[BACKGROUND ART] Blood transfusions are effective to replenish quantity of blood in circulation of critically ill patients to maintain a sufficient capacity to carry oxygen, and supplement the coagulation factors.

Generally, the cross-matching of blood to be transfused is carried out in a blood bank according to a doctor's prescription for the patient who needs a transfusion.

Cross-matching is a test to prevent serious adverse reactions, at times fatal, from occurring during a transfusion which is caused by unusual antibodies in an incompatible blood, and to verify that the blood to be transfused is fit for the patient who will receive it. If the test results show there are no incompatibilities with the blood, it is then issued from the blood bank to the medical staff for transfusion to his/her patient. The patient's identification on the released blood and patient's identification on the arm band are checked with the naked eyes and, if the blood is fit for the patient, the transfusion is performed. The most careful attention must be given to the first step in the transfusion process: the procedure for checking identification on both the released blood and the patient.

In the case of a failure to take necessary precautions, transfusing incorrect blood into the patient may results in serious adverse reaction which may lead to medical litigation.

Since it is a paramount importance to have identified the right unit of blood for the right patient who receives the transfusion, conventional method is to have two medical or nursing staff independently identify the patient and unit of blood to be transfused at patient's bed side. However, this process is carried out by human eyes, there have been more than 500 misidentification occur annually in the USA alone. The fatality rate is 1.3/1 million units transfused/year. A fail-proof system to identify such a transfusion is badly needed.

[DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION] The principal object of the present invention is to provide a safety device for securing blood-bags in a locked container and a safe method for releasing the container's lock by identifying the blood-bag and the transfusion recipient with bar codes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a safety device for blood-bags and a method for safely releasing the lock on the safety device when the bar code data on the patient corresponds with the bar code data of the blood-bag safety device.

To achieve the objectives, one part of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a safety system for blood-bags, which comprises: a safety device for holding blood-bags that is marked with the first identification data about the patient who needs a transfusion; and a signal generator that reads the first identification data from the blood-bag safety device, compares it with the second identification data which is held in a mark or device with the patient, and then transmits a lock-releasing signal when the blood is fit for the patient.

Another part of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a safety device for blood-bags, which comprises: a device for holding the blood-bag; a device for storing or attaching the first identification data about the patient who needs a transfusion; and a lock mechanism that opens safely when it receives a signal from the lock-releasing signal generator (which occurs only when the first and second identification data correspond with each other and the blood is therefore fit for the patient).

Moreover, the first identification data is contained in a bar code. It comprises at least one kind of information concerning the patient's name, age, gender, or diagnosis, and/or at least one kind of information about the blood to be transfused-namely, the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma).

Moreover, the lock mechanism of the blood-bag safety device comprises a spring fixed at its lower end, a hanger locked in place by the spring's upward tension, and a square ring that is pushed upward by the spring to prevent the hanger's movement. If a lock- releasing signal is received, the ring is drawn downwards towards the source of the received signal so that the lock is released.

Another part of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a generator that transmits a lock-releasing signal. The signal generator comprises : a receiver that reads the first identification data about the blood or the transfusion recipient on the blood-bag safety device, and which then receives the second identification data concerning the blood or the patient from a mark or device with the patient; a controller for judging whether the blood is fit for the transfusion recipient by comparing the first and second identification data; and a signal generator for generating a signal to release the lock of the blood-bag safety device if the blood in the bag is fit for the patient who needs a transfusion.

Moreover, the first identification data is contained in a bar code and comprises of at least one piece of information concerning the patient's name, age, gender, or diagnosis, or at least one kind of information about the blood to be transfused-that is, the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma).

Moreover, the second identification data also comprises at least one piece of information concerning the patient's name, age, gender, or diagnosis, or at least one kind of information about the blood to be transfused, such as the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma).

Moreover, the signal generator comprises a magnetic field generator that creates a magnetic field if the blood is fit for the transfusion recipient, and a transmitter for sending the generated magnetic field to the blood-bag safety device.

Also, the releasing signal generator comprises a wireless signal generator for generating wireless signals when it is determined that the blood is fit for patient who needs a transfusion and a transmitter for sending the generated signal.

Another part of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a safe method for releasing the lock on the blood-bag safety device, which comprises the following steps: receiving the first identification data about the blood or the transfusion recipient from the blood-bag safety device ; receiving the second identification data about the blood or the transfusion recipient from a mark or device with the patient; judging whether the blood is fit for the patient who needs a transfusion by comparing the first identification data and the second identification data; and generating a signal that releases the lock of the blood-bag safety device if the blood is fit for the patient.

Also, the first identification data is contained in a bar code and comprises at least one kind of information about the patient's name, age, gender, or diagnosis, or at least one kind of information about the blood to be transfused, such as the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma).

Moreover, the second identification data also comprises at least one kind of information about the patient's name, age, gender, or diagnosis, or at least one kind of information about the blood to be transfused-namely, the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma).

Moreover, the releasing signal releases the lock on the blood-bag safety device.

Another part of the preferred embodiment of the present invention of a method for releasing the lock on a blood-bag safety device comprises the following steps: reading the first identification data about the blood or the transfusion recipient on the blood-bag safety device; reading the second identification data about the blood or the transfusion recipient from a mark or device with the patient; judging whether the blood is fit for the patient by comparing the first and second identification data; generating a magnetic field if the blood is shown to be fit for the patient; and releasing the lock on the blood-bag safety device by means of the generated magnetic field.

Another part of the preferred embodiment of the present invention of a method for releasing the lock on a blood-bag safety device comprises the following steps: reading the first identification data about the blood or the transfusion recipient from the blood-bag safety device; reading the second identification data about the blood or the transfusion recipient from a mark or device with the patient; judging whether the blood is fit for the patient by comparing the first identification data with the second identification data; generating a wireless signal if the results show that the blood is fit for the patient; receiving the generated wireless signal; judging whether the pulse of the wireless signal corresponds with a previously set pulse duration and length of intervals; generating a magnetic field if the pulse of the wireless signal corresponds with a preset pulse duration and interval length; and releasing the lock on the blood-bag safety device by means of the magnetic field generated.

1BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the bar code reader in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the transfusion data confirmation procedure of the blood-bag safety device in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the procedure for safely releasing the lock on the blood-bag safety device in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the blood-bag safety device in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5a is a drawing showing the design of the bar code reader in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5b is a drawing showing the movement of the electromagnetic bars in FIG. 5a.

FIG. 6 is a plan for inserting the electromagnetic bars of the bar code reader into the blood-bag safety device in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side [lateral] view of the structure of the lock on the blood-bag safety device in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a structural drawing of the bar code reader in accord with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the transfusion data confirmation procedure of the blood-bag safety device in accord with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the structure of the blood-bag safety device in accord with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan for storing the bar code data on a blood-bag safety device so as to be read by the bar code reader in accord with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a structural drawing of the lock mechanism on the blood-bag safety device showing the design of its infrared receiver in accord with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a structural drawing of the bar code reader in accord with the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a structural drawing of the blood-bag safety device in accord with the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a structural drawing of the lock mechanism of the blood-bag safety device showing its electromagnet driver in accord with the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

<A list of the numbers identifying major parts shown in the drawings> 100, 800,1300: CCD sensor 110, 810,1310: digital converter 120,820,1320: clock generator 130,830,1330: memory 140,840,1340: contents comparator 150, 850,1350: signal reverser 160,1206,1360,1500: electromagnet driver 170,870,1370: speaker driver 860 : infrared radiation driver 1200: infrared receiver 1203: signal detector [A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED FORMS OF THE INVENTION] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with accompanying drawings.

<The first preferred embodiment of the model> FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the bar code reader in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the bar code reader is comprised of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor 100, a digital converter 110, a clock generator 120, memory 130, a contents comparator 140, a signal reverser 150, an electromagnet driver 160 and a speaker driver 170.

The CCD sensor 100 reads data from a bar code and converts the data to an electrical signal, which is in turn relayed to the digital converter 110.

The digital converter 110 converts the patient's data that is transferred from the CCD sensor 100 into a digital signal and stores the digital signal in memory 130. In addition, the digital converter 110 converts the bar code data taken from a blood-bag safety device into a digital signal that is then transferred to the contents comparator 140.

The clock generator 120 generates a pulse at regular intervals when the bar code reader receives bar code data.

The memory 130 stores the digitally converted bar code data taken from a patient's file which has been transferred from the digital converter 110.

The contents comparator 140 judges whether the bar code data from the patient's file stored in memory 130 corresponds with the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device which is received from the CCD sensor 100.

The bar code data from the patient's file comprises information such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or type of ailment, and/or blood data such as the blood type or blood component (white corpuscles, red corpuscles, thrombocytes, or blood plasma) to be transfused. The bar code on the blood-bag safety device contains the same kinds of data about the patient and their blood. The contents comparator 140 then reads the data (such as the patient's ID number, name or blood type) from both the bar code on the patient's file and the bar code on the blood-bag safety device, after which the contents comparator judges whether the data from those two sources corresponds.

The signal reverser 150 activates the electromagnet driver 160 when the bar code data of the patient corresponds with the bar code data of the blood-bag safety device.

The electromagnet driver 160 transfers a magnetic charge forming a signal to the electromagnetic bars when the bar code data of the patient corresponds with the bar code data of the blood-bag safety device.

The coil of the electromagnetic bars forms a magnetic field corresponding with the transferred signal, which in turn causes the lock on the blood-bag safety device to be released.

The speaker driver 170 serves the function of emitting an alarm when the bar code data of the patient and that of the blood-bag safety device do not correspond with each other.

It will now be described how data is transferred in the present invention.

When the bar code reader receives bar code data from a patient's file, the received data is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD sensor 100. The electrical signal is then converted into a digital signal by the digital converter 110 and afterwards stored in memory 130.

Subsequently, the bar code reader scans the bar code attached to the blood-bag safety device.

The received data is converted into an electrical signal in the CCD sensor 100 and transferred to the contents comparator 140.

The contents comparator 140 judges whether the converted digital signal corresponds with the patient's bar code data stored in memory 130.

The bar code data that is used to judge correspondence is at least one kind of data (such as the patient's ID number, name, or blood type) which is extracted from both the patient's bar code data and the data taken from the blood-bag safety device. In addition, all the bar code data from the patient's file and the blood-bag safety device can be used to judge transfusion data correspondence.

If the bar code data of the patient corresponds with the bar code data of the blood- bag safety device, the signal reverser 150 activates the electromagnet driver 160.

The coil of the electromagnetic bars forms a magnetic field through the operation of the electromagnet driver 160, and the lock for the blood-bag safety device is released by the magnetic field that is formed as a result.

Moreover, at the same time as the magnetic field is formed at the coil of the electromagnetic bars, the patient's bar code data stored in memory 130 is erased.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the transfusion data confirmation procedure of the blood-bag safety device in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, when a doctor first orders a blood transfusion for a patient, the blood bank cross-matches the blood to be used for the transfusion.

When the cross-matching blood is completed, data about the patient and the type of blood to be transfused is recorded in a bar code (Step 200). Thus, the bar code's data comprises both patient data and blood data. The patient data is information such the patient's ID number, name, gender, and/or diagnosis. The blood data is information about the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused. The bar code label containing the patient data and the blood data is then attached to the safety device holding the blood-bag (Step 210).

Afterwards, when the doctor instructs that the patient be given a blood transfusion, the bar code reader is used to scan the bar code attached to the patient's file (Step 220). The received bar code data is then converted into a digital signal and stored in memory 130.

Then the bar code reader is used to scan the bar code on the blood-bag safety device (Step 230) and judge whether the data taken from the safety device corresponds with the patient's bar code data stored in memory (Step 240).

The bar code data that is used to judge correspondence is at least one kind of data extracted from the patient's bar code data and the data taken from the blood-bag safety device. The extracted data comprises information such as the patient's ID number, name, or blood type. However, it is also possible to use all of the bar code data to judge correspondence.

If the bar code data taken from the patient's file corresponds with the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device (Step 250), the lock on the safety device is released and the safety device holding the blood-bag may be opened (Step 260). That is, if the patient's bar code data and the bar code data of the blood-bag safety device correspond with each other, the safety device opens when the raised locking mechanism is drawn down by the formation of a magnetic field.

Moreover, simultaneous with the formation of a magnetic field at the electromagnetic bars, the patient's bar code data stored in memory is erased.

