Label system, method for proper alignment of a label on a container, and method for positioning a container

Background of the invention

Field of the invention The present invention relates to a label system and methods.

Description of the Related Art [0002] The correct placement of the printed label on the container is sometimes important to ensure subsequent reading of the information printed on the label. If it is not positioned correctly, the printed information may not be easily visible or cannot be easily scanned by automated devices.

[0003] Correct placement of bar code information on the sampling container is often important to ensure that encoded information is properly scanned by various clinical devices and analytical testing devices. If the bar code information is not placed correctly on the sample container, the device scanner may not be able to read the bar code, thereby requiring the operator to manually scan the bar code information or manually enter the bar code information into the device.

[0004] EP 0 979 777 A1 discloses a label system as defined in the preamble of claim 6 and a method as defined in the preamble of claim 1 for positioning and placing the label on the container. The label system includes a first label that includes positioning symbols and a second identification label comprising a positioning area corresponding to the positioning symbols of the first label. The second identification label is positioned on the container in such a way that the positioning area of ​​the second identification label is aligned with the positioning symbols on the first label.

Summary of the Invention [0005] Thus, there is a need for a system and method for ensuring that the label is positioned correctly on the sampling container. In addition, there is a need for a system and method for printing label indications, such as bar code information, in a standard position relative to the container for subsequent automatic reading or scanning. It should be noted that the term "designations" includes both singular and plural information.

[0006] The object of the invention is defined by each of the independent claims 1, 6 and

11.

[0007] A label system and method for correctly positioning and placing the label on the container are provided. Preferably a label is provided which can be attached to a container bearing positioning symbols. The label includes a positioning area corresponding to the positioning symbols on the container and at least one visual improvement markings adjacent to at least part of the positioning area. In one embodiment, the visual enhancement markers have a width smaller than the width of the label. In another embodiment, visual improvement markings identify at least one property of the container.

[0008] In another embodiment, a set of labels is provided for labeling containers having positioning symbols thereon. The kit includes a plurality of labels having a positioning area to match the positioning symbols of the container and visual improvement markings adjacent to at least part of the positioning area. Labels are attached to the surface before labeling containers with labels.

[0009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a label is provided which can be attached to a container bearing positioning symbols. The label includes readable information on the label and border markings on the label to facilitate positioning of the container for reading by the device.

Description of the drawings [0010]

Fig. 1 shows a sample container containing a first label comprising positioning symbols and container identification symbols;

Fig. 2 shows a second label comprising an opening corresponding to the positioning symbols of the first label of the sample container of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a sample container as in Figs. 1 and 2, comprising the second label of Fig. 2 correctly positioned on the container;

Figures 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d show alternative embodiments of the label in which both the first container label and the second label must align to ensure correct placement;

Fig. 5 shows a flowchart according to a method for generating (printing) a second label and positioning placing a second label;

Fig. 6 shows a second label;

Fig. 7 shows a roll of second labels according to an embodiment of the present invention containing visibility markers adjacent to the border of the positioning area;

Figures 8a, 8b and 8c show second labels according to an embodiment of the present invention containing other indicia to improve visibility;

Figures 9a, 9b and 9c show second labels according to an embodiment of the present invention containing other indicia to improve visibility;

Figures 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l each represent variants of visibility markers; and

Fig. 11 shows a container carrying a second label including border markings, the container and label being placed in a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description [0011] Referring to the drawings in which the same references refer to the same parts in several views, Fig. 1 shows the container 10 with the positioning symbols visible on the outer surface of the container 10. The positioning symbols 30 are designed to assist in positioning the label identification, which is then placed on the container. Positioning symbols can be any type of symbol capable of supporting the correct positioning of the label that is then applied. For example, the positioning symbol can be a distinctive shape in the form of a graphic or picture representation, such as a triangle, rectangle, rhombus, circle etc. and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the positioning symbols may be protrusions that can be felt with your finger.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the container 10 includes a first label 20 (sometimes referred to as a pre-label) attached to the outer surface of the container or label lifting area 15, with positioning symbols 30 printed on the label 20. The label 20 further includes an additional coded or printed information, such as container identification symbols. Such identification symbols include a barcode 25 and / or alphanumeric 23 markings, one or both of which may contain information identifying a specific container type, manufacturer's batch number, expiration date, container size and / or shape, and reagents and / or additives in the container .

