Sample Transport Monitoring With Remote Camera Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample handling systems in medical and chemical laboratories lack the ability to continuously and simultaneously monitor multiple samples in a cost-effective manner, often requiring multiple cameras for gapless monitoring, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A sample handling system comprising a camera module positioned away from the sample transport device to provide a free field of view, a processor to process images, and a control unit to control system functionality, enabling continuous monitoring of multiple samples with a reduced number of cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cameras are used for gapless monitoring of samples, then monitoring coverage is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera views into a single unified monitoring system. The image processing unit merges images from multiple cameras to create a comprehensive view of the transport device, allowing complete monitoring coverage while using a limited number of cameras. This resolves the contradiction by achieving full coverage (improving reliability) without deploying multiple cameras throughout the system (controlling device complexity and cost).
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting sample container positions, identifying spills, monitoring traffic flow, and tracking container alignment. A single integrated monitoring system with image processing capabilities replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized detection devices, achieving universal monitoring coverage while reducing system complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If cameras are positioned close to the sample transport device, then image detail is improved, but field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions cameras at a distance from the transport device, utilizing the vertical dimension and angular perspective to achieve both detailed imaging and broad field of view. By strategically positioning cameras above and at angles to the transport device, the system captures comprehensive views of multiple sample holders simultaneously while maintaining sufficient image detail for detection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image processing algorithms that can dynamically adjust to capture relevant details from distance. The processing unit enhances image quality and extracts meaningful information even when cameras are positioned farther away, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision while expanding the field of view through computational methods.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample handling system (110) for handling a plurality of samples is disclosed. The sample handling system (110) comprises: i. a plurality of sample holders (112) each configured for receiving a sample container (116); ii. at least one sample transport device (118) configured for moving the plurality of sample holders (112) in at least one direction; iii. at least one monitoring system (120) configured for monitoring the plurality of samples during movement via the sample transport device (118), wherein the monitoring system (120) comprises iv. at least one camera module (130) configured for continuously capturing images of at least a part of the sample transport device (118), wherein the camera module (130) is arranged at a distance away from the sample transport device (118) such that the camera module (130) has a free field of view to the sample transport device (118), and v. at least one processor (132), wherein the processor (132) is configured for processing the captured images and, thereby, determining at least one item of information about the sample transport device (118) and/or the sample container (116) and/or the sample from the captured images; and vi. at least one control unit (121) configured for controlling a functionality of the sample handling system (110), wherein the control unit (121) is configured for retrieving the item of information from the processor (132), wherein the controlling is based on the retrieved item of information. Further a method for handling a plurality of samples, a computer program and a computer-readable storage medium is disclosed.