WO2001070404A1

WO2001070404A1 - Method for individualising objects

Info

Publication number: WO2001070404A1
Application number: PCT/AT2001/000067
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans-Peter Bierbaumer
Original assignee: Mediscan Gmbh
Priority date: 2000-03-20
Filing date: 2001-03-12
Publication date: 2001-09-27
Also published as: AU2001238996A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for individualising objects (1), especially mass-produced objects. According to said method, a machine-readable pattern is produced on or in the product (1) by means of a writing device, at least in parts. At least one position mark (6) is applied on or in the object (1),said position mark defining a writing field (2) in which at least one characteristic of the object (1) is modified.

Description

Procedure for individualizing objects

The invention relates to a method for individualizing objects, individualized objects, a vessel consisting of the object and a system for automating a laboratory operation in accordance with the features in the preambles of claims 1, 17, 31 and 36.

The labeling of objects, such as consumer goods, plays an increasingly important role in simplifying work processes. In the consumer goods sector, in particular, it is no longer the case that price labels are no longer attached in the form of adhesive labels, but rather that the goods are labeled with one-dimensional barcodes. Not only was this a simplification in the checkout area, but this system is more flexible with regard to price changes and it is also possible to collect data relating to warehousing. These barcodes are either attached to the goods on site or already printed directly on the packaging by the packaging manufacturers. A disadvantage of this, however, is that due to the small amount of data that can be realized by 1-D barcodes, a relevant database must be connected to the associated writing and reading device, which in turn results in additional outlay for maintaining the database.

This disadvantage is particularly relevant if groups of similar goods or objects are not identified, but each object is to be individualized, as is the case, for example, in the laboratory routine when taking blood samples. The problem here is not designed in such a way that the object itself is to be individualized, but is ultimately intended to serve to identify the contents of a blood collection container - or else a conventional sample collection container. The reason for this lies in the fact that a mix-up, ie incorrect assignment of blood samples to the respective patient or donor, is to be prevented. So far, it has been customary for manufacturers to provide their removal vessels with adhesive labels on which the doctor enters the patient-relevant data by hand. On the one hand, the disadvantages here are the significantly reduced machine readability of the data and thus the low degree of automation of laboratory routines, and on the other hand the small amount of data that can be transmitted together with the sample. In addition, the adhesive label does not form an inseparable unit with the collection vessel, so that it can be removed from the test vessel and the sample can subsequently no longer be assigned. In addition, these test tubes Usually provided in the laboratories with further labels relating to the most varied of examinations, as a result of which the label is covered with the patient-relevant data due to the limited space available and the machine is no longer legible.

To increase the amount of data that can be stored, two-dimensional barcodes can also be used instead of the one-dimensional barcodes mentioned above, with which amounts of data of up to 1.2 KByte can be processed while the area remains the same. To attach these 2D barcodes to the objects, adhesive labels are usually used again or these are printed on the packaging.

Problems arise when the test or sample vessels, as usual, do not have flat surfaces but rather a round cross-section. To avoid these problems, e.g. in DE 295 01 468 U proposed to provide barcode labels for round parts with slits and / or punchings.

From DE 298 20 781 U it is known to apply bar codes in a ring on the outer surface, so that reading in any rotated position should be possible.

From the technical field of mass storage, it is known to prepare multilayered data carriers, if necessary, through their special training for recording the data. Representative are only magnetizable data carriers in which a bit pattern can be generated due to the magnetic properties.

It is also known to prepare plastics so that they also have the ability to take up a bit pattern. For example, it is known from US Pat. No. 5,175,079 A to distribute photochromic components of the diarylethene type in a polyurethane urethane resin, as a result of which color centers can be generated in these films with the aid of UV lasers. The resulting different optical behavior in transmission makes it possible, depending on the permeability, to assign the values 0 or 1 to these points, that is to say to generate a bit pattern.

Furthermore, reports about the so-called Tesa-Rome have recently become known. This polypropylene film was flattened several orders of magnitude during manufacture. The material contracts due to heating with a laser beam and thus releases the energy introduced during stretching. As a result, the material increases its optical density at the location of the laser beam, although the polypropylene film itself remains transparent. Since an increased reflection can thereby be observed in the point described, it is in turn possible to generate a bit pattern in this polypropylene film.

The object of the invention is to simplify the manipulation of objects.