On the other hand, if the patient's bar code data does not correspond with the bar code data of the blood-bag safety device, the speaker driver 170 emits an alarm and the lock on the safety device is not released (Step 270).

If a signal is received indicating that the blood for transfusion needs to be reexamined (Step 280), the data comparison procedure is carried out again beginning from (Step 230).

To consider one example, we will examine what happens if the patient ID numbers on the two bar codes correspond.

When the doctor first orders a blood transfusion for a patient, the blood bank cross- matches the blood to be transfused.

When the cross-matching is completed, data about the patient (such as their ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis) and/or blood data (such as the blood type or blood component to be transfused) is recorded on a bar code label. Then the bar code label is attached to the blood-bag safety device.

Afterwards, when the doctor instructs that the patient be given a blood transfusion, the bar code reader scans the patient's bar code, which contains both patient data and blood data. The patient data is information such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age, and/or diagnosis. The blood data is information such as the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused.

The received bar code data is converted into a digital signal and then stored in memory 130. After that, the bar code reader scans the bar code on the blood-bag safety device. The bar code reader extracts the ID number data from the data taken off the safety device and from the patient's bar code data which is stored in memory 130. Then the bar code reader judges whether the ID number data from the safety device and the patient's bar code correspond with each other.

If the ID number data from the patient's file corresponds with the ID number data from the blood-bag safety device, the lock on the safety device is released and the blood-bag safety device opens.

In the case of judging ID number correspondence, the bar code data that is used to judge data correspondence can be just one kind of data extracted from the patient's bar code and the blood-bag safety device. The extracted data comprises information such as the patient's name or blood type.

Looking at another example, when a patient needing red blood corpuscles requires a transfusion7 first of all the bar code reader is used to scan the patient's bar code data and store it in memory. Then the bar code reader is used to scan the bar code data on the blood-bag safety device.

After that, the bar code reader extracts the blood type and red blood corpuscle data from the data it took from the blood-bag safety device. Then the bar code reader judges whether the patient's bar code data corresponds with the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device.

If the extracted data matches, the blood-bag safety device opens.

In case of a component transfusion, the bar code reader extracts data about the patient's blood type and platelets concentrates, or his/her blood type and concentration of fresh frozen plasma, from the bar code data taken off the blood-bag safety device and the patient's bar code label. Component transfusion comprises separately transfusing a blood component such as red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or fresh frozen plasma.

Afterwards, if the data from the patient's bar code label corresponds with the data from the blood-bag safety device, the blood-bag safety device opens.

Furthermore, the blood-bag safety device will also open if all of the bar code data taken from the patient's file corresponds with the all of the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device.

For example, the bar code reader might receive bar code data from the blood-bag safety device comprising of patient data and blood data, and also receive bar code data from the patient's file comprising of both patient data and blood data. The patient data is information such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis. The blood data is information such as the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused. Then, if all of the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device corresponds with all of the bar code data taken from the patient, the blood-bag safety device will open.

According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, upon a doctor's first instruction to perform a transfusion, the blood bank cross-matches the blood to be transfused. When cross-matching is completed, the patient data and blood data are recorded on a bar code label that is then attached to the blood-bag safety device. Then the safety device judges whether the bar code data on its label and the bar code data of the patient correspond or not If the bar code data taken from the patient and the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device correspond with each other, the safety device opens. The bar code data attached to the blood-bag safety device may also include a schedule for transfusions that will be done within one month and one day based on a doctor's instructions concerning a patient identified by specific data (such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis, and/or the blood type or blood component to be transfused).

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the procedure for safely releasing the lock on the blood-bag safety device in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the bar code reader is used to scan the bar code on the patient's file and store the data in memory (Step 300). Then the bar code on the blood-bag safety device is scanned with the bar code reader and the received data is likewise stored in memory (Step 310).

The bar code reader then judges whether the stored data from the blood-bag safety device corresponds with the stored data taken from the patient's file (Step 320).

Data correspondence is determined using at least one kind of data taken from both the patient's bar code and from the blood-bag safety device. The extracted data comprise information such as the patient's ID number, name or blood type. It is also possible to use all the bar code data from each source to judge correspondence.

If the bar code data taken from the patient's file corresponds with the data from the blood-bag safety device (Step 330), the electromagnet driver 160 sends a signal to the bar code reader's electromagnetic bars, which are inserted into sockets in the safety device located under the device's lock mechanism. The signal received from the electromagnet driver 160 causes the electromagnetic bars to generate a magnetic field (Step 340), which pulls down the metal ring in the lock mechanism and thereby releases the lock on the blood- bag safety device (Step 350).

That is, the blood-bag safety device opens when the locking mechanism held up by spring-tension is drawn down because of the formation of a magnetic field.

On the other hand, if the bar code data taken from the patient's file does not correspond with the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device, the speaker driver 170 will cause an alarm sound to be emitted from the speaker (Step 360).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the blood-bag safety device in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the safety device 400 that secures the blood-bag 430 is designed so as to conduct little heat and prevent germ contamination. Additional features of the blood- bag safety device are its bar code 410, two electromagnetic bar insertion sockets 420 for inserting the bar code reader into the safety device, and a lock mechanism. The bar code 410 contains patient data such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis, and/or blood data concerning the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused.

If a doctor orders a blood transfusion for a patient, the blood bank cross-matches the blood to be transfused. Then, when cross-matching is completed, the blood bank records on a bar code the patient data (such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis) and/or blood data (the blood type or blood component to be transfused).

The bar code 410 is attached to the blood-bag safety device between the two electromagnetic bar insertion sockets, where it can be scanned when the bar code reader is inserted into the blood-bag safety device. If the bar code data taken from the patient's file corresponds with the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device, the locking mechanism on the blood-bag safety device opens.

The sockets used for inserting the electromagnetic bars of the bar code reader into the blood-bag safety device comprise holes that correspond in size with the electromagnetic bars.

If the electromagnetic bars of the bar code reader are inserted into their sockets on the blood-bag safety device, the data receiver of the bar code reader connects with the bar code attached to the safety device between the sockets. Then the bar code reader is able to receive bar code data from the blood-bag safety device.

