Sample processing system

Abstract

Provided is a sample processing system with which processing can be efficiently carried out. The sample processing system comprises: a loading / recovery unit that includes a loading mechanism for storing a plurality of glass slides on which are mounted samples before a dyeing process, a dewatering process, a sealing process, or a scanning process is conducted, and a recovery mechanism for storing the glass slides after a process has been conducted; a dyeing unit that performs a dyeing process on a sample mounted on a glass slide; a post-processing unit that performs a dewatering process, a sealing process, or a scanning process on the sample mounted on the glass slide; and a conveyance unit that is capable of conveying the glass slide between the dyeing unit and the loading / recovery unit, and between the loading / recovery unit and the post-processing unit. The dyeing unit, the loading / recovery unit, and the post-processing unit are disposed in this order.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sample processing system, and particularly to a sample processing system capable of automatically processing biological samples.

Background Art

[0002] In pathological examinations, biological samples such as tissues or blood are processed to prepare slide glasses for microscopic observation, the tissues on the slide glasses are stained, and the examinations are performed by observing them under a microscope.

[0003] In recent years, automation has advanced in each process such as tissue staining, covering the slide glass with a coverslip after staining, and acquiring digital images (scanning) of tissue slide glasses. Further progress is required to automate the entire process without human intervention.

[0004] As a system for automating these entire processes, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-141287) proposes an automatic processing system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In an automated processing system implemented by a combination of multiple functional modules, as described in Patent Document 1, determining the necessary processing for each microscope slide and deciding which module to transport the slide to is essential for efficient automation. However, while Patent Document 1 discloses the types of functional modules that make up the automated processing system, it does not disclose how each processing module is arranged or how the microscope slides are handled for transport between the modules.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a biological processing system for pathological examination, which is composed of multiple processing modules, that allows for the optimal arrangement of each processing module and enables efficient overall processing.

[0008] Other purposes and novel features will become apparent from the description and accompanying drawings herein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A sample processing system in one embodiment includes an input / recovery unit that includes an input mechanism for storing a plurality of glass slides on which samples are placed before staining, dehydrating, mounting, or scanning is performed, and a recovery mechanism for storing the glass slides after processing; a staining unit that performs the staining on the samples placed on the glass slides; a post-processing unit that performs the dehydrating, mounting, or scanning on the samples placed on the glass slides; and a transport unit that can transport the glass slides between the staining unit and the input / recovery unit, and between the input / recovery unit and the post-processing unit, with the staining unit, the input / recovery unit, and the post-processing unit arranged in that order. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment, the objective is to provide a sample processing system that can perform processing efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] These are a plan view and a block diagram showing an overview of the sample processing system in the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing an overview of the sample processing system in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing a tray on which a microscope slide is placed in the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing the slide glass transport section in the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the slide glass transport mechanism in an embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the slide glass loading and retrieval section in the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing an example of a slide glass loading and retrieval section in an embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the process of transporting the glass slide in the embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart that specifically illustrates the process of transporting the glass slide in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings used to describe the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for members having the same function, and repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. In addition, in the following embodiments, descriptions of the same or similar parts will not be repeated unless it is particularly necessary.

[0013] Furthermore, the X, Y, and Z directions described in this application intersect and are orthogonal to each other. In this application, the X1 direction of the X direction is defined as the right direction, the X2 direction of the X direction is defined as the left direction, the Y1 direction of the Y direction is defined as the front direction, the Y2 direction of the Y direction is defined as the back direction, the Z1 direction of the Z direction is defined as the up direction, and the Z2 direction of the Z direction is defined as the down direction.

[0014] (Embodiment) <Configuration 1 of Sample Processing System> Hereinafter, the sample processing system 100 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. Note that a sample is placed on the slide glass 1 used in the present embodiment. The sample is, for example, a sample used in pathological examinations and is a biological sample such as tissue or blood. The sample processing system 100 constitutes a part of an inspection device such as a pathological staining device.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view and a block diagram showing the sample processing system of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the sample processing system of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the structure of FIG. 1 seen from the lower side of FIG. 1, that is, a side view of the structure of FIG. 1 viewed in the Y2 direction. In FIGS. 1 and 2, although the components constituting the sample processing system may be sealed in a container, the internal structure is illustrated here through the sealing container. In FIG. 1, for easy understanding of the figure, the slide glass 1 is hatched.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sample processing system 100 includes an input / collection unit (input storage module) 10, a plurality of transport mechanisms (gripper units) 30, a staining unit (staining module) 40, a dehydration unit (dehydration module) 51, an encapsulation unit (encapsulation module) 52, a scan unit (scan module) 53, and a transport unit (transport line) 60. The dehydration unit 51, the encapsulation unit 52, and the scan unit 53 constitute a post-processing unit 50.

