Method for transferring data from medical equipment

Abstract

A medical processing machine is adapted to output a machine-readable code to communicate processing cycle data. An example machine includes: an output device (e.g., a display screen or printer); a processing area (e.g., to hold medical item(s) to be exposed to a processing cycle); sensor(s) to capture cycle data from the processing cycle; and circuitry configured to: obtain the cycle data from the sensor(s); select at least a portion of the cycle data to include in an encoded data pattern; generate a machine-readable code from the encoded data pattern; and output the machine-readable code with the output device. A corresponding method of obtaining the processing cycle data includes capturing an image of the machine-readable code; identifying an encoded data pattern from the machine-readable code; extracting the cycle data from the encoded data pattern; and recording information from the extracted processing cycle data.

Description

International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING DATA FROM MEDICAL EQUIPMENTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 691,526 entitled “METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING DATA FROM MEDICAL EQUIPMENT,” filed September 6, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] A variety of machines are used in medical item processing scenarios. Examples of medical processing machines include cleaning machines, disinfection machines, and sterilization machines, each of which may use a specific technique, medium, or technology to perform some processing cycle. As one example use case, a medical processing machine may use steam or chemicals to disinfect or sterilize one or more reusable medical instruments such as surgical instruments, endoscopes, and other equipment. As another example use case, a medical processing machine may be used to sterilize packaging and items stored therein, such as new medical devices.

[0003] The operational cycle of the medical processing machine may be logged and audited to verify that correct cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization operations have correctly occurred for a particular batch of items. The logging and auditing process may be complicated because many medical processing machines do not include — or have disabled — external data communication capabilities. Among other reasons, medical processing machines may need to be fully disconnected from wired or wireless data communication networks for security and reliability purposes. Security restrictions may also prohibit the use of an external data interface to the medical processing machine such as via a universal serial bus (USB) interface or serial port.

[0004] Some medical processing machines include small screens or printers that provide basic human-readable information about the machine and a medical processing cycle performed by the machine. However, the amount of human-readable information that can be communicatedInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 via a screen or printer is often very small, and relies on manual human review / interpretation of the results.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a scenario of obtaining cycle data from a medical processing machine, via visual capture of a machine-readable code, according to an example.

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a further scenario of presenting and extracting cycle data from a machine-readable code presented by a medical processing machine, according to an example.

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates data fields represented in a machine-readable code presented by a medical processing machine, according to an example.

[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a display sequence of machine-readable codes presented by a medical processing machine, according to an example.

[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method for presenting a machine-readable code with a medical processing machine, corresponding to machine information and / or processing cycle data, according to an example.

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for obtaining machine information and / or processing cycle data from a medical processing machine, according to an example.

[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of operational components within a medical processing machine, mobile computing device, and remote computing system, according to an example.

[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an example computing machine, according to an example.International ApplicationDocket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present document describes, among other things, approaches for outputting and receiving data from medical processing devices (such as a sterilizer, disinfection / cleaning machine, etc.) based on the presentation and capture of machine-readable information. The present techniques can be used to obtain data from a processing cycle or processing stage operated in the medical processing machine, without requiring human actions to read and input the data. With these techniques, machine information and processing cycle data can be captured at another computing device without a networked data connection (which may be difficult or not possible in some facilities) and without a USB or direct-wired interface (which may be restricted or prohibited in some facilities). Some examples described herein also enable the automatic capture of data from a screen or printed material that includes the machine-readable information — without the need for human intervention and user inputs that can make data capture difficult or inaccurate.

[0015] The present techniques introduce the output of machine-readable code from a medical processing machine that includes an encoded data pattern. In this context, a machine- readable code may be provided by a two-dimensional matrix barcode such as a QR (“Quick Response”) code or another machine-readable data encoding. QR codes are commonly used to convey a web site address or short serial number. However, a large QR code, or a series of large QR codes, can provide enough information to communicate much more data — such as an entire cycle's worth of data. The following discussion also introduces data presentation workflows to enable the collection of cycle data with a handheld mobile computing device or with an external handheld scanner, and to enable this mobile computing device or scanner to transmit the cycle data independently of the medical processing machine (e.g., electronically via email or the Internet, or to upload via a network at a later time). Such workflows can enable the immediate or delayed access and storage of cycle data, enabling machine data to be captured and confirmed immediately after a cycle is run and observed. Moreover, such workflows can be automated and used to automatically trigger data entry and verification, without the opportunity for human error.International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1

[0016] Some of the techniques are described below based on the use of two-dimensional matrix barcodes, such as QR codes, which are displayed by a medical processing machine in response to specific cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization cycles on one or more medical items. These techniques may be applied to nearly any type of product or machine that generates ongoing usage / operational data and includes an output device (e.g., screen or printer) to present a machine-readable code that encodes this usage / operational data. Such data transfer techniques may be used to isolate sensitive or legacy machines from a network, while also allowing the accurate capture and communication of usage / operational data to third-party systems with a secondary computing device.

[0017] FIG. 1 depicts an example scenario of obtaining cycle data from a medical processing machine, via the visual capture of a machine-readable code. A medical processing machine 110 is depicted as an integrated unit that performs processing cycles and operations on at least one medical item (e.g., sterilization, disinfection, or cleaning operations). However, other form factors may be provided for the medical processing machine 110. The medical processing machine 110 is depicted as including a processing area 116 adapted to hold at least one medical item to be exposed to a processing cycle. For example, this processing area 116 may be a chamber, enclave, enclosure, sink, basin, or another fully- or partially-enclosed compartment or designated area that receives and hosts (or holds) the medical item(s) for processing.

[0018] In some examples, the processing area 116 may enable combinations of automated (e.g., machine-controlled / machine-directed) and manual (e.g., human- involved / human-directed) actions such as manual washing, disassembly, or handling. The medical processing machine 110 may be provided in a variety of formats, based on the type of medical item to be processed. Examples include, but are not limited to steam and chemical sterilizers, equipment washers, cart washers, automatic endoscope reprocessors, drying cabinets, flushing devices, and ultrasonic cleaners. The type of cycle data that is sensed, recorded, and tracked from the medical processing machine 110 may also vary based on the particular processing use case and scenario.

