Apparatus and Methods for Processing and Cataloging of Samples

Abstract

A device for processing and cataloging of a sample, in a container having a label with identifying data, has a frame; a plurality of cameras mounted to the frame; and a controller system coupled to the cameras, the controller system including a controller and a non-transitory memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the controller, cause carrying out of computer processes that produce a catalog record output characterizing the sample, such record also including the identifying data.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for processing and cataloging of a sample, in a container having a label with originating identifying data, the device comprising:
 a framework defining a work area, wherein the work area includes a location for receiving the container;   a plurality of cameras mounted in the framework;   a controller system coupled to the cameras, the controller system including a controller and a non-transitory memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the controller, cause carrying out of computer processes comprising:   causing a first one of the cameras to capture an image of the sample in the work area;   causing a second one of the cameras to capture an image of the identifying data;   processing the image of the sample to a data output characterizing attributes of the sample;   integrating the data output into a catalog record output characterizing the sample, such record also including the identifying data; and   transmitting the catalog record output over a network to a record system for storage.   
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein processing the image of the sample includes forming a composite image that includes the image of the identifying data and the image of the sample. 
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein causing the first one of the cameras to capture and causing the second of the cameras to capture occur in a manner wherein capturing by each camera occurs approximately simultaneously. 
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 3 , wherein the catalog record output includes the sample image, the image of the identifying data, and a time stamp indicating a time when the images of the identifying data and the sample were captured. 
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the sample is to be transferred to a processing cassette, the processing cassette having second identifying data thereon, and the work area has a location for receiving the cassette while the container has also been received in the work area, and the computer processes executed by the controller further comprise:
 causing one of the cameras to capture an image of the second identifying data;   transforming the originating identifying data and the second identifying data into first and second digitally encoded text respectively; and   comparing the first and second digitally encoded text for consistency.   
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 5 , wherein the computer processes further comprise causing a selected one of the cameras to capture a set of images documenting a transfer of the sample from the container to the processing cassette. 
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 6 , wherein the captured set of images is a video recording. 
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 5 , wherein the computer processes further comprise analyzing the captured set of images documenting the transfer to identify an apparent deviation in activity from that associated with a normal transfer. 
     
     
         9 . A device according to  claim 8 , wherein the deviation is one in which a portion of the sample to be transferred appears to have been modified or lost. 
     
     
         10 . A device according to  claim 9 , wherein the deviation is one in which the portion of the sample to be transferred has remained in the container. 
     
     
         11 . A device according to  claim 8 , wherein the deviation is one in which the sample appears to have been transferred to an incorrect processing cassette, based on failure of the second digitally encoded text to match the first digitally encoded text. 
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 5 , wherein the computer processes further comprise assessing the data output characterizing attributes of the sample for compliance with minimum standards for downstream processing, and, in the event of such compliance, issuing a notice message to the user to submit the sample for downstream processing. 
     
     
         13 . A device according to  claim 12 , wherein the attributes of the sample used for the assessing include a member selected from the group consisting of size of the sample, dimensions of each piece of the sample, color of each piece of the sample, contour locations in each piece of the sample, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         14 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the instructions establish a computer user interface configured to display to the user a distinct graphical representation of each one of a plurality of portions of the sample, along with an identification of the portion, at least one attribute of the portion, and a location of the portion. 
     
     
         15 . A device according to  claim 14 , wherein the computer processes further comprise determining the at least one attribute of the portion by z-axis analysis of the image of the sample. 
     
     
         16 . A device according to  claim 14 , wherein the computer user interface graphically indicates to the user an apparent deviation in activity from that associated with a normal transfer of the sample. 
     
     
         17 . A device according to  claim 14 , wherein the computer user interface graphically indicates to the user non-compliance of the attributes of the sample with minimum standards for downstream processing. 
     
     
         18 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising non-transitory storage medium in which is stored a data record associated with the sample, the data record including (i) the image of the sample, (ii) the image of identifying data associated with the sample, wherein the image of the sample and the image of the identifying data have been captured simultaneously, and (iii) a time stamp indicating the time when the images have been captured. 
     
     
         19 . A device according to  claim 18 , wherein the data record includes a composite image that includes the image of the sample and the image of the identifying data. 
     
     
         20 . A device according to  claim 18 , wherein the image of identifying data is associated with a container initially storing the sample, and the data record further includes (iv) an image of the sample transferred to a processing cassette, (v) an image of second identifying data that is associated with the processing cassette, and (vi) a time stamp indicating the time when the image of the sample transferred to the processing cassette and the image of second identifying data were captured.