment, specimen information 1770 can be used when slide tray 150 is transported to and scanned by a slide scanner. For example, the slide scanner can scan specimens contained in slides 1740 and, at the same time, scan specimen information 1770 contained in slides 1740 to identify the subject's specimen, and store a mapping between the scanned specimen and specimen information 1770. Furthermore, if specimen information 1770 includes the subject's medical history, the slide scanner can map specimen information 1770, including the subject's medical history, to the scanned specimen, thereby helping the pathologist to make a more accurate pathological diagnosis.

[0103] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a slide tray slot according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 18 , the slide tray slot 100 may include a transceiver 1810, an input device 1820, a display 1830, a memory 1840, a sensor module 1850, and a processor 1860. However, none of the components shown in FIG. 18 are essential components of the slide tray slot 100. The slide tray slot 100 may be implemented with more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. 18 . For example, the slide tray slot 100 may further include a speaker (not shown). In addition, the transceiver 1810, the input device 1820, the display 1830, the memory 1840, the sensor module 1850, and the processor 1860 may be implemented in the form of a single chip.

[0105] In one embodiment, the transceiver 1810 can communicate with a terminal or other electronic device in wired or wireless communication with the slide tray slot 100. For example, the slide tray slot 100 can transmit information to the digital scanner indicating that all slide trays have been properly inserted.

[0106] The input device 1820 may include a touch panel, a keypad, an ultrasonic input device, a pen sensor, etc. For example, the input device 1820 may include a user input button for emitting a light source from the light source generating device. The slide tray slot 100 may receive a user input for emitting a light source from a user after a slide tray is inserted into the slide tray slot 100.

[0107] The display 1830 may include a panel, a hologram device, a projector, etc. The slide tray slot 100 may output information indicating whether the slide trays are properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units to the display 1830. In addition, the display 1830 may output information indicating that the slide trays are properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units when a light source is detected by the light source detection sensor, information indicating that the slide trays are not properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units when the light source is not detected by the light source detection sensor after the light source is emitted by the light source generator, information regarding the position of the slide tray storage unit that is not properly installed in the slide tray slot, etc.

[0108] Memory 1840 may be configured to store various types of data, such as programs, applications, and files. Processor 1860 may access and use data stored in memory 1840 or store new data in memory 1840. In one embodiment, memory 1840 may include a database.

[0109] Sensor module 1850 may, for example, measure a physical quantity or sense the operating state of slide tray slot 100 and convert the measured or sensed information into an electrical signal. For example, sensor module 1850 may include a light sensor, an RFID sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a weight sensor, an air pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, a proximity sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. Sensor module 1850 may further include a control circuit for controlling at least one or more sensors. In one embodiment, slide tray slot 100 may sense emitted light using a light sensor.

[0110] The processor 1860 controls the overall operation of the slide tray slot 100 and may include at least one processor such as a CPU, a GPU, etc. The processor 1860 may control other components included in the slide tray slot 100 to perform operations for operating the slide tray slot 100. For example, the processor 1860 may execute a program stored in the memory 1840, read a stored file, or save a new file. In one embodiment, the processor 1860 may perform operations for operating the slide tray slot 100 by executing a program stored in the memory 1840. For example, the processor may use a light source generator to emit a light source in the direction of a vertical stack in which a plurality of slide tray storage units are arranged, and use a light source detection sensor to determine whether the light source is detected as it passes through the plurality of slide tray storage units.

[0111] In one embodiment, the slide tray may include a transparent region through which the light source can pass. When the slide tray is properly inserted into the slide tray slot, a portion of the slide tray where the light source emitted from the light source emitting device reaches may be configured as a transparent region, and the remaining portion may be configured as an opaque region. As a result, when the slide tray is properly inserted into the slide tray slot, the light source emitted from the light source generator can pass through the transparent region and reach the light source sensing device. In contrast, when the slide tray is inserted in the slide tray slot in the opposite direction, the emitted light source is blocked by the opaque region and cannot reach the light source sensing device.

[0112] In one embodiment, one surface of the slide tray may include a light-reflective area. If the light source is not detected by the light source sensor after the light source generator emits light, the processor 1860 may determine the distance from the light source generator to the one surface of the slide tray based on the light reflected by the light-reflective area. For example, the distance from the light source generator to the one surface of the slide tray may be calculated using the difference between the light source emission time and the arrival time of the reflected light. The processor 1860 may also identify the position of a slide tray receptacle or slide tray that is not properly inserted into a slide tray slot based on the determined distance. Furthermore, the processor 1860 may output information about the position of a slide tray receptacle or slide tray that is not properly inserted into a slide tray slot. For example, the processor 1860 may output information about the position of a slide tray receptacle or slide tray that is not properly inserted into a tray slot on the display 1830, or may output audio information about the position of a slide tray receptacle or slide tray that is not properly inserted into a tray slot using a speaker.

