JPS63208761A - Method and device for obtaining procedure to execute plural kinds of staining methods simultaneously by automatic staining device for microscopic specimen - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To permit efficient and quick formation of a program for simultaneous execution of plural staining methods by computing the kinds, use period and moving treatment time of treating liquids and storing this program. CONSTITUTION:A hanging arm 5 which is freely engageably and disengageably mounted to a detaining part fixed on a grip provided on the top end of a cage 6 housing slide glasses stuck with samples to be stained is freely vertically and horizontally movably provided atop a base plate 1. Many vessels 2 in which the liquids to be used for staining and are respectively opened upward are imposed atop the base plate 1 and plural kinds of the staining methods are simultaneously executed by controlling the engagement and disengagement of the arm 5 and the grip of the cage 6 and the vertical and horizontal movements of the arm 5. The procedure for the above-mentioned execution consists in respectively substituting the kinds and use periods of the treating liquids to the codes indicating the positions of the many vessels 2 and the signals indicating the lapse time from the start of the staining operation and substituting the moving treatment time to the signal indicating the lapse time from the start of the staining operation. The dyeing methods are thus executed.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] a3 Purpose of the Invention (Field of Industrial Application) The method and device for determining the procedure for performing multiple types of staining methods simultaneously using the automatic staining device for microscopic specimens according to the present invention are suitable for use in hospitals and various research fields. At the site, an automatic staining device used to stain tissue pieces or cells attached to glass slides (collectively referred to as samples in this specification) for microscopic observation is used to stain multiple types of tissue pieces or cells. It is used when staining samples using different staining methods.

(Prior Art) In hospitals and the like, it is widely practiced to diagnose diseases by observing samples removed from affected areas using a microscope.

In order to facilitate the diagnosis of diseases through microscopic observation, samples pasted onto glass slides are stained, and a patent application has been filed for an automatic staining device that automatically performs this staining process. Various automatic staining apparatuses have been provided, such as the automatic staining apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 60-076787.

Conventional automatic dyeing equipment for performing this kind of dyeing work,
The automatic staining apparatus shown in FIG. 11 and disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 60-076787 will be explained as an example.

This automatic staining device is equipped with a base 1 in which a large number of containers 2.2 each storing a liquid used for dyeing and having an open top are lined up on the top surface. A moving beam 3 that moves in the direction of the arrow a along the moving beam 3 and a moving block 4 that moves along the moving beam 3 in a direction perpendicular to the arrow a are provided. A hanging arm 5 provided on the lower side of the moving block 4 so as to be able to rise and fall is attached to a locking portion fixed to a handle provided at the upper end of a basket 6 containing a slide glass with a sample to be stained. It can be detached at will. Moving beam 3
Horizontal movement of the hanging arm 5 based on the movement between the moving block 4 and the moving block 4, lifting and lowering of the hanging arm 5 by a lifting mechanism attached to the moving block 4, and engagement and disengagement between the hanging arm 5 and the handle of the basket 6. is controlled by a controller built into the base 1.

When staining a sample attached to a glass slide using the conventional automatic microscope specimen staining device configured as described above,
Do it as follows.

That is, the cage 7 containing one or more slide glasses with samples to be stained is engaged with the hanging arm 6 and suspended, and the staining method to be carried out is preliminarily determined based on the signal from the controller. The hanging arms 6 are moved horizontally in a predetermined order, and once the hanging arms have been moved to a predetermined position, the cage 7 is raised and lowered to immerse the slide glass in the processing solution for a predetermined time. Do the following. This operation is repeated a predetermined number of times to stain the sample.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) By the way, when actually operating an automatic staining apparatus for microscopic specimens that is constructed and operates as described above, there are the following problems that must be solved. do.

That is, when staining a tissue piece taken from a living body, it is preferable to change the staining method depending on the type of tissue (the site from which it was taken) in order to perform good staining.

For this reason, the Marathon trichrome staining method, H-
Many types of staining methods are used, such as E staining, PAS reaction staining, PAM staining, and Elastica Van Gieson staining. When carrying out these dyeing methods using the automatic dyeing apparatus according to the prior invention as described above, if only one type of dyeing method is to be carried out at a time, the movable beam 3 and the movable block must be moved while raising and lowering the hanging arm 5. 4, and the basket 6 suspended from the hanging arm 5 is sequentially immersed in the treatment liquid stored in a predetermined container 2.2, but when performing multiple types of dyeing methods at once That is, when there are two or more cages above the base 1 and the multifunction devices are immersed in processing liquids in different containers in different orders, the hanging arm 5 can move one cage. After doing so, you must immediately go to work and move another basket.

In this case, if the combination of multiple staining methods to be executed at once is always the same, it is sufficient to pre-store a program for executing this combination in the controller, but The number and combinations of dyeing methods to be executed vary depending on the user, and even the same user from time to time, so all combinations (there are an extremely large number of permutations and combinations) should be memorized in the controller. Things are not practical.

For this reason, in order to efficiently utilize the automatic staining device according to the earlier invention, it is necessary to quickly create a program that can efficiently execute multiple types of staining methods that the user wishes to use, on the spot according to the user's instructions. A method and device for creating this are required.

