Slide Tray Alignment Detection Using Position Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide tray mounting systems fail to accurately detect abnormal mounting, leading to improper scanning of slides in digital pathology, which can compromise diagnostic accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize markers on the slide tray to determine normal mounting positions through image processing, identifying marker coordinates, and outputting an alarm if the tray is not properly aligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual mounting of slide trays is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of mounting position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical positioning with an optical detection system using markers and image processing. The scanner captures images of markers on the slide tray, and software automatically calculates position and orientation, substituting mechanical precision requirements with optical measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces markers as intermediary objects attached to the slide tray. These markers serve as mediators between the mechanical mounting system and the detection system, enabling precise measurement of tray position and orientation through optical means without requiring direct mechanical measurement.
2Manufacturing precision
If marker-based detection is implemented, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The markers act as intermediaries that simplify the detection task. Instead of requiring complex direct measurement of tray position, the system detects the simpler marker positions and computationally derives tray orientation, reducing manufacturing precision requirements for the tray itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and measurement mechanisms with a simpler optical detection system. The complexity is shifted from mechanical manufacturing precision to software image processing algorithms, which can achieve high precision through computational methods.
3Productivity
If automated scanning is used, then productivity is improved, but reliability of detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by detecting marker positions, comparing them against expected positions and orientations, and providing information about mounting quality. This feedback loop enables automated detection of improper mounting while maintaining productivity through rapid optical scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically detecting and reporting mounting errors without requiring manual inspection. The automated detection system serves itself by using the markers it introduced to verify its own operational parameters, ensuring reliable detection while maintaining high throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
An example embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for operating a slide-tray abnormal-mounting detection apparatus, which includes: obtaining a scan image of a first tray; identifying a first marker positioned on the first tray based on the scan image of the first tray; determining whether or not the first marker is positioned within a predetermined normal position range; and outputting an abnormal-mounting detection signal using an output device when the first marker is determined to not be positioned within the predetermined normal position range.