Labware tags enabling reading from multiple directions

Abstract

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) labware comprises a body configured to hold biological material and a tracking tag coupled to the body. The tracking tag is readable by a first tag reader having a horizontal read area and by a second tag reader having a vertical read area.

Description

Lab ware Tags Enabling Reading from Multiple DirectionsCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 610,106, filed on December 14, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This description relates to labware, such as assisted reproductive technology (ART) labware, including tags that can be read from multiple directions.BACKGROUND

[0003] ART laboratories are typically equipped to track labware containing biological material (e.g., sperm, eggs, embryos, etc.) throughout certain portions of an ART process. For example, an ART workstation may be equipped with an RFID reader that can read an RFID tag adhered to labware when the labware is positioned in close proximity to the RFID reader. The RFID tag can serve as a unique identifier for the party or parties associated with the biological material contained in the labware. Such systems can help to ensure that the biological material associated with one party does not inadvertently get transferred to labware associated with a different party.SUMMARY

[0004] A computing system is configured to track biological material (sperm, eggs, embryos) as the biological material moves through an ART process. The computing system ensures that a chain of identity is not broken for a particular biological material as it moves through the ART process. The tracking process can help to ensure, for example, that embryos that are transferred into a patient are created from the gametes (i.e., sperm and eggs) associated with that patient.

[0005] The computing system is associated with hardware elements, such as labware, that are used to hold and transport the tracked biological material. The computing system and hardware components can together be called a witnessing system. The witnessing system associates labware with uniquely identifiable tags. Labware includes dishes, tubes, or other containers in the lab used to hold the biological material. As biological material is moved from one tagged piece of labware to another tagged piece of labware, the computing system reads and tracks the tags so the chain of identify is maintained.

[0006] The tracking tag (also referred to simply as a tag) is positioned on the labware so that the tracking tag can function as both a horizontal tag readable by a horizontal tag reader and a vertical tag readable by a vertical tag reader. Generally, a horizontal tag is arranged in a planar fashion with respect to a supporting table and / or a surface of the labware. For example, the horizontal tag can be arranged on a bottom surface of the labware. Horizontal tag readers are configured to detect horizontal tags. Generally, a vertical tag is arranged vertically with respect to the supporting table and / or the surface of the labware. For example, the vertical tag can be arranged on a side wall of the lab ware. Vertical tag readers are configured to read vertical tags. The tracking tags described herein can be angled with respect to a resting surface so that the tracking tags are readable by both horizontal tag readers and vertical tag readers. In other examples, the tracking tags can have a vertical portion readable by vertical tag readers and a horizontal portion readable by horizontal tag readers.

[0007] Different portions of the lab environment can require different configurations for tag readers. For example, a piece of labware can be placed on a work surface of a workstation for analysis under a microscope, and then in an incubation chamber for storage.

[0008] The tags can use various technologies (or a combination of them). For example, the tag can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The tag can include a fiducial marker, such as a barcodes or a quick response (QR) code, icon, etc. Other tag technologies can be used.

[0009] A geometry of available space in some areas of an ART lab differ from the geometry of available space in other areas of the ART lab. The geometry of available space in an incubation chamber, for example, can be quite different from the geometry of available space at a workstation. A workstation, for example, may accommodate a horizontal tag reader that reads a horizontal tag from underneath a work surface of the workstation.

[0010] In some cases, a horizontal tag reader can cover a much larger area that a vertical tag reader. For example, a horizontal read space may be much larger than a vertical read space of a vertical tag reader that is arranged to read tags positioned on a side wall of the labware. In addition, the horizontal tag reader can advantageously be positioned out of the way of a microscope positioned on a work surface of a workstation. The horizontal tag reader can, for example, be positioned under, in, or over the work surface of the workstation. In some cases, the horizontal read space can cover an embryologist’s entire work surface in a workstation. As such, movement of biological material can be monitored throughout that work area.

[0011] The coverage area of vertical tag readers tends to be more limited than horizontal tag readers. If an incorrect piece of labware were off to the side of the vertical reader at aworkstation, that labware would not be detected by the reader. This can be remedied by having a larger reader, but this would require extra space on the workbench and may block access around the microscope and other equipment on the workstation.

[0012] Outside of the workstation, there several scenarios in which vertical tags may be advantageous relative to horizontal tags. Vertical tags can, for example, be advantageously used within incubation chambers. When a piece of labware, such as a dish, is within an incubation chamber, the vertical tag reader may be preferable because the vertical tag reader is not placed between the dish and a heating block on the bottom surface of the incubation chamber. For example, ART incubators can include heated chambers with controlled atmospheres that are used for culturing embryos. The incubator may have multiple chambers. A different patient’s dish can be placed in each chamber. Each chamber can include a metal block with a heating element on the outside and a lid. It may be desirable to have the dishes seated directly on the metal block so that the heated block is as close to the embryos inside the dish as possible so that when a dish holding embryos that has cooled slightly (from being outside the incubator) is placed on the block, it can get back up to target temperature (“recover”) quickly

[0013] To keep track which dish is in which chamber of the incubator, the incubator includes a reader within each of the chambers. For a horizontal tag on the dish, the reader could either be underneath the dish (in the base of the chamber) or above it (in the lid of the chamber). If the reader is placed underneath the dish, between the metal block and the dish, the reader may have a detrimental effect on recovery time, as the thermal conductivity of the reader is less than the thermal conductivity of aluminum. For example, the dish would be spaced from the metal block or insulated from the metal block by the reader. As a result, the reader between the dish and the heated metal can cause non-uniform heating and increase recovery time. If the reader is in the lid of the chamber, the reader is further away from the tag. The reader may need more power to read the tag and would only be able to read the tag when the lid is closed. This does not enable the reader to be able to read dishes as they are placed in the chamber to provide immediate feedback to embryologists.

[0014] A vertical tag can enable the tag reader to be in the side wall of the incubation chamber. As such, the vertical tag reader does not compromise the intimate contact between dish and metal and can read the tag with the lid open or closed.

