GB2568494A - A method and system of marking a laboratory sample carrier and checking the quality of the printing - Google Patents

A method and system of marking a laboratory sample carrier and checking the quality of the printing Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2568494A
GB2568494A GB1719024.0A GB201719024A GB2568494A GB 2568494 A GB2568494 A GB 2568494A GB 201719024 A GB201719024 A GB 201719024A GB 2568494 A GB2568494 A GB 2568494A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
pixels
printed
concordance
sample carrier
source data
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Granted
Application number
GB1719024.0A
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GB2568494B (en
GB201719024D0 (en
Inventor
Fergus Hughes Thomas
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Pyramid Innovation Ltd
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Pyramid Innovation Ltd
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Publication date
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Priority to GB1719024.0A priority Critical patent/GB2568494B/en
Publication of GB201719024D0 publication Critical patent/GB201719024D0/en
Publication of GB2568494A publication Critical patent/GB2568494A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2568494B publication Critical patent/GB2568494B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J29/38—Drives, motors, controls or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/315—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material
    • B41J2/32—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads
    • B41J2/325—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads by selective transfer of ink from ink carrier, e.g. from ink ribbon or sheet

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  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

A method and system of marking a laboratory sample carrier 2 and checking the quality of the printing is provided. Source data for a mark to be printed on a surface 6 of the laboratory sample carrier is stored as rows of pixels. Successive rows of pixels of the source data are printed on the surface of the laboratory sample carrier with a print head 7 of a printer 1 and successive rows of printed pixels are scanned with scanning apparatus 17 situated adjacent to the print head 7. An automated processor 3 is used to compare printed mark data corresponding to the scanned rows of pixels with the source data. The printhead may be a thermal printhead. The scanning apparatus may include a line of photocells. The photocells may be in a CCD chip. There may be a light source 21 to illuminate an area to be scanned by the scanning apparatus. The method may include establishing a concordance between the printed mark and the source data; and comparing the concordance level with the concordance threshold.

