Object Carrier Code for Automatic Specimen Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses in medical technology lack the capability for automatic and unequivocal identification of objects during processing, preventing simultaneous processing of different specimens and the execution of distinct staining programs.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with an object carrier featuring a code that allows data assignment and retrieval, enabling unequivocal identification and automatic program execution, utilizing mechanical, optical, or electromagnetic means such as transponders for object tracking and program control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple objects are processed simultaneously in known apparatuses, then productivity increases, but object identification becomes impossible leading to mixing up of specimens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous processing capabilityVSAvoidobject identification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the processing system into individually identifiable segments by assigning a unique code to each object carrier. This allows the control unit to distinguish between multiple objects being processed simultaneously, enabling parallel processing without mixing up specimens while maintaining full traceability of each object through its unique identifier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If automatic processing is implemented without object identification, then ease of operation improves, but processing accuracy deteriorates due to inability to assign specific programs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic operationVSAvoidprogram assignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The object carrier is equipped with a code that automatically identifies the object and its contents to the control unit. This self-identifying system enables the apparatus to automatically retrieve and execute the correct processing program without manual intervention, combining ease of automatic operation with high precision in program assignment based on the unique object identifier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If codes and data storage systems are added to object carriers, then object identification and program assignment capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject identification capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The code on the object carrier serves multiple functions: it uniquely identifies the object carrier, identifies the specific object within the carrier, and stores reference information for the processing program. This multi-functional code system enables comprehensive object management and program assignment without requiring separate complex systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7713476B2Apparatus for preferably automatic handling and/or processing of objects

Publication Date: 2010.05.11 LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH

AI summary

An apparatus for preferably automatic handling and/or processing of objects (1), in particular in the field of medical technology, having at least one processing station (3) and one object carrier (2) for bringing the object (1) to the processing station (3), optionally through the processing station (3), and away from the processing station (3), is characterized in that the object carrier (2) has a code; that data concerning the object (1) and/or the handling or processing of the object (1) can be assigned to the code; and that the data can be read or retrieved by way of the code.