[0015] Similarly, the vertical tag reader may be preferable for use with an inverted microscope, because adding a horizontal reader to an existing inverted microscope may impede the image focus by lifting the dish too far from the objective lens. An inverted microscope is used forhigh magnification scenarios, such as when examining embryos, performing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures, taking a biopsy sample of a small number of cells from an embryo, and so forth. To achieve this high resolution, an inverted microscope has its lens underneath the specimen and the light source above, so that the lens can get very close to the specimen. A horizontal reader under the dish may add more space between the microscope’s objective lens and the specimen and can thus prevent the inverted microscope from performing optimally. Positioning a vertical reader at the back of the inverted microscope for reading vertical RFID tags positioned on sidewalls of labware can avoid this adverse impact to the performance of the inverted microscope.

[0016] The labware, systems, and methods described in this specification enable a user to use a vertical reader or a horizontal reader for reading a single tag on the labware in a witnessing system. The labware described in this specification include tags that are readable by both vertical tag readers and horizontal tag readers. The labware described herein enable a user to obtain the advantage of a wider horizontal read area for the workbench which can ensure that no dishes go undetected on the workbench and enable a user to use a larger workspace on the workbench. Certain dishes described herein also enable use of the same dish inside an incubation chamber or with an inverting microscope without adversely impacting the performance of the incubation chamber or the inverting microscope. The system is more flexible because a user can orient the tag reader for either a vertical read space or a horizontal read space.

[0017] The systems and method herein and advantages described herein can be enabled by one or more of the following embodiments or implementations.

[0018] In an aspect, assisted reproductive technology (ART) labware includes a body configured to hold biological material; and a tracking identifier on the body, the tracking identifier being readable by a first reader configured to have a horizontal read area relative to the body, the tracking identifier being readable by a second reader configured to have a vertical read area relative to the body.

[0019] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier uniquely identifies the ART labware to maintain a chain of identity for the biological material during an ART process.

[0020] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, an area of the tracking identifier that is readable by the first reader is substantially the same as an area of the tracking identifier that is readable by the second reader.

[0021] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier has a size of between 75mm2and 1,125mm2.

[0022] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier has a size of between 200mm2and 700mm2.

[0023] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier is arranged at an angle relative to a side wall of the body.

[0024] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the angle is 20-70°.

[0025] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the angle is 35-55°.

[0026] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the angle is 45°.

[0027] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

[0028] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier comprises a fiducial marker.

[0029] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the fiducial marker comprises a barcode.

[0030] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the fiducial marker comprises a two-dimensional (2D) barcode.

[0031] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the 2D barcode is a QR code.

[0032] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier includes a first identifying portion along a bottom surface of the body for facing the horizontal read area of the first reader to enable the first reader to identify the ART labware; and a second identifying portion along a side wall of the body for facing the vertical read area of the second reader to enable the second reader to identify the ART labware.

[0033] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first identifying portion comprises a first part of an RFID tag, and wherein the second identifying portion comprises a second part of the RFID tag.

[0034] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first identifying portion comprises a first antenna of an RFID tag, and wherein the second identifying portion comprises a second antenna of the RFID tag, the first antenna and thesecond antenna each being coupled to a chip storing data uniquely identifying the ART lab ware.

[0035] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first identifying portion comprises a first portion of an antenna of the RFID tag, and wherein the second identifying portion comprises a second portion of the antenna of the RFID tag.

[0036] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first identifying portion comprises a first antenna of the RFID tag connected to a first chip, and wherein the second identifying portion comprises a second antenna of the RFID tag connected to a second chip, each of the first chip and the second chip configured to store data that identifies the ART labware.

[0037] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the ART lab ware is a dish.

[0038] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the ART labware is a test tube.

[0039] In an aspect, a method includes bringing a labware product to which a tracking identifier is secured into proximity to a horizontal reader in a first area of an ART laboratory such that the horizontal reader reads identifying information of the tracking identifier; and bringing the labware product to which the tracking identifier is secured into proximity to a vertical reader in a second area of the ART laboratory such that the vertical reader reads identifying information of the tracking identifier.

[0040] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, a bottom surface of the labware product is resting on a first substantially horizontal surface within the ART lab when the horizontal reader reads the identifying information of the tracking identifier, and the bottom surface of the labware product is resting on a second substantially horizontal surface within the ART lab when the vertical reader reads the identifying information of the tracking identifier.

[0041] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first substantially horizontal surface is a first portion of a worksurface in the ART lab, and the second substantially horizontal surface is a second portion of the worksurface in the ART lab.

[0042] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the worksurface is a surface of an ART workstation.

[0043] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first area comprises a worksurface, and wherein the second area comprises an incubator.

[0044] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first area is on the worksurface, and the second area is in an incubator chamber of the incubator.

[0045] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first area comprises a microscope, and the method further includes viewing material contained in the labware product with the microscope.

[0046] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first area comprises a micromanipulator. The method further includes performing a biopsy on material contained in the labware product using the micromanipulator.

[0047] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier uniquely identifies the labware to maintain a chain of identity for biological material during an ART process.

[0048] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, an area of the tracking identifier that is readable by the first reader is substantially the same as the area of the tracking identifier that is readable by the second reader.

[0049] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier has a size of between 75mm2and 1,125mm2.

[0050] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier has a size of between 200mm2and 700mm2.

[0051] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier is arranged at an angle relative to a side wall of the labware product.

[0052] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the angle is 20-70°.

[0053] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the angle is 35-55°.

[0054] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the angle is 45°.

[0055] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier comprises an RFID tag.

[0056] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier comprises a fiducial marker.

[0057] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the fiducial marker comprises a barcode.

[0058] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the fiducial marker comprises a 2D barcode.

[0059] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the 2D barcode is a QR code.

[0060] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier includes a first identifying portion along a bottom surface of the labware product to enable the horizontal reader to identify the labware; and a second identifying portion along a side wall of the labware product to enable the vertical reader to identify the labware.

