Visual Signal Tray for Laboratory Sample Carrier Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual verification of laboratory slides on a tray for patient samples is prone to human error, and existing barcode scanning systems are inefficient due to unreadable barcodes, leading to misplaced or misidentified samples, and there is a need for efficient tracking and storage management.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a digital camera and light projector system that takes images of the tray, reads identification codes, and illuminates carrier bays with specific colors based on code recognition, ensuring accurate identification and grouping of samples, and includes a method for processing images to verify the presence and correct placement of slides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual verification of slides is performed, then human error occurs in identification, but automated barcode scanning systems are inefficient due to unreadable barcodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical recognition system. A digital camera captures images of slides on the tray, and image processing algorithms automatically read identification codes and verify slide presence, eliminating both manual error and the limitations of barcode scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the tray contents through photography. By capturing an image of the entire tray and processing it computationally, the system verifies slide presence and identification without physical contact or reliance on potentially unreadable barcodes.
2Ease of operation
If slides are manually arranged on the tray in particular order, then time is consumed moving slides around, but automated arrangement systems increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service arrangement by providing visual feedback through colored lights that guide operators in placing slides in the correct positions. The tray itself, through integrated lighting, instructs where each slide should be placed, eliminating the need for complex automated mechanical arrangement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system reads identification codes from slides and provides immediate visual feedback through colored lights indicating correct or incorrect placement. This real-time feedback guides the arrangement process without requiring complex pre-programmed automated systems.
3Reliability
If technicians verify all slides against patient request forms, then human error occurs in checking presence and correctness, but automated verification systems increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The digital camera system serves multiple functions: it captures images for identification code reading, verifies slide presence, and provides visual feedback through integrated lighting. This single device performs what would otherwise require separate verification tools, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach where the digital camera and image processing act as a mediator between the physical slides and the verification process. Rather than directly comparing physical slides to paper forms, the system creates a digital representation that can be automatically analyzed, simplifying the verification mechanism.
4Reliability
If barcodes on slides are scanned for identification, then unreadable barcodes cause sample processing waste, but alternative identification methods reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes barcode scanning with optical image recognition. Instead of relying on machine reading of barcodes, the system captures images of the slides and uses image processing to identify and read identification codes, overcoming the limitations of barcode readability while maintaining precision through computational methods.
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
This system reduces human error by quickly identifying unreadable or misplaced slides, ensures accurate grouping of samples by patient, and facilitates efficient loading and storage by providing visual signals for correct tray arrangement and tracking changes in slide content.
Implementation Method 1
a digital camera mounted with respect to the tray for taking a digital image of at least part of the tray
Implementation Method 2
a visual signal emitting device comprising at least one light projector for illuminating a region associated with each carrier bay and selectively illuminating each region in different colours
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
There is an apparatus (1) and a method for providing visual signals relating to a plurality of laboratory sample carriers(2). Laboratory sample carriers (2) are placed on corresponding carrier bays(6)of a tray (4) wherein each sample carrier(2)displays an identification code(5). A digital image of at least part of the tray(4) is taken with a digital camera(11). The digital image is processed with a processing device (13) to read the laboratory sample carrier identification codes (5) in the image. A visual signal emitting device (10) is activated to emit at least one visual signal for each occupied carrier bay (6) included in the image wherein the visual signal emitted for each said carrier bay (6) is determined by the sample carrier identification code (5) read by the processing device (13) from a corresponding carrier bay part of the processed image.