Illuminated Display for Manual Slide Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual sorting of microscope slides in histopathology laboratories is time-consuming and challenging, and fully automated systems face issues with slide damage and high replacement costs, limiting their acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A manual sorting apparatus with a horizontal display surface and identification reader that illuminates slide locations and indicates where to place slides, allowing for efficient sorting and folder management, including the ability to stack folders and verify correct placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fully automated slide sorting systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hybrid system where an automated identification reader and controller serve as intermediaries between the slides and the manual sorting operator. The system reads barcodes on slides, determines appropriate folder locations, and provides visual guidance through illuminated indicators on the display surface, thereby automating the decision-making process while keeping the physical sorting action manual.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the apparatus to automatically read slide identification information, query the database for sorting decisions, and provide guidance without requiring manual data entry or complex operator intervention. The illuminated display surface and acoustic signals guide operators through the sorting process autonomously.
2Device complexity
If manual sorting is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing slide identification through automated barcode reading and pre-determining folder locations through database queries before the operator begins physical sorting. This eliminates the need for operators to manually read slide labels and make sorting decisions, significantly reducing sorting time while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (reading slide labels, determining sort locations) with automated optical and electronic systems (barcode scanning, database querying, visual display). The identification reader optically reads barcodes and the controller electronically determines folder assignments, substituting manual cognitive and mechanical tasks with automated systems.
3Productivity
If automated handling is implemented, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to slide damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sorting process into distinct phases: automated identification and decision-making, and manual physical handling. By separating the cognitive/decision functions from the physical manipulation functions, the system achieves high productivity through automation while maintaining slide integrity through careful manual handling guided by the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminated display surface and acoustic signaling system serve as intermediaries that guide manual operators, reducing the need for direct interaction between automated mechanical arms and fragile slides. The operator acts as an intermediary, manually placing slides into folders based on system guidance, thereby protecting slides from automated handling damage.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple slides need to be sorted, then quantity of substance increases, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by processing slides in a continuous flow rather than batch processing. The identification reader continuously reads barcodes, the controller continuously queries the database and determines folder locations, and the display surface continuously provides guidance, allowing operators to maintain a steady sorting rhythm without interruptions or complex batch management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through illuminated indicators on the display surface and acoustic signals that confirm correct slide identification and folder placement. This real-time feedback mechanism guides operators through the sorting of multiple slides, reducing errors and simplifying the management of large quantities of slides by providing continuous verification.
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
Facilitates efficient manual sorting of slides into folders, reducing time and potential for slide damage, while enabling accurate placement and handling of multiple slides and folders, improving laboratory workflow.
Implementation Method 1
An identification reader reads identification information stored on the slides (e.g., a barcode)
Implementation Method 2
A controller causes an area on the display surface corresponding to one of the slides to be illuminated
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes an apparatus and method that facilitates the manual sorting of slides into slide folders. The apparatus includes a horizontal display surface and a controller configured to receive slides and folders into which the slides are to be placed (or sorted). The controller operates components of the apparatus to selectively illuminate the display surface to guide a user in placing folders at multiple folder locations and in sorting the slides into the folders. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus is configured to allow multiple folders to be stacked at a folder location during the slide sorting process. In these aspects, the apparatus is configured to determine number of folders stacked at each folder location.