Reactive Barcode for Irradiated Blood Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irradiation indicators require manual input to verify radiation exposure, as they are either only human readable or require separate scanning for lot number and exposure status, complicating data management systems, especially in tracing irradiated blood products.
Innovation Solution
A reactive barcode element that is unreadable before irradiation and readable afterward, utilizing a radiation-sensitive film coating on a reflective film base, over-laminated with a 'knock-out' barcode that changes opacity after exposure, allowing both human and scanner readability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If human readable indicia are used to indicate radiation exposure, then the indicator is easy to understand for operators, but the data management system requires manual input which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines human readable indicia and machine readable barcode into a single integrated indicator system. The barcode is printed directly on or integrated with the radiation sensitive coating, allowing both manual verification and automated scanning without requiring separate indicators or manual data entry processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides visual indication for human operators, contains machine readable barcode data for automated scanning, and maintains both functions within a single component that tracks radiation exposure status throughout the blood product lifecycle.
2Measurement precision
If separate scanning and manual input are required for irradiation indicators, then each function can be performed accurately, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radiation sensitive indicator and barcode into a single integrated component. The barcode is either printed directly on the radiation sensitive coating or integrated with it, eliminating the need for separate indicators and reducing process complexity while maintaining both scanning and visual verification capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If a radiation sensitive coating is made opaque after irradiation for human readability, then the exposure status is clearly visible, but the barcode becomes unreadable by scanners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different regions of the indicator. The radiation sensitive coating is formulated to change opacity when irradiated, while the barcode portion maintains sufficient contrast and readability for scanners. This may involve using specific barcode patterns, colors, or materials that preserve scanner readability even when the surrounding coating becomes opaque.
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 data management by providing a single, readable indicator for radiation exposure status, reducing manual input and ensuring accurate tracking of irradiated products through both human and scanner verification.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation sensitive film coating on a reflective film base... undergoes a substantial change in opacity after irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a reactive bar-code element which is unreadable prior to irradiation and readable after irradiation.