Paired Identification Labels Using Visual Indicators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for associating prescription drugs with patient information sheets are prone to human error, especially in resource-constrained environments, where equipment for bar code scanning or RFID labeling may not be feasible, leading to potential health risks due to incorrect drug delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system generates paired identification labels with unique visual indicators based on character sets, using numerical values and mathematical operations to create matching labels and label images, ensuring correct alignment and color consistency for verifying the correct prescription and patient association.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bar code scanning or RFID labeling equipment is used to associate inventory items with records, then identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (colors, patterns, shapes) as simplified copies or representations of the underlying data identifiers. Instead of requiring complex scanning equipment to read barcodes or RFID tags, the system creates visual copies that can be verified by simple human observation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electronic identification systems (bar code scanners, RFID readers) with a visual verification system that uses human vision and simple color/pattern recognition. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electronic equipment in resource-constrained environments while preserving the core function of accurate item identification.
2Measurement precision
If manual oversight by trained professionals is used to check package labeling, then identification accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded visual indicators on labels and corresponding color fields on forms to enable rapid visual verification. Trained professionals can quickly scan colors and patterns to confirm correct matching between items and forms, significantly increasing productivity compared to reading and comparing text labels while maintaining high accuracy through the intuitive nature of color recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring complete verification of all label information, the system uses distinctive visual indicators (colors, patterns) that provide sufficient information for rapid verification. This partial verification approach focuses attention on key distinguishing features, enabling faster processing while maintaining accuracy.
3Device complexity
If resource-constrained environments without specialized equipment are used, then device complexity is reduced, but identification accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual indicator copies (colors, patterns, shapes) that encode identification information in a form that can be verified without specialized equipment. These visual representations serve as accessible substitutes for electronic identifiers, enabling accurate identification in resource-constrained settings through simple visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color and pattern variations as information carriers that can be produced and verified with basic printing equipment. Different colors and patterns encode different item identifiers, allowing accurate differentiation and matching without requiring bar code scanners or RFID readers, thus maintaining identification accuracy while reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for preparing a set of paired identification label based a plurality of characters that identify an inventory item. The method includes a step of assigning a predetermined numerical value to each of the plurality of characters. Mathematical operations are performed on the assigned numerical values to obtain a mapping of the plurality of characters to a corresponding non-textual visual indicator. A label is generated which label includes the plurality of characters and the visual indicator. The visual indicator may be a color or a graphic indicator such as an alignment designation bar or a combination and variation thereof.