U.S. patent application number 17/745911 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-01 for testing system and method of starting testing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to SYSMEX CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is SYSMEX CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Hidetaka HAYAMA, Ken NISHIKAWA, Tetsuya ODA.
Application Number | 20220276272 17/745911 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006332962 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220276272 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NISHIKAWA; Ken ; et
al. |
September 1, 2022 |
TESTING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF STARTING TESTING SYSTEM
Abstract
A testing system according to one or more embodiments may
include: a smear preparing apparatus that prepares a smear slide by
smearing a sample on a glass slide; a smear transporting apparatus
that transports the smear slide; a controller; and a display part.
The controller may cause the display part to display a selection
screen on which one or more of the smear preparing apparatus and
the smear transporting apparatus can be selected. Based on a
selection on the selection screen, the one or more of the smear
preparing apparatus and the smear transporting apparatus selected
on the selection screen may run respective start operations.
Inventors: |
NISHIKAWA; Ken; (Kobe-shi,
JP) ; ODA; Tetsuya; (Kobe-shi, JP) ; HAYAMA;
Hidetaka; (Kobe-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SYSMEX CORPORATION |
Kobe-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
SYSMEX CORPORATION
Kobe-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000006332962 |
Appl. No.: |
17/745911 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16056584 |
Aug 7, 2018 |
11366127 |
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17745911 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 35/0092 20130101;
G01N 1/2813 20130101; G01N 35/00722 20130101; G01N 1/30 20130101;
G01N 35/00029 20130101; G01N 2035/00138 20130101; G01N 2035/0091
20130101; G01N 35/00623 20130101; G01N 35/00584 20130101; G01N
35/00871 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 35/00 20060101
G01N035/00; G01N 1/28 20060101 G01N001/28; G01N 1/30 20060101
G01N001/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 10, 2017 |
JP |
2017-156089 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A testing system comprising: first and second apparatuses that
work on a sample; a display; and a controller that causes the
display to display a selection screen on which one or more of the
first and second apparatuses can be selected, and controls the
selected apparatus to run start-up operation.
22. The testing system according to claim 21, wherein the
controller controls selected one of the first and second
apparatuses to run start-up operation when a selection is made on
the selection screen within a predetermined time, and the
controller controls both of the first and second apparatuses to run
the start-up operation when the selection is not made on the
selection screen within the predetermined time.
23. The testing system according to claim 21, wherein the first
apparatus is configured to aspirate a sample and prepare a specimen
from the aspirated sample.
24. The testing system according to claim 23, wherein the second
apparatus is configured to capture images of cells in the
specimen.
25. The testing system according to claim 23, further comprising a
third apparatus configured to transport the specimen.
26. The testing system according to claim 21, wherein the first
apparatus comprises: a smearing part that smears the sample on the
glass slide; and a fluid circuit that supplies a fluid, and the
first apparatus cleans at least one of the smearing part and the
fluid circuit in the start-up operation.
27. The testing system according to claim 21, wherein the first
apparatus comprises a driving mechanism, and the first apparatus
initializes the driving mechanism in the start operation.
28. The testing system according to claim 21, wherein the first
apparatus comprises a staining part that stains the smear slide on
which the sample is smeared, and the first apparatus introduces a
staining solution to the staining part in the start operation.
29. The testing system according to claim 21, further comprising: a
start switch, wherein each of the first apparatus and the second
apparatus comprises a master electrical switch, and when the start
switch is turned on in a condition in which the respective master
electrical switches of the first apparatus and the second apparatus
are on, the controller causes the display part to display the
selection screen.
30. The testing system according to claim 29, wherein when the
start switch is turned on in a condition in which the master
electrical switch of the first apparatus is on and the master
electrical switch of the second apparatus is off, the controller
causes the display part to display an error notification.
31. The testing system according to claim 21, wherein the
controller causes the display to display a selection screen on
which the second apparatus can be selected, and the second
apparatus runs the start operation in a condition in which the
second apparatus is selected with the selection screen.
32. The testing system according to claim 21, wherein the
controller is provided in the first apparatus, the controller
controls operations of the first apparatus and the second
apparatus, and based on the selection on the selection screen, the
controller causes the one or more of the first apparatus and the
second apparatus selected on the selection screen to run the
respective start operations.
33. A method of starting a testing system comprising at least first
and second apparatuses that work on a sample, the method comprising
displaying a selection screen on which one or more apparatuses can
be selected, and controlling the selected apparatus to run start-up
operation.
34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the controlling
includes: controlling selected one of the first and second
apparatuses to run start-up operation when a selection is made on
the selection screen within a predetermined time, and controlling
both of the first and second apparatuses to run the start-up
operation when the selection is not made on the selection screen
within the predetermined time.
35. The method according to claim 33, wherein the first apparatus
is configured to aspirate a sample and prepare a specimen from the
aspirated sample.
36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the second apparatus
is configured to capture images of cells in the specimen.
37. The method according to claim 33, wherein the first apparatus
comprises: a smearing part that smears the sample on the glass
slide; and a fluid circuit that supplies a fluid, and the first
apparatus cleans at least one of the smearing part and the fluid
circuit in the start-up operation.
38. The method according to claim 33, wherein the first apparatus
comprises a driving mechanism, and the first apparatus initializes
the driving mechanism in the start operation.
39. The method according to claim 33, wherein the first apparatus
comprises a staining part that stains the smear slide on which the
sample is smeared, and the first apparatus introduces a staining
solution to the staining part in the start operation.
40. A method of controlling a testing system comprising at least
first and second apparatuses that work on a sample, the method
comprising: displaying a selection screen including a first option
to start the first apparatus and a second option to start both of
the first and second apparatuses, and controlling the first
apparatus to run start-up operation in response to the first option
being selected; and controlling the second apparatus to run the
start-up operation in response to the second option being selected.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from prior Japanese Patent
Application No. 2017-156089 filed with the Japan Patent Office on
Aug. 10, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure relates to a testing system and a method of
starting a testing system.
[0003] As illustrated in FIG. 12, Japanese Patent Application
Publication No. 2014-070938 (Patent Document 1) discloses a testing
system 900 which includes: a smear preparing apparatus 902 that
prepares a smear slide 901 by smearing a sample on a glass slide; a
smear image capturing apparatus 903 that captures an image of the
smear slide 901; and a smear transporting apparatus 904 that
transports the smear slide 901 to the smear image capturing
apparatus 903.
[0004] In a conventional testing system including multiple
apparatuses, each of the apparatuses is provided with a start
button and the apparatuses are started by operating the respective
start buttons.
[0005] The conventional testing system involves complicated
manipulations at start-up of the respective apparatuses since the
apparatuses are started by manipulating the respective start
buttons. Meanwhile, a smear preparing apparatus requires
arrangement of a staining solution as well as cleaning of a
smearing part and a fluid circuit before use. If one forgets to
perform a start-up manipulation of such an apparatus, the testing
system cannot be set out efficiently because it is necessary to
further wait for the arrangement from the state of completion of
the start-up manipulation. For this reason, a testing system and a
method of starting a testing system which are capable of enhancing
operability at the start-up of the testing system have been
expected in order to set out the testing system efficiently.
SUMMARY
[0006] A testing system according to one or more embodiments may
include: a smear preparing apparatus that prepares a smear slide by
smearing a sample on a glass slide; a smear transporting apparatus
that transports the smear slide; a controller; and a display part.
The controller may cause the display part to display a selection
screen on which one or more of the smear preparing apparatus and
the smear transporting apparatus can be selected. Based on a
selection on the selection screen, the one or more of the smear
preparing apparatus and the smear transporting apparatus selected
on the selection screen may run respective start operations.
[0007] A testing system according to one or more embodiments may
include: a controller; a display part; a start switch; and
apparatuses each comprising a master electrical switch. When the
start switch is turned on in a condition in which the respective
master electrical switches of the apparatuses are on, the
controller may cause the display part to display a selection screen
on which one or more of the apparatuses can be selected. Based on a
selection on the selection screen, the one or more of the
apparatuses selected on the selection screen may run respective
start operations.
[0008] A method of starting a testing system according to one or
more embodiments may include: displaying a selection screen on
which one or more of apparatuses can be selected, and causing each
apparatus selected on the selection screen to run a start
operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overview of a
testing system according to an embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a testing system;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an overview of a
testing system;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control
configuration of a testing system;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first display example of
a display part;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second display example of
a display part;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a third display example of
a display part;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a fourth display example of
a display part;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a table illustrating an example of ending
operations of a smear preparing apparatus and a smear transporting
apparatus;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an apparatus starting
process;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an apparatus ending
process; and
[0020] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the related art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] One or more aspects may be directed to enhance operability
at start-up of a testing system.
[0022] A testing system (100) according to a first aspect includes
a smear preparing apparatus (20) that prepares a smear slide (10)
by smearing a sample on a glass slide, a smear transporting
apparatus (30) that transports the smear slide (10), a controller
(50), and a display part (60). Here, the controller (50) causes the
display part (60) to display a selection screen that allows
selection of the apparatuses or one of the apparatuses, and each of
the smear preparing apparatus (20), a smear image capturing
apparatus (40), and the smear transporting apparatus (30) sets out,
starts, or runs a start-up operation based on the selection on the
selection screen. Here, the "start-up operation" or "start
operation" means an action of each apparatus to establish a standby
state of its mechanism in order to work on the smear slide.
[0023] As described above, the testing system (100) according to a
first aspect includes the controller (50) that causes the display
part (60) to display the selection screen that allows selection of
multiple apparatuses or a single apparatus, and each of the smear
preparing apparatus (20) and the smear transporting apparatus (30)
is configured to set out, starts, or runs the start-up operation
based on the selection on the selection screen. This enables the
manipulation based on the selection screen of the display part
(60), so that the chance of forgetting to perform the start-up
manipulation can be reduced. In this way, it is possible to reduce
the chance of forgetting to perform the start-up manipulation of an
apparatus such as the smear preparing apparatus (20) that requires
arrangement of a staining solution as well as cleaning of a
smearing part and a fluid circuit before use, and thus to set out
the testing system efficiently. As a consequence, it is possible to
enhance operability at the start-up of the testing system (100).