[0019] The medical processing machine 110 is depicted as including two integrated output devices: a printer 112 that produces a printout on a paper medium (e.g., with an ink- orInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 thermal-based printing device); and a display screen 114 that produces a display on a screen medium (e.g., with a liquid crystal display (LCD) flat panel display). Some of the following examples refer to a visual capture 115 of a machine-readable code from the display screen 114. However, the following sequence may be equally applicable to the visual capture of a machine- readable code printed on one or multiple paper media produced by the printer 112. In some contexts, the medical processing machine 110 may be fully disconnected from any external network, and the visual capture 115 of the machine-readable code provides an exclusive method to obtain machine information. In other contexts, the medical processing machine 110 may be connected to an external network, and the visual capture 115 of the machine-readable code provides a backup method for local data retrieval (or a backup method when network connectivity is interrupted or not available for immediate use).

[0020] The mobile computing device 120 includes one or more software applications (e g., installed “apps”) that perform cycle data extraction and transmission, based on the machine-readable code. The mobile computing device 120 is used to perform a visual capture 115 on at least one machine-readable code output from the display screen 114, to extract cycle data. The software application(s) may include various security features and functionality to reconstruct, interpret, transform, and relay the cycle data. For instance, this extracted cycle data can be processed and wirelessly communicated 125 to a remote computing system 130.

[0021] The remote computing system 130 includes one or more software applications (e.g., services, application programming interfaces (APIs), etc.) to receive and process the communicated cycle data, and to enable tracking, auditing, and safety workflows based on such communicated cycle data. The remote computing system 130 may include a database (not shown) and various other computing systems or interfaces.

[0022] Thus, a QR code or other machine-readable code that encodes medical processing machine data (cycle data) can be observed by the mobile computing device 120 as an intermediary device. This intermediary device can recreate the full cycle data and transmit the full cycle data to a “final” entity such as the remote computing system 130, to record, use, or process. The cycle data can be provided as a machine-readable code in a consistent, known format that allows the extraction of repeated, known elements by the intermediary device, whichInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 will then transmit it to a third entity. Additional examples of data formats and extraction of the cycle data from the machine-readable code are provided in FIG. 2. Additional examples of the type of information provided in the cycle data and represented by the machine-readable code area are provided in FIG. 3.

[0023] In further examples, a sequence of QR codes or multiple machine-readable codes may be output by the medical processing machine 110 in a rapid loop that presents a series or sequence of machine-readable codes over a short period of time (e.g., multiple frames per second). The presentation of multiple machine-readable codes enables the communication of data from multiple cycles, multiple portions of data from the same cycle, multiple machine settings, alarm information, and other information. Additional details on the presentation of a sequence of cycle data are provided in FIG. 4.

[0024] In other examples, a scanner device, not depicted in FIG. 1, may be used to perform an optical capture of the machine-readable code(s) presented on the display screen 114. A scanner device may include a standalone device or a peripheral device operably connected to a computing device (e.g., operably coupled to mobile computing device 120 or remote computing system 130). For instance, a wired or wireless barcode reader may be communicatively coupled to a computing device to perform an optical capture on a barcode directly, in lieu of the visual capture 115 and image capture by the mobile computing device 120.

[0025] FIG. 2 depicts a further example scenario of presenting and extracting cycle data from a machine-readable code presented by a medical processing machine 110. Specifically, this scenario depicts the generation and use of a machine-readable code to represent specific data measurements and data logging, and how this machine-readable code is interpreted by a mobile computing device 120. The data presented in the machine-readable code can be designed to remove recurring data, to create the smallest code possible before being converted to a machine- readable code that is displayed from the medical processing machine 110. The mobile computing device 120 (e.g., a smartphone or tablet with a specially designed app) uses a camera to read the machine-readable code, restore the known removed data, and recreate a finished cycle log similar to what would have been printed out.International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1

[0026] For instance, consider a scenario where the medical processing machine 110 produces an original set of cycle data 211. This original set of cycle data 211 may include: machine identification information (shown as “Machine ABC”); sensor measurements or other cycle data (shown as values Al: 123; A2: 234; A3: 345); and date / time information from the cycle. The medical processing machine 110 may execute logic to present the machine-readable code on the display screen, representing the data 212 as an alphanumeric or binary string within a QR code. The mobile computing device 120 reads the QR code from its camera, and extracts the data 213 from the QR code. The app on the mobile computing device 120 then can recreate the original data. To recreate the original data, the mobile computing app uses a data format 221 that specifies the arrangement of machine identification information, sensor measurements or other cycle data, and date / time information from the cycle, which are applied to data values 222 extracted from the QR code. The mobile computing device 120 then will re-create the original data as extracted cycle data 223.

[0027] The mobile computing device 120 may process the extracted cycle data 223 and directly or indirectly record this information. For instance, the mobile computing device 120 may store the data locally on the mobile computing device (operation 230). The mobile computing device 120 may print the data via a connected printer (operation 240). The mobile computing device 120 may transmit data to record keeping, data storage, or tracking software, such as is hosted by the remote computing system 130 (operation 250). The mobile computing device 120 may transmit an email or electronic communication associated with a record keeping, data storage, or tracking software process, such as is associated with the remote computing system 130 or with a third party system. In another example, the log or audit trail of specific activities can be emailed, printed, or otherwise transmitted secondarily to another system (e.g., to a tracking service implemented as software-as-a-service) for storage and compilation.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates data fields represented in a machine-readable code presented by a medical processing machine, according to an example. In an example, the machine-readable code is structured with an encoded data pattern 301 to organize aspects of processing cycle information 311 (e.g., specific to a particular processing cycle) and machine information 312 (e g., specific to a particular machine or operation of a specific machine). In some examples, theInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 “cycle data” discussed herein may encompass aspects of both the processing cycle information 311 and the machine information 321.

[0029] For example, the processing cycle information 311 may include date and time information 312 related to a particular cycle; cycle identification information 313 such as an identifier of a particular cycle session; and sensor-captured data measurements 314 from before, during, or after a processing cycle. Such sensor-captured data measurements 314 might include measurements and observed aspects such as: temperature; chemistry measurements; or environmental sensor data. Other aspects of processing cycle information might include timing measurements for exposure to a particular type of cycle, historical machine operation information, or cycle parameters.

