Tube Rack Code Scanner Layout to Keep Window Dirt 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 imaging optics focused below the tube rack support to keep dirt out of focus.
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 degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transparent window from the optical path entirely. Instead, it uses a transparent cover glass positioned away from the object plane, separated from the tube rack by a distance. This extraction of the window eliminates the surface where dirt accumulates while maintaining the protective function through the cover glass design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary space between the cover glass and the tube rack support. This air gap acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the tube rack and the cover glass, reducing dirt deposition on the cover glass while allowing optical transmission.
2Reliability
If the cover glass is positioned close to the object plane, then protection is maximized, but dirt on the cover glass comes into focus and degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the cover glass, placing it at a distance from the object plane. Specifically, the cover glass is positioned such that it is out of the focal plane of the imaging optics. This parameter change ensures that while the cover glass provides protection, any dirt on it remains out of focus and does not degrade image quality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tube rack is placed directly on the support, then support is stable, but the tube rack contacts the cover glass and deposits dirt on it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air gap as an intermediary between the tube rack support and the cover glass. This gap prevents direct contact between the tube rack and the cover glass, eliminating the dirt deposition pathway while maintaining support stability through the support structure design.
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 scanner achieves improved reliability by preventing dirt from affecting the scanning process, ensuring accurate image capture of visual codes on test tubes.
Implementation Method 1
imaging optics focused on an object plane at a level of the bottom of the tubes
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
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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 (2) and a tube rack support (10) mounted to the base (2) 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 (18) is arranged between the camera and the object plane. The tube rack support (10) has a viewing opening (32) and, at several locations around the viewing opening (32), support members (10a - lOd) for laterally supporting the tube rack. The cover glass (18) is located at a distance from and below the support members (10a - lOd). Thus, it is less likely to acquire dirt and any dirt thereon will be out of the object plane of the imaging optics.