Inventory analysis system and method in diagnostic laboratory system

Abstract

A method of analyzing inventory in a diagnostic laboratory system includes capturing images of a plurality of inventory items used in the diagnostic laboratory system, wherein the capturing generates image data; analyzing the image data to identify one or more inventory items; and generating, in response to the analysis, an instruction to cause a printer to print one or more identification tags, wherein each of the one or more identification tags includes identification data identifying one of the one or more inventory items. Other methods and systems are disclosed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 483,150, filed on February 3, 2023, entitled “INVENTORY ANALYZING SYSTEMS AND METHODS IN DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY SYSTEMS,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for analyzing inventory items used in diagnostic laboratory systems. Background Art

[0003] Diagnostic laboratory systems perform clinical chemistry tests to identify analytes or other components in biological samples, such as serum, plasma, urine, interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, etc. Diagnostic laboratory systems require several inventory items (e.g., supplies) to perform the tests. Inventory items that are ready for use in the diagnostic laboratory system are called "onboard inventory items," and the process of loading inventory items into the diagnostic laboratory system is called "onboarding."

[0004] Onboarding is a time-consuming, manual process. Traditionally, when a user generates a request to onboard existing inventory to a diagnostic laboratory system, a technician visits the diagnostic laboratory system's site. The technician retrieves inventory items one at a time from the storage unit and manually records data from each inventory item. The data may include a Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN), catalog number, batch number, expiration date, product name, and other information. The technician can then add the data to a database, such as a spreadsheet. This manual recording of inventory data may have to be performed for thousands of products stored in a diagnostic laboratory.

[0005] Some of the problems with this check-in technology include human errors that can occur during the recording of inventory items and the extremely time-consuming effort required to manually record all inventory items. Accordingly, it is sought to provide systems and methods that simplify inventory analysis and check-in in diagnostic laboratory systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect, a method of analyzing inventory in a diagnostic laboratory system is provided. The method comprises: capturing an image of a plurality of inventory items used in the diagnostic laboratory system, wherein the capturing generates image data; analyzing the image data to identify one or more of the inventory items; and generating instructions to cause a printer to print one or more identification labels in response to the analyzing, wherein each of the one or more identification labels includes identification data identifying one of the one or more inventory items.

[0007] In another aspect, an inventory analysis system for analyzing inventory of a diagnostic laboratory system is provided. The system includes an imaging device configured to capture images of a plurality of inventory items used in the diagnostic laboratory system, wherein the captured images include image data. The system also includes a computer configured to analyze the image data to identify one or more of the inventory items. The computer is further configured to generate instructions for a printer to print one or more identification labels in response to the analysis, wherein each of the one or more identification labels includes identification data identifying one of the one or more inventory items.

[0008] In a further aspect, a method of analyzing inventory in a diagnostic laboratory system is provided. The method includes: capturing images of a plurality of inventory items used in the diagnostic laboratory system, wherein the capturing generates image data; analyzing the image data to identify identification markings on one or more of the inventory items; generating instructions to cause a printer to print one or more RFID tags in response to the analyzing, wherein each of the one or more RFID tags includes identification data identifying one of the one or more inventory items; and printing the one or more RFID tags.

[0009] Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description and illustrations of a number of example embodiments, including the best modes contemplated for carrying out the present disclosure. The present disclosure is also capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details may be modified in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings described below are provided for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0011] Figure 1 Illustrated is a perspective view of a diagnostic laboratory system located in a laboratory according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 2 Illustrated is an elevation view of a stack of inventory items showing identifying markings on the inventory items in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 3A Illustrated are elevation views of a plurality of inventory items being imaged by an imaging device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0014] Figure 3B Illustrated is a diagram of a system including an inventory manager program according to one or more embodiments. Figure 3A An example embodiment of a computer.