[0030] Also as an example, the machine information 321 may include machine identification information 322, machine setting information 323, machine status information 324 (including diagnostics), machine alarm information 325 (e g., codes), and the like. The machine information 321, in some examples, may also provide initial codes that are used to indicate the type of data that will follow or that has been included in the encoded data pattern 301 (e.g., sensor-captured data, diagnostics, etc.).

[0031] The machine-readable code provided by the encoded data pattern 301 may host data with a relatively large number of bytes, including in some examples between 500-1000 characters. Depending on the particular machine-readable code format or specification, the presentation of the encoded data pattern may fill up an entire display screen at times. For example, a large-size machine-readable code provided according to QR code Version 40 may include up to 177x177 modules and up to 7089 numeric characters. Specific encoding formats within the machine-readable code may represent numeric, alphanumeric, byte or binary, or other defined data sets.

[0032] Other related status information may be communicated in the machine information 321 or the encoded data pattern 301, in connection with instructional use cases and scenarios. Example status information that can be communicated with a machine-readable code may include instructions to send a particular cycle data or cycle file to a tracking system; information on alarm information; a URL to the latest trouble-shooting / repair instructions for useInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 by a user or service technician; provision of additional information on the system operation; links to content in instructions for use (e.g., with a link to a PDF or HTML page). Still other types of status information that can be communicated within the machine-readable code can include: a status message or link to re-order consumables (e.g., chemistries, filters, etc. that are getting low); a status message or link to an instruction with recommended or suggested maintenance activities; a status message or link to videos and interactive content on how to perform specific testing, maintenance, or use actions; or a status message or link to submit a service request including the alarm information and recent cycle record. The software operated by the mobile computing device 120 may also include other functions that enable service technicians to perform additional administrative or maintenance operations, such as to capture alarm history and to retrieve cycle files, etc. without the need for active remote monitoring of the machine.

[0033] In some examples, rather than displaying a single machine-readable code with one set of cycle data, the output device of the machine may also be configured to display a sequence of machine-readable codes from one or more cycles. For example, a sequence of codes may be sequentially output on a display device, as each code of multiple machine-readable codes is displayed for a defined period of time in a playback loop. The period of time may be quite short to be observable by a camera, even if not observable by a human.

[0034] FIG. 4 depicts a display sequence of machine-readable codes presented by a medical processing machine (e.g., from an output device such as the display screen 114 of the medical processing machine 110). If the data is too large or voluminous for a single 2D matrix barcode, a sequence of barcodes can be displayed and cycled on a display screen (e.g., screen 114).

[0035] In an example, at an initial time period (time 0), a machine-readable code is displayed from the machine, which includes information on the data format, type of data, or sequence of data. At a next time period (time 1), another machine-readable code is displayed that includes a first part (portion) of the first cycle data. At a next time period (time 2), another machine-readable code is displayed that includes a second part (second portion) of the first cycle data. Thus, the sequence of machine-readable codes enables the rapid presentation of multiple portions of data, even if the cycle data is too large in bytes for inclusion in a single code.International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1

[0036] At a next time period (time 3), another machine-readable code is displayed that includes a first part of a second cycle data. At a next time period (time 4), another machine- readable code is displayed that includes a second part of the second cycle data. Here, the sequence of machine-readable codes enables the output of information from different cycles. Thus, a display sequence of machine-readable codes enables the presentation of cycle data, machine information, and other data values whether captured during the same or multiple cycles. The display sequence may be automatically changed / cycled at a high refresh rate that is perceivable by a camera but not necessarily by a human.

[0037] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart 500 of an example method for presenting a machine- readable code, corresponding to cycle data, with a medical processing machine or similar medical processing system. An example medical processing machine may include the components depicted in FIG. 7, discussed below, including circuitry to perform one or more algorithm or process to provide output of a machine-readable code.

[0038] At block 510, the flowchart 500 depicts the operation of one or more processing cycle(s) in the medical processing machine. As discussed herein, such processing cycles may relate to cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and related actions on one or more medical item(s) such as reusable instruments or equipment.

[0039] At block 520, the flowchart 500 depicts obtaining cycle data captured during the respective processing cycle(s) using one or more sensors. In various examples, the one or more sensors include at least one of: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, or a gas sensor. In some examples, the at least one sensor and the logic / circuitry (performing the operations of flowchart 500) are arranged in a closed system, such that a machine-readable output device such as a printer or a display screen provides the only interface from the closed system to output the cycle data.

[0040] In one specific example, the machine is a sterilization machine, the processing cycle is a sterilization cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to at least one of chemical sterilization, temperature sterilization, or radiation sterilization during the processing cycle, and the cycle data captured with the one or more sensors is based on aspects of the sterilization cycle. In another specific example, the machine is a disinfection machine, the processing cycle is aInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 disinfection cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to chemical agents during the processing cycle, and the cycle data captured with the one or more sensors is based on aspects of the disinfection cycle. In another specific example, the machine is an ultrasonic cleaning machine, the processing cycle is an ultrasonic processing cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to liquid agitated with sound waves, and the cycle data captured with the one or more sensors is based on aspects of the ultrasonic processing cycle. In another specific example, the machine is a drying cabinet, the processing cycle is a drying cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to circulated air during the processing cycle, and the cycle data captured with the one or more sensors is based on aspects of the drying cycle.

[0041] At block 530, the flowchart 500 depicts selecting at least a portion of the cycle data, captured using the one or more sensors, to include in an encoded data pattern. In an example, the encoded data pattern includes an arrangement of a pre-defined binary or alphanumeric data format. The encoded data pattern may arrange date and time information relating to the processing cycle, machine identification information associated with the machine, and the selected portion of the cycle data captured by the at least one sensor. The encoded data pattern may also arrange machine setting information used with the machine to control the processing cycle, and status information or alarm information associated with the processing cycle or the machine. Still another data format may provide an arrangement of data from: measurements captured from each of the at least one sensor during the processing cycle; date and time information relating to the processing cycle; and machine identification information relating to the machine.

