Enhanced scheduling sample processing system and methods of biological slide processing

• US 20060046298A1
• Filed: 12/19/2003
• Published: 03/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Dakocytomation California Incorporated
• Inventors: Key, Marc, Feingold, Gordon, Welcher, Rosanne
• Granted Patent: US 7,960,178 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 436/43
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/30 Staining; Impregnating ; Fixation; Dehydration; Multistep processes for preparing samples of tissue, cell or nucleic acid material and the like for analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/31 Apparatus therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/312 for samples mounted on planar substrates
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00039 Transport arrangements specific to flat sample substrates, e.g. pusher blade
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00089 Magazines
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00306 Housings, cabinets, control panels (details)
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00326 Analysers with modular structure
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00366 Several different temperatures used
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00376 Conductive heating, e.g. heated plates
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00435 Refrigerated reagent storage
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00881 network configurations
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00891 Displaying information to the operator
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/009 alarms, e.g. audible
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/0091 GUI [graphical user interfaces]
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00712 Automatic status testing, e.g. at start-up or periodic
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00732 Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00871 Communications between instruments or with remote terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/0092 Scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/0099 comprising robots or similar manipulators robots per se B25J
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/20 for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 90/10 : Information and communication technologies [ICT] supporting adaptation to climate change, e.g. for weather forecasting or climate simulation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 901/02 : Arm motion controller
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 901/41 : Tool
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/11 : Automated chemical analysis
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/112499 : with sample on test slide
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/113332 : with conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/114165 : with step of insertion or removal from test line
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/114998 : with treatment or replacement of aspirator element [e.g., cleaning, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/25 : including sample preparation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/2575 : Volumetric liquid transfer

Abstract

A sample processing system 101 that may be automated and methods are disclosed where sample(s) 198 are arranged on a carrier element 197 and a process operation control system 171 automatically processes the sample(s) perhaps robotically according to an desired aggregation of event dictated by an input 173. Alteration of an initial aggregated event topology may be accepted while the system is processing an initial aggregation and varied-parameter robotic control simulation functionalities 606 may be accomplished to determine an enhanced sequence for processing. Suggested operator actions may be displayed that might further enhance the scheduling of the altered aggregated event topology together with an automatic operator need prompt 608 that may inform an operator of a need for a particular action in order to accomplish the desired tasks. Reversibility to proposed changes may be made available so that an operator may avoid having to activate proposed changes if they cause a processing result that is not acceptable.

Claims

1. A method of automated sample processing comprising the steps of:

establishing an automated sample processing system having an automated process operation capability that causes automated process operation events through robotic sample process functions;

inputting a plurality of desired sample process operations;

adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for an initial aggregated event topology;

commencing initial automatic processing, through operation of said robotic sample process functions, of said initial aggregated event topology;

altering at least one aspect of said initial aggregated event topology to create an altered aggregated event topology;

adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for said altered aggregated event topology;

interrupting said initial automatic processing of said initial aggregated event topology; and

continuing revised automatic processing, through operation of said robotic sample process functions, of said altered aggregated event topology.

2. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 wherein said step of establishing an automated sample processing system having an automated process operation capability that causes automated process operation events through robotic sample process functions comprises the step of establishing an automated slide processing system.

3. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 2 wherein said step of automatically processing at least one sample comprises the steps of:

arranging a plurality of slides on a carrier retainment assembly;

applying a reagent to said plurality of slides; and

automatically staining said plurality of slides.

4. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 3 wherein said step of establishing an automated sample processing system having an automated process operation capability that causes automated process operation events through robotic sample process functions comprises the steps of:

establishing a plurality of automated slide stainers; and

electronically connecting said plurality of automated slide stainers.

5. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 4 wherein said step of establishing an automated sample processing system comprises the steps of:

establishing a stand alone automated slide processing system;

utilizing a separate full function computer programmed to respond to said stand alone automated slide processing system; and

electronically connecting said separate full function computer to said stand alone automated slide processing system.

6. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 5 and further comprising the step of establishing a local area network electronically connected to said automated sample processing system.

7. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 4 wherein said step of adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for an initial aggregated event topology comprises the step of separately adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for each of said plurality of automated slide stainers.

8. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 wherein said step of adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for an initial aggregated event topology comprises the step of automatically creating a plurality of varied-parameter robotic control indicium, each for said same aggregated event topology.

9. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 wherein said step of adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for said altered aggregated event topology comprises the step of automatically creating a plurality of varied-parameter robotic control indicium, each for said same aggregated event topology.

10. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 9 and further comprising the step of accomplishing enhanced temporal scheduling of a plurality of sample process steps.

11. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 10 wherein said step of accomplishing enhanced temporal scheduling of a plurality of sample process steps comprises the step of comparing said indicium.

12. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 8 wherein said step of automatically creating a plurality of varied-parameter robotic control indicium comprises the step of automatically creating a plurality of varied-parameter robotic control indicium using a parameter selected from a group consisting of:

a substance priority parameter, a reagent grouping parameter, a robotic movement parameter, a sample location priority parameter, a sample proximity priority parameter, a sample insert time priority parameter, a user input parameter, a user priority parameter, a sample time since last processing priority parameter, a time-based priority value parameter, and a sample weighting parameter.

13. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 8 wherein said step of automatically creating a plurality of varied-parameter robotic control indicium comprises the steps of:

automatically creating a sample time since last processing priority parameter robotic control indicium;

automatically creating a robotic movement parameter robotic control indicium; and

automatically creating a substance priority parameter robotic control indicium.

14. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 and further comprising the step of not completing said initial automatic processing.

15. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 14 wherein said steps of altering at least one aspect of said initial aggregated event topology to create an altered aggregated event topology and adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for said altered aggregated event topology are both accomplished while said step of initial automatic processing is occurring.

16. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 wherein said step of interrupting said initial automatic processing of said initial aggregated event topology occurs while said step of initial automatic processing is occurring.

17. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 16 wherein said step of interrupting said initial automatic processing of said initial aggregated event topology comprises the step of seamlessly interrupting said initial automatic processing of said initial aggregated event topology.

18. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 wherein said step of adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for an initial aggregated event topology comprises the step of

19. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 wherein said step of adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for said altered aggregated event topology comprises the step of creating an interspersial robotic control functionality.

20. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 19 wherein said step of creating an interspersial robotic control functionality comprises the step of interleaving a plurality of process operations.

21. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 19 wherein said step of creating an interspersial robotic control functionality comprises the step of sequencing a plurality of individual sample operations.

22. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 wherein said step of altering at least one aspect of said initial aggregated event topology to create an altered aggregated event topology comprises the step of altering the aggregate of said aggregated event topology and wherein said step of altering the aggregate of said aggregated event topology causes said steps of adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for said altered aggregated event topology and interrupting said initial automatic processing of said initial aggregated event topology to occur.

23. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 wherein said step of altering at least one aspect of said initial aggregated event topology to create an altered aggregated event topology comprises the step of altering the topology of said aggregated event topology and wherein said step of altering the topology of said aggregated event topology causes said steps of adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for said altered aggregated event topology and interrupting said initial automatic processing of said initial aggregated event topology to occur.

24. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 and further comprising the step of sensing an operator access event and wherein said step of sensing an operator access event causes said steps of adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for said altered aggregated event topology and interrupting said initial automatic processing of said initial aggregated event topology to occur.

25. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 and further comprising the step of accepting a user change and wherein said step of accepting a user change causes said steps of adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for said altered aggregated event topology and interrupting said initial automatic processing of said initial aggregated event topology to occur.

26. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 and further comprising the step of automatically prompting an operator action needed for said automatic processing to occur.

27. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 and further comprising the step of repetitively automatically checking if an operator action is needed for said automatic processing to occur.

28. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 and further comprising the step of providing real time status information relative to said automatic processing.

29. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 and further comprising the step of providing pending sample information relative to said automatic processing.

30. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 and further comprising the step of providing a real time completion estimate for an aspect of said automatic processing.

31. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 and further comprising the step of mixing a substance for use in said automatic processing based on said steps of either adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for an initial aggregated event topology or adaptably scheduling robotic sample process functions for said altered aggregated event topology.

32. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 1 wherein said step of establishing an automated sample processing system comprises the step of providing at least one substance in a lockable reagent retainment assembly and further comprising the step of providing said lockable reagent retainment element in a generally unlocked state.

33-58. -58. (canceled)

59. A method of automated sample processing comprising the steps of:

establishing an automated sample processing system having an automated process operation capability that causes automated process operation events through robotic sample process functions;

scheduling a plurality of sample process operations for a given aggregated event topology;

automatically creating a plurality of varied-parameter robotic control indicium, each for said same aggregated event topology;

comparing said plurality of robotic control indicium;

generating a preferred robotic control functionality; and

automatically processing at least one sample through operation of said robotic sample process functions and acting in accordance with said preferred robotic control functionality.

60. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 59 wherein said step of automatically creating a plurality of varied-parameter robotic control indicium comprises the steps of:

automatically create a first control indicium for said aggregated event topology;

calculating a first resultant based on said first control indicium;

automatically create a second control indicium for said aggregated event topology; and

calculating a second resultant based on said second control indicium.

61. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 60 wherein said step of automatically creating a plurality of varied-parameter robotic control indicium further comprises the steps of:

automatically create a third control indicium for said aggregated event topology; and

calculating a third resultant based on said first control indicium.

62. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 59 wherein said step of establishing an automated sample processing system having an automated process operation capability that causes automated process operation events through robotic sample process functions comprises the step of establishing an automated slide processing system.

63. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 62 wherein said step of automatically processing at least one sample comprises the steps of:

arranging a plurality of slides on a carrier retainment assembly;

applying a reagent to said plurality of slides; and

automatically staining said plurality of slides.

64. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 63 wherein said step of establishing an automated sample processing system having an automated process operation capability that causes automated process operation events through robotic sample process functions comprises the steps of:

establishing a plurality of automated slide stainers; and

electronically connecting said plurality of automated slide stainers.

65. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 64 wherein said step of establishing an automated sample processing system comprises the steps of:

establishing a stand alone automated slide processing system;

utilizing a separate full function computer programmed to respond to said stand alone automated slide processing system; and

electronically connecting said separate full function computer to said stand alone automated slide processing system.

66. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 65 and further comprising the step of establishing a local area network electronically connected to said automated sample processing system.

67. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 59 wherein said step of automatically creating a plurality of varied-parameter robotic control indicium comprises the step of automatically creating a plurality of varied-parameter robotic control indicium using a parameter selected from a group consisting of:

a substance priority parameter, a reagent grouping parameter, a robotic movement parameter, a sample location priority parameter, a sample proximity priority parameter, a sample insert time priority parameter, a user input parameter, a user priority parameter, a sample time since last processing priority parameter, a time-based priority value parameter, and a sample weighting parameter.

68. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 59 wherein said step of automatically creating a plurality of varied-parameter robotic control indicium comprises the steps of:

automatically creating a sample time since last processing priority parameter robotic control indicium;

automatically creating a robotic movement parameter robotic control indicium; and

automatically creating a substance priority parameter robotic control indicium.

69. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 59 and further comprising the step of accomplishing enhanced temporal scheduling of a plurality of sample process steps.

70. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 59 wherein said step of comparing said plurality of robotic control indicium comprises the step of accomplishing enhanced temporal scheduling of a plurality of sample process steps.

71. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 69 wherein said step of accomplishing enhanced temporal scheduling of a plurality of sample process steps comprises the step of comparing processing time indicium.

72. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 69 wherein said step of comparing said plurality of robotic control indicium comprises the step of comparing completion time estimates.

73. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 69 wherein said step of comparing said plurality of robotic control indicium comprises the step of comparing substance cost estimates.

74. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 69 wherein said step of comparing said plurality of robotic control indicium comprises the step of comparing sample priority assignments.

75. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 59 wherein said step of automatically creating a plurality of varied-parameter robotic control indicium comprises the step of automatically creating an initial robotic control indicium, wherein said step of generating a preferred robotic control functionality comprises the step of generating an initially preferred robotic control functionality, and wherein said step of automatically processing at least one sample through operation of said robotic sample process functions and acting in accordance with said preferred robotic control functionality comprises the step of automatically processing at least one sample through operation of said robotic sample process functions and acting in accordance with said initially preferred robotic control functionality, and wherein said step of automatically creating a plurality of varied-parameter robotic control indicium thereafter comprises the step of automatically creating an second robotic control indicium, wherein said step of generating a preferred robotic control functionality thereafter comprises the step of generating an second preferred robotic control functionality, and wherein said step of automatically processing at least one sample through operation of said robotic sample process functions thereafter comprises the step of automatically processing at least one sample through operation of said robotic sample process functions and acting in accordance with said second preferred robotic control functionality.

76. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 59 wherein said step of comparing said plurality of robotic control indicium comprises the step of conducting a qualitative analysis of said robotic control indicium.

77. A method of automated sample processing as described in claim 76 wherein said step of conducting a qualitative analysis of said robotic control indicium comprises the step of conducting a qualitative analysis of said robotic control indicium using parameters selected from a group consisting of:

an amount of substance used parameter, a sample time under buffer parameter, and an extra amount of buffer used parameter.

78-158. -158. (canceled)