If the bar code data taken from the patient's file and stored in memory corresponds with the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device, the electromagnetic bars on the bar code reader form a magnetic field that releases the lock on the safety device. The blood-bag safety device can hold blood-bags of the bag type or which are tube-shaped (for example, in the shape of a circular, square or polygonal tube).

FIG. 7 shows the lock on the blood-bag safety device, which opens when the bar code data taken from a patient corresponds with the bar code data on the blood-bag safety device.

FIG. 5a is a drawing showing the design of the bar code reader in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5b shows the movement of the electromagnetic bars seen in FIG. 5a.

Referring to FIG. 5a, the bar code reader 500 comprises the bar code data receiver 530 and two electromagnetic bars 560. The bar code data receiver 530 is designed as shown in FIG. 1.

The two electromagnetic bars 550 extend forward from the bar code reader 500 on either side of the bar code data receiver 530. When the electromagnetic bars 550 are inserted into sockets in the blood-bag safety device on either side of a bar code label, the bar code data receiver comes into contact with the safety device's bar code. The bar code reader is also used to scan the bar code on a patient's file by swinging the electromagnetic bars upward or downward so that they do not prevent the data receiver from being placed against a flat surface. As shown in FIG. 5b, the electromagnetic bars are attached to the bar code reader's handle by joints on each side of it. Pivoting on these joints, the electromagnetic bars can swing upward or downward ninety degrees so that they are parallel to the handle of the bar code reader. In FIG. 5b, the electromagnetic bars are drawn using a dotted line to show their range of motion, while a solid line drawing shows the usual position of the bars. After the bar code data receiver scans a bar code, a signal indicates that data has been stored; then, when that signal is received by the CCD sensor 100 it converts the data to digital form and stores it in memory 130.

Furthermore, in order to read the bar code attached to the blood-bag safety device, first the electromagnetic bars 560 are swung into their forward position at a right angle to the handle of the bar code reader. Then the electromagnetic bars are inserted into the corresponding sockets on the blood-bag safety device, as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a plan for inserting the electromagnetic bars of the bar code reader into the blood-bag safety device in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention..

Referring to FIG. 6, if the electromagnetic bars 560 are inserted into their sockets in the blood-bag safety device, the bar code data receiver 560 on the bar code reader comes into contact with the bar code attached to the blood-bag safety device and is able to receive the bar code data from the safety device.

The bar code data 410 taken from the blood-bag safety device is detected by the CCD sensor 100 on the bar code data receiver, and then the data is converted into a digital signal. After that, the CCD sensor judges whether the bar code data taken from the patient and stored in memory corresponds with the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device.

If the patient's bar code data and the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device correspond with each other, the electromagnetic bars 560 on the bar code reader 500 that are inserted into the safety device form a magnetic field. The bar code data from the patient's file that is stored in memory 130 is then erased by the formation of a magnetic field, and the lock on the blood-bag safety device is released.

The lock on the blood-bag safety device is shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a side (lateral) view of the structure of the lock on the blood-bag safety device in accord with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the lock mechanism 700 is comprised of a hanger 710, a square ring 720 and a spring 730. The lower end of the spring 730 is fixed to one inside wall of the lock mechanism 710 and its elastic force holds up the ring 720 so that the hooked end of the hanger 710 catches on it, locking the blood-bag safety device.

In order to release the lock mechanism 700, first the patient's bar code data is scanned and stored in memory. Then the electromagnetic bars 560 of the bar code reader are inserted into their sockets in the blood-bag safety device so that the bar code data receiver 530 makes contact with the bar code on the safety device and can receive data from it.

Then the bar code reader judges whether the stored data from the patient and the received data from the blood-bag safety device correspond with each other or not.

If the bar code data matches, the electromagnetic bars 560 of the bar code reader form a magnetic field. When the electromagnetic bars form a magnetic field, the lock 700 is released that the ring 720 held closed by blocking movement of the hanger 710. The dotted line in the diagram shows the position of the tensed spring when the formation of a magnetic field causes the lock to be drawn down.

It is self-evident that the ring 720 moves downward in accordance with the strength of the magnetic field's influence.

It is possible for the bar code used in the first model of the present invention to be either one-dimensional or two-dimensional. A one-dimensional bar code uses a stick type of bar. On the other hand, a two-dimensional bar code can contain data such as the alpha- numeric, Korean alphabet or graphics in a regular size and the data can be altered.

< The second preferred embodiment of the invention > FIG. 8 is a structural drawing of the bar code reader in accord with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the bar code reader comprises a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor 800, a digital converter 810, a clock generator 820, memory 830, a contents comparator 840, a signal reverser 850, an infrared radiation driver 860 and a speaker driver 870.

The CCD sensor 800 receives data from a bar code and converts the data into an electrical signal, which is in turn transmitted to the digital converter.

The digital converter 810 converts the patient's data transferred from the CCD sensor 800 into a digital signal and then stores it in memory 830. Furthermore, the digital converter 810 converts the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device into a digital signal and transfers the digital signal to the contents comparator 840.

The clock generator 820 generates a pulse at regular intervals when the bar code reader receives data.

The memory 830 stores the digitally converted bar code data from the patient's file, which has been transferred from the digital converter 810.

The contents comparator 840 then judges whether the patient's bar code data stored in memory 830 corresponds with the bar code data taken by the CCD sensor 800 from the blood-bag safety device.

The patient's bar code data comprises patient data such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis, and/or blood data concerning the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused.

The bar code on the blood-bag safety device also contains patient data such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis, and/or blood data such as the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused. The contents comparator extracts at least one kind of data (such as the patient's ID number, name or blood type) from both the patient's bar code data and the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device. Then the contents comparator judges whether the data taken from the two bar codes correspond with each other or not.

The signal reverser 850 activates the electromagnet driver when the patient's bar code data corresponds with that of the blood-bag safety device.

If the patient's bar code data corresponds with the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device, the infrared radiation driver 860 emits pulses of infrared radiation of predetermined pulse duration and intervals from an infrared radiation element.

The speaker driver 870 has the function of emitting an alarm when the patient's bar code data does not correspond with that taken from the blood-bag safety device.

The movement of the bar code reader will now be described according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

When the bar code reader scans the bar code on a patient's file, the received bar code data is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD sensor 800. The electrical signal is then converted into a digital signal in the digital converter and stored in memory 830.

