System and method for barcode scanning using historical user insertion data

Abstract

Configurations for a system, method, and device for reducing / eliminating erroneous barcode readings are disclosed. Reducing the erroneous barcode reads includes assessing the quality of insertion of a biologic sample card into a barcode reader. The quality of insertion of the biologic sample card may be determined by comparing the sensed barcode of the inserted biologic sample card to a previously scanned barcode stored in a historical data set of barcodes. The sensed barcode may not match any previously scanned barcode and alert a user to reinsert the biologic sample card to verify the sensed barcode from the previous insertion. Additionally, if the insertion quality is determined to be unsatisfactory, the user may be alerted to reinsert the biologic sample card.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BARCODE SCANNING USING HISTORICAL USER INSERTION DATACROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of US Provisional Application No. 63 / 724,663, filed November 25, 2024. The entire contents of the abovereferenced patent application are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to systems, devices, and methods for a sample analyzer that employs historical user insertion data to determine the accuracy of a scan. More particularly, this disclosure relates to determining and / or verifying the accuracy of a barcode scan by using historical insertion accuracy of previous scans.BACKGROUND

[0003] Generally, samples may be read using a barcode identifier which is scanned by a barcode reader. This barcode reader may incorrectly scan the barcode which in turn leads to mistakes in identification of the corresponding sample. The sample may be any product, widget or testing sample which is identified using the barcode identifier.

[0004] Any sample or product may be identified using a barcode label. (The terms “sample’' and “product” are used interchangeably herein and both are intended to be included in the use of either term.) The barcode provides a simple anonymous label which can be decoded and identified using well-known barcode readers.

[0005] In one example, samples may be collected to determine test results and / or information to a patient using an analyzer capable of reading the barcode identifier. These analyzers may be used in an on-site laboratory, emergency room, intensive care unit, hospital, individual patient rooms, or in a manufacturing facility, distribution site, store or any other site where multiple individual samples require identification and / or sorting. Alternatively, products may be produced and provided with a barcode label which provides inventory, distribution or pricing information that can be decoded using barcode reading analyzers. The barcode-reading analyzers provide the additional advantage of allowing sample anonymity or in the case of product, agnosticity.

[0006] Barcode-mediated sample analyzers may provide critical results and / or information for sample / product identification. In some examples, samples may be stored directly in a sample card. These sample cards may be inserted into the analyzer and may be identified by the analyzer reading and / or sensing a barcode on the sample card. Unfortunately, incorrect insertion of the sample card may result in an erroneous reading and the analyzer may misidentify the sample card. These misidentifications could result in inaccurate sample test results. Accordingly, a cost-effective system and / or device that accounts for improper card insertion and / or incorrect barcode readings of sample cards is desirable.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to an error detection method, device and system that assesses whether a sample analyzer has misread a sensed barcode when a sample card with a barcode is inserted into a sample analyzer. Also described are systems, devices, and methods directed to a sample analyzer that may sense a barcode as a sample card is inserted into the sample analyzer. The quality of the insertion may be assessed by comparing the sensed barcode to a set of historical data.

[0008] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate how the invention can be practiced through specific, non-limiting examples. It is understood that other examples can be used, and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0009] The embodiments described herein relate to methods, devices, and systems using consistency of insertion speed of a sample card into a sample analyzer and / or barcode reader and using historical insertion data to reduce and / or eliminate inaccurate barcode readings.

[0010] The embodiments provide detection of inaccurate sensing of barcode labels in any setting. In one embodiment of the invention, sample analyzers may be used to test patient samples such as blood samples, urine samples, tissue samples, plasma samples, any biologic sample, any combination thereof, and the like, so that a correct diagnosis and / or treatment plan may be formulated. In another embodiment, the sample analyzer may identify other types of samples, such as products in a manufacturing or distribution system, in a store or other setting where the sample requires identification and / or sorting. In addition to identification and sorting, barcode scanning of samples provides the advantage of maintaining anonymity of sample source.

[0011] Additionally, one embodiment provides improved and / or more accurate barcode recognition and decoding of a sample card capable of storing a sample that may be tested by the sample analyzer. In one example, the sample card may be a single use, credit card sized device designed for testing of samples, for example for bodily fluid or other fluid testing. In one example, the sample card may comprise a sample entry port and an array of sensors along with calibration fluid in a sealed reservoir. The card may be used to perform various tests, providing results by measuring various signals and / or components in the samples and transmitting results to the user. Sample analyzers with barcode sensors may be operable to receive the sample card. The sample card may include a barcode that when decoded and / or converted includes barcode information such as an expiration of the sample card, the type of sample card, the lot number of the sample card, tests that may be performed on the sample stored in the card, and the like. The sample card may be inserted into the sample analyzer, and a barcode sensor may detect the barcode on the sample card. A processor included in the sample analyzer may decode and / or convert the sensed barcode into barcode information. Using the converted sensed barcode and the barcode information, the processor may determine whether the insertion of the sample card was unsatisfactory and whether the sample card includes a new barcode or if there is existing stored historical data for the scanned barcode. The terms analyzer and sample analyzer may be used interchangeably herein.

[0012] Eliminating the erroneous barcode readings may include assessing the quality of insertion of a sample card into a barcode reader. The quality of insertion of the sample card may be determined by comparing the sensed barcode of the inserted sample card to a previously scanned barcode stored in a set of historical data of barcodes. The sensed barcode may not match any previously scanned barcode and alert a user to reinsert the sample card to verify the sensed barcode from the previous insertion. Additionally, an assessment of insertion quality may be performed by comparing the sensed barcode from the insertion and removal of the sample card. If the insertion quality is determined to be unsatisfactory', the user may be alerted to reinsert the sample card.