[0015] Figure 4 Illustrated are captured images of inventory items displayed on a display of a diagnostic laboratory system in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0016] Figure 5 Illustrated is a table showing identification data of inventory items of a diagnostic laboratory system displayed on a display in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0017] Figure 6 Illustrated is an elevation view of a stack of inventory items of a diagnostic laboratory system with identification tags attached to the inventory items in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0018] Figure 7 A flow chart illustrating a method of analyzing inventory in a diagnostic laboratory system in accordance with one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0019] Figure 8 Another flow diagram of a method of analyzing inventory in a diagnostic laboratory system is illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Regardless of grammatical term usage, individuals with either male or female identities are included within the term.

[0021] Automated diagnostic laboratory systems perform analyses (e.g., tests) on various biological samples, such as blood, serum, urine, and other body fluids. Laboratory systems use reagents, pipettes, pipette tips, other sample containers, various test kits, and / or other consumables or inventory items (collectively, "inventory items") to perform the tests. The number of different types of inventory items required to perform the tests depends on the type of laboratory system performing the tests and the type of tests being performed. Therefore, it is necessary to track the number of available inventory items so that a sufficient number of inventory items are available during the test.

[0022] Some inventory items may have a limited shelf life. When an inventory item's shelf life has been reached, it may be necessary to replace the inventory item with a new one. Accordingly, it may be necessary to track the expiration dates of inventory items used for testing in order to ensure that testing is performed on inventory items that have not reached their expiration dates.

[0023] Some inventory items are tagged with batch numbers that are unique to different batches of inventory items. For example, similar inventory items manufactured together and / or using the same components may have the same batch number. Users of the laboratory system may need to track the batch numbers of inventory items used during testing. In some embodiments, users may need to track batch numbers and expiration dates to perform tests.

[0024] Information associated with inventory items can include data other than expiration dates and lot numbers. For example, inventory information can include a Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN), catalog number, and product name. Inventory items can include other data.

[0025] Traditional laboratory systems use technicians to manually update, track, and log inventory. The tracking and updating process involves technicians visiting the laboratory system's locations and other locations where inventory items are stored. The technician manually reads information from each inventory item one at a time and adds the information to the inventory program. Manually reading inventory data for potentially thousands of inventory items available within a diagnostic laboratory system is time-consuming and error-prone.

[0026] The systems, methods, and devices described herein overcome the problems associated with manual inventory tracking and check-in. In the systems, methods, and devices described herein, a technician can capture images of inventory items used in a laboratory system. For example, the technician can capture an image of an identification tag located on each of the inventory items, where the identification tag can include information related to each of the specific inventory items. In some embodiments, the technician can stack multiple inventory items in such a way that the identification tags of multiple inventory items can be captured in a single image. Generally, the technician can capture one or more images of all the identification tags. In some embodiments, the technician can review the image and determine whether the captured image is correct, enabling analysis of the image as described herein.

[0027] In some embodiments, the technician can edit the image and / or data derived from the image. For example, the technician can enter the quantity of a specific inventory item or revise data derived from the image, such as an expiration date.

[0028] The image of the identification tag can be processed by a computer processor to determine (e.g., read) information related to the inventory item, such as a batch number, product description, etc. The information can then be associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The RFID printer can then print an RFID tag that is unique to each of the inventory items. The RFID tag can then be attached to the appropriate inventory item. In some embodiments, the printer can print a label that is attached to the RFID tag, which is then attached to the inventory item. Figure 1-8 These and other systems, methods, and apparatus that provide inventory onboarding and inventory analysis are described in greater detail.

[0029] right Figure 1 Make a reference, Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a laboratory 100 according to an embodiment provided herein. A diagnostic laboratory system 102 is located within the laboratory 100. The laboratory system 102 is configured to perform multiple analyses or tests on multiple different biological samples. For example, the tests can determine the levels of components or chemicals present in biological samples such as blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and other biological samples. In other embodiments, the laboratory system 102 can be configured to perform multiple different tests on a single biological sample type (such as serum). In other embodiments, the laboratory system 102 can be configured to perform a single type of test on a single biological sample type (such as serum).

