Blood Sample Imaging Apparatus for Faint ID Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic blood cell analyzers face difficulties in identifying blood samples when the ID information is faint or not readable, leading to incomplete or inaccurate analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sample imaging apparatus and method that includes a sample image obtainer, identification detector, and controller to output both sample and identification part images when the identification information cannot be detected, ensuring analysis can proceed even if the ID reader fails to read the ID.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an ID reader is used to read ID information from blood samples, then automatic identification and analysis can be achieved, but the system fails when ID printing is faint or unreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the identification part as an alternative to the optical reading method. When the ID reader cannot read the faint ID printing, the system captures an image of the identification part which can then be viewed and identified manually, providing a backup identification method that overcomes the limitations of optical reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively captures images of the identification part and sample before proceeding with analysis, preparing alternative identification methods in advance. This preliminary action ensures that even if the ID reader fails, the identification information is already captured in image form for manual verification.
2Productivity
If ID information is faint or not readable, then automatic analysis cannot proceed, but manual intervention increases time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By creating visual copies (images) of both the identification part and the sample, the system enables rapid manual review without requiring physical re-examination. The captured images can be immediately viewed on displays or printed for review, significantly reducing the time needed for manual intervention compared to returning to the original sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary medium (image output and display system) between the sample and the analyst. Instead of directly examining the original sample or ID, the analyst views the captured image, which serves as an intermediary that preserves all necessary information while allowing for easier and faster review.
3Device complexity
If only ID reading is performed, then the system is simple, but misidentification errors cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two identification methods: automatic optical reading and visual image verification. By combining these approaches, the system maintains the simplicity of automatic reading while adding the accuracy of visual verification, allowing operators to cross-check the ID against the captured image to ensure correct identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying captured images of the identification part and sample. This feedback mechanism allows operators to verify whether the ID reading is correct by comparing it with the visual evidence, enabling error detection and correction that would not be possible with automatic reading alone.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample imaging apparatus comprising: a sample image obtainer for obtaining an image of a sample smeared on a sample holder, the sample holder comprising an identification part which comprises identification information of the sample; an identification detector for detecting the identification information; an identification part image obtainer for obtaining an identification part image comprising an image of at least a portion of the identification part; an output device; and a controller for controlling the output device, such that the image of the sample and the identification part image are output when the identification detector can not detect the identification information is disclosed. A sample analyzing system, a sample analyzing apparatus, and a sample imaging method are also disclosed.