This object is achieved by the features in the characterizing part of claim 1. It is advantageous here that the definition of a writing field by means of at least one position marker creates a possibility of relevant data, for example relating to the manufacture of the object, the content of the object if it is designed as a vessel, or personal data associated with are related to the content of the object, to be attached to the object in such a way that despite possible subsequent stress on the writing field, for example due to temperature fluctuations, due to radiation, eg Electron beams or gamma rays, due to mechanical stresses, e.g. by scratching the writing field, the reconstruction of the data is still possible. In addition, the advantage can be achieved that the inseparable connection of the data with the object by changing at least one property of the object creates a risk of confusion, as is e.g. is possible in methods according to the prior art using adhesive labels, can be prevented. This enables a high level of data security to be achieved. Furthermore, the advantage can be achieved that certain item-related or manufacturing-related data can be attached during the production cycle, so that the manufacturing costs are reduced by subsequent manipulations, such as would be necessary, for example, by affixing adhesive labels to the items can.

Embodiments according to claims 2 and 3 are advantageous since this enables the use of a wide variety of reading devices.

A further development of the method according to claim 4 is possible, whereby the advantage can be achieved, for example if the property of the object to be changed for the position mark corresponds to that for the writing field, that the reading devices can be simplified since only one property of the material is measured must become. Further developments of the method according to claims 5 or 6 are also advantageous, since different products of the manufacturer can be assigned more quickly by using a preferably manufacturer-related code and, for example, an assignment can be determined already during the processing or use of the object, for example during blood sampling Data can be made in a menu, which can be stored in a database. The risk of interchanging, for example, objects with the same appearance but different content can thus be further reduced.

The embodiments of the method according to claims 7 to 9 make it possible to select the most favorable properties, which are aimed at achieving a high level of data security with regard to the reconstruction of the data, as a function of the material selected, and thus the method can be adapted to any materials, but also to a wide variety of reading devices.

By forming a bit pattern in the write field according to claim 10, it is possible to directly insert the data into the write field, e.g., without additional coding or decoding methods. via a PC, read in or read out from this.

It is also an embodiment of the method according to claims 1 1 and 12 advantageous because it allows the machine-readable pattern to be easily adapted to the amount of data to be stored and also, for example by using a two-dimensional barcode, on a relatively small area relatively large amount of data can be realized. This can e.g. in the case of transparent vessels, the contents are not covered by stickers, so that an optical control, e.g. of changes in content, is possible at any time.

By using an energy beam in accordance with the method variant according to claim 13, it is advantageously possible to change normally invisible properties of the material of the object, so that the writing field can remain essentially invisible to the viewer.

However, a further development according to claim 14 is also possible, with which the data security can be increased further with a few exceptions, for example as a result of scratches on the surface. A further development of the method according to claim 15 is also advantageous, since it is not necessary to connect the data input with the data output via at least one stored database, as a result of which the independence and the usability can be increased.

It is furthermore possible to design the method according to claim 16, according to which it is advantageously possible to be able to visually distinguish described objects from unwritten objects and, on the other hand, to some extent also understand the storage conditions of object 1, for example low-temperature storage ,

The object of the invention is further achieved by an object corresponding to the features in the characterizing part of claim 17. The advantage here is that objects can now be made available for further processing and processing which have data, for example machine-related data, price-related data

Data is inextricably linked to the object, which data can be contained in a write field in read-only mode, so that subsequent changes and thus incorrect processing or processing of the object can be largely prevented.

Embodiments according to claims 18 to 20 are also advantageous, according to which the type of data storage can advantageously be adapted to the respective material and / or to the respective subsequent processing method.

It is furthermore advantageous to design the subject matter according to claim 21, since this would require a direct transfer of data from PCs without the interposition of a corresponding routine for coding this data.

However, an embodiment according to claim 22 is also possible, according to which the size and the complexity of the machine-readable pattern in relation to the quantity of those to be processed

Data can be customized.

It is also an embodiment according to claim 23 of advantage, since simple means of labeling the object can be used if the surface of the object is suitable. It is also possible to develop the object according to claim 24. It is advantageous that the writing field is defined via a recess already used in the manufacturing process and serving as a position mark, wherein this recess can be designed such that a corresponding device in a corresponding reading device this recess engages and at the same time a movement of the object in the reading device is possible.

In an embodiment according to claim 25, it is advantageous that a wide variety of influences on the object can be understood and / or labeled and unlabeled objects can be distinguished.

It is also possible to develop the object in accordance with claims 26 and 27, with which the manufacturer of the objects can react to a wide variety of circumstances of reading devices.