[0013] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a sample analyzer for sensing barcodes, having a bar code reader with an insertion slot operable to accept a sample card bearing a barcode. The barcode includes a set of bars and a set of spaces, wherein the sets of bars and spaces form the barcode. The analyzer further includes a sensor operable to sense the barcode; a processor operable to convert the sensed barcode into barcode information, performan insertion quality assessment using the sensed barcode, and determine that the quality of insertion of the sample card into the insertion slot is one of satisfactory or unsatisfactory based at least in part on a set of historical data.

[0014] In addition to the example aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example sample analyzer;

[0016] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate a block diagram of a front and a back, respectively , of an example sample card;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates an example barcode;

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates an example sample card and an insertion slot of a sample analyzer;

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an example sample analyzer;

[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an example flowchart of a method for detecting barcode misreads of a sample card; and

[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates an example flowchart of a method for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card.

[0022] The proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented between them are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following description is not intended to limit theembodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0024] Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for eliminating barcode misreads on sample cards. Using the consistency of speed of insertion and / or removal of a sample card into and from a sample analyzer, the sensed barcode obtained from the sample card may be compared to stored historical insertion and / or removal data to determine whether the barcode has been misread.

[0025] The system, devices and methods described herein are directed to determining a misread of a barcode label in an analyzer. The analyzer contains a barcode reader which recognizes and decodes the information in the sample barcode label. In particular, e.g., the barcode reader facilitates identification, location or another attribute of the sample, such as for example, it may identify which tests may be performed on the sample. The terms barcode reader, barcode scanner and barcode sensors are used herein to encompass an electronic device that scans and decodes the bars printed on a label or similar surface to capture product and / or sample information. The analyzer may include, but is not limited to, a light source, lens, photoconductor, and decoder, which translate the barcode’s visual patterns into informational data. Barcode readers can be handheld or stationary and are widely used in retail, inventory management, and logistics for efficient data entry and tracking of products or samples.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example sample analyzer 100. The sample analyzer 100 may include a sample analyzer body 130 with ahousing 135, an insertion slot 110, a display 120 with a display housing 136, and a processor (not shown). In one embodiment, the sample analyzer 100 may be used as a point of care biologic sample analyzer and may provide feedback for a patient sample within minutes. The sample analyzer body 130 may include the insertion slot 110 and may be detachable from the display 120. The display 120 may be a graphical user interface and / or also may be atouch screen interface. The insertion slot 110 may be operable to receive a sample card (not shown). Once a sample card is inserted into the insertion slot, a barcode sensor (not shown) may sense the barcode on the sample card and convert the barcode into sample card information. In some examples, the housing 135 and the display housing 136 may be a single housing.

[0027] In FIG. 1, the housing 135 may surround the sample analyzer body and the housing 136 may surround the display. In some examples, the housings 135 and 136 may be the same housing when the sample analyzer body 130 and the display 120 are one component. Additionally, the housing 135 and 136 may be a single housing when the sample analyzer body and the display are one component.

[0028] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate a block diagram of a front of a sample card 205 and a back of a sample card 205, respectively. The front of the sample card in FIG. 2A may include a barcode 210, test information 220, an expiration date 220, a lot number 240, a sensor 250, and other information such as, but not limited to company identification, a QR code, manufacturing date, card type, and the like. Generally, there may be different types of sample cards for testing different samples including, but not limited to, animal samples, human samples, urine, whole blood, blood serum, blood plasma, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, dialysate fluid, nasopharyngeal fluid, vaginal fluid, tears, veinous samples, arterial samples, control fluids, any combination thereof, and the like. Similarly, sample cards may carry non-biological samples, preferably fluid samples, and where the sample is analyzed, identified, or sorted based on the associated barcode label and its reading in the sample analyzer.

[0029] The sample card 205 may be inserted into the insertion slot of the sample analyzer with or without a sample. For example, after powering on both the body and display of the sample analyzer and providing user credentials, the user may be prompted to insert the sample card 205 into the insertion slot directly after removing the sample card 205 from the packaging. Stated differently, the user may be prompted to insert an empty sample card 205 into the insertion slot so that the sample analyzer may perform an initial evaluation of the empty sample card. In some examples, the sample analyzer may verify the lot number, that the sample card 205 is not expired, and / or may calibrate the sample analyzer while the empty sample card 205 is still inserted.

[0030] The test information 220, the expiration date 230 (in the case of a biological sample or other time-sensitive sample), and the lot number 240, as well as other information may be included in the barcode 210. That is. once the sample card is inserted, the barcode 210 may be sensed and the sensed barcode is converted into sample card information, this sample card information may include at least the information that is printed on the front 200 of the sample card. Thus, when the barcode 210 is inserted into the insertion slot of the sample analyzer (notshown in FIGs. 2A and 2B) by a user, the converted sample card information may alert the user to various flags, for example, that the sample card has expired and / or that three tests may not be performed together on the sample that has been provided to the sample analyzer.

[0031] After the sample card 205 has been inserted into the insertion slot of the sample analyzer and the initial configuration sequence has completed, the barcode may be converted into barcode information which may include information about which sensor(s) 250 is provided on the sample card 205. The sensor(s) 250 may indicate which types of analyses or identification may be performed on the sample. In certain sample ty pes, additional materials may be injected into the sample card where specific analyses may be performed on a sample to determine its composition or particular characteristic. In other examples, the sample card 205 may not include a sensor 250 and in still other examples, the sample card may include a panel of sensors 250 that may indicate which analyses may be performed on the sample. In one example, a blood sample card may include sensors for reporting pH, pCO2, pO2, lactate, Na+, K+. iCa, glucose, creatinine, BUN, hematocrit. TCO2 analytes, while another card supports only COOX measurements to report tHb, O2Hb, HHb, COHb, MetHb analytes. In another example, a different card may' include sensors that are some combination of the two previous sample cards or different sample cards. The panel of sensors 250 may provide information regarding which combination of tests in a test panel may be performed on the sample and also may provide which tests may not be performed concurrently with certain tests in the test panel. For example, in one type of biological sample, the user may select that a glucose and a tHb test will be performed on a single patient sample. The processor of the sample analyzer may determine that these two ty pes of tests may not be performed together on a particular patient sample and alert the user. In some examples, the user may manually select which tests may be performed on the sample, however the barcode information may still limit which tests may be performed together.