[0061] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first identifying portion comprises a first part of an RFID tag, and wherein the second identifying portion comprises a second part of the RFID tag, each of the first part of the RFID tag and the second part of the RFID tag providing a same identifier of the labware.

[0062] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first identifying portion comprises a first antenna of an RFID tag, and wherein the second identifying portion comprises a second antenna of the RFID tag, the first antenna and the second antenna each being coupled to a chip storing data uniquely identifying the labware product.

[0063] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the labware product is a dish.

[0064] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the labware product is a test tube.

[0065] In an aspect, a method includes reading, by a horizontal reader, identifying information of a tracking identifier secured to a labware product when the labware product is brought into proximity to the horizontal reader in a first area of an ART laboratory; and reading, by a vertical reader, identifying information of the tracking identifier secured to the labware product when the labware product is brought into proximity to the vertical reader in a second area of the ART laboratory.

[0066] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, a bottom surface of the labware product is resting on a first substantially horizontal surface within the ART lab when the horizontal reader reads the identifying information of the tracking identifier, and the bottom surface of the labware product is resting on a second substantially horizontal surface within the ART lab when the vertical reader reads the identifying information of the tracking identifier.

[0067] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first substantially horizontal surface is a first portion of a worksurface in the ART lab, and the second substantially horizontal surface is a second portion of the worksurface in the ART lab.

[0068] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the worksurface is a surface of an ART workstation.

[0069] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first area comprises a workstation, and wherein the second area comprises an incubator.

[0070] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first area is on the workstation, and the second area is in an incubator chamber of the incubator.

[0071] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first area comprises a microscope, and the method further includes viewing material contained in the labware product with the microscope.

[0072] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first area comprises a micromanipulator, and the method further includes performing a biopsy on material contained in the labware product using the micromanipulator.

[0073] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier is arranged at an angle relative to a side wall of the labware product.

[0074] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the angle is 20-70°.

[0075] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the angle is 35-55°.

[0076] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the angle is 45°.

[0077] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier comprises an RFID tag.

[0078] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier comprises a fiducial marker.

[0079] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the fiducial marker comprises a barcode.

[0080] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the fiducial marker comprises a 2D barcode.

[0081] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the 2D barcode is a QR code.

[0082] In an aspect, a system includes an incubator configured to incubate biological material, the incubator comprising: a heating element that controls a temperature of a chamber of the incubator through a heating block; and a vertical reader on a side of the chamber. The system can include labware configured to hold a biological material, the labware including: a bodyconfigured to hold the biological material, the body configured to rest on the heating block in the chamber; and a tracking identifier secured to the body, the tracking identifier being readable by the vertical reader on the side of the chamber and a horizontal reader.

[0083] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, a bottom surface of the body is on the heating block when the body is disposed inside the chamber, and wherein only the bottom surface of the body is between the heating block and an interior of the body configured to hold the biological material.

[0084] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier is readable by the horizontal reader when the labware is moved to a workstation outside the chamber, the workstation including the horizontal reader.

[0085] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier has a size of between 75mm2 and l,125mm2.

[0086] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier has a size of between 200mm2 and 700mm2.

[0087] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier is arranged at an angle relative to a side wall of the body.

[0088] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the angle is 20-70°.

[0089] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the angle is 35-55°.

[0090] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the angle is 45°.

[0091] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier comprises an RFID tag.

[0092] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier comprises a fiducial marker.

[0093] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the fiducial marker comprises a barcode.

[0094] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the fiducial marker comprises a 2D barcode.

[0095] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the 2D barcode is a QR code.

[0096] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the tracking identifier comprises: a first identifying portion along a bottom surface of the body to enablethe horizontal reader to identify the labware; and a second identifying portion along a side wall of the body to enable the vertical reader to identify the labware.

[0097] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first identifying portion comprises a first part of an RFID tag, and wherein the second identifying portion comprises a second part of the RFID tag, each of the first part of the RFID tag and the second part of the RFID tag providing same data for identifying the labware.

[0098] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first identifying portion comprises a first antenna of the RFID tag, and wherein the second identifying portion comprises a second antenna of the RFID tag, the first antenna and the second antenna each being coupled to a chip storing the data for identifying the labware.

[0099] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the body forms a dish.

[0100] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the body forms a test tube.

[0101] In an aspect, a method is for incubating biological material, wherein the method includes obtaining an incubation dish comprising: a dish body configured to hold the biological material; and a tracking identifier coupled to the dish body, the tracking identifier being readable by a first reader configured for a horizontal read area relative to the dish body, the tracking identifier being readable by a second reader configured for a vertical read area relative to the dish body; while the incubation dish is on a worksurface, accessing from the tracking identifier, by the first reader, data that uniquely identifies the incubation dish; and while the incubation dish is in an incubation chamber, accessing from the tracking identifier, by the second reader, the data that uniquely identifies the incubation dish.

[0102] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first reader and the second reader are associated with a computing system, and the method further includes: generating, by the computing system, data representing a chain of identity for the biological material based on accessing the data from the tracking identifier by the first reader and accessing the data from the tracking identifier by the second reader.

[0103] In an aspect, a system for incubating biological material includes a first tag reader coupled to a workstation, the first tag reader having a horizontal read area; a second tag reader in an incubation chamber, the second tag reader having a vertical read area; and labware configured to hold the biological material, the labware comprising a tracking tag, the tracking tag being readable by the first tag reader, the tracking tag being readable by the second tag reader, the tracking tag uniquely identifying an incubation dish.

[0104] In an aspect, an ART system includes a first ART device having a horizontal reader; a second ART device having a vertical reader; and a labware product having an identifier that is readable by the horizontal reader and the vertical reader.

[0105] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the horizontal reader is configured to read the identifier of the labware product when a bottom surface of the labware product is resting on a first substantially horizontal surface of the ART system, and the vertical reader is configured to read the identifier of the labware product when the bottom surface of the labware product is resting on a second substantially horizontal surface of the ART system.

