IDENTIFICATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING IDENTIFIERS ON AND/OR FEATURES OF LABORATORY OBJECTS AND/OR OF SAMPLES LOCATED THEREIN, AND LABORATORY DEVICE HAVING SUCH AN IDENTIFICATION DEVICE

Abstract

An identification device for identifying identifiers on and/or features of laboratory objects and/or of samples located therein in conjunction with automated laboratory systems or facilities, for example, medical, chemical, or pharmaceutical analysis devices. Barcodes on sample containers, for example, sample tubes, reagent tubs, or microplates are used, for example, as identifiers. An optical recording unit and a mirror are used, the spacing is variable for the detection of laboratory objects, each at different distances, from a recording distance by the optical recording unit is within a depth of field of the optical recording unit. The mirror is used for imaging the laboratory object to be detected on the optical axis. The identification device is substantially simplified, more reliable, and more cost-effective in comparison to known devices that use a zoom lens together with an autofocus unit.

Claims

1: An identification device for identifying identifiers (1, 1) on and/or features of laboratory objects (4, 4) and/or of samples (14) located therein, comprising: an optical recording unit (5) having an optical sensor element, which is capable of recording an optical signal in the direction of an optical axis (6); a mirror (7) having a reflection surface, which is at an angle in a range from 35 to 55, in particular in a range from 42 to 48, preferably essentially of 45, in relation to the optical axis (6); a transportation unit (8), on which the optical recording unit (5) or the mirror (7) is installed, and which is movable along a displacement path (9) in the direction of the optical axis (6) in such a way that a spacing (A1, A1) between the optical recording unit (5) and the mirror (5) is changeable, so that a recording distance (A1+A2, A1+A2) via the reflection surface between the optical recording unit (5) and a laboratory object (4, 4), in particular a sample container, such as a sample tube (4, 4), a reagent tub, or a microplate, which is located abreast the optical axis (6) at the height of the mirror (7), is settable so that the recording distance is within a depth of field of the optical recording unit (5); and an evaluation unit, which is operationally connected to the optical recording unit (5), and is configured to identify an identifier (1, 1) on the laboratory object (4, 4) and/or a feature of the laboratory object (4, 4) and/or a sample (14) which is located in the laboratory object (4, 4) based on the optical signal reflected from the reflection surface.

2: The identification device according to claim 1, furthermore comprising: a drive unit for the motorized movement of the transportation unit (8); and a control unit, which is operationally connected to the drive unit and is configured to set the recording distance within the depth of field of the optical recording unit (5) by adjusting the spacing (A1, A1).

3: The identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that an item of information relating to a distance of the laboratory object (4, 4) from the mirror (7), in particular a perpendicular distance of the laboratory object (4, 4) from the optical axis (6), can be supplied to the control unit.

4: The identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical recording unit (5) further comprises a fixed-focus lens (10), which is designed in particular for optimum focusing of laboratory objects (4, 4), which are located at the recording distance from the optical recording unit (5) measured via the reflection surface, wherein the recording distance is in particular in a range from 15 cm to 80 cm, preferably 50 cm.

5: The identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification device furthermore has a lighting unit (11), which is arranged at the optical recording unit (5) or the mirror (7), and is capable of illuminating the laboratory objects (4, 4), wherein in particular a luminosity of the lighting unit (11) is settable by the control unit in dependence on the recording distance, and wherein the lighting unit (11) in particular comprises one or more LEDs or laser diodes or a UV or IR light source.

6: The identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical recording unit (5) is one of the following: a CCD scanner having a photodiode array as an optical sensor element; a laser scanner, which uses a laser beam for scanning at least a part of the laboratory object (4, 4); a camera (5) having an image sensor as an optical sensor element.

