Enhanced Scheduling Sample Processing System and Methods of Biological Slide Processing

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.

1 . A method of automated sample processing comprising the steps of:
 establishing 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;   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 - 158 . (canceled)