Automated Smear Transport System for Cell Analysis Workflows
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample processing systems require manual handling and recycling of smear storage devices, increasing user workload and the risk of contamination due to the need for manual handling of sample smears after analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing system that includes a smear preparation device, a cell image analysis device, and a transport device connected to both, which automatically transports the smear storage device between the preparation and analysis devices, reducing the need for manual recycling and minimizing human-computer interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling and recycling of smear storage devices is used, then device complexity is reduced, but user workload increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A transport device is introduced as an intermediary component between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device. This transport device automatically moves the smear storage device between these two devices, eliminating the need for manual handling while managing the complexity through a dedicated automated transport mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The smear storage device is designed to be automatically recognized and processed by the transport device. The system enables self-service operation where the storage device can be automatically transported and recycled without requiring user intervention, thus reducing user workload while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Reliability
If manual handling of sample smears is required, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device serves as a closed intermediary system that transports the smear storage device between preparation and analysis stations without requiring manual opening or handling of the storage device. This maintains sample integrity and eliminates contamination risks associated with manual handling while the transport mechanism manages the added system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling operations are replaced with an automated transport system. The transport device uses automated mechanical systems to move the smear storage device, replacing the need for manual manipulation and thereby eliminating the contamination risk inherent in human-handled processes while incorporating automated control systems.
3Productivity
If automated transport of smear storage device is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device is positioned as an intermediary that connects existing smear preparation and cell image analysis devices. By adding this dedicated transport component, the system achieves automated workflow and improved productivity through continuous processing, while the complexity is contained within the modular transport subsystem rather than requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device integrates multiple functions: it serves as the carrier for the smear storage device, the mechanism for automated transport between devices, and the interface for coordinated operation with the preparation and analysis systems. This merging of functions into a single integrated transport system improves productivity while consolidating complexity into one manageable subsystem.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample processing system and method, and a control system and a cell image analysis device. A smear preparation device prepares a sample smear, the cell image analysis device performs imaging and analysis on the sample smear, and the sample smear is placed in a first smear storage device. After the sample smear is placed in the first smear storage device, the first smear storage device placed with the sample smear is conveyed by a conveyer from the smear preparation device to the cell image analysis device, and the first smear storage device is conveyed by the conveyer from the cell image analysis device to the smear preparation device, so that automatic cycle conveying of the first smear storage device between the smear preparation device and the cell image analysis device is achieved by the conveyer, and unnecessary human-machine interaction operations are reduced, thereby reducing workload of a user.