The method and device of the present invention for determining a procedure for simultaneously carrying out multiple types of staining methods using an automatic staining apparatus for microscopic specimens was invented in view of the above-mentioned circumstances.

b5 Structure of the Invention (Means for Solving the Problem) The method and device for obtaining a procedure for performing multiple types of staining methods at the same time using the automatic staining device for microscopic specimens of the present invention both include A hanging arm that can be freely engaged and detached from a locking part fixed to a handle provided at the upper end of a cage containing a slide glass with a sample pasted thereon is provided so as to be movable up and down and in the horizontal direction. A large number of upward-opening containers each containing a liquid used for dyeing are placed on the container, and the connection and disengagement between the hanging arm and the basket handle, as well as the lifting and lowering and horizontal movement of the hanging arm, are controlled. This method is used to determine procedures for performing multiple types of staining methods simultaneously using an automatic staining apparatus for microscopic specimens equipped with a controller.

The basic method invention (specific invention) among these is, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 1, first, the type of processing liquid used when carrying out the first dyeing method to start the dyeing process. and the time of its use, and a moving processing time representing when the hanging arm transfers the basket and the time required for the transfer, are loaded into the computer.

By loading the above data into a computer, the type of processing liquid and its usage time can be converted into a signal (executive time function) representing the position of the numerous containers mentioned above and the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation. , by replacing the movement processing time with No. 48 representing the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation, to find the basic program when executing the first dyeing method.

When obtaining a basic program in this way, the type of processing liquid to be used is converted into the code of the container in which the processing liquid is stored, as shown in the flowchart shown in FIG.

That is, first set the step to O, and to this step 0,
Enter the code indicating the position of the waiting tank in which the basket containing the slide glass with the specimen to be stained is set.

The waiting tank is for immersing the above-mentioned basket until the dyeing process starts. Xylene is stored inside, and as long as the basket is immersed in this waiting tank, the start of the dyeing process will be slightly delayed. However, the specimen will not change in quality.

Once the code of the standby tank is entered in step 0, the steps are then sequentially added to convert the type of processing liquid used in the step into a code indicating the position of the container. When performing this conversion work, first a code representing the type of processing liquid is loaded into the basic program determining means. If there is only one container storing the processing liquid used in the step, a code representing that container is immediately incorporated into the basic program, but
If a plurality of containers are present, one container is selected from among them, and a code representing the container is registered in the basic program.

As described above, the type of processing liquid used in each step is converted into a code representing the position of the container, but the converted code is
It is sequentially registered in the basic program determining means. When performing staining processing, the same type of processing solution is often used multiple times, so as the step progresses, the type of processing solution used in that step is already converted into a code representing the container. In such cases,
It is assumed that the conversion has already been completed, and the previously converted code is used as is. Therefore, when the type of processing liquid is converted into a code representing the position of the container in a step, the same code representing the position of the container is registered in other steps that use the same type of processing liquid.

A basic program is determined that carries out the above-mentioned work and converts the type of processing liquid in every step into a code representing the position of the container.

The basic program obtained in this way is stored in the execution program storage means of the computer, and the same contents as the basic program are loaded into the calculation means of the computer, as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

After storing the basic program in the execution program storage means of the computer and loading it into the calculation means, the staining process is started from the second time onwards. The usage time and movement processing time are loaded into the calculation means.

This calculation means first calculates the type of processing liquid, its use period, and transfer processing time related to the dyeing method to be added, the type of processing liquid and its use period, and the code indicating the position of the large number of containers and the dyeing operation. The moving processing time is replaced by a signal representing the elapsed time from the start of the staining operation, and the movement processing time is replaced by a signal representing the elapsed time from the start of the staining operation. In this case, the operation of converting the type of processing liquid into the code of the container storing the processing liquid is performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2, as in the case of determining the basic program described above.

However, in this case, if the codes representing some of the containers have already been registered in the basic program, this will not work, so if there are multiple containers storing the processing liquid, select the most frequently used container from among them. Choose less.

Next, this calculation means makes sure that the processing liquid of the staining method to be added, its usage period, and movement processing time do not overlap with the processing liquid, its usage period, and movement processing time in the basic program. By adjusting the start time of the staining method to be added, a synthesis program for executing the staining method to be added is obtained.

When determining a synthesis program in this way, the processing solution and timing of use of the second and subsequent dyeing methods to be added, as well as the transfer processing time, are considered to be more important than the processing solution and timing of use in the basic program. As shown in the flowchart in Figure 3, the work to ensure that the movement processing time of the dyeing method to be added does not overlap with the movement processing time of the basic program or synthesis program is the Each step is performed as shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. still,
FIG. 4 describes not only the specific invention but also the invention set forth in claim 3.

Of these, first, the work to prevent the processing liquids and their use periods from overlapping will be explained with reference to FIG. 3.

First, set the step of the staining method to be added to 1, and appropriately select the time at which step 1 will start.
Next, one staining method is selected from among the already calculated staining methods. Each step of the staining method selected in this way is compared with the above-mentioned start time, and from among each step, the step that starts closest and before this start time (the immediately preceding step) is determined.

Next, it is determined whether the chemical solution tank used in the immediately previous step determined in this way is the same as the chemical solution tank used in the step of the staining method to be added, and if it is the same, , In case the time to use the chemical tank in the calculated staining method is longer than that in the staining method to be added, add the chemical tank to be used in the previous step above. If it is different, proceed to the next step without performing any registration.