[0017] The staining unit 40 includes a disk and a reagent supply unit, etc., and is provided for performing a staining process on a sample placed on the slide glass 1. The slide glass 1 is placed on the disk in the staining unit 40, and the sample placed on the slide glass 1 is stained by a reagent supplied from the reagent supply unit. As the staining method used in the staining unit 40, for example, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining or in-situ hybridization (ISH) staining can be applied.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the case where the sample processing system 100 has two staining units 40 arranged side by side is illustrated. In contrast, the number of staining units 40 arranged on the right side (X1 direction side) of the loading and unloading unit 10 may be one or three or more. Further, the plurality of arranged staining units 40 may perform staining processes by different staining methods respectively.

[0019] The loading and unloading unit 10 includes a loading mechanism 11, a recovery mechanism 12, and a plurality of trays (slide trays) 13. The loading mechanism 11 is provided for storing the slide glass 1 before the staining process, dehydration process, encapsulation process or imaging (imaging, scanning) process is performed. The recovery mechanism 12 is provided for storing the slide glass 1 after the imaging process is performed.

[0020] The loading mechanism 11 and the recovery mechanism 12 are each provided with trays 13 arranged in a plurality of layers stacked vertically in the vertical direction (Z direction). The plurality of trays 13 overlapping in the Z direction can move in the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction by a moving mechanism provided in the loading and unloading unit 10.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, multiple microscope slides 1 are placed on tray 13. Tray 13 has a gripping part (handle) at its end in the Y1 direction. Although not shown in the figure, each microscope slide 1 is placed on a single support on tray 13. A label is attached to each microscope slide 1, and the label has an identification code 1a indicating information about each sample. Although not shown here, the input and retrieval unit 10 is equipped with an identification code reader (reading unit), and the information contained in the identification code 1a of each microscope slide 1 is read by the identification code reader. For example, a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) can be used as the identification code 1a. The identification code 1a is not limited to these, and other types of identifiers may be used as long as they can hold information about the microscope slide 1.

[0022] The dehydration unit 51 is provided to replace the water contained in the sample with an organic solvent (e.g., xylene) in order to make the slide glass 1 storable (dehydration treatment). In other words, the dehydration unit 51 performs a dehydration treatment on the sample placed on the slide glass 1.

[0023] The mounting unit 52 is a coverslip mounting unit. The stained and dehydrated slide glass 1 is transported to the mounting unit 52. Then, in the mounting unit 52, a coverslip (cover glass) is placed on the slide glass 1 so as to cover the stained sample (mounting process). In other words, the mounting unit 52 performs the mounting process on the sample placed on the slide glass 1.

[0024] The scanning unit 53 is provided for observing or photographing (imaging) a stained sample on a glass slide 1 that has undergone staining, dehydration, and mounting treatment using a microscope. In other words, the scanning unit 53 performs observation processing that involves observing the sample with a microscope, acquiring a digital image with a slide scanner and observing the sample using that image, or both. In this application, the observation of the sample with a microscope and the imaging of the sample are collectively referred to as scanning (scanning processing). That is, the scanning unit 53 performs scanning processing on the sample placed on the glass slide 1.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the sample processing system 100 is equipped with a transport unit 60 for transporting the glass slides 1. The transport unit 60 has a first transport line 61 and a second transport line 62. The first transport line 61 and the second transport line 62 extend in the X direction along the staining unit 40, the input and recovery unit 10, and the post-processing unit 50. A carrier 20 is mounted on the first transport line 61 and the second transport line 62, respectively. Here, the glass slides 1 placed on the carriers 20 can be transported by moving (sliding) the carriers 20 of the first transport line 61 and the second transport line 62 in the Y direction.

