Tube Rack Code Scanner Layout That Keeps Cover Glass Out of Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing code scanners for test tubes in tube racks are prone to image quality degradation due to dirt accumulation on the transparent window, affecting scanning accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A code scanner design with a transparent cover glass positioned away from the object plane, supported by alignment means and a viewing opening, allowing for automated transport and minimizing dirt contact, combined with a pinhole mask to prevent stray light, and a chamber for easy rack loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transparent window is used to support the tube rack, then the tube rack can be supported and codes can be captured, but dirt accumulates on the window and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transparent window entirely from the optical path. Instead of having the camera view through a window, the tube rack is supported by support members that create a viewing opening, allowing the camera to directly capture codes at the bottom of tubes without any window material in the optical path, thus eliminating the dirt accumulation problem
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces support members as intermediary elements that replace the window's support function. These support members hold the tube rack while leaving the optical path clear, serving as a mediator between the need for mechanical support and the need for clear optical access
2Measurement precision
If the camera optics are focused on the object plane at the level of the bottom of the tubes, then code capture accuracy is improved, but any dirt or scratches on the window become in-focus and degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the window entirely from the system, the patent eliminates the source of in-focus dirt and scratches that would otherwise appear in the captured images and degrade image quality while the camera remains focused on the code-bearing surfaces
3Strength
If a transparent window is used in the tube rack support, then the structure can support the tube rack, but the window contacts the tube rack and deposits dirt on it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the window from the support structure, replacing it with support members that provide mechanical strength and support capability without creating a surface that contacts and accumulates dirt from the tube rack
Solution Approach 2:
Support members serve as intermediary elements that provide the necessary mechanical support function without directly contacting the tube rack in a way that would cause dirt deposition, thereby mediating between structural support needs and contamination prevention
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 scanning reliability by keeping dirt out of focus and maintaining image clarity, ensuring accurate code capture.
Implementation Method 1
When placing the cover glass sufficiently far out of the object plane of the camera, any particles or scratches on the cover glass are out of focus and make the imaging system more robust
Implementation Method 2
A camera views the window from below, with its optics being focused on an object plane at the level of the top surface of the window. It takes pictures of the codes at the bottom surfaces of the tubes in the tube rack
Data Source
AI summary
A code scanner is provided for capturing visual codes at the bottom of a plurality of test tubes in a tube rack. The scanner comprises a base and a tube rack support mounted to the base for supporting a tube rack. At least one camera is focused on an object plane at the bottom of the tubes. A transparent cover glass is arranged between the camera and the object plane. The tube rack support has a viewing opening and, at several locations around the viewing opening, support members for laterally supporting the tube rack. The cover glass is located at a distance from and below the support members. Thus, it is less likely to acquire dirt and any dirt thereon will be out of the object plane of the imaging optics.