[0030] The laboratory system 102 may include a plurality of diagnostic instruments 104 (several of which may be labeled) configured to perform different tests on biological samples. In some embodiments, the diagnostic instruments 104 may be interconnected by a transport system (not shown). The transport system may be configured to transport biological samples between the diagnostic instruments 104 and / or other equipment in the laboratory system 102, such as a centrifuge and a decapper. The laboratory system 102 may have a plurality of diagnostic instruments 104 (several of which may be labeled) configured to perform different tests on biological samples. In some embodiments, the diagnostic instruments 104 may be interconnected by a transport system (not shown). The transport system may be configured to transport biological samples between the diagnostic instruments 104 and / or other equipment in the laboratory system 102, such as a centrifuge and a decapper. Figure 1 In some embodiments, the laboratory system 102 may include only a single diagnostic instrument and may not include a transport system.

[0031] The laboratory 100 may include a storage unit 108 configured to store inventory items 200 ( Figure 2 ). Inventory items 200 may include chemicals, such as reagents, used by diagnostic instrument 104 to test biological samples. Other inventory items 200 may include consumable hardware items used during the tests performed by diagnostic instrument 104, such as pipettes, pipette tips, and other sample handling and / or storage equipment. Other inventory item types may be used. In some embodiments, one or more of inventory items 200 may need to be kept frozen. In such embodiments, storage unit 108 may be (or may include) a freezer.

[0032] The laboratory system 102 can be coupled to a computer 120, which can be located within the laboratory 100 or outside the laboratory 100. In some embodiments, portions of the computer 120 can be located within the laboratory 100, and other portions of the computer 120 can be located outside the laboratory 100. The computer 120 can include a processor and a memory (not shown separately), wherein the memory stores one or more programs 121 configured to be executed or run on the processor. In some embodiments, the memory and / or the programs 121 can be located external to the other portions of the computer 120. For example, the computer 120 can be connected to the Internet to access external data, etc. The one or more programs 121 can operate the diagnostic instrument 104 and process data generated by the diagnostic instrument 104.

[0033] Computer 120 may also be configured to receive and analyze image data generated by imaging device 122. Image data may include, for example, information contained in one or more images. Imaging device 122 may be, for example, a digital camera or a camera integrated with a cellular phone. Imaging device 122 may be configured to capture images (e.g., image 314— Figure 3B ), and generating a representation of the inventory item (e.g., inventory item 200— Figure 2 ) and image data of other items in the laboratory 100 (e.g., image data 312— Figure 3B ).

[0034] The computer 120 may also be configured to receive and analyze data generated by the barcode reader 124. The barcode read by the barcode reader 124 may be attached to, for example, an inventory item 200 ( Figure 2 ). Display 126 may be coupled to computer 120 and may display data generated by computer 120 so that a user may view and / or edit the data.

[0035] The printer 128 can be coupled to the computer 120 and can receive print instructions generated by one or more of the programs 121 running on the computer 120. In some embodiments, the printer 128 can be configured to print radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. Thus, one or more programs 121 running on the computer 120 can be configured to generate instructions that cause the printer 128 to print RFID tags. In some embodiments, the RFID tags (e.g., RFID tags 602, 604, 606, and 608; Figure 6 ) may be configured to attach to an inventory item 200 ( Figure 6 ).

[0036] The computer 120 may be configured to receive and process data generated by the RFID reader 130 that reads the RFID tag. For example, the RFID tag may be attached to the inventory item 200 ( Figure 6 ) and other items in laboratory 100. In some embodiments, laboratory 100 can include multiple RFID readers located, for example, near diagnostic instrument 104 and storage unit 108. In some embodiments, RFID reader 130 can be a portable device wirelessly coupled to computer 120.

[0037] right Figure 2 Make additional references, Figure 2 A stack of four inventory items 200 is illustrated before having RFID tags attached to the inventory items 200. Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , inventory items 200 are referred to as first inventory item 202, second inventory item 204, third inventory item 206, and fourth inventory item 208. First inventory item 202 can be a first inventory type. Second inventory item 204, third inventory item 206, and fourth inventory item 208 can be the same or different inventory types (e.g., a second inventory type that is different from the first inventory type, or any combination of inventory types).

