Abstract: A method of characterizing a specimen for HILN (H, I, and/or L, or N). The method includes capturing images of the specimen at multiple different viewpoints, processing the images to provide segmentation information for each viewpoint, generating a semantic map from the segmentation information, selecting a synthetic viewpoint, identifying front view semantic data and back view semantic data for the synthetic viewpoint, and determining HILN of the serum or plasma portion based on the front view semantic data with an HILN classifier, while taking into account back view semantic data. Testing apparatus and quality check modules adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A model-based method of determining characteristics of a specimen container cap to identify the container cap. The method includes providing a specimen container including a container cap; capturing backlit images of the container cap taken at different exposures lengths and using a plurality of different nominal wavelengths; selecting optimally-exposed pixels from the images at different exposure lengths at each nominal wavelength to generate optimally-exposed image data for each nominal wavelength; classifying the optimally-exposed pixels as at least being one of a tube, a label or a cap; and identifying a shape of the container cap based upon the optimally-exposed pixels classified as being the cap and the image data for each nominal wavelength. Quality check modules and specimen testing apparatus adapted to carry out the method are described, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: Methods of operating a gripper are provided. The methods include providing a robot including the gripper, the gripper moveable by the robot and including gripper fingers, providing a sample rack including receptacles accessible by the gripper, at least some of the receptacles adapted to contain specimen containers, providing data, obtained by imaging, regarding the sample rack and the specimen containers therein, and determining, based on the data, an accessible target receptacle for one of a pick operation or a place operation. Apparatus and systems configured to carry out the methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a carrier configured to hold and transport a vessel with a barcode label in an automation system in in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment, with a plurality of peripheral readers able to read the barcode label. The reading of the barcode label on the vessel loaded into the carrier is achieved without the need to align (either manually or automatically) the barcode to the peripheral readers. A dual spring arrangement provides for consistent vessel capture when loading the vessel into the carrier and for retention in the carrier during transport operations. A centrally-located spring housing provides efficient space utilization. A mirrored dual slot design is provided so that an unobstructed space for each slot is complimentary such that a completely unobstructed view of the vessel is constructed by imaging the same vessel in both slots (one after another) and fusing the resulting data.

Abstract: One embodiment provides systems and methods for masking the effects of a flash on an operator including: a drawer system configured to receive a tray comprising one or more laboratory containers, wherein upon receiving the tray, the drawer system centers the tray underneath an image capture device; a flash device configured to activate, based on said centering, to illuminate the one or more laboratory containers; and an image capture device configured to capture an illuminated image of the one or more laboratory containers.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a combination of an automation system that continuously tracks the identity and positions of all of its pucks with a single sample identification station and covers/interlocks in order to provide sample chain of custody without the need to re-identify the sample at points of interaction (aspiration, de-capping, etc.). This eliminates the need to have sample identification stations at each interaction point. This reduction of hardware allows the system to be cheaper, smaller, and more reliable. It also allows not only the automation system, but also existing pre-analytical/analytical equipment connected to the automation system, to run more efficiently.

Abstract: Methods of positioning a gripper to pick or place a specimen container from a sample rack. One method includes providing a robot including the gripper, the gripper moveable in a coordinate system by the robot and including gripper fingers, providing a sample rack including receptacles containing specimen containers, providing data, obtained by imaging, regarding the specimen containers in the sample rack, and dynamically orienting the gripper based upon the data. The data may include population and/or configuration data and the dynamic orientation may include gripper finger opening distance, gripper finger rotational position, and/or gripper offset distance. Gripper positioning apparatus for carrying out the method are disclosed, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An automation system for use with in-vitro diagnostics includes a plurality of fluid containers configured to hold one or more fluids. The system includes a plurality of carriers having a plurality of slots configured to hold one of the plurality of fluid containers. The system also includes a place and pick device configured to place the plurality of fluid containers into the plurality of slots and remove the plurality of fluid containers from the plurality of slots. The system further includes a controller configured to control the place and pick device to place a first fluid container into an empty slot of a carrier of the plurality of carriers while a second fluid container is in an occupied slot and control the place and pick device to subsequently remove the second fluid container from the occupied slot of the carrier.

