Hospital Label Printing System Using Master Barcode and Thermal Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hospital label systems are inefficient and costly, with embossing machines being large and expensive, magnetic stripe systems being expensive and limited in data capacity, and network-connected printer systems requiring extensive network access and leading to waste and damage to printers due to unnecessary label production.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a capture station that creates a Master Barcode Label with encoded patient data, which can be printed without a network connection, and independent label stations that can print additional labels based on the encoded data, using thermal printers and scanners to ensure secure and efficient label production without network access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embossing machines and imprinting machines are used to create patient labels, then patient information can be transferred to forms and labels, but the equipment becomes large, expensive, and prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical embossing and imprinting systems with electronic data processing and thermal printing systems. Patient information is captured electronically and transmitted to thermal printers that produce labels without mechanical contact, eliminating the complexity and reliability issues of embossing machines while maintaining accurate information transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of patient information from the embossed card through magnetic stripe reading or manual entry, then uses this electronic copy to generate labels at multiple locations. This eliminates the need for physical embossing at each labeling point, reducing equipment complexity while ensuring consistent, reliable label production
2Loss of information
If magnetic stripe cards are used to store and transfer patient information, then data can be encoded and read, but the equipment becomes expensive and data capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from magnetic stripe encoding with limited capacity to barcode technology with significantly expanded data capacity. Barcodes can encode substantially more patient information including demographics, account numbers, and clinical data, eliminating the information capacity limitation while using simpler, less expensive scanning equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces magnetic stripe reading equipment with barcode scanning systems. Barcode scanners are optically-based, simpler devices that can read encoded information from labels without requiring complex magnetic field detection, reducing equipment cost while maintaining or improving data capacity
3Ease of operation
If network-connected printer stations are used to print labels, then labels can be printed at various locations, but extensive network access is required and unnecessary labels are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-encodes the master patient label with all necessary patient information in barcode format. This preliminary encoding allows any label station to generate additional labels by simply reading the master label, eliminating the need for network connections and preventing waste by ensuring labels are only printed when actually needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables label stations to be self-sufficient by allowing them to read patient information directly from master labels using barcode scanners. Each station independently generates labels without requiring network access to patient databases, eliminating the need for extensive network infrastructure while preventing unnecessary label production
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 and secure printing of hospital labels and wristbands with reduced costs by eliminating the need for extensive network connections and minimizing waste, allowing labels to be produced at remote locations without damaging printers, while ensuring data security and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a printer assembly, preferably a thermal printer or a thermal transfer printer
Data Source
AI summary
A system for printing hospital labels and wrist bands having a capture station, wherein a master label is created, and multiple independent label stations, wherein additional labels may be printed based solely on information in the master label, without being connected to a data network.