[0038] Each of inventory items 200 may include front faces 202A, 204A, 206A, and 208A. Each of inventory items 200 includes a front face configured to be imaged by an imaging device, such as imaging device 122 ( Figure 1 In some embodiments, the identification mark can be located on the front side 202A, 204A, 206A and 208A, such as Figure 2 In other embodiments, the identification indicia of each item 200 may be positioned / arranged differently on the front face, or may be located on other surfaces of its corresponding inventory item 200. Figure 2 In one embodiment, all inventory items 200 have the same type of identifying markings. In other embodiments, different inventory items may have different types of identifying markings. The identifying marking may include text identifying the name of the inventory item, which may be unique to each different inventory type. The identifying marking may also include an expiration date and a batch number, which may be unique to each individual inventory item. Additional identifying markings may include a GTIN and an origin, which may be the same for similar inventory items. The origin may be the location where the inventory item 200 was manufactured or the name of the laboratory that manufactured the inventory item 200. Other information may be provided by the identifying marking.

[0039] In other embodiments, the identifying indicia may include bar codes, referred to as bar codes 210, 212, 214, and 216, respectively. Bar codes 210, 212, 214, and 216 may be unique to individual inventory items 200 and may be, for example, bar code readers 124 ( Figure 1 ) can be read. The database linked to the barcodes 210, 212, 214 and 216 can store information related to the identification mark described above so that when the barcodes 210, 212, 214 and 216 are read, the one or more programs 121 ( Figure 1 ) can retrieve information.

[0040] Some of the inventory items 200 may be stored in a freezer, such as in a frozen portion of the storage unit 108. The inventory items 200 may be contained in packaging with identifying indicia located on the packaging, such as Figure 2 The user of the laboratory system 102 can open the package and place the contents of the package (inventory item 200) onto the diagnostic instrument 104 ( Figure 1 As inventory items 200 are consumed by diagnostic instrument 104, new inventory items may be automatically ordered. For example, in computer 120 ( Figure 1 ) can order new inventory items. If the quantity of inventory items 200 is not accurate, too many or too few inventory items 200 may be ordered.

[0041] right Figure 3A Make additional references, Figure 3A is a block diagram illustrating an inventory item 200 being imaged for future analysis. Figure 3A In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , inventory items 200 are stacked and imaged by imaging device 122 . Figure 3A The embodiment of the imaging device 122 shown in FIG has a field of view 301 that is capable of imaging all inventory items 200 or at least the identifying indicia of all inventory items 200. For example, the field of view 301 may enable the imaging device 122 to capture images of the front faces 202A, 204A, 206A, and 208A of the inventory items 200 (e.g., image 314— Figure 3B ), wherein the front sides 202A, 204A, 206A and 208A include identification marks.

[0042] Imaging device 122 generates image data representing the front face of inventory item 200 (eg, image data 312— Figure 3B ), including identification markings for each inventory item (e.g. Figure 2210, 212, 214, and 216). The image data can be transmitted to a computer 120, which can run one or more programs 121 configured to analyze the image data as described herein. The analysis performed by the one or more programs 121 can identify an identifying mark (e.g., of each inventory item 200) and isolate the identifying mark from other features in the image data. A display 126 can be coupled to the computer 120 and can be configured to display images captured by the imaging device 122 and / or images that can be inspected and / or revised by the one or more programs 121. In some embodiments, the imaging device 122 can include a processor (not shown) and / or a display (not shown) that displays the captured image.

