Smear Staining Apparatus with Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smear staining apparatuses require repeated trial and error to determine appropriate immersing time for stain fluid, as the concentration of stain fluid varies by manufacturer and lot, leading to a significant operator workload.
Innovation Solution
A smear staining apparatus with a controller that receives information on the stain state of a smear sample and determines a second staining condition based on a target value, using a smear processing system that includes imaging and image analysis to adjust the staining conditions automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the operator determines the immersing time manually to achieve desired stain density, then the staining quality can be adjusted, but the operator workload increases significantly due to repeated trial and error
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image analysis to evaluate the stain state of the smear sample and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the immersing time based on this feedback and the target stain state, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically optimizes staining conditions without repeated manual trials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of the immersing time based on image analysis results and target stain state definitions. The controller automatically determines the appropriate staining parameters without requiring manual intervention or repeated trial and error by the operator.
2Ease of operation
If a constant immersing time is set, then the operation is simplified, but the staining quality varies when concentrated stain fluid is replaced due to concentration differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed immersing time to a dynamic adjustable immersing time. The controller modifies the immersing time based on the actual stain state evaluated by image analysis and the desired target stain state, allowing the system to adapt to variations in concentrated stain fluid concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the immersing time parameter automatically based on image analysis results and target stain state definitions. When concentrated stain fluid is replaced or concentration varies, the controller adjusts the immersing time parameter to maintain consistent staining quality, rather than using a fixed constant time.
3Manufacturing precision
If the operator re-determines the immersing time when concentrated stain fluid is replaced, then the staining quality can be maintained, but the time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image analysis and automatic determination of the appropriate immersing time before the actual staining process. By pre-evaluating the stain state and calculating the required adjustment, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming repeated trials during the staining process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image analysis feedback to automatically determine and adjust the immersing time. This closed-loop control allows the system to maintain staining quality without requiring the operator to perform time-consuming manual adjustments or repeated trials when stain fluid is replaced.
Data Source
AI summary
A smear staining apparatus comprising: a staining section which stains a smear sample with a quantity of stain fluid; and a controller, wherein the controller: receives information regarding a stain state on a smear sample which is stained according to a first staining condition by the staining section; and determines a second staining condition on the basis of the information and a target value which defines a targeted stain state, is disclosed. A smear preparing apparatus, a smear processing system and method for determining staining condition are also disclosed.