Barcode scanning of bulk sample containers

Abstract

An apparatus for scanning and decoding barcodes on trays or other containers containing multiple items, such as tissue samples, each identified by an individual barcode, is provided. The apparatus includes an imager, an illumination system, and a processor. The imager is configured to capture images within a selectable field of view. At least a portion of a bulk sample container configured to transfer multiple sample / tissue containers is positioned within the field of view. The illumination system is configured to evenly illuminate the field of view. The processor is configured to receive the captured images from the imager. The processor is further configured to analyze a first one of the captured images and detect and decode a barcode present in the first image.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention is directed to scanning bar codes, particularly bar codes on multiple products transported together in a container. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional tissue / sample containers used for both transport and storage (e.g., tissue biopsy cassettes, microscope slides, and other tissue sample carriers) are individually identified with machine-readable barcodes, such as one-dimensional barcodes, which are a series of parallel lines, and two-dimensional data matrix barcodes (e.g., QR barcodes). These barcodes are read with a barcode reader or manually entered into a computer system using the human readable characters associated with the barcode. Tissue / sample containers may be held in bulk sample containers configured to hold many tissue / sample containers, while each of the barcodes on an individual tissue / sample container is read and processed individually. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for imaging tissue biopsy cassettes, microscope slides and other specimen containers (also known herein as tissue / specimen containers) and bulk specimen containers housing the tissue / specimen containers. Barcodes depicted in the image can be located, scanned and decoded. In aspects of the present invention, a single image of the bulk specimen container can be scanned to locate and decode each of the barcodes printed on the tissue / specimen containers in the bulk specimen container. In this manner, each tissue / specimen container can be tracked and unambiguously identified at any stage of handling, such as in a laboratory. Moreover, the stored images can be indexed for future comparison between initial tissue cuts and final stained slide images.

[0004] In an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for scanning and decoding barcodes includes an imager, an illumination system, and a processor. The imager is configured to capture images within a selectable field of view. At least a portion of a bulk sample container configured to transport a sample / tissue container or multiple sample / tissue containers is positioned within the field of view. The illumination system is configured to evenly illuminate the field of view. The processor is configured to receive the captured images from the imager. The processor is further configured to analyze a first one of the captured images and detect and decode a barcode present in the first image.

[0005] In a further aspect of the invention, a method for scanning and decoding barcodes includes positioning a bulk sample container configured to transport a sample / tissue container or multiple sample / tissue containers within a selectable field of view. The field of view is evenly illuminated with polarized light. The method further includes capturing images within the field of view. A first of the captured images includes a depiction of at least one barcode. The first image is analyzed to detect and decode at least one barcode present in the first image.

[0006] Thus, the sample / tissue container and the bulk sample container (which transports the sample / tissue container) can be imaged such that barcodes printed on the sample / tissue container can be located, scanned, and decoded. A further benefit is that after an image processing step is performed on a single image to refine the depicted barcode, barcodes on sample / tissue containers transported with the bulk sample container can be located and scanned in that image.