[0026] The first transport line 61 is used when transporting the slide glass 1 before staining from the input mechanism 11 to the staining section 40, or when transporting the slide glass 1 after scanning from the scanning section 53 to the recovery mechanism 12. In other words, the first transport line 61 transports the slide glass 1 only in the rightward direction (X1 direction) as shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0027] The second transport line 62 is used to transport the stained glass slide 1 from the staining section 40 to the dewatering section 51 of the post-processing section 50. In other words, the second transport line 62 transports the glass slide 1 only in the leftward direction (X2 direction) as shown in Figures 1 and 4. As shown in Figure 4, a plurality of guide pins 23 are provided on the upper surface of the carrier 20. The first transport line 61 is provided with a guide 61a, and the second transport line 62 is provided with a guide 62a. Actuators 64 are also provided on the first transport line 61 and the second transport line 62, respectively.

[0028] In this way, the transport unit 60 makes it possible to transport the glass slides 1 between the dyeing unit 40 and the input / recovery unit 10, and between the input / recovery unit 10 and the post-processing unit 50.

[0029] The carrier 20 on which the glass slide 1 is placed moves along the guide 61a or guide 62a in the X1 or X2 direction by the control unit 70 and actuator 64, allowing it to move closer to the input / recovery unit 10, the staining unit 40, the dewatering unit 51, or the scanning unit 53. Furthermore, by aligning the long side of the carrier 20 parallel to the respective extension directions of the first transport line 61 and the second transport line 62, the area occupied by the first transport line 61 and the second transport line 62 can be reduced.

[0030] Furthermore, the first conveying line 61 and the second conveying line 62 may each be equipped with multiple carriers 20. In addition, although this example illustrates a case where the conveying unit 60 has separate first conveying lines 61 and second conveying lines 62, the conveying unit 60 may be configured so that the first conveying line 61 and the second conveying line 62 are combined by only one line.

[0031] The transport of the slide glass 1 from the dewatering section 51 to the sealing section 52 is performed by the third transport line 63 shown in Figure 1. Similarly, the transport of the slide glass 1 from the sealing section 52 to the scanning section 53 is also performed by the third transport line 63. The third transport line 63 has the same configuration as the second transport line 62 and transports the slide glass 1 only in the leftward direction (X2 direction) as shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sample processing system 100 is equipped with multiple transport mechanisms 30. At least one transport mechanism 30 is provided in each of the input and recovery unit 10, the staining unit 40, the dewatering unit 51, and the scanning unit 53.

[0033] Specifically, the transport of the slide glass 1 from the input / recovery unit 10 (input mechanism 11) to the carrier 20 of the transport unit 60 (first transport line 61 or second transport line 62), and the transport from the carrier 20 of the transport unit 60 (second transport line 62) to the input / recovery unit 10 (recovery mechanism 12) are carried out by the transport mechanism 30 of the input / recovery unit 10. The transport of the slide glass 1 from the carrier 20 of the transport unit 60 (first transport line 61) to the dyeing unit 40, and the transport of the slide glass 1 from the dyeing unit 40 to the carrier 20 of the transport unit 60 (second transport line 62) are carried out by the transport mechanism 30 of the dyeing unit 40. The transport of the slide glass 1 from the carrier 20 of the transport unit 60 (second transport line 62) to the dewatering unit 51 is carried out by the transport mechanism 30 of the dewatering unit 51. The transport of the slide glass 1 from the scanning unit 53 to the carrier 20 of the transport unit 60 (first transport line 61) is carried out by the transport mechanism 30 of the scanning unit 53.

[0034] The main feature of the sample processing system 100 in this embodiment is that the staining unit 40 and the post-processing unit 50 are arranged side by side, flanking the input and recovery unit 10. More specifically, in the X direction, the staining unit 40, input and recovery unit 10, dewatering unit 51, mounting unit 52, and scanning unit 53 are arranged in that order.

[0035] <Conveying mechanism configuration> As shown in Figure 5, the transport mechanism 30 includes a transport drive unit (gripper unit) 31, a finger drive unit (grip mechanism) 32, and a plurality of finger sections 33. The transport drive unit 31 and the finger drive unit 32 are controlled by a control unit 70 (see Figure 1).

[0036] The transport drive unit 31 includes an X transport axis 31x, a Y transport axis 31y, and a Z transport axis 31z. The X transport axis 31x allows the finger drive unit 32 and the multiple finger parts 33 to move in the X1 and X2 directions. The Y transport axis 31y allows the finger drive unit 32 and the multiple finger parts 33 to move in the Y1 and Y2 directions. The Z transport axis 31z allows the finger drive unit 32 and the multiple finger parts 33 to move in the Z1 and Z2 directions. Note that at least the Z transport axis 31z is required for the multiple finger parts 33 to grip the slide glass 1.