[0042] At block 540, the flowchart 500 depicts generating a machine-readable code from the encoded data pattern. In an example, the machine-readable code comprises a two- dimensional matrix barcode. In some examples, the encoded data pattern is associated with a data specification or format associated with a tracking system. In other examples, the machine- readable code is generated after encrypting or transforming the cycle data into the encoded data pattern. Examples of possible data transformations for the encoded data pattern are discussed with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, above.International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1

[0043] At block 550, the flowchart 500 depicts outputting the machine-readable code with an output device (e.g., a display screen such as a liquid crystal display flat panel, or a printer such as a thermal or ink-based printer) integrated within or connected to the machine. In some examples, the output of the machine-readable code is provided on the output device (e.g., display screen or printer) in response to a command entered in a user interface or user-actuatable control of the machine.

[0044] At block 560, the flowchart 500 depicts an optional operation of sequentially outputting multiple machine-readable codes with the output device (including generating multiple machine-readable codes and displaying / printing the multiple machine-readable codes). One example of sequentially outputting multiple machine-readable codes includes presenting an initial (second) machine-readable code corresponding to an indicator of a type of data to be provided in the encoded data pattern, and outputting the initial (second) machine-readable code with the display screen before the display of the machine-readable code corresponding to the processing cycle. Other examples of sequentially outputting multiple machine-readable codes include presenting respective codes that correspond to a different processing cycle performed by the machine on the same or different medical item(s), or presenting respective codes that correspond to a different set of information associated with the same processing cycle. Sequentially outputting the multiple machine-readable codes can include outputting each of the multiple machine-readable codes for a defined period of time in a playback loop on the display screen.

[0045] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart 600 of an example method for obtaining processing cycle data from a medical processing machine, such as is performed by a computing device (e.g., mobile computing device 120). At block 610, the flowchart 600 depicts a capture of at least one image of a machine-readable code, as output from an output device (e.g., screen or printer) of a medical processing machine. As discussed with reference to block 540 of flowchart 500, the machine-readable code may comprise a two-dimensional matrix barcode.

[0046] At block 620, the flowchart 600 depicts identifying an encoded data pattern from the machine readable code. As discussed with reference to block 530 of flowchart 500, the encoded data pattern may include machine setting or identification information, statusInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 information or alarm information associated with the processing cycle or the medical processing machine, and cycle data (e.g., captured by at least one sensor in the medical processing machine).

[0047] At block 630, the flowchart 600 depicts extracting cycle data from the encoded data pattern. As discussed with reference to block 520 of flowchart 500, the cycle data may correspond to measurements from one or more sensors, machine information, and the like. At block 640, the flowchart 600 depicts recording information from the extracted cycle data. The data may be recorded locally, or communicated to be recorded / output remotely, such as in connection with operations 230, 240, 250, and 260 discussed above.

[0048] At block 650, the flowchart 600 depicts an optional operation (and repeated, as appropriate) to sequentially read multiple machine-readable codes. As discussed with reference to block 560 of flowchart 500, a sequence of multiple machine-readable codes may be presented based on an indicator of the type of data to be provided, data from a different processing cycle, or different portions of data from the same processing cycle.

[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of operational components within the medical processing machine 110, mobile computing device 120, and remote computing system 130, for implementing the techniques discussed herein. Other systems and devices are not depicted for purposes of simplicity.

[0050] The medical processing machine 110 includes a processing area 711 (e.g., chamber) adapted to hold at least one medical item to be exposed to a processing cycle, and at least one sensor 712 integrated within the processing area and adapted to capture cycle data from the processing cycle. Various components for delivery and control of chemical, temperature, and environmental conditions in the processing area are not depicted for simplicity.

[0051] The medical processing machine 110 also includes circuitry 714 operably coupled to the at least one sensor and the output device. The circuitry be configured or adapted (e.g., with logic, instructions, etc.) to perform the operations of flowchart 500 depicted in FIG. 5. The medical processing machine 110 also includes at least one output device 716. One example of the output device 716 is a display screen 717 such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) flat panel integrated into the housing or structure of the medical processing machine 110. Another exampleInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 of the output device 716 is a printer 718 such as a thermal or ink-based printer integrated into the housing or structure of the medical processing machine 110. Either or both of the display screen 717 and printer 718 may be provided in a particular machine.

[0052] The mobile computing device 120 includes at least one input device, such as a camera 723 used for capturing an image of the machine-readable codes as discussed herein. The mobile computing device 120 in some examples may include other input devices such as a touch screen, keyboard, etc. The mobile computing device 120 also includes at least one output device 726, such as a display screen 727 to present a user interface of a software app (used for reading the machine-readable codes as discussed herein). The mobile computing device 120 includes circuitry 724 that is operably coupled to the input device 722 and the output device 726.

[0053] The mobile computing device 120 includes communications circuitry 728 (e.g., wired or wireless communications components) to perform data communications with the remote computing system 130 or other systems. For instance, the operations 240, 250, 260 may involve data transmissions to other devices or services. The mobile computing device 120 may include other data storage components (e.g., memory, storage units, etc., not depicted) to store processing data such as in connection with operation 230.

[0054] The remote computing system 130 may include or operate various data systems, such as a data tracking system 732 and an information system 736. For example, the data tracking system 732 may include a database 734 used to store and maintain data in connection with medical processing cycle operations. The information system 736 may include a database 738 used to provide machine information, processing information, instructional content, etc. in connection with the use of the mobile computing device 120 or the medical processing machine 110.

[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an example machine 800 (e.g., computer system, computing device, machine, controller, etc.) that may be programmed into a special purpose machine suitable for implementing one or more embodiments for data processing, data communication, user interface, or like aspects disclosed herein. For instance, the medical processing machine 110, mobile computing device 120, or remote computing system 130 described above may be embodied by the machine 800, such as in the form of a computer orInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 specialized electronic device that includes sufficient processing power, memory resources, and communications throughput capability to perform specific compute operations consistent with the examples herein.