Once you have found the previous step from the calculated staining method and performed the necessary registration, you can check the start time of the next step (immediately following step) of the calculated staining method and the next step of the staining method you are about to add. (Step +1) start time is compared.

As a result, if the start time of the next step of the calculated staining method is earlier than the start time of the next step of the staining method to be added, that is, the step immediately before and the step immediately after the calculated staining method. If there is a time interval that is long enough to insert the step of the staining method to be added, advance the step of the calculated staining method by one step and insert the step of the staining method to be added and the calculated staining method. Repeat the following steps to determine the difference in chemical solution used with another batch.

Also, if the start time of the next step of the calculated staining method is later than the start time of the next step of the staining method to be added, that is, the step immediately before and the step immediately after the calculated staining method If there is not enough time interval between the steps interposed to insert the step of the staining method to be added, then it is determined whether all the calculated staining methods have been investigated.

If all the staining methods have not yet been determined, select another staining method that has not yet been investigated from among the staining methods that have already been calculated, and repeat the above investigation.

If you have conducted a survey on all staining methods, determine whether the steps being investigated overlap with the steps of all staining methods, and if they do not overlap, please write a comment. Register that the calculation has been completed and exit.

If the step being investigated overlaps with the step of at least one staining method, determine what step the overlapping step is, and if the number of chemical baths is large, no more chemical baths will be added. It is determined whether any one of the deparaffinization process, clearing process, and cleaning process using vaporized water, which are difficult to add, overlaps.

If these steps overlap, find the maximum value of the overlap times, add this maximum value to the delay time that delays the start of the staining method that should be added, and continue the calculation in the comments. After registering, we completed the calculation,
A program for the staining method to be added is created again based on the start time including the delay time.

If none of the above three types of processes overlap, the overlapping chemical liquid tanks are displayed, and a comment indicating that the chemical liquid tank storing the processing liquid should be added is registered. Based on the above comments, the operator determines whether or not to add a chemical tank, and inputs the result of the determination.

A chemical tank is added based on the comment, and if the overlapping state of the chemical tank is resolved, the process ends.

If you do not add a chemical solution tank, find the maximum value of the overlap times, add this maximum value to the delay time that delays the start of the staining method that should be added, and register in the comment that calculation should continue. After completing the calculation, a program for the staining method to be added is created again based on the start time including the delay time.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, a description will be given of the work to prevent the movement processing time of the dyeing method to be added from overlapping with the movement processing time of the basic program.

First, set the step of the staining method to be added to 1, convert the set time to a signal (executive time function) representing the elapsed time from the start of the staining operation, and then set the step (process) of the staining method to be added. Among them, the start time of the step that is to be interrupted into the basic program or the synthesis program (hereinafter simply referred to as the synthesis program) at that point is calculated. Also, among the steps of the staining method to be added, the step (
The period of the synthesis program that starts immediately before Step 1), that is, the period of the synthesis program that starts immediately before the synthesis program, in which the basket is immersed in a chemical bath or taken out from a chemical bath, the operation of the hanging arm is finished, or finds the point at which the action begins.

Also, among the steps of the dyeing method to be added, find the time required to move the basket in the step to be inserted after the period on the end of the hanging arm movement, and then Find the time interval from the start period of the lower arm movement.

The time required to move the basket calculated in this way is compared with the time interval until the next starting period, and if the time interval is shorter than the required time, that is, the dyeing method added after the ending period is If there is no possibility of inserting a step, i.e., the movement of the hanging arm to move the basket, the period in which you are trying to insert the step of the dyeing method to be added, unless all the movements of the synthesis program have been completed. (updated to the next ending period), and the subsequent operations are repeated, starting from the operation of finding the time interval between this ending period and the following starting period.

Compare the time required to move the cage with the time interval between the periods on both the end side and the start side, and even if the time interval is shorter than the required time, the period on the end side of the synthesis program is the last period. In this case, the steps of the staining method to be added can be executed as is, so register the remaining steps of this staining method as is.

Compare the time required for the cage movement with the time interval between the periods on the end side and the start side, and if the time interval is longer than the required time, that is, it is possible to insert an additional staining method step after the above period. If so, it is further determined whether it is actually possible to insert an additional staining method step after the ending period of the synthesis program.

That is, in actual cases, it is not possible to immediately start the step of the dyeing method to be inserted after the end period of the synthesis program, but the step is started from the position where the hanging arm is present in the end period. It takes time A for the hanging arm to move to the desired position. Similarly, move the hanging arm from the position where it exists at the end of the step to the position where it must exist in the next starting period (period + 1). It takes time B to do this.

As shown in Figure 5(a), the time interval between the periods on the end side and the period on the start side is greater than the time required for the step plus the time A and B required for the six suspension arms. If it is large (L>u+A+B), there is a possibility that an additional staining method step can be inserted between the periods, but as shown in Figure (b), the time interval between the two periods is , if it is smaller than the time required for the step plus the time A and B required for the movement of the hanging arm (L<j
2+A+B), an additional staining method step cannot be inserted between the periods above. Therefore, if the time interval is longer than the required time 1 (L>u)
, If there is a possibility that a step of the staining method to be added after the above-mentioned ending period can be inserted, the above-mentioned moving time A,
B is determined, and it is determined whether the sum (fL+A+B) of the travel times A and B and the above required time is greater than the time interval between periods.

