Automated Specimen Cataloging via Optical Label Recognition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In high-volume laboratory settings, precise and accurate tracking and record-keeping of tissue and biological specimens are challenging due to the repetitive and error-prone nature of the processes, which can lead to loss, mislabeling, or incorrect processing of unique specimens.
Innovation Solution
A device with a framework and cameras captures images of specimen labels and samples, processes them into digitally encoded texts, and integrates data into a catalog record, analyzing transfers for errors and compliance with minimum standards, ensuring accurate tracking and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tracking and record-keeping of specimens is performed, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but accuracy and precision deteriorate due to human error in high-volume repetitive tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking processes with an automated optical-mechanical system comprising cameras, frameworks, and image processing units. The system automatically captures images of specimens and their containers, extracts identifying data, and links them through computer vision technology, eliminating human error in specimen tracking while maintaining systematic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of specimen identifying data through image capture and optical character recognition. The system generates digital representations of labels, barcodes, and specimen identifiers, which are then processed and stored in databases, enabling accurate tracking without physical manual recording.
2Productivity
If automated image processing is implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple cameras and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cameras into a coordinated imaging system that captures specimens, containers, and labels simultaneously or in sequence. The framework integrates these cameras with image processing units, databases, and control systems into a unified automated workflow, where components work together to process multiple specimens through capture, identification, and cataloging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the imaging and processing system to perform multiple functions: capturing specimen images, reading labels and barcodes, extracting identifying data, verifying specimen-container associations, and storing catalog information. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated platform.
3Reliability
If comprehensive image capture and verification processes are used, then reliability of specimen tracking is improved, but loss of time increases due to multiple imaging and verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs image capture and identifying data extraction in advance during the specimen intake process. By capturing images of specimens, containers, and labels at the point of entry and pre-processing this information, the system establishes accurate records before specimens move through the workflow, enabling rapid verification later without adding significant time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous automated image processing and verification operations that run parallel to specimen handling. The system continuously captures images, processes identifying data, and updates database records without interrupting the specimen workflow, maintaining reliable tracking while minimizing time loss through overlapping operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for processing and cataloging of a sample, in a container having a label with identifying data, has a frame; a plurality of cameras mounted to the frame; and a controller system coupled to the cameras, the controller system including a controller and a non- transitory memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the controller, cause carrying out of computer processes that produce a catalog record output characterizing the sample, such record also including the identifying data.