[0032] In FIG. 2B. the back of the sample card 205 includes a sample repository’ 255 and a sample port 260. The sample may be collected using a syringe or capillary tube or other delivery device (not shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B). For example, when using a syringe, the user may transfer the sample from the syringe to the sample repository' 255 on the back of the sample card 205 via the sample port 260. The syringe tip may be inserted into the sample port 260 to transfer the sample to the sample repository 255. The sample card 205 may or may not beinserted in the insertion slot of the sample analyzer when transferring the sample to the sample repository 255.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an example barcode 300. The barcode 300 may include bars 310 and spaces 320 of the same and / or varying widths. The barcode 300 may include a first set of bars and spaces 330 that may be a start symbol. For discussion purposes only, the start symbol in FIG. 3 may include three bars and three spaces, but the start symbol may include any number of bars and spaces. The barcode 300 may also include a second set of bars and spaces 330, and a third set of bars and spaces 350. The second set of bars and spaces 340 may be encoded information and the third set of bars and spaces 350 may be a stop symbol. The number of bars and spaces in the second and third sets of bars and spaces may vary and may be any number of bars and spaces. In some examples, the barcode 300 may include a fourth set of bars and spaces 360 that may be a cyclic redundancy check. Cyclic redundancy checks involve verifying the integrity of data read from a barcode through use of a polynomial division algorithm. The cyclic redundancy check compares an encoded check value with a sensed check value and if these check values do not match one another, then the user may be alerted. The cyclic redundancy check may provide a level of error detection when reading the barcode 300. Additionally in some examples and as depicted in FIG. 3, the fourth set of bars and spaces may be included as part of the third set of bars and spaces that may be encoded information as well as including the cyclic redundancy check.

[0034] As the sample card is inserted into the insertion slot of the sample analyzer, the barcode 300 may be sensed. In some examples, the barcode 300 may be sensed by a laser sensor. The laser sensor may be operable to sense the reflections of the bars and the spaces and the widths of the bars and spaces may be translated into a digital format sensed barcode. The sensed barcode may be converted by the processor included in the sample analyzer into the barcode information. In some examples, the speed at which different users may insert the sample card may vary or the speed of one user inserting the sample card may vary. That is. the user may insert the sample card slowly and then faster. Because of the variation of insertion speed, the various bars and spaces may be sensed incorrectly in that a bar may be sensed wider than the actual width if the insertion speed is slower and the bar may be sensed narrower if the insertion speed is faster. Should the insertion speed vary’, the sensed barcode may be incorrect and may indicate that the sensed barcode is a new barcode that has not been sensed before. Additionally, different users may have different insertions speeds. For example, a first usermay have a fast insertion speed and then slow down and a second user may have a slow insertion speed and then insert the card more quickly. Due to these insertion speed variations, performing an insertion quality assessment, in the sample analyzer, decreases the chances of inaccurate results, which will be described herein with reference to at least FIGs. 4 and 5 and the corresponding descriptions. Additionally, another detection of erroneous insertion may based on a comparison of the widths of bars and spaces. The processor is operable to determine the inconsistent insertion speed by recognizing that one of the widths of bars and spaces of the second set is wider or narrower by an order of magnitude or more than widths of bars and spaces of the first set. Upon determining the inconsistency between the sets of bar and space widths, the processor may alert the user to reinsert the sample card due to an erroneous insertion.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates an example sample card 405, and an insertion slot 410 included in a sample analyzer body 430. As previously described with reference to FIG. 2, the sample analyzer 400 may include a sample analyzer body 430. and a display 420. To begin a sample testing process, a user may power on each of the sample analyzer body 430 and the display 420. In some examples, the display 420 may be a “host” and the sample analyzer body 430 and the display 420 may couple to one another. In one example, the display 420 may couple to the sample analyzer body 430. The sample analyzer 400 may prompt a user to enter user credentials and then may prompt the user to insert an empty sample card 405. Inserting the empty sample card 405 may allow the sample analyzer 400 to sense and convert the barcode on the sample card 405, as well as perform a calibration sequence prior to testing the patient sample.

[0036] While the sample card 405 is being inserted into the insertion slot 410 of the sample analyzer body 430 by a user, the barcode may be sensed. Each time a barcode is sensed, an insertion quality assessment may be performed. As previously described with reference to FIGs. 2A and 2B, the barcode may include a set of bars and lines that are a cyclic redundancy check. The cyclic redundancy check may provide a baseline level of error detection when reading the barcode 300. The cyclic redundancy check may compare an encoded check value with a sensed check value and if these check values do not match one another, then the user may be alerted. Even though the cyclic redundancy check may be included in the barcode, errors in sensing the barcode may still occur.

[0037] In some examples, when a new lot of sample cards 405 is being used, a user may be prompted to insert a sample card 405 from the new lot multiple times. The new lot of samplecards 405 may include the same capabilities as a previous lot of sample cards 405, however when the barcode is sensed and the lot number is different, additional insertions may be requested by the sample analyzer. These additional insertions may also be stored as satisfactory or unsatisfactory insertions and removals and may be stored in the historical data for the sensed barcode. In some examples, the number of additional insertions may be two, three, four, or any number of requested additional insertions of the sample card 405. In some examples, the historical data may include these initial insertions including the requested additional insertions as well as insertions and removals of the sample cards 405 being inserted by one or more users.