[0056] The machine 800 may include a hardware processor 802 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory 804 and a static memory 806, some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interconnect, link or bus 808. The machine 800 may further include a display unit 810, an alphanumeric input device 812 and a user interface (UI) navigation device 814. In an example, the display unit 810, alphanumeric input device 812 and navigation device 814 may be a touch screen display. The machine 800 may additionally include a storage device 816 (e.g., drive unit) , a signal generation device 818 (e.g., an audio or radio signal generation device), and a network interface device 820 (e.g. for connectivity with a network).The machine 800 may include an output controller 828, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate or control one or more peripheral devices, and an input controller 830 to connect to more sensors.

[0057] The storage device 816 may include a machine readable medium 822 that is non- transitory on which is stored one or more sets of data structures or instructions 824 (e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions 824 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 804, within static memory 806, or within the hardware processor 802 during execution thereof by the machine 800. In an example, one or any combination of the hardware processor 802, the main memory 804, the static memory 806, or the storage device 816 may constitute machine readable media.

[0058] The term “machine readable medium” may include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 800 and that cause the machine 800 to perform any one or more of the techniques of the present disclosure, or that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures 827 used by or associated with such instructions. Non-limiting machine-readable medium examples may include solid-stateInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 memories, and optical and magnetic media. Specific examples of machine-readable media may include non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

[0059] The instructions 824 may further be transmitted or received over a communications network 826 using a transmission medium via the network interface device 820 utilizing any one of a number of transfer protocols (e.g., frame relay, internet protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.). Example communication networks may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), mobile telephone networks (e.g., cellular networks), Plain Old Telephone (POTS) networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards known as Wi-Fi®), IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, among others. In an example, the network interface device 820 may include one or more physical jacks or one or more antennas to connect to the communications network 826. In an example, the network interface device 820 may include a plurality of antennas to wirelessly communicate using at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO) techniques. The term “transmission medium” shall be taken to include any intangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 800, and includes digital or analog communications signals or other intangible medium to facilitate communication of such software.

[0060] The devices described herein may be configured to include computer-readable non-transitory media storing computer readable instructions and one or more processors coupled to the memory, and when executing the computer readable instructions configure the machine 800 to perform steps and operations described above for electronic systems or devices (e.g., to display a user interface and receive user interface commands, perform sensing operations from electromechanical and environmental sensors, extract and identify data values, etc.). The computer-readable non-transitory media includes all types of computer readable media,International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 including magnetic storage media, optical storage media, flash media and solid-state storage media. It should be further understood that software including one or more computer-executable instructions that facilitate processing and operations as described above with reference to any one or all of steps of the disclosure may be installed in and sold with networked devices (e.g., servers or cloud computing systems) consistent with the disclosure. Alternatively, the software may be obtained and loaded (or, re-loaded / upgraded) from one or more servers and / or cloud computing systems, such as software stored on a server for distribution over the Internet, for example.

[0061] Method examples or other operations described herein can be machine or device (e g., computer, robotic) implemented at least in part. The components of the illustrative devices, systems and methods employed in accordance with the illustrated embodiments may be implemented, at least in part, in digital electronic circuitry, analog electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. These components may be implemented, for example, as a computing program product such as a computing program, program code or computer instructions tangibly embodied in an information carrier, or in a machine-readable storage device, for execution by, or to control the operation of, a data processing apparatus such as a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers. A computing program may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. Also, functional programs, codes, and code segments for accomplishing the techniques described herein may be easily construed as within the scope of the present disclosure by programmers skilled in the art. Method steps associated with the illustrative embodiments may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing a computing program, code or instructions to perform functions (e.g., by operating on input data and / or generating an output). Method steps may also be performed by, and apparatus may be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (applicationspecific integrated circuit), for example.International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1

[0062] Thus, in implementation in a controller or other machine for medical item processing, various logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general -purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general -purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Processors suitable for the execution of a computing program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Information carriers suitable for embodying computing program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example, semiconductor memory devices, e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory or ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory devices, and data storage disks (e.g., magnetic disks, internal hard disks, or removable disks, etc.). The processor and the memory may be supplemented by or incorporated in special purpose logic circuitry.

[0063] As used herein, “machine-readable medium” or “machine-readable storage medium” means a device able to store instructions and data temporarily or permanently and may include, but is not limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), buffer memory, flash memory, optical media, magnetic media, cache memory, other types of storage (e.g., Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)), and / or any suitable combination thereof. The term “machine-readable medium” or “machine-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers) able to store processor instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” or “machine-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any medium, or combination of multiple media, which is capable of storing instructions for execution by one orInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 more processors (or other processing circuitry), such that the instructions, when executed by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform any one or more of the methodologies described herein. Accordingly, a “machine-readable medium” or “machine- readable storage medium” refers to a single storage apparatus or device, as well as “cloud-based” storage systems or storage networks that include multiple storage apparatus or devices. A non- transitory “machine-readable medium” or “machine-readable storage medium” as used herein excludes signals per se.

[0064] Additional examples of the presently described embodiments include the following, non-limiting implementations. Each of the following non-limiting examples may stand on its own or may be combined in any permutation or combination with any one or more of the other examples provided below or throughout the present disclosure.

[0065] Example l is a machine, comprising: an output device; a processing area adapted to hold at least one medical item to be exposed to a processing cycle; at least one sensor integrated within the processing area, the at least one sensor adapted to capture cycle data from the processing cycle; and circuitry communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and the output device, the circuitry configured to: obtain the cycle data from the at least one sensor; select at least a portion of the cycle data to include in an encoded data pattern; generate a machine-readable code from the encoded data pattern; and output the machine-readable code with the output device.

[0066] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes an example where the machine-readable code comprises a two-dimensional matrix barcode.

[0067] In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-2 optionally include an example where the encoded data pattern includes: date and time information relating to the processing cycle, machine identification information associated with the machine, and the selected portion of the cycle data captured by the at least one sensor.

[0068] In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3 optionally include an example where the encoded data pattern includes: machine setting information used with the machine to control the processing cycle.International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1

[0069] In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally include an example where the encoded data pattern includes: status information or alarm information associated with the processing cycle or the machine.

[0070] In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally include an example where the circuitry is further configured to: generate a second machine- readable code corresponding to an indicator of a type of data to be provided in the encoded data pattern; and output the second machine-readable code with the output device before the output of the machine-readable code with the output device.