Meanwhile, it is possible to conduct the manipulation based on the
same selection screen of the display part (60) both in the case of
setting out the start-up operations of the multiple apparatuses or
starting the multiple apparatuses and in the case of setting out
the start-up operation of the single apparatus or starting the
single apparatus. This can also enhance the operability at the
start-up of the testing system (100). Moreover, it is possible to
set out, start, or run the start-up operations of the multiple
apparatuses and the single apparatus out of the smear preparing
apparatus (20) and the smear transporting apparatus (30).
Accordingly, expendables such as staining solutions for preparing
the smear need not be arranged when the smear preparing apparatus
(20) is not used, for example. Hence, it is possible to keep the
expendables from being wasted.
[0024] It may be preferable that, in the above-described testing
system (100) according to a first aspect, the smear preparing
apparatus (20) includes a smearing part (230) that smears the
sample, and a fluid circuit (270) that supplies or feeds a fluid,
and the smear preparing apparatus (20) cleans at least one of the
smearing part (230) and the fluid circuit (270) as the start-up
operation. According to this configuration, the smearing part (230)
is cleaned even when a foreign substance attaches to the smearing
part (230) during an inactive period, so that the foreign substance
can be removed from the smearing part (230). This makes it possible
to conduct the smearing in good condition. Moreover, a cleaning
agent is not introduced to or into the fluid circuit (270) when the
smear preparing apparatus (20) is not used. This makes it possible
to effectively keep the cleaning agent from being wasted.
[0025] It may be preferable that, in the above-described testing
system (100) according to a first aspect, the smear preparing
apparatus (20) initializes a driving mechanism (90) as the start-up
operation. According to this configuration, it is possible to
activate the driving mechanism (90) at high accuracy since the
driving mechanism (90) is initialized in the case of using the
smear preparing apparatus (20).
[0026] It may be preferable that, the above-described testing
system (100) according to a first aspect includes a staining part
(250) that stains the smear slide (10) smeared with the sample, and
the smear preparing apparatus (20) introduces a staining solution
to or into the staining part (250) as the start-up operation.
According to this configuration, the staining solution is not
introduced to or into the staining part (250) when the smear
preparing apparatus (20) is not used. This makes it possible to
effectively keep the staining solution from being wasted.
[0027] It may be preferable that, the above-described testing
system (100) according to a first aspect includes a start switch
(80). Here, each of the smear preparing apparatus (20) and the
smear transporting apparatus (30) It may be preferable that
includes a master electrical switch (22, 36), and when the
respective master electrical switches (22, 36) of the smear
preparing apparatus (20) and the smear transporting apparatus (30)
are on, the controller (50) performs control to cause the display
part (60) to display the selection screen on grounds that the start
switch (80) is turned on. According to this configuration, it is
possible to select the apparatus to use by manipulating the start
switch (80). As a consequence, the start-up operation of the
apparatus to use can be set out at a desired timing.
[0028] It may be preferable that, in the above-described
configuration including the start switch (80), when the master
electrical switch (22) of the smear preparing apparatus (20) is on
and the master electrical switch (36) of the smear transporting
apparatus (30) is on, the controller (50) performs control to cause
the display part (60) to display the selection screen on grounds
that the start switch (80) is turned on. According to this
configuration, it is possible to cause the display part (60) to
display the selection screen in the state where both the master
electrical switch (22) of the smear preparing apparatus (20) and
the master electrical switch (36) of the smear transporting
apparatus (30) are on.
[0029] It may be preferable that, in the above-described
configuration including the start switch (80), when the master
electrical switch (22) of the smear preparing apparatus (20) is on
and the master electrical switch (36) of the smear transporting
apparatus (30) is off, the controller (50) performs control to
cause the display part (60) to display an error notification on
grounds that the start switch (80) is turned on. According to this
configuration, the error notification is displayed even in the case
of forgetting to turn on the master electrical switches (22, 36).
Thus, it is possible to reduce the chance of forgetting to perform
the start-up manipulation.
[0030] It may be preferable that, in the above-described testing
system (100) according to a first aspect, the controller (50)
causes the display part (60) to display a selection screen that
allows selection of the smear transporting apparatus (30), and the
smear transporting apparatus (30) sets out, starts, or runs the
start-up operation based on the selection on the selection screen.
According to this configuration, it is possible to easily start the
smear transporting apparatus (30) based on the selection by the
user on the selection screen.
[0031] It may be preferable that, in the above-described testing
system (100) according to a first aspect, the controller (50) is
provided in the smear preparing apparatus (20). Moreover, the
controller (50) controls operations of the smear preparing
apparatus (20) and the smear transporting apparatus (30), and
performs control to set out, start, or run the start-up operations
of the smear preparing apparatus (20) and the smear transporting
apparatus (30) based on the selection on the selection screen of
the display part (60). According to this configuration, it is not
necessary to provide the controller to the smear transporting
apparatus (30). Thus, it is possible to simplify the apparatus
configuration and to reduce the number of components. In addition,
it is possible to easily start the smear preparing apparatus (20)
and the smear transporting apparatus (30) by using the controller
(50) provided in the smear preparing apparatus (20).
[0032] It may be preferable that, the above-described testing
system (100) according to a first aspect includes a smear image
capturing apparatus (40) that captures an image of the smear slide
(10). Here, the smear transporting apparatus (30) is constructed to
deliver the smear slide (10) before image capturing to the smear
image capturing apparatus (40) and to receive the smear slide (10)
after the image capturing from the smear image capturing apparatus
(40). Meanwhile, the controller (50) selectively conducts any of
control to set out the start-up operation of the smear preparing
apparatus (20) as well as the smear transporting apparatus (30) and
control to set out the start-up operation of the smear transporting
apparatus (30) based on the selection on the selection screen of
the display part (60). According to this configuration, it is
possible to set out the start-up operations of the single apparatus
or the multiple apparatuses corresponding to both an operation to
prepare and transport the smear slide (10) and an operation to
transport and capture the image of the smear slide (10).
[0033] It may be preferable that, in the above-described testing
system (100) according to a first aspect, the smear image capturing
apparatus (40) includes a controller (42), while the controller
(50) and the controller (42) of the smear image capturing apparatus
(40) are made communicable to each other, and the controllers
control the apparatuses in cooperation. According to this
configuration, it is possible to smoothly perform treatments on the
smear slide (10) by bringing the multiple apparatuses into
cooperation.
[0034] It may be preferable that, in the above-described testing
system (100) according to a first aspect, the smear transporting
apparatus (30) includes a magazine transporter (32) that transports
a slide magazine (11) holding the smear slide (10), and a sensor
(32d) that detects the slide magazine (11) being set to the
magazine transporter (32). Moreover, the smear transporting
apparatus (30) transports the slide magazine (11) by using the
magazine transporter (32) based on detection of the slide magazine
(11) by the sensor (32d). According to this configuration, even in
the case of not using the smear preparing apparatus (20), it is
possible to capture the image of the smear slide (10) with the
smear image capturing apparatus (40) by setting the slide magazine
(11) to the smear transporting apparatus (30).
[0035] It may be preferable that, in the above-described testing
system (100) according to a first aspect, the controller (50)
causes the display part (60) to display an end selection screen
that allows selection of ending of an activity, and the smear
preparing apparatus (20), the smear image capturing apparatus (40),
and the smear transporting apparatus (30) end activities after
ending operations of the apparatuses based on the selection on the
end selection screen. According to this configuration, even when
the manipulation to end the activities of the apparatuses in
operation takes place, it is possible to wait to end the activities
until the operations are ended. Moreover, it is possible to
manipulate the ending of the activities of the multiple apparatuses
in a lump based on the end selection screen of the display part
(60). Thus, it is possible to enhance operability at the time of
ending the activities of the apparatuses in the testing system
(100).
[0036] It may be preferable that, in the above-described
configuration in which the controller (50) causes the display part
(60) to display the end selection screen that allows selection of
ending of an activity, in the case of ending the activities of the
smear preparing apparatus (20) and the smear transporting apparatus
(30), the controller (50) performs control to end the activity of
the smear preparing apparatus (20) after an end of the operation of
the smear preparing apparatus (20), and then performs control to
end the activity of the smear transporting apparatus (30).
According to this configuration, the smear preparing apparatus (20)
can be kept from ending its activity in the course of the
operation. In this way, it is possible to end the activity of the
smear preparing apparatus (20) after the smear slide (10) is
finished. Moreover, since it is possible to keep the smear
transporting apparatus (30) from ending its activity when the smear
preparing apparatus (20) is active, the finished smear slide (10)
can be reliably delivered to the smear transporting apparatus
(30).
[0037] It may be preferable that, in the above-described
configuration in which the controller (50) causes the display part
(60) to display the end selection screen that allows selection of
ending of an activity, the smear preparing apparatus (20) includes
the staining part (250) that stains the smear slide (10) smeared
with the sample, and when the smear preparing apparatus (20) ends
the activity, the smear preparing apparatus (20) discharges a
staining solution from the staining part (250). According to this
configuration, when ending the activity of the smear preparing
apparatus (20), it is possible to empty the staining part (250) of
the staining solution. Thus, the staining part (250) can be kept
from being left for a long period in the state of storing the
staining solution therein.
[0038] It may be preferable that, in the above-described
configuration in which the controller (50) causes the display part
(60) to display the end selection screen that allows selection of
ending of an activity, the smear preparing apparatus (20) includes
the smearing part (230) that smears the sample, and the fluid
circuit (270) that supplies or feeds a fluid. Moreover, when the
smear preparing apparatus (20) ends the activity, the smear
preparing apparatus (20) cleans at least one of the smearing part
(230) and the fluid circuit (270). According to this configuration,
even when a foreign substance attaches to the smearing part (230),
the foreign substance can be removed from the smearing part (230)
since the smearing part (230) is cleaned. Thus, it is possible to
keep the foreign substance from adhering to the smearing part (230)
during an inactive period. Meanwhile, even when a foreign substance
attaches to the fluid circuit (270), the foreign substance can be
removed from the fluid circuit (270) since the fluid circuit (270)
is cleaned. Thus, it is possible to keep the foreign substance from
adhering to the fluid circuit (270) during an inactive period.
[0039] It may be preferable that, in the above-described
configuration in which the controller (50) causes the display part
(60) to display the end selection screen that allows selection of
ending of an activity, when the smear preparing apparatus (20) ends
the activity, the smear preparing apparatus (20) initializes the
driving mechanism (90). According to this configuration, the
driving mechanism (90) is initialized when ending the activity of
the smear preparing apparatus (20). Thus, it is possible to
maintain driving accuracy of the driving mechanism (90).