[0043] The one or more programs 121 may analyze image data generated by the imaging device 122 (e.g., Figure 3B image data 312) to identify the captured image(s) (e.g., Figure 3B For example, Figure 3B An example embodiment of a computer 120 is illustrated wherein a processor 302 of the computer 120 is in communication with a memory 304 including the one or more programs 121. In some embodiments, the one or more programs 121 may include an inventory manager program 306 for use as described below with reference to Figure 5 Inventory manager program 306 or a separate program may include one or more artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms 308 (e.g., one or more neural networks or other machine learning algorithms) for processing image data, such as image data 312 ( Figure 3B One or more other programs 310 may be employed, for example, to control the operation of the diagnostic instrument 104 .

[0044] The memory 304 may also store image data 312 which may represent one or more individual images 314. Figure 3B In the embodiment of , images 314 include n images referred to as image 1 through image n, which may include identification tags. The image data may be stored in other memory locations (eg, external and / or remote storage).

[0045] In some embodiments, the one or more programs 121 (e.g., via the AI ​​algorithm(s) 308) may execute one or more machine learning algorithms to recognize objects in image data (e.g., image data 312), such as inventory items and / or text located on inventory items. Machine learning may use neural networks, for example, to perform recognition. Neural networks generally do not need to be programmed with specific rules defining what to expect from input. Instead, the neural network learns from processing many labeled examples fed during training and using answer keys to learn what characteristics of the input are required to construct the correct output. Thus, machine learning is not a lookup table. The labeled examples may be different versions of the inventory item and the identification mark.

[0046] Machine learning algorithms such as neural networks or convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can be trained to analyze pixels in image data to identify (and thereby allow computer 120 to read and interpret) identification marks. Several different types of machine learning algorithms can be used to read and / or identify identification marks. One example of machine learning is optical character recognition (OCR). OCR is a machine learning algorithm that can recognize and / or extract text from an image. Another example of machine learning that can be used includes natural language processing (NLP), which focuses on enabling programs (e.g., one or more programs 121) to understand, interpret, and generate human language.

[0047] For example, one or more machine learning algorithms (such as neural networks) can be trained to recognize text in image data, where the text can be one or more of an inventory item name, expiration date, batch number, GTIN, and provenance information. One or more of the machine learning algorithms can be trained to analyze (e.g., read, interpret, etc.) the text to identify individual inventory items 200. Thus, the machine learning can determine the type of inventory item (e.g., a specific type of reagent or other chemical), batch number, expiration date, and other information printed in the identification mark. In some embodiments, the machine learning algorithm can generate a bounding box around one or more of the individual inventory items 200 (and / or around the identification mark on one or more inventory items 200). The algorithm can then extract the identification mark and read and / or interpret the identification mark as described above. Algorithms other than the machine learning and neural networks described herein can recognize the identification mark, as described above.

[0048] In other embodiments, imaging device 122 may generate image data representing barcodes 210, 212, 214, and 216. One or more programs 121 running in computer 120 may then analyze identification data represented by barcodes 210, 212, 214, and 216, where the identification data may be unique to each of individual inventory items 200. For example, the one or more programs 121 may refer to a lookup table or the like to determine information associated with each of inventory items 200 based on the identification data.

[0049] In some instances, the one or more programs 121 may not be able to analyze identification indicia, such as text and / or barcodes 210, 212, 214, and 216. For example, the front face 202A, 204A, 206A, and 208A of the inventory item 200, including the text and / or barcodes 210, 212, 214, and 216, may have been damaged, which may prevent the program 121 from analyzing the identification indicia of one or more inventory items 200. The one or more programs 121 may enable editing of an image (e.g., image 314) so ​​that the identification indicia can be analyzed by another source. For example, the one or more programs 121 may enable a technician to revise and / or correct text so that the text is readable or otherwise capable of being analyzed by the one or more programs 121.

[0050] The display 126 may display the captured image and / or the resulting image generated after processing by the one or more programs 121. Figure 4 Make additional references, Figure 4 1 illustrates inventory items 200 displayed on display 126 according to one or more embodiments. Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 1 , the display 126 is shown, which displays the quantity of each of the inventory items 200 in addition to the quantity of each of the inventory items 200. Figure 2 In some embodiments, a technician can manually enter or edit the quantity of inventory item 200.