[0071] In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally include an example where the circuitry is configured to generate multiple machine-readable codes including the machine-readable code; and wherein the circuitry is configured to output the multiple machine-readable codes including the machine-readable code with the output device by sequentially outputting the multiple machine-readable codes.

[0072] In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 optionally includes an example where respective codes of the multiple machine-readable codes correspond to a different processing cycle performed by the machine on the at least one medical item.

[0073] In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 7-8 optionally include an example where respective codes of the multiple machine-readable codes correspond to a different set of information associated with the processing cycle.

[0074] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 7-9 optionally include an example where sequentially outputting the multiple machine-readable codes includes outputting each of the multiple machine-readable codes for a defined period of time in a playback loop.

[0075] In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-10 optionally include an example where to generate the machine-readable code includes encrypting or transforming the cycle data into the encoded data pattern.

[0076] In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-11 optionally include the encoded data pattern is associated with a data specification associated with a tracking system.International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1

[0077] In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-12 optionally include an example where the encoded data pattern is arranged into a pre-defined binary or alphanumeric data format, wherein the data format provides an arrangement of data from: measurements captured from each of the at least one sensor during the processing cycle; date and time information relating to the processing cycle; and machine identification information relating to the machine.

[0078] In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-13 optionally include an example where the at least one sensor comprises at least one of: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, or a gas sensor.

[0079] In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-14 optionally include an example where the at least one sensor and the circuitry are arranged in a closed system, and wherein the output device provides the only interface from the closed system to output the cycle data.

[0080] In Example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-15 optionally include an example where the output device is a display screen.

[0081] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 optionally includes an example where the display screen comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) flat panel.

[0082] In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-17 optionally include an example where the circuitry is further configured to output the machine- readable code on the display screen in response to a command entered in a user interface of the machine.

[0083] In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-18 optionally include an example where the output device is a printer.

[0084] In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 optionally includes an example where the circuitry is further configured to output the machine-readable code on the printer in response to a command entered in a user interface of the machine.

[0085] In Example 21, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-20 optionally include an example where the machine is a sterilization machine, wherein the processing cycle is a sterilization cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to at least oneInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 of chemical sterilization, temperature sterilization, or radiation sterilization during the processing cycle, and wherein the cycle data is based on aspects of the sterilization cycle.

[0086] In Example 22, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-21 optionally include an example where the machine is a disinfection machine, wherein the processing cycle is a disinfection cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to chemical agents during the processing cycle, and wherein the cycle data is based on aspects of the disinfection cycle.

[0087] In Example 23, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-22 optionally include an example where the machine is an ultrasonic cleaning machine, wherein the processing cycle is an ultrasonic processing cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to liquid agitated with sound waves, and wherein the cycle data is based on aspects of the ultrasonic processing cycle.

[0088] In Example 24, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-23 optionally include an example where the machine is a drying cabinet, wherein the processing cycle is a drying cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to circulated air during the processing cycle, and wherein the cycle data is based on aspects of the drying cycle.

[0089] Example 25 is a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions, which when executed by circuitry of a medical processing machine, causes the circuitry to perform operations that: obtain cycle data from at least one sensor of the medical processing machine, the at least one sensor integrated within a processing area of the medical processing machine that is adapted to hold at least one medical item to be exposed to a processing cycle, and the at least one sensor adapted to capture cycle data from a processing cycle; select at least a portion of the cycle data to include in an encoded data pattern; generate a machine-readable code from the encoded data pattern; and output the machine-readable code with an output device of the medical processing machine.

[0090] Example 26 is a method for outputting machine-readable information from a medical processing machine, comprising: obtaining cycle data from at least one sensor of the medical processing machine, the at least one sensor integrated within a processing area of the medical processing machine that is adapted to hold at least one medical item to be exposed to aInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 processing cycle, and the at least one sensor adapted to capture cycle data from a processing cycle; selecting at least a portion of the cycle data to include in an encoded data pattern; generating a machine-readable code from the encoded data pattern; and outputting the machine- readable code with an output device of the medical processing machine.

[0091] Example 27 is a method for obtaining processing cycle data, performed by a computing device, the method comprising: capturing an image of a machine-readable code, the machine-readable code output from an output device of a medical processing machine; identifying an encoded data pattern from the machine-readable code; extracting cycle data from the encoded data pattern, the cycle data corresponding to a processing cycle performed by the medical processing machine on at least one medical item; and recording information from the extracted cycle data.

[0092] In Example 28, the subject matter of Example 27 optionally includes an example where the machine-readable code comprises a two-dimensional matrix barcode.

[0093] In Example 29, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-28 optionally include an example where the encoded data pattern includes: date and time information relating to the processing cycle, machine identification information associated with the medical processing machine, and the cycle data, wherein at least a portion of the cycle data is captured by at least one sensor in the medical processing machine.

[0094] In Example 30, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-29 optionally include an example where the encoded data pattern includes: machine setting information used with the medical processing machine to control the processing cycle.

[0095] In Example 31, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-30 optionally include an example where the encoded data pattern includes: status information or alarm information associated with the processing cycle or the medical processing machine.

[0096] In Example 32, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-31 optionally include capturing an image of a second machine-readable code, the second machine- readable code being displayed on a display screen of the medical processing machine before a display of the machine-readable code; and identifying a second encoded data pattern from theInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 second machine-readable code, the second machine-readable code corresponding to an indicator of a type of data to be provided in the encoded data pattern.

[0097] In Example 33, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-32 optionally include capturing respective images of multiple machine-readable codes including the machine-readable code; and wherein the multiple machine-readable codes including the machine-readable code are sequentially displayed on a display screen of the medical processing machine.

[0098] In Example 34, the subject matter of Example 33 optionally includes an example where respective codes of the multiple machine-readable codes correspond to a different processing cycle performed by the medical processing machine on the at least one medical item.

[0099] In Example 35, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 33-34 optionally include an example where respective codes of the multiple machine-readable codes correspond to a different set of information associated with the processing cycle.