[0037] The finger drive unit 32 performs the gripping operation of multiple finger parts 33. In this embodiment, for example, four finger parts 33 are provided.

[0038] The microscope slide 1 has a polygonal shape in plan view, and in this case, it has a rectangular shape in plan view. During transport of the microscope slide 1, the two sides on the shorter side of the microscope slide 1 are gripped by the transport mechanism 30. The thickness of the microscope slide 1 in the Z direction is, for example, 1.0 mm or more and 1.1 mm or less.

[0039] <Configuration of the input / recovery unit> The slide glass 1 input and retrieval unit 10 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 6.

[0040] The input mechanism 11 and the retrieval mechanism 12 are adjacent to each other and integrated in the X direction. Multiple glass slides 1 are placed on the tray 13 so that they are adjacent to each other in the Y direction.

[0041] The input mechanism 11 can accommodate multiple trays 13 so that they are stacked vertically (in the Z direction). The input mechanism 11 also includes an identification code reader 14.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, each of the multiple microscope slides 1 is provided with an identification code 1a. The identification code reader 14 can read the information contained in the identification code 1a of each of the multiple microscope slides 1. Furthermore, the identification code reader 14 is movable in the Z direction by a moving mechanism (not shown) provided in the input mechanism 11. Therefore, for example, when a tray 13 is introduced into a predetermined layer of the input mechanism 11 from outside the input and retrieval unit 10, the identification code reader 14 can move to the predetermined layer and read the information of the multiple microscope slides 1 placed on the introduced tray 13.

[0043] The retrieval mechanism 12 can accommodate multiple trays 13 so that they are stacked vertically (in the Z direction). The retrieval mechanism 12 also includes an identification code reader 24.

[0044] The identification code reader 24 is capable of reading the information contained in the identification code 1a of each of the multiple slides 1. Furthermore, the identification code reader 24 is movable in the Z direction by a moving mechanism (not shown) provided in the retrieval mechanism 12. Therefore, for example, when a tray 13 transported by the moving mechanism TM2 (described later) is introduced into a predetermined layer of the retrieval mechanism 12, the identification code reader 14 can move to the predetermined layer and read the information of the multiple slides 1 placed on the introduced tray 13.

[0045] Furthermore, the input and retrieval unit 10 further includes a moving mechanism TM1 that moves a plurality of trays 13 mounted on the input mechanism 11 individually in the Y direction, and a moving mechanism TM2 that moves a plurality of trays 13 mounted on the retrieval mechanism 12 individually in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the plurality of trays 13 are moved by moving a plurality of installation units on which each tray 13 is placed individually in the Y direction using the moving mechanism TM1 or the moving mechanism TM2.

[0046] Figures 1, 3, and 6 illustrate a method for storing multiple microscope slides 1 for loading or retrieval, which involves stacking trays 13, capable of holding multiple slides 1 in the lateral direction (Y direction), in the vertical direction (Z direction). In addition to this method, as shown in Figure 7, a container 15 may be used that allows slides 1 to be inserted and placed in the lateral direction (Y direction) and stacked in the vertical direction (Z direction). This container 15 is also called a basket. The removal of slides 1 from the container 15 and the insertion of slides 1 into the container 15 are performed by a dedicated transport mechanism. The container 15 is equipped with a bar 16 that is rotatably attached to the container 15 to prevent slides 1 from falling out.

[0047] <Configuration of the sample processing system 2> As shown in Figure 1, the sample processing system 100 is connected to a control unit (CPU) 70, a storage unit 80, and an operation unit 90. Specifically, the sample processing system 100 is connected to the control unit 70, and the control unit 70 is connected to the storage unit 80 and the operation unit 90, respectively. Although not shown, the operation unit 90 may also include a display unit (monitor).

[0048] The control unit 70 is electrically connected to and coordinates each of the input / recovery unit 10, the multiple transport mechanisms 30, the staining unit 40, the dewatering unit 51, the sealing unit 52, the scanning unit 53, and the transport unit 60. For example, processes such as the movement of the moving mechanisms TM1 and TM2 shown in Figure 5, the movement of the identification code reader 14, the reading of the information of the identification code 1a, the movement of the finger drive unit 32 shown in Figure 4, and the supply of reagents by the reagent supply unit are controlled by the control unit 70.

