Method and system for automated retrieval and scanning of glass slides within a restricted spatial environment

1 . A system for automated slide retrieval and scanning, wherein the system comprises:

a gripper apparatus;

a stainer basket configured to hold a plurality of slides in a corresponding plurality of individual slide slots;

a stainer basket adapter configured to support the stainer basket, wherein the stainer basket adapter structure that comprises:

a vertical support for a stainer basket;

a profile configured to differentiate slides by height within the stainer basket, wherein the profile has an inclined base; and

a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism has a locked state in which the locking mechanism is configured to make the stainer basket stationary and an unlocked state in which the stainer basket is removable;

at least one processor, and a memory communicatively configuring the at least one processor, the memory containing instructions configuring the at least one processor to:

receive, from a user, a set of scan requirements, wherein the scan requirements are imported using at least a chatbot interaction;

identify a current slide configuration for the stainer basket;

detect individual slide slots as a function of a slide weight, wherein a pressure sensor associated with each individual slide slot measures a slide pressure against a threshold pressure, and wherein the pressure sensor transmits a positively identified signal when the slide pressure exceeds the threshold pressure;

generate an operational scan sequence based on the received set of scan requirements and the current slide configuration, wherein generating the operational scan sequence further comprises identifying a minimum gripper movement in compliance with the user's set of scan requirements, wherein identifying the minimum gripper movement comprises computing a score associated with each operational scan sequence based on calculated gripper movements and selecting scan sequences to minimize or maximize the score; and

automatedly execute the generated operational scan sequence using the gripper apparatus.

2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein receiving the set of scan requirements comprises receiving a complete specified order of slides to be scanned.

3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein receiving the set of scan requirements comprises receiving a prioritization method and range of slides to be scanned.

4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein generating the operational scan sequence comprises:

computing a candidate sequence with minimum gripper movements that complies with the set of scan requirements; and

generating the operational scan sequence using the candidate sequence.

5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the stainer basket adapter comprises a ball locking mechanism to keep the stainer basket stationary during slide insertions and withdrawals but allowing for stainer basket removal by a user.

6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein generating the operational scan sequence comprises using height differentiation between elevated and lowered slides to prioritize retrieval of elevated slides before lowered slides.

7 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising an intermediate stainer basket configured to retain transitory displaced slides.

8 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the operational scan sequence includes depositing a transitory displaced slide into the intermediate stainer basket.

9 . A method for automated slide retrieval and placement, wherein the method comprises:

using a stainer basket to hold a plurality of slides in a corresponding plurality of individual slide slots;

using a stainer basket adapter to support the stainer basket, wherein the stainer basket adapter comprises:

a vertical support for a stainer basket;

a profile configured to differentiate slides by height within the stainer basket, wherein the profile has an inclined base; and

a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism has a locked state in which the locking mechanism is configured to make a stainer basket stationery and an unlocked state in which the stainer basket is removable;

receiving, by at least one processor, from a user, a set of scan requirements, wherein the scan requirements are imported using at least a chatbot interaction;

identifying, by the at least one processor, a current slide configuration for the stainer basket;

sensing individual slide slots as a function of a slide weight, wherein a pressure sensor associated with each individual slide slot measures a slide pressure against a threshold pressure, and wherein the pressure sensor transmits a positively identified signal when the slide pressure exceeds the threshold pressure;

generating, by the at least one processor, an operational scan sequence based on the received set of scan requirements and the current slide configuration, wherein generating the operational scan sequence further comprises identifying a minimum gripper movement in compliance with the user's set of scan requirements, wherein identifying the minimum gripper movement comprises computing a score associated with each operational scan sequence based on calculated gripper movements and selecting scan sequences to minimize or maximize the score; and

automatedly executing, by the at least one processor, the generated operational scan sequence using a gripper apparatus.

10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein receiving the set of scan requirements comprises receiving, by the at least a processor, a complete specified order of slides to be scanned.

11 . The method of claim 9 , wherein receiving the set of scan requirements comprises receiving, by at least one processor, a prioritization method and range of slides to be scanned.

12 . The method of claim 9 , wherein receiving the set of scan requirements comprises receiving, by the at least one processor, general user direction to scan all slides.

13 . The method of claim 9 , wherein generating the operational scan sequence based on the received set of scan requirements and the current slide configuration comprises using a state machine to generate, by the at least one processor, the operational scan sequence to scan a first set of raised slides and then scan a second set of sunken slides.

14 . The method of claim 9 , wherein generating the operational scan sequence based on the received set of scan requirements and the current slide configuration comprises using a state machine to generate, by the at least one processor, the operational scan sequence to temporarily displace one or more slides that are inhibiting access to a slide selected to be scanned in advance of the one or more inhibiting slides.

15 . The method of claim 9 , wherein generating the operational scan sequence based on the received set of scan requirements and the current slide configuration comprises heuristically developing, by the at least one processor, a set of gripper actions to scan all designated slides.

16 . The method of claim 9 , wherein

generating the operational scan sequence comprises using height differentiation between elevated and lowered slides to prioritize retrieval of elevated slides before lowered slides.

17 . The method of claim 9 , wherein executing the operational scan sequence includes depositing a transitory displaced slide into an intermediate stainer basket configured to retain transitory displaced slides.