[0106] In some examples that can include one or more of the foregoing examples, the first substantially horizontal surface is a first portion of a worksurface of an ART workstation, and the second substantially horizontal surface is a second portion of the worksurface of the ART workstation.

[0107] These and other aspects, features, and various combinations may be expressed as methods, apparatus, systems, means for performing functions, program products, etc.

[0108] Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and the claims.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0109] FIG. 1 A shows a bottom, perspective view of an example dish that includes a tracking tag coupled to the dish at an angle.

[0110] FIG. IB shows a top, perspective view of the example dish of FIG. 1 A.

[0111] FIG. 2A shows a side view of the example dish of FIGS. 1A-1B while the tracking tag is read by a horizontally oriented reader.

[0112] FIG. 2B shows a side view of the example dish of FIGS. 1A-1B while the tracking tag is read by a vertically oriented reader.

[0113] FIG. 3 shows a side cutaway view of an example incubator containing the example dish of FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0114] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a lab table read area for reading a horizontal tracking tag of the example dishes of FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0115] FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of a lab table read area for reading a vertical tracking tag or a horizontal tracking tag of the example dishes of FIGS. 1 A-1B.

[0116] FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of a lab table read area for reading a vertical tracking tag of the example dishes of FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0117] FIG. 5 shows an example process for incubating a biological material using the dish of FIGS. 1A-3.

[0118] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an example dish including a single tracking tags that adheres to two surfaces of the dish.

[0119] FIG. 7A shows a bottom, perspective view of an example beaker that includes a tracking tag coupled to the beaker at an angle.

[0120] FIG. 7B shows a bottom, perspective view of an example tube that includes a tracking tag coupled to the tube at an angle.

[0121] FIG. 8A shows a bottom, perspective view of an example dish that includes a tracking tag including a quick response (QR) code.

[0122] FIG. 8B shows a bottom, perspective view of an example dish that includes a tracking tag including a barcode.

[0123] FIG. 9 shows an example of a computer device and a mobile computer device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0124] FIGS. 1A and IB show bottom and top perspective views, respectively, of an example ART dish 100 that includes a tracking tag 110 coupled to the dish at an angle. The dish 100 includes a dish body 102 having a bottom surface 104 and a side wall 106. An angled portion 108 extends from the side wall 106 and includes a tracking tag 110.

[0125] The tracking tag 110 of the dish 100 is angled with respect to a vertical surface so that the tracking tag can function as both a horizontal tracking tag and a vertical tracking tag. In this specification, a horizontal surface is a surface that is planar with a resting surface, wherein gravity is approximately normal to the resting surface. In this specification, a vertical surface is approximately perpendicular to the resting surface, wherein gravity is approximately parallel to the resting surface.

[0126] As will be described in greater detail below, the dish 100 with the tracking tag 110 can be used with a horizontal tag reader, a vertical tag reader, or a combination thereof. A horizontal tag reader includes a reader with a horizontal read area. The horizontal read area is approximately planar to a horizontal surface. A vertical tag reader includes a reader with a vertical read area. The vertical read area is approximately planar to a vertical surface.

[0127] The dish 100 can be used to contain biological samples (e.g., such as sperm, eggs, embryos, etc.) during an ART process. The dish body 102 defines a cavity for containing the biological material. More specifically, the cavity of the dish body 102 is defined by the bottom surface 104 and the dish side wall 106.

[0128] The tracking tag 110 , as illustrated in FIG. 1A, is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. RFID uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags such a tracking tag 110. An RFID system consists of a radio transponder, a radio receiver and transmitter (not shown). When triggered by an electromagnetic interrogation pulse from a nearby RFID reader device, the tag transmits digital data, usually an identifying inventory number, back to the reader. This number can be used to track the dish 110 throughout the ART process, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0129] The tracking tag 110 is a passive tag that is powered by energy from the RFID reader's interrogating radio waves. The tracking tag 110 receives power through electromagnetic waves (transmitted by the receiver) which wake up the tag and cause it to transmit its identity back to the reader at a different frequency.

[0130] The tag 110 can be secured to the angled portion 108 of the dish 100 in any of various suitable ways. In some implementations, the tag 110 is embedded in the angled portion 108 of the dish 100. In other implementations, the tag 110 is adhered to a surface (e.g., an outer surface or an inner surface) of the angled portion 108 of the dish 100. The tag 110 can, for example, be adhered to the surface using adhesive or other bonding techniques.

[0131] The amount of power that the tag 110 receives depends on how big a cross- sectional area the tag has parallel to the reader. When the tag 110 is perpendicular to a reader, the tag may not receive any power and may not be read. A distance from the tag reader also impacts the amount of power received, wherein longer distances result in less receive power and may require a larger tag 110.

[0132] The tag 110 is designed to be large enough so that when it is placed on a surface with an angle of approximately 45 degrees, its cross-sectional area is large enough to power the tag and transmit its identity whether it is read using a horizontal reader or a vertical reader. By angling the tag 110 relative to the vertical side wall 106 of the dish 100, the tag 110 can be read with either a horizontal reader 202, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, or a vertical reader 206, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. In this way, the optimal reader for each piece of equipment can be selected without impacting the ability of the system to track the dish 100.

[0133] Still referring to FIGS. 1 A and IB, the angled portion 108 of the dish 100 has a length L and width W. An angled surface of the angled portion 108 extends from the side wall 106 of the dish body 102 at an angle 9 relative to the vertical side wall 106. The tracking tag 110 is secured to the angled surface.

