TUBE TRAY VISION SYSTEM

摘要

Images of a tube tray, which fits within a drawer and holds tubes in slots arranged in rows and columns, are captured to determine characteristics related to the tube tray. By analyzing the images, features of the tubes are determined, providing valuable information in an IVD environment in which a sample handler is processing the tubes. Each row of the tube tray is encoded to allow for detection of a new row moving into focus of cameras. The cameras capture an image of the tube tray, and the image is stored in a memory buffer. When the next row moves into focus, a subsequent image is taken and stored. The result is a series of images providing multi-perspective views of the rows of the tube tray. The images are analyzed to determine characteristics of the tubes, which are utilized by the sample handler in processing the tubes.

主权项

1. A system for characterizing a tube tray handled by a sample handler in an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment, the tube tray configured to fit within a portion of a drawer that is movable between an open and a closed position and that is accessible by the sample handler, the tube tray comprising an array of rows and columns of slots, each slot configured to hold a tube, the system comprising:
an image capture system comprised of at least one camera, the image capture system configured to capture images of the tube tray positioned in the drawer; an encoder in communication with the image capture system, the encoder configured to detect movement of the tube tray in the drawer; and one or more processors together configured to receive images taken by the image capture system and analyze the images, wherein the encoder transmits a signal to the image capture system upon detection of movement of the tube tray corresponding to a new row of the tube tray moving into a substantially centered position beneath the at least one camera, the signal serving as an instruction for the image capture system to take an image of the new row, and wherein the one or more processors process a series of images of the new row to determine characteristics related to tubes held in slots of the new row.