Specimen Container Tracking With Weight and Image Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional specimen handling in medical settings, particularly in hospitals with manpower shortages, faces challenges such as manual transportation inefficiencies, potential errors, and risks of incorrect handling due to manual operations, leading to accumulation of specimens and increased chances of errors like substitution or loss.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing weight sensing and image capturing modules at both ends to generate and compare specimen information, with a network communication module for real-time data transfer and a warning module for discrepancies, ensuring accurate tracking and checking of specimen containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual transportation is used for specimen containers, then labor flexibility is maintained, but error rate increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated tracking system using weight sensing modules and image capturing modules. The system automatically detects specimen containers, tracks their movement, and verifies their identity without human intervention, thereby eliminating manual errors while maintaining high processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The specimen containers are equipped with embedded identification features (barcodes, RFID tags) that enable them to be automatically detected and tracked by the system. The containers essentially 'identify themselves' to the tracking system, eliminating the need for manual scanning and verification by personnel.
2Reliability
If automated tracking system is implemented, then productivity increases and error rate decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is designed to handle multiple types of specimen containers (tubes, boxes, bags) using the same weight sensing and image capturing modules. The system performs multiple functions including detection, tracking, identification, and verification through a single integrated platform, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each container type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image capturing module as an intermediary between the weight sensing module and the control system. This intermediary captures visual information of the specimen containers, which is then processed to verify container identity and status, adding a layer of verification without significantly complicating the overall system architecture.
3Loss of time
If manual collection and transport is used, then device complexity remains low, but loss of time increases due to accumulation and batch processing
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system operates continuously to monitor and track specimen containers from collection to delivery. Unlike batch processing, the system provides real-time tracking throughout the entire workflow, eliminating waiting times and ensuring continuous movement of specimens through the laboratory pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and identification of specimen containers at the point of collection using weight sensing and image capturing modules. This preliminary action enables immediate tracking and routing decisions, eliminating the need for batch collection and subsequent bulk transportation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances specimen handling efficiency, reduces labor costs, and significantly minimizes errors by providing precise tracking and checking of specimen containers, ensuring their integrity and quantity through automated processes.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensing module disposed at the transmitting end and the checking end, to measure a weight of the at least one specimen container
Implementation Method 2
an image capturing module disposed above the weight sensing module, to capture a target image of the at least one specimen container
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of tracking and checking specimen are disclosed. It is suitable for at least a specimen container, which is transported from a transmitting end to a checking end. The system comprises a weight-sensing module, an image capturing module, a controlling module, and a network communication module, which are disposed at the transmitting end and the checking end. In accordance with a weight of the specimen container and an identified target image, the controlling module generates first specimen information and second specimen information respectively at the transmitting end and the checking end. The checking end is further equipped with a comparison module for comparing whether the first specimen information and the second specimen information are identical.