[0007] These and other objects, advantages, goals and features of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] 1 is a perspective view of a barcode scanning device according to the present invention; [Figure 1B]FIG. 1B is a front elevational view of the barcode scanning device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B is a left side elevational view of the barcode scanning device of FIG. 1A. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary tissue / sample container with a barcode. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary bulk specimen container with tissue / specimen containers, cassettes and slides placed therein. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a barcode scanning device according to the present invention, showing the processing subunit; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for image enhancement and barcode detection in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a 1 inch by 3 inch microscope slide in accordance with the present invention, showing the placement of a barcode. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a side view of the microscope slide of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6B is a front view of the microscope slide of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a 2 inch by 3 inch microscope slide in accordance with the present invention, showing the placement of a barcode. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a side view of the microscope slide of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7B is a front view of the microscope slide of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a top down view of a mini-cassette according to the present invention; [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a front view of the mini-cassette of FIG. 8A showing the placement of the barcode. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8B is a side view of the mini-cassette of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9A] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the mini-cassette of FIG. 8A showing the specimen in wax placed on the mini-cassette. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a front view of the mini-cassette of FIG. 9A showing the specimen in wax placed on the mini-cassette. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9B is a side view of the mini-cassette of FIG. 9A showing the specimen in wax placed on the mini-cassette. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a large cassette according to the present invention; [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a front view of the large cassette of FIG. 10A showing the placement of bar codes. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10B is a side view of the large cassette of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the large cassette of FIG. 10A showing the placement of wax on the large cassette. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a front view of the large cassette of FIG. 11A showing the placement of wax and the placement of bar codes on the large cassette. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11B is a side view of the large cassette of FIG. 11A showing the placement of wax on the large cassette. [Figure 12A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drawer containing a cassette, showing the placement of the barcode. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a side view of the drawer of FIG. 12A. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12B is a front view of the drawer of FIG. 12A. [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slide holder for holding a microscope slide with the cover open, in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a side view of the shorter side of the slide holder of FIG. 13A. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13B is a long side view of the slide holder of FIG. 13A. [Figure 14A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cassette basket for holding a cassette according to the present invention; [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a front view of the cassette basket of FIG. 14A. [Figure 14C] FIG. 14B is a side view of the cassette basket of FIG. 14A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] With reference to the figures and exemplary embodiments depicted herein, an apparatus and method are provided for imaging tissue / sample containers, such as tissue biopsy cassettes, microscope slides, and other tissue containers, as well as bulk sample containers housing multiple tissue / sample containers. A code, such as a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional matrix barcode (e.g., a QR code) comprising a series of parallel lines, is affixed to each individual microscope side, tissue cassette, or container. The term "barcode" is used herein to describe any type of machine-readable optical indicia. The barcode depicted in the image can be located and decoded when the image is scanned by the image processing methods described herein. In aspects of the invention, a single image of the bulk sample container can be scanned to locate and decode each of the barcodes on the tissue / sample containers within the bulk sample container. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the tissue / sample containers (200a, 200b, 200c) can be individually imaged and then scanned so that their respective barcodes 210 can be located and decoded. FIG. 2 illustrates three exemplary tissue / specimen containers (200a-c), however, additional types of tissue / specimen containers are also envisioned. For example, FIGS. 6A-6C depict an exemplary 1 inch by 3 inch microscope slide 602 with a barcode 210 positioned on the surface of the microscope slide. Meanwhile, FIGS. 7A-7C depict an exemplary 2 inch by 3 inch microscope slide 702 with a barcode 210 positioned on the surface of the microscope slide 702. FIGS. 8A-8C depict an exemplary mini-cassette 802 with a barcode 210 positioned on the front surface 804 of the mini-cassette 802. Meanwhile, FIGS. 10A-10C depict an exemplary large cassette 1002 with a barcode 210 positioned on the front surface 1004 of the large cassette 1002. FIGS. 9A-9C show the mini-cassette 802 of FIGS. 8A-8C with a specimen 906 embedded in wax 908. 11A-11C, on the other hand, show the large cassette 1002 of FIGS. 10A-10C with a specimen 1106 embedded in wax 1108. FIG.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 3, a collection of tissue / sample containers 200 arranged within a bulk sample container 300 can be imaged in a single image. Each of their respective barcodes 210 can be located and decoded by scanning that single image. The tissue / sample containers 200 and bulk sample containers 300 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are exemplary in nature. Other sizes and shapes are possible. Other arrangements of tissue / sample containers 200 within the bulk sample container 300 are also possible. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12C, an exemplary drawer 1202 is configured to hold a row of cassettes (802, 1002) arranged within the drawer 1202. Although not shown in FIG. 12A, each cassette 802, 1002 is positioned upright within the drawer 1202 such that its respective barcode 210 (positioned on the front 804, 1004 of the cassette 802, 1002) is visible within the field of view of the scanner.

[0011] As discussed with respect to FIG. 14A, the drawer 1202 may be configured such that the cassettes 802, 1002 are held at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) from a vertical plane perpendicular to the drawer 1202. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12C, the barcodes 210 for the drawer 1202 may also be positioned on the side of the drawer 1202. In FIGS. 13A-13C, the exemplary slide holder 1302 is configured to hold a series of 1 inch by 3 inch slides (602) such that the barcodes 210 of each of the series of 1 inch by 3 inch slides (602) are visible within the field of view of the scanner. Although not shown, in an alternative embodiment, the slide holder 1302 may be configured to hold 2 inch by 3 inch slides 702. As shown in FIG. 13A, the slide holder 1302 is configured to hold the slides 602, 702 face up (and visible within the field of view of the scanner). 14A-14C show an exemplary cassette basket 1402 configured to hold a row of cassettes (802, 1002). As shown in FIG. 14A, the cassette basket 1402 is further configured to hold each cassette (802, 1002) in a position such that each cassette's respective barcode 210 is visible within the field of view of the scanner. The cassette basket 1402 may be further configured to hold each cassette 802, 1002 at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) from a vertical plane perpendicular to the cassette basket 1402. Optionally, the cassette basket 1402 is affixed with its own identifying barcode. Thereby, the cassette 802, 1002 may be easily associated with the particular cassette basket in which it is stored or transported. The cassette basket barcode may be scanned at the same time that the cassette barcode 210 is scanned.

