Automatic Analyzer Single Reader for Dual Tag Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers are unable to concisely read multiple types of information, such as sample IDs and consumables IDs, efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer is designed with a container holding unit, first and second tag setting positions, and a reader that can simultaneously read information from tags attached to containers and the analyzer itself, within a fixed reading range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single reader is used to read multiple types of information (sample ID and consumables ID), then the device complexity is reduced, but the reading efficiency and accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single reader is designed to read multiple types of information (sample ID and consumables ID) by positioning itself to access both the first tag on the container and the second tag on the analyzer body within its reading range, making it a multi-functional device that performs multiple identification tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the reading functions for sample ID and consumables ID into a single reader unit, merging what could have been separate reading devices into one integrated component that serves dual purposes
2Loss of information
If multiple tags (first tag on container and second tag on analyzer) are read simultaneously by a single reader, then the information integration is improved, but the device size may increase to accommodate multiple tag setting positions within reading range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes spatial arrangement in three-dimensional space, positioning the first and second tags at different locations (on container and analyzer body respectively) that both fall within the reader's conical reading range, effectively using spatial dimensionality to accommodate multiple information sources without increasing device footprint
3Reliability
If the reader is fixed at a position that includes both first tag setting position and second tag setting position within its reading range, then the reading reliability is improved, but the flexibility in device layout is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designates specific locations (first tag setting position on container, second tag setting position on analyzer body) as optimal reading zones within the reader's field of view, ensuring that tags are positioned in areas with appropriate reading conditions while maintaining overall device flexibility
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide an automatic analyzer capable of reducing the installation area of a device more than the conventional one and a method of reading information by the above automatic analyzer. [Means for Solution] An automatic analyzer includes a sample disk 114 that holds a sample container 102 with a first tag 101 of storing information about a liquid to be housed attached to the outer wall thereof, a holding area 103A which is located within the sample disk 114 for setting the sample container 102 with the first tag 101 attached there, an area 105A for setting a second tag 104 of storing the information about the automatic analyzer 1, and a reader 106 whose reading range 111 includes the holding area 103A and the area 105A, which is fixed in a way possible to read the information stored in the first tag 101 and the second tag 104.