Optical encoding utilizing selectively refracted light
AssigneeMedical Laboratory Automation, Inc.
InventorsJohn A. Froehlich, Eric S. Anderson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Optical encoding of a cuvette or other object is provided by means of multiple facets molded integrally into flanges or other portions of the object, which facets selectively refract light passing therethrough in accordance with a predetermined code. The detector for the coded light includes a separate detector for each code state of the facets, with the detector having a different output when no facets are between a light source and the detectors. The facets are preferably bevels, which are selectively angled in accordance with the code.
Claims15
Apparatus for use with an object which travels along a predetermined path, said apparatus including:
- a light source for providing a light beam;
- means for detecting light from the light source and for providing an output signal representative thereof;
- a flange made of a transparent material and attached to the object so as to pass between the light source and the detecting means as the object travels along its path, the flange including:
- at least one encoding element for refracting light from the light source to said means for detecting so as to provide a photo-optically detectable code for the object, each encoding element refracting light in a different direction for each code state of the element, light being unrefracted if no element is present;
- and
- wherein said means for detecting includes a separate light detecting element for each of said code states, light being refracted to the detecting element by an encoding element in the corresponding code state.
An optically encoded object comprising:
- an encoding area formed as part of said object, at least said area of the object being formed of a material which is substantially transparent to light, said area being adapted to be passed adjacent to a light source, and at least one bevel formed in said area, each of said at least one bevel being selectively angled to selectively refract light passed through said area from said source, selected bevel angles and selective refracting of light being in accordance with a predetermined code.
An optically encoded object comprising:
- an encoding area formed as part of said object, at least said area of the object being formed of a material which is substantially transparent to light, said area being adapted to be passed adjacent to a light source, and one or more cylindrical lenses formed in said area, each of which lenses are convex or concave in shape so as to focus or diffuse a light beam passing therethrough in accordance with a predetermined code.
Apparatus for use with an object which travels along a predetermined path the apparatus comprising:
- a light source for providing a light beam;
- an encoding area formed as part of said object, at least said area of the object being formed of a material which is substantially transparent to light, and at least one bevel formed in said area, each of said at least one bevel being selectively angled so as to selectively refract light from said light source when passed therethrough, selective bevel angles and selective refracting of light being in accordance with a predetermined code;
- and a separate light-detecting element for each angle at which a bevel may be selectively angled in accordance with said predetermined code, each detecting element being positioned relative to said light source such that the light beam is refracted to impinge on the detecting element by a bevel when the bevel is encoded to be at the corresponding angle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.