After the data taken from the patient's file is stored in memory, the bar code reader is used to scan the bar code on the blood-bag safety device.

The received data is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD sensor 800 and then transferred to the contents comparator 840 after being converted into a digital signal by the digital converter 810.

The contents comparator 840 judges whether the converted digital signal corresponds with the patient's bar code data stored in memory 830.

The bar code data that is used to judge correspondence is at least one kind of data extracted from the patient's bar code data and that which is taken from the blood-bag safety device. The extracted data may be, for example, the patient's ID number, name or blood type.

It is also possible to use all of the bar code data to judge correspondence.

If the bar code data taken from the patient and that from the blood-bag safety device correspond with each other, the signal reverser 850 activates the infrared radiation driver 860.

If the patient's bar code data corresponds with the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device, the infrared radiation driver 860 emits pulses of infrared radiation of preset pulse duration and intervals by means of an infrared radiation element. An infrared light receiver on the blood-bag safety device receives the pulses of radiation. If the received radiation pulses correspond with preset pulse duration and intervals, the lock's magnet forms a magnetic field that activates the electromagnet driver of the infrared light receiver.

The lock on the blood-bag safety device is released by the formation of a magnetic field.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the transfusion data confirmation procedure of the blood- bag safety device in accord with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the doctor first orders a blood transfusion for a patient, the blood bank cross-matches the blood to be transfused.

When the cross-matching is completed, data about the patient receiving the transfusion or the blood to be transfused is recorded on a bar code (Step 900). The bar code contains patient data such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis, and/or blood data concerning the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused. Then the bar code label containing the patient data and/or blood data is attached to the blood-bag safety device (Step 910).

When the doctor afterwards instructs that the patient be given a blood transfusion, first the bar code reader is used to scan the bar code on the patient's file (Step 920). The received bar code data is converted into a digital signal and then stored in memory 830.

Then the bar code reader scans the bar code on the blood-bag safety device (Step 930) and judges whether the data taken from the safety device corresponds with the data stored in memory which was taken from the patient's file (Step 940).

The bar code data that is used to judge correspondence is at least one kind of data extracted from the patient's data and that of the blood-bag safety device, such as the patient's ID number, name, or blood type. However, it is also possible to use all of the bar code data from each bar code to judge correspondence.

If the patient's bar code data corresponds with that from the blood-bag safety device (Step 950), the infrared radiation driver 860 and signal reverser 850 are activated, causing the infrared radiation element to emit pulses of infrared radiation of preset pulse duration and intervals (Step 960).

The infrared receiver on the blood-bag safety device then receives the radiation pulses and judges whether they correspond with preset pulse duration and intervals (Step 980).

If the pulses of radiation correspond with preset pulse duration and intervals 990, a magnetic field is formed by the activation of the electromagnet driver of the blood-bag safety device. The electromagnet driver that receives the transferred signal forms a magnetic field corresponding with the signal (Step 1000). The blood-bag safety device then opens when the lock held up by spring tension is drawn down by the formation of a magnetic field (Step 1010).

Also, when the infrared radiation element emits pulses of radiation and the electromagnet driver of the blood-bag safety device forms a magnetic field, the patient's bar code data stored in memory is erased.

On the other hand, if the bar code data from the patient and that from the blood-bag safety device do not correspond with each other, the speaker driver of the bar code reader causes an alarm to be emitted from the speaker, and the lock is not released (Step 1020). If it is necessary to reconfirm whether the blood in the safety device is fit for the patient, the verification procedure is repeated from Step 920.

For example, let's suppose that ID numbers are the data used to verify that the blood for transfusion is fit for the patient.

When the doctor first orders a blood transfusion for a patient, the blood bank cross- matches the blood to be transfused.

When the cross-matching is completed, the patient's data is recorded on a bar code label. The patient's data comprises information such as their ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis, and/or blood data concerning the blood type or blood component (the amount of red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused.

Then the bar code label is attached to the blood-bag safety device.

Subsequently, when the doctor instructs that the patient be given a blood transfusion, first the bar code reader is used to scan the bar code on the patient's file, which contains both patient data and blood data. The patient data comprises information such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis. The blood data is information concerning the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused.

The received bar code data is converted into a digital signal and then stored in memory 830. The bar code reader then scans the bar code on the blood-bag safety device.

The bar code reader extracts the ID number data both from the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device and from the patient's bar code data stored in memory 830. Then the bar code reader judges whether the ID number data taken from the blood-bag safety device corresponds with that taken from the patient's bar code label.

If the ID number data from the patient's file corresponds with the data taken from the blood-bag safety device, the lock on the blood-bag safety device is released and the device opens.

In case of judging ID number correspondence, the bar code data that is used to judge correspondence is at least one kind of data extracted from both the patient's data and from the bar code data on the blood-bag safety device. The extracted data is information such as the patient's name or blood type.

For example, when a patient needing red blood corpuscles requires a transfusion, first the bar code reader scans the patient's bar code and stores the received data in memory.

Then the bar code reader scans the bar code on the blood-bag safety device.

Next, the bar code reader extracts blood type and red blood corpuscle data from the data taken from the blood-bag safety device. Then the bar code reader judges whether the patient's bar code data stored in memory corresponds with the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device.

If the extracted data corresponds, the blood-bag safety device opens.

In the case of component transfusions, the bar code reader scans the bar codes on the patient's file and the blood-bag safety device, extracting information concerning the blood type and the amount of red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or fresh frozen plasma to be transfused. Blood component transfusion involves separately transfusing a blood component such as red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or fresh frozen plasma.

If the data taken from the patient corresponds with that from the blood-bag safety device, the blood-bag safety device opens.

In addition, if all of the patient's bar code data corresponds with all the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device, the blood-bag safety device opens.

For example, the bar code reader may receive bar code data from the blood-bag safety device comprising patient data and blood data, and also receive the same kind of data from the patient's bar code label. The patient data comprises information such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis. The blood data is information such as the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused. Then, if all the bar code data received from the blood-bag safety device corresponds with all the data received from the patient's bar code, the blood-bag safety device opens.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, when a doctor first orders a blood transfusion for a patient, the blood bank cross-matches the blood to be transfused. When the cross-matching is completed, the blood bank records the patient data and blood data on a bar code label, which is then attached to the blood-bag safety device.