The time interval between the periods on both the end side and the start side is the time required for the step, l, and the time required for the movement of the hanging arm, A and B.
(L<l!+A+B), the step of the staining method to be added cannot be inserted between the periods above, so it is the same as when the above time interval is smaller than the required time l. (In order to update the period, move to the next ending period), and repeat the operations starting from the operation of finding the time interval between both the ending and starting periods.

The time interval between the above two periods is larger than the time required for the step plus the time A and B required for moving the hanging arm (L>u+A+B), and the step of the dyeing method to be added is If there is a possibility that it can be inserted between both periods, the ending period at the current moment is
Determine whether it is equal to the ending period at the start of calculation.

If the ending period at the current time is equal to the ending period at the time of starting calculation, then is it possible to move the basket to the specified chemical tank before the time when the step of the additional staining method starts? Decide whether or not. That is, if the time interval between the periods on both the end side and the start side is larger than the time required for the step 1 plus the time A and B required for the movement of the hanging arm (L>l + A + B), It is not always possible to perform an additional step of the staining method between the two periods mentioned above, and as shown in Figure 5 (C), the step of required time 1 is completed before the moving time A has elapsed from the end period. If the step of the dyeing method to be added is to start, the above judgment is necessary because the basket cannot be moved to the predetermined chemical bath before the step of the dyeing method to be added starts.

As a result of the above judgment, if it is determined that the basket can be moved to the specified chemical bath before the time when the step of the dyeing method to be added starts, then the hanging arm is Determine whether you can move forward. That is, the time interval between the periods on both the end side and the start side is the time required for the step C and the time A required for the movement of the hanging arm.
, even if it is larger than the sum of B (L>u+A+B)
, as shown in FIG. 5(d), if the next starting period comes before the elapse of the moving time B following the step of length l, the synthesis program cannot continue after the next starting period. , the above judgment is required.

The time intervals of both periods on the end side and start side, the required time 1 of the step, and the movement times A and B of the hanging arm are shown in Figure 5 (
C) If the relationship is not as shown in (d) but as shown in (a) of the same figure, register the end period of the synthesis program immediately before the start of the step of the staining method to be added. .

In this way, once the positions at which the steps of the staining method to be added can interrupt in the synthesis program have been registered, it is then determined whether the determination of the positions at which the steps of the staining method to be added have all been determined has been completed. If all are completed, start from the second onwards to finish creating the program for the additional staining method. In addition, if the interrupt position determination of the step of the staining method to be added has not been completed, update the step of the staining method to be added (move to the next step), and perform the operation after calculating the start time of this step. , is repeated until the interrupt position determination for all steps is completed.

If the hanging arm cannot be moved to the predetermined position before the next period on the starting side of the synthesis program, that is, the interval between both periods on the ending side and the starting side of the synthesis program and a step of length 1, and the suspension If the arm movement time B has the relationship shown in Figure 5(d), update the ending period of the synthesis program (shift the position where the step of the staining method to be added is inserted one step later). , the operation for determining the interval between periods on both the end and start sides in the synthesis program described above is repeated.

In addition, the two judgments described above, namely, the judgment of whether the ending period at the present moment is equal to the ending period at the time when the calculation of the interrupt position of the step is started, and the judgment of the staining method to be added. If the answer to any of the questions regarding whether or not the basket can be moved to the specified chemical bath before the time when the step starts is NO, the time to start the step of the additional staining method to be interrupted. Since it becomes necessary to delay the process, find the time that must be delayed in order to cause the interruption.

However, in the case of the invention set forth in claim 1 (specified invention) that does not allow extension of steps, the above-mentioned step may be added as shown by the chain line in Figure 4 without requiring the required delay time. Returning to the operation of calculating the start time of the step of the staining method, the above operation is repeated.

On the other hand, in the invention of claim 3, which allows a slight extension of the time required for each step, the current ending period is different from the ending period at the time of starting calculation. (If the period has been updated), find the time required from the ending period to the current ending period at the start of calculation of the interrupt position of the step,
If it is determined that the basket cannot be moved to the designated chemical tank before the start of the step of the dyeing method to be added, the start of the step must be delayed (delay time. Figure 5 (C)
) corresponding to C. ).

Once the required time or delay time is determined, the step of the dyeing method to be added is returned and the returned step is determined.

The step you returned to has a long extension time tolerance (e.g.
Changes are observed for a maximum of 600 seconds. ) If it is a water washing process, a deparaffinization process, or a clearing process, find the allowable value (maximum 600 seconds) and check whether the required time or extended time can be absorbed by the above returned step. (Whether the extension time is within 600 seconds) is determined.

If the above required time or extended time can be absorbed by the returned step, the processing time of the returned step is extended by the above required time or extended time, and then the step is updated (without interrupting the synthesis program). ). At this time, as the processing time is extended in the previously returned step, there is a deviation in the execution type time function of each step after the returned step, so the set time after that step is It is converted back into an executable time function with the required time or extension time added.