[0012] 1 illustrates an exemplary barcode scanning device 100 configured to locate and decode barcodes on containers located within or beneath the barcode scanning device 100. The barcode scanning device 100 is configured to scan captured images of individual containers with a single barcode, or to scan captured images of bulk sample containers holding many containers each with their own barcode attached. As described above, the bulk sample containers are configured to position (and optionally hold) them at an angle such that their respective barcodes are visible in the field of view of the barcode scanning device 100.

[0013] The barcode scanning device 100 may include adjustable feet 102 to facilitate leveling of the barcode scanning device 100 on uneven work surfaces. In the embodiment shown, the barcode scanning device 100 includes a sample imaging area 104 that is easily accessible to an operator for positioning individual tissue / sample containers 200 or bulk sample containers 300 (containing multiple tissue / sample containers 200). Barcodes 210 (in the sample imaging area 104) on the tissue / sample containers 200 are thereby visible to a camera assembly or imager 130 (hereinafter referred to as a camera) positioned within the bulk sample container 300 (see FIG. 4).

[0014] The sample imaging area 104 is illuminated by an illumination system 106. Optionally, the illumination system 106 includes a polarizer that is used to illuminate the field of view with polarized light. Illuminating the field of view with polarized light can reduce glint or glare in the field of view of the camera 130 fitted with crossed polarizers, thereby improving the camera's ability to obtain a clear image of the barcode in the imaging area 104. The field of view of the camera 130 can cover the entire bulk sample container 300 or only a portion of the bulk sample container 300. If the camera's field of view covers only a portion of the bulk sample container 300, the camera's field of view can be adjusted so that a series of multiple images are captured with overlapping fields of view. These overlapping images can then be used to capture all barcodes present in the bulk sample container that are larger than a single field of view.

[0015] Individual tissue / sample containers 200 or bulk sample containers 300 (packed with multiple tissue / sample containers 200) are imaged with a camera 130 and its associated lens arrangement. The camera 130 and its associated lens arrangement are selected to provide (1) a field of view sufficient to image all of the barcodes in the bulk sample container 300 or at least the area of ​​interest required for multiple exposure capture, (2) sufficient resolution to cover the square elements of each two-dimensional (2D) barcode with four or more pixels, (3) an optical diffraction circle of confusion equal to or smaller than the camera pixel size, and (4) lockable adjustment of the lens system (of the camera 130) to allow camera settings for iris, focus, and polarization orientation. In one embodiment, the camera 130 is a monochrome camera. Other embodiments are also possible, such as color imagers and the like.

[0016] The barcode scanning device 100 may include an analyzer / image processor with orientation adjustment to allow cross-polarization relative to the illumination polarizer to allow for removal or at least reduction of glint or glare in the captured image. As shown in FIG. 4, all algorithmic processes performed by the analyzer / image processor of the barcode scanning device 100 (e.g., camera control, scanning process, image processing, barcode location / decoding) are performed by a computer 120. The computer 120 may include a multi-core microprocessing unit (CPU) 124 and a multi-core graphics processing unit (GPU) 126 to facilitate high speed image processing and analysis. The computer 120 controls the operation of the camera 130 and is communicatively coupled to the camera 130 for receiving digital image data from the camera 130 and processing the received digital image data.

[0017] In the embodiment shown, the camera 130 is equipped with adjustment features to allow the size of the field of view to be adjusted. The barcode scanning device 100 may include a mirror mounted at 45 degrees to allow reflection of the light path (to the imager) to keep the height of the barcode scanning device 100 low.

[0018] Optionally, the camera 130 and its associated lens may be enclosed in a housing with a window and access cover to prevent dust, debris and fluids from contaminating the camera 130 and its associated optics. Ventilation ports in the housing may also be provided to facilitate fume mitigation when used in the presence of typical tissue fixatives. The housing of the barcode scanning device 100 may be used to house the computer / processor 120 and allow ventilation. The housing may also allow associated cabling to be unobstructed.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the barcode scanning device 100 includes a display screen 108 for presenting a user interface (UI). The display screen 108 is equipped with tilt up and tilt down capabilities for user comfort. The display screen 108 can be touch-responsive or touch-less responsive. Other embodiments are also available, such as a detachable display screen 108 or cabling to a remote display screen 108.

