Optical Sample Property Indicator for Laboratory Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual tracking of sample properties in laboratories is cumbersome and prone to errors, especially when multiple blood analyzers are distributed across different floors, requiring technicians to manually enter identification numbers and interpret textual information to determine the correct analyzer for each sample.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect sample properties using a detector and processing unit to generate a light signal indicating the property, which is projected to illuminate the sample, using various light colors, intensities, or patterns to clearly indicate the property, such as destination or test status, reducing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tracking of sample properties is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking processes with an automated optical indication system. Detectors automatically capture sample properties, and light-emitting indicators visually display sample destinations and status without requiring manual data entry or interpretation, thereby increasing productivity while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables samples to indicate their own properties and destinations automatically. Each sample container is equipped with or identified by indicators that self-display relevant information such as destination analyzer and processing status, eliminating the need for external manual tracking and reducing human intervention.
2Loss of time
If manual entry of identification numbers is required, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data entry operations with automated optical detection and visual indication systems. Detectors automatically read sample identifiers, and light indicators immediately display processed information, eliminating the time-consuming manual transcription process while maintaining accuracy through automated data capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual light-based copies of sample information that are immediately displayed. Instead of manually copying data from identification numbers to destination assignments, the system generates optical representations of sample properties and destinations that are directly visible to technicians, dramatically reducing processing time.
3Ease of operation
If textual information is displayed, then information completeness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different colored lights to indicate different sample properties and destinations. Each color corresponds to specific sample characteristics or destination analyzers, providing intuitive visual cues that are immediately recognizable. This color-coding system maintains information completeness while dramatically improving ease of operation compared to textual displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional textual information to multi-dimensional visual indication by using color, intensity, and position of light sources. This adds dimensional encoding to sample information display, allowing technicians to quickly comprehend multiple sample properties simultaneously through visual patterns rather than reading text.
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 solution streamlines sample handling by providing a visual indication of sample properties, reducing errors and increasing efficiency in directing samples to the correct analyzers or further processing, thereby saving time and minimizing human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
generating a light having at least one light property that corresponds to the property of the object to indicate the property of the object
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are described herein for an apparatus and method for indicating at least one property related to an object. Detection data and optionally input data are received for the at least one property related to the object and at least one light property that corresponds to the at least one property related the object based on the detection signal is determined using a processing unit. A light is then generated and projected to illuminate and/or surround at least a portion of the object, the light being based on the at least one light property to indicate the at least one property related to the object.