[0049] The memory unit 80 stores information about the destination (transport location) to which the slide glass 1 should be transported, corresponding to various information obtained by reading the identification code 1a of the slide glass 1. The operator can change the information stored in the memory unit 80 or the operation of the control unit 70 by operating the operation unit 90.

[0050] <Sample Processing System Operation> The operation of the sample processing system in the embodiment (the process of transporting the slide glass) will be described below with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 8 and 9. There are four possible processing patterns for the sample processing system 100: the first pattern which includes staining, dehydration, mounting, and scanning; the second pattern which includes dehydration, mounting, and scanning; the third pattern which includes mounting and scanning; and the fourth pattern which includes scanning only.

[0051] The second pattern is, for example, when a glass slide 1 that has already been stained outside the sample processing system 100 is subjected only to post-processing within the sample processing system 100. The third pattern is, for example, when a glass slide 1 that has already been stained and dehydrated outside the sample processing system 100 is subjected only to mounting and scanning within the sample processing system 100. The fourth pattern is, for example, when a glass slide 1 that has already been stained, dehydrated, and mounted outside the sample processing system 100 is subjected only to scanning within the sample processing system 100.

[0052] Figure 8 shows a flowchart that combines all four patterns. Here, first, the slide glass 1 is brought into the sample processing system 100, and the identification code 1a of each slide glass 1 is read (step S1 in Figure 8). That is, a predetermined tray 13 on which multiple slide glass 1 are placed is placed on the installation part of the input mechanism 11 (where the trays 13 overlap in Figure 6). The tray 13 is fixed to the installation part of the input mechanism 11 by a device such as a ball catch or a magnetic catch (position of the tray 13 shown in Figure 1). Subsequently, the tray 13 moves in the Y2 direction when a sensor (not shown) detects that the tray 13 has been placed in the predetermined position, or when an operator presses a predetermined opening / closing switch. That is, the tray 13 on which the slide glass 1 are placed moves into the interior of the sample processing system 100 (in the Y2 direction from the position of the tray 13 shown in Figure 1).

[0053] At this time, the identification code reader 14 shown in Figure 6 performs the reading operation of the identification code 1a shown in Figures 3 and 6. That is, as the multiple slides 1 move, the identification code 1a of each slide 1 is read sequentially.

[0054] Next, based on the information of the slide glass 1 obtained by the above reading operation, the control unit 70 refers to the destination information stored in the storage unit 80 to determine (judge) the destination of the slide glass 1 (step S2 in Figure 8).

[0055] Next, the slide glass 1 is transported to the staining unit 40 or the post-processing unit 50 according to the destination determined by the control unit 70 (step S3 in Figure 8).

[0056] Next, one of the first to fourth patterns described above is performed on the slide glass 1 (step S4 in Figure 8). This completes all processing of the slide glass 1 within the sample processing system 100.

[0057] Next, the slide glass 1 is transported from the post-processing unit 50 (specifically, the scanning unit 53) to the recovery mechanism 12 of the input and recovery unit 10 (step S5 in Figure 8). Specifically, the slide glass 1 is placed on the carrier 20 of the first transport line 61 by the transport mechanism 30 of the scanning unit 53, and then moves in the X1 direction by the first transport line 61, thereby moving to the input and recovery unit 10. After that, the slide glass 1 is transported by the transport mechanism 30 of the input and recovery unit 10 and placed on the tray 13 of the recovery mechanism 12. At this time, the identification code reader 24 reads the identification code 1a on the transported slide glass 1.

[0058] With the above steps completed, the operation of the sample processing system (the slide glass transport process) is finished.

[0059] Next, using Figure 9, we will explain in more detail the operation of the sample processing system (the slide transport process) by dividing it into different cases. Step S1 in Figure 9 is the same as step S1 in Figure 8.

[0060] Next, as an operation corresponding to step S2 in Figure 8, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the slide glass 1 requires staining treatment based on the information obtained from the reading operation (step S21 in Figure 9).

