Bulk Sample Container Barcode Scanning with Polarized Imaging
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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 indexing of samples throughout the handling process.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that uses an imager and processor to capture and analyze images of bulk sample containers, allowing for the simultaneous scanning and decoding of barcodes on multiple tissue/sample containers within a single image, along with a lighting system for optimal image capture, enabling efficient tracking and indexing of samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual barcode scanning of each tissue/sample container is performed, then identification accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases significantly and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual barcode scanning operations into a single bulk container scanning operation. The system captures an image of the bulk container and simultaneously detects and decodes barcodes of all tissue/sample containers within it, resolving the contradiction by combining multiple identification tasks into one unified process that maintains accuracy while dramatically improving processing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional individual scanning to two-dimensional bulk container imaging. By capturing a top-down view of the entire bulk container and analyzing multiple barcodes within a single image frame, the system enables simultaneous decoding of numerous samples, thereby increasing productivity without sacrificing identification precision
2Productivity
If bulk sample containers are scanned as a single unit, then processing efficiency improves, but the ability to track and identify individual samples is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bulk container into individual sample units by detecting and decoding each barcode within the bulk container image. This segmentation allows the system to process the bulk container efficiently as a single image while simultaneously extracting and tracking individual sample identifiers, thus preventing information loss about specific samples
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of barcode information from the bulk container image. By decoding barcodes from the captured image, the system generates digital representations of individual sample identifiers that can be stored and used for tracking, ensuring that individual sample information is preserved even though the physical scanning was done at the bulk level
3Device complexity
If manual barcode entry is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but error rate increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical barcode entry with an automated optical imaging and image processing system. The imager captures images of barcodes, and the processor automatically detects and decodes them, eliminating manual typing errors while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through the use of standard imaging components
4Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured to ensure complete barcode coverage, then measurement completeness improves, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single top-down image that captures all barcodes within the bulk container in one view. This excessive action of capturing the entire bulk container area in a single image ensures complete barcode coverage without requiring multiple sequential images, thereby maintaining detection completeness while minimizing processing time
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 tracking and identification of tissue/sample containers at any stage of handling, improving the process of comparing initial and final sample images, and reducing errors by allowing barcodes on multiple containers to be located and decoded in a single image, enhancing sample management and workflow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The field of view is evenly lighted with a polarized light
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
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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.