Sample and Reagent Barcode Reading Without Focal Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample measuring apparatuses require costly mechanical and electronic components for automatically adjusting the focal range of barcode readers due to varying distances between the reader and containers, increasing overall apparatus cost.
Innovation Solution
A sample measuring apparatus that reads identification information without automatically adjusting the focal range for objects at different geometric distances, eliminating the need for mechanical or electronic components to adjust the focal range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If automatic focal range adjustment is implemented to read identification information from objects at varying distances, then reading capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring motors, power transmission members, sensors, and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reading system into multiple fixed focal range readers, each dedicated to a specific distance range. This segmentation allows each reader to have a simplified structure without automatic adjustment mechanisms, while collectively covering multiple distance zones to maintain reading capability across varying distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single reader with adjustable focus (one-dimensional adjustment) to multiple readers positioned at different locations (spatial distribution). By distributing readers across different spatial positions, the system achieves multi-distance reading capability without requiring focal adjustment mechanisms in each reader.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automatic focal range adjustment is implemented to read identification information from objects at varying distances, then reading capability is improved, but apparatus cost increases due to additional mechanical and electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reading function across multiple fixed readers rather than using one adjustable reader. This eliminates the need for expensive motors, power transmission members, and control circuits in each unit, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to read identification information from objects at various distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple simple, fixed focal range readers that are cheaper to manufacture than single adjustable readers. Each reader is designed with minimal components, accepting that they cover only specific distance ranges, but collectively providing comprehensive reading capability at lower overall cost.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample measuring apparatus 1 is disclosed that includes the sample rack storage 50 in which the sample rack 66 holding the sample container 67 is installed, the reagent rack storage 52 in which the reagent rack 86 holding the reagent container 87 is installed, an information reading apparatus 700, and a first flection unit 710. The sample rack storage 50 is geometrically placed at a position farther from the information reading apparatus 700 than the reagent rack storage 52. The information reading apparatus 700 reads the sample identification information 67d of the sample container 67 from the first reflected light acquired via the first flection unit 710, and reads the reagent identification information 87d of the reagent container 87 from the second reflected light acquired not via the first flection unit 710.