[0040] A testing system (100) according to a second aspect
includes: a controller (50), a display part (60), a start switch
(80), and apparatuses (20, 30, 40) each provided with a master
electrical switch (22, 36, 44). When the respective master
electrical switches (22, 36, 44) of the apparatuses (20, 30, 40)
are on, the controller (50) performs control to cause the display
part (60) to display a selection screen that allows selection of
the apparatuses or one of the apparatuses on grounds that the start
switch (80) is turned on, and each of the apparatuses or the one
apparatus sets out, starts, or runs a start-up operation based on
the selection on the selection screen. Here, the "start-up
operation" or "start operation" means the action of each apparatus
to establish the standby state of its mechanism in order to work on
the smear slide.
[0041] As described above, the testing system (100) according to a
second aspect includes the controller (50) that causes the display
part (60) to display the selection screen that allows selection of
multiple apparatuses or a single apparatus, and is configured such
that a start-up operation sets out, starts, or runs based on the
selection on the selection screen. This enables the manipulation
based on the selection screen of the display part (60), so that the
chance of forgetting to perform the start-up manipulation can be
reduced. In this way, it is possible to reduce the chance of
forgetting to perform the start-up manipulation of an apparatus
such as the smear preparing apparatus (20) that requires
arrangement of a staining solution as well as cleaning of a
smearing part and a fluid circuit before use, and thus to set out
the testing system efficiently. As a consequence, it is possible to
enhance operability at the start-up of the testing system (100).
Meanwhile, it is possible to conduct the manipulation based on the
same selection screen of the display part (60) both in the case of
setting out the start-up operations of the multiple apparatuses or
starting the multiple apparatuses and in the case of setting out
the start-up operation of the single apparatus or starting the
single apparatus. This can also enhance the operability at the
start-up of the testing system (100). Moreover, since it is
possible to set out, start, or run the start-up operations of the
multiple apparatuses and the single apparatus, expendables such as
staining solutions for preparing the smear need not be arranged
when the smear preparing apparatus (20) is not used, for example.
Hence, it is possible to keep the expendables from being wasted.
Meanwhile, when the respective master electrical switches (22, 36)
are on, control to cause the display part (60) to display the
selection screen is performed on grounds that the start switch (80)
is turned on. Thus, it is possible to select the apparatus to use
by manipulating the start switch (80). Accordingly, the start-up
operation of the apparatus to use can be set out at a desired
timing.
[0042] It may be preferable that, in the above-described testing
system (100) according to a second aspect, when at least one of the
master electrical switches (22, 36, 44) of the smear preparing
apparatus (20) that prepares the smear slide (10) by smearing a
sample on a glass slide and the smear transporting apparatus (30)
that transports the smear slide (10) is off, the controller (50)
performs control to cause the display part (60) to display an error
notification when the start switch (80) is turned on. According to
this configuration, the error notification is displayed even in the
case of forgetting to turn on the master electrical switches (22,
36, 44). Thus, it is possible to reduce the chance of forgetting to
perform the start-up manipulation.
[0043] It may be preferable that, in the above-described testing
system (100) according to a second aspect, the apparatuses include
the smear preparing apparatus (20) that prepares the smear slide
(10) by smearing a sample on a glass slide; the smear image
capturing apparatus (40) that captures an image of the smear slide
(10); and the smear transporting apparatus (30) that transports the
smear slide (10) to the smear image capturing apparatus (40).
According to this configuration, it is possible to enhance
operability at the start-up of the testing system (100) that
includes the smear preparing apparatus (20), the smear transporting
apparatus (30), and the smear image capturing apparatus (40).
[0044] A method of starting a testing system (100) according to a
third aspect includes: displaying a selection screen that allows
selection of apparatuses or one of the apparatuses, and causing
each apparatus selected on the selection screen to set out a
start-up operation. Here, the "start-up operation" or "start
operation" means the action of each apparatus to establish the
standby state of its mechanism in order to work on the smear
slide.
[0045] According to the configuration described above, in the
method of starting a testing system (100) according to a third
aspect, it is possible to reduce the chance of forgetting to
perform the start-up manipulation of an apparatus such as the smear
preparing apparatus (20) that requires arrangement of a staining
solution as well as cleaning of a smearing part and a fluid circuit
before use, and thus to set out the testing system efficiently. As
a consequence, it is possible to enhance operability at the
start-up of the testing system (100). Meanwhile, it is possible to
conduct the manipulation based on the same selection screen of the
display part (60) both in the case of setting out the start-up
operations of the multiple apparatuses or starting the multiple
apparatuses and in the case of setting out the start-up operation
of the single apparatus or starting the single apparatus. This can
also enhance the operability at the start-up of the testing system
(100). Moreover, since it is possible to set out, start, or run the
start-up operations of the multiple apparatuses and the single
apparatus, expendables such as staining solutions for preparing the
smear need not be arranged when the smear preparing apparatus (20)
is not used, for example. Hence, it is possible to keep the
expendables from being wasted.
[0046] It may be preferable that, in the above-described method of
starting a testing system (100) according to a third aspect, as the
start-up operation, the smear preparing apparatus (20) that
prepares the smear slide (10) by smearing a sample on a glass slide
cleans at least one of the smearing part (230) that smears the
sample and the fluid circuit (270) that supplies or feeds a fluid.
According to this configuration, the smearing part (230) is cleaned
even when a foreign substance attaches to the smearing part (230)
during an inactive period, so that the foreign substance can be
removed from the smearing part (230). This makes it possible to
conduct the smearing in good condition. Moreover, a cleaning agent
is not introduced to or into the fluid circuit (270) when the smear
preparing apparatus (20) is not used. This makes it possible to
effectively keep the cleaning agent from being wasted.
[0047] It may be preferable that, in the above-described method of
starting a testing system (100) according to a third aspect, as the
start-up operation, the smear preparing apparatus (20) that
prepares the smear slide (10) by smearing a sample on a glass slide
initializes the driving mechanism (90). According to this
configuration, it is possible to activate the driving mechanism
(90) at high accuracy since the driving mechanism (90) is
initialized in the case of using the smear preparing apparatus
(20).
[0048] It may be preferable that, in the above-described method of
starting a testing system (100) according to a third aspect, as the
start-up operation, the smear preparing apparatus (20) that
prepares the smear slide (10) by smearing a sample on a glass slide
introduces a staining solution to or into the staining part (250)
that stains the smear slide (10) smeared with the sample. According
to this configuration, the staining solution is not introduced to
or into the staining part (250) when the smear preparing apparatus
(20) is not used. This makes it possible to effectively keep the
staining solution from being wasted.
[0049] It may be preferable that, in the above-described method of
starting a testing system (100) according to a third aspect, the
testing system (100) includes the start switch (80), while each of
the apparatuses (20, 30) includes a master electrical switch (22,
36), and when the respective master electrical switches (22, 36) of
the apparatuses (20, 30) are on, the selection screen is displayed
on grounds that the start switch (80) is turned on. According to
this configuration, when the master electrical switches (22, 36)
are on at the start-up of the respective apparatuses, the user can
select the setout of the start-up operation on the selection
screen, so that it is possible to easily start the apparatus to
use. Moreover, it is possible to select the apparatus to use by
manipulating the start switch (80). Accordingly, the start-up
operation of the apparatus to use can be set out at a desired
timing.
[0050] It may be preferable that, in the above-described
configuration including the start switch (80), when at least one of
the master electrical switches (22, 36) of the apparatuses (20, 30)
is off, the error notification is displayed when the start switch
(80) is turned on. According to this configuration, the error
notification is displayed even in the case of forgetting to turn on
the master electrical switches (22, 36). Thus, it is possible to
reduce the chance of forgetting to perform the start-up
manipulation.
[0051] According to one or more aspects, it may be possible to
enhance operability at the start-up of the testing system.
[0052] An embodiment is explained below with reference to
drawings.
[Overview of Testing System]
[0053] First, an overview of a testing system 100 of an embodiment
is explained with reference to FIG. 1.
[0054] The testing system 100 is a system that tests a sample of a
subject. The testing system 100 is a system that prepares,
transports, and captures an image of a smear slide 10.
[0055] Though the subject is primarily a human, the subject may
instead be an animal other than humans. The testing system 100
conducts a clinical test or an analysis for a medical research on a
sample collected from a patient, for example. The sample is a
sample derived from a living body. Examples of the sample derived
from the living body include: liquids collected from the subject
such as blood (whole blood, serum, or plasma), urine, and other
body fluids; liquids obtained by subjecting the collected body
fluid or blood to a prescribed pretreatment; and the like.
Alternatively, the sample may be part of tissues, cells, and the
like of the subject other than the liquids, for example. The
testing system 100 prepares the smear slide 10 by smearing the
sample on a glass slide. Moreover, the testing system 100
transports and capture an image of the prepared smear slide 10.
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the testing system 100 includes
multiple apparatuses, namely, a smear preparing apparatus 20, a
smear transporting apparatus 30, and a smear image capturing
apparatus 40. Moreover, the testing system 100 includes a
controller 50 and a display part 60.
[0057] The smear preparing apparatus 20 is an apparatus that
conducts a smear treatment to smear the sample on the glass slide,
and subjects the smear slide 10 smeared with the sample to a stain
treatment of the sample. The smear preparing apparatus 20 prepares
the smear slide 10 by aspirating a specimen as the sample, dripping
and smearing the specimen on the glass slide, and then staining the
specimen.
[0058] The smear transporting apparatus 30 receives the smear slide
10 prepared by the smear preparing apparatus 20 and transports the
smear slide 10 to the smear image capturing apparatus 40. Moreover,
the smear transporting apparatus 30 receives and stores the smear
slide 10 after the image capturing by the smear image capturing
apparatus 40.
[0059] The smear image capturing apparatus 40 captures an image of
the smear slide 10 transported by the smear transporting apparatus
30. The smear image capturing apparatus 40 includes and image
capturing part provided with a microscope and a camera. The image
captured by the image capturing part is analyzed by an analyzer.
The analyzer includes a computer, for example. The analyzer
executes image processing, classification processing, and the like
on the image captured by the image capturing part.