With the help of the developments according to claims 28 or 29, a simpler assignment and identification of the object is possible even before it is used, so that the risk of interchanging optically identical objects can be further reduced.

However, an embodiment according to claim 30 is also possible, with which objects made of such materials can also be used or coated, which cannot be written on without additives and are therefore unsuitable for storing data.

The object of the invention is further by a vessel according to the features in

Characteristic part of claim 31 solved. It is advantageous here that the inseparability and confusibility of the data with the vessel can also be extended to its contents, in particular if the vessel opening is sealed or sealed accordingly.

A further development in accordance with claim 32 is also possible, with which all data relevant in subsequent processes can be made with the vessel without having to store corresponding decryption in databases.

A further development according to claims 33 and 34 is advantageous, according to which it becomes possible to arrange the writing field on the vessel in such a way that the description and the reading process is not affected by opaque content.

By designing the position mark according to claim 35, a simple configuration of the position mark on the vessel is possible.

Finally, the object of the invention is also achieved by a system according to the features in the characterizing part of claim 36. It is advantageous that the throughput of a routine operation, such as a laboratory, can be increased accordingly by the design of the reading device for receiving the objects according to the invention and in particular the manual sorting process and / or the manual detection of

Data for the subsequent evaluation of results can be omitted.

To better illustrate the invention, it will be described with reference to the following figures.

Show it:

1 shows an object according to the invention in a schematically simplified illustration with a writing device shown as an indication;

2 shows the formation of a writing field for recording data in a schematically simplified representation;

3 shows an embodiment variant of the writing field in a schematically simplified illustration;

Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment variant of the writing field in a schematically simplified

Presentation;

Fig. 5 shows a part of a device with a reading device and a conveyor for automatic processing of the objects according to the invention in a schematically simplified representation.

In the introduction it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names. the, the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component names. The position information selected in the description, such as, for example, top, bottom, side, etc., are based on the figure described and illustrated immediately, and are to be transferred accordingly to the new position in the event of a change in position. Furthermore, also

Individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

An object 1 is shown in FIG. 1. This item 1 can e.g. cups of any kind can be designed as a container, for example as a collecting vessel, in particular for taking blood, these containers having a wide variety of cross sections, e.g. can have round, oval, polygonal or the like. Of course, it is possible that the object 1 represents a non-regular body or it can also be in the form of plates or the like. In addition, it is possible for the object 1 to be designed in the form of a film, for example as a packaging film.

A wide variety of plastics are used as material for item 1, e.g. Polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate or the like, as well as metals, wood, ceramics, glass or the like.

At this point it should be expressly stated that the method according to the invention is not restricted exclusively to a specific object 1, although the application of the method, e.g. on blood collection tubes is advantageous in terms of laboratory automation and process control. Likewise, it can of course be an advantage if this

Item 1 is designed as a packaging container for a wide variety of goods, so that in turn the storage or e.g. the simplified processing in the checkout area of shops can be facilitated. Furthermore, it is possible that the object 1 is designed as a blood bag, urine container or generally as a sample vessel.

According to the invention, the method for individualizing these objects 1 is used. However, individualization is not only to be understood as the identification of objects 1 with different properties, but also includes the differentiation of groups of objects 1 with the same properties from other groups. Furthermore, the individualization of objects 1 does not only refer to the Item 1 itself, but is also related to its content, for example if the item 1 is designed as a container, for example a blood collection vessel.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the object 1 has a writing field 2 which is used to hold relevant data, e.g. serves the object 1 itself or its content or data related to object 1 or its content. This writing field 2 can have a wide variety of configurations, as is shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 3. It is thus possible for the writing field 2 to have approximately square dimensions, or elongated configurations as shown in FIG. 3 are also possible. In addition, this writing field 2 does not have to be flat, but the method can advantageously also be used on curved surfaces.

The writing field 2 is preferably integrated in the object 1, i.e. the material of the object 1, for example the plastic, forms the medium for receiving the data. In other words, it means that the data relating to object 1 and / or its content are written directly into the material of object 1. This has the advantage that the data has a high level of security, since e.g. writing and / or reading devices are required for changing this data, so that, for example, blurring, as is possible with manually described adhesive labels, can be prevented. In addition, the data is inextricably linked to item 1, so e.g. the detachment of a conventionally used adhesive label does not lead to data loss and thus the object 1 or its content can be assigned in a clear manner. It is also possible to hide the data from the viewer, which can further increase data security.

