Automated Inspection and Sorting of Blood Samples

Problems: In systems that perform batch control of sample racks and trays with bar codes, the inspection instructions and sorting information are handled at the host system. This gives rise to complicated programs and configurations, making it difficult to change the system when required. A new bar code label must be attached each time the sample racks and trays are cleaned. The labels have to be attached carefully without being creased. Read information from the bar codes on the test tubes with a bar code reader, and store that information along with inspection instructions and sorting information in the ID Tags embedded in the sample racks and trays. Write inspection history information and inspection results to the ID Tags and, in the final process, upload the information to the host system.