Once the conversion of this executable time function is completed, the following operations are repeated to calculate the start time of the step of the staining method to be added again based on the converted time function.

On the other hand, the returned steps are washing process, deparaffinization process,
If it is not a penetration process, it is determined whether the returned step is a immersion process in vapor deposition water. In the case of the immersion process in vapor deposition water, depending on the previous process,
Since the maximum extension time allowed is different, go back to the previous step and make a decision.

If the step before the immersion process in vapor deposition water is not a washing process, the extension of the above immersion process is allowed to be long (for example, up to 600 seconds 1). Similarly to the above case, the following operations are performed to determine whether the required time or extended time (extension time, etc.) can be absorbed in the returned step.

If the process before the immersion process in vapor deposition water is a water washing process,
Since the extension of this immersion process is allowed only a little (for example, up to about 10% of the required time), the allowable value (10% of the required time) is calculated based on the time required for this immersion process, and the extension time etc. It is determined whether the absorption can be performed in the step returned to (whether the extended time, etc. is within 10% of the time required for the immersion process in the vapor deposition water).

If the extra time etc. can be absorbed in the step you return to,
Similar to the case where the water can be absorbed by the water washing process, the processing time of the returned step is extended by the same amount of the extended time, and then the step is updated.

Furthermore, if the step returned before the step to be interrupted in the synthesis program is neither the washing step, the deparaffinization step, the clearing step, nor the immersion step in vapor deposition water, the step returned to the standby tank is A judgment is made as to whether or not it is a dipping process.

If the returned step is an immersion process in a waiting tank where the time can be extended without limit, the time of the immersion process in a waiting tank is extended based on the extension time, and the steps below are performed to update the step. .

If the returned step is none of the rinsing process, deparaffinization process, clearing process, immersion process in vapor deposition water, or immersion process in a waiting tank, the processing time will only be slightly extended (for example, up to about 10% of the required time). Therefore, calculate the allowable value (10% of the required time) based on the required time of this process, and check whether the extra time, etc. can be absorbed in the returned step (if the extra time etc. is the required amount of the process) (Is it within 10% of the time?)
to judge. If the extra time etc. can be absorbed in the step back, as in the case where it can be absorbed in the washing process etc.
Extend the processing time of the returned step by the above-mentioned extended time, etc., and then update the step.In each of the cases described above, if the extended time, etc. cannot be absorbed by the returned step, add more time. Go back through the steps of the staining method and repeat the operations described above.

The program for the additional staining method to be started after the second one determined in this way is the basic program when executing the first staining method after the first staining method, or the above-mentioned execution program in which the synthesis program is stored. The program is stored in the program storage means as a new synthesis program which is superimposed on the basic program or the synthesis program.

When performing the following three or more types of staining methods simultaneously, the calculation means calculates the type of processing liquid used when executing the above synthesis program and the third and subsequent staining methods, the timing of its use, and the transfer processing time. This calculation means calculates programs for the third and subsequent staining methods, and this program is stored in the execution program storage means to create a new synthesis program.

Further, the apparatus for carrying out the method of the present invention as described above includes:
As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 6, the movement of the above-mentioned hanging arm indicates the type of processing liquid used when carrying out the dyeing method, the timing of its use, the timing of transferring the basket, and the time required for transferring. It has a loader 8 for loading the processing time into the computer.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a basic program determining means of a computer into which data is input from the loader 8, and this basic program determining means 9 determines the type of processing liquid and its usage period, the codes indicating the positions of the large number of containers, and the dyeing operation. By replacing the moving processing time with a signal representing the elapsed time from the start of the staining operation, respectively,
Determine the program for executing the staining method.

Reference numeral 10 denotes an execution program storage means that stores the basic program determined by the basic program determination means 9 and sends it to the drive unit of the automatic staining apparatus.

Further, 11 is a calculation means, and this calculation means 11 receives input from the loader 8 and calculates the type of processing liquid to be used and the timing of its use when executing the dyeing method that starts the dyeing process from the second time onward. The codes indicating the positions of the large number of containers and the signal indicating the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation are each replaced with the movement processing time by a signal indicating the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation, and the replaced signals are used. Comparing the contents of the basic program above, check the start time of the second staining method so that the type of processing solution, usage period, and transfer processing time of the second and subsequent staining methods do not overlap in the same time zone. By adjusting , the second program for executing the second staining method is determined.

The arithmetic means 11 and the execution program storage means 10 can freely exchange data with each other, so that an already determined program can be sent to the arithmetic means, and a new program determined by the arithmetic means 11 can be sent to the arithmetic means 11. The program is sent to the execution program storage means 10 which stores the already determined program, and is stored as a composite program overlaid with the already determined program.

Furthermore, the invention set forth in claim 4, which is aimed at shortening the time required to create a synthesis program, will be described.

That is, when seeking a procedure for performing multiple types of staining methods at the same time using an automatic staining apparatus as shown in FIG. In the case of the invention, after determining the start time of the additional staining method, the work to ensure that the movement processing time of the additional staining method does not overlap with the movement processing time of the basic program or the synthesis program is carried out over time. Because the steps are performed in order, if a new synthesis program cannot be created at the above start time, it often takes time to figure out what cannot be done, and in the end, it takes a long time to complete the synthesis program. Put it away.

