Barcode Reader Rotation for Sample Identification Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers face challenges in accurately reading barcodes on sample containers, especially when new barcodes are adhered over old ones, leading to misalignment and incorrect identification information due to partial exposure, rotation, or misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer with a barcode reader that irradiates the side surface of the sample container with light and a rotating mechanism to read the barcode over a predetermined angle, ensuring accurate identification by repeatedly reading the barcode during rotation, and using a controller to manage the reading process to ensure accurate data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a barcode is read from a fixed position on a stationary sample container, then the reading process is simple and fast, but the barcode may be misaligned or partially obscured leading to incorrect identification
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container is rotated during the barcode reading process, transforming the static reading scenario into a dynamic one. This rotation allows the barcode reader to capture the barcode from multiple angular positions, ensuring accurate reading even when the barcode is misaligned or partially obscured on the container surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode reading is performed periodically at multiple rotation angles. The system reads the barcode at different positions during the rotation cycle, compares the readings, and determines the correct identification information through periodic sampling at optimal angles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new barcode is adhered over an old barcode on a sample container, then the sample can be reidentified at a different medical center, but misalignment occurs causing partial exposure of the old barcode leading to wrong identification
Solution Approach 1:
By rotating the sample container during reading, the system dynamically scans through different angular positions where the barcode layers are exposed. This allows the reader to capture the new barcode when it is in the optimal reading position, avoiding misidentification from the old barcode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple readings at different rotation angles and uses feedback from these readings to determine the correct barcode information. By comparing readings from different positions, the system can identify and select the correct new barcode while ignoring the old barcode underneath.
3Measurement precision
If the sample container is rotated to find the barcode, then accurate reading can be achieved, but the reading time increases due to multiple readings required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic readings at predetermined rotation angles during the container rotation. By strategically timing the readings to occur at angles where the barcode is most likely to be optimally positioned, the system achieves accurate identification while minimizing the total reading time through efficient periodic sampling.
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
This configuration ensures accurate identification information is obtained by reading the new barcode even when old barcodes are partially exposed, reducing the likelihood of incorrect identification and increasing the accuracy of sample identification.
Implementation Method 1
a barcode reader for reading a barcode adhered to the sample container by irradiating a side surface of the sample container with light
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
A sample analyzer comprising: a measurement unit for measuring a sample contained in a sample container; a barcode reader; a rotating section; and a controller is disclosed. The controller controls the rotating section and the barcode reader so that the barcode reader repeatedly reads the barcode over the range of a predetermined rotation angle; and obtains identification information of the sample contained in the sample container on the basis of reading results obtained as a result of the repeated reading of the barcode by the barcode reader. Method of obtaining sample identification information and a sample identification information obtaining apparatus are also disclosed.