Cassette-Linked Image Acquisition for Easier Slide Rescanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image acquisition devices require re-preparation of all slide glasses for rescanning due to the storage of scanning conditions in units of jobs, complicating storage and re-preparation work.
Innovation Solution
An image acquisition system that associates image data with cassette identification information, using a cassette mounting unit with an exposure portion for the identification code, and an imaging unit to read the code, simplifying storage and re-preparation work by managing data in units of cassettes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scanning conditions are stored in units of jobs using all slide glasses as one unit, then comprehensive image acquisition is achieved, but storage work and re-preparation work become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the job-based storage unit into cassette-based sub-units. Each cassette holds multiple slide glasses and has its own identification code. The control unit associates image data with cassette identification information rather than treating all slide glasses as a single job unit. This segmentation allows selective retrieval and rescanning of specific cassettes without requiring re-preparation of all slide glasses, thus simplifying storage and re-preparation work while maintaining comprehensive image acquisition capability.
2Quantity of substance
If all slide glasses are treated as one unit for image acquisition, then complete sample set is processed, but rescanning requires re-preparation of all slide glasses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary grouping of slide glasses into cassettes with identification codes before image acquisition. The control unit stores associations between cassette identification information and image data in advance. When rescanning is needed, the system can directly retrieve the specific cassette using its identification code without requiring re-preparation of all slide glasses, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining complete sample set processing.
3Quantity of substance
If image data is managed in units of jobs, then all samples are organized together, but linkage between slide glass and image data becomes unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit reads identification codes from cassettes, associates them with image data, and stores this association information. This creates a traceable link between physical cassettes/slide glasses and their corresponding image data. The system can retrieve and verify this linkage information when needed, preventing loss of information while maintaining organization of all samples.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies storage and re-preparation work for slide glasses by clearly linking image data to cassettes, allowing easy retrieval of past scanning conditions and preventing sample misunderstanding.
Implementation Method 1
a reading unit that reads the identification code from the cassette sent to a reading position by the cassette mounting unit
Implementation Method 2
an imaging unit that images the identification code exposed from the exposure portion in the reading position
Data Source
AI summary
An image acquisition system includes a cassette mounting unit that holds slide glasses in a plurality of stages, a cassette having an identification code imparted thereto being mounted in the cassette mounting unit, an identification code reading unit that reads an identification code from the cassette, an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of a sample held on the slide glass, and a control computer that associates the image data with cassette identification information included in the identification code read by the identification code reading unit, wherein the cassette mounting unit includes a notch portion that exposes a bar code imparted to the cassette, and the identification code reading unit includes an imaging unit that images the identification code exposed from the notch portion in a reading position.