Of course, it is also possible that the writing field 2 is used, for example by a coating on the object 1, optionally in addition to the writing field 2 in the material of the object 1 or alternatively, again, it should advantageously be ensured that this additional coating cannot be removed from the object 1 is connected and / or has a high resistance to mechanical stresses, for example scratching the writing field 2.

The writing field 2 can be arranged anywhere on and / or in the object 1, as is shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 to 3. On the one hand, it is possible, if the object 1 is designed as a vessel, for example as a blood collection vessel, to have a base 3 for loading to use writing or the writing field 2 according to FIG. 3 can also be positioned anywhere along the circumference of a vessel jacket 4. The alignment of the writing field 2 in the latter variant, in the event that the writing field 2 deviates from a square geometry, can be oriented with its main dimension parallel to a height 5 of the object 1 or perpendicularly to it, as indicated by the broken line in FIG. 3 is parallel to the circumference of the object 1. Of course, other orientations, such as, for example, obliquely or the like, are possible and the orientation of the writing field 2 on the object 1 can also be aligned with the writing or reading device used in each case, that is to say, for example, with the Variant "parallel to height 5" advantageously means that rotating the object 1 during the reading process or rotating the reading head of the reading device can be avoided under certain circumstances.

The information contained in the write field 2 can be present, for example, in the form of a bar code, preferably a 2D bar code, as shown in FIG. 2. This offers the advantage of good machine readability, with data volumes of up to, for example

1, 2 KByte can be realized in a very small area. Furthermore, it is advantageous with this type of coding that the write field 2 can be scratched on the surface, for example up to a maximum of 40% of the area described, without the reconstruction of the data being adversely affected during the reading process. In addition, it is possible, when applying the method according to the invention to an object 1 with a curved surface, that the reading process for reading out the data is possible without problems and, furthermore, the positioning of the reading head does not necessarily have to be perpendicular to the writing field 2, but that it does it is rather possible to read out the data from different angles within certain limits.

As indicated in Fig. 2, it is also possible to design the 2D barcode such that, for example, part of the writing field 2 contains at least approximately information that can be read by the user of the object 1 without additional aids, for example in the manner of an alphabetical letter, which makes the unambiguous Identification of the manufacturer of the item! is possible without the need for additional adhesive labels to be applied to the object 1.

It should be noted at this point that, should the user wish, it is of course possible to attach additional labels to object 1 in addition to the data in writing field 2, in order on the one hand to clearly differentiate between similar To enable objects 1 of other manufacturers or to provide additional areas in which manual labeling is possible in the conventional way.

In the event that the amount of data to be stored is small, 1-D barcodes can of course also be used and can correspond to those shown in FIG. 3

Variants may be appropriate. For the 1-D barcode, the writing field 2 is advantageously aligned parallel to the height 5, since in this case the object 1 does not necessarily have to be rotated during the reading process when curved surfaces are present.

In addition to the bar codes, bit patterns are also suitable for data storage, or other storage methods are also conceivable.

To store the data, at least one property of the object 1 in the write field 2 can be changed. For example, it is possible to change the optical density of the object 1. This can e.g. a bit pattern is generated in which, depending on the permeability of the object 1 to light of a certain wavelength, for example laser light, the value 0 or 1 is generated, so that information about the object 1 and / or its content and / or personal data in relation to the content , for example in the case of the formation of the object 1 as a blood collection tube, so that a direct connection between the blood and the patient is created on or in the object and thus the clear identification and assignment of the content to a specific person is possible and data security is improved, and / or manufacturing-related information can be stored using known dual systems, for example the ASCII code. However, the other codings of the object 1 mentioned can also be implemented by changing the optical density of the material of the object 1.

However, the translucency can also be changed in such a way that areas with a different color from the base material or opaque and translucent areas are deliberately created. The light transmittance can be measured both in transmission and in reflection. Furthermore, it is possible to use the different reflection behavior of rough surfaces and, for example, to roughen the surface in a targeted manner in the area of the writing field 2 in accordance with the desired coding, for example by etching. Other methods of individualization using interference patterns, spectral decomposition, polarization, refractive index etc. are of course possible. However, other properties of the object 1 can also be changed, for example magnetic changes in the magnetic flux, the electron density distribution or the like.

It is also possible to use the different properties of different layers for individualization in multilayer laminates.

In the event that the writing field 2 is optionally or additionally realized by a coating, it is possible for the coding to be created by removing a certain part of this layer which corresponds to the respective code.