[0038] Generally, each insertion and removal of a sample card may generate a sensed insertion barcode and a sensed removal barcode of the sample card. The sensed insertion barcode and the sensed removal barcode may be compared to one another to determine whether the user may be prompted to reinsert the sample card. In some examples, the sensed insertion barcode and the sensed removal barcode may be compared to one another and to a previously sensed barcode of the set of the historical data. When the processor determines that any of the sensed insertion barcode, the sensed removal barcode, and / or the previously sensed barcodes of the set of historical data do not match one another, the processor may prompt the user to reinsert the sample card. In other examples, the processor may determine that only one of the sensed insertion barcode and / or the sensed removal barcode matches a previously sensed barcode of the set of historical data and may prompt the user to reinsert the sample card.

[0039] In some examples, an insertion quality assessment may be performed by comparing the sensed barcode to historical data stored on and / or by at least one of the sample analyzer body 430 and / or the display 420. The comparison may be performed to determine whether the sensed barcode matches an existing barcode stored in the historical data or if the sensed barcode does not match an existing barcode. When the sensed barcode does not match an existing barcode, the processor may determine that the sensed barcode is a new barcode. Continuing the example, when the sensed barcode is determined to be a new barcode, the user may be prompted on the display 420, to remove the sample card 405 and to reinsert the sample card 405. Although it may be possible for a barcode to be misread as a different barcode, the probability of a barcode misread is less than approximately 0.002 percent.

[0040] Additionally, the processor may provide another assessment by determining whether the insertion and removal speed is consistent enough to provide an accurately sensed barcode. Once the sensed barcode is converted into digital content, each bar and space may berepresented by numbers that are within the same order of magnitude. In the event that the representative number changes by approximately an order of magnitude or more, the processor may alert the user that the sample card 405 was not inserted and / or removed correctly and prompt the user to reinsert the sample card 405. In other examples, the representative number may indicate that the bar(s) and / or space(s) are approximately twice as wide or more and the processor may also alert the user to reinsert the sample card 405.

[0041] In another example, the historical data may also include an assessment of insertion quality7including previous assessments of the stored barcode. Stated differently, for any given barcode, the historical data may include a number of successful insertions and removals and a number of unsuccessful insertions and removals. In performing the assessment, the sensed barcode may be compared to the number of successful and unsuccessful insertions and removals of the same previously sensed barcode. For example, if the historical data for the sensed barcode includes half of the insertions and removals as unsuccessful, the user may be prompted by the processor with text displayed on the display to reinsert the sample card.

[0042] In yet another example the sensed barcode may be compared to the set of historical data and match an existing barcode. The processor may then determine that the barcode sensing was satisfactory, accept the sensed barcode, and proceed with the testing sequence. The display 420 may prompt the user to transfer the sample from the syringe to the sample card 405. As previously described with reference to FIGs. 2A and 2B, the syringe may be inserted into the sample port and the sample may be transferred from the syringe to the sample card 405 for testing by the sample analyzer.

[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an example sample analyzer 500 system architecture. The sample analyzer 500 may include at least a sensor 510, a processor 520, memory 530, and a graphical processor 540. The sample analyzer 500 may store the historical data locally in the memory 530. In other examples, the sample analyzer 500 may be connected to a server 501 via a network 505, for example, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), WiFi, etc. In one example, the server 501 is deployed in a cloud computing environment. As used herein, “cloud computing environment” refers to a processing environment comprising configurable computing physical and logical resources, for example, networks, servers, storage, applications, services, etc., and data distributed over the network 506, for example, the internet. The cloud computing environment provides on-demand network access to a shared pool of the configurable computing physical and logical resources.Additionally, the server 501 may include a network interface for communicating with the more than one sample analyzer and / or other types of devices via the network 505. In one example, the analyzer is used for testing of biological samples, where one such device may be the EPOC blood analysis system, manufactured and sold by Siemens Healthineers.

[0044] The processor 520 may be configured to perform the processes as described herein. The processor 520, as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, microcontroller, complex instruction set computing microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, very7long instruction word microprocessor, explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, graphics processor, digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit. The processor 520 may also include embedded controllers, such as generic or programmable logic devices or arrays, application specific integrated circuits, single-chip computers, and the like. In general, a processor 520 can include hardware elements and software elements. The processor 520 can be configured for multi-threading, for example, the processor 520 can host different calculation processes at the same time, executing the either in parallel or switching between active and passive calculation processes.

[0045] The memory 530 may be transitory memory and non-transitory memory. The memory 530 may be coupled for communication with the processor 520. The processor 520 may execute instructions and / or code stored in the memory 530. A variety of computer- readable storage media may be stored in and accessed from the memory 530. The memory 530 may include any suitable elements for storing data and machine-readable instructions, such as read only memory, random access memory’, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, a hard drive, a removable media drive for handling compact disks, digital video disks, diskettes, magnetic tape cartridges, memory cards, and the like. In the present embodiment, the memory 530 includes a graphical processor 540 stored in the form of machine-readable instructions on any of the above-mentioned storage media and may be in communication to and executed by processor 520. When executed by the processor 520, the processing and / or calculations described in further detail herein may be executed. The memory 530 may also include the set of historical data. The set of historical data may include previously sensed barcodes, a number of successful and a number of unsuccessful previously sensed insertion barcodes, and a number of successful and a number of unsuccessfulpreviously sensed removal barcodes. The set of historical data may be used when assessing the insertion quality of the sample card into the insertion slot of the sample analyzer body.