Later, the bar code reader judges whether the bar code data of the blood-bag safety device corresponds with the patient's bar code data. If the patient's bar code data corresponds with the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device, the blood-bag safety device opens.

The data in the bar code label attached to the blood-bag safety device may also include a schedule for transfusions that will be performed within one month and one day according to a doctor's instructions. The patient data comprises information such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis, and the blood data comprising information such as the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the structure of the blood-bag safety device in accord with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a plan for storing the bar code data on a blood-bag safety device so as to be read by the bar code reader in accord with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the blood-bag safety device 1000 that secures the blood-bag is designed so as to conduct little heat and prevent germ contamination.

The blood-bag safety device 1000 also comprises a bar code 1010, a receiver 1020 that receives infrared radiation transmitted from the device's bar code reader, and a lock mechanism 1030. The bar code contains a patient's data such as their ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis, and/or blood data such as the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused.

The receiver 1020 comprises an infrared receiving element, a signal detector, and an electromagnet driver. The receiver receives the radiation pulses emitted by the infrared radiation element of the bar code reader and judges whether they correspond with preset pulse duration and intervals.

If the radiation pulses correspond with preset pulse duration and intervals, the electromagnet driver of the blood-bag safety device activates an electromagnet in the lock that forms a magnetic field.

The lock on the blood-bag safety device is released by the formation of a magnetic field. That is, the blood-bag safety device opens when the lock mechanism held up by spring tension is drawn down by the formation of the magnetic field.

The blood-bag safety device can hold blood-bags of the bag type or which are tube- shaped (for example, in the shape of a circular, square or polygonal tube).

Referring to FIG. 11, in order to receive the safety device's bar code data 1010, the bar code data receiver on the bar code reader 1050 is placed in contact with the bar code attached to the blood-bag safety device 1000.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the bar code reader 1050 is put in contact with the bar code 1010 attached to the blood-bag safety device 1000, the data from the bar code 1010 is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD sensor 800.

The signal is then converted into a digital signal by the digital converter 810, which also judges whether the patient's bar code data stored in memory 830 corresponds with the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device.

If the patient's bar code data corresponds with the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device, the infrared radiation element controlled by the infrared radiation driver 860 by means of a signal reverser 850 emits pulses of infrared radiation according to a preset pulse duration and intervals.

The receiver 1020 on the blood-bag safety device 1000 receives the radiation pulses emitted by the infrared radiation element of the bar code reader 1050 and judges whether those pulses correspond with the preset pulse duration and intervals.

If the radiation pulses correspond with the preset pulse duration and intervals, the electromagnet driver is activated, so that an electromagnetic field is formed in the lock on the blood-bag safety device. The blood-bag safety device opens when the lock held up by spring tension is drawn downwards by the formation of a magnetic field.

FIG. 12 is a structural drawing of the lock mechanism on the blood-bag safety device showing the design of its infrared receiver in accord with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the blood-bag safety device comprises an infrared receiver 1200 and a lock mechanism 1250 for securing a blood-bag in the safety device.

The infrared receiver 1200 comprises an infrared signal receiving element 1203, a signal detector 1206 and an electromagnet driver 1209.

The infrared receiving element 1203 receives pulses of radiation emitted from the infrared radiation element of the bar code reader.

The signal detector 1206 judges whether the radiation pulses received by the infrared receiving element 1203 correspond with a preset pulse duration and intervals, and then activates the electromagnet driver 1209 if they correspond.

The electromagnet driver 1209 causes the electromagnet 1258 in the lock 1250 on the blood-bag safety device to form an electromagnetic field.

The lock 1250 on the blood-bag safety device comprises a hanger 1252, a square ring 1254, a spring 1256, and an electromagnet 1258. The spring is fixed at its lower end, the hanger is locked in place by the spring's upward tension, and the square ring is pushed upward by the spring so as to prevent the hanger's movement.

It will now be described how the lock 1250 of the blood-bag safety device is released according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

First, if the patient's bar code data stored in memory 830 corresponds with the bar code data of the blood-bag safety device 1000, the infrared radiation element on the bar code reader radiates and the infrared receiving element 1203 on the blood-bag safety device receives pulses of emitted radiation. The received radiation is then transferred to a signal detector 1203 which judges whether the radiation pulses correspond with a preset pulse duration and intervals.

If the radiation pulses correspond with the preset pulse duration and intervals, the electromagnet driver is activated and causes the electromagnet 1258 in the lock 1250 to form an electromagnetic field.

The lock 1250 on the blood-bag safety device opens when the ring 1254 holding the hanger 1252 in locked position by the tension of the spring 1256 is drawn downwards by the formation of a magnetic field, thereby releasing the hanger.

It is possible for the bar code used in the first model of the present invention to be either one-dimensional or two-dimensional. A one-dimensional bar code uses a stick type of bar. On the other hand, a two-dimensional bar code can contain data such as the alpha- numeric, Korean alphabet or graphics in a regular size and the data can be altered.

< The third embodiment > FIG. 13 is a structural drawing of the bar code reader in accord with the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, the bar code reader comprises a CCD sensor 1300, a digital converter 1310, a clock generator 1320, memory 1330, a contents comparator 1340, a signal reverser 1350, an electromagnet driver 1360 and a speaker driver 1370.

It will first be described how the bar code reader moves according to the present embodiment of the invention.

When the bar code reader scans the bar code on the patient's file, the received data is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD sensor 1300. The electrical signal is then converted into a digital signal by the digital converter 1310 and afterwards stored in the bar code reader's memory 1330.

Next, the bar code reader scans the bar code attached to the blood-bag safety device.

The received data is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD sensor 1300, which is then transferred to the contents comparator 1340 and converted into a digital signal by the digital converter 1310.

The contents comparator 1340 judges whether the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device that has been converted into a digital signal corresponds with the patient's bar code data stored in the bar code reader's memory.

The bar code data that is used to judge correspondence is at least one kind of data extracted from the patient's data and the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device. The extracted data comprises information such as the patient's ID number, name, or blood type.

However, all of the bar code data can also be used to judge correspondence.

If the patient's bar code data and the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device correspond with each other, the signal reverser 1350 sends a signal to the lock mechanism of the safety device, causing the electromagnet driver 1360 to activate and form a magnetic field.