Description

A METHOD AND SYSTEM OF MARKING A LABORATORY SAMPLE CARRIER AND CHECKING THE QUALITY OF THE PRINTING
The present invention relates to a method and system of marking a laboratory sample carrier, such as a laboratory slide or a tissue cassette, and checking the quality of the printing.
Barcodes may be used to identify samples or specimens supported by laboratory sample carriers. These barcodes may be printed on the laboratory sample carriers by, say, thermal transfer, inkjet or laser printers. However, these barcodes are sometimes unreadable and there is a problem that unreadable barcodes may not be detected until after a laboratory sample carrier has been used. If a user visually checks each barcode before the sample carrier is used then the check is subjective. If there are many laboratory sample carriers to check then this is time consuming.
The same situation occurs for optical character recognition (OCR) text being used to identify samples or specimens.
In addition, there is a problem that users often try to adjust printer settings when a barcode, text or other mark is unreadable which can take time. Also, when the mark is unreadable, the fault often lies in the quality of the laboratory sample carrier, and the printer may be assumed to be at fault when it is not.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system to alleviate at least one of the above-mentioned problems.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of marking a laboratory sample carrier and checking the quality of the printing, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) storing source data for a mark to be printed on a surface of a laboratory sample carrier as rows of pixels;
(b) printing successive rows of pixels of the source data on a surface of a laboratory sample carrier with a print head of a printer and scanning successive rows of printed pixels with scanning apparatus situated adjacent to the print head;
(c) forming printed mark data corresponding to the scanned rows of pixels; and (d) using an automated processor to compare the printed mark data with the source data.
By comparing the printed mark data with the source data, the method enables the quality of the printing to be automatically checked before the laboratory sample carrier is used. This prevents samples from being wasted due to the carriers on which they are placed being discarded as a result of being inadequately marked. The method removes subjectivity in relation to checking the quality of the printing, and by being an automated method, laboratory sample carriers can be verified more quickly.
The method may include scanning at least one row of printed pixels while printing of the mark is taking place.
The method may include establishing a concordance level between the printed mark data and the source data, and comparing the concordance level with a concordance threshold. The automated processor may cause printer settings to be adjusted when the concordance level is below the concordance threshold. An indication may be provided that the sample carrier should be rejected when the concordance level is below the concordance threshold. Steps (b) to (d) may be repeated until the concordance level is above the concordance threshold.
The print head may be a thermal print head having individually controllable heating elements which are selectively heated for an on time to effect printing. If the number of pixels in the printed mark data is greater by a predetermined amount than the number of pixels in the source data, such as when too much ink has been printed or deposited on the laboratory sample carrier, then the on time for each heating element may be reduced. If the number of pixels in the printed mark data is less by a predetermined amount than the number of pixels in the source data, such as when too little ink has been printed or deposited on the laboratory sample carrier, then the on time for each heating element may be increased. This enables adjustment or calibration of printer settings to be automated.
The method may include: (i) comparing plural portions of one or more rows of pixels of the source data with corresponding plural portions of the printed mark data; and (ii) generating a portion concordance level between the source data and the printed mark data for each said portion. The method may include the further steps of: (iii) comparing the portion concordance levels corresponding to said plural portions with a portion concordance threshold; and (iv) when plural portion concordance levels are above the concordance threshold but at least one of the portion concordance levels is below the portion concordance threshold, providing an indication that the sample carrier should be rejected. When more than a predetermined number of the portion concordance levels is below the portion concordance threshold, then an indication may be provided that the sample carrier should be rejected. The indication may show that the laboratory sample carrier should be rejected as the surface for printing on is of poor quality such as it is not sufficiently planar. This method enables the surface quality to be checked in real time.
The method may include illuminating an area to be scanned by the scanning apparatus. This helps the scanning apparatus to detect the printed pixels.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for marking a laboratory sample carrier and checking the quality of the printing, the system comprising:
a memory for storing source data for a mark to be printed on a surface of a laboratory sample carrier as rows of pixels;
a printer having a print head for printing successive rows of pixels of the source data on a surface of a laboratory sample carrier;
scanning apparatus situated adjacent to the print head for scanning successive rows of printed pixels; and an automated processor connected to the memory and to the scanning apparatus and programmed to compare printed mark data corresponding to the scanned rows of pixels with the source data.
