Sample Container Detection and Alert System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample processing systems face difficulties in rapidly detecting and alerting users to lost sample containers during transport, making it challenging to perform necessary searches and re-examinations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating detectors before and after processing units and a controller to alert users if sample containers are not detected after processing, ensuring continuous monitoring and immediate notification of any discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detectors are installed before and after processing units to detect sample containers, then the ability to detect lost sample containers is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into multiple independent detectors positioned at different locations (before and after processing units). Each detector independently monitors for sample containers, and the controller integrates information from these segmented detection points to comprehensively identify lost containers without requiring a single complex detection system
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives detection results from multiple detectors and uses this feedback information to determine whether sample containers are lost. The system continuously monitors and compares detection states before and after processing, enabling real-time identification of missing containers and triggering appropriate alerts to users
2Reliability
If multiple detectors are used to monitor sample containers throughout the system, then the reliability of detecting lost containers is improved, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detectors are designed to perform multiple functions: detecting the presence of sample containers, determining their location in the system, and providing data for loss identification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, allowing the same detection infrastructure to serve multiple monitoring purposes throughout the sample processing system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a sample processing apparatus including: a sample processing unit configured to process a sample contained in a sample container; one or more detectors located to detect the sample container both before and after the sample contained therein is processed by the sample processing unit; and a controller configured to perform an operation to alert a user if the one or more detectors fail to detect the sample container after the sample processing unit processed the sample in the sample container.