The electromagnet driver that receives the signal causes a magnetic field to form by activating the electromagnet in the lock mechanism of the blood-bag safety device. The lock on the safety device is released by the formation of the magnetic field.

For example, let's suppose that that the data used to verify correspondence is ID numbers.

When the doctor first orders a blood transfusion for a patient, the blood bank cross- matches the blood to be transfused.

When the cross-matching is completed, patient data and blood data are recorded on a bar code label that is then attached to the blood-bag safety device. The patient data comprises information such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis, and the blood data is information concerning the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused.

Subsequently, when the doctor instructs that the blood transfusion be performed, first the bar code reader scans the patient's bar code, which contains patient data and/or blood data.

The patient's data is information such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis. The blood data is information concerning the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused.

The received bar code data is converted into a digital signal and then stored in the bar code reader's memory 1330. Next, the bar code reader scans the bar code on the blood- bag safety device. The bar code reader extracts the ID number data from the bar code data taken from both the blood-bag safety device and the patient's bar code data stored in memory (1330.

Then the bar code reader judges whether the ID number data taken from the blood- bag safety device corresponds with that taken from the patient's bar code label.

If the ID data taken from the patient's bar code label corresponds with the ID data taken from the blood-bag safety device, the lock on the blood-bag safety device is released and the safety device opens.

Judging ID number correspondence is one of the cases in which correspondence can be judged using only one kind of data that is taken from the patient's bar code and the bar code on the blood-bag safety device. The kind of data that can be used to judge correspondence is information such as a patient's ID number, name, or blood type.

For example, when a patient needing red blood corpuscles requires a transfusion, first the bar code reader scans the patient's bar code label and stores the received data in memory. Then the bar code reader scans the bar code on the blood-bag safety device.

Next, the bar code reader extracts blood type and red corpuscle data from the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device. Then the bar code reader judges whether the bar code data taken from the patient and stored in memory corresponds with the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device.

If the extracted data corresponds, the blood-bag safety device opens.

In case of component transfusions, the bar code reader extracts data concerning the patient's blood type and blood component (for example, red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or fresh frozen plasma) from the patient's bar code data and that of the blood- bag safety device. Component transfusion involves separately transfusing a blood component such as red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or fresh frozen plasma.

If the data taken from the patient's file corresponds with the data taken from the blood-bag safety device, the safety device opens.

In addition, if all of the patient's bar code data corresponds with all of the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device, the safety device opens.

For example, whenever the bar code reader scans the bar code on a blood-bag safety device or on a patient, it receives both patient and blood data. The patient data comprises information such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis. The blood data is information concerning the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused. If all of the received bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device corresponds with all of the data taken from the bar code on the patient's file, the blood-bag safety device opens.

FIG. 14 is a structural drawing of the blood-bag safety device in accord with the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, the blood-bag safety device 1400 that secures the blood-bag is designed so as to conduct little heat and prevent germ contamination.

The blood-bag safety device 1400 comprises a bar code 1410 and a receiver 1420 that receives light transmitted from the device's bar code reader to its lock mechanism. The bar code 1410 contains patient data such as the patient's ID number, name, gender, age and/or diagnosis, and/or blood data such as the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused.

There is also a blood-bag 1430 in the safety device and a lock on the device for securing the blood-bag.

The receiver 1420 has an electromagnet driver that is activated when it receives a signal transferred from the electromagnet driver of the bar code reader. The receiver then in turn activates the electromagnet in the lock mechanism that creates a magnetic field. The lock on the blood-bag safety device is released by the formation of this magnetic field. That is, the blood-bag safety device opens when the lock held up in place by spring tension is drawn down by the formation of a magnetic field.

It is possible for the blood-bag safety device to hold blood-bags of the bag type or which are tube-shaped (for example, in the shape of a circular, square or polygonal tube).

FIG. 15 is a structural drawing of the lock mechanism of the blood-bag safety device showing its electromagnet driver in accord with the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, the blood-bag safety device comprises an electromagnet driver 1500 and a lock mechanism 1550 to ensure that blood is kept secure.

The electromagnet driver 1500 receives a signal transferred from the electromagnet driver of the bar code reader that activates the electromagnet 1558 in the lock 1550, causing it to form a magnetic field.

The lock 1550 on the blood-bag safety device comprises a hanger 1552, a square ring 1554, a spring 1556 and an electromagnet 1558. The spring 1556 is fixed at its lower end, the hanger is locked in place by the spring's upward tension, and the square ring that is pushed upward by the spring to prevent the hanger's movement. If a releasing signal is received, the ring is drawn downwards towards the source of the signal so that the lock is released.

It will now be described how the lock on the blood-bag safety device is released according the third embodiment of the present invention.

If the patient's bar code data stored in memory 1330 corresponds with the bar code data taken from the blood-bag safety device, the electromagnet driver 1360 of the bar code reader transfers a signal to the electromagnet driver 1500 of the blood-bag safety device, which forms a magnetic field.

The electromagnet driver 1500 that receives the signal activates the electromagnet 1558 in the lock mechanism 1550 of the blood-bag safety device, which in turn generates a magnetic field.

The lock 1550 on the blood-bag safety device opens when the ring 1554 holding the hanger 1552 in locked position by the tension of the spring 1556 is drawn downwards by the formation of a magnetic field, thereby releasing the hanger.

It is self-evident that it is possible to use a bar code in the third embodiment of the invention that is either one-dimensional or two-dimensional. The one-dimensional bar code uses a stick type of electromagnetic bar. The two-dimensional bar code can contain data such as characters of the alpha-numeric, Korean alphabet or graphics and it can be altered.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the blood-bag is prepared at the blood bank, a bar code containing only blood data (such as blood type and blood component information) is attached to the blood-bag safety device.

Subsequently, if the doctor instructs that the patient be given a transfusion, the bar code reader scans the patient's bar code label containing patient data (such as their name, age, gender and/or diagnosis) and/or blood data (concerning the blood type or blood component to be transfused), stores the data in memory, and then searches for any blood-bag safety device with corresponding bar code data.

That is, the patient is transfused with blood from the blood-bag safety device that has bar code data corresponding with the patient's bar code data concerning the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused.