[0060] The controller 50 includes a CPU and a memory, for example.
Moreover, the controller 50 can communicate with the smear
preparing apparatus 20, the smear transporting apparatus 30, and
the smear image capturing apparatus 40. The controller 50 is
provided in the smear preparing apparatus 20, for example.
Meanwhile, the controller 50 controls operations of the smear
preparing apparatus 20. Moreover, the controller 50 controls
operations of the smear transporting apparatus 30. The controller
50 controls each of the smear preparing apparatus 20 and the smear
transporting apparatus 30 by using a control program.
[0061] The display part 60 performs display for manipulations or
operations of the testing system 100, display of conditions of the
testing system 100, and the like. The display part 60 includes a
liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and the like.
Moreover, the display part 60 is provided with a touch panel so
that the display part 60 can accept manipulations or operations by
a user. The display part 60 is provided in the smear preparing
apparatus 20, for example.
[0062] Here, the controller 50 causes the display part 60 to
display a selection screen allowing selection of multiple
apparatuses or a single apparatus to set out start-up. In other
words, one or more of the apparatuses for which start-up operations
or start operations need to be set out, started, or run can be
selected on the selection screen. Then, the smear preparing
apparatus 20, the smear image capturing apparatus 40, and the smear
transporting apparatus 30 set out, start, or run the start-up
operations or start operations based on the selection on the
selection screen. Based on the selection, the controller 50
controls the setout of the start-up operations of the multiple
apparatuses or the single apparatus. In other words, the smear
preparing apparatus 20, the smear image capturing apparatus 40, and
the smear transporting apparatus 30 set out, start or run the
respective start-up operations or start operations based on the
selection on the selection screen. In this way, it is possible to
perform the operations based on the selection screen of the same
display part 60 both in the case of preparing or starting the
multiple apparatuses and in the case of preparing or starting the
single apparatus, and thus to enhance operability at the start-up
of the testing system 100.
[0063] For instance, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the
controller 50 causes the display part 60 to display: an option to
set out the start-up operations of the smear preparing apparatus
20, the smear transporting apparatus 30, and the smear image
capturing apparatus 40; an option to set out the start-up operation
of the smear preparing apparatus 20 alone; an option to set out the
start-up operations of the smear transporting apparatus 30 and the
smear image capturing apparatus 40; and an option to set out the
start-up operation of the smear image capturing apparatus 40 alone.
Then, based on the option selected by the user on the selection
screen of the display part 60, the controller 50 sets out the
start-up operation of each of the selected apparatuses. Here,
certain apparatus or apparatuses out of the multiple apparatuses
may be set in the started state irrespective of activities of other
apparatuses. For example, the smear image capturing apparatus 40
may be in the started state. In this case, since the smear image
capturing apparatus 40 is in the active state, the smear image
capturing apparatus 40 does not have to be displayed as an option
on the selection screen to be displayed on the display part 60.
[0064] Here, the testing system 100 may include other apparatuses.
For example, the testing system 100 may include an analyzer that
analyzes the sample, or a transporting apparatus that transports a
container holding the sample.
[Explanation of Construction of Testing System]
[0065] A specific construction example of the testing system 100 is
explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 11.
[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the testing system 100 includes
the smear preparing apparatus 20, the smear transporting apparatus
30, and the smear image capturing apparatus 40. The smear preparing
apparatus 20 includes a slide supplier 210, a printer 220, a
smearing part 230, a dryer 240, a staining part 250, a magazine
transporter 260, a fluid circuit 270, a communicator 21 (see FIG.
4), a master electrical switch 22 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and a start
switch 80 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The smear transporting apparatus 30
includes a transporting mechanism 31, a magazine transporter 32, a
magazine transporter 33, a camera 34 (see FIG. 4), communicators
35a and 35b (see FIG. 4), a master electrical switch 36 (see FIGS.
3 and 4), and an I/O substrate 37 (see FIG. 4). The smear image
capturing apparatus 40 includes an image capturing part 41, a
controller 42 (see FIG. 4), a communicator 43 (see FIG. 4), a
master electrical switch 44 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), a start switch 45
(see FIGS. 3 and 4), an I/O substrate 46 (see FIG. 4), and a
display part 47 (see FIG. 4). The testing system 100 is used for
clinical tests, for example. The testing system 100 is installed in
a hospital or a testing institution.
[0067] In the testing system 100, the smear slide 10 is prepared by
the smear preparing apparatus 20. The smear slide 10 is supplied or
transported to the smear image capturing apparatus 40 by the smear
transporting apparatus 30. Then, the smear slide 10 undergoes image
capturing by the smear image capturing apparatus 40 and an analysis
is conducted thereon. The smear slide 10 after the image capturing
is returned to and stored in the smear transporting apparatus 30.
Using the smear preparing apparatus 20, the smear transporting
apparatus 30, and the smear image capturing apparatus 40, the
testing system 100 can automatically conduct the series of
operations from preparation of the smear slide 10 on which the
sample such as blood is smeared to the image capturing of the
sample. Although the example of constructing the testing system 100
by separately providing the smear preparing apparatus 20, the smear
transporting apparatus 30, and the smear image capturing apparatus
40 is illustrated herein, the testing system 100 may be constructed
as an apparatus that integrates part or all of the smear preparing
apparatus 20, the smear transporting apparatus 30, and the smear
image capturing apparatus 40. For instance, the constructions of
the respective apparatuses may be housed in a shared casing.
[0068] The smear preparing apparatus 20 is the apparatus that
prepares the smear slide 10 by smearing the blood as the sample of
the subject on a piece of glass slide and then providing treatments
such as drying and staining thereto. The smear slide 10 may be
formed from a plate material made of glass and having a rectangular
shape, and the sample may be smeared on a central part thereof. A
frosted portion serving as a printing area for identification
information may be provided at an upper part that is one end
portion in a longitudinal direction of the smear slide 10.
[0069] The slide supplier 210 of the smear preparing apparatus 20
houses numerous slides in an unused state prior to the smearing of
samples thereon. Specifically, the slide supplier 210 includes the
multiple slides before the treatments in a stacked state. That is
to say, the slide supplier 210 can hold or retain the multiple
slides in a vertically stacked manner. The slide supplier 210 can
supply the glass slides before being smeared one by one.
[0070] The printer 220 prints a variety of information including
sample information in the printing area on each slide. For example,
the printer 220 prints information for identifying the sample, such
as a sample number, date, a reception number, and a name of a
subject in the printing area as the sample information. Moreover,
the printer 220 prints the information in the printing area in the
form of a barcode, characters, a symbol or the like. Furthermore,
the printer 220 prints an identifier in the printing area on the
glass slide, which indicates whether or not it is appropriate to
capture an image of the prepared smear slide 10 by the smear image
capturing apparatus 40. The identifier represents information for
identifying whether or not the sample is targeted for the image
capturing by the smear image capturing apparatus 40. The
information as to whether or not the sample is targeted for the
image capturing by the smear image capturing apparatus 40 or
whether or not the sample is targeted for a visual examination with
the microscope can be inputted to a host computer in advance at the
time of reception of the test. The identifier is printed in the
printing area in the form of a barcode, characters, a symbol or the
like.
[0071] The smearing part 230 can smear the sample on the glass
slide. Specifically, the smearing part 230 smears the sample in a
smearing region on a surface of the glass slide. A smearing method
(so-called a wedge smear method) using a smearing member such as a
glass spreader, and other smearing methods can be employed on a
smear treatment by the smearing part 230. The smearing part 230
conducts the smear treatment by using a smearing mechanism
corresponding to the smearing method to be employed. Moreover, the
smearing part 230 aspirates the sample by using a sample aspiration
mechanism and smears the sample by dripping the sample in the
smearing region on the glass slide.
[0072] The dryer 240 has a function to blow the air into the
smearing region on the smear slide 10 smeared with the sample. The
dryer 240 includes a fan. The dryer 240 can dry the sample smeared
on the smear slide 10 by blowing the air with the fan.
[0073] The staining part 250 stains the smear slide 10 smeared by
the smearing part 230 sequentially with different smearing
solutions. Moreover, the staining part 250 cleans the smear slide
10 between the sequential staining with the different staining
solutions. The staining part 250 includes a staining tank 251, a
cleaning tank 252, and a drying tank 253. The staining tank 251
includes staining sub-tanks 251a, 251b, 251c, 251d, and 251e. The
cleaning tank 252 includes cleaning sub-tanks 252a and 252b.
[0074] Each of the staining tank 251 and the cleaning tank 252 can
hold or retain multiple smear slides 10. Moreover, each of the
staining tank 251 and the cleaning tank 252 can transfer the smear
slides 10 one by one between the tanks. Thus, the multiple smear
slides 10 can be stained in parallel, so that the multiple smears
can be efficiently prepared.
[0075] The staining sub-tank 251a can store or contain methanol. In
the staining sub-tank 251a, the sample on the smear slide 10 after
the smear treatment is fixed. Specifically, in the staining
sub-tank 251a, the moisture in the sample is replaced with
methanol.
[0076] The staining sub-tank 251b can store or contain a
high-concentration staining solution. In the staining sub-tank
251b, the targeted smear is fixed by the high-concentration
staining solution. For example, in the case of performing
May-Giemsa staining, a high-concentration May-Grunwald solution is
used in the staining sub-tank 251b. In the case of performing
Wright-Giemsa staining, a high-concentration Wright solution is
used in the staining sub-tank 251b. In the case of performing
simple Wright staining, the high-concentration Wright solution is
used in the staining sub-tank 251b.
[0077] The staining sub-tank 251c can store or contain a diluted
staining solution. Cytoplasm is stained in the staining sub-tank
251c. For example, in the case of performing the May-Giemsa
staining, a May-Grunwald solution diluted with a phosphoric acid
buffer solution is used in the staining sub-tank 251c. In the case
of performing the Wright-Giemsa staining, a Wright solution diluted
with the phosphoric acid buffer solution is used in the staining
sub-tank 251c. In the case of performing the simple Wright
staining, the Wright solution diluted with the phosphoric acid
buffer solution is used in the staining sub-tank 251c.
[0078] The cleaning sub-tank 252a can store or contain a diluted
buffer solution. In the cleaning sub-tank 252a, the stained smear
slide 10 is cleaned with the diluted buffer solution. The diluted
phosphoric acid buffer solution is used as the diluted buffer
solution, for example.