[0046] The samples introduced into and / or tested by the sample analyzer 500 may comprise biological materials taken from a patient, such as, for example, bodily or other organic fluids, or non-biological materials, such as, e.g., inorganic materials. Bodily fluids may include but are not limited to urine, whole blood, blood serum, blood plasma, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, dialysate fluid, nasopharyngeal fluid, vaginal fluid, tears, and the like. The samples may further include any suitable buffers, diluents, or the like as needed or desired for the particular sample. In some examples, a sample may comprise a blood sample, which may be a whole blood sample comprising plasma and whole blood cells, a plasma sample, or a serum sample, for example. A whole blood sample may comprise red blood cells, platelets and the like.

[0047] The sample analyzer 500 may include a housing (not shown in FIG. 5, depicted in FIG. 1 housing 135, and display housing 136) for surrounding and supporting multiple sample analyzing components and / or modules (not shown in FIG. 5). These components may include a sample receiving assembly, fluidic tubing assemblies, displays, processors, and other components configured to operate the sample analyzer 500.

[0048] In some examples, the processor 520 may be included in either one or both of the sample analyzer body, and / or the display. In the example in which the processor 520 is included in the display, the display may be operably, communicatively, and / or physically coupled to the sample analyzer body. The display may synchronize to the sample analyzer body when both of the components are powered on so that the memory is available to either one or both of the components. Additionally, the memory 530 may be included in either one or both of the sample analyzer body, and / or the display. In the example in which the memory' 530 is included in the display, the display may be operably, communicatively, and / or physically coupled to the sample analyzer body. As previously described, the display may synchronize to the sample analyzer body when both of the components are powered on so that the memory is available to either one or both of the components.

[0049] Also included in the sample analyzer 500 are the barcode sensor 550 and the barcode decoder 560. The barcode decoder 560 may convert the sensed barcode into the barcode information that includes data such as the expiration date of the sample card, the ty peof sample card, the lot number of the sample card, tests that may be performed on the sample stored in the sample card, and the like. In some examples, the barcode decoder 560 may be included in the processor 520. One or more of the components of the sample analyzer 500 including the barcode sensor 550, the barcode decoder 560, the processor 520, the memory 530, and the graphical processor 540 may be operably and / or communicatively coupled to one another.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates an example flowchart of a method for detecting barcode misreads of a sample card. In some examples, the sample card may be a biologic sample card that may store a sample collected from a patient. The method may include operation 610 providing a sample analyzer with a barcode sensor. The sample analyzer may additionally include a processor and memory so that sensed barcodes may be compared, via the processor, to a historical set of previously sensed barcodes that may be stored in the memory. The previously sensed barcode data may include the number of satisfactory' reads of a barcode and a number of unsatisfactory reads of a barcode. This may provide some context when determining whether a sensed barcode has been misread or is a new barcode. In some examples, certain patterns included in a barcode may be more susceptible to misreads due to the thickness and spacing of the bars and spaces. As such, when a sensed barcode is indicated as a new barcode but is very similar to a previously sensed and stored barcode with multiple unsatisfactory reads of a barcode, the user may be prompted to reinsert the sample card.

[0051] In operation 620, the sample analyzer may be operable receive an insertion of a sample card via an insertion slot of the sample analyzer. The sample card may be manually inserted by a user. The user may align the sample card with the insertion slot and push the sample card into the insertion slot and then remove the sample card, by pulling the sample card out of the insertion slot. The quality of the insertion, consistency, and speed at which the sample card may be inserted is dependent on the user. Some users may insert a sample card with a consistent speed and others may be jerky or go fast and then slow (or vice versa) on insertion. When a user changes the speed at which the sample card is inserted, bars and / or spaces of the barcode may be sensed as narrower or thicker than the actual thickness of the bar and / or space. This may cause a misread of the barcode by the barcode sensor.

[0052] In operation 630, the sample analyzer may be operable to sense a barcode on the sample card via a barcode sensor of the sample analyzer. The barcode sensor may sense the barcode on the sample card as the user inserts the sample card into the insertion slot. Inoperation 640, the sample analyzer may be operable to convert the sensed barcode into barcode information. The barcode information may include the expiration date of the sample card, a lot of the sample card, the tests to be performed on the sample, any combination thereof, and the like. In operation 650, the sample analyzer may be operable to perform an insertion quality assessment using the sensed barcode as previously described herein. In some examples, the sensed barcode may be determined to be a new barcode as determined to have unsatisfactory insertion quality. The sensed barcode may be compared to previously stored barcodes in a set of historical data stored in memory. The memory may be either exclusively local, exclusively remote from the analyzer, and / or some combination of both. The processor may determine that the sensed barcode does not match any of the previously sensed barcodes or may determine that the insertion quality was unsatisfactory. An unsatisfactory insertion of the sample card may be determined by including sets of bars and spaces that are quality indicators of the insertion. In some examples, the initial two to five bars and two to five spaces may be a start pattern. Should the barcode reader sense the start pattern as a pattern other than the predetermined and / or known pattern, then this may be indicative of an unsatisfactory insertion quality. Accordingly, in operation 660, the sample analyzer may be operable to determine that the quality of insertion of the sample card into the insertion slot is at least one of satisfactory or unsatisfactory based at least in part on a set of historical data. The set of historical data may also include each of the number of satisfactory and unsatisfactory reads for each barcode and these numbers may be factored into the determination of whether the insertion quality of the sample card is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

[0053] FIG. 7 illustrates an example flowchart of a method 700 for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card. In method 700, a housing may surround a barcode reader that includes an insertion slot. In operation 710, the insertion slot may be operable to accept a sample card including a barcode, in which the barcode includes a set of bars and a set of spaces that form a barcode. The barcode may be sets of bars and spaces that may be used to determine information associated with the barcode and to assess the insertion quality of the sample card. In some examples, the first and last three bars and three spaces may indicate, respectively, a start to the barcode and a termination to the barcode. Other sets of bars and spaces may be included in the barcode to assist in determining whether the sensed barcode was misread or had an unsatisfactory insertion quality. In operation 720, the housing may also surround a sensor and the sensor may be operable to sense the barcode when the sample card is inserted into the insertion slot. In operation 730, the sensor may be operable to sense the barcode when thesample card is removed from the insertion slot. Both the inserted sensed barcode and the removed sensed barcode may be stored in the historical data set of previously sensed barcodes.