Abstract: A method of imaging a specimen container and/or specimen. The method includes providing a specimen container containing a specimen at an imaging location, providing one or more cameras configured to capture images at the imaging location, providing one or more light sources adjacent to the imaging location, illuminating the imaging location with the one or more light sources, and capturing multiple images including: specimen images of the image location at multiple different exposures, with the specimen container and specimen being present at the image location. Quality check modules and specimen testing apparatus including a quality check module are described herein, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A model-based method of inspecting a specimen for presence of one or more artifacts (e.g., a clot, bubble, and/or foam). The method includes capturing multiple images of the specimen at multiple different exposures and at multiple spectra having different nominal wavelengths, selection of optimally-exposed pixels from the captured images to generate optimally-exposed image data for each spectra, computing statistics of the optimally-exposed pixels to generate statistical data, identifying a serum or plasma portion of the specimen, and classifying, based on the statistical data, whether an artifact is present or absent within the serum or plasma portion. Testing apparatus and quality check modules adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A model-based method for quantifying a specimen. The method includes providing a specimen, capturing images of the specimen while illuminated by multiple spectra at different nominal wavelengths, and exposures, and classifying the specimen into various class types comprising one or more of serum or plasma portion, settled blood portion, gel separator (if used), air, tube, label, or cap; and quantifying of the specimen. Quantifying includes determining one or more of: a location of a liquid-air interface, a location of a serum-blood interface, a location of a serum-gel interface, a location of a blood-gel interface, a volume and/or a depth of the serum or plasma portion, or a volume and/or a depth of the settled blood portion. Quality check modules and specimen testing apparatus adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A model-based method of inspecting a specimen for presence of an interferent (H, I, and/or L). The method includes capturing images of the specimen at multiple different exposures times and at multiple spectra having different nominal wavelengths, selection of optimally-exposed pixels from the captured images to generate optimally-exposed image data for each spectra, identifying a serum or plasma portion of the specimen, and classifying whether an interferent is present or absent within the serum or plasma portion. Testing apparatus and quality check modules adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A quality check module for characterizing a specimen and/or a specimen container. The quality check module includes an imaging location within the quality check module configured to receive a specimen container containing a specimen, one or more cameras located at one or more viewpoints adjacent to the imaging location, and one or more spectrally-switchable light source including a light panel assembly located adjacent the imaging location and configured to provide lighting for the one or more cameras, the spectrally-switchable light source configured to be operatively switchable between multiple different spectra. Methods of imaging a specimen and/or specimen container and specimen, and specimen testing apparatus including a quality check module adapted to carry out the method are described herein, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A model-based method of determining characteristics of a specimen container. The method includes providing a specimen container, capturing images of the specimen container at different exposures times and at different spectra having different nominal wavelengths, selecting optimally-exposed pixels from the images at different exposure times at each spectra to generate optimally-exposed image data for each spectra, and classifying the optimally-exposed pixels as at least being one of tube, label or cap, and identifying a width, height, or width and height of the specimen container based upon the optimally-exposed image data for each spectra. Quality check modules and specimen testing apparatus adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A model-based method of classifying a specimen in a specimen container. The method includes capturing images of the specimen and container at multiple different exposures times, at multiple different spectra having different nominal wavelengths, and at different viewpoints by using multiple cameras. From the captured images, 2D data sets are generated. The 2D data sets are based upon selection of optimally-exposed pixels from the multiple different exposure images to generate optimally-exposed image data for each spectra. Based upon these 2D data sets, various components are classified using a multi-class classifier, such as serum or plasma portion, settled blood portion, gel separator (if present), tube, air, or label. From the classification data and 2D data sets, a 3D model can be generated. Specimen testing apparatus and quality check modules adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing tests in an in vitro diagnostic environment provide for a substantially optimized distribution of testing reagents amongst a plurality of analyzers. The system and method can include steps of identifying a plurality of expected tests to be performed by a plurality of analyzer modules, determining information about the capabilities of the plurality of analyzer modules, and receiving, at the processor, data reflecting which of the plurality of tests are incompatible. Further steps can include calculating a substantially optimal distribution of the plurality of expected tests amongst the plurality of analyzer modules, allocating reagents to each of the plurality of analyzer modules by facilitating distribution of a plurality of reagents to selected analyzer modules in response to the step of calculating, and automatically scheduling a plurality of samples to undergo tests at the plurality of analyzer modules.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a work-flow, which may be in an IVD environment. A plurality of workcells can be used to perform tasks, while vessels can be automatically transported between the workcells using bulk transport trays along an inter-cell track, allowing each workcell to be independently adapted to one or more tasks in the work-flow.

Abstract: Methods and systems allow characterization of sample vessels and carriers in an automation system to determine any physical deviation from nominal positions. In response, an offset can be calculated and applied when positioning a carrier relative to a station, such as a testing or processing stations (or vice-versa). This may allow for precise operation of an instrument with a sample vessel on an automation track, while compensating for deviation in manufacturing and other tolerances.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use with an automation system in an automated clinical chemistry analyzer can include one or more surfaces configured to dynamically display a plurality of optical marks, a plurality of independently movable carriers configured to move along surfaces and to observe them to determine navigational information from the plurality of optical marks, and a processor configured to update the plurality of optical marks to convey information that pertains to each respective independently movable carrier. The plurality of marks can include two-dimensional optically encoded marks, barcodes oriented in a direction of travel of the carriers, marks that dynamically convey data, dynamic lines configured to be followed by the carriers, marks indicating a collision zone, or dynamic marks displayed at a location coincident with the location of a pipette.