[0100] In Example 36, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 33-35 optionally include an example where the multiple machine-readable codes are sequentially displayed by the display screen for a defined period of time in a playback loop.

[0101] In Example 37, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-36 optionally include an example where to generate the machine-readable code includes encrypting or transforming the cycle data into the encoded data pattern.

[0102] In Example 38, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-37 optionally include the encoded data pattern is associated with a data specification associated with a tracking system.

[0103] In Example 39, the subject matter of Example 38 optionally includes an example where recording the information from the extracted cycle data comprises communicating the information to the tracking system.

[0104] In Example 40, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-39 optionally include an example where the encoded data pattern is arranged into a pre-defined binary or alphanumeric data format, wherein the data format provides an arrangement of data from: measurements captured from at least one sensor during the processing cycle; date and timeInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 information relating to the processing cycle; and machine identification information relating to the medical processing machine.

[0105] In Example 41, the subject matter of Example 40 optionally includes an example where the measurements captured from the at least one sensor correspond to measurements from at least one of: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, or a gas sensor.

[0106] In Example 42, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-41 optionally include an example where the image of the machine-readable code comprises an image of the machine-readable code displayed on a display screen integrated into the medical processing machine.

[0107] In Example 43, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-42 optionally include an example where the image of the machine-readable code comprises an image of the machine-readable code printed from a printer integrated into the medical processing machine.

[0108] In Example 44, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-43 optionally include an example where the computing device captures the image of the machine- readable code in response to a command entered in a user interface of the computing device.

[0109] In Example 45, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-44 optionally include an example where the medical processing machine is a sterilization machine, wherein the processing cycle is a sterilization cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to at least one of chemical sterilization, temperature sterilization, or radiation sterilization during the processing cycle, and wherein the cycle data includes data values captured during the sterilization cycle.

[0110] In Example 46, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-45 optionally include an example where the medical processing machine is a disinfection machine, wherein the processing cycle is a disinfection cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to chemical agents during the processing cycle, and wherein the cycle data includes data values captured during the disinfection cycle.[0U1] In Example 47, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-46 optionally include an example where the medical processing machine is an ultrasonic cleaningInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 machine, wherein the processing cycle is an ultrasonic processing cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to liquid agitated with sound waves, and wherein the cycle data includes data values captured during the ultrasonic processing cycle.

[0112] In Example 48, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 27-47 optionally include an example where the medical processing machine is a drying cabinet, wherein the processing cycle is a drying cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to circulated air during the processing cycle, and wherein the cycle data includes data values captured during the drying cycle.

[0113] Example 49 is a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions, which when executed by circuitry of a machine, causes the circuitry to perform the operations of any of Examples 27 to 48.

[0114] Example 50 is an apparatus, comprising: an image sensor adapted to capture an image of a machine-readable code, the machine-readable code output from an output device of a medical processing machine; and circuitry adapted to: identify an encoded data pattern from the machine-readable code; extract cycle data from the encoded data pattern, the cycle data corresponding to a processing cycle performed by the medical processing machine on at least one medical item; and record information from the extracted cycle data.

[0115] Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

[0116] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1

[0117] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

[0118] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0119] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A machine, comprising: an output device; a processing area adapted to hold at least one medical item to be exposed to a processing cycle; at least one sensor integrated within the processing area, the at least one sensor adapted to capture cycle data from the processing cycle; and circuitry communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and the output device, the circuitry configured to: obtain the cycle data from the at least one sensor; select at least a portion of the cycle data to include in an encoded data pattern; generate a machine-readable code from the encoded data pattern; and output the machine-readable code with the output device.

2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the machine-readable code comprises a two- dimensional matrix barcode.

3. The machine of claim 1, wherein the encoded data pattern includes: date and time information relating to the processing cycle, machine identification information associated with the machine, and the selected portion of the cycle data captured by the at least one sensor.

4. The machine of claim 1, wherein the encoded data pattern includes: machine setting information used with the machine to control the processing cycle.

5. The machine of claim 1, wherein the encoded data pattern includes:International ApplicationDocket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 status information or alarm information associated with the processing cycle or the machine.

6. The machine of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is further configured to: generate a second machine-readable code corresponding to an indicator of a type of data to be provided in the encoded data pattern; and output the second machine-readable code with the output device before the output of the machine-readable code with the output device.

7. The machine of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to generate multiple machine-readable codes including the machine-readable code; and wherein the circuitry is configured to output the multiple machine-readable codes including the machine-readable code with the output device by sequentially outputting the multiple machine-readable codes.

8. The machine of claim 7, wherein respective codes of the multiple machine-readable codes correspond to a different processing cycle performed by the machine on the at least one medical item.

9. The machine of claim 7, wherein respective codes of the multiple machine-readable codes correspond to a different set of information associated with the processing cycle.

10. The machine of claim 7, wherein sequentially outputting the multiple machine-readable codes includes outputting each of the multiple machine-readable codes for a defined period of time in a playback loop.

11. The machine of claim 1, wherein to generate the machine-readable code includes encrypting or transforming the cycle data into the encoded data pattern.International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT112. The machine of claim 1, the encoded data pattern is associated with a data specification associated with a tracking system.

13. The machine of claim 1, wherein the encoded data pattern is arranged into a pre-defined binary or alphanumeric data format, wherein the data format provides an arrangement of data from: measurements captured from each of the at least one sensor during the processing cycle; date and time information relating to the processing cycle; and machine identification information relating to the machine.

14. The machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, or a gas sensor.

15. The machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor and the circuitry are arranged in a closed system, and wherein the output device provides the only interface from the closed system to output the cycle data.

16. The machine of claim 1, wherein the output device is a display screen.

17. The machine of claim 16, wherein the display screen comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) flat panel.

18. The machine of claim 16, wherein the circuitry is further configured to output the machine-readable code on the display screen in response to a command entered in a user interface of the machine.

19. The machine of claim 1, wherein the output device is a printer.International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT120. The machine of claim 19, wherein the circuitry is further configured to output the machine-readable code on the printer in response to a command entered in a user interface of the machine.

21. The machine of claim 1, wherein the machine is a sterilization machine, wherein the processing cycle is a sterilization cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to at least one of chemical sterilization, temperature sterilization, or radiation sterilization during the processing cycle, and wherein the cycle data is based on aspects of the sterilization cycle.