Furthermore, it is possible for the object 1 to have a multi-layer structure and at least one layer, at least in the area of the writing field 2, or photochromic substances, e.g. contains a photochromic polymer. Such polymers are known to the person skilled in the art from the prior art and can e.g. on the basis of

Spiropirans or triarylmethane pigments can be built up. By irradiation e.g. With ultraviolet laser light, color centers can be generated in this way in photochromic films and subsequently the corresponding coding, for example in the form of the 2D or 1-D barcode or the bit pattern.

In general, it is possible that additives are added to the base material of the object 1, either in the writing field 2 itself, or, moreover, distributed throughout the base material, which change at least one of its properties, e.g. which enable optical, electrical, magnetic, etc. This makes it possible to make objects 1 which are in principle not writable according to the invention, or the writeability can be improved, e.g. the contrast to the base material can be improved. So it is e.g. possible to describe blood collection vessels in such a way that the label stands out visually after the filling of blood, the label advantageously being in light colors, i.e. the additive changes its optical properties in this way, stands out from the background.

It is also possible to use combinations of additives which only develop the effects described above through the combination, or in order to achieve further improvements with regard to the stability and / or readability of the data. In addition, it is also possible to apply thermally activatable foils in order to enable the data to be written on the object 1.

The object 1 can be rewritable or not rewritable in the writing field 2 or over the entire object 1, depending on whether the object 1 is a reusable product or not or whether the change in the data is desired or not.

In addition to the use of object 1 as a blood collection tube, in which, as already described, patient-relevant data in connection with the associated blood sample in the

Writing field 2 can be included, e.g. the name, date of birth, date of acceptance etc., and optionally also the writing field 2 can have manufacturer-related data, it is possible to use the data in the writing field 2, e.g. also carry out the price labeling of goods, the data storage possibly being carried out by the manufacturer of the goods himself or by the seller of these goods.

As another example, program-controlled machine tools, e.g. numerically controlled machine tools. It is possible that setting-related data for the machine tools are contained in the writing field 2, so that e.g. automatic adjustment of the machine tools can be carried out quickly and easily. In this way it is possible to machine a wide variety of workpieces 2 or objects 1 in the shortest possible time.

By directly introducing the data into the material of the object 1 or into a layer of the object 1, by changing at least one property of this material, the data security with respect to subsequent processing steps, such as, for example, the sterilization of blood collection tubes, can also be advantageously achieved Irradiation by means of energy rays, for example electron beams or gamma rays, for example up to 50 kGy, can be achieved. Furthermore, it is possible to make this data available to the subsequent user of object 1 in such a way that temperature fluctuations, for example in the range between -70 ° C. and + 70 ° C, do not affect data security. In addition, when the method according to the invention is used for objects 1 which are subject to subsequent uncontrolled influencing, for example at the airport, in analysis devices in laboratories or the like, they are stored largely insensitively and are also insensitive to fluctuations in the atmospheric humidity , According to the invention, the writing field 2 is defined by at least one position marker 6. This position marker 6 can be attached, for example, to only one corner point 7 of the writing field 2, as shown in FIG. 2, or additionally arranged over further points of a circumference 8 of the writing field 2, as is shown in FIG. 3. These points can be distributed over the circumference 8 or the position mark 6 can also have a line-like or areal extension. Of course, it is possible that the position marker 6 is also placed anywhere within the writing field 2.

The position mark 6 can now be designed such that it is invisible to a viewer of the object 1, for which purpose, for example, at least one property of the

Material of the object 1, for example the optical density in the area of the position mark 6 is changed. On the other hand, it is possible that this position marker 6 can be used to recognize that the write field 2 already contains data. For this, e.g. the position mark 6 experiences a color change during or after the writing process. In addition, it is possible to design the position mark 6 or a further position mark 6 in such a way that

Temperature fluctuations can be detected during the storage of the object 1, e.g. again about a dye change.

It should be mentioned at this point that such indicators do not have to be directly related to the writing field 2, but can also be attached at any point of the object 1.

The position marker 6 can also be designed such that the surface of the object 1 is changed in this area, for example by indentations or recesses. The latter can already during the manufacturing process of the item I

Producers are predefined or, on the other hand, it is also possible for the position marker to be applied by the user of the object 1 only shortly before the object 1 is labeled in the writing field 2.

