Sample Container Imaging With One-Grip Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample handling systems are time-consuming, prone to human error, and compromise sample integrity due to manual handling and temperature fluctuations during processing and registration of biological, chemical, or biochemical samples.
Innovation Solution
An automated or semi-automated system for processing and registering samples that employs a gripping tool for one-touch capture and imaging, maintaining sample temperature through minimal handling and using machine vision for efficient data registration, integrated with a cloud-based system for accurate and quick sample tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling and data entry are used for sample registration, then human error increases and sample integrity deteriorates due to temperature fluctuations, but the process requires minimal equipment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic arm that grasps sample containers. The robotic system eliminates human contact with samples, preventing temperature fluctuations and contamination while maintaining sample integrity through automated, precise movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated data capture using machine vision technology. The robotic arm and imaging system work autonomously to register sample data without human intervention, reducing errors and maintaining consistent temperature conditions throughout the process.
2Measurement precision
If multiple handling operations are performed on samples during registration, then data accuracy improves through verification, but sample temperature stability deteriorates and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses machine vision systems and automated imaging to capture sample data without physical handling. The robotic arm performs single, precise movements rather than multiple manipulations, ensuring temperature stability while achieving accurate data registration through optical detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of sample data through imaging and machine vision. Instead of physically manipulating samples multiple times for verification, the system captures images and data electronically, allowing unlimited verification of digital copies without affecting the physical sample's temperature or integrity.
3Productivity
If automated robotic arm with machine vision is used for sample registration, then processing speed increases and human error decreases, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is designed as a multi-functional platform that performs sample grasping, positioning, and data capture operations. The machine vision system serves multiple purposes including sample identification, data registration, and verification, reducing the need for separate specialized devices and optimizing the complexity-to-productivity ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the robotic manipulation system with machine vision and data registration capabilities into an integrated automated platform. By merging these functions, the system achieves high processing speed and accuracy while reducing the overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated sample registration system for registering samples disposed in sample containers or tubes, the system including: a sample container infeed store station having a holding location with a store array configured for storing the containers therein; a sample imager station, with a machine vision system having at least one of a line scanner and a camera, at least one of the line scanner and the camera being configured to generate a machine readable image of each container transported from the array with a transport device automatic grip, the container being held in the grip substantially continuously from container pick, at the store array, throughout imaging of the container by the machine vision system; wherein the grip holds the sample container substantially coincident, at least in part, with imaging of the container by the machine vision system so that generating the machine readable image is effected in one grip step.