Sample Analyzer Barcode Reader Tube Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample analyzers face inefficiencies due to the need for barcode re-adherence and complex structures to handle diverse blood collection tube shapes and sizes, which reduces testing efficiency and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer with a barcode reader that identifies the type of blood collection tube from a barcode on a rack, allowing for controlled aspiration and analysis without re-adhering barcodes, and using a simplified structure that includes a transporting device, sensor, and barcode reader to manage tube types based on rack identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a barcode reader reads information from a barcode adhered to the container, then the insertion depth of the aspirating tube can be changed according to container type, but the barcode must be re-adhered at the testing laboratory which reduces testing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode indicating container type information is adhered to the container in advance at the collection site, eliminating the need for re-adherence at the testing laboratory. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary identification information is already available when the container arrives at the laboratory.
Solution Approach 2:
The container itself carries the identification information through a pre-adhered barcode, allowing the system to automatically identify container type without requiring external intervention or re-labeling at the testing facility.
2Measurement precision
If a container shape discriminating unit with multiple light emitting diode arrays and photodiode arrays is provided, then the shape and height of containers can be detected, but the structure of the analyzer becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The function of container type identification is extracted from the physical shape detection system and transferred to a barcode reading system. Instead of using complex optical arrays to measure container dimensions, the system simply reads the pre-encoded type information from a barcode on the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical and optical measurement system (light emitting diodes and photodiodes) is replaced with a simpler barcode reading system. The complex physical measurement approach is substituted with an information-based approach that reads identification data directly from the container.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a transporting robot grips containers at different heights to detect container type, then various container shapes can be identified, but the structure of the analyzer becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The container type identification function is extracted from the transporting robot's grip position detection system and assigned to a barcode reader. The robot simply transports containers without needing to detect their type through grip position, separating the transport function from the identification function.
Solution Approach 2:
A barcode serves as an intermediary carrier of container type information. Instead of the system directly detecting container type through mechanical means (grip position), the barcode acts as an information intermediary that conveys type data to the control unit.
Data Source
AI summary
The sample analyzer comprises a transporting device for transporting a rack for holding a plurality of containers containing samples respectively and having a recording part in which identifying information has been recorded that identifies the rack, a reading device for reading the identifying information from the recording part of the transported rack, an aspirating device including an aspirating tube for aspirating the sample from the container, a controller for controlling the operation of the aspirating device based on the identifying information read by the reading device, and an analyzing device for analyzing a measurement sample that includes the aspirated sample.