[0134] FIG. 1 A shows geometry for the angled portion 108 that extends from the side wall 106. The angled portion 108 can include any configuration that supports the tracking tag110 at the desired angle 9. The angle 9 defines an angle between the side wall 106 that is approximately vertical and the angled surface supporting the tracking tag 110. The angle 9 is defined to ensure that the cross-sectional area, projected normal to the reader, is large enough that the tag will receive the power it requires and be able to transmit its identity. For example, if the angle 9 is 0°, the tracking tag 110 is vertical with respect to a resting surface. The tracking tag 110 then does not have a horizontal cross-section and is not readable by horizontal tag reader. If the angle 9 is 90°, the tracking tag 110 is horizontal with respect to a resting surface. The tracking tag 110 then does not have a vertical extending portion and is thus not readable by a vertical tag reader. The tag 110 can be angled between 0° and 90° to ensure that it is readable by both vertical tag readers and horizontal tag readers when the bottom surface 104 of the dish 100 rest on a horizontal surface. In some implementations, the angle 9 is between 35° and 55°. In certain implementations, as shown in FIG. 1A, the angle 9 is about 45° such that the angled surface of the dish 100 and the tag 110, which is secured to that angled surface, extend from the vertical side wall 106 of the dish body 102 at an angle of about 45°.

[0135] The angle 9 can be set to bias the tracking tag 110 closer to a vertical or closer to a horizontal configuration based on a use case of the dish 100. For example, the angle 9 can be set to bias the tracking tag 110 closer to a vertical position (e.g., 9 < 45°). This configuration can be used when the dish 100 is being placed further from a vertical reader than a horizontal reader. In this example, the tracking tag 110 is angled closer to a vertical position to enable the vertical reader to read the tracking tag from further away than would be possible if the tracking tag were positioned at a 45° angle. The tracking tag 110 presents a greater cross-sectional area to the vertical tag reader to receive more transmit power from the reader, relative to the horizontal tag reader. Similarly, the angle 9 can be set to bias the tracking tag 110 closer to a horizontal position (e.g., 9 > 45°). This configuration can be used when the dish 100 is being placed further from a horizontal reader than a vertical reader. In this example, the tracking tag 110 is angled closer to a horizontal position to enable the horizontal reader to read the tracking tag from further away than would be possible if the tracking tag were positioned at a 45° angle. The tracking tag 110 presents a greater cross-sectional area to the horizontal tag reader to receive more transmit power from the reader, relative to the vertical tag reader.

[0136] The length L of the angled portion 108 will depend on the angle 9. In some implementations, the length L is between 5 mm and 20 mm. The width W of the angled surface will generally depend on the size of the tracking tag 110 to be secured to that surface. In some implementations, the width W is between 10 mm and 30 mm. The size of each of the length and the width of the angled portion 108 are large enough to ensure a minimum read area on thetracking tag 110 for each of the vertical and horizontal tag readers. This is because enough power should be provided to the tracking tag 110 to power the tracking tag from each of the vertical and horizontal directions. In an example, a tracking tag’s dimensions are between 15- 45mm wide and 5-25mm long. In some implementations, the size of the tracking tag is between about 75mm2and about 1,125mm2. In some implementations, the tracking tag 110 has a size between about 200mm2and 700mm2. The size of the tracking tag 110 depends on a required read distance and on the power of the RFID reader. The tracking tag 110 is sized to enable a read distance of 0mm to up to between 20-40mm between the reader and the tracking tag 110.

[0137] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, a size of the tracking tag 110 is selected so that a horizontal projected area 204 is big enough for the horizontal reader 202 to provide power to the tracking tag 110 and so a vertical projected area 208 is sufficient for the vertical reader 206 provide power to the tracking tag 110. In this way, the tracking tag 110 can receive power from either a horizontal (normal to z-axis) reader 202 or vertical (normal to x-axis) reader 206.

[0138] FIG. 3 shows a side cutaway view of an example incubator 300 that contains two of the dishes 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B. The incubator is configured to incubate biological material in each dish 100 during the ART process.

[0139] Prior to incubation, biological material (sperm, eggs, embryos) is placed in each dish 100. The dish 100 is placed inside of the incubator 300 to maintain the biological material at an elevated temperature (relative to ambient temperature) and a controlled atmosphere. After some time (hours, days, etc.), it may be desirable to temporarily remove the biological material from the incubator to monitor or analyze the biological material. For example, a user may remove the dish 100 from the incubator 300 to observe the biological under a microscope, take a sample, and so forth. Once the observation is completed, the dish 100 is returned to the incubator. To maintain a chain of identity for the biological material, the incubator 300 includes a tag reader 324a-b to identify the dish 100 and the biological sample within the dish.

[0140] The incubator 300 includes a lid 302 and a body 304. The lid 302 includes a heating element 306 and a heating block 308. The lid 302 can be opened to add or remove each dish 100 from the chamber 330. Similarly, the body 304 includes a heating element 312 and a heating block 314. The heating elements 306, 312 control the temperature in the chamber 330 of the incubator 300 through the respective heating blocks 308, 314.

[0141] The dishes 100 are configured to sit in the chamber 330. The chamber 330 includes vertical tag readers 324a, 324b. The vertical tag readers 324a-b are placed on each side of the chamber 330. The readers 324a-b can read the respective tags 110 of the dishes 100while the dishes are in the incubator chamber 330 and are resting flush with the heating block 314.

[0142] The bottom 104 of each dish 100 is flush with the heating block 314 when the dish is placed inside the chamber 330. Only the bottom surface 104 of each dish 100 is between the heating block and an interior cavity of the dish body that holds the biological material. Additionally, the chamber 330 bottom can be a solid heating block 314 that is uninterrupted by horizontal tag readers. This maximizes heat transfer from the block 314 to the biological material inside each dish 100 because a contact area of the heat block 314 to the dish bottom 104 is maximized.

[0143] Each dish 100 can be positioned near to a respective vertical tag reader 324a-b. A distance DI between the dish 100 and a respective vertical tag reader 324a-b is smaller than a distance D2 between the dish and the ceiling of the chamber 330. The received power of the tracking tag 110 from the respective tag reader 324a-b is greater at a closer distance. Because each vertical tag reader 324a-b can be nearer to the tag 110 of the dish 100 than the ceiling of the chamber 330, a size of the tag 110 can be smaller than would be necessary if the tag reader were a horizontal tag reader in the ceiling of the chamber 330. The tag 110 can be read when the lid 302 is open, and a user (e.g., an embryologist) can determine that the tag has been read before closing the lid.