[0061] In the case of the first pattern requiring staining, the slide glass 1 is transported from the tray 13 by the transport mechanism 30 of the input and recovery unit 10 and placed on the carrier 20 of the first transport line 61. Subsequently, the slide glass 1 to be stained moves in the X1 direction by the first transport line 61 and is transported to the staining unit 40 by the transport mechanism 30 of the staining unit 40 (step S31 in Figure 9).

[0062] Next, the slide glass 1 undergoes the first pattern of processing, namely staining, dehydration, mounting, and scanning (step S41 in Figure 9). Specifically, the sample placed on the slide glass 1 is stained on a disk in the staining section 40. Subsequently, the slide glass 1 is placed on the carrier 20 of the second transport line 62 by the transport mechanism 30 of the staining section 40. Next, the slide glass 1 moves in the X2 direction by the second transport line 62 and is transported to the dehydration section 51 by the transport mechanism 30 of the dehydration section 51. Subsequently, the sample placed on the slide glass 1 is dehydrated in the dehydration section 51. Next, the slide glass 1 is placed on the carrier 20 of the third transport line 63 by the transport mechanism 30 of the dehydration section 51. Subsequently, the slide glass 1 moves in the X2 direction by the third transport line 63 and is mounted in the mounting section 52. Next, the slide glass 1 is moved in the X2 direction by the third transport line 63 and scanned (microscopic observation or imaging) in the scanning unit 53.

[0063] Subsequently, the slide glass 1 is transported from the scanning unit 53 to the recovery mechanism 12 of the input and recovery unit 10, similar to step S5 in Figure 8 (step S5 in Figure 9). This completes the operation of the sample processing system 100 in the first pattern.

[0064] If, in step S21 of Figure 9, it is determined that staining is not required, the control unit 70, as an operation corresponding to step S2 of Figure 8, determines whether or not the slide glass 1 requires dewatering treatment based on the information obtained from the reading operation (step S22 of Figure 9).

[0065] In the second pattern, which does not require staining but does require dewatering, the slide glass 1 is transported from the tray 13 by the transport mechanism 30 of the input and recovery unit 10 and placed on the carrier 20 of the second transport line 62. Subsequently, the slide glass 1 to be dewatered moves in the X2 direction by the second transport line 62 and is transported to the dewatering unit 51 by the transport mechanism 30 of the dewatering unit 51 (step S32 in Figure 9).

[0066] Next, the slide glass 1 undergoes a second pattern of processing, namely dehydration, mounting, and scanning (step S42 in Figure 9). Specifically, the sample placed on the slide glass 1 is dehydrated in the dehydration unit 51. Subsequently, the slide glass 1 is placed on the carrier 20 of the third transport line 63 by the transport mechanism 30 of the dehydration unit 51. Next, the slide glass 1 moves in the X2 direction by the third transport line 63 and is mounted in the mounting unit 52. Subsequently, the slide glass 1 moves in the X2 direction by the third transport line 63 and is scanned in the scanning unit 53.

[0067] Subsequently, the slide glass 1 is transported from the scanning unit 53 to the recovery mechanism 12 of the input and recovery unit 10, similar to step S5 in Figure 8 (step S5 in Figure 9). This completes the operation of the sample processing system 100 in the second pattern.

[0068] In step S22 of Figure 9, if it is determined that dewatering is not required, the control unit 70, as an operation corresponding to step S2 of Figure 8, determines whether or not the slide glass 1 requires sealing based on the information obtained by the reading operation (step S23 of Figure 9).

[0069] In the third pattern, which does not require staining and dewatering but requires a encapsulation process, the slide glass 1 is transported from the tray 13 by the transport mechanism 30 of the input and recovery unit 10 and placed on the carrier 20 of the second transport line 62. Subsequently, the slide glass 1 moves in the X2 direction by the second transport line 62 and is transported to the dewatering unit 51 by the transport mechanism 30 of the dewatering unit 51. After that, it is placed on the carrier 20 of the third transport line 63 by the transport mechanism 30 of the dewatering unit 51 and moves in the X2 direction by the third transport line 63 to be transported to the encapsulation unit 52 (step S33 in Figure 9).

[0070] Next, the slide glass 1 undergoes a third pattern of processing, namely the encapsulation process and the scanning process (step S43 in Figure 9). Specifically, the slide glass 1 to be encapsulated is subjected to the encapsulation process in the encapsulation section 52. Subsequently, the slide glass 1 is moved in the X2 direction by the third transport line 63 and scanned in the scanning section 53.