[0013] As shown in Fig. 2, an identification label 40 (sometimes called a top label) is provided for placement on the container 10. The identification label 40 may include coded or printed information, such as bar code 45 and / or alphanumeric markings 43, one or both of which may represent the identification of the sample contained in the container, patient identification information, what analyzes are to be performed on the sample and information about the collection such as download date and time. The identification label may be generated by a printer placed in a care station or in a central laboratory, or printed next to the bed on a portable printer.

[0014] The identification label 40 is provided as a second label that can be attached to the label 20. The identification label 40 includes a positioning area 50, corresponding to the positioning symbols of the label 20. The positioning area 50 may be a hole or cutout in the label 40. For example, as shown in fig. 2, the positioning symbols 30 are in the form of a v-shaped triangle, and the positioning area 50 is a v-shaped notch visible on the edge of the label 40. Alternatively, the positioning area 50 can be a transparent part in a shape suitable for fitting into the positioning symbols, such as the transparent portion 51 shown in Fig. 4d.

As shown in Fig. 3, the identification label 40 is placed on the container 10 in such a way that the positioning area 50 of the identification label 40 is aligned with the positioning symbols 30 on the label 20, whereby the positioning symbols 30 are detectable through the positioning area 30 , thus ensuring the correct positioning of the identification label on container 10.

[0016] It is anticipated that the positioning symbols and the identification label 40 are in contrasting colors, for example, the positioning symbols 30 are printed in black ink as a geometric shape, and the identification label 40 is a white label containing the positioning area 50 on it. Hence, the sharp contrast between the colors of the positioning symbols 30 and the positioning area 50 ensures that the identification label 40 is correctly positioned on the container 10.

[0017] It is also envisaged that the positioning symbols 30 include a projection, such as a v-shaped relief, and the positioning area 50 of the identification label 40 is in the form of a v-shaped notch extending on the identification label 40. Hence, the v-shaped notch is aligned with the v-shaped protuberance of the container 10 or container label 20 when the positioning label 40 is placed on the container label 20, wherein the v shape provides both vertical alignment and horizontal identification labels 40 on the label 20 container. In addition, such a projection provides means for detecting the correct positioning visually and by touch to ensure that the identification label 40 is correctly positioned on the container label.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 4a, the container label 20 may include a plurality of positioning areas. Areas 50a and 50b on opposite edges 41 and 42 of the label. Areas 50a and 50b are designed to interact with two separate positioning symbols visible on container 10 and / or container label 20.

[0019] It is envisaged that the positioning symbols may be in any shape or form, as long as the positioning area 50 and identification label 40 correctly match the shape and / or form of the positioning symbols.

[0020] As shown in Figs. 4b, 4c and 4d, the positioning area 50 may be in the shape of a diamond or circle, which shapes correspond to the similar shapes of positioning symbols visible on the container label. For ease of use, the positioning symbols and positioning area 50 correspond to shapes that are not rotationally symmetrical, such as a polygon, to ensure correct positioning in both vertical and horizontal directions and to prevent incorrect skewing or skewing.

[0021] As shown in Figs. 8a, 8b and 8c, the positioning area 50 may be provided with visibility markings 53 adjacent to the positioning area 50 on the identification label 40. Visibility enhancing markings 53 may, for example, allow the user to easily locate the positioning area 50, which may not always be easily discernible in a medical personnel environment.

