Syringe Barcode Reader Using Illuminated Backdrop for Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode reader systems face challenges in reliably reading barcodes on transparent or translucent surfaces, such as syringes, due to lack of sufficient visual contrast between the barcode patterns and the background, making it difficult to differentiate and decode the information accurately.
Innovation Solution
A reader system is designed with a detector and an illumination system that positions the syringe with the identification tag between a background screen and the detector, using reflective elements and a light pipe to enhance contrast, allowing the detector to capture the tag against an illuminated backdrop, thereby improving readability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a barcode is printed on a transparent or translucent surface, then the syringe can be visually inspected and the design is simplified, but the visual contrast between the barcode patterns and the background is insufficient, making it difficult to differentiate and decode the information accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (contrast-enhancing structure or material) between the transparent syringe surface and the detector to improve the visibility of the barcode. This intermediary provides the necessary contrast without requiring changes to the syringe manufacturing process, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color or optical property changes in the background or barcode structure to enhance contrast. By modifying the optical characteristics (such as using a colored background or reflective elements), the system achieves sufficient visual differentiation of barcode features on transparent surfaces without complicating the manufacturing process.
2Device complexity
If traditional barcode reader systems are used without additional components, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of reading barcodes on transparent surfaces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (contrast-enhancing structure or material) between the transparent syringe surface and the detector to improve the visibility of the barcode. This intermediary provides the necessary contrast without requiring changes to the syringe manufacturing process, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color or optical property changes in the background or barcode structure to enhance contrast. By modifying the optical characteristics (such as using a colored background or reflective elements), the system achieves sufficient visual differentiation of barcode features on transparent surfaces without complicating the manufacturing process.
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
The system effectively enhances the visibility and readability of barcodes on transparent or translucent surfaces by providing sufficient contrast, enabling reliable and consistent decoding of information stored on the syringe tags, which is critical for fluid delivery procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination system configured for illuminating at least a portion of the background screen
Implementation Method 2
the detector may be configured for detecting the at least one identification tag on a backdrop defined by at least a portion of the background screen illuminated by the illumination system
Data Source
AI summary
A reader system for reading information on at least one identification tag associated with a syringe connected to a fluid injector has a detector and a background screen spaced apart from the detector such that at least one of the at least one identification tags is positioned in an optical path between the detector and the background screen when the syringe is connected to the fluid injector. The reader system further has an illumination system configured for illuminating at least a portion of the background screen. The detector is configured for detecting and decoding the at least one identification tag. Methods for reading information on at least one identification tag associated with a syringe are also described.