7: A laboratory device, in particular a working area (13), having an identification device according to claim 1, wherein the laboratory device has at least one working area edge and furthermore a plurality of insertion paths (12, 12, 12, 12) essentially perpendicular to the working area edge, which are embodied for the insertion of carrier units (3) for accommodating one or more laboratory objects (4, 4), in particular sample containers, for example, sample tubes (4, 4), reagent containers, or microplates, and wherein the identification device is arranged in such a way that the displacement path (9) extends essentially perpendicularly to the working area edge.

8: The laboratory device according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one sensor (19) is arranged along at least one of the insertion paths (12, 12, 12, 12), which sensor (19) is capable of detecting the insertion of a carrier unit (3), and an item of information relating to a distance (A2, A2) of the laboratory object (4, 4) from the mirror (7) is derivable from an output signal of this at least one sensor (19).

9: The laboratory device according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one signal generator, for example, a magnet, is arranged on the carrier units (3), wherein in particular one signal generator is arranged in each case between individual receptacles for accommodating one or more laboratory objects (4, 4).

10: The laboratory device according to claim 7, characterized in that the carrier units (3) are embodied for accommodating multiple laboratory objects (4, 4) in one or more rows offset in relation to one another.

11: The laboratory device according to claim 7, characterized in that the laboratory device furthermore has a drawing-in device for the motorized drawing-in of individual carrier units (3) along the respective insertion path (12, 12, 12, 12).

12: The laboratory device according to claim 7, characterized in that the laboratory device furthermore has a background light, in particular an LED background light, which is arranged in such a way that at least one insertion path (12, 12, 12, 12) is located between the background light and the mirror (7).

13: An identification method for identifying identifiers (1, 1) on and/or features of laboratory objects (4, 4) and/or features of samples (14) which are located in the laboratory objects (4, 4), comprising the following steps: arranging an optical recording unit (5) having an optical sensor element, which is capable of recording an optical signal in the direction of an optical axis (6); arranging a mirror (7) having a reflection surface, which is at an angle in a range from 35 to 55, in particular in a range from 42 to 48, preferably of essentially 45 in relation to the optical axis (6), providing a first carrier unit (3) for accommodating at least one first laboratory object (4), in particular a sample container, for example, a sample tube (4), a reagent tub, or a microplate, for insertion along a first insertion path (12, 12, 12, 12); adjusting a spacing (A1, A1) between the optical recording unit (5) and the mirror (7) along a displacement path (9) in the direction of the optical axis (6), so that a first recording distance (A1+A2, A1+A2) between the optical recording unit (5) and the first laboratory object (4, 4) via the reflection surface is within the depth of field of the optical recording unit (5), wherein the displacement path (9) extends essentially parallel and abreast to the first insertion path (12, 12, 12, 12); inserting the first carrier unit (3) along the first insertion path (12, 12, 12, 12) and, during this, recording of a first optical signal reflected from the reflection surface of a first identifier (1, 1) on and/or a first feature of the first laboratory object (4, 4) and/or a sample (14), which is located in the first laboratory object (4, 4); and evaluating the first optical signal to identify the first identifier (1, 1) and/or the first feature of the first laboratory object (4, 4) or the sample (14).

14: The identification method according to claim 13, comprising the following further step: detecting an item of information relating to a distance (A2, A2) of the laboratory object (4, 4) from the mirror (7).

15: The identification method according to claim 13, wherein the adjustment and/or the insertion are performed by motor.

16: The identification method according to claim 13, characterized in that the identifier to be identified on the laboratory object (4, 4) is one of the following: a barcode (1); a 2D code (1), for example, a QR code or dot code; a 3D code, wherein, for example, the color tone, the color saturation, or the color brightness represents the third dimension; a hologram; an engraving; and embossing, wherein the identifier is printed in particular on a label attached to the laboratory object (4, 4), or was applied directly to the laboratory object (4, 4) by means of ink or laser beam or by means of exposure of a light-sensitive coating.

