Sample Tube Handling via Geometric Data Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated sample handling systems in clinical laboratories face challenges in accurately processing diverse biological samples due to errors in identifying tube geometry, sample type, and cap information, especially when samples are frozen or improperly positioned, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The system uses geometric data encoded on the sample tube labels, allowing for fully automated processing by reading geometric properties directly from the labels, eliminating the need for manual input and reducing errors, and enabling flexible handling of various tube types without requiring a database or regular updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If image analysis is used to identify tube geometry and sample type, then automated processing is enabled, but errors occur when samples are frozen or improperly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-encoding geometric tube data on the sample tube label before the sample is processed. This allows the tube geometry information to be read directly without requiring image analysis at the time of processing, thereby enabling reliable automated handling even when samples are frozen or improperly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical/image-based identification system with a data reading system. Instead of using cameras to capture and analyze tube images, the system uses a reader device to read pre-encoded geometric data from the tube label, substituting mechanical/optical recognition with direct data extraction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual input of tube geometry information is used, then flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by encoding the geometric tube data directly on the tube label during manufacturing. The tube itself provides its own identification information, eliminating the need for manual input or external database queries, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining flexibility through direct data reading.
3Measurement precision
If image analysis is used to detect tube cap color, then tube type identification is enabled, but errors occur due to insufficient lighting or condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the image analysis-based cap color detection system with a data reading system. Geometric tube data is pre-encoded on the tube label and read directly by a reader device, substituting optical recognition (which is sensitive to lighting and condensation) with direct data extraction that is immune to environmental factors.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a database of tube types is maintained for identification, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but system complexity and update requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the geometric tube data from external databases and embeds it directly on the tube label during manufacturing. This removes the need for maintaining complex external databases and their associated update mechanisms, while still achieving comprehensive tube type coverage through the encoded data.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for handling a sample tube (212) containing a biological sample, a tube label (210, 306) being attached to the sample tube, the tube label carrying tube data, the tube data comprising at least geometric tube data being descriptive of at least one geometric property of the sample tube, the method comprising: - reading (102) at least the geometric tube data from the tube label (210, 306) by a reader device (202), - transmitting (104) at least the geometric tube data from the reader device to a processing device (218), - controlling (106) the processing device (218) for handling the sample tube (212) in accordance with the at least one geometric property described by the read geometric data.