Automated Slide Code Reader Comb Lifting Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated systems for reading codes on slides are inefficient, as they typically move and read slides one at a time, leading to lengthy identification processes and a high risk of human error, especially when slides are stacked or stored in containers.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that uses a comb device and lifting lever to lift multiple slides simultaneously, positioning them for synchronized reading by a sensor, allowing for rapid and accurate identification of codes on slides stored in containers, regardless of their arrangement or type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If slides are stacked one on top of another or housed vertically in containers, then storage space is optimized and organization is improved, but the slides become difficult to identify and require sequential processing which increases reading time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple slides into a single stackable unit using a slide holder that can accommodate multiple slides vertically. The reader device reads multiple slides simultaneously by positioning the sensor to scan through the stack, thereby merging the reading process of multiple slides into a single operational cycle, which significantly increases throughput without requiring sequential processing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from reading slides in a single horizontal dimension to reading them in a vertical dimension. The slide holder organizes slides vertically, and the reader device moves the sensor along the vertical axis to access codes on multiple slides stacked one above another, enabling simultaneous or rapid sequential reading without lateral movement, thus reducing time loss
2Ease of operation
If slides are placed side by side in trays with vertical walls, then slides are easily accessible and positioned, but the identification process requires moving to each slide individually which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple slide reading operations into a single device positioning action. The reader device can read multiple slides that are placed side by side or stacked vertically within a single container by adjusting the sensor position, combining what would otherwise require multiple separate reading operations into one efficient process
Solution Approach 2:
The reader device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various slide arrangements (side by side, vertical stacking, different container types). The device can adapt its reading mechanism to read from multiple positions and orientations, making it universally applicable to different storage configurations while maintaining high identification speed
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual identification of slides is performed, then flexibility in handling different slide arrangements is maintained, but the risk of human error increases and processing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification with an automated optical reading system. The sensor device automatically captures and reads identification codes from slides, eliminating human involvement in the reading process. This substitution ensures consistent, accurate reading without human error while maintaining adaptability through programmable positioning and reading algorithms that can handle various container configurations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This invention concerns the field of pathological anatomy, in particular the sector related to the reading of slides used in hospital departments, and more specifically an automated system for reading codes printed on the slides.