[0079] The staining sub-tanks 251d and 251e can store or contain a
diluted staining solution. Moreover, nuclei are stained in the
staining sub-tanks 251d and 251e. For example, in the case of
performing the May-Giemsa staining, a Giemsa solution diluted with
the phosphoric acid buffer solution is used in the staining
sub-tanks 251d and 251e. In the case of performing the
Wright-Giemsa staining, the Giemsa solution diluted with the
phosphoric acid buffer solution is used in the staining sub-tanks
251d and 251e.
[0080] The cleaning sub-tank 252b can store or contain water. The
stained smear slide 10 is cleaned in the cleaning sub-tank
252b.
[0081] The drying tank 253 dries each smear slide 10 stained in the
staining tank 251 and cleaned in the cleaning tank 252. The drying
tank 253 can hold or retain multiple smear slides 10. The air is
sent into the drying tank 253 by the air blowing so as to dry the
smear slides 10.
[0082] The magazine transporter 260 transports slide magazines 11
each capable of holding the multiple smear slides 10. The magazine
transporter 260 includes a magazine import path 261 and a magazine
export path 262. The magazine import path 261 can store multiple
empty slide magazines 11. The magazine export path 262 can store
the slide magazines 11 housing the smear slides 10. In the magazine
transporter 260, when a user sets an empty slide magazine 11 on an
input part of the magazine import path 261, the slide magazine 11
is automatically transported in a direction toward a smear housing
position. Meanwhile, in the magazine transporter 260, each smear
slide 10 taken out of the drying tank 253 of the staining part 250
is held in the slide magazine 11 at the smear housing position.
Moreover, in the magazine transporter 260, the slide magazine 11
holding a predetermined number of the smear slides 10 is
transported to an export position through the magazine export path
262.
[0083] The fluid circuit 270 is provided in order to supply and
discharge the staining solutions and the cleaning solutions to and
from the staining tank 251 and the cleaning tank 252. Moreover, the
fluid circuit 270 is provided in order to supply the samples onto
the glass slides.
[0084] The smear transporting apparatus 30 transports each smear
slide 10. Specifically, the smear transporting apparatus 30
supplies the smear slide 10, which is supposed to undergo the image
capturing by the smear image capturing apparatus 40, to the smear
image capturing apparatus 40. Here, the smear slide 10 to undergo
the image capturing by the smear image capturing apparatus 40 can
be supplied from the smear preparing apparatus 20 to the smear
transporting apparatus 30, and also be supplied to the smear
transporting apparatus 30 by the user. The smear slides 10 in the
state of being housed in the slide magazine 11 are supplied to the
smear transporting apparatus 30. In the meantime, the smear
transporting apparatus 30 takes the smear slides 10 targeted for
the image capturing one by one out of the slide magazine 11 and
supplies the smear slides 10 to the smear image capturing apparatus
40. On the other hand, the smear transporting apparatus 30 receives
the smear slides 10 after the image capturing one by one from the
smear image capturing apparatus 40, and puts the smear slides 10
into the slide magazine 11.
[0085] The transporting mechanism 31 includes a transporter 31a and
a transporting shuttle 31b. The transporter 31a takes the smear
slides 10 before the image capturing one by one out of the slide
magazine 11, and delivers the smear slides 10 to the transporting
shuttle 31b. In the meantime, the transporter 31a receives the
smear slides 10 after the image capturing from the transporting
shuttle 31b, and transports the smear slides into the slide
magazine 11. Specifically, the transporter 31a takes each smear
slide 10 out of the slide magazine 11 transported by the magazine
transporter 32. Then, the transporter 31a transports the smear
slide 10 to such a position that enables the camera 34 (see FIG. 4)
to capture its image. An image of the printing area on the smear
slide 10 is captured by the camera 34. Specifically, the camera 34
captures an image of the identifier that indicates the
appropriateness to capture the image. The transporter 31a
transports the smear slide 10 targeted for the image capturing by
the smear image capturing apparatus 40 to the transporting shuttle
31b. In the meantime, the transporter 31a returns the smear slide
10 not targeted for the image capturing by the smear image
capturing apparatus 40 back to the slide magazine 11 in the
magazine transporter 32.
[0086] The transporter 31a receives each smear slide 10 after the
image capturing by the smear image capturing apparatus 40 from the
transporting shuttle 31b, and houses the smear slide 10 in another
slide magazine 11 in the magazine transporter 33. That is to say,
the smear slide 10 after the image capturing by the smear image
capturing apparatus 40 is housed in the slide magazine 11 which is
different from the one that houses the smear slides 10 before the
image capturing and the smear slides 10 not targeted for the image
capturing. Here, each slide magazine 11 to be supplied to the
magazine transporter 32 and each slide magazine 11 to be supplied
to the magazine transporter 33 may be made distinguishable from
each other. For example, the slide magazine 11 to be supplied to
the magazine transporter 32 and the slide magazine 11 to be
supplied to the magazine transporter 33 may be of different colors,
provided with different identifiers, or have different shapes.
Thus, it is possible to separate the smear slides 10 carrying oil
as a consequence of undergoing the image capturing by the smear
image capturing apparatus 40 while using the oil from the smear
slides 10 not carrying such oil.
[0087] The transporter 31a can approach the slide magazine 11 from
above, pull out the smear slide 10 upward, and transport the smear
slide 10. Meanwhile, the transporter 31a can approach the slide
magazine 11 from above, insert the smear slide 10 from above, and
put the smear slide 10 in the slide magazine 11.
[0088] The transporting shuttle 31b receives the smear slide 10
before the image capturing from the transporter 31a, and delivers
the smear slide 10 to the smear image capturing apparatus 40.
Meanwhile, the transporting shuttle 31b receives the smear slide 10
after the image capturing from the smear image capturing apparatus
40, and delivers the smear slide 10 to the transporter 31a. The
transporting shuttle 31b includes a portion to hold or retain the
smear slide 10 before the image capturing and a portion to hold the
smear slide 10 after the image capturing, which are provided
separately from each other. In this way, it is possible to
transport the smear slides 10 carrying the oil as a consequence of
undergoing the image capturing by the smear image capturing
apparatus 40 while using the oil and the smear slides 10 not
carrying the oil by using the separate portions, respectively.
[0089] The magazine transporter 32 includes a magazine importing
part 32a, a slide delivering part 32b, and a magazine exporting
part 32c. Moreover, the magazine transporter 32 comprises a sensor
32d. The magazine transporter 32 receives each slide magazine 11
that houses the smear slides 10 by using the magazine importing
part 32a. The slide magazine 11 holding the smear slides 10
prepared by the smear preparing apparatus 20 is imported to or
transported into the magazine importing part 32a. Alternatively,
the slide magazine 11 holding the smear slides 10 targeted for the
image capturing can be set to or in the magazine importing part 32a
by the user. When the slide magazine 11 is set by the user, the
slide magazine 11 is detected by the sensor 32d. As the slide
magazine 11 is detected by the sensor 32d, the slide magazine 11 is
transported by the magazine transporter 32. The sensor 32d is
formed from an optical sensor provided with a light emitting part
and a light receiving part, for example. The optical sensor may be
a transmission-type sensor or a reflection-type sensor. The light
may be visible light or non-visible light such as infrared rays.
Meanwhile, the sensor 32d may be a sensor other than the optical
sensor. For example, the sensor 32d may be a mechanical sensor.
Meanwhile, the magazine transporter 32 transports the slide
magazine 11 from the magazine importing part 32a to the slide
delivering part 32b. Moreover, the magazine transporter 32
transports the slide magazine 11 from the slide delivering part 32b
to the magazine exporting part 32c.
[0090] The magazine transporter 32 transports the slide magazine 11
to the magazine exporting part 32c when all the smear slides 10
targeted for the image capturing by the smear image capturing
apparatus 40 are taken out of the slide magazine 11 located at or
in the slide delivering part 32b. The magazine exporting part 32c
can store the multiple slide magazines 11 holding the smear slides
10.
[0091] The magazine transporter 33 includes a magazine importing
part 33a, a slide delivering part 33b, and a magazine exporting
part 33c. The magazine transporter 33 receives each empty slide
magazine 11 by using the magazine importing part 33a. That is to
say, the empty slide magazine 11 is set to or in the magazine
importing part 33a by the user. Meanwhile, the magazine transporter
33 transports the slide magazine 11 from the magazine importing
part 33a to the slide delivering part 33b. Moreover, the magazine
transporter 33 transports the slide magazine 11 from the slide
delivering part 33b to the magazine exporting part 33c. The
magazine transporter 33 transports the slide magazine 11 to the
magazine exporting part 33c when a predetermined number of the
smear slides 10 after the image capturing by the smear image
capturing apparatus 40 are housed in the slide magazine 11 located
at or in the slide delivering part 33b. The magazine exporting part
33c can store the multiple slide magazines 11 holding the smear
slides 10.
[0092] Each slide magazine 11 holding the smear slides 10 not
subjected to the image capturing by the smear image capturing
apparatus 40 is exported or transported to the magazine exporting
part 32c of the magazine transporter 32. Each slide magazine 11
holding the smear slides 10 after the image capturing by the smear
image capturing apparatus 40 is exported or transported to the
magazine exporting part 33c of the magazine transporter 33.
[0093] The smear image capturing apparatus 40 captures an image of
each smear slide 10 by using the image capturing part 41.
Specifically, the smear image capturing apparatus 40 captures a
blood cell image in terms of each smear slide 10 transported from
the smear transporting apparatus 30. The smear image capturing
apparatus 40 captures the image of the smear slide 10 by using
immersion oil in order to obtain a clear image by increasing a
numerical aperture. To be more precise, the immersion oil is
dripped in an image capturing area of the smear slide 10 and the
image of the image capturing area is captured by the image
capturing part 41.