[0071] Subsequently, the slide glass 1 is transported from the scanning unit 53 to the recovery mechanism 12 of the input and recovery unit 10, similar to step S5 in Figure 8 (step S5 in Figure 9). This concludes the operation of the sample processing system 100 in the third pattern.

[0072] In step S23 of Figure 9, if it is determined that mounting is not required, that is, in the fourth pattern where scanning is required but staining, dewatering, and mounting are not required, the slide glass 1 is transported from the tray 13 by the transport mechanism 30 of the input and recovery unit 10 and placed on the carrier 20 of the second transport line 62. Subsequently, the slide glass 1 moves in the X2 direction by the second transport line 62 and is transported to the dewatering unit 51 by the transport mechanism 30 of the dewatering unit 51. After that, it is placed on the carrier 20 of the third transport line 63 by the transport mechanism 30 of the dewatering unit 51 and moves in the X2 direction by the third transport line 63 to be transported to the scanning unit 53 (step S34 of Figure 9). In this case, the slide glass 1 may be transported by the transport mechanism 30 of the input / recovery unit 10, placed on the carrier 20 of the second transport line 62, then transported by the second transport line 62 to the vicinity of the scanning unit 53, and then transported into the scanning unit 53 by the transport mechanism 30 of the scanning unit 53.

[0073] Next, the fourth pattern of processing, namely the scanning process, is performed on the slide glass 1 (step S44 in Figure 9). Specifically, the slide glass 1 to be scanned is scanned in the scanning unit 53.

[0074] Subsequently, the slide glass 1 is transported from the scanning unit 53 to the recovery mechanism 12 of the input and recovery unit 10, similar to step S5 in Figure 8 (step S5 in Figure 9). This completes the operation of the sample processing system 100 in the fourth pattern.

[0075] As described above, in this embodiment, each of the four processing patterns can be performed automatically within the sample processing system 100.

[0076] <Effects of the Embodiment> When a staining device that performs the staining process and a post-treatment device that performs post-staining processes such as dehydration, mounting, and scanning are provided separately, the movement of the slides (trays) between these devices must be done manually, resulting in inefficient overall processing of the slides. Therefore, using a sample processing system that can automate staining, dehydration, mounting, and scanning processes can improve the overall efficiency of the processing.

[0077] However, not all of the multiple slides placed in the sample processing system require staining, dehydration, mounting, and scanning. In other words, each of the multiple slides requires one of the four processing patterns described above, and the processing performed within the sample processing system is not uniform. Therefore, a sample processing system capable of performing staining, dehydration, mounting, and scanning must be designed with efficient workflows in mind for each of the four processing patterns.

[0078] For example, one could construct a sample processing system by arranging the input and recovery unit, staining unit, dehydration unit, mounting unit, and scanning unit in the order in which staining, dehydration, mounting, and scanning processes are performed. However, in such a sample processing system, it becomes necessary to transport the slides that only undergo post-processing so that they pass near the staining unit, resulting in a loss of time.

[0079] Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, in the sample processing system 100 of this embodiment, the staining unit 40 and the post-processing unit 50 are arranged side by side, flanking the input and recovery unit 10. In other words, the transport route from the input and recovery unit 10 to the staining unit 40 and the transport route to the post-processing unit 50 are separated. As a result, both slides 1 that require staining and slides 1 that only require post-processing without staining can be transported from the input and recovery unit 10 to the processing unit in a short time. Thus, a sample processing system that can perform processing efficiently can be provided.

[0080] In this configuration, the staining unit 40, input and recovery unit 10, dewatering unit 51, mounting unit 52, and scanning unit 53 are arranged in order in the X direction. This allows for the efficient processing of the sample processing system, as slides 1 requiring any of the first to fourth processing patterns can be transported and processed in a short time.

[0081] Furthermore, the transport unit 60 is provided with a first transport line 61 that transports the slide glass 1 in the X1 direction and a second transport line 62 that transports the slide glass 1 in the X2 direction. By defining the direction of movement of the slide glass 1 by each transport line (first transport line 61, second transport line 62) in one direction, efficient transport becomes possible.

