Sample Preparation Instrument Barcode Automation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample preparation methods for instruments like flow cytometers lack efficient automation in dispensing processed samples into preselected output tubes, often relying on manual selection or simplistic barcode scanning, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A sample preparation instrument with an input station, output station, and transfer station, equipped with a computer system that scans specimen-panel assignment barcodes to associate output tubes with specific panels and dispense processed samples accurately based on encoded data, including specimen ID, panel code, and tube number, ensuring precise and automated sample distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual selection or simplistic barcode scanning is used for dispensing samples, then device complexity is reduced, but accuracy and reliability of sample dispensing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a barcode label as an intermediary carrier that encodes multiple parameters (specimen ID, panel code, tube number) in a structured format. This intermediary enables the automation system to accurately identify and dispense samples without requiring complex manual intervention, thus improving accuracy while keeping the device complexity manageable through standardized barcode technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual selection and simplistic scanning mechanisms with an automated optical scanning system that reads structured barcode data. This substitution eliminates human error in sample identification and dispensing while using relatively simple optical components, thereby improving accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If automated barcode scanning and association is implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-encoding all necessary dispensing information (specimen ID, panel code, tube number) into the barcode label before the dispensing process begins. This allows the automation system to rapidly process and associate samples with tubes without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through pre-prepared data structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode label serves as a self-service information carrier that automatically provides all necessary routing and identification data to the automation system. The specimen, panel, and tube associations are self-encoded in the barcode, eliminating the need for complex external tracking systems and enabling efficient automated processing with minimal additional device complexity.
3Reliability
If structured barcode data encoding is used, then information accuracy and sample association reliability are improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information into distinct, well-defined fields within the barcode structure (specimen ID, panel code, tube number). This segmentation allows the scanning system to detect and measure each parameter independently using standard barcode recognition algorithms, improving reliability of association while keeping the scanning complexity manageable through structured data organization rather than unstructured complex patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample preparation instrument for dispensing processed samples into output tubes is described. The instrument scans specimen-panel assignment barcodes. The instrument associates the output tubes with a panel selected for a specimen. The instrument operates a transfer station to dispense processed samples from the specimen into the output tubes based on the association of the output tubes with the panel.