Therefore, in the invention recited in claim 4, when a synthesis program is created by a calculation means, at the stage where the start time of a newly added staining method is appropriately selected, this start time We will summarize whether or not it is possible to create a new synthesis program by adopting
Calculations to create a new synthesis program are started only when there is a possibility.

The method of rough calculation is to calculate the usage time of the hanging arm in the basic program or synthesis program already stored in the execution program storage means and the usage time of the hanging arm in the newly added dyeing method. In addition to superimposing them on the same time scale, this time scale is divided into multiple unit times at regular intervals, and the number of times the hanging arm is used during each unit time is calculated as follows: It is determined that there is a possibility that a new synthesis program can be created if the number of synthesis programs is less than a certain number of times.

That is, when performing the rough calculation according to the present invention, FIG.
), the time scale A of the basic or synthesis program that has already been calculated, as shown in (b), and the time scale B of the additional staining method, as shown in (b) of the same figure, as shown in (C) of the same figure. , and create a new time scale C. Furthermore, the seventh
In Figures (a) to (c), vertical line segments that intersect horizontal line segments representing the passage of time each represent the usage period of the hanging arm.

The time X for delaying the start time of the time scale B of the newly added staining method with respect to the start time of the time scale A of the calculated program is determined appropriately.

As mentioned above, if the synthetic time scale C is created by overlapping the time scale A of the calculated program and the time scale B of the newly added staining method by appropriately selecting the start time of time scale B, then The calculation means divides the entire dyeing process time, that is, the scale C, into a plurality of unit times (for example, 10 minutes) at regular time intervals, starting from the start of the dyeing process, that is, the starting point of the synthetic time scale C, and Count the number of times the hanging arm is operated (the number of vertical line segments) in unit time A.

Only when the number of operations of the hanging arm per unit time counted in this way is less than the predetermined number of times in all unit times, a new dyeing method is added based on the appropriately selected starting point. Program creation is started by the calculation means.

In other words, the number of operations of the hanging arm per unit time is the predetermined number of times (
For example, 5 times) In the following cases, there is a possibility that the hanging arm can be operated in each unit time portion, so the above calculation is started, but if the hanging arm is not operated in any unit time. If the number of times is greater than the predetermined number, it is certain that the hanging arm will not be able to operate during that unit time portion, so the calculation is based on the delay time X when creating that time scale. Instead, a different delay time X is selected and the above operation is repeated.

(Example) Next, a calculation example in which a specific program was created by implementing the present invention will be described.

In the case of this example, multiple staining methods performed simultaneously include:
Four types of staining methods were employed: Marathon trichrome method, H-E staining method, PAS reaction method, and PAM staining method.

First, we will explain each step that makes up these four types of dyeing methods. First, the Marathon trichrome method is
It has each step as shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1 The H-E staining method has the steps as shown in Table 2 below.

Table 2 Also, the PAS reaction method has each step as shown in Table 3 below.

Table 3 Furthermore, the PAM staining method has each step as shown in Table 4 below.

Table 4 The four types of staining methods each having each step as described above are as follows: First, a basic program for carrying out the Marathon trichrome staining method is created, and hereafter, the H-E staining method, P
By adding the AS reaction method and the PAM staining method to this basic program or the already created synthesis program, we created a program that simultaneously performs four types of staining methods using one automatic staining device. The time required for the hanging arm to move to the adjacent chemical layer was 1 second in both the X and Y directions, and the time required for the lifting and lowering of the hanging arm was 3 seconds for both rising and lowering.

As a result, the invention set forth in claim 1, that is,
When the processing time in the chemical bath in each step was not allowed to be extended, a synthesis program as shown in FIG. 8 was created.

In this Figure 8, the top time scale A is the program for the Marathon trichrome staining method, the second time scale B is the time scale for the H-E staining method, and the third time scale C is the time scale for the H-E staining method. The time scale of the PAS reaction method is the time scale of the PAM staining method, and the bottom time scale D is the time scale of the PAM staining method.
are shown respectively.

As is clear from FIG. 8, if the time extension in each step is not allowed, in reality, the above four types of dyeing methods cannot be performed simultaneously.

Next, by implementing the invention described in claim 3, that is, a method that allows extension of the steps constituting each dyeing method within a certain limit, the following Table 5 and Figures 9 and 10 are obtained. A synthesis program was created as shown.

Table 5 In this Table 5, the start time is the total time from the start of work until the start of the relevant step, and the required time is the time required for the relevant step, expressed in seconds. Also, among the codes representing the staining methods, code 1 is the Marathon trichrome staining method, 2 is the H-E staining method, and 3 is the
4 represents the PAS reaction method and 4 represents the PAM staining method, respectively.

Furthermore, in Figures 9-10, - the soil time scale A is the program of the Marathon trichrome staining method, the second time scale B is the time scale of the H-E staining method, and the third time scale is the time scale of the H-E staining method; C shows the time scale of the PAS reaction method, the bottom time scale D shows the time scale of the PAM staining method, and Figure 9 shows each time scale A.
-D are drawn independently from each other, and in Figure 10, vertical line segments representing the timing when the hanging arm is operated in the dyeing method shown in each scale A-D are drawn superimposed. There is.