[0020] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the barcode scanning device 100 includes an external USB port 402 disposed on the housing to facilitate accessory connection (e.g., mouse, keyboard, barcode scanner, and thumb drive access). An external LAN port 404 may also be provided to allow connection to an institution's network. An external power switch may be disposed to power the lighting system 106 on and off. Similarly, a main power switch for the computer / processor 120 and camera assembly 130 may also be disposed on the housing of the barcode scanning device 100.

[0021] The barcode scanning device 100 may be further configured to allow an operator to control the operation of the barcode scanning device 100 and view imaging and image processing results via a user interface (UI) displayed on the display screen 108. For example, the UI may allow the operator to easily perform quick alignment of individual tissue / sample containers 200 or bulk sample containers 300 (containing multiple tissue / sample containers 200) using a live image display depicted on the display screen 108. The UI also includes start / stop functionality via control buttons depicted on the UI. The UI also provides feedback to the operator regarding the current operating status (e.g., image scanning, image processing, and barcode scanning).

[0022] As will be discussed in detail below, at the start of the scanning process of the tissue / sample container 200 or bulk sample container 300 positioned in the sample imaging area 104, the camera 130 selects an exposure for capturing an image of the tissue / sample container 200 or bulk sample container 300 in the sample imaging area 104. Optionally, the camera 130 can capture the image via automatic exposure control. After generating the image, the GPU 126 of the barcode scanning device 100 can be used to perform an image enhancement step (see FIG. 5 ) that includes a series of low bit depth binary images based on a set-up criteria targeting the print quality of the selected barcode scanner. After creating the series of low bit depth binary images, an algorithm searches a subsection of the image for a 2D barcode.

[0023] After completing the scanning process, the algorithm (as visualized on the UI) may place color-coded graphic boxes (e.g., green and yellow boxes, but other colors may be used) around each identifying barcode. That is, green boxes may be used for unique sequentially numbered barcodes. Yellow boxes may be used for duplicate barcodes that are detected. Red boxes (e.g., rectangles) may be placed in areas where no barcode was found. However, due to known spacing of the containers 200 in the bulk sample container 300, or a level of certainty from the detection algorithm that a barcode is present but cannot be read, the algorithm identifies areas where a barcode may be present (identified by a red box). Optionally, other colors may be used to flag samples of interest, such as cases of "stat" that should be processed first in subsequent steps to ensure completion as quickly as possible, or for other necessary reasons.

[0024] The UI provides tools for the operator to "correct" the red flagged areas containing the barcode, automatically and / or with operator interaction. For example, the UI provides manual input, whereby the operator reads the human readable characters of the label area and inputs the appropriate characters via a keyboard interface. The human readable characters are typically printed separately in slightly different areas of the sample / tissue container 200 and represent the data present in the barcode. The UI can also provide handheld barcode scanner input. A magnified image of the area is displayed so that the operator can scan the magnified image on the display screen 108 using the handheld barcode scanner. Optionally, the tissue / sample container 200 of interest can be removed from the bulk sample container 300 and scanned directly with the handheld barcode scanner. The UI also provides optical character recognition, whereby the operator can select the red rectangular area and have the processor analyze the image for human readable characters for input. A parsing engine may be required to properly format the data. Finally, the UI can provide a "focused rescan" that allows the image enhancement algorithm to be run with additional enhancement levels on the selected red area. These additional levels are then processed through the barcode acquisition algorithm. In an exemplary embodiment, the focused rescan takes the selected sub-area (selected red area), generates 20 adjustment levels of the image area, and presents these levels to the barcode detection algorithm. In addition, there is a provision for the operator to select whether to have the sample container barcode reprinted and transfer the sample to a newly barcoded container, or to apply a new barcode label to the existing container.