The scanning apparatus may be configured to scan at least one row of printed pixels while printing of the mark is taking place.
The system may include a light source positioned to illuminate an area to be scanned by the scanning apparatus.
The scanning apparatus may comprise a line of photocells. The scanning apparatus may comprise a CCD chip comprising the photocells.
The printer may comprise the system. The printer may comprise a thermal printer.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a view of a system for marking a laboratory sample carrier and checking the quality of the printing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of part of the system;
Figure 3 is a view of a light illuminating a scanning area of the system;
Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to the invention;
Figure 5 is an illustration of a correctly printed mark using source data for the mark;
Figure 6 is an illustration of the printed mark resulting from inadequate ink being deposited;
Figure 7 is an illustration of the printed mark resulting from too much ink being deposited;
Figure 8 is a sectional view of a print head of the system printing on a laboratory sample carrier;
Figure 9 is a sectional view of the print head printing on a laboratory sample carrier with an uneven surface;
Figure 10 is an illustration of a printed mark when printed on a laboratory sample carrier with an uneven surface;
Figure 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for checking the quality of the laboratory sample carrier when a mark is printed on it; and
Figure 12 is an illustration of a correctly printed mark and a mark printed on a laboratory sample carrier with an uneven surface portioned in accordance with the method shown in the flow diagram of Figure 11.
Referring to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, a system for marking a laboratory sample carrier 2 and checking the quality of the printing, comprises a thermal printer 1. The thermal printer 1 has an automated processor 3 connected to an interface 4 such as a touch screen. The automated processor 3 has a memory 5 for storing source data for a mark to be printed on a marking or writing surface 6 of the laboratory sample carrier 2 as rows of pixels or dots, and is programmed with software. The marking surface 6 comprises ceramic paint.
The thermal printer 1 has a print head 7 for printing successive rows of pixels of the source data on the marking surface 6 of the laboratory sample carrier 2 when the sample carrier 2 is at a marking location 8. The thermal print head 7 is mounted on a support 9 which is arranged to be moved by a motor 10 so that the print head 7 is moved in a direction indicated by arrow 26 along the marking location 8 when printing is taking place and in the reverse direction. The print head 7 comprises a plurality of wires 11 arranged in a row in a ceramic casing 12 and the tips or ends of the wires 11 face the marking location 8 at a base of the print head 7. The wires 11 form individually controllable heating elements which are selectively heated for an on time to effect printing. A tape 13 bearing ink for depositing onto the marking surface 6 is placed between the wire ends and the marking location 8, and the tape 13 extends upwards away from the marking location 8 on opposite sides of the print head 7. The support 9 has a slot 14 through which the tape 13 passes. The tape 13 is moved by rollers 15 so as to be advanced incrementally between the print head 7 and the marking surface 6.
A transporting system 16 is used to transport the laboratory sample carriers 2 through the thermal printer 1.
The thermal printer 1 has scanning apparatus 17 mounted on the support 9 for scanning a scanning area 18. The scanning apparatus 17 is situated adjacent to the print head 7 wherein the slot 14 through which the tape 13 extends is between the scanning apparatus 17 and the print head 7. The scanning apparatus 17 comprises a charge-coupled device (CCD) chip comprising a line of photocells 19 covered by a lens 20 to focus light on the photocells 19. The lens 20 may be concave. Each photocell 19 has a resolution the same as or higher than the print head 7. In other words, the scanning apparatus 17 can separately detect each individual pixel of the printed mark made by the print head 7. A line or row of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 21 is mounted on the support 9 on the opposite side of the scanning apparatus 17 to the print head 7, and the LEDs 21 are arranged to illuminate the scanning area 18.
The thermal print head 7, the motor 10, the tape rollers 15, the transporting system 16, the CCD chip 17 and the LEDs 21 are connected to the automated processor 3.
Referring to Figure 4, in order to mark a laboratory sample carrier 2 and check the quality of the printing, source data for a mark to be printed on the marking surface 6 of the sample carrier 2 as rows of pixels is stored in the memory 5 of the automated processor 3 of the thermal printer 1 along with a concordance threshold (step 100).
A laboratory sample carrier 2 is positioned by the transporting system 16 in the marking location 8 (step 110) and the tape 13 is pinched between the print head 7 and the marking surface 6 of the sample carrier 2. A row of pixels or dots of the source data is printed on the marking surface 6 by the print head 7 heating the required heating elements 11 for an on time and successive rows of pixels are printed as the print head 7 is moved by the motor 10 from a start position along the marking surface 6 in the direction of arrow 26. A correctly printed mark 22 using the source data for the mark is illustrated in Figure 5. Successive rows of printed pixels are scanned with scanning apparatus 17 situated adjacent to the print head 7 wherein the scanning apparatus 17 is sufficiently close to the print head 7 that at least one row of printed pixels is scanned whilst printing of the mark is taking place (step 120). All rows of printed pixels may be scanned with the scanning apparatus. The LEDs 21 provide light to aid the scanning apparatus 17 in detecting the printed pixels. The programmed processor 3 forms printed mark data corresponding to the scanned rows of pixels (step 130). The programmed processor 3 establishes a concordance level between the printed mark data and the source data (step 140), and compares the concordance level with the concordance threshold.