It is also advantageous if this position mark 6 in the form of a single or multiple digit

Code is executed, which in turn can be visible or invisible attached to or in item 1. It is thus possible to distinguish between apparently similar objects 1 with the aid of a reader, for example using a PC, with the aid of a reader. For example, it is possible to separate blood collection vessels, which can usually be filled and / or coated with a wide variety of reagents with the same appearance. differ. For this purpose, a product description can be made for the respective code, for example with the aid of a PC or a stored database, so that the risk of confusion that the wrong blood collection vessels are used for a particular test during blood collection is reduced. It is therefore possible with the aid of this coding that the correct menu or window is automatically called up while the blood is being drawn on the screen and that the doctor then only has to enter the patient-relevant data, for example. Another advantage that can be achieved is that it is very easy, for example via the Internet, to transmit new codes for new tests or new products, so that the effort for the user of the object 1 can be minimized , In addition, this code can also be used in various laboratories to control the

Sort samples automatically and assign them to the respective analysis stations. It is also possible with this code to further increase data security, since unauthorized persons without this code will find it difficult to evaluate the data attached to or in item 1.

Of course, such coding for identifying the object 1 can also take place directly in the writing field 2.

The writing field 2 can also be designed such that the data is engraved into the surface of the object 1, i.e. that the object 1 in the writing field 2 is given a corresponding surface roughness. This procedure can e.g. be used with opaque materials of object 1, but is not limited to such materials.

As shown in FIG. 1 in dash-dotted lines, the position mark 6 can also be formed as a recess 9 in the vessel jacket 4 and can be arranged, for example, on an edge of the object 1. In this context, the bottom 3, as shown in dash-dotted lines in FIG. 1, can be displaced from an outermost cross-sectional area 10 of the object 1 or a corresponding vessel in the direction of a vessel opening 11, so that the recess 9 is essentially in a bottom 3 projecting web 12, which can form part of the vessel shell 4, is arranged. As a result, the position mark 6 can be attached in a simple manner already during the production process of the object 1 and thus positioning the object 1 in a reading device is possible independently of the respective position of the reading head, for example by having a device corresponding to this recess in the reading device , that is, this facility engages in the recess 9. It can also be achieved that the object 1 can be moved, for example rotated, in a simple manner in the reading device in order to enable or improve the reading process depending on the type and attachment of the writing field 2. Of course, however, all other design variants of the position mark 6 can also be used to position the read head of the writing device.

In the event that item 1 is a vessel, e.g. a blood collection vessel, it is also possible that the writing field 2 in the closure device, e.g. a stubble, which preferably has a pierceable, self-sealing septum made of an elastomeric material, or that, in addition to the writing field 2 on the object 1, a further writing field 2 is provided on this closure device. This can make it possible for the reading process to take place from above.

The writing field 2 can also be designed such that, as shown in Fig. 4, this one

Includes writing area 13, which writing area 13 may preferably be designed so that it contains data in a form visible to the human eye. It enables the user of the object 1 to determine the type of the object 1 and the manufacturer of the object 1 without the need for a reading device. The very nature of item 1 is e.g. not always readily determinable in the case of blood collection tubes, since these blood collection vessels can contain a wide variety of reagents that cannot be distinguished with the naked eye. For this purpose, the write area 13 can read data in a readable form, e.g. with letters of the alphabet and or numbers, which information can in turn be encrypted according to certain keys. On the other hand, it is possible to design the writing area 13 in the form of color coding.

In Fig. 1, a writing device 14 is indicated in dashed lines. The writing device 14 can be designed in the form of a laser or can also be formed by another device which is adapted to the change in the particular desired property of the material of the object 1, e.g. with other light sources, e.g. UV-

Light, but also a device that changes and / or detects magnetic properties. In addition, this writing device 14 can also be designed in the form of an engraving device, preferably with very fine needles, in order to restrict the writing field 2 as narrowly as possible on the object 1, as is advantageous, for example, in the case of blood collection tubes, since this frees up the free space Viewing the content and the item 1 is not affected.

In the case of a laser, the writing device 14 can store a deflection device 15, e.g. a mirror, with the aid of which a laser beam 16 in the direction of the writing field 2, e.g. is deflected towards floor 3. Furthermore, this deflection device 15, as indicated in FIG. 1 by an arrow 17, can be made rotatable, so that the individual areas of the writing field 2 can be swept by the laser beam.

Instead of the rotatable design of the deflection device 15, it is of course possible to use a device in the writing device 14 for moving, preferably rotating, the object 1, e.g. to arrange a motor.