[0022] In addition, the shape of the visibility markings 53 is not particularly limited. For example, if the positioning area is the triangular notch shown in Figs. 8a, 8b and 8c, the notch may be limited by visual enhancing markings, such that the overall pattern is triangular, as shown in Fig. 8b, or the notch may be closed in a rectangular shape , so that the overall pattern is rectangular, as in Fig. 8a. As shown in Fig. 8c, visibility markers 53 may occupy an area that goes far beyond the immediate vicinity of the positioning area 50. The bar code can be printed using thermal inkjet printing.

[0023] Visibility enhancing markings may be printed using the same color inks as the bar code used for printing the identification label, or a different color may be used. When the visibility enhancing markers are slightly larger, other colors may be used for the area immediately adjacent to the positioning area border and the rest of the visibility enhancing markings. In addition, visibility enhancing markers can be solid, shaded (or in another pattern), etc.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the properties (e.g., shape, color, pattern, etc.) of markings improving visibility and / or positioning area may provide additional utility, such as indicating one or more properties of the container on which such markings are affixed. For example, such markings may indicate one or more substances (or additives) in a biological sampling container, the container material (e.g. glass, plastic, plastic type), etc.

[0025] Embodiments in which the positioning cutout 50 is semicircular are shown in Figs. 9a, 9b and 9c, which also show corresponding markings to improve visibility. Alternative arrangements for visibility enhancing markings are shown in Figs. 10a to 10l.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 7, a plurality of labels 40 including positioning area 50, improvement markings 53 and / or border marks 55 can be printed on a common surface 61. The common surface 61 can be in the form of a roll 70 as shown in Fig. 7, sheet or it can be another surface.

[0027] The system and method for affixing positioning markings to a label for the positioning of positioning markings in a predetermined position on the container is shown in Fig. 5.

[0028] The system and method of use begins with an operator, such as a specialist in phlebotomy, equipped with a portable kit comprising a scanner, microprocessor / display screen and a printer containing a supply of labels for printing on them. As shown in block 90 in Fig. 5, a patient identification band is scanned with a scanner from a portable sample collection kit to provide a specific patient test and associated tube type requirements. The phlebotomy specialist then selects the appropriate container 10 to contain the sample as required. As shown in step 100 in the flowchart of Fig. 5, a container 10 is provided in the form of a blood collection tube containing coded information that identifies the type of container and determines the location of the label containing a unique area for this type of container. The phlebotomy specialist is equipped with a list of patients requiring a sample to be taken. Each patient is provided with an identification band, preferably comprising bar code identification, as is well known in the art. As shown in step 200 in Fig. 5, the phlebotomy specialist then scans the bar code on the container with a scanner. A portable sampling kit can provide a specialist in phlebotomy confirmation that the container 10 is suitable for sampling to be tested. It is also possible that the phlebotomy specialist will not scan the container until after the sample has been taken and before the printed label is requested.

[0029] The bar code 25 contains coded information that identifies the type of container and defines the location of the label area 15 unique to this type of container. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the container label is placed in the label area 15 of the container 10 at a predetermined distance h from the bottom of the container 10. This predetermined distance h is determined according to the type of container, including the size and shape of the container 10 . The microprocessor of the sampling kit processes the encoded barcode information identifying the type of container in terms of the location of the label area 15 (step 300).

[0030] The microprocessor further determines what information is required for printing on the identification label to be attached to the container. The identification label is provided with patient identification information, the type of sample and what analyzes are to be performed on the sample, as well as information about the collection, such as the date and time of collection. As shown in Fig. 6, such information may be encoded as bar code 45 or may be in alphanumeric form, such as alphanumeric designations 43, or may be provided in both forms, barcode 45 and alphanumeric designations 43.

[0031] Once the container type and information to be provided on the label has been validated, the microprocessor processes the information to determine the exact location for printing on the identification label. For example, the microprocessor may be programmed to provide printing of the bar code information in a specific predetermined position on the container, regardless of the size and shape of the container, so as to provide a standard position for such bar code information for the containers to allow subsequent reading, e.g. by an automated device containing a barcode scanner. Thus, the microprocessor processes information previously scanned from the container label 20 in the range of identification label size 40. The microprocessor then determines the exact location for printing identification information on the identification label relative to the predetermined standard position. In all cases, the positioning of the second label 40 on the container is obtained by a cut out on the label which is placed on the matching symbol on the container.