[0094] A control configuration example of the testing system 100 is
described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0095] The smear preparing apparatus 20 is provided with the
controller 50, an I/O substrate 51, and the display part 60. The
smear preparing apparatus 20 is also provided with the start switch
80. Moreover, the smear preparing apparatus 20 includes a driving
mechanism 90. Furthermore, the smear preparing apparatus 20
includes the communicator 21. In addition, the smear preparing
apparatus 20 includes the master electrical switch 22 and a
switching power supply 22a. The smear transporting apparatus 30
includes the transporting mechanism 31, the camera 34, and the
communicators 35a and 35b. Moreover, the smear transporting
apparatus 30 includes the master electrical switch 36 and a
switching power supply 36a. Furthermore, the smear transporting
apparatus 30 includes the I/O substrate 37. The smear image
capturing apparatus 40 includes the image capturing part 41, the
controller 42, and the communicator 43. The smear image capturing
apparatus 40 also includes the master electrical switch 44, a
switching power supply 44a, and the start switch 45. Moreover, the
smear image capturing apparatus 40 includes the I/O substrate 46
and the display part 47. In addition, an analyzer 70 is connected
to the smear image capturing apparatus 40.
[0096] The controller 50 and the communicator 21 of the smear
preparing apparatus 20 are mounted on a CPU board and an I/O board,
for example.
[0097] The driving mechanism 90 including a motor, a sensor, a
valve, and the like is connected to the I/O board of the smear
preparing apparatus 20. The driving mechanism 90 including the
motor, the sensor, the valve, and the like is connected to an I/O
board of the smear transporting apparatus 30.
[0098] The controller 50 can control the start-up operation of the
smear transporting apparatus 30. Specifically, the communicator 21
of the smear preparing apparatus 20 is communicably connected to
the communicators 35a and 35b of the smear transporting apparatus
30. The communicator 21 is connected to the communicators 35a and
35b by wire. The communicator 21 is connected to the communicators
35a and 35b in accordance with the USB standard, for example. Here,
the communicator 21 may be communicably connected to the
communicators 35a and 35b by air or wirelessly. In the meantime,
the controller 50 of the smear preparing apparatus 20 can
communicate with the controller 42 of the smear image capturing
apparatus 40. Specifically, the communicator 21 of the smear
preparing apparatus 20 is communicably connected to the
communicator 43 of the smear image capturing apparatus 40. The
communicator 21 is connected to the communicator 43 by wire. The
communicator 21 is connected the communicator 43 through a LAN, for
example. Here, the communicator 21 may be communicably connected to
the communicator 43 by air or wirelessly.
[0099] The controller 50 of the smear preparing apparatus 20 can
communicate with a transport controller provided in the smear
transporting apparatus 30. Specifically, the communicator 21 of the
smear preparing apparatus 20 is communicably connected to the
communicator 35b of the smear transporting apparatus 30.
[0100] The master electrical switch 22 is a switch for turning on
power distribution to the smear preparing apparatus 20. For
instance, the master electrical switch 22 is a physical switch
which the user can manipulate or operate. Examples of the master
electrical switch 22 include a push-button switch, a toggle switch,
a rocker switch, and the like.
[0101] When the master electrical switch 22 is turned on, electric
power is supplied from a general power supply to the I/O substrate
51. In this case, a portion of maximum electric power is supplied
to the I/O substrate 51. The switching power supply 22a transforms
alternating-current power supplied from the general power supply
into direct-current power, and supplies the power to the I/O
substrate 51. Specifically, the switching power supply 22a is
started when the master electrical switch 22 is turned on.
Moreover, after the start-up, the switching power supply 22a
transforms the alternating-current power supplied from the general
power supply into the direct-current power, and supplies the power
to the I/O substrate 51. When the master electrical switch 22 is
turned off, the power supply to the I/O substrate 51 is shut
off.
[0102] The I/O substrate 51 is connected to the controller 50, the
display part 60, the driving mechanism 90, and the communicator 21.
The I/O substrate 51 can supply the power to the controller 50, the
display part 60, the driving mechanism 90, and the communicator 21.
Moreover, the I/O substrate 51 can communicate signals to the
controller 50, the display part 60, the driving mechanism 90, and
the communicator 21.
[0103] The start switch 80 is manipulated or operated to set out or
start the start-up operations of the smear preparing apparatus 20
and the smear transporting apparatus 30. For instance, the start
switch 80 is a physical switch which the user can manipulate or
operate. Examples of the start switch 80 include a push-button
switch, a toggle switch, a rocker switch, and the like.
[0104] When the start switch 80 is turned on in the on-state of the
master electrical switch 22, a start signal is transmitted to the
I/O substrate 51 through the controller 50. By the intermediary of
the communicators 21 and 35b, the controller 50 determines whether
or not the master electrical switch 36 of the smear transporting
apparatus 30 is turned on. When the master electrical switch 36 is
on, the controller 50 causes the display part 60 to display a
selection screen (see FIGS. 5 and 6). On the other hand, when the
master electrical switch 36 is off, the controller 50 causes the
display part 60 to display an error notification (see FIG. 7).
[0105] The communicators 35a and 35b of the smear transporting
apparatus 30 are mounted on the I/O board, for example.
[0106] The camera 34 of the smear transporting apparatus 30 is
connected to the controller 50 of the smear preparing apparatus 20
through the communicators 35a and 21. The camera 34 performs image
capturing operations under the control of the controller 50.
Meanwhile, a captured image is transmitted to the controller 50 and
is subjected to processing by the controller 50.
[0107] The master electrical switch 36 is a switch for turning on
power distribution to the smear transporting apparatus 30. For
instance, the master electrical switch 36 is a physical switch
which the user can manipulate or operate. Examples of the master
electrical switch 36 include a push-button switch, a toggle switch,
a rocker switch, and the like.
[0108] When the master electrical switch 36 is turned on, the
electric power is supplied from the general power supply to the I/O
substrate 37. In this case, a portion of the maximum electric power
is supplied to the I/O substrate 37. The switching power supply 36a
transforms the alternating-current power supplied from the general
power supply into the direct-current power, and supplies the power
to the I/O substrate 37. Specifically, the switching power supply
36a is started when the master electrical switch 36 is turned on.
Moreover, after the start-up, the switching power supply 36a
transforms the alternating-current power supplied from the general
power supply into the direct-current power, and supplies the power
to the I/O substrate 37. When the master electrical switch 36 is
turned off, the power supply to the I/O substrate 37 is shut
off.
[0109] The I/O substrate 37 is connected to the transporting
mechanism 31 and the communicator 35b. The I/O substrate 37 can
supply the power to the transporting mechanism 31 and the
communicator 35b. Moreover, the I/O substrate 37 can communicate
signals to the transporting mechanism 31 and the communicator 35b.
Meanwhile, the I/O substrate 37 is connected to the controller 50
of the smear preparing apparatus 20 through the communicators 35b
and 21. The controller 50 controls operations of the transporting
mechanism 31 through the I/O substrate 37.
[0110] The controller 42 of the smear image capturing apparatus 40
includes a CPU and a memory, for example. Moreover, the
communicator 43 is provided in an I/O board, for example. The image
capturing part 41 includes the microscope and the camera.
Meanwhile, the analyzer 70 executes the image processing, the
classification processing, and the like on the image captured by
the image capturing part 41. The image capturing by the smear image
capturing apparatus 40 is ended when the analyzer 70 obtains
prescribed data.
[0111] The master electrical switch 44 is a switch for turning on
power distribution to the smear image capturing apparatus 40. For
instance, the master electrical switch 44 is a physical switch
which the user can manipulate or operate. Examples of the master
electrical switch 44 include a push-button switch, a toggle switch,
a rocker switch, and the like.
[0112] When the master electrical switch 44 is turned on, the
electric power is supplied from the general power supply to the I/O
substrate 46. In this case, a portion of the maximum electric power
is supplied to the I/O substrate 46. The switching power supply 44a
transforms the alternating-current power supplied from the general
power supply into the direct-current power, and supplies the power
to the I/O substrate 46. Specifically, the switching power supply
44a is started when the master electrical switch 44 is turned on.
Moreover, after the start-up, the switching power supply 44a
transforms the alternating-current power supplied from the general
power supply into the direct-current power, and supplies the power
to the I/O substrate 46. When the master electrical switch 44 is
turned off, the power supply to the I/O substrate 46 is shut
off.
[0113] The start switch 45 is manipulated or operated to set out or
start the start-up operation of the smear image capturing apparatus
40. For instance, the start switch 45 is a physical switch which
the user can manipulate or operate. Examples of the start switch 45
include a push-button switch, a toggle switch, a rocker switch, and
the like.
[0114] The controller 42 is started when the start switch 45 is
turned on in the on-state of the master electrical switch 44. Then,
the controller 42 controls a start-up operation of the smear image
capturing apparatus 40.
[0115] The I/O substrate 46 is connected to the image capturing
part 41, the controller 42, and the communicator 43. The I/O
substrate 46 can supply the power to the image capturing part 41,
the controller 42, and the communicator 43. Moreover, the I/O
substrate 46 can communicate signals to the image capturing part
41, the controller 42, and the communicator 43.
[0116] The display part 47 performs display for the manipulation or
operation of the smear image capturing apparatus 40, display of a
condition of the smear image capturing apparatus 40, and the like.
The display part 47 includes a liquid crystal display, an organic
EL display, and the like. Moreover, the display part 47 is provided
with a touch panel so that the display part 47 can accept
manipulation or operation by the user.
[0117] The controller 50 controls the operations of the multiple
apparatuses out of the smear preparing apparatus 20, the smear
image capturing apparatus 40, and the smear transporting apparatus
30. In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 4, the
controller 50 controls the operations of the smear preparing
apparatus 20 and the smear image capturing apparatus 40. Here, the
common controller 50 may be provided in the smear preparing
apparatus 20 while the transport controller is not provided in the
smear transporting apparatus 30. In this way, the controller 50 can
control the operations of the multiple apparatuses, and it is
therefore not necessary to provide the controller to every
apparatus. Thus, it is possible to simplify the apparatus
configuration and to reduce the number of components.
[0118] The controller 50 performs the control to set out the
start-up operations of the multiple apparatuses or the single
apparatus out of the smear preparing apparatus 20, the smear image
capturing apparatus 40, and the smear transporting apparatus 30
based on a selection on the selection screen (see FIGS. 5 and 6) of
the display part 60. Thus, it is possible to set out the start-up
operations of the multiple apparatuses or the single apparatus out
of the smear preparing apparatus 20, the smear image capturing
apparatus 40, and the smear transporting apparatus 30. Accordingly,
expendables such as the staining solutions for preparing the smear
need not be arranged when the smear preparing apparatus 20 is not
used, for example. Hence, it is possible to keep the expendables
from being wasted.
