Analytical sample container classification

A computer implemented method for training a classifier of analytical sample containers comprising visual identifiers, the computer implemented method comprising:

• obtaining a training set comprising a plurality of digital representations of visual identifiers associated with a corresponding plurality of sample containers;
• labelling each digital representation in the training set with a first identifier of at least one analytical test to be performed using a sample container, and a second identifier of at least one analytical system to be used to perform the at least one analytical test;
• obtaining a result set defining, for each digital representation in the training set, a determination of whether the corresponding visual identifier was correctly read by all apparatuses of the at least one analytical system;
• and
• training, using a machine learning process, a classifier using the training set and the corresponding result set.

A system, comprising:

• an apparatus comprising at least one of an optical identifier reader or a camera configured to obtain a digital representation of a visual identifier associated with a sample container;
• an analytical system comprising at least one apparatus configured to perform at least one analytical test;
• a communications network;
• and
• a data processing agent that is communicably coupled to the apparatus and the analytical system via the communications network, wherein:
• the data processing agent is configured to obtain a digital representation of a visual identifier associated with a sample container and to identify at least one apparatus comprised within an analytical system,
• the analytical system is configured to perform at least one analytical test using the sample container;
• the at least one apparatus comprises an optical identifier reader, and
• the data processing agent is further configured to classify the visual identifier associated with the sample container by characterizing an ability of the optical identifier reader of the at least one apparatus comprised in the analytical system to:
• decode the visual identifier associated with the sample container, and
• generate a corresponding classification result characterizing the visual identifier associated with the sample container to output a message defining the classification result.

A non-transitory computer program element comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed by processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:

• obtaining a digital representation of a visual identifier associated with a sample container;
• identifying at least one apparatus comprised within an analytical system, wherein the analytical system is configured to perform at least one analytical test using the sample container, and wherein the at least one apparatus comprises an optical identifier reader;
• classifying the sample container associated with the visual identifier by determining an ability of at least one of the optical identifier reader or a camera of the at least one apparatus comprised in the analytical system to:
• decode the visual identifier associated with the sample container, and
• generate a corresponding classification result characterizing the sample container associated with the visual identifier;
• and
• outputting a message defining the classification result.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a communications interface;
• a processor;
• and
• a memory interface,
• wherein the processor is configured to host a data processing agent communicably coupled to an analytical system via a communications network,
• wherein the data processing agent is configured to obtain a digital representation of a visual identifier associated with a sample container and to identify at least one apparatus comprised within the analytical system, wherein the analytical system configured to perform at least one analytical test using the sample container, and
• wherein the data processing agent is further configured to:
• classify the visual identifier associated with the sample container by characterizing an ability of an optical identifier reader of the at least one apparatus comprised in the analytical system to decode the visual identifier associated with the sample container,
• generate a classification result characterizing the visual identifier associated with the sample container, and
• output a message indicating the classification result.