As is further shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1, it is also possible to arrange the deflection device 15 in such a way that the laser beam 16 does not strike the bottom 3 of the object

1, but is directed to the vessel jacket 4. This embodiment variant is preferred when the writing field 2 is designed in an elongated form, such as shown in Fig. 3, applied and can scan the writing field 2 by the laser beam 16, the object 1, as indicated in Fig. 1 with a dashed double arrow 18, during the writing process a corresponding change in its relative height with respect to the laser beam 16 , In this way, the writing field 2 can again be scanned or labeled accordingly.

To attach the position mark (s) 6, the writing device 14 can e.g. comprise an engraving pen, with the aid of which, for example, item 1 a corresponding recess is made.

It should be mentioned that in the event that the objects 1 are injection molded products, if the injection point is designed appropriately, this can be used as a position mark. In this case, the position marker does not form a notch, but one against the rest

Surface of the object 1 increased trained place. Such increases can also be used for the other variants of the position mark 6, e.g. by applying a preferably non-removable paint layer.

In this context, it should be mentioned that the position marker 6 also in a Stand 1 different color can be formed, so that an optical detection by detection of the color of the position mark 6 is possible.

The writing device 14 is preferably carried out independently of a reading device 19 (shown in FIG. 5). This makes it possible to fully exploit the advantage of the invention, namely the integration of the relevant data in object 1 and the relatively large amount of data. This is because there is the advantage that the data does not have to be encoded in such a way that these codes are stored in a database in order to transport larger amounts of data, so that the writing process can be carried out completely independently of the reading process and all relevant data without larger ones

Effort is available directly. This is advantageous, for example, in the case of blood collection vessels, since the doctor who takes it does not have to be in data connection with the laboratories which carry out the analysis of the blood. Of course, there can be a network, which means e.g. the results of the analysis can be made available to the doctor directly. Due to the conventional methods or training of such

Blood collection vessels large amount of data, it is also possible to bring data from the analysis in the laboratory into the writing field 2, so that again these results can be clearly assigned after a longer storage of the object 1 with content, for example freeze storage, in order to have reference samples available at a later time , is possible.

The reading device 19 can be configured analogously to the writing device 14, with the exception of the possibility of writing on the object 1, if this is desired in order to prevent subsequent change of the data, and for example again comprise a laser beam 16.

Of course, the data can also be encoded in such a way that certain keys are stored in a database, this advantageously being carried out if the data quantities for the write field 2 are too large or if the data is used e.g. is undesirable in a laboratory, for example if an analysis of blood is

Person should not be associated with these results, e.g. with HIV tests. In this way it becomes possible to essentially limit the group of people who can use this data to the doctor to be treated.

5 shows a simplified representation of one possibility for the formation of the reading instructions. direction 19 and their integration into an automated process for the analysis of samples shown. For this purpose, the reading device 19 is integrated in the course of a conveyor device 20, which can be formed from conveyor devices known from the prior art. A means for recognizing the presence of an object 1 can be arranged in front of the reading device 19 in relation to a conveying direction indicated by an arrow 21. This means can be designed, for example, as a light barrier 22 and can act in conjunction with a further means for detecting an object 1, for example a light barrier 22, in the reading device, so that when the light barrier 22 detects the presence of an object 1 in the reading device 19 and at the same time the presence of an object 1 is indicated by the light barrier 22 outside the reading device 19, a drive (not shown) to the conveying device 20 is stopped and thus the undisturbed reading of the data in the reading device 19 is made possible.

Reading the data can e.g. by rotating the object 1 in the reading device

19 take place, as indicated by arrow 23, which in turn allows the entire writing field 2 (not shown in FIG. 5) to be scanned. On the other hand, it is also possible, for example in the case of elongated writing fields 2, to change the relative height of the object 1 in the reading device 19.

As soon as the error-free reading of the data is announced to a PC 24, which is preferably assigned to the reading device 19, the drive of the conveying device 20 can be put into operation again, so that the next object 1 is brought into the reading device 19.

The PC 24 can be part of an automated laboratory analysis system, so that the data in the writing field 2 can be used to automatically divide the objects 1 into various analytical areas of a laboratory, for example by appropriately designing the conveyor device 20, as is known from the prior art.