If the concordance level is above the concordance threshold (step 150), then the transporting system 16 is actuated to remove the printed sample carrier 2 from the printer 1, and a message is displayed on the interface 4 that the printed laboratory sample carrier 2 has been verified (step 160).
If the concordance level is below the concordance threshold (step 150), the programmed processor 3 establishes if the concordance level is below the concordance threshold as a result of the number of pixels in the printed mark data being less by a predetermined amount than the number of pixels in the source data (step 170). If this is so then this means that too little ink had been printed on the laboratory sample carrier 2 resulting in the printed mark 23a appearing faint (see Figure 6). The on time for each heating element 11 is increased (step 180) when the mark is printed again to increase the amount of ink transferred from the tape 13 onto the sample carrier 2.
If, on the other hand, the programmed processor 3 establishes that the concordance level is below the concordance threshold as a result of the number of pixels in the printed mark data being greater by a predetermined amount than the number of pixels in the source data (step 170) then this may result in the printed mark 23b (see Figure 7) on the sample carrier 2 having too much ink. Alternatively, the tape 13 may be burnt through in areas where there are large sections of pixels adjacent to each other causing the tape 13 to be dragged down by the print head 7 so that there is smudging. To address this, the on time for each heating element 11 is reduced (step 190) when the mark is printed again to decrease the amount of ink transferred from the tape 13 onto the sample carrier 2.
If the concordance level is below the concordance threshold, then the motor 10 moves the print head 7 back to the start position. The programmed processor 3 causes the print head 7 to print a predetermined warning on the laboratory sample carrier 2 over the initial printed mark indicating that printed sample carrier 2 is not to be used (step 200). The warning may indicate that there is a problem with the print head 7 and this warning may be displayed on the interface 4. The transporting system 16 is then actuated to eject the printed sample carrier 2 from the printer 1 (step 210) and the mark is reprinted on a new laboratory sample carrier 2 (step 220).
The process is repeated until the concordance level is above the concordance threshold.
The above process relates to a problem with the printer 1 due to the on time of the heating elements 11. The print head 7 requires a flat smooth surface to print on so that all the heating elements 11 push the tape 13 firmly into contact with the marking surface 6 evenly to ensure consistent heat and ink transfer (see Fig. 8). However, a poor quality laboratory sample carrier 2’ can have an uneven marking surface 6’ which can prevent at least some of the heating elements 11 from firmly pushing the tape 13 into contact with the surface 6’ (see Fig. 9) causing light or faint areas of print as shown in the printed mark 23c illustrated in Figure 10. Also, debris on the marking surface can prevent at least some of the heating elements 11 from firmly pushing the tape 13 into contact with the surface.
Referring to Figures 11 and 12, to identify and address this problem, the programmed processor 3 forms plural portions 24 of one or more rows of pixels of the source data for the mark to be printed (step 300). The mark is printed and scanned (step 310). A correctly printed mark 22 is shown in the upper part of Figure 12 and a printed mark 23c with light or faint areas of print is shown below it. The programmed processor 3 forms plural portions 25 of rows of pixels of printed mark data corresponding to the plural portions 24 of the one or more rows of pixels of the source data (step 320). A portion concordance level between the source data and the printed mark data is generated for each source data portion and its corresponding printed mark data portion (step 330). The portion concordance levels are compared with a portion concordance threshold. If plural portion concordance levels are above the portion concordance level but at least one of the portion concordance levels is below the portion concordance threshold (step 340), then an indication is provided that the laboratory sample carrier 2 should be rejected as it is of poor quality (step 350). Otherwise, an indication is provided that the printed laboratory sample carrier 2 has been verified (step 360).
The method shown in the Figure 4 flow diagram is preferably used in combination with the method shown in the Figure 11 flow diagram.
In a modified thermal printer there is a plurality of rows of photocells for scanning the laboratory sample carrier as the mark is printed.
In another modification, OCR text instead of a barcode is printed as rows of pixels on the laboratory sample carrier, and successive rows of printed pixels of the OCR text is scanned by the scanning apparatus adjacent the print head. Printed mark data corresponding to the scanned OCR text is formed, and the programmed processor is used to verify the printed text by comparing the printed mark data with source data for the OCR text.
Whilst particular embodiments have been described, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Although the above embodiments have been described in relation to a thermal printer other suitable forms of printers may also be used.