[0082] The present inventors have described the invention in detail above based on its embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence. For example, the above embodiment described the case in which the transport section 60 is linear, but the transport section 60 may be configured in an L-shape that bends at a right angle, for example, near the input and recovery section 10 in a plan view. In that case, the dyeing section 40, the input and recovery section 10, and the post-processing section 50 are arranged in order along the L-shape. At this time, the first transport line 61 and the second transport line 62 may each be divided near the input and recovery section 10 and configured as two transport lines that transport the slide glass 1 in different directions that intersect each other in a plan view. [Industrial applicability]

[0083] This invention can be widely used in sample processing systems. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Microscope slide 1a Identification code 10 Input and Retrieval Section 11 Feeding mechanism 12 Recovery mechanism 13 Trays 14, 24 Identification Code Reader 20 Carriers 30 Conveying mechanism 40 Dyeing section 50 Post-processing 51 Dehydration section 52 Enclosed section 53 Scanning section 60 Conveying section 61. First Conveyor Line 62. Second conveyor line 63 Third Conveyor Line 70 Control Unit 80 Storage section 90 Operation section 100 Sample Processing Systems

Claims

1. An input and recovery unit including an input mechanism for storing multiple glass slides on which samples are placed before staining, dehydration, mounting, or scanning, and a recovery mechanism for storing the glass slides after processing, A staining unit that performs the staining treatment on the sample placed on the glass slide, A post-processing unit that performs the dehydration treatment, the mounting treatment, or the scanning treatment on the sample placed on the glass slide, A transport unit capable of transporting the glass slide between the dyeing unit and the input / recovery unit, and between the input / recovery unit and the post-processing unit, It has, A sample processing system comprising the staining unit, the input and recovery unit, and the post-processing unit, arranged in that order.

2. In the sample processing system according to claim 1, The sample processing system comprises a transport unit which includes a transport line extending in a first direction along the staining unit, the input and recovery unit, and the post-processing unit.

3. In the sample processing system according to claim 1, The aforementioned transport unit is A first transport line extends in a first direction along the dyeing section, the input and recovery section, and the post-processing section, and transports the glass slides in a direction from the input and recovery section side toward the dyeing section side, A second transport line extends in the first direction along the dyeing section, the input and recovery section, and the post-processing section, and transports the glass slides in a direction from the dyeing section side toward the input and recovery section side, A sample processing system equipped with the following features.

4. In the sample processing system according to claim 1, The aforementioned post-processing unit is A dehydration unit that performs the dehydration treatment on the sample placed on the glass slide, A sealing section which performs the sealing procedure on the sample placed on the glass slide, A scanning unit that performs the scanning process on the sample placed on the glass slide, It has, A sample processing system in which the staining unit, the input and recovery unit, the dewatering unit, the mounting unit, and the scanning unit are arranged in order.

5. In the sample processing system according to claim 1, The aforementioned slide glass is A first pattern in which the staining process, the dehydration process, the mounting process, and the scanning process are performed in order, A second pattern in which the aforementioned staining process is not performed, and the dehydration process, the mounting process, and the scanning process are performed in order, A third pattern in which the aforementioned staining and dehydration processes are not performed, and the mounting and scanning processes are performed in order, A fourth pattern in which the aforementioned staining process, dehydration process, and mounting process are not performed, and the scanning process is performed, A sample processing system that processes samples in one of the following patterns.

6. In the sample processing system according to claim 1, A reading unit for reading the identification code on the slide glass placed on the loading mechanism, A control unit connected to the sample processing system, A storage unit connected to the control unit stores information on the processing of the slide glass, which corresponds to various information obtained by reading the identification code on the slide glass, It further possesses, A sample processing system in which the control unit determines whether to transport the slide glass to the staining unit or the post-processing unit by referring to the processing information stored in the storage unit from the information obtained by reading the identification code on the slide glass with the reading unit.

7. In the sample processing system according to claim 6, The control unit determines whether the dyeing process is necessary, If the aforementioned staining treatment is required, the staining treatment, the dehydration treatment, and the scanning treatment are performed on the glass slide in order. If the aforementioned dyeing treatment is not required, the control unit determines whether the dehydration treatment is necessary. If the dewatering treatment is required, the dewatering treatment, the sealing treatment, and the scanning treatment are performed on the slide glass in order. If the dewatering process is not required, the control unit determines whether the sealing process is necessary. If the aforementioned sealing process is required, the dewatering process and the scanning process are performed on the glass slide in order. A sample processing system in which, if the aforementioned encapsulation process is not required, the scanning process is performed on the glass slide.

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