Barcode Scanning Bulk Sample Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barcode scanning methods for tissue/sample containers, especially in bulk containers, are inefficient as they require individual scanning of each container, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and do not allow for easy tracking or comparison of initial and final sample images.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that uses an imager and processor to capture and analyze a single image of a bulk sample container, allowing for the detection and decoding of barcodes on multiple tissue/sample containers within, enabling efficient tracking and indexing of samples throughout handling and storage processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual barcode scanning of each tissue/sample container is performed, then tracking accuracy is improved, but processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual barcode scanning operations into a single bulk scanning operation. The imaging system captures images of multiple tissue/sample containers simultaneously within a bulk container, and the processor decodes all barcodes from these combined images, thereby maintaining tracking accuracy while dramatically reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of barcode information through imaging rather than physical individual scanning. By capturing images of all containers and decoding barcodes from these image copies, the system achieves accurate tracking without the time penalty of physical sequential scanning.
2Productivity
If bulk container scanning is implemented to reduce processing time, then productivity improves, but barcode detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging system that captures high-quality images of all barcodes in the bulk container. This imaging intermediary preserves barcode information fidelity while enabling simultaneous processing, thus maintaining detection accuracy despite the bulk scanning approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical sequential scanning with an optical imaging-based parallel detection system. The imager captures all barcode information simultaneously through light reflection, and the processor decodes multiple barcodes from the captured images, substituting mechanical sequential operations with optical parallel processing to maintain accuracy while improving productivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured for bulk container scanning, then barcode detection completeness improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic image capture with adjustable parameters. The system can adaptively adjust imaging parameters such as focus, exposure, and field of view based on the specific bulk container configuration, allowing complete barcode detection without requiring complex fixed multi-angle imaging 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 efficient scanning and decoding of barcodes on multiple containers in a single image, improving tracking and storage management by allowing for positive identification and comparison of samples at any stage, reducing errors and increasing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The field of view is evenly lighted with a polarized light
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for scanning and decoding barcodes includes an imager, a sample imaging area, and a processor. The imager is configured to capture images within a selectable field of view. The sample imaging area is configured to support a plurality of sample/tissue containers. Each sample/tissue container of the plurality of sample/tissue containers comprises a respective barcode. At least a portion of the plurality of sample/tissue containers are positioned within the field of view, such that a plurality of the respective barcodes is within the field of view. The processor is configured to receive captured images from the imager. The processor is configured to detect and decode each of the plurality of respective barcodes present in a first image of the captured images. The processor is also configured to define an associated region of interest for each barcode present in the first image.