Slide imaging apparatus and a method for imaging a slide

A slide imaging apparatus, comprising:

• at least one first imaging device and at least one second imaging device, each configured to generate an image of a sample mounted on a slide;
• a storage device loadable with a plurality of slides;
• and
• a supply device configured to selectively supply the slides from the storage device to the at least one first imaging device or to the at least one second imaging device;
• an operating system configured to control operation of at least one of the supply device, the at least one first imaging device, or the at least one second imaging device,
• wherein the at least one first imaging device and the at least one second imaging device comprise at least one visual indicator configured to indicate an operational status of the at least one first imaging device and the at least one second imaging device by generating a visual pattern,
• wherein the slide imaging apparatus further comprises at least one vision sensor configured to detect the operational status of the at least one first imaging device and the at least one second imaging device based on the visual pattern generated by the at least one visual indicator, and
• wherein the at least one vision sensor is further configured to detect a failure of an imaging device of the at least one first imaging device and the at least one second imaging device based on the visual pattern generated by the at least one visual indicator and, in response, the operating system is further configured to rearrange a mode of operation of the supply device to only deliver to and discharge any available imaging devices of the at least one first imaging device and the at least one second imaging device.