Slide Imaging Supply Position Teach-In Using Collision Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complex and time-consuming process of manually reprogramming a supply device for target positions in a slide imaging apparatus when system changes occur, such as during commissioning or after service operations, is a challenge in existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous teach-in method for the supply device, utilizing an operating system to drive the device to predefined positions, detect collisions, and evaluate these collisions to determine target positions, allowing for automated and efficient adjustment of the supply device's positioning without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual reprogramming is used to adjust supply device target positions during commissioning or service operations, then the supply device can be adapted to new configurations, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of supply device to configuration changesVSAvoidtime required for reprogramming supply device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The supply device performs autonomous teach-in by automatically moving to predefined positions, detecting collisions with the imaging device, and determining target positions without human intervention. The operating system autonomously controls the supply device's movement and collision detection process, eliminating the need for manual reprogramming while maintaining adaptability to configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning and teaching operations with an automated control system. The operating system uses software-based collision detection and coordinate calculation algorithms to determine target positions, substituting the mechanical manual teaching process with an automated digital control system that reduces time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual teach-in process is used for supply device positioning, then target positions can be programmed, but the process requires human intervention and increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of programming supply device positionsVSAvoidcomplexity of teach-in process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supply device autonomously performs the teach-in process by automatically moving to predefined positions, detecting collisions, and calculating target positions. The operating system manages the entire process without requiring human operators to manually program positions, thereby improving ease of operation while reducing the perceived complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-defines multiple positions in space before the teach-in process begins. During autonomous operation, the supply device sequentially moves to these predefined positions and detects collisions to determine actual target positions. This preliminary setup of predefined positions simplifies the overall process by providing a structured framework for automated teaching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the supply device is manually reprogrammed after service operations, then it can adapt to configuration changes, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability after service operationsVSAvoidproductivity during commissioning and service

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The supply device autonomously performs teach-in operations after service events, automatically adapting to configuration changes without requiring manual reprogramming. This self-service capability maintains adaptability while eliminating the time loss associated with manual intervention, thereby preserving productivity during commissioning and service operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous teach-in process enables continuous operation by quickly adapting the supply device to configuration changes without interrupting the overall workflow. The automated collision detection and position determination allow the system to resume productive operations immediately after service events, maintaining continuity and preventing productivity losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250298045A1Slide imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 ROCHE MOLECULAR SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A method for autonomous teach-in of at least one target position of a supply device (120) of a slide imaging apparatus (110) is disclosed. The slide imaging apparatus (110) comprises at least one imaging device (126, 128) configured to generate an image of a sample mounted on a slide (140). The target position is a position on the imaging device (126, 128). The slide imaging apparatus (110) comprises at least one operating system (170) configured for controlling operation of the supply device (120). The method comprises the following stepsi) (186) providing at least six pre-defined positions by using the operating system (170);ii) (188) driving the supply device (120) to the six pre-defined positions until colliding with the imaging device (126, 128) by using the operating system (170) and detecting collisions with the imaging device (126, 128);iii) (190) evaluating the detected collisions by using the operating system (170), thereby determining the target position.