Sample Carrier Cutting Device with Optical Imaging Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for cutting off sample regions from a sample carrier, such as dried blood on filter paper, often require operators to maintain an unsatisfactory working posture due to the need for direct visual communication with the sample carrier, leading to suboptimal ergonomics.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize an optical imaging unit, a cutting unit, and a processor to analyze images and control the cutting process, allowing operators to monitor and adjust sample region locations on a display screen without direct visual contact, thereby improving ergonomics by enabling better posture and allowing for image enhancement and indicator placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator directly visually communicates with the sample carrier to monitor sample regions, then the operator can accurately identify and adjust sample region locations, but the working ergonomics deteriorates due to unsatisfactory working posture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the sample carrier image on a display screen, allowing the operator to view and interact with the sample regions indirectly through the displayed image rather than direct visual contact with the physical sample carrier. This copying approach maintains measurement precision while improving working ergonomics by enabling the operator to work from a comfortable seated position.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen acts as an intermediary between the operator and the sample carrier. The optical imaging unit captures the sample carrier image, which is then displayed on the screen, allowing the operator to monitor and adjust sample region locations without direct visual communication with the sample carrier itself, thus resolving the ergonomic contradiction.
2Reliability
If the operator maintains direct visual contact with the sample carrier, then real-time monitoring of sample regions is achieved, but the working posture becomes unsatisfactory leading to poor ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a real-time digital copy of the sample carrier on the display screen through the optical imaging unit, the system maintains reliable real-time monitoring capability while allowing the operator to view the image from a ergonomically sound distance and posture, eliminating the need for direct visual contact with the sample carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the monitoring interface from the physical dimension (direct visual contact with sample carrier) to the digital display dimension. The sample carrier image is projected onto a screen that can be positioned at an ergonomically appropriate distance and angle, allowing real-time monitoring without compromising working posture.
3Measurement precision
If the operator needs to closely observe the sample carrier to identify sample regions, then accurate region detection is achieved, but the working ergonomics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen presents a magnified or appropriately scaled digital copy of the sample carrier, allowing the operator to examine sample regions in detail without needing to physically close in on the actual sample carrier. This maintains detection accuracy while preserving ergonomic working conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving the detailed view to a digital display dimension rather than requiring physical proximity to the sample carrier, the system enables accurate sample region detection while allowing the operator to maintain a comfortable working distance and posture.
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
Enhances operator ergonomics by allowing monitoring and adjustment of sample region locations on a display screen, reducing the need for direct visual interaction with the sample carrier, and enabling improved working posture through image analysis and control of the cutting process.
Implementation Method 1
an optical imaging unit for producing an image of at least portion of the sample carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A device for cutting off one or more sample regions from a sample carrier that contains impregnated sample material, e.g. blood, is described. The device includes: a cutting unit (103) for cutting off the one or more sample regions from the sample carrier, an optical imaging unit (101) for producing an electronic image of the sample carrier, and a processor (102) for controlling a display screen (108) to display the image (104) and one or more indicators (105, 105′) each expressing the location of one sample region to be cut off. Thus, an operator of the device is enabled to monitor, without direct visual communication to the sample carrier, what region or regions of the sample carrier is/are to be cut off. As no direct visual communication with the sample carrier is needed, the working ergonomics of the operator can be improved.