This design of the reading device 19 and its integration into a conveyor system is, of course, not to be understood as limiting, and such reading devices 19 can also be designed as hand-held reading devices, whereby the objects 1 equipped with the writing field 2 can be used universally. For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the subject 1, these or its components have been partially shown to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

The object on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

Above all, the individual in FIGS. 1; 2, 3; 4; 5 shown designs and measures form the subject of independent, inventive solutions. The relevant tasks and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 item 2 writing field

3 floor

4 antel

5 height

] o 6 position mark

7 corner point

8 scope

9 recess

10 cross-sectional area 15

11 vascular opening

12 bridge

13 writing area

14 writing device 20 15 deflection device

16 laser beam

17 arrow

18 double arrow

25 19 Reading device

20 conveyor

21 arrow

22 Light barrier 30 23 arrow

24 pcs

35

40

45

50

Claims

Patent claims

1. Method for individualizing objects (1), especially mass products, e.g. Blood collection vessels, plastic packaging, with which a machine-readable pattern is generated at least in some areas by means of a writing device (14) on or in the object (1), characterized in that at least one position marker (6) is attached to or in the object (1); which defines a writing field (2) in which at least one property of the object (1) is changed.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the position mark (6) is attached next to or in the writing field (2).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a corner point (7) of the writing field (2) is defined by at least one position mark (6).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one property of the writing field (2) is changed by the position mark (6).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a preferably multi-digit code is used as the position mark (6).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the aid of the position mark (6) during the reading process an automatic assignment of the object (1) to a reference stored in a database, e.g. one

Menu.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the writing field (2) at least one optical property, e.g. the reflection behavior, the refractive index, the permeability, the absorption behavior is changed.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the writing field (2) at least one magnetic property, for example the magnetic flux, the polarization, is changed.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the writing field (2) the optical appearance of the object (1), e.g. the surface design is changed.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bit pattern is generated in the write field (2).

1 1. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a one- or multi-dimensional pattern is generated in the writing field (2).

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pattern is a 1D or 2D barcode.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pattern by means of an energy beam, e.g. a laser.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pattern mechanically, e.g. with an engraving pen.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pattern is generated in a writing device (14) which is independent of a reading device (19) for the pattern.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that before, during or after the writing process the optical appearance, e.g. the color of the

Position marker (6) is changed.

17. Item (1) made of a material, e.g. Plastic, wood, metal, with machine-readable data arranged in at least one area in the form of a pattern, characterized in that the data are arranged in a writing field (2) which is defined by at least one position mark (6) and in which at least a property of the material is changed.

18. Object according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least one property is an optical property of the material, for example the optical density, the re flexion behavior, the refractive index, the absorption behavior.

19. Object according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that the at least one property is a magnetic property of the material, e.g. the magnetic flux, the polarization.

20. Object according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that in the writing field (2) the optical appearance, e.g. the surface roughness of the material is changed compared to the surface surrounding the writing field (2).

21. Object according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the write field (2) has a bit pattern.

22. Object according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the writing field (2) has a bar code, e.g. has a 1D, 2D barcode.

23. Object according to one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that the position mark (6) as a change in the surface, e.g. is designed as a depression, as an elevation.

24. Object according to one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the position mark (6) is designed as a recess (9).

25. Object according to one of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that the position mark (6) is designed to change its color.

26. Object according to one of claims 17 to 25, characterized in that the position mark (6) on a circumference (8), e.g. is arranged at a corner point (7) of the writing field (2).

27. Object according to one of claims 17 to 26, characterized in that the position mark (6) is arranged in the writing field (2).

28. Object according to one of claims 17 to 27, characterized in that the position mark (6) is formed by a preferably multi-digit code.

29. Object according to claim 28, characterized in that the code is related to object-specific data.

30. Object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is formed from at least one base material and at least one additive is contained at least in the writing field (2) of the base material.

31. Vessel, in particular blood collection vessel, with a vessel jacket (4) and optionally a bottom (3), characterized in that the vessel jacket (4) and / or possibly the bottom (3) as object (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 17 to 30 is formed.

32. A vessel according to claim 31, characterized in that the writing field (2) has production-related and / or content-related and / or personal data.

33. A vessel according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the bottom (3) the vessel jacket (4) in a substance, e.g. Blood, receiving area and an area designed as a web (12) divided.

34. A vessel according to claim 33, characterized in that the web (12) has the position mark (6).

35. A vessel according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the position mark (6) is designed as a recess (9) in the web (12).

36. Plant for the automation of a laboratory operation, with a conveyor device (20) for conveying objects (1), e.g. Blood collection vessels, a reading device (19) for reading machine-readable data, which are arranged on and / or in the object (1), and optionally with means for detecting a change, e.g. for detecting an object (1), characterized in that the reading device (19) for receiving objects (1) according to one of claims 17 to 30 and / or vessels according to one of claims 31 to 35 and for detecting a position mark (6 ) and for reading out the data contained in a write field (2) of the object (1).