17: The identification method according to claim 13, characterized in that the feature to be identified of the laboratory object (4, 4) and/or the sample (14) which is located in the laboratory object (4, 4) is one of the following physical features: size and type of the laboratory object (4, 4), in particular of the sample container; diameter of the laboratory object (4, 4), in particular of the sample tube (4, 4); fill level of the laboratory object (4, 4), for example, based on a phase transition between liquid and air, in particular for determining whether the laboratory object (4, 4) is empty; a boundary layer (15) between two different components of the sample (14), for example, the boundary (15) between blood serum and blood clot; whether a cover is placed on the laboratory object (4, 4) and the color and/or type of the cover.

18: The identification method according to claim 13, characterized in that a background light, in particular an LED background light, or a background having a pattern or color is used, in particular is capable of obtaining an optical signal which results in a more reliable and/or rapid identification of the identifier (1, 1) on the laboratory object (4, 4) or of the feature of the laboratory object (4, 4) and/or the sample (14), which is located in the laboratory object (4, 4).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Nonlimiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in greater detail hereafter on the basis of drawings. In the figures:

[0068] FIG. 1 shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of a carrier unit for accommodating multiple sample tubes;

[0069] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an inserted carrier unit on a working area;

[0070] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of multiple inserted carrier units and one partially inserted carrier unit on a working area;

[0071] FIG. 4 a) shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a laboratory device according to the invention having an exemplary embodiment of an identification device according to the invention having a carrier unit inserted close to the identification device; and

[0072] FIG. 4 b) shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a laboratory device according to the invention having an exemplary embodiment of an identification device according to the invention having an inserted carrier unit farther away from the identification device than in FIG. 4 a).

[0073] In the figures, identical reference signs stand for identical elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0074] FIG. 1 shows a frontal view of a carrier unit 3 (often called a strip rack in technical jargon), in which a plurality (for example, 8 or 16) of laboratory objects in the form of sample tubes 4, 4 are arranged linearly in an array in equidistant holders adjacent to one another. A label having a barcode 1, 1 is adhesively bonded as an identifier to the sample tubes 4, 4. The sample tubes 4, 4 are each aligned in the holder in such a way that the barcode 1, 1 is well recognizable in a reading slot 2. A one-dimensional/1D barcode (or bar code) 4 is attached to the first, third, and fourth sample tubes 4 from the right. A two-dimensional/2D barcode 1 (or matrix code) is attached to the second sample tube 4 from the right. The sixth sample tube 4 from the right is arranged in the holder in such a way that the barcode is located on the side of the sample tube 4 which faces away. The sample 14 which is located in the sample tube 4 is thus not concealed by the label having the barcode 1, 1, so that, for example, the fill level of the sample tube 4 or a boundary layer 15 (see also the fifth sample tube 4 from the right) is recognizable between different components of the sample 14.

[0075] FIG. 2 shows the carrier unit 3 from FIG. 1 on a working area 13 in a perspective view. To read and/or identify the barcode 1 on each individual sample tube 4, the carrier unit 3 is now inserted, usually manually, along an insertion path 12 onto the working area 13. Further carrier units 3 are now each inserted in succession along a different insertion path 12, 12, 12 onto the working area 13. The insertion or drawing in of the carrier units 3 onto the working area 13 can alternatively also be performed by a motor by means of a drawing-in device (not shown in FIG. 2) along the respective insertion path 12, 12, 12, 12.

[0076] FIG. 3 shows a working area 13, on which multiple carrier units 3 have already been inserted completely and one carrier unit 3 has only been inserted partially onto the working area 13. By means of the large barcode 16 on the carrier unit 3, it is identifiable (->carrier unit number or batch number). A small barcode 16, which indicates the holder or position number for the individual sample tubes 4, is located on the carrier unit 3 at each holder. A sensor, for example, a Hall sensor 19, detects along which insertion path 12, 12, 12, 12 the carrier unit 3 is inserted. This information is used to set the spacing between the optical recording unit and the mirror in such a way that a recording distance via the reflection surface between the optical recording unit and the sample tube 4 is within the depth of field of the optical recording unit 5. As is apparent from FIG. 3, the individual barcodes 1, 1, 16, and 16 can be identified during the insertion through the receptacle gap 18, which is formed like a tunnel by the handles 17 of the already completely inserted carrier units 3.