[0113] The above description of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not limiting. For example, each component described as a single component may be implemented in a distributed form, and similarly, each component described as a distributed component may be implemented in a combined form.

[0114] The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims that follow rather than by the above detailed description, and all modifications and variations that fall within the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Slot body; a light source generator provided on one inner surface of the slot body; a light source detecting sensor capable of detecting the light source emitted from the light source generator; a plurality of slide tray storage units arranged in a vertical stack between the light source generator and the light source sensor; and the light source generator emits the light in a vertical stack direction in which the plurality of slide tray storage units are arranged; The at least one processor: Identifying whether the light source is detected by the light source detection sensor; displaying information about whether the slide trays are properly installed in the slide tray storage units based on whether the light source is detected; The slide trays stored in the plurality of slide tray storage units include a plurality of slide storage units, and the slide storage units have an adhesive film attached to at least a portion thereof so that the slides can be attached and detached; If the light source is not detected by the light source detection sensor after the light source is emitted by the light source generator, The at least one processor: determining a distance from the light source generator to one surface of the slide tray based on the light source reflected by the slide tray; Identifying the location of the slide tray storage unit that is not properly inserted into the slide tray slot based on the determined distance; A slide tray slot displays information about the position of a slide tray receptacle that is not properly installed in the slide tray slot.

2. The slide tray slot of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of slide tray receiving sections has an area through which the light emitted from the light source generator can pass when the slide tray is properly installed.

3. The slide tray slot of claim 1 , further comprising at least one guide pin disposed in each of the plurality of slide tray storage sections so as to provide an area through which the light source can pass.

4. The slide trays stored in each of the plurality of slide tray storage units are 2. The slide tray slot of claim 1, further comprising a transparent area through which light emitted from the light source generator can pass when the slide tray is properly installed.

5. The at least one processor:

2. The slide tray slot of claim 1, wherein when the light source is detected by the light source sensor, information indicating that the slide trays are properly installed in the slide tray receptacles is displayed.

6. The at least one processor: If the light source is not detected by the light source detection sensor after the light source is emitted by the light source generator, The slide tray slot of claim 1 , wherein the slide tray slot displays information indicating that the slide trays are not properly installed in the slide tray storage sections.

7. The slide tray slot of claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a laser.

8. A method of operating a sliding tray slot, comprising: using a light source generator to emit light in a vertical stack direction in which the plurality of slide tray storage units are arranged; determining whether the light source is detected passing through the plurality of slide tray receptacles using a light source detection sensor; and and displaying information regarding whether slide trays are properly installed in the slide tray storage units based on whether the light source is detected passing through the slide tray storage units; The plurality of slide tray storage units include: arranged in a vertical stack between the light source generator and the light source detecting sensor, The slide trays stored in the plurality of slide tray storage units are a plurality of slide storage sections to which an adhesive film is attached at least partially; The operation of displaying information on whether the slide trays are properly installed in the slide tray storage units includes: If the light source is not detected by the light source detection sensor after the light source is emitted by the light source generator, determining a distance from the light source generator to the underside of the slide tray based on light reflected by the underside of the slide tray; identifying the location of a slide tray receptacle that is not properly inserted into the slide tray slot based on the determined distance; and The method includes an operation of displaying information regarding the position of a slide tray receptacle that is not properly inserted into the slide tray slot.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein each of the plurality of slide tray storage units has an area through which the light source emitted from the light source generator can pass when the slide tray is properly installed.

10. Each of the plurality of slide tray storage units includes: The method of claim 8, wherein at least one guide pin is provided so that an area can be provided through which the light source can pass.

11. The slide trays stored in each of the plurality of slide tray storage units are 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the slide tray includes a transparent area through which light emitted from the light generator can pass when properly installed.

12. The operation of displaying information on whether the slide trays are properly installed in the slide tray storage units includes:

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: displaying information indicating that slide trays are properly installed in the plurality of slide tray storage units when the light source is detected by the light source detection sensor after the light source is emitted by the light source generator.

13. The operation of displaying information on whether the slide trays are properly installed in the slide tray storage units includes: If the light source is not detected by the light source detection sensor after the light source is emitted by the light source generator, 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of displaying information indicating that the slide trays are not properly installed in the slide tray storage units.

14. The method of claim 8 , wherein the light source comprises a laser.

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