[0054] The method 700 may also include a display that may be surrounded by the same housing that surrounds the barcode reader or that may be surrounded by a different housing than that which surrounds the barcode reader. In some examples, the display and the barcode reader may be surrounded by a single housing and may be a single device. In other examples, the display may be surrounded by a display housing and the barcode reader may be surrounded by a barcode reader housing, and the barcode reader and the display may be joined and / or coupled together to synchronize the display with the barcode reader. In operation 740, the display may include a processor operable to convert the sensed barcode into barcode information. In other examples, the processor may be stored in the barcode reader. By syncing the display and the barcode reader, the processor may use the sensed barcodes from the barcode reader to determine the insertion quality of the sensed barcode and to determine whether or not the sensed barcode matched a previously sensed barcode stored in the historical data. In operation 750, the display may include the processor operable to store a set of historical barcode data in the memory. The memory may be in the barcode reader, the display, and / or some combination of both. In operation 760, the display may include the processor operable to compare the sensed barcode to the set of historical barcode data to determine whether the sensed barcode matches a previously sensed barcode stored in the set of historical barcode data. Should the sensed barcode fail to match a previously sensed barcode in the historical barcode data set, the user may be prompted to reinsert the sample card. Similarly, should the sensed barcode be determined to have an unsatisfactory insertion quality, the user may be prompted to reinsert the sample card.NON-LIMITING ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0055] The following is a list of non-limiting illustrative embodiments disclosed herein:

[0056] Illustrative Embodiment 1. A sample analyzer for sensing barcodes, comprising: a barcode reader, comprising: an insertion slot operable to accept a sample card including a barcode, the barcode comprising a set of bars and a set of spaces, wherein the sets of bars and spaces form the barcode; a sensor operable to sense the barcode; a processor operable to: convert the sensed barcode into barcode information; perform an insertion quality assessment using the sensed barcode; determine that the quality of insertion of the sample card into theinsertion slot is at least one of satisfactory or unsatisfactory' based at least in part on a set of historical data.

[0057] Illustrative Embodiment 2.The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of illustrative embodiment 1, wherein the processor is operable to: store historical data of previously sensed barcodes; perform the insertion quality’ assessment by comparing the sensed barcode to the set of historical data; alert a user when the insertion quality assessment of the sample card into the insertion slot is not satisfactory'; and prompt the user to reinsert the sample card into the insertion slot.

[0058] Illustrative Embodiment 3. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the processor is operable to: sense the barcode when the sample card is being inserted into the insertion slot; sense the barcode when the sample card is being removed from the insertion slot; compare the sensed inserted barcode to the sensed removed barcode; and determine the insertion quality assessment based at least in part on the consistency of insertion speed and the consistency of the removal speed of the biologic sample card from the insertion slot.

[0059] Illustrative Embodiment 4. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the processor is operable to compare the sensed barcode to at least one previously sensed barcode of the set of the historical data.

[0060] Illustrative Embodiment 5. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the processor is operable to determine that the sensed barcode matches a previously sensed barcode of the set of the historical data.

[0061] Illustrative Embodiment 6. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the processor is operable to: determine that the sensed barcode is a different barcode from the previously sensed barcodes of the set of the historical data; determine that the sensed barcode is a new barcode; and alert the user to reinsert the sample card.

[0062] Illustrative Embodiment 7. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the processor is operable to: determine that the sensed barcode is a different barcode than the previously sensed barcodes of the set of thehistorical data; and determine that the sample card was erroneously inserted into the insertion slot based at least in part on a set of representative numbers.

[0063] Illustrative Embodiment 8. The sample analyzer for sensing of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein: the sensor is operable to: sense the barcode when the sample card is being inserted into the insertion slot; sense the barcode when the sample card is being removed from the insertion slot; and the processor is operable to: store the sensed insertion barcode in the set of the historical data; and store the sensed removal barcode in the set of the historical data.

[0064] Illustrative Embodiment 9. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the processor is operable to: compare the sensed insertion barcode and the sensed removal barcode to one another; and based on the comparison, alert the user to reinsert the sample card.

[0065] Illustrative Embodiment 10. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the processor is operable to: compare the sensed insertion barcode and sensed removal barcode to one another and to the set of the historical data; and determine that at least one of the insertion or removed sensed barcode matches a previously sensed barcode of the set of the historical data.

[0066] Illustrative Embodiment 11. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the processor is operable to: compare the sensed insertion barcode and sensed removal barcode to one another and to the set of the historical data; determine that the sensed insertion barcode and the sensed removal barcode match one another and do not match any of the previously sensed barcodes of the set of the historical data; and store the sensed insertion barcode and sensed removal barcode of the inserted sample card in the set of the historical data.