[0025] The stored scan data may be used to provide specimen tracking and sorting functions, such as: [1] including an automatic manifest paperwork printout with an outgoing shipment upon leaving one location for checking at another; [2] issuing automatic delayed alerts and warnings that may be configured to detect when a specimen or bulk container filled with specimens is delayed more than a set period of time from one waypoint to another, and the mentioned alert or warning may be automatically communicated using email, SMS text message or other electronic means to individuals designated in an editable alert contact list; [3] reporting at a designated reconcile waypoint when a specimen is missing from a scanned acquisition manifest; [4] checking whether or not all slides in a given case are in the slide holder and the case is complete and ready to proceed to the next process; [B] whether or not the slides in the case are organized in order (e.g., by level or staining technique); [C] checking the location of slides in slide folders to determine whether slides from one case are not commingled with slides from another case, or performing other quality checks.

[0026] Once the operator is satisfied with the scan, the operator can approve the scan via the UI. The barcode scanning device 100 records the barcode data and its location in an archive database 129. The database 129 may be located on the barcode scanning device 100, e.g., in memory 128, or on a network server 450, e.g., in memory 458, for access to other network-connected workstations (see FIG. 4).

[0027] The barcode scanning device 100 may also include provisions to facilitate HIPAA compliant data transmission and encryption, as well as backup protocol features to ensure data security. Such steps relate to encryption of transmitted data and a hierarchical buffer database structure that caches data locally for use during LAN outages.

[0028] The scan data and images captured by the barcode scanning device 100 can be processed for several different purposes / operations: basic hand scan emulation software, integrated LIS interface software modules, chain of custody of tissue, and specimen archiving. Additionally, the associated image area can be used to record the tissue on the slide and then process those images of the tissue for other quality assurance (QA) tasks.

[0029] The basic hand scan emulation software module may be implemented as an application that queries a network database repository looking for data that has been flagged for use in the barcode scanning device 100, either by user login or by a destination flag set by the operator during container scanning. When the application locates data intended for the workstation on which it is installed, it sends a notification to the operator's own desktop computer or other personal computing device that new data is available. The operator can then click on the data, copy the data to temporary memory ("clipboard"), and then transfer ("paste") the data into a laboratory information system tracking entry field. This can save the operator time and reduce the occurrence of errors related to lost containers.

[0030] An integrated LIS interface software module uses hospital network interface message language calls, such as HL7 or a proprietary LIS / EMR data interface, to parse the barcode into relevant fields used for quality assurance tracking of the process workflow. Manifest information is retrieved regarding what specimens have departed the previous process waypoint and should arrive at this waypoint. The manifest information also has timer functions for both containers and specimens that can be set to provide notification as to whether a specimen is missing from a previous waypoint scan, whether the arrival of the container at this waypoint is too late, or whether the arrival of the sample at this waypoint is too late. Through the interface, tissue / specimen containers 200 can be removed or rerouted from the workflow process. Analysis of the sample / tissue order is provided within the sample / tissue containers 200, as is the case with the slide index, to ensure that all case slides are included in the slide case index, that slides from other cases have not been misplaced in this case, and that slides are in protocol order with respect to specimen section, block number, stain, and cut depth level. Finally, waypoints may be recorded in a database 129 to track images and scanned data fields, and further provide an automatic purging algorithm to conserve database space after an operator-set period of time.

[0031] The specimen archiving module is configured to provide tissue / specimen archive management features, such as bulk scan reading of tissue / specimen containers 200 to determine the association of individual tissues / specimens with a particular tissue / specimen container 200. This mode allows for the capture of multiple images of oversized containers 200 and automatically allows for redundant scanning of image overlap areas. This allows for the use of "standard" non-proprietary containers 200. Transaction dates and reference images of containers and samples as well as storage locations can be recorded in the database 129. A contact database of users and storage locations can be maintained. The specimen archiving module may also include the ability to provide printing of shipping labels to assist in the preparation of specimen shipments. Transaction form features may be used to assist in the preparation of shipping paperwork notices and tracking forms. An email notification system or electronic order fulfillment interface can provide automated notification messages targeted to contacts during transactions related to specimen management. The specimen retrieval request workflow can be used to automatically generate notices to the specimen borrower for return of the specimen after a prescribed period of time, transaction paperwork and specimen tracking, and overdue notices (shipping and barcode tracking labels are provided). The refiling workflow can be used to enable the return of the specimen to a storage archive with subsequent standard archive delivery. This avoids the need and cost of refiling the specimen to its original location. The specimen archiving module automatically records the new location for tracking purposes. A purge feature can be provided that notifies the operator and provides the paperwork for specimens that should be removed from long term storage and disposed of after a prescribed date. The specimen archiving module can also continue to maintain the tracking history of these specimens for an additional period of time. At that point, the data can be set to be purged from the database 129.