[0144] The ART process includes removing the dish 100 from the incubation chamber 300 and observing the biological material within the dish 100. It may be desirable to remove the dish 100 from the incubator to perform a biopsy, observe embryo development, or for another purpose. The dish 100 is removed from the incubator 300 and placed on a lab table. The tracking tag 110 of the dish 100 is read at the lab table to maintain the chain of identity for the dish and the biological material. The geometry of the lab table is different than the geometry of the incubator. It may be desirable to use a different tag reader configuration, such as a horizontal tag reader, to read the tracking tag on the dish 100 while the dish is removed from the incubator. The dish 100 can be returned to the incubator and the tracking tag is read with the vertical tag reader 324a-b.

[0145] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a lab environment 440 that includes a lab table 412 at which the biological material in the dish 100 can be observed by a microscope 410. The lab table 412 includes a horizontal tag reader 404. When the dish 100 is removed from the incubator (e.g., incubator 300 of FIG. 3) and placed on the lab table 412, the horizontal tag reader 404 is used to read the tracking tag of the dish 100 to maintain the chain of identity of the dish and the biological sample.

[0146] FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of a lab environment 440 that includes a lab table 452 including the horizontal tag reader 404 and a vertical tag reader 404. When the dish 100 is removed from the incubator (e.g., incubator 300 of FIG. 3) and placed on the lab table 452, the horizontal tag reader 402 and / or the vertical tag reader 404 may be used to read the tracking tag of the dish 100 to maintain the chain of identity of the dish and the biological sample. The biological material of the dish 100 can, for example, be moved to the lab table 452 so that the biological material in the dish 100 can be observed under the microscope 410.

[0147] The horizontal tag reader 402 provides a relatively large read area 406 relative to a vertical read area 408 of the vertical tag reader 404. There may be an area 416 in which the vertical read area 408 overlaps with the horizontal read area 406. In some implementations, the horizontal read area 406 does not overlap the vertical read area 408. While the vertical tag reader 404 was described above as being capable of reading the tag of the dish 100, the vertical tag reader 404 can alternatively or additionally be used for reading tags on different kinds of labware, such as a test tube 418.

[0148] The larger horizontal read area 406 provides a lab worker (such as an embryologist) a largest possible work area on the lab table 412. It is desirable to keep the dish 100 outside of the incubator for as little time as possible to maintain the biological material at the elevated temperature. A large work area enables the lab worker to quickly make observations or perform analysis and return the dish 100 to the incubator 300. In another example, the larger work area of the horizontal read area 406 can ensure that the dish 100 is actually scanned when brought to the lab table 412, reducing a likelihood of breaking the chain of identity for the biological material in the dish. When samples of the biological material are removed from the dish 100 and added to another container, the larger horizontal read area 402 can ensure that the other container is also scanned for tracking each portion of the biological material. The dish can be quickly removed from the incubator 300, tracked by the horizontal tag reader 402, returned to the incubator, and tracked again by the vertical tag reader (e.g., vertical tag readers 324a-b) in the incubator.

[0149] FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of a lab environment 420 including a lab table 422. A vertical tag reader 426 is on the lab table 422. The vertical tag reader 426 includes a read area 428. The vertical tag reader 426 can read the tracking tag of dish 100.

[0150] The vertical tag reader 426 can be used in situations in which a horizontal tag reader, such as tag reader 402 of FIG. 4A, may obstruct or inhibit a user from performing an operation on the biological material. For example, a user can observe the biological material in the dish with a microscope 424. Vertical readers can be desirable in labs as they are easier toinstall, however the read area 428 is much smaller than that of a horizontal reader 406. In the case of the microscope being an inverted scope (not shown), a horizontal tag or tag reader underneath the dish 100 may lift the dish from the table 412 and blur images from the microscope, as previously described, because of a limited range of the adjustable focus of the microscope. The vertical tag reader and tracking tag on dish 100 do not lift the dish 100 from the table surface 412 and can result in easier use of the microscope and better quality images. The microscope can include a stereoscope or an inverted microscope. In another example, the microscope can be or include a micromanipulator that may be used to perform a biopsy.

[0151] The tracking tag 110 of the dish can be read for different configurations of the microscope 426 and lab environments 400, 420. A user can ensure that the chain of identity for the biological sample in the dish 100 is maintained in each lab environment 400, 420, for both a vertical read area 428 and a horizontal read area 406. Less hardware is needed on the workbench to read any labware being handled. No matter the orientation of the tag reader, a user can quickly remove the dish 100 from the incubator 300, read the tag on the dish, perform operations on the biological material, and return the dish 100 to the incubator.

[0152] FIG. 5 shows an example process fortracking biological material using the dish 100 of FIGS. 1 A-1B. The tracking prevents mix-ups between patients to ensure that a chain of identity is maintained for each labware product (and biological sample therein) as the labware product is moved through the lab. For example, if an unexpected labware product is detected in a location during the ART process, an alarm can be triggered. Specifically, once a piece of labware has been assigned to a patient, any other labware that comes into the same work area (e.g., under a microscope) must either be unassigned (at which point it is assigned to the patient) or belong to the people associated with that particular ART procedure.

[0153] For clarity of presentation, the description that follows generally describes method 500 in the context of the other figures in this description. The method 500 can include obtaining (502) labware for holding biological material. The tracking tag (e.g., tracking tag 110 of FIGS. 1 A-1B) is affixed to the labware. The tag can be affixed at an angle. The method 500 includes, while the labware is in a first location, accessing (504) from the tracking tag by a first tag reader using a horizontal read area, data that uniquely identifies the labware. For example, the first location can include a lab table (such as lab table 400 or 420 of FIGS. 4A-4). The method 500 includes, while the labware is at a second location, accessing (506) from the tracking tag by a second tag reader using a vertical read area, the identifier that uniquely identifies the labware. For example, the second location can include an incubator (such as incubator 300). The method includes generating (508), by the computing system (e.g.,computing system 900), data representing a chain of identity for the biological material based on accessing the identifier from the tracking tag by the first tag reader and accessing the identifier from the tracking tag by the second tag reader.

