Barcode Safety Net for EMR Document Classification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The processing of barcoded documents in electronic medical records (EMRs) is hindered by barcode reading errors due to issues like smudged ink, cut-off barcodes, and poor scanning conditions, leading to incorrect document classification and merging or splitting of documents.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for creating barcoded documents with barcodes on the first and last pages, using a 'safety net' system to detect and correct scanning errors by generating unique barcodes for single and multi-page documents, ensuring accurate document classification and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If barcodes are placed only on the first page of documents, then the barcoding process is simple and fast, but barcode reading errors occur more frequently due to smudged ink, cut-off barcodes, or poor scanning conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the barcode placement into multiple segments by placing barcodes on both the first and last pages of documents. This segmentation ensures that even if one barcode is damaged or unreadable, the other barcode can still be scanned successfully, thereby improving reliability without significantly impacting productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by placing a second barcode on the last page of the document as a backup. This preparatory measure cushions against potential barcode reading failures caused by smudged ink, cut-off barcodes, or poor scanning conditions, ensuring continuous accurate processing.
2Reliability
If barcodes are placed on both the first and last pages of multi-page documents, then barcode reading reliability is improved, but the complexity of the barcoding process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the barcoding process into distinct steps: placing a first barcode on the first page and a second barcode on the last page. This segmentation allows the system to handle single-page and multi-page documents differently, simplifying the overall process while maintaining reliability through conditional barcode placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing barcodes specifically at the first and last pages of documents rather than uniformly on all pages. This localized approach ensures that barcodes are placed where they are most likely to be scanned (cover pages) while avoiding unnecessary complexity in the middle pages.
3Reliability
If manual verification of barcode reading is performed, then reading errors can be detected and corrected, but human intervention and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by comparing the barcode information read from the first and last pages against each other and against the document metadata. This feedback mechanism automatically detects inconsistencies and triggers correction procedures, maintaining high accuracy while minimizing manual intervention through automated verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service verification by automatically checking barcode reading accuracy through comparison of multiple barcode sources and document characteristics. This self-verification capability reduces the need for manual human intervention while ensuring accurate document classification and processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for generating and processing barcoded documents such that a safety net may be implemented to catch barcode errors. Barcodes may be generated for placement on the first and last page of documents. Each barcode may be associated with a document. During processing of barcoded documents, if a barcode is missing or misread, the safety net will catch the error and mark the affected pages for further review.