Automated Drug Container Verification Using OCR and Barcode Cross-Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in accurately reading lot numbers and expiration dates on drug containers, which are often printed in human-readable form only, leading to manual entry errors and inefficiencies, especially when combined with machine-readable codes that are not always present or easily readable.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a camera and OCR to read human-readable information on drug containers, verifying it against a database linked to the machine-readable code, providing visual feedback for repositioning and ensuring accurate identification and verification of lot numbers and expiration dates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual entry of lot number and expiration date is used, then flexibility is maintained, but accuracy and productivity deteriorate due to manual errors and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reading and entry processes with an automated optical scanning system using a camera and image processing algorithms. The system automatically captures images of the container, detects the location of lot number and expiration date text, extracts the information using OCR (optical character recognition), and validates it against the barcode data, eliminating manual typing and associated errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically comparing the OCR-extracted lot number and expiration date against the barcode information and predefined validity criteria. The image processing system autonomously detects text locations, extracts data, validates against databases, and provides feedback without requiring human intervention in the verification process.
2Loss of information
If barcode scanning is used, then machine-readable information is obtained, but human-readable information (lot number and expiration date) cannot be read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate reading functions into a single integrated system: barcode scanning and human-readable text recognition. The same camera and image processing system that reads the machine-readable barcode also automatically detects, extracts, and validates the human-readable lot number and expiration date, eliminating the need for separate manual reading processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting the barcode, extracting barcode information, locating human-readable text regions, extracting lot number and expiration date text, validating against databases, and providing visual feedback. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate devices and manual operations into one unified system.
3Extent of automation
If OCR is used to read human-readable information, then automation is achieved, but accuracy cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple layers of feedback mechanisms: (1) The image processing system provides visual feedback to guide the operator in positioning the container for optimal reading; (2) The system automatically verifies OCR results by comparing extracted lot number and expiration date against the barcode information and predefined validity criteria; (3) The system provides feedback indicating whether the read information is valid or requires repositioning, creating a closed-loop verification process that ensures accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation by comparing the extracted lot number and expiration date against the barcode data and predefined validity criteria before final acceptance. This preliminary verification step occurs automatically as part of the reading process, ensuring that only valid and accurate information is accepted, thereby maintaining high reliability despite using automated OCR technology.
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
The system enables accurate and automated reading of lot numbers and expiration dates, reducing manual errors and improving inventory management by confirming the validity of the information against a database, thus enhancing safety and recall tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a camera configured to capture images of the container
Implementation Method 2
translate the human-readable text into machine-readable text using optical character recognition
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, apparatus has a camera, a screen, and a processor that receives images of a container from the camera and generates displays rendered on the screen. The processor reads a machine-readable code, a lot number, and an expiration date in the container images; uses the code to retrieve corresponding lot number and expiration date stored in a database; determines whether (i) the retrieved lot number matches the read lot number and (ii) the retrieved expiration date matches the read expiration date; and indicates whether or not the information on the container has been successfully verified based on the determination. The processor can determine that the code, lot number, and expiration date are not all visible in a first image generated by the camera and indicate that the container and/or the camera needs to be repositioned to generate another image showing the information missing from the first image.