Opposing edges system for scanning and processing glass slides

A method of controlling a stage in a digital slide scanning apparatus that comprises

• the stage comprising a support surface configured to support a slide during scanning, the slide having a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface,
• a reference edge attached to the stage, wherein a facing side surface of the reference edge extends above the support surface, such that, when a slide is on the support surface, the facing side surface of the reference edge faces the first side surface of the slide,
• a movable opposing edge attached to the stage, wherein a facing side surface of the movable opposing edge extends above the support surface, such that, when a slide is on the support surface, the facing side surface of the movable opposing edge faces the second side surface of the slide,
• a slide rack comprising a plurality of slots configured to hold slides, and
• at least one processor,
• the method comprising, by the at least one processor:
• when a slide is being loaded from a slot in the slide rack onto the support surface of the stage, controlling the movable opposing edge to remain away from the second side surface of the slide, so as not to apply any pressure from the movable opposing edge to the second side surface of the slide;
• when the slide is being scanned, controlling the movable opposing edge to contact the second side surface of the slide, so as to apply a first amount of pressure from the movable opposing edge to the second side surface of the slide;
• and,
• when the slide is being unloaded from the support surface of the stage into a slot in the slide rack, controlling the movable opposing edge to contact the second side surface of the slide, so as to apply a second amount of pressure from the movable opposing edge to the second side surface of the slide.