Slide Holder Indexing Layout for Compact Multi-Slide Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide imaging apparatuses face challenges with accommodating multiple slides, requiring a wider footprint and manual handling of copy holders, which can lead to loose slides and potential damage during mounting.
Innovation Solution
A slide imaging apparatus with a copy holder moving system that includes a movable stage and indexing mechanisms, allowing slides to be held in multiple imaging locations, enabling efficient image formation without increasing the apparatus' width, and featuring automated loading and unloading processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the apparatus accommodates multiple slides using a wider footprint design, then more slides can be held simultaneously, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a wide horizontal layout to a vertical stacked configuration. Multiple slide holders are arranged vertically above the imaging system, allowing multiple slides to be accommodated without increasing the apparatus width. The movable stage moves slides vertically into and out of the imaging position, resolving the contradiction between holding multiple slides and maintaining a compact footprint.
2Device complexity
If manual handling of copy holders is used, then the system is simpler, but slides may become loose and get damaged during mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs an automated movable stage that self-adjusts to position slides accurately in the imaging location. The stage includes positioning mechanisms that automatically align and secure slides without manual intervention, eliminating the risk of loose slides and damage while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple slides are held in the same imaging location, then the apparatus remains compact, but slides cannot be efficiently processed in parallel
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple slides are pre-loaded onto the movable stage in a vertical stack before the imaging process begins. The stage is configured to sequentially present each slide to the imaging system in turn, allowing efficient processing of multiple slides without requiring parallel imaging capabilities. This preliminary arrangement enables compact design while maintaining productivity through systematic sequential processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A slide imaging apparatus that includes a copy holder moving system and an imaging system. The copy holder moving system includes a movable stage configured to move along first and second slide movement axes relative to the imaging system, wherein the imaging system is configured to form an image of a sample mounted on a slide located in the/each imaging location on the movable stage during an image forming process that includes the movable stage moving relative to the imaging system along the first and second slide movement axes. The copy holder moving system also includes a copy holder configured to be mounted to the movable stage, wherein the copy holder is configured to be mounted to the movable stage in each of a plurality of indexing positions.