[0067] Illustrative Embodiment 12. A method for detecting barcode misreads of a sample card, comprising: providing a sample analyzer with a barcode sensor, the sample analyzer operable to: receive an insertion of a sample card via an insertion slot of the sample analyzer; sense a barcode on the sample card via a barcode sensor of the sample analyzer; convert the sensed barcode into barcode information; perform an insertion quality assessment using the sensed barcode; determine that the quality of insertion of the sample card into the insertion slot is at least one of satisfactory or unsatisfactory based at least in part on a set of historical data.

[0068] Illustrative Embodiment 13. The method for detecting barcode misreads of a sample card of illustrative embodiment 12, wherein: the barcode of the sample card has intermixed bars and spaces; a first set of bars and spaces of the intermixed bars and spaces indicates a barcode initiation; a second set of bars and spaces intermixed bars that includes information regarding the sample card; and the third set of bars and spaces indicate a barcode termination.

[0069] Illustrative Embodiment 14. The method for detecting barcode misreads of a sample card of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the second set of bars and spaces of the intermixed bars and spaces are indicative of at least a lot number of the sample card, an expiration date of the sample card, and allowed tests to be performed on a patient sample.

[0070] Illustrative Embodiment 15. The method for detecting barcode misreads of a sample card of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein: the sample card without a patient sample in a biologic sample repository is inserted into the insertion slot of the sample analyzer; the sample analyzer is operable to: determine an insertion quality based at least in part on a set of representative numbers; and alert the user to reinsert the sample card due to an unsatisfactory insertion of the sample card into the insertion slot of the sample analyzer.

[0071] Illustrative Embodiment 16. The method for detecting barcode misreads of a sample card of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the representative numbers are representative of at least some of the widths of a set of bars and spaces included in the barcode.

[0072] Illustrative Embodiment 17. The method for detecting barcode misreads of a biologic sample card of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein: a patient sample is transferred from a capillary tube to a sample repository via a sample port; and the patient sample is at least one of a veinous sample, a capillary sample, a plasma sample, or a control fluid.

[0073] Illustrative Embodiment 18. A system for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card, comprising: a housing, surrounding: a barcode reader, compnsing: an insertion slot operable to accept a sample card including a barcode, the barcode comprising a set of bars and a set of spaces, wherein the sets of bars and spaces form the barcode; a sensor operable to: sense the barcode when the sample card is inserted into the insertion slot: sense the barcode when the sample card is removed from the insertion slot; a display, comprising: a processoroperable to: convert the sensed barcode into barcode information; store a set of historical barcode data in the memory; compare the sensed barcode to the set of historical barcode data to determine whether the sensed barcode matches a barcode stored in the set of historical barcode data.

[0074] Illustrative Embodiment 19. The system for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card of illustrative embodiment 18, wherein the processor is operable to perform a quality of insertion assessment of the sample card into the insertion slot is satisfactory by comparing the sensed barcode for the insertion and removal of the sample card to one another.

[0075] Illustrative Embodiment 20. The system for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the processor is operable to perform a quality7of insertion assessment by determining at least one of an inconsistent insertion speed or an inconsistent removal speed of the sample card from the barcode reader.

[0076] Illustrative Embodiment 21. The system for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the processor is operable to determine the inconsistent insertion speed by recognizing that a width of at least one of a bar or a space in the first set of bars and spaces is incorrect or a width of at least one of a bar or a space in the third set of bars and spaces is incorrect.

[0077] Illustrative Embodiment 22. The system for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the processor is operable to recognize that a known set of bars and spaces with known widths has been erroneously inserted by sensing at least one of a bar or space as at least one of wider or narrower than the known widths of the known set of bars and spaces.

[0078] Illustrative Embodiment 23. The system for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the historical data includes a number of satisfactory insertions for any given sample card, a number of satisfactory removals for any given sample card, a number of unsatisfactory insertions for any given sample card, and a number of unsatisfactory removals for any given sample card.

[0079] Illustrative Embodiment 24. The sample analyzer of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the sample card contains a sample comprising a biological fluid.

[0080] Illustrative Embodiment 25. The sample analy zer of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the sample card contains a sample comprising an inorganic material.

[0081] Illustrative Embodiment 26. The sample analy zer of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the sample card comprises a product.

[0082] Further, although process operations or method steps can be described in a sequential order, such processes and methods can be configured to work in any suitable order. In other words, any sequence or order of operations that can be described in the disclosure does not, in and of itself, indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. Further, some operations may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one operation is described after the other operation). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its description in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modification thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its operations are necessary' to one or more of the examples, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.

[0083] Representative applications of methods and apparatuses according to the present disclosure are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described examples. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described examples may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting.

[0084] Although the disclosed examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosed examples as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A sample analyzer for sensing barcodes, comprising: a barcode reader, comprising: an insertion slot operable to accept a sample card including a barcode, the barcode comprising a set of bars and a set of spaces, wherein the sets of bars and spaces form the barcode; a sensor operable to sense the barcode: a processor operable to: convert the sensed barcode into barcode information; perform an insertion quality assessment using the sensed barcode; determine that the quality of insertion of the sample card into the insertion slot is at least one of satisfactory or unsatisfactory based at least in part on a set of historical data.

2. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of claim 1, wherein the processor is operable to: store historical data of previously sensed barcodes; perform the insertion quality assessment by comparing the sensed barcode to the set of historical data: alert a user when the insertion quality assessment of the sample card into the insertion slot is not satisfactory; and prompt the user to reinsert the sample card into the insertion slot.

3. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of claim 2, wherein the processor is operable to: sense the barcode when the sample card is being inserted into the insertion slot; sense the barcode when the sample card is being removed from the insertion slot; compare the sensed inserted barcode to the sensed removed barcode; and determine the insertion quality' assessment based at least in part on the consistency of insertion speed and the consistency of the removal speed of the biologic sample card from the insertion slot.

4. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of claim 2, wherein the processor is operable to compare the sensed barcode to at least one previously sensed barcode of the set of the historical data.

5. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of claim 4, wherein the processor is operable to determine that the sensed barcode matches a previously sensed barcode of the set of the historical data.

6. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of claim 4, wherein the processor is operable to: determine that the sensed barcode is a different barcode from the previously sensed barcodes of the set of the historical data; determine that the sensed barcode is a new barcode; and alert the user to reinsert the sample card.

7. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of claim 4, wherein the processor is operable to: determine that the sensed barcode is a different barcode than the previously sensed barcodes of the set of the historical data; and determine that the sample card was erroneously inserted into the insertion slot based at least in part on a set of representative numbers.

8. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of claim 1, wherein: the sensor is operable to: sense the barcode when the sample card is being inserted into the insertion slot; sense the barcode when the sample card is being removed from the insertion slot; and the processor is operable to: store the sensed insertion barcode in the set of the historical data; and store the sensed removal barcode in the set of the historical data.

9. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of claim 8, wherein the processor is operable to:compare the sensed insertion barcode and the sensed removal barcode to one another; and based on the comparison, alert the user to reinsert the sample card.

10. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of claim 8, wherein the processor is operable to: compare the sensed insertion barcode and sensed removal barcode to one another and to the set of the historical data; and determine that at least one of the insertion or removed sensed barcode matches a previously sensed barcode of the set of the historical data.

11. The sample analyzer for sensing barcodes of claim 8, wherein the processor is operable to: compare the sensed insertion barcode and sensed removal barcode to one another and to the set of the historical data; determine that the sensed insertion barcode and the sensed removal barcode match one another and do not match any of the previously sensed barcodes of the set of the historical data; and store the sensed insertion barcode and sensed removal barcode of the inserted sample card in the set of the historical data.

12. A method for detecting barcode misreads of a sample card, comprising: providing a sample analyzer with a barcode sensor, the sample analyzer operable to: receive an insertion of a sample card via an insertion slot of the sample analyzer; sense a barcode on the sample card via a barcode sensor of the sample analyzer; convert the sensed barcode into barcode information; perform an insertion quality assessment using the sensed barcode; determine that the quality of insertion of the sample card into the insertion slot is at least one of satisfactory or unsatisfactory based at least in part on a set of historical data.

13. The method for detecting barcode misreads of a sample card of claim 12, wherein: the barcode of the sample card has intermixed bars and spaces; a first set of bars and spaces of the intermixed bars and spaces indicates a barcode initiation;a second set of bars and spaces intermixed bars that includes information regarding the sample card; and the third set of bars and spaces indicate a barcode termination.

14. The method for detecting barcode misreads of a sample card of claim 13, wherein the second set of bars and spaces of the intermixed bars and spaces are indicative of at least a lot number of the sample card, an expiration date of the sample card, and allowed tests to be performed on a patient sample.

15. The method for detecting barcode misreads of a sample card of claim 12, wherein: the sample card without a patient sample in a biologic sample repository is inserted into the insertion slot of the sample analyzer; the sample analyzer is operable to: determine an insertion quality based at least in part on a set of representative numbers; and alert the user to reinsert the sample card due to an unsatisfactory insertion of the sample card into the insertion slot of the sample analyzer.

16. The method for detecting barcode misreads of a sample card of claim 15, wherein the representative numbers are representative of at least some of the widths of a set of bars and spaces included in the barcode.

17. The method for detecting barcode misreads of a biologic sample card of claim 15, wherein: a patient sample is transferred from a capillary tube to a sample repository via a sample port; and the patient sample is at least one of a veinous sample, a capillary sample, a plasma sample, or a control fluid.

18. A system for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card, comprising: a housing, surrounding: a barcode reader, comprising:an insertion slot operable to accept a sample card including a barcode, the barcode comprising a set of bars and a set of spaces, wherein the sets of bars and spaces form the barcode; a sensor operable to: sense the barcode when the sample card is inserted into the insertion slot; sense the barcode when the sample card is removed from the insertion slot; a display, comprising: a processor operable to: convert the sensed barcode into barcode information; store a set of historical barcode data in the memory; compare the sensed barcode to the set of historical barcode data to determine whether the sensed barcode matches a barcode stored in the set of historical barcode data.

19. The system for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card of claim 18, wherein the processor is operable to perform a quality' of insertion assessment of the sample card into the insertion slot is satisfactory by comparing the sensed barcode for the insertion and removal of the sample card to one another.

20. The system for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card of claim 19, wherein the processor is operable to perform a quality of insertion assessment by determining at least one of an inconsistent insertion speed or an inconsistent removal speed of the sample card from the barcode reader.

21. The system for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card of claim 20, wherein the processor is operable to determine the inconsistent insertion speed by recognizing that a width of at least one of a bar or a space in the first set of bars and spaces is incorrect or a width of at least one of a bar or a space in the third set of bars and spaces is incorrect.

22. The system for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card of claim 18. wherein the processor is operable to recognize that a known set of bars and spaces withknown widths has been erroneously inserted by sensing at least one of a bar or space as at least one of wider or narrower than the known widths of the know n set of bars and spaces.

23. The system for detecting an erroneous insertion of a sample card of claim 18, wherein the historical data includes a number of satisfactory insertions for any given sample card, a number of satisfactory removals for any given sample card, a number of unsatisfactory insertions for any given sample card, and a number of unsatisfactory removals for any given sample card.

24. The sample analyzer of claim 1, wherein the sample card contains a sample comprising a biological fluid.

25. The sample analyzer of claim 1, wherein the sample card contains a sample comprising an inorganic material.

26. The sample analyzer of claim 1, wherein the sample card comprises a product.

Images