[0077] The barcode reading and/or identification unit has to be embodied and arranged in relation to the insertion paths 12, 12, 12, 12 in such a way that the barcode 1 of each individual sample tube 4 can be read or identified in an unobstructed and reliable manner during the insertion or introduction of the carrier units 3, which requires that the recording distance between the optical recording unit and the sample tube 4 to be identified has to be within the depth of field of the optical recording unit. The attempt is made in this case to arrange the identification device in the most space-saving possible manner on the working area 13, so that the laboratory device is embodied as compactly as possible.

[0078] These specifications are achieved by way of example according to the invention by the arrangement or device according to FIGS. 4 a) and 4 b). FIGS. 4 a) and 4 b) show a top view of an identification device according to the invention having a camera 5 as an optical recording unit. The camera 5 is installed on a transportation unit 8, which is moved by means of a drive (for example, electric stepping motor, not shown in FIGS. 4 a) and 4 b)) along a displacement path 9 (for example, in the form of a rail, for example, a toothed rack), which extends parallel to the insertion paths 12, 12, 12, 12 and perpendicularly to the working area edge. The camera 5 now sees the barcode 1 on each of the sample tubes 4 via a mirror 1, which is at an angle of 45 in relation to the optical axis 6 of the camera 5, which extends parallel to the displacement path 9. Before the insertion of the carrier unit 3 along the insertion path 12 close to the mirror 7 at the perpendicular distance A.sub.2 from the optical axis 6, as shown in FIG. 4 a), the spacing A.sub.1 of the camera 4 to the mirror 7 is set in such a way that the total of A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 results in a recording distance within the depth of field of the fixed-focus lens 10 of the camera 5, in which the camera 5 can therefore identify the barcode with maximum sharpness and/or resolution.

[0079] In order that the control unit (not shown in FIGS. 4 a) and 4 b)) knows the spacing A.sub.2, for example, a magnet is attached to the front of the carrier unit 3, which triggers a corresponding magnetic switch (for example, a Hall sensor or Reed switch), which is arranged at the beginning of each insertion path 12, 12, 12, 12, upon approach of the carrier unit 3.

[0080] During the insertion, the spacing A.sub.1 is kept constant and each sample tube 4 is moved past the mirror 7. As soon as a sample tube 4 arrives at the height of the mirror 7 (i.e., is at the perpendicular spacing A.sub.2 from the point of intersection of the optical axis 6 with the mirror 7), the camera 4 records at least one image of the barcode 1, which is then analyzed in the evaluation unit to identify the barcode 1 and/or detect the information coded therein. The movement of the sample tubes 4 past the mirror 7 can also be detected by corresponding sensors, such as magnetic switches, for example, by further magnets being arranged in the carrier unit 3 with spacing to the holders, for example. Alternatively, a light barrier could be used for the same purpose.

[0081] To make the view of the mirror 7 clear, the entire carrier unit 3 is to be inserted beyond the mirror 7 along the insertion path 12 if possible, or the end of the carrier unit 3, for example, the handle 17, is to be designed in such a way that the mirror 7 is visible through it if a further carrier unit 3 is inserted on another insertion path 12, 12, 12.

[0082] In FIG. 4 b), the case is shown in which the carrier unit 3 is inserted along the insertion path 12 at a greater distance from the mirror 7 (that in FIG. 4 a)) at the perpendicular spacing A.sub.2>A.sub.2 from the optical axis 6. Accordingly, the control unit has to move the camera 5 on the transportation unit 8 along the displacement path 9 closer toward the mirror 7 (A.sub.1<A.sub.1), so that the recording distance remains the same (i.e., approximately constant and/or within the depth of field of the fixed-focus lens 10), as in the situation according to FIG. 4 a). The focus setting thus does not have to be performed on the camera lens itself, whereby the fixed-focus lens 10 is suitable for this application.