[0032] FIG 5 illustrates a method for image enhancement and barcode detection. In step 502 of FIG 5, the process begins after one or more tissue / sample containers 200 or bulk sample containers 300 (containing multiple tissue / sample containers 200) are positioned in the sample imaging area 104. Positioning the tissue / sample containers 200 or bulk sample containers 300 may also include adjusting the field of view to ensure that the field of view adequately covers the positioned tissue / sample containers 200 or bulk sample containers 300 and to ensure that the illumination system 106 evenly illuminates the desired field of view.

[0033] In step 504 of Figure 5, the camera 130 captures an image of the tissue / sample container 200 or bulk sample container 300. Capturing the images also includes capturing a number of 12-bit monochrome images. As shown in step 504 of Figure 5, sixteen 12-bit monochrome images are captured. Other numbers of monochrome images can also be captured. Additionally, other bit depths can be used.

[0034] In step 506 of Figure 5, the captured images are merged into a single 16-bit grayscale image. Such merging or image stacking increases the effective "well depth" and collected signal, thereby reducing both read noise and shot noise in the captured image. Thus, such image stacking increases the signal-to-noise ratio of the captured image.

[0035] In step 508 of FIG. 5, the process determines whether to enable secondary processing. In step 510 of FIG. 5, if step 508 determines to enable secondary processing, the 16-bit grayscale image is cloned. Such cloning creates a copy of the original image. Secondary or parallel processing allows the process of FIG. 5 to correct multiple types of errors. For example, the primary difference between the two processes shown in FIG. 5 may be the parameters used in the individual steps (e.g., unsharp mask). Such parameter differences may be selected, for example, to correct for barcode printer errors of a particular institution.

[0036] In steps 512a and 512b of Fig. 5, the original image and the clone image, respectively, are resized to twice the original size. Such image multiplication smooths the transition of edge details and helps to eliminate special truncation errors in the subsequent steps of Fig. 5.

[0037] In steps 514a and 514b of Figure 5, unsharp mask filters are applied to the resized original image and the resized clone image, respectively. The first unsharp filter accentuates edge transitions at high step values ​​while keeping wide low step value changes smooth.

[0038] 5, steps 516a and 516b apply a second unsharp mask filter to the resized original image and the resized clone image, respectively. The second unsharp filter normalizes the luminance intensities that result from the different colored cassettes or other sample / tissue containers 200.

[0039] In steps 518a and 518b of Figure 5, after the first and second unsharp mask filters have been applied, an erosion filter is applied to the original image and the clone image, respectively. The erosion filter fills in areas of the image that have printing gaps that are less than a threshold size of the expected barcode dots. This "filling" corrects for portions of the barcode that are imperfectly printed dots.

[0040] In steps 520a and 520b of Figure 5, the resized and filtered original image and clone image are reduced to their original size, respectively. Such image reduction (returning to the original size) saves processing time in the barcode detection step in step 522 of Figure 5.

[0041] In step 522 of FIG. 5, the original image and the clone images are provided to a barcode detection process. The original image and the clone images are provided to the barcode detection process separately for barcode identification and scanning. The results are then sorted and duplicate scans are removed, leaving a final data set. In step 524 of FIG. 5, after the barcode detection process, the unique barcodes detected and decoded from the original image and the clone images are returned.

[0042] 5, steps 512a / b, 514a / b, 516a / b, 518a / b, and 520a / b are performed in GPU 126. In other words, these steps are performed by software running on the graphics processing hardware of GPU 126.

[0043] Thus, the sample / tissue container 200 and the bulk sample container 300 (which transports the sample / tissue container 200) can be imaged to locate, scan, and decode the barcode 210 printed on the sample / tissue container 200. As described herein, the term "barcode" is used to describe any type of machine-readable optical indicia, such as one-dimensional barcodes and two-dimensional matrix codes (e.g., QR matrix codes) that include a series of parallel lines. As shown in Figures 6-11, microscope slides (602, 702) and cassettes (802, 1002) holding specimens can be positioned and held in the slide holder 1302 or cassette basket 1402 or cassette drawer 1202, respectively. An additional benefit is that in the image, the barcodes on the sample / tissue containers 200 transported in the bulk sample container 300 can be located and scanned after image processing steps have been performed on a single image to refine the depicted barcode.