[0154] In an aspect, a method includes bringing a labware product to which a tracking tag is secured into proximity to a horizontal reader in a first area of an ART laboratory such that the horizontal reader reads identifying information of the tracking tag. The method includes bringing the labware product to which the tracking tag is secured into proximity to a vertical reader in a second area of the ART laboratory such that the vertical reader reads identifying information of the tracking tag.

[0155] In an aspect, a method includes reading, by a horizontal reader, identifying information of a tracking tag secured to a labware product when the labware product is brought into proximity to the horizontal reader in a first area of an ART laboratory. The method includes reading, by a vertical reader, identifying information of the tracking tag secured to the lab ware product when the labware product is brought into proximity to the vertical reader in a second area of the ART laboratory.

[0156] In another aspect, a method includes reading, by a vertical reader, identifying information of a tracking tag (such as an angled tracking tag) secured to a labware product when the labware product is brought into proximity to the vertical reader in a first area of an ART laboratory. The method includes reading, by a horizontal reader, identifying information of the tracking tag secured to the labware product when the labware product is brought into proximity to the horizontal reader in a second area of the ART laboratory.

[0157] In another aspect, a method includes reading, by a vertical reader, identifying information of a tracking tag (such as an angled tracking tag) secured to a labware product when the labware product is brought into proximity to the vertical reader in a first area of an ART laboratory. The method includes reading, by another vertical reader, identifying information of the angled tracking tag secured to the labware product when the labware product is brought into proximity to the other vertical reader in a second area of the ART laboratory.

[0158] In another aspect, a method includes reading, by a horizontal reader, identifying information of a tracking tag (such as an angled tracking tag) secured to a labware product when the labware product is brought into proximity to the horizontal reader in a first area of an ART laboratory. The method includes reading, by another horizontal reader, identifying information of the angled tracking tag secured to the labware product when the labware product is brought into proximity to the other horizontal reader in a second area of the ART laboratory.

[0159] While the dish 100 described above includes a tracking tag that extends at an angle from a side wall of the dish, other configurations are possible. FIG. 6, for example, shows a perspective view of an example dish 600 including a single tag 618 with its antenna 616 having two readable areas 608, 610 on different respective surfaces 606, 604 of a dish body 602. The surface 606 is a side of the dish 600. The surface 604 is a bottom of the dish 600. The dish 600 is configured for holding biological material for transport to different locations, similar to dish 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The tag 618 can be read by a vertical tag reader which would interact with readable area 608, and by a horizontal area which would interact with readable area 610.

[0160] The antenna 616 of the tracking tag 618 is configured to extend through each of the first readable area 608 and the second readable area 610 and connect to the chip 614. The antenna 616 of the readable areas 608, 610 is on a single substrate 612 that connects the two readable areas 608, 610.

[0161] The tracking tag 618 can be shaped as now described. In this example of FIG. 6, the tracking tag 618 has a dog-bone shape. The antenna 616 extends around the perimeter of the dog-bone. Each of the areas 608, 610 is sized to enable the tracking tag 618 to receive enough power from a reader to power the entire tag. For example, the sizes of the areas 608, 610 may be larger than would be used for a single readable area 608 or 610 having a dedicated antenna. In another example, the tracking tag 618 is rectangular such that the connecting portion 612 of the tag is a same width as readable areas 608, 610.

[0162]

[0163] While FIG. 6 shows an example of an RFID tag 618 with both a horizontal readable area 610 and a vertical readable area 608, other configurations are possible. For example, the first readable area 608 can include a first antenna of the RFID tag. A second readable portion 610 of the tag can include a second, different antenna. The first antenna and second antenna can be coupled to the same chip storing data uniquely identifying the dish. In another example, the readable area 608 includes a first instance of an entire RFID tag that includes a first chip and first antenna. In this example, the readable area 610 includes a second instance of the RFID tag including a second antenna and a second chip. In this example, each of the first instance of the RFID tag and the second instance of the RFID tag identify the dish 600, either with identical identifiers in their chips or with associated identifiers that are both mapped to the dish 600.

[0164] While implementations described above relate to tracking tags secured to dishes, in other implementations, the tracking tags are secured to other types of labware. FIG.7 A, for example, shows an example of a sperm cup 700 for storing biological material. The sperm cup includes a side wall 702 and a bottom surface 704. The sperm cup 700 includes an angled portion 706 for supporting a tracking tag 708. The tracking tag 708 is similar to tracking tag 110 of dish 100, described previously in relation to FIGS. 1A-1B. The angled portion 706 is similar to portion 108 of dish 100, described previously. The beaker 700 can be used to transport material for maintain a chain of identity in an ART laboratory.

[0165] FIG. 7B shows an example of a tube 710 for storing biological material. The tube 710 includes a side wall 712. The tube 710 includes an angled portion 714 for supporting a tracking tag 716. The tracking tag 716 is similar to tracking tag 110 of dish 100, described previously in relation to FIGS. 1 A-1B. The angled portion 714 is similar to portion 108 of dish 100, described previously. The tube 710 can be used to transport material for maintain a chain of identity in an ART laboratory. While a dish, a sperm cup, and a tube are provided as examples of labware, the angled tracking tag 110 described herein can be affixed to other types of labware having other shapes and sizes.

[0166] While the tracking tags discussed above have primarily been described as passive RFID tags, other types of RFID tags can alternatively or additionally be used. In some implementations, for example, an active RFID tag is used. Active RFID tags are powered by a battery and thus can be read at a greater range from the RFID reader. In some cases, such tags can be read from up to hundreds of meters.