[0083] In order to ensure that the barcodes 1 are well readable during the recording by the camera 5, a lighting unit 11 can optionally be arranged at the mirror 7 (or preferably at the camera 5 as an LED ring), which illuminates the sample tubes 4 using suitable light. This lighting unit 11 can be constructed, for example, from LEDs or laser diodes, and/or can comprise a UV or IR light source. The latter could be helpful above all in the detection of a feature of the sample tube 4 (for example, its diameter) and/or a sample 14, which is located therein (for example, a boundary layer 15 or the fill level). In addition, a background light (not shown in FIGS. 4 a) and 4 b)) could also be used, which illuminates the sample tube 4 from the rear toward the mirror 7, so that a good contrast can be achieved between the background and the sample tube 4 to be recorded. For this purpose, a background having a suitable color or pattern could alternatively or additionally be used. The pattern can be used, for example, to determine the internal diameter of the sample tube 4, by utilizing the fact that the pattern is distorted upon observation to the material of the sample tube 4 or its contents 14 (for example, a liquid) because of an index of refraction deviating from that of air.

[0084] In order to be able to detect a feature of the sample 14 contained in the sample tube 4, it can be necessary to insert the carrier unit 3 reversed (i.e., rotated by 180) once again, so that the rear side of the sample tubes 4, on which no barcode 1 is located, which covers the sample 14, can be recorded using the camera 5. The sample 14 could also, alternatively or additionally to the lighting from the front by means of the lighting unit 11 (and from the rear by means of the background light), be illuminated from the top and/or bottom using a suitable light source for this purpose.

[0085] Due to the arrangement of the identification device according to the invention perpendicular to the working area edge and parallel to the insertion paths 12, 12, 12, 12 and due to the deflection of the image of the laboratory objects 4 to be recorded by means of the mirror 7, a very compact construction results, which may be attached easily (even later) to an existing working area 13. Because the spacing between the camera 5 and the mirror 7 is settable by means of the transportation unit 8, the recording distance to the laboratory object 4 to be recorded can be kept constant or within the depth of field of the lens of the camera 5, independently of how far away the insertion path 12, 12, 12, 12 is from the mirror 7. It is therefore sufficient to equip the camera 5 with a fixed-focus lens 11 instead of a complex and costly zoom lens. The arrangement of the displacement path 9 perpendicular to the working area edge and/or parallel to the insertion paths 12, 12, 12, 12 again enables a compact construction and moreover prevents the insertion paths 12, 12, 12, 12 and the displacement path 9 from intersecting, which could result in collisions of the camera 5 with the carrier units 3.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0086] 1 identifier, barcode label, 1D barcode (bar code) [0087] 1 identifier, 2D barcode (matrix code) [0088] 2 (barcode) reading slot [0089] 3 carrier unit (strip rack) [0090] 4 laboratory object, sample tube (with label in front) [0091] 4 laboratory object, sample tube (with label in rear) [0092] 5 optical recording unit, camera [0093] 6 optical axis [0094] 7 mirror [0095] 8 transportation unit [0096] 9 displacement path [0097] 10 fixed-focus lens [0098] 11 lighting unit [0099] 12, 12, 12, 12 insertion path (multiple) [0100] 13 working area [0101] 14 sample, blood [0102] 15 boundary layer, phase transition [0103] 16 identifier (barcode) with carrier unit number [0104] 16 identifier (barcode) with holder/position number [0105] 17 handle of the carrier unit [0106] 18 receptacle gap [0107] 19 (Hall) sensor [0108] A.sub.1, A.sub.1 spacing from camera to mirror [0109] A.sub.2, A.sub.2 perpendicular spacing from mirror/optical axis to insertion path