Optical Mark Read

Multiple options for data input, the most important of which are machine read and thus obviate the bottleneck that often occurs in data entry. The two main options are Optical Mark Read (bubble) forms, and Smart-Pen , a special pen with an optical sensor that records each keystroke (Fig. 23.2). Both utilize paper case report forms, for which sites have indicated a strong preference over the requirement to enter data on a keyboard. 

A major complaint of clinical sites is the difficulty and time required for data entry (when they have to enter the data through a keyboard) and the effort required to resolve queries, which are often returned weeks or even months after a patient visit. Machine-read data, whether collected by optical mark read or SmartPen , ensure that data are both entered and validated, with queries returned, in a matter of minutes after they are recorded. Coupled with a quick feedback loop, this system ensures that query rates are typically about one-tenth those for web-based EDC systems and even lower for paper-and-hand entry systems. This system also highlights recurring problems and areas of potential improvement that may impair study timeliness and quality. 

In some applications, such as self-marked multiple choice tests for large classes, it is important that the students should not have direct access to files containing the questions, the answers or the scores. All that is required is a simple system of marking their work and here devices such as optical mark-sense card or document readers can ensure simple, secure and fast input. These devices can detect marks made in pencil or pen on specially-printed cards or sheets. Each card or sheet read can contain the responses to dozens of questions and can be read in less than 1 s. Very large classes can be handled using a single microcomputer [3, 4]. 

FW = filter wheel FB = fiber optic bundle LS = light source PP = peristaltic pump. Tlie colorimetric reading stations are marked 1 through 9. 

The key component of the optical recording system is the recording medium, which is marked in one step and read in another step with a laser beam. Many materials have been considered for the purpose, including metal-films, organic dyes, dye-loaded polymers, metal-loaded polymers, discontinuous metal films, thermal coloration systems and bilayers (1-19). Tellurium- and gold-based optical disks have been the most widely studied materials to date. 

Fig. 6. Schematic of Technicon CHEA1 I analyzer where P = aspiration MV = metering valves CT = capillary Teflon tube M = reagent mixing zone FW = filter wheel FB = fiber optic bundle LS = light source PP = peristaltic pump. The colorimetric reading stations are marked 1 through 9.

There are a variety of systems for direct Identification (labelling) of the tubes and other vessels used to hold samples. The Eppendorf labelling system is based on reflection marks Imprinted on the process vessels, which are read automatically by the machine they are supplemented by visual characters so that visual checking by the operator is possible at any time. The marks can be printed on labels or punched Into perforated cards. Bar codes are a recent alternative now in widespread use. They offer a series of advantages such as the simplicity and rapidity of the reading or Identification (based on laser technology). Even more recent and promising are optical character rec-... 

OPTICAL BAR CODE A series of marks on preprinted packaging material that may be read by an optical scanning device. By arranging unique markings, each different or altered preprinted material may be distinguished and verified at scanning. 

The Atlas proper is contained in the detail maps for both Clouds. For the SMC we include DPM map sets 2 (NS scans) and 3 (EW scans), while for the LMC we include map sets 1 (EW scans) and 2 (NS scans). Note that the LMC EW scanned maps show a bad detector scan at the SE end of the Bar. Maps are identified in the margin by wavelength and by field number. The numbers correspond to those in Table 4.1 and those of the transparent overlays, which can be used to read off equatorial coordinates (1950.0). On the overlays, source positions and numbers corresponding to the Catalogue entries of Part 3 are marked. Also marked are the positions of SAO (Galactic foreground) stars for comparison with optical images. 

The optical lability of the phenylchloroacetyl group, due to tautomeric change involving the dissymmetric carbon atom, is so marked in the presence of alkali that separation of the stable system from the labile by saponification (for we are dealing here with an ester, not a salt) results in the formation of the racemic acid. None the less, it is not inconceivable that refinements in technic might some day remove any formal objection to classifying this phenomenon as a second-order asymmetric transformation the same may apply to that recorded by Read and McMath (122). 

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