For example, when a patient who has Rh+ A blood type needs a transfusion, first the bar code reader scans the bar code on the patient's file to extract data such as the patient's name, age, gender, and/or diagnosis, and the blood type or blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused. Then the bar code reader searches for a blood-bag safety device with an attached bar code containing blood data and judges whether that blood corresponds with the Rh+ A blood of the patient. If comparison tests identify a blood-bag safety device with a bar code containing corresponding Rh+ A or Rh+ O blood data, the blood is extracted.

Likewise, when a patient has Rh+ B blood type and needs red blood corpuscles, the bar code reader scans the patient's bar code label (containing both patient and blood data) and stores the received data in memory. The bar code reader then searches among the bar codes of blood-bag safety devices in order to find blood that corresponds with the received data specifying Rh+ B blood type and the need for red blood corpuscles. That is, the bar code reader extracts data concerning blood type from the patient's bar code data stored in memory and from the bar code data of the blood-bag safety device, then judges whether this data corresponds.

If a blood-bag safety device is found on which the bar code data specifies a corresponding Rh+ B blood type and need for red blood corpuscles, the lock on that blood- bag safety device is released so that the transfusion may proceed.

In this way, when a patient needs to be transfused with a separate blood component (such as red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or fresh frozen plasma), the bar code reader extracts blood component data from the bar codes of the patient and various blood-bag safety devices. Afterwards, if the data taken from the patient's bar code label is found to correspond with the bar code data of any blood-bag safety device, that blood-bag safety device opens.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lock securing the safety device can be placed at any point on the hose of the blood-bag. In this case, there is no need for a safety device that holds the blood-bag. The safety lock is placed at any point on the hose of the blood-bag, while the bar code label containing patient data and blood data is attached anywhere on the hose or blood-bag.

Subsequently, if the doctor instructs that the patient be given a blood transfusion, the bar code reader scans the patient's bar code label, stores the received data in memory, and then scans the bar code data on the blood-bag or its hose.

The bar code reader judges whether the bar code data received from the blood-bag corresponds with the patient's bar code data. If this data corresponds, the safety lock on the blood-bag or its hose is released. That is, the hose of the blood-bag opens when the safety lock is released, making it possible to control the quantity of blood transfused.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the blood-bag safety device is equipped with a card reader and the patient's information sheet is replaced with an RF card or ID card. When a patient needs a blood transfusion, the blood-bag safety device opens when card data read by the card reader on the blood-bag safety device corresponds with the data stored in the card reader.

The card reader stores the patient's ID number or personal data (for example, their name, gender, diagnosis, blood type, and/or needed blood component) recorded on his or her card. Subsequently, when the card reader reads the data from a patient's card, the lock on the blood-bag safety device is released if the data on a patient's card corresponds with the data stored in the card reader.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lock on the blood-bag safety device is released when a fingerprint reader on the device reads a fingerprint that corresponds with data stored in the fingerprint reader.

For example, when a doctor instructs that a patient receive a blood transfusion and the blood bank cross-matches the blood to be transfused, then a fingerprint reader is installed on the blood-bag safety device that records the fingerprint of the patient receiving a transfusion. Afterwards, the lock on the blood-bag safety device is released if the fingerprint stored in its fingerprint reader corresponds with a patient's fingerprint.

Alternatively, when the doctor instructs that a patient receive a blood transfusion and the blood bank cross-matches the blood to be transfused, then an iris reader can be installed on the blood-bag safety device which records the iris of the patient receiving a transfusion.

Afterwards, the safety lock on the blood-bag safety device is released if the iris pattern recorded by the iris reader corresponds with a patient's iris.

Alternatively, when the doctor instructs that a patient receive a blood transfusion and the blood bank cross-matches the blood to be transfused, then a voice recognizer can be installed on the blood-bag safety device that records the voice of the patient receiving a transfusion. Afterwards, the lock on the blood-bag safety device is released if the voice recorded by the voice recognizer corresponds with a patient's voice.

Alternatively, when the doctor instructs that a patient receive a blood transfusion and the blood bank cross-matches the blood to be transfused, then a lock with a secret number can be installed on the blood-bag safety device. Afterwards, the lock on the safety device is released if the secret number stored in it corresponds with an inputted secret number.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the blood-bag is processed in the blood bank, a bar code containing blood data concerning blood type or needed blood component is attached to the blood-bag safety device.

Subsequently, if the doctor instructs that the patient receives a transfusion, the bar code reader scans the patient's bar code label and stores in memory the received data (comprising the patient's ID number and name).

Then the bar code reader searches for a blood-bag safety device that has bar code data corresponding with the patient's bar code data.

That is, first the bar code reader receives the patient's bar code data, which comprises the patient's ID number and name. Then the bar code reader extracts detailed data (for example, the patient's age and diagnosis, and the blood type or blood component to be transfused) from the memory of the bar code reader or a database server with corresponding data.

It is possible that the method for extracting detailed data about the patient from a database server could be implemented using wireless or wired communications.

The extracted data (such as the patient's age and diagnosis, and the blood type or blood component to be transfused) is stored in the memory of the bar code reader.

Subsequently, the bar code reader receives bar code data from the blood-bag safety device and judges whether it corresponds with the patient's detailed data stored in memory.

In order to judge whether blood to be transfused is right for a patient, it is possible to use only one kind of data, such as the patient's blood type or the blood component (red blood cell concentrates, platelets concentrates, or plasma) to be transfused. That data is extracted from the memory of the bar code reader or from a database server. It is also possible to judge whether the blood for transfusion matches a patient by comparing all the data extracted from the memory of the bar code reader or a database server.

If the bar code data from the blood-bag safety device corresponds with a patient's selected detailed data, the blood transfusion is executed.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied by the blood- bag safety device, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

[INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY] With the use of the present invention, medical malpractice caused by mistakenly changing blood to be transfused can be completely prevented by using digitalized verification data and a safety lock.

With the use of the present invention, one side effect will be that the inconvenience of checking patient and blood-bag data using the naked eye will be removed.

With the use of the present invention, medical malpractice caused by mistakenly changing blood to be transfused can be prevented by employing a blood-bag safety device that releases a lock mechanism only when a patient's bar code data corresponds with the bar code data on the safety device.