Automated Slide Imaging with Integrated Eject Button Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide imaging apparatuses face challenges in automating the insertion of slides into a slide reception and pressing the eject button of the imaging device, limiting the efficiency and throughput of slide processing.
Innovation Solution
A slide imaging apparatus with a storage device and a supply device, equipped with a robotic arm and a protrusion to automate the insertion and pressing of the eject button, allowing simultaneous handling of multiple slides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a robotic arm is used to automatically insert slides into the slide reception, then the ease of operation and productivity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply device is configured to automatically perform slide insertion and eject button pressing without requiring separate manual operations. The device serves itself by integrating multiple functions into a single automated system that can independently handle slide processing tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply device is designed to perform multiple functions: it supplies slides to the imaging device, presses the eject button, and can handle both slide insertion and tray ejection operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices.
2Extent of automation
If the robotic arm reaches both the slide reception and the eject button, then the automation capability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supply device acts as an intermediary between the storage device and the imaging device. It mediates the interaction by handling both slide supply and eject button pressing operations, eliminating the need for direct robotic arm access to multiple distant locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of slide supply and eject button pressing are merged into a single supply device. This consolidation allows the system to achieve high automation without requiring a complex robotic arm that must reach multiple separate locations.
3Productivity
If multiple slides are processed simultaneously, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply device enables continuous slide processing by automatically supplying slides to the imaging device without interruption. The automated operation ensures that the imaging device can continuously process slides from the storage device, maintaining a steady workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves high productivity through self-service automation where the supply device independently manages slide retrieval, transport, and insertion operations, allowing multiple slides to be processed in sequence without manual intervention for each slide.
Data Source
AI summary
A slide imaging apparatus includes: at least one imaging device configured to generate an image of a sample mounted on a slide, wherein the imaging device comprises an operating button; a storage device loadable with a plurality of slides and configured to store the slides; and a supply device configured to supply the slides from the storage device to the imaging device, wherein the supply device is configured to press the operating button.