[0051] right Figure 5 Make additional references, Figure 5 The diagram shows the inventory item 200 ( Figure 2 ) is a table 500 of examples of information derived from an analysis of one or more images of FIG. Table 500 may be displayed, for example, on display 126. Figure 5 In the example of , table 500 includes: inventory item names, which may be slightly different from those shown on the inventory container. For example, the inventory item names in table 500 may be obtained from a lookup table rather than directly from inventory item 200 ( Figure 2) on the identification mark. In addition, table 500 may also include the expiration date, GTIN, batch number, origin, and quantity of the individual inventory item. Table 500 may include other inventory item information.

[0052] In some embodiments, the one or more programs 121 may enable editing of the data in the table 500, such as by the laboratory system 102 ( Figure 1 ) users. Figure 5 In the embodiment of table 500, the order of the items displayed is Figure 2 The same order of the stack of inventory items 200. Therefore, Figure 2 2 corresponds to the first row of table 500, the second row of table 504 corresponds to the second row, the third row of table 506 corresponds to the third row, and the fourth row of table 508 corresponds to the fourth row. Additional rows showing other inventory items may be displayed, such as information obtained from analysis of images of other inventory items.

[0053] The one or more programs 121 may enable a technician or other entity to edit items or values ​​in table 500. In some embodiments, the one or more programs 121 may enable a technician or other entity to edit the quantity of an inventory item. The technician may also be able to compare expiration dates and other data items in table 500 with identification markings printed on containers of inventory items 200. The technician may edit the information in table 500 so that the information matches the information in the identification markings.

[0054] As described above, the one or more programs 121 may enable a technician or other entity to edit the quantities of the inventory items shown in the table 500. For example, the technician may capture only fifty-five of the second inventory items 204 ( Figure 2 ). When table 500 is displayed, the technician can enter the correct quantity of second inventory item 204. In this process, the technician does not have to capture images of all fifty-five second inventory items 204.

[0055] After the one or more programs 121 have identified the inventory items 200, the one or more programs 121 may update the internal data per information shown in table 500. Thus, the computer 120 and the one or more programs 121 may have updated and accurate inventory data, such as updated inventory quantities and expiration dates. More particularly, in some embodiments, the one or more programs 121 may include an inventory manager (e.g., Figure 3B An inventory manager program 306) may be provided that may receive and subsequently track usage of the identified inventory item 200.

[0056] The one or more programs 121 may generate instructions for causing the printer 128 to print identification labels that may be attached to individual inventory items in the inventory items 200. Figure 6 Make additional references, Figure 6 Inventory items 200 are illustrated with identification tags 600 attached to front faces 202A, 204A, 206A, and 208A of inventory items 200. A first identification tag 602 is attached to first inventory item 202, a second identification tag 604 is attached to second inventory item 204, a third identification tag 606 is attached to third inventory item 206, and a fourth identification tag 608 is attached to fourth inventory item 208. As an example, identification tags 600 may be RFID tags.

[0057] Each of the identification tags 600 may include or store identification data, which in some embodiments may be in the form of a number or code. A reader may read the identification tag 600 and compare the identification data to information such as table 500 ( Figure 5 ) in order to identify each of the inventory items 200. For example, the identification data may refer to the information in the inventory item 500 ( Figure 5 ) in the row. In some embodiments, the identification tag 600 can be a bar code reader 124 ( Figure 1 ) can be a barcode that can be read by the RFID reader 130 ( Figure 1 ) can read RFID tags.

