Slide Imaging Failover Using Automated Multi-Imager Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide imaging apparatuses experience processing halts due to device failures, requiring manual intervention and causing delays, especially in high-throughput systems.

Innovation Solution

A slide imaging apparatus with multiple imaging devices, a storage unit, and a supply device that automates slide distribution between them, allowing continuous operation even in the event of device failure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual slide handling is used in single imaging device systems, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity drops due to processing halts during device failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslide processing throughputVSAvoidimaging system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the imaging function into multiple independent imaging devices (first imaging device, second imaging device), each capable of processing slides independently. This segmentation allows continuous operation by switching between devices when one fails, thereby maintaining productivity without requiring complex manual intervention protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple imaging devices are merged into a unified system coordinated by a controller, with shared access to a common storage device. This merging creates redundancy that prevents processing halts while maintaining manageable system complexity through centralized control and automated slide distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If backup imaging devices are prepared for failure scenarios, then reliability improves, but device complexity and operational burden increase due to manual slide transfer requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous processing capabilityVSAvoidslide handling operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated slide distribution where the supply device automatically transfers slides from the storage device to the appropriate imaging device based on real-time operational status. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual slide handling while maintaining reliability, as the system autonomously manages failover operations without operator intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller continuously monitors the operational status of imaging devices and automatically adjusts slide distribution accordingly. When a device fails, the system receives feedback about the failure and automatically redirects slide supply to functional devices, maintaining reliability while simplifying operation through automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If slides are pre-loaded into imaging device reception, then productivity is maintained during operation, but loss of time occurs when device failure requires manual slide removal and transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing continuityVSAvoiddowntime during failure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-positions multiple imaging devices in ready states with the supply device configured to automatically distribute slides to functional devices. When a device fails, slides are already available in the storage device for immediate redistribution to backup devices, eliminating the time loss associated with manual slide retrieval and transfer operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The supply device acts as an intermediary between the storage device and multiple imaging devices, automatically managing slide distribution. This intermediary function allows seamless redirection of slide supply to functional devices when failures occur, maintaining productivity while minimizing downtime through automated mediation rather than manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12584932B2Slide imaging apparatus and a method for imaging a slide

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 ROCHE MOLECULAR SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A slide imaging apparatus includes: at least one first imaging device and at least one second imaging device, each configured to generate an image of a sample mounted on a slide; a storage device loadable with a plurality of slides; and a supply device configured to selectively supply the slides from the storage device to the at least one first imaging device or to the at least one second imaging device, wherein the at least one first imaging device and the at least one second imaging device comprise at least one visual indicator configured to indicate an operational status of the at least one first imaging device and the at least one second imaging device, wherein the slide imaging apparatus further comprises at least one vision sensor configured to detect an operational status of the at least one first imaging device and the at least one second imaging device using the at least one visual indicator.