Specimen Slide Identification Using Gravity Drop and Optical Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying specimen slides in automated systems are complex and prone to mechanical and electronic failures, requiring numerous components and frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a lifting element to position specimen slides in a way that gravity exposes identification codes, allowing for simple and reliable reading by a camera or similar reading apparatus, minimizing the need for mechanical and electronic components and reducing malfunction susceptibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical and electronic components are used for reading identification codes, then reading accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification code reading function from complex mechanical positioning systems and separates it into an independent optical reading apparatus. The lifting element simply positions slides to expose codes, while the reading apparatus independently captures images and decodes information, eliminating the need for complex coordinated mechanical-electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and reading mechanisms with an optical system. Instead of using mechanical scanners or contact-based reading devices, the invention uses a camera-based optical apparatus to capture identification codes, substituting mechanical complexity with simpler optical detection.
2Reliability
If frequent maintenance is performed, then system reliability is maintained, but productivity decreases due to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service maintenance system where the reading apparatus automatically captures images of identification codes and the system automatically processes and stores the data. This automation eliminates manual intervention in the identification process, reducing maintenance frequency and extending maintenance intervals while maintaining operational reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If numerous mechanical components are used for specimen slide handling, then positioning precision can be achieved, but the number of components increases and malfunction susceptibility rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the specimen slide handling system into independent functional modules: a lifting element for vertical positioning, a positioning apparatus for horizontal movement, and a reading apparatus for identification. Each module performs a single function with minimal components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning precision through coordinated operation of simplified modules.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and reliable identification of specimen slides with reduced mechanical and electronic complexity, extending maintenance intervals and ensuring accurate processing in staining and coverslipping apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
A lifting element (50) on which the specimen slides (38) are arranged in a lifted position. A positioning apparatus moves the specimen slide holder (42) with the specimen slides (38) relative to the lifting element (50) so that the specimen slides (38) drop successively from the lifted position on the lifting element (50) into a final position in the specimen slide holder (42).
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for sensing specimen slides (38) has a specimen slide holder (42) holding specimen slides (38), each specimen slide (38) comprising an identification code. The specimen slides (38) are arranged inside the specimen slide holder (42) on a lifting element (50) in a lifted position. The apparatus includes a reading apparatus (40) for reading out the identification code, and a positioning apparatus that moves the specimen slide holder (42) with the specimen slides (38) relative to the lifting element (50) so that the specimen slides (38) drop successively from the lifted position on the lifting element (50). As one of the specimen slides (38) drops, the identification code of the specimen slide (38) or of the subsequent specimen slide (38) becomes readable for the reading apparatus (40). A triggering apparatus (67, 68) triggers the reading apparatus (40) to read the identification code.