Regarding the range in which extension is allowed, for the washing process, deparaffinization process, clearing process, and immersion process in vapor deposition water after the washing process, the maximum length is 600 seconds, and for other processes,
The time required for the process was reduced by one.

As is clear from Table 5 and Figures 9 and 10, the above four types of dyeing methods can be carried out simultaneously if the time extension in each step is allowed.

C1 Effects of the Invention The method and device for determining the procedure for performing multiple types of staining methods simultaneously using the automatic staining device for microscopic specimens of the present invention are configured as described above, so that they can be used in arbitrary and multiple ways that the user wishes to use. It is possible to efficiently and quickly create a program for simultaneously executing several staining methods, and it plays a major role in increasing the efficiency of specimen staining work.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 4 are flow charts showing the method of the present invention;
Figures (a) to (d) are time scales showing four examples of the relationship between the periods of the calculated program and the steps of the staining method to be added, Figure 6 is a block diagram of the apparatus of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a schematic calculation. Figure 8 is a time scale showing a synthesis program created by a method that does not allow time extensions in steps, and Figures 9 and 10 are synthesis programs created by a method that allows steps to be extended within a certain limit. Time scale showing the program. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of an automatic staining apparatus operated according to the program created by the end of the process. 1: Base, 2: Container, 3: Moving beam, 4 : 6 motion block,
5: Hanging arm, 6: Cage, 7: Guide rail, 8: Loader, 9
: Basic program determining means, 10: Execution program storage means, 11: Arithmetic means. Patent applicant: Chiyoda Seisakusho Co., Ltd. Representative: Kinzo Koyama (and one other person) Figure 5 (σ) Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure υ