[0058] During operation of the laboratory system 102, the diagnostic instruments 104 require a supply of inventory items 200. In some embodiments, a notification may be generated indicating that one or more of the diagnostic instruments 104 requires one of the inventory items 200. In response, a technician may retrieve the inventory item from the storage unit 108. For example, the technician may use the RFID reader 130 to read an identification tag on the retrieved inventory item. In some embodiments, the identification tag may be placed near the RFID reader 130 so that the RFID reader 130 can read a code stored in the RFID tag. When the identification tag is a barcode, the identification tag may be placed near the barcode reader 124 so that the barcode reader 124 can capture an image of the barcode. One or more programs 121 running in the computer 120 may determine which inventory item to use based on the code in the RFID tag or barcode. In some embodiments, the one or more programs 121 (including, for example, an inventory manager, such as Figure 3BThe inventory manager program 306 of the program 121 may then update the quantity of the retrieved inventory item type. In some embodiments, the one or more programs 121 may confirm that the retrieved inventory item is correct for the diagnostic instrument in which it is placed. The one or more programs 121 may also update the test criteria based on the information provided in the table 500.

[0059] During operation of the laboratory system 102, a diagnostic instrument 104 requiring a supply (e.g., inventory item 200) may generate an indication of the supply, such as a notification displayed on the display 126. In other embodiments, the diagnostic instrument 104 may include a display (not shown) configured to provide an indication of the required supply. In some embodiments, the one or more programs 121 may cause the indication to be displayed on the diagnostic instrument.

[0060] In some embodiments, computer 120 can be implemented in a portable computing device (such as a smartphone). One or more programs 121 described herein can be implemented as one or more applications ("apps") executable on the portable computing device. Imaging device 122 can also be implemented in the portable computing device. Similarly, RFID reader 130 and barcode reader 124 can also be implemented in the portable computing device. For example, an imaging device in the portable computing device can capture images of barcodes 210, 212, 214, and 216, and an app running in the portable computing device can read barcodes 210, 212, 214, and 216.

[0061] In some embodiments, the computer 120 can be remote from the laboratory 100. For example, the computer 120 can be located in a location where the laboratory system 102 and, in some embodiments, other laboratory systems access the computer 120 via the Internet or another communication network. Accordingly, the computer 120 can analyze the inventory of multiple laboratory systems. In some embodiments, the image data generated by the imaging device 122 (such as Figure 3B The image data 312 in the image data may be sent to the computer 120 at a remote location where the image data is processed. Printing instructions may be transmitted from the computer 120 to the laboratory 100 where the printer 128 prints the identification tag 600.

[0062] Now Figure 7 Make a reference, Figure 7A flow chart is shown of a method 700 for analyzing inventory in a diagnostic laboratory system (e.g., laboratory system 102) according to embodiments provided herein. Method 700 includes, at block 702, capturing images of a plurality of inventory items (e.g., inventory items 200) used in the diagnostic laboratory system, wherein the capturing generates image data (e.g., image data 312). In some embodiments, the capturing can be performed using a cell phone or other portable imaging device.

[0063] Method 700 includes, at block 704, analyzing the image data to identify one or more inventory items. As described above, in some embodiments, a trained neural network or other machine learning algorithm may be employed to identify one or more inventory items from the image data. The analysis may determine the type of each inventory item. In other embodiments, the analysis may record the quantity of certain inventory items. In still other embodiments, the analysis may enable a user to edit the results of the analysis.

[0064] The method 700 includes, in block 706, generating instructions to cause a printer (e.g., printer 128) to print one or more identification tags (e.g., identification tag 600) in response to the analysis, wherein each of the one or more identification tags includes identification data identifying one of the one or more inventory items. The printer may be, for example, a barcode printer or an RFID printer. In other embodiments, the printer may print a label attached to an RFID tag.

[0065] right Figure 8 Make additional references, Figure 8 A flow chart of a method 800 for analyzing inventory in a diagnostic laboratory system (e.g., laboratory system 102) is illustrated. The method 800 includes, at block 802, capturing images of a plurality of inventory items (e.g., inventory items 200) used in the diagnostic laboratory system, wherein the capturing generates image data (e.g., image data 312). Figure 2 An example of capturing inventory items is shown in , where multiple inventory items are captured in a single image.

[0066] Method 800 includes, at block 804, analyzing the image data to identify identifying markings on one or more of the inventory items (e.g., via a trained neural network or other machine learning algorithm). The analysis may determine the type(s) of the inventory item(s). In other embodiments, the analysis may record the quantity of certain inventory items. In still other embodiments, the analysis may enable a user to edit the results of the analysis.