[0119] That is to say, the controller 50 is provided in the smear
preparing apparatus 20 and is configured to control the operations
of the smear preparing apparatus 20 and the smear transporting
apparatus 30, and to perform control to start up the smear
preparing apparatus 20 and the smear transporting apparatus 30
based on the selection on the selection screen (see FIG. 5) of the
display part 60. In this way, the smear transporting apparatus 30
does not have to be provided with the controller. Accordingly, it
is possible to simplify the apparatus configuration and to reduce
the number of components. Moreover, the controller 50 provided in
the smear preparing apparatus 20 can set out the start-up
operations of the smear preparing apparatus 20 and the smear
transporting apparatus 30.
[0120] Based on the selection on the selection screen (see FIG. 6)
of the display part 60, the controller 50 selectively conducts any
of the start-up operations of the smear preparing apparatus 20 as
well as the smear transporting apparatus 30 and the start-up
operation of the smear transporting apparatus 30. Thus,
corresponding to both the operation to prepare and transport the
smear slide 10 and the operation to transport and capture the image
of the smear slide 10 it is possible to set out the start-up
operations of the single apparatus or the multiple apparatuses.
[0121] The controller 50 performs control to introduce the staining
solutions to or into the staining part 250 in the case of
performing the start-up operation of the smear preparing apparatus
20 when the smear preparing apparatus 20 is selected on the
selection screen of the display part 60. Thus, no staining
solutions are introduced to or into the staining part 250 when the
smear preparing apparatus 20 is not used. This makes it possible to
efficiently keep the staining solutions from being wasted.
[0122] The controller 50 performs control to clean the smearing
part 230 in the case of performing the start-up operation of the
smear preparing apparatus 20 when the smear preparing apparatus 20
is selected on the selection screen of the display part 60. Thus,
the smearing part 230 is cleaned even when a foreign substance
attaches to the smearing part 230 during an inactive period, so
that the foreign substance can be removed from the smearing part
230. This makes it possible to conduct the smearing in good
condition.
[0123] The controller 50 performs control to clean the fluid
circuit 270 in the case of performing the start-up operation of the
smear preparing apparatus 20 when the smear preparing apparatus 20
is selected on the selection screen of the display part 60.
Specifically, in the case of performing the start-up operation of
the smear preparing apparatus 20, the fluid circuit that is
configured to aspirate the sample and to supply the sample onto the
glass slide is cleaned with a cleaning agent. For example, a sodium
hypochlorite aqueous solution is used as the cleaning agent. Thus,
the cleaning agent is not introduced to or into the fluid circuit
270 when the smear preparing apparatus 20 is not used. This makes
it possible to effectively keep the cleaning agent from being
wasted. Here, the smear preparing apparatus 20 may clean at least
one of the smearing part 230 and the fluid circuit 270 as the
start-up operation.
[0124] In the meantime, the controller 50 performs control to
initialize the driving mechanism 90 in the case of performing the
start-up operation of the smear preparing apparatus 20 when the
smear preparing apparatus 20 is selected on the selection screen of
the display part 60. Thus, it is possible to activate the driving
mechanism 90 at high accuracy since the driving mechanism 90 is
initialized in the case of using the smear preparing apparatus
20.
[0125] The controller 50 performs control to initialize the driving
mechanism 90 in the case of performing the start-up operation of
the smear transporting apparatus 30 when the smear transporting
apparatus 30 is selected on the selection screen of the display
part 60. In the meantime, the controller 50 performs control to
cause the controller 42 to initialize the driving mechanism 90 in
the case of performing the start-up operation of the smear image
capturing apparatus 40 when the smear image capturing apparatus 40
is selected on the selection screen of the display part 60. That is
to say, the controller 42 initializes the driving mechanism 90 and
performs the start-up operation of the smear image capturing
apparatus 40 based on an end instruction from the controller
50.
[0126] The controller 50 and the controller 42 are made
communicable to each other, and control the multiple apparatuses in
cooperation. In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 4,
the controller 50 controls the smear preparing apparatus 20 and the
smear transporting apparatus 30 while the controller 42 controls
the smear image capturing apparatus 40. Meanwhile, the controller
50 and the controller 42 control the smear preparing apparatus 20,
the smear transporting apparatus 30, and the smear image capturing
apparatus 40 in cooperation. Thus, it is possible to smoothly
perform the treatments on the smear slide 10 by bringing the
multiple apparatuses into cooperation.
[0127] The controller 50, the controller 42, and the transport
controller are made communicable to one another, and control the
multiple apparatuses in cooperation. For example, the controller
50, the controller 42, and the transport controller perform
processing for preparing, transporting, and capturing the image of
the smear slide 10 in cooperation. The controller 50, the
controller 42, and the transport controller perform transfer
control of the smear slide 10 in cooperation in the case of
delivery of the smear slide 10 among the smear preparing apparatus
20, the smear image capturing apparatus 40, and the smear
transporting apparatus 30.
[0128] The controller 50 causes the display part 60 to display an
end selection screen (see FIG. 8) allowing selection of ending of
activities, and performs control to end the activities after the
end of the operations of the apparatuses based on the selection.
Thus, even when the manipulation or operation to end the activities
of the apparatuses in operation takes place, it is possible to wait
to end the activities until the operations are ended. Moreover, it
is possible to manipulate or operate the ending of the activities
of the multiple apparatuses in a lump based on the end selection
screen of the display part 60. Thus, it is possible to enhance
operability at the time of ending the activities of the apparatuses
in the testing system 100.
[0129] The controller 50 controls the operations of the multiple
apparatuses out of the smear preparing apparatus 20, the smear
image capturing apparatus 40, and the smear transporting apparatus
30, and performs control to end the activities of the apparatuses
after the end of the operations of the apparatuses based on the
selection on the end selection screen of the display part 60. In
this way, the controller 50 can control the operations of the
multiple apparatuses and it is therefore not necessary to provide
the controller to every apparatus. Thus, it is possible to simplify
the apparatus configuration and to reduce the number of components.
In addition, it is possible to end the activities of the smear
preparing apparatus 20, the smear image capturing apparatus 40, and
the smear transporting apparatus 30 easily by the manipulation or
operation based on the end selection screen of the display part
60.
[0130] When ending the activities of the smear preparing apparatus
20 and the smear transporting apparatus 30, the controller 50
performs control to end the activity of the smear preparing
apparatus 20 after the end of the operation of the smear preparing
apparatus 20, and then performs control to end the activity of the
smear transporting apparatus 30. In this way, the smear preparing
apparatus 20 can be kept from ending its activity in the course of
the operation. Thus, it is possible to end the activity of the
smear preparing apparatus 20 after the smear slide 10 is finished
or prepared. Moreover, since it is possible to keep the smear
transporting apparatus 30 from ending its activity when the smear
preparing apparatus 20 is active, the finished or prepared smear
slide 10 can be reliably delivered to the smear transporting
apparatus 30.
[0131] When ending the activity of the smear preparing apparatus
20, the controller 50 performs control to discharge the staining
solutions from the staining part 250. In this way, it is possible
to empty the staining part 250 of the staining solutions when
ending the activity of the smear preparing apparatus 20. Thus, the
staining part 250 can be kept from being left for a long period in
the state of storing the staining solutions.
[0132] When ending the activity of the smear preparing apparatus
20, the controller 50 performs control to clean the smearing part
230. In this way, the smearing part 230 is cleaned even when a
foreign substance attaches to the smearing part 230, so that the
foreign substance can be removed from the smearing part 230. Thus,
it is possible to keep such a foreign substance from adhering to
the smearing part 230 during an inactive period.
[0133] When ending the activity of the smear preparing apparatus
20, the controller 50 performs control to clean the fluid circuit
270. Specifically, when ending the activity of the smear preparing
apparatus 20, the fluid circuit configured to aspirate the sample
and to supply the sample onto the glass slide is cleaned with the
cleaning agent. For example, the sodium hypochlorite aqueous
solution is used as the cleaning agent. Thus, the fluid circuit 270
is cleaned even when a foreign substance attaches to the fluid
circuit 270, so that the foreign substance can be removed from the
fluid circuit 270. Thus, it is possible to keep such a foreign
substance from adhering to the fluid circuit 270 during an inactive
period. Here, the smear preparing apparatus 20 may clean at least
one of the smearing part 230 and the fluid circuit 270 when ending
the activity.
[0134] When ending the activity of the smear preparing apparatus
20, the controller 50 performs control to initialize the driving
mechanism 90. Thus, it is possible to maintain driving accuracy of
the driving mechanism 90 since the driving mechanism 90 is
initialized when ending the activity of the smear preparing
apparatus 20.
[0135] When ending the activity of the smear transporting apparatus
30, the controller 50 performs control to initialize the driving
mechanism 90. In the meantime, when ending the activity of the
smear image capturing apparatus 40, the controller 50 performs
control to cause the controller 42 to initialize the driving
mechanism 90. That is to say, based on a start-up instruction from
the controller 50, the controller 42 initializes the driving
mechanism 90 and then ends the activity of the smear image
capturing apparatus 40.
[0136] The controller 50 performs control to cause the display part
60 to display the relevant apparatuses, of which the master
electrical switches 22, 36, and 44 are on, as targets for selection
on the selection screen. Specifically, the controller 50 causes the
display part 60 to display the selection screen when the master
electrical switches 22 and 36 of the smear preparing apparatus 20
and the smear transporting apparatus 30 are turned on,
respectively. Thus, when the master electrical switches 22 and 36
are on at the start-up of the respective apparatuses, the user can
select the setout of the start-up operation on the selection
screen, so that it is possible to easily start the apparatus to
use.
[0137] When the master electrical switches 22 and 36 of the smear
preparing apparatus 20 and the smear transporting apparatus 30 are
on, respectively, the controller 50 performs control to cause the
display part 60 to display the selection screen on grounds that the
start switch 80 is turned on. Thus, it is possible to select the
apparatus to use by manipulating or operating the start switch 80.
Accordingly, the start-up operation of the apparatus to use can be
set out at a desired timing.