[0044] Changes and modifications of the specifically described embodiments may be made without departing from the principles of the invention, which are intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for scanning and decoding bar codes, comprising: an imager configured to capture an image within a selectable field of view; a sample imaging area configured to support a bulk sample container configured to transport a plurality of sample / tissue containers, each sample / tissue container including a respective bar code, and at least a portion of the bulk sample container is positioned within the field of view such that a plurality of the respective bar codes are within the field of view; an illumination system configured to illuminate the field of view; a processor configured to receive a captured image from the imager; Including, The processor is configured to create a second image of the captured image that is a clone of the first image, and is configured to perform identical image processing on the first image and the second image, analyze both the first image and the second image separately, and detect and decode each of the plurality of respective barcodes present in the first image and the second image.

2. the bulk sample container is configured to hold and position the plurality of sample / tissue containers such that each respective barcode on each sample / tissue container is positioned to be visible when within the field of view; 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further in combination with the bulk sample container, wherein each respective barcode is one of a one-dimensional barcode comprising a series of parallel lines and a two-dimensional barcode comprising a data matrix.

3. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further in combination with the bulk sample container and the plurality of sample / tissue containers, wherein a first sample / tissue container of the plurality of sample / tissue containers comprises any one of a tissue biopsy cassette, a microscope slide, and a tissue sample carrier.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the bulk sample container is configured to transport a variety of different sample / tissue containers.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the illumination system includes a polarizer configured to reduce glint in the field of view.

6. the imager is further configured to adjust a position of the field of view to cover at least a selected portion of a bulk sample container; the imager is further configured to capture a plurality of images having corresponding overlapping fields of view to cover a plurality of different portions of the bulk sample container to capture all of the barcodes present on the bulk sample container; 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bulk sample container is larger than a single field of view, and further in combination with the bulk sample container.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to scan the first image to identify a location of a barcode present in the first image.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the image processing includes at least one of image size doubling, unsharp mask filtering and shrinkage filtering, and parameters used for the image processing performed on the first image are different from parameters used for the image processing performed on the second image.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the image size doubling is configured to smooth transitions of edge details in the first image and / or the second image.

10. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the unsharp mask filtering is configured to perform at least one of: enhancing edge transitions with high step values ​​and normalizing luminance intensities resulting from different colored containers to reduce truncation errors in image processing.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the shrinkage filtering is configured to fill areas of the first image having print gaps less than a threshold size of a barcode dot.

12. 1. A method for scanning and decoding a barcode, comprising: positioning, within a selectable field of view, a bulk sample container supporting a plurality of sample / tissue containers, each sample / tissue container including a respective bar code; illuminating said field of view with polarized light; capturing images within the field of view, a first one of the captured images including a depiction of each of the plurality of barcodes within the field of view; creating a second image that is a clone of the first image; performing identical image processing on the first image and the second image, analyzing both the first image and the second image, and detecting and decoding each of the plurality of respective barcodes present in the first image and the second image; The method includes:

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein a first sample / tissue container of the plurality of sample / tissue containers comprises one of a tissue biopsy cassette, a microscope slide, and a tissue sample carrier.

14. the bulk sample container is configured to transport a variety of different types of sample / tissue containers; 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the bulk sample containers are configured to hold and position the various different types of sample / tissue containers such that each respective barcode on each sample / tissue container is positioned to be visible when within the field of view, and each respective barcode is one of a one-dimensional barcode comprising a series of parallel lines and a two-dimensional barcode comprising a data matrix.

15. adjusting the field of view to cover at least a selected portion of a bulk sample container; capturing a plurality of images having corresponding fields of view that overlap to cover a plurality of different portions of the bulk sample container to capture all of the barcodes present on the bulk sample container, the bulk sample container being larger than a single field of view; The method of claim 12 further comprising:

16. The method of claim 12 , wherein detecting each of the barcodes present in the first image comprises identifying a location of each barcode present.

17. The method described in claim 12, wherein the image processing includes at least one of image size doubling, unsharp mask filtering and shrinkage filtering, and parameters used for the image processing performed on the first image are different from parameters used for the image processing performed on the second image.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the image size doubling includes smoothing transitions of edge details in the first image and / or the second image.

19. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the unsharp mask filtering includes one of: enhancing high step value edge transitions and normalizing luminance intensities resulting from different colored containers to reduce truncation errors in image processing.

20. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the shrinkage filtering includes filling areas of the first image having print gaps less than a threshold size of a barcode dot.

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