[0067] The method 800 includes, in response to the analysis, generating instructions to cause a printer (e.g., printer 128) to print one or more RFID tags, wherein each of the one or more RFID tags includes identification data that identifies one of the one or more inventory items, at block 806. The identification data may enable a computer to look up a specific inventory item at a later time and retrieve information stored in the identification tag.

[0068] Method 800 includes, at block 808, printing the one or more RFID tags. In some embodiments, the instructions may be generated at a location remote from the laboratory system and transmitted to a printer located near the laboratory system (as previously described). Thus, in some embodiments, the RFID tags can be printed near the inventory items.

[0069] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific method and apparatus embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the specific methods and apparatus disclosed herein are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method of analyzing inventory in a diagnostic laboratory system, the method comprising: capturing images of a plurality of inventory items used in a diagnostic laboratory system, wherein the capturing generates image data; analyzing the image data via a program executed on a computer to identify one or more of the inventory items; as well as Instructions are generated, via the program, in response to the analysis, to cause a printer to print one or more identification tags, wherein each of the one or more identification tags includes identification data identifying one of the one or more inventory items.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The inventory manager program is updated with identification data identifying one or more inventory items.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said generating comprises: Instructions are generated in response to the analysis to cause a printer to print one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, wherein each of the one or more RFID tags includes identification data identifying one of the one or more inventory items.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: The one or more RFID tags are printed.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein analyzing the image data to identify one or more of the inventory items comprises: Use optical character recognition to recognize text.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein: The inventory item includes identification markings; The capturing comprises capturing an image of the identification mark; and The analyzing includes analyzing image data of the identification mark.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the identifying indicia is text located on the inventory item.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein generating the instruction comprises: Instructions are generated in response to the analysis to cause a printer to print one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or bar codes, wherein each of the one or more RFID tags or bar codes includes identification data identifying one of the one or more inventory items.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the identification mark comprises a bar code.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein generating the instruction comprises: Instructions are generated in response to the analysis to cause a printer to print one or more RFID tags, wherein each of the one or more RFID tags includes identification data identifying one of the one or more inventory items.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the analyzing comprises: Data identifying one or more of the inventory items is generated.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Enables editing of the data.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the data includes quantities of inventory items, and the method further comprises: Enables editing of the quantity of a stock item.

14. An inventory analysis system for analyzing inventory of a diagnostic laboratory system, comprising: an imaging device configured to capture images of a plurality of inventory items used in a diagnostic laboratory system, wherein the captured images include image data; as well as A computer configured to: analyzing the image data to identify one or more of the inventory items; and Instructions are generated in response to the analysis to cause a printer to print one or more identification tags, wherein each of the one or more identification tags includes identification data identifying one of the one or more inventory items.

15. The inventory analysis system of claim 14, further comprising: A printer is configured to print the one or more identification tags.

16. The inventory analysis system of claim 14, wherein the computer is configured to, in response to the generating, generate instructions to cause a printer to print one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, wherein each of the one or more RFID tags includes identification data identifying one of the one or more inventory items.

17. The inventory analysis system of claim 16, further comprising: A printer is configured to print the one or more RFID tags.

18. The inventory analysis system of claim 14, wherein the computer is further configured to generate data identifying the inventory item.

19. The inventory analysis system of claim 18, wherein the computer is further configured to enable editing of the data.

20. A method of analyzing inventory in a diagnostic laboratory system, the method comprising: capturing images of a plurality of inventory items used in a diagnostic laboratory system, wherein the capturing generates image data; analyzing the image data via a program executed on a computer to identify identifying markings on one or more of the inventory items; generating, via the program, instructions to cause a printer to print one or more RFID tags in response to the analyzing, wherein each of the one or more RFID tags includes identification data identifying one of the one or more inventory items; as well as The one or more RFID tags are printed.

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