Claims (19)

CLAIMS:
1. A method of marking a laboratory sample carrier and checking the quality of the printing, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) storing source data for a mark to be printed on a surface of a laboratory sample carrier as rows of pixels;
(b) printing successive rows of pixels of the source data on a surface of a laboratory sample carrier with a print head of a printer and scanning successive rows of printed pixels with scanning apparatus situated adjacent to the print head;
(c) forming printed mark data corresponding to the scanned rows of pixels; and (d) using an automated processor to compare the printed mark data with the source data.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, including scanning at least one row of printed pixels while printing of the mark is taking place.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, including:
establishing a concordance level between the printed mark data and the source data; and comparing the concordance level with a concordance threshold.
4. The method as claimed in claim 3, including the automated processor causing printer settings to be adjusted when the concordance level is below the concordance threshold.
5. The method as claimed in claim 3 or 4, including providing an indication that the sample carrier should be rejected when the concordance level is below the concordance threshold.
6. The method as claimed in claim 4, including repeating steps (b) to (d) until the concordance level is above the concordance threshold.
7. The method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the print head is a thermal print head having individually controllable heating elements which are selectively heated for an on time to effect printing.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein if the number of pixels in the printed mark data is greater by a predetermined amount than the number of pixels in the source data then the on time for each heating element is reduced.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein if the number of pixels in the printed mark data is less by a predetermined amount than the number of pixels in the source data then the on time for each heating element is increased.
10. The method as claimed in any preceding claim, including:
(i) comparing plural portions of one or more rows of pixels of the source data with corresponding plural portions of the printed mark data; and (ii) generating a portion concordance level between the source data and the printed mark data for each said portion.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, including the further steps of:
(iii) comparing the portion concordance levels corresponding to said plural portions with a portion concordance threshold; and (iv) when plural portion concordance levels are above the portion concordance threshold but at least one of the portion concordance levels is below the portion concordance threshold, providing an indication that the sample carrier should be rejected.
12. The method as claimed in any preceding claim, including illuminating an area to be scanned by the scanning apparatus.
13. A system for marking a laboratory sample carrier and checking the quality of the printing, the system comprising:
a memory for storing source data for a mark to be printed on a surface of a laboratory sample carrier as rows of pixels;
a printer having a print head for printing successive rows of pixels of the source data on a surface of a laboratory sample carrier;
scanning apparatus situated adjacent to the print head for scanning successive rows of printed pixels; and an automated processor connected to the memory and to the scanning apparatus and programmed to compare printed mark data corresponding to the scanned rows of pixels with the source data.
14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the scanning apparatus is configured to scan at least one row of printed pixels while printing of the mark is taking place.
15. The system as claimed in claim 13 or 14, including a light source positioned to illuminate an area to be scanned by the scanning apparatus.
16. The system as claimed in claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein the scanning apparatus comprises a line of photocells.
17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the scanning apparatus comprises a CCD chip comprising the photocells.
18. The system as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the printer comprises the system.
19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the printer comprises a thermal printer.
GB1719024.0A 2017-11-17 2017-11-17 A method of marking a laboratory sample carrier and checking the quality of the printing Active GB2568494B (en)

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GB2568494A true GB2568494A (en) 2019-05-22
GB2568494B GB2568494B (en) 2021-07-28

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002014077A1 (en) * 2000-08-17 2002-02-21 Hewlett-Packard Company Method and apparatus for ensuring output print quality
EP1343304A2 (en) * 1992-02-26 2003-09-10 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Method for recording image and apparatus therefor and recorded material by such an apparatus
EP1400362A2 (en) * 2002-08-14 2004-03-24 Printronix, Inc. Printer and print correlation method
EP1616703A2 (en) * 2004-07-16 2006-01-18 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Method and apparatus for assessing nozzle health
JP2011148157A (en) * 2010-01-20 2011-08-04 Toshiba Tec Corp Thermal printer and thermal head heating control program
EP2353878A2 (en) * 2010-02-02 2011-08-10 Seiko Epson Corporation Liquid ejection device and liquid ejector method
WO2015019072A1 (en) * 2013-08-07 2015-02-12 Pyramid Innovation Apparatus for marking a laboratory sample carrier

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1343304A2 (en) * 1992-02-26 2003-09-10 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Method for recording image and apparatus therefor and recorded material by such an apparatus
WO2002014077A1 (en) * 2000-08-17 2002-02-21 Hewlett-Packard Company Method and apparatus for ensuring output print quality
EP1400362A2 (en) * 2002-08-14 2004-03-24 Printronix, Inc. Printer and print correlation method
EP1616703A2 (en) * 2004-07-16 2006-01-18 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Method and apparatus for assessing nozzle health
JP2011148157A (en) * 2010-01-20 2011-08-04 Toshiba Tec Corp Thermal printer and thermal head heating control program
EP2353878A2 (en) * 2010-02-02 2011-08-10 Seiko Epson Corporation Liquid ejection device and liquid ejector method
WO2015019072A1 (en) * 2013-08-07 2015-02-12 Pyramid Innovation Apparatus for marking a laboratory sample carrier

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GB2568494B (en) 2021-07-28
GB201719024D0 (en) 2018-01-03

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