22. The machine of claim 1, wherein the machine is a disinfection machine, wherein the processing cycle is a disinfection cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to chemical agents during the processing cycle, and wherein the cycle data is based on aspects of the disinfection cycle.

23. The machine of claim 1, wherein the machine is an ultrasonic cleaning machine, wherein the processing cycle is an ultrasonic processing cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to liquid agitated with sound waves, and wherein the cycle data is based on aspects of the ultrasonic processing cycle.

24. The machine of claim 1, wherein the machine is a drying cabinet, wherein the processing cycle is a drying cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to circulated air during the processing cycle, and wherein the cycle data is based on aspects of the drying cycle.

25. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions, which when executed by circuitry of a medical processing machine, causes the circuitry to perform operations that: obtain cycle data from at least one sensor of the medical processing machine, the at least one sensor integrated within a processing area of the medical processing machine that is adaptedInternational Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT1 to hold at least one medical item to be exposed to a processing cycle, and the at least one sensor adapted to capture cycle data from a processing cycle; select at least a portion of the cycle data to include in an encoded data pattern; generate a machine-readable code from the encoded data pattern; and output the machine-readable code with an output device of the medical processing machine.

26. A method for outputting machine-readable information from a medical processing machine, comprising: obtaining cycle data from at least one sensor of the medical processing machine, the at least one sensor integrated within a processing area of the medical processing machine that is adapted to hold at least one medical item to be exposed to a processing cycle, and the at least one sensor adapted to capture cycle data from a processing cycle; selecting at least a portion of the cycle data to include in an encoded data pattern; generating a machine-readable code from the encoded data pattern; and outputting the machine-readable code with an output device of the medical processing machine.

27. A method for obtaining processing cycle data, performed by a computing device, the method comprising: capturing an image of a machine-readable code, the machine-readable code being output from an output device of a medical processing machine; identifying an encoded data pattern from the machine-readable code; extracting cycle data from the encoded data pattern, the cycle data corresponding to a processing cycle performed by the medical processing machine on at least one medical item; and recording information from the extracted cycle data.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the machine-readable code comprises a two- dimensional matrix barcode.International ApplicationDocket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT129. The method of claim 27, wherein the encoded data pattern includes: date and time information relating to the processing cycle, machine identification information associated with the medical processing machine, and the cycle data, wherein at least a portion of the cycle data is captured by at least one sensor in the medical processing machine.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the encoded data pattern includes: machine setting information used with the medical processing machine to control the processing cycle.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein the encoded data pattern includes: status information or alarm information associated with the processing cycle or the medical processing machine.

32. The method of claim 27, further comprising: capturing an image of a second machine-readable code, the second machine-readable code being displayed on a display screen of the medical processing machine before a display of the machine-readable code; and identifying a second encoded data pattern from the second machine-readable code, the second machine-readable code corresponding to an indicator of a type of data to be provided in the encoded data pattern.

33. The method of claim 27, further comprising: capturing respective images of multiple machine-readable codes including the machine- readable code; and wherein the multiple machine-readable codes including the machine-readable code are sequentially displayed on a display screen of the medical processing machine.International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT134. The method of claim 33, wherein respective codes of the multiple machine-readable codes correspond to a different processing cycle performed by the medical processing machine on the at least one medical item.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein respective codes of the multiple machine-readable codes correspond to a different set of information associated with the processing cycle.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the multiple machine-readable codes are sequentially displayed by the display screen for a defined period of time in a playback loop.

37. The method of claim 27, wherein to generate the machine-readable code includes encrypting or transforming the cycle data into the encoded data pattern.

38. The method of claim 27, the encoded data pattern is associated with a data specification associated with a tracking system.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein recording the information from the extracted cycle data comprises communicating the information to the tracking system.

40. The method of claim 27, wherein the encoded data pattern is arranged into a pre-defined binary or alphanumeric data format, wherein the data format provides an arrangement of data from: measurements captured from at least one sensor during the processing cycle; date and time information relating to the processing cycle; and machine identification information relating to the medical processing machine.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the measurements captured from the at least one sensor correspond to measurements from at least one of: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, or a gas sensor.International ApplicationDocket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT142. The method of claim 27, wherein the image of the machine-readable code comprises an image of the machine-readable code displayed on a display screen integrated into the medical processing machine.

43. The method of claim 27, wherein the image of the machine-readable code comprises an image of the machine-readable code printed from a printer integrated into the medical processing machine.

44. The method of claim 27, wherein the computing device captures the image of the machine-readable code in response to a command entered in a user interface of the computing device.

45. The method of claim 27, wherein the medical processing machine is a sterilization machine, wherein the processing cycle is a sterilization cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to at least one of chemical sterilization, temperature sterilization, or radiation sterilization during the processing cycle, and wherein the cycle data includes data values captured during the sterilization cycle.

46. The method of claim 27, wherein the medical processing machine is a disinfection machine, wherein the processing cycle is a disinfection cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to chemical agents during the processing cycle, and wherein the cycle data includes data values captured during the disinfection cycle.

47. The method of claim 27, wherein the medical processing machine is an ultrasonic cleaning machine, wherein the processing cycle is an ultrasonic processing cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to liquid agitated with sound waves, and wherein the cycle data includes data values captured during the ultrasonic processing cycle.International Application Docket: ASCO.23010-WO-PCT148. The method of claim 27, wherein the medical processing machine is a drying cabinet, wherein the processing cycle is a drying cycle that exposes the at least one medical item to circulated air during the processing cycle, and wherein the cycle data includes data values captured during the drying cycle.

49. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions, which when executed by circuitry of a machine, causes the circuitry to perform the operations of any of claims 27 to 48.

50. An apparatus, comprising: an image sensor adapted to capture an image of a machine-readable code, the machine- readable code being output from an output device of a medical processing machine; and circuitry adapted to: identify an encoded data pattern from the machine-readable code; extract cycle data from the encoded data pattern, the cycle data corresponding to a processing cycle performed by the medical processing machine on at least one medical item; and record information from the extracted cycle data.

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