[0032] For example, referring to Fig. 1, the microprocessor processes the scanned information to determine that the label area 15 of the container 10 is located at a distance h from the bottom of the container 10. In addition, the microprocessor recognizes in its memory that it is necessary to print bar code 45 on the identification label 40 in a predetermined position relative to the label area 15 and container 10, according to the standard position for the appropriate test device. The microprocessor then determines the exact position for printing the bar code 45 on the identification label 40 according to the desired predetermined position of the bar code 45 relative to the area 15 on the label, e.g., distance g from the bottom edge of the identification label 40. When the correct tube is identified, the microprocessor then instructs the printer to print identification information in the form of a bar code 45, visibility markings 53 and / or border marks 55 (as described below) on the identification label at a position, e.g., at a distance g, defined by the predetermined desired location of the barcode 45 relative to the container information scanned from the container label 20 as shown in step 400 in Fig. 5.

[0033] To ensure that the content printed on the identification label can be read by a bar code scanner, typically attached to an automated sampling system, stands or container transport handles cannot block the scanner. Because the containers come in different lengths and outer diameters, the bases typically have an internal clamping mechanism that allows tubes of different diameters and lengths to be in the desired position in the base without moving them. The system for reading the initial bar code, printing a new identification label and placing the identification label on the first label and / or container must not obstruct the bar code. As shown in Fig. 9a, 9b and 9c, limit markings 55 are provided on the identification label 40 to ensure that the bar code is correctly positioned relative to the scanner during this operation. As shown in Fig. 11, the limit markings 55 are placed on the identification label in such a way that the user can accurately and repeatably place the container in the base 62, ensuring that the bar code can be scanned, e.g. by scanner 80.

[0034] Different container sizes may require different locations of the limit markings 55 on the identification label. This can be ensured, for example, by providing multiple limit markings n label 40 corresponding to containers of different sizes, or by printing individual border markings 50, dictated by the type of container on which the label is to be affixed. The handle design 62 in Fig. 11 for example, the Bekman Coulter Power Processor bracket. However, the rules for using boundary markers can be applied to other devices and in laboratory automation by understanding the bar code reading requirements of these devices and how to scan bar codes.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, the positioning of the limit indications 55 on the second label is defined by the information provided on the first label. For example, the bar code information on the first label can be used to provide the positioning information about the boundary markers to the printer.

[0036] After printing the bar code 45 on the identification label 40, a phlebotomy specialist removes the identification label 40 from the printer and attaches it to the container 10 in the area 15 for the label in accordance with step 500 in Fig. 5. The container 10 is equipped with positioning symbols 30, and the identification label 40 is provided with an opening 50 corresponding to positioning symbols 30. In this way, correct positioning and placement of the bar code 45 in a fixed position relative to the standard scanning position is ensured taking into account the size and shape of the container 10.

[0037] Preferably, the positioning markings are effective in ensuring that the bar code is placed on the container in such a way that it is not skewed more than ± 7.5 percent relative to the main axis of the container, according to the NCCLS (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards) standard. Preferably, limit markings are effective in ensuring that about 100 percent of the bar codes can be read by a scanner.

[0038] The above illustrates only the principles of the invention. It is therefore understood that one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to develop many systems that, although not explicitly shown or described herein, implement the principles of the invention and thus fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0039] For example, although the positioning symbols and the positioning area 50 are illustrated in the figures towards the top of the label, such elements may be placed in any part or in any part of the label. In addition, the positioning symbols may be on the label attached to the container or may be placed directly on the container or attached to the container.

Becton, Dickinson & Company; United States of America Full nomoc:

EP 2 133 276 B1

Z-12420