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) A hanging arm that can be freely engaged and detached from a locking part fixed to a handle provided at the upper end of a basket containing a slide glass with a sample to be stained is attached above the base. A large number of upwardly opening containers each storing a liquid used for dyeing are placed on the top surface of the base, and the hanging arm and the handle of the basket are connected to each other. This method requires a procedure for performing multiple types of staining methods at the same time using an automatic staining device for microscopic specimens equipped with a controller that controls the lifting, lowering, and horizontal movement of the hanging arm. The type of processing solution used when carrying out the first dyeing method, the timing of its use, and the transfer processing time, which indicates when the hanging arm transfers the basket and the time required for transfer, are stored in the computer. Furthermore, the type of the processing liquid and its use time are inputted into the codes indicating the positions of the numerous containers and the signal indicating the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation, and the transfer processing time is the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation. A basic program for executing the first staining method obtained by replacing each signal with a signal representing After loading the liquid into the means, the type of processing liquid to be used when carrying out the second staining method, the timing of its use, and the transfer processing time are loaded into the calculation means, and the calculation means uses the calculation means to calculate the processing time. , the type of processing liquid and the timing of its use, and the transfer processing time related to the second dyeing method, the type of processing liquid and the timing of its use, the codes indicating the positions of the numerous containers and the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing work. The moving processing time is replaced with a signal representing the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation, respectively, and then, by this calculation means, the processing solution of the second staining method, its usage time, and the moving processing time are replaced. , when executing the second staining method by adjusting the start time of the second staining method so that it does not overlap with the same time zone as the processing solution and usage time and moving processing time in the basic program. obtaining a second program for the execution of the first staining method;
When storing the above basic program as a synthesis program overlaid with the above basic program and performing the following three or more staining methods at the same time, the type of processing liquid to be used when executing the above synthesis program and the third and subsequent staining methods. Usage period,
and the movement processing time into the arithmetic means, obtain programs for the third and subsequent staining methods by the Monkey Z means, and store this program in the execution program storage means to create a new synthesis program. , a method for determining procedures for performing multiple types of staining methods simultaneously using an automatic staining device for microscopic specimens. 2) A hanging arm that can be freely engaged and detached from a locking part fixed to a handle provided at the upper end of a basket containing a slide glass with a sample to be stained is placed above the base in both vertical and horizontal directions. A large number of upwardly opening containers each storing a liquid used for dyeing are placed on the top surface of the base, and the hanging arm is connected to and disconnected from the handle of the basket, and the hanging arm is movable. An automatic staining device for microscopic specimens that is equipped with a controller that controls the vertical movement and horizontal movement of the microscope. A loader that loads a transfer processing time into a computer representing the type of liquid and its usage period, the time when the hanging arm transfers the basket, and the time required for the transfer; The staining method was determined by replacing the movement processing time with a signal representing the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation for the code indicating the position of a large number of containers and the signal representing the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation. A basic program determining means for determining a program to be executed, an execution program storage means for storing this basic program, and a type of processing liquid to be used when executing a staining method that starts the staining process from the second time onwards. and its usage time are replaced with codes indicating the positions of the large number of containers mentioned above and signals indicating the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation, and the movement processing time is replaced with a signal indicating the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation, respectively, and these replacements are performed. Compare the received signal with the content of the basic program above, and select the second staining method so that the type of processing liquid, usage period, and transfer processing time of the second and subsequent staining methods do not overlap in the same time period. A second program for executing the second staining method is obtained by adjusting the start time of the second staining method, and this program is sent to the execution program storage means that stores the previously determined basic program. A device for determining procedures for performing multiple types of staining methods at the same time using an automatic staining device for microscopic specimens, which consists of a basic program and a calculation means that is stored as a superimposed composite program. 3) A hanging arm that can be freely engaged and detached from a locking part fixed to a handle provided at the upper end of a basket containing a slide glass with a sample to be stained is placed above the base in both vertical and horizontal directions. A large number of upwardly opening containers each storing a liquid used for dyeing are placed on the top surface of the base, and the hanging arm is connected to and disconnected from the handle of the basket, and the hanging arm is movable. This method requires a procedure for performing multiple types of staining methods at the same time using an automatic staining device for microscopic specimens that is equipped with a controller that controls the elevation and horizontal movement of the microscope specimen. Loading into the computer the type of processing liquid to be used when carrying out the method, the timing of its use, and the transfer processing time representing the time when the hanging arm transfers the basket and the time required for the transfer; The type and time of use thereof are replaced with codes indicating the positions of the large number of containers mentioned above and signals indicating the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation, and the movement processing time is replaced with a signal indicating the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation, respectively. After storing the basic program for executing the first staining method determined in the above process in the execution program storage means of the computer, and loading the same content as the basic program into the calculation means, the second staining process is carried out. The type of processing liquid to be used when carrying out the second dyeing method, the timing of its use, the allowable limit of immersion time, and the transfer processing time are loaded into the calculation means, and the calculation means uses the calculation means to perform the second staining method. The type of processing solution, its usage period, and the transfer processing time related to the dyeing method are expressed in the code indicating the position of the numerous containers mentioned above and the signal indicating the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation. , the transfer processing time is replaced with a signal representing the elapsed time from the start of the staining operation, and then, by this calculation means, the processing solution of the second staining method, its usage period, and the transfer processing time are entered in the basic program. By adjusting the start time of the second dyeing method earlier or later so as not to coincide with the same time period as the processing solution and the transfer processing time, and by extending or contracting the immersion time in the processing solution, A second program for executing the first staining method is obtained, and the second program is stored in the execution program storage means that already stores the basic program for executing the first staining method. Store it as a composite program superimposed on the program,
When performing three or more of the following dyeing methods at the same time, the type and timing of the processing liquid used when executing the above synthesis program and the third and subsequent dyeing methods, and the transfer ■■■■O note The automatic staining apparatus for microscopic specimens loads the program into the calculation means, uses the calculation means to obtain a program for the third or subsequent staining method, and stores this program in the execution program storage means to create a new synthesis program. A method for finding procedures for performing different types of staining methods at the same time. 4) A hanging arm that can be freely engaged and detached from a locking part fixed to a handle provided at the upper end of a basket containing a glass slide with a sample attached to it to be stained is placed above the base and raised and lowered and horizontally A number of upwardly opening containers each storing a liquid used for dyeing are placed on the upper surface of the base, and the hanging arm is connected to and disconnected from the handle of the basket, and the basket is suspended. This method determines the procedure for performing multiple types of staining methods simultaneously using an automatic staining device for microscopic specimens that is equipped with a controller that controls the elevation and horizontal movement of the arm. The type of processing liquid to be used when carrying out the dyeing method, the timing of its use, and the transfer processing time representing the timing and time required for the transfer of the basket by the hanging arm, and further the above-mentioned processing. Replaced the type of liquid and its usage time with codes indicating the positions of the above-mentioned large number of containers and signals indicating the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation, and replaced the movement processing time with a signal indicating the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation. After storing the basic program for executing the first staining method, which was obtained by using When executing the second staining method that starts the staining process, the type of processing liquid used, the timing of its use, and the transfer processing time are loaded into the calculation means, and the calculation means executes the process related to the second staining method. The type of solution, its use period, and the transfer processing time are determined by the type of processing solution, its use period, and the signal indicating the position of the numerous containers and the elapsed time from the start of the dyeing operation. are replaced with signals representing the elapsed time from the start of the staining operation, and then, by this calculation means, the processing liquid of the second staining method, its use time, and transfer processing time are calculated according to the processing liquid in the basic program. By adjusting the start time of the second dyeing method so that it does not overlap with the time of use and the same time period as the moving processing time, the second program when executing the second dyeing method is obtained, This second program is stored as a composite program superimposed on the basic program in the execution program storage means that has already stored the basic program for executing the first staining method, and the following three steps are carried out.
When performing more than one type of staining method at the same time, load the above-mentioned synthesis program and the type of processing liquid to be used when executing the third and subsequent staining methods, the timing of its use, and the transfer processing time into the calculation means. Then, by using this calculation means, a program for a staining method that is less than 100% is obtained, and this program is stored in the above-mentioned execution program storage means to create a new synthesis program. In the method of determining the procedure to be carried out, when a synthesis program is created by the calculation means, the hanging arm of the newly added dyeing method moves the basket to the basic program or synthesis program already stored in the execution program storage means. The time required for changing and the time required for transferring are combined by appropriately selecting the starting point of the newly added dyeing method, and the calculation means calculates the entire dyeing process time multiple times at regular time intervals using the starting point of the dyeing process as the starting point. Divided into periods of A method for determining a procedure for performing multiple types of staining methods simultaneously using an automatic staining device for microscopic specimens, characterized in that the creation of a program for the method is started by a calculation means.