[0138] When at least one of the master electrical switches 22 and
36 of the smear preparing apparatus 20 and the smear transporting
apparatus 30 is off, the controller 50 performs control to cause
the display part 60 to display the error notification (see FIG. 7)
when the start switch 80 is turned on. In this way, the error
notification is displayed even in the case of forgetting to turn on
any of the master electrical switches 22 and 36. Thus, it is
possible to reduce the chance of forgetting to perform the start-up
manipulation or operation.
[0139] Specifically, when the master electrical switch 22 of the
smear preparing apparatus 20 is on and the master electrical switch
36 of the smear transporting apparatus 30 is on, the controller 50
performs control to cause the display part 60 to display the
selection screen on grounds that the start switch 80 is turned on.
On the other hand, when the master electrical switch 22 of the
smear preparing apparatus 20 is on and the master electrical switch
36 of the smear transporting apparatus 30 is off, the controller 50
performs control to cause the display part 60 to display the error
notification on grounds that the start switch 80 is turned on.
[0140] Here, the controller 50 may perform control to cause the
display part 60 to display the selection screen as illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 6 when the start switch 80 is turned on. Specifically,
when the power supply to the smear preparing apparatus 20 is turned
on and the controller 50 is started, the controller 50 causes the
display part 60 to display the selection screen for setting out the
start-up operations. In this way, at the start-up of the controller
50, the user can select the apparatuses to prepare by using the
selection screen, and thus to set out the start-up operations of
the apparatuses to use.
[0141] Alternatively, the controller 50 may perform control to set
out the start-up operations of the multiple apparatuses or the
single apparatus based on the selection on the selection screen of
the display part 60. In this way, at the start-up of the controller
50, it is possible to set out the start-up operations of the
apparatus or apparatuses to use based on the user's selection on
the selection screen.
[0142] In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, an option to select
the start-up of the smear preparing apparatus 20 and the smear
transporting apparatus 30 and an option to select the start-up of
the smear transporting apparatus 30 alone are displayed on the
selection screen. On the other hand, in the example illustrated in
FIG. 6, an option to select the start-up of the smear preparing
apparatus 20, the smear transporting apparatus 30, and the smear
image capturing apparatus 40, an option to select the start-up of
the smear preparing apparatus 20 alone, an option to select the
start-up of the smear transporting apparatus 30 and the smear image
capturing apparatus 40, and an option to select the start-up of the
smear image capturing apparatus 40 alone are displayed on the
selection screen.
[0143] The controller 50 sets out the start-up operation of the
smear preparing apparatus 20 by causing an embedded control program
to drive the driving mechanism 90 of the smear preparing apparatus
20 through the I/O board. The start-up operation of the smear
preparing apparatus 20 includes self-check on a mechanical part,
the fluid circuit 270, and the like. Moreover, the start-up
operation of the smear preparing apparatus 20 includes an action to
clean the fluid circuit 270, and an action to prepare a reagent and
fill the staining part 250 with the reagent.
[0144] The controller 50 sets out the start-up operation of the
smear transporting apparatus 30 by causing an embedded control
program to drive the driving mechanism 90 of the smear transporting
apparatus 30 through the communicator 35b. The start-up operation
of the smear transporting apparatus 30 includes self-check on a
mechanical section. Meanwhile, when the start-up of the smear
transporting apparatus 30 alone is selected, the start-up operation
is not conducted on the smear preparing apparatus 20, and the
controller 50 transitions to a log-on dialogue screen. By
performing a log-on manipulation or operation as needed, it is
possible to conduct the start-up operation on the smear preparing
apparatus 20 as well, and thus to establish a standby state
thereof.
[0145] Here, if none of the options is selected within a
predetermined period of time after the selection screen is
displayed on the display part 60, then the start-up operation of a
predetermined apparatus is set out on the assumption that the
option corresponding to the predetermined apparatus is selected. In
this way, it is possible to prevent a failure to set out the
start-up operation of the apparatus because of forgetting to make
the selection. For instance, if the option to select the start-up
of the smear transporting apparatus 30 alone is not selected in the
example of FIG. 5, the start-up operations are set out on the
assumption that the option to select the start-up of the smear
preparing apparatus 20 and the smear transporting apparatus 30 is
selected.
[0146] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the controller 50 performs control
to cause the display part 60 to display the end selection screen
allowing selection of ending of the testing system 100. When a
shutdown button is manipulated or operated as an action to select
the ending, the controller 50 shuts down the testing system 100. In
this case, the controller 50 may shut down the smear preparing
apparatus 20, the smear transporting apparatus 30, and the smear
image capturing apparatus 40, or shut down the smear preparing
apparatus 20 and the smear transporting apparatus 30.
[0147] When the controller 50 shuts down the smear preparing
apparatus 20 and the smear transporting apparatus 30, the
controller 50 controls shutdown operations of the respective
apparatuses as illustrated in FIG. 9. As the shutdown operation of
the smear preparing apparatus 20, the controller 50 conducts a
cleaning action and a mechanism initializing action. Meanwhile, as
the shutdown operation of the smear transporting apparatus 30, the
controller 50 conducts a magazine discharging action and a
mechanism initializing action. In the magazine discharging action,
the slide magazine 11 located at or in the slide delivering part
33b is discharged to the magazine exporting part 33c even when the
slide magazine 11 is not full. Thus, it is possible to keep the
smear slides 10 after the image capturing from being left in the
slide delivering part 33b.
[0148] The controller 50 waits for the ending of the operations of
both the smear preparing apparatus 20 and the smear transporting
apparatus 30 and then turns off the power supply.
[0149] For example, when both the smear preparing apparatus 20 and
the smear transporting apparatus 30 are not in operation but are in
a standby state, shutdown operations of the respective apparatuses
are executed by using a control program in the controller 50.
Meanwhile, when the smear preparing apparatus 20 is in a standby
state and the smear transporting apparatus 30 is in operation, a
shutdown operation of the smear preparing apparatus 20 is set out
whereas a shutdown operation of the smear transporting apparatus 30
is not set out until the smear transporting apparatus 30 ends its
operation and transitions to a standby state. Then, the shutdown
operation of the smear transporting apparatus 30 is set out when
the standby state of the smear transporting apparatus 30 is
detected. On the other hand, when the smear preparing apparatus 20
is in operation and the smear transporting apparatus 30 is in a
standby state, none of the apparatuses is shut down immediately
because, in spite of being in the standby state, a transporting
operation takes place soon after the work-in-progress smear is
prepared. The shutdown operations of the smear preparing apparatus
20 and the smear transporting apparatus 30 are set out after the
respective apparatuses complete the operations and transition to a
standby state.
[0150] When the operations of the smear transporting apparatus 30
and the smear image capturing apparatus 40 are set out, the
controller 50 performs control to cause the magazine transporter 32
to transport the slide magazine 11 on grounds that the sensor 32d
detects the slide magazine 11. According to this configuration,
even in the case of not using the smear preparing apparatus 20, it
is possible to capture the image of the smear slide 10 with the
smear image capturing apparatus 40 by setting the slide magazine 11
to the smear transporting apparatus 30.
[0151] An apparatus starting process by the controller 50 is
described with reference to FIG. 10.
[0152] When the power supply to the smear preparing apparatus 20 is
turned on in step S1 of FIG. 10, the controller 50 is started in
step S2. When the controller 50 is started, the controller 50
performs control to cause the display part 60 to display the
selection screen that allows selection of the start-up of the
respective apparatuses in step S3.
[0153] When the option to select the start-up of the smear
preparing apparatus 20, the smear transporting apparatus 30, and
the smear image capturing apparatus 40 is selected in step S3, the
controller 50 conducts a start-up operation of the smear preparing
apparatus 20 in step S4. Then, the controller 50 conducts a
start-up operation of the smear transporting apparatus 30 in step
S5. Meanwhile, the controller 50 transmits an instruction to the
controller 42 and performs control to cause the controller 42 to
conduct the start-up operation of the smear image capturing
apparatus 40 in step S6. Thereafter, the controller 50 terminates
the apparatus starting process.
[0154] When the option to select the start-up of the smear
preparing apparatus 20 is selected in step S3, the controller 50
conducts the start-up operation of the smear preparing apparatus 20
in step S7. Thereafter, the controller 50 terminates the apparatus
starting process.
[0155] When the option to select the start-up of the smear
transporting apparatus 30 and the smear image capturing apparatus
40 is selected in step S3, the controller 50 conducts the start-up
operation of the smear transporting apparatus 30 in step S8.
Meanwhile, the controller 50 transmits the instruction to the
controller 42 and performs control to cause the controller 42 to
conduct the start-up operation of the smear image capturing
apparatus 40 in step S9. Thereafter, the controller 50 terminates
the apparatus starting process.
[0156] When the option to select the start-up of the smear image
capturing apparatus 40 is selected in step S3, the controller 50
transmits the instruction to the controller 42 and performs control
to cause the controller 42 to conduct the start-up operation of the
smear image capturing apparatus 40 in step S10. Thereafter, the
controller 50 terminates the apparatus starting process.
[0157] An apparatus ending process by the controller 50 is
described with reference to FIG. 11.
[0158] When an end instruction is received in step S11 of FIG. 11,
the controller 50 determines whether or not the smear preparing
apparatus 20 is in operation in step S12. When the smear preparing
apparatus 20 is in operation, the determination in step S12 is
repeated until the operation is ended. When the operation of the
smear preparing apparatus 20 is ended, the process proceeds to step
S13 where the controller 50 conducts the shutdown operation of the
smear preparing apparatus 20.
[0159] The controller 50 determines whether or not the smear
transporting apparatus 30 is in operation in step S14. When the
smear transporting apparatus 30 is in operation, the determination
in step S14 is repeated until the operation is ended. When the
operation of the smear transporting apparatus 30 is ended, the
process proceeds to step S15 where the controller 50 conducts the
shutdown operation of the smear transporting apparatus 30. Here,
the controller 50 may conduct the shutdown operation of the smear
image capturing apparatus 40 likewise.
[0160] The controller 50 turns off the power supply to the smear
preparing apparatus 20 in step S16. Moreover, the controller 50
turns off the power supply to the smear transporting apparatus 30.
Then, the apparatus ending process is terminated.
[0161] The invention includes other embodiments in addition to the
above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of
the invention. The embodiments are to be considered in all respects
as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is
indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing
description. Hence, all configurations including the meaning and
range within equivalent arrangements of the claims are intended to
be embraced in the invention.
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