Automatic Analyzer Vessel Detection Using Disk Codes Without Labels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers fail to detect specimen vessels when barcode labels are not attached, leading to incomplete analysis.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer equipped with a sensor that reads a two-dimensional code on a reagent specimen disk to determine the presence or absence of a specimen vessel, using contrast value thresholds to identify vessels without requiring additional dedicated sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a barcode label is attached to the specimen vessel for detection, then the automatic analyzer can detect the vessel, but the system requires additional dedicated sensors and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The existing barcode reader, originally designed for reading barcode labels on specimen vessels, is repurposed to detect the presence or absence of the vessel itself by reading the two-dimensional code on the reagent specimen disk. This multi-functional use eliminates the need for dedicated vessel detection sensors while maintaining reliable detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent specimen disk's two-dimensional code serves dual purposes: identifying the reagent and indicating the presence or absence of the specimen vessel. The system uses information already present in the environment (the code on the disk) rather than requiring additional detection mechanisms, allowing the vessel presence detection to be performed by the existing barcode reading infrastructure.
2Reliability
If a dedicated sensor is mounted for vessel detection, then vessel presence can be detected, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode reader is designed to perform multiple functions: reading barcode labels on vessels, reading two-dimensional codes on reagent specimen disks, and detecting vessel presence. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel detection function is merged with the existing barcode reading system. The same optical sensor and processing unit that read barcode labels are used to detect vessel presence by analyzing the two-dimensional code on the reagent specimen disk, consolidating detection functions and reducing component count.
3Measurement precision
If additional dedicated sensors are mounted for vessel detection, then detection accuracy improves, but maintenance complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing barcode reader maintains its original function of reading barcode labels while simultaneously detecting vessel presence through the two-dimensional code on the reagent specimen disk. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors that would require separate maintenance procedures, reducing maintenance complexity while preserving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel detection function is integrated into the existing barcode reading system, meaning both functions (reading labels and detecting presence) are performed by the same sensor and processing unit. This consolidation simplifies maintenance as there is only one system to maintain rather than multiple separate detection systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables vessel detection without additional sensors, reducing costs and improving maintenance performance by eliminating the need for exclusive detection mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that reads a two-dimensional code on a reagent specimen disk to determine the presence or absence of a specimen vessel, using contrast value thresholds
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Provided is an automatic analyzer capable of detecting a specimen vessel even when a barcode label is not attached to the specimen vessel. Included are a reagent specimen disk 11 including a mounting unit 15 for mounting a specimen vessel 13 that stores a specimen to be analyzed on an outer peripheral portion thereof, a two-dimensional code 12 arranged on the reagent specimen disk at a back position of the mounting unit, a barcode 14 arranged on a side surface of the specimen vessel, a sensor 16 arranged at a front position of the mounting unit and capable of reading the two-dimensional code and the barcode, and a control unit 18 for determining whether the specimen vessel 13 is mounted on the mounting unit 15 based on whether a contrast value of the light reflected from the two-dimensional code is equal to or greater than a threshold set in advance, by using an output signal of the sensor.