[0167] While implementations described above relate to labware including RFID tags, other types of tags may be used. For example, FIGS. 8A-8B each shows dish 100 with a respective tracking tag 802, 804 comprising a fiducial marker. The fiducial marker of tag 802 in FIG. 8A is a two-dimensional (2D) bar code. For example, the 2D bar code can include a quick-response (QR) code that can be read by a vertically arranged QR code reader and by a horizontally arranged QR code reader. The fiducial marker of tag 804 in FIG. 8B is a barcode that can read by a vertically arranged barcode reader and by a horizontally arranged barcode reader. In another example, the 2D code can include a datamatrix or GS1-2D barcode. In another example, the barcode can include a linear barcode (Code-128 or GS1).

[0168] The fiducial marker of tracking tag 802 or 804 can be read by a reader when the tracking tag is viewed at the angle 9. The fiducial marker still shows the same information to the reader as when presenting a planar, non-angled view to the reader.

[0169] The fiducial markers can be formed in different ways. In an example, the fiducial marker is printed on a label that is coupled to the dish 100. The label can be coupled 1using an adhesive or fastener. In another example, the fiducial marker is formed directly on the dish 100. For example, the fiducial marker can be printed or etched directly onto the dish 100.

[0170] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a generic computer system 900. The system 900 can be used for the operations described in association with any of the computer- implemented methods described previously, according to one implementation. The system 900 includes a processor 910, a memory 920, a storage device 930, an input / output device 940, and a tag reader 960. Each of the components 910, 920, 930, 940, and 960 are interconnected using a system bus 950. The processor 910 is capable of processing instructions for execution within the system 900. In one implementation, the processor 910 is a single-threaded processor. In another implementation, the processor 910 is a multi -threaded processor. The processor 910 is capable of processing instructions stored in the memory 920 or on the storage device 930 to display graphical information for a user interface on the input / output device 940.

[0171] The memory 920 stores information within the system 900. In some implementations, the memory 920 is a computer-readable medium. The memory 920 is a volatile memory unit in some implementations and is a non-volatile memory unit in other implementations.

[0172] The storage device 930 is capable of providing mass storage for the system 900. In one implementation, the storage device 930 is a computer-readable medium. In various different implementations, the storage device 930 may be a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device.

[0173] The input / output device 940 provides input / output operations for the system 900. In one implementation, the input / output device 940 includes a keyboard and / or pointing device. In another implementation, the input / output device 940 includes a display unit for displaying graphical user interfaces.

[0174] The tag reader 960 is configured to read the tracking tags described herein. The tag reader 960 can include a RFID reader previously described. The tag reader 960 can include a camera. In some implementations, the tag reader 960 is remote from the system 900 and the system is configured to receive data from the remote tag reader and process the data. For example, the system 900 can process data from the tag reader 960 to associate data from the tracking tag with other data being processed by the system 900.

[0175] The features described can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. The apparatus can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device, for execution by a programmable processor; and methodsteps can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of the described implementations by operating on input data and generating output. The described features can be implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. A computer program is a set of instructions that can be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity or bring about a certain result. A computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.

[0176] Suitable processors for the execution of a program of instructions include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and the sole processor or one of multiple processors of any kind of computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to communicate with, one or more mass storage devices for storing data files; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magnetooptical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).

[0177] To provide for interaction with a user, the features can be implemented on a computer having a display device such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball by which the user can provide input to the computer.

[0178] The features can be implemented in a computer system that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, such as an application server or an Internet server, or that includes a front-end component, such as a client computer having a graphical user interface or an Internet browser, or any combination of them. The components of the system can be connected by any form or medium of digital datacommunication such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include, e.g., a LAN, a WAN, and the computers and networks forming the Internet.

[0179] The computer system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a network, such as the described one. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0180] A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the processes and techniques described herein. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In addition, other steps can be provided, or steps can be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components can be added to, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) labware comprising: a body configured to hold biological material; and a tracking identifier on the body, the tracking identifier being readable by a first reader configured to have a horizontal read area relative to the body, the tracking identifier being readable by a second reader configured to have a vertical read area relative to the body.

2. The ART labware of claim 1, wherein the tracking identifier uniquely identifies the ART labware to maintain a chain of identity for the biological material during an ART process.

3. The ART lab ware of claims 1 or 2, wherein an area of the tracking identifier that is readable by the first reader is substantially the same as an area of the tracking identifier that is readable by the second reader.

4. The ART labware of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tracking identifier is arranged at an angle relative to a side wall of the body.

5. The ART labware of claim 4, wherein the angle is 20-70°.

6. The ART labware of claim 5, wherein the angle is 35-55°.

7. The ART labware of claim 6, wherein the angle is 45°.

8. The ART labware of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tracking identifier comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

9. The ART labware of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tracking identifier comprises a fiducial marker.

10. The ART labware of claim 9, wherein the fiducial marker comprises a barcode.

11. The ART labware of claim 9, wherein the fiducial marker comprises a quickresponse (QR)code.

12. The ART labware of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the ART labware includes a dish.

13. The ART labware of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the ART labware includes a test tube.

14. A system comprising: an incubator configured to incubate biological material, the incubator comprising: a heating element that controls a temperature of a chamber of the incubator through a heating block; and a vertical reader on a side of the chamber; and labware configured to hold a biological material, the labware comprising: a body configured to hold the biological material, the body configured to rest on the heating block in the chamber; and a tracking identifier secured to the body, the tracking identifier being readable by the vertical reader on the side of the chamber and a horizontal reader.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein a bottom surface of the body is on the heating block when the body is disposed inside the chamber, and wherein only the bottom surface of the body is between the heating block and an interior of the body configured to hold the biological material.

16. The system of any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the tracking identifier is readable by the horizontal reader when the labware is moved to a workstation outside the chamber, the workstation including the horizontal reader.

17. The system of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the tracking identifier is arranged at an angle relative to a side wall of the body.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the angle is 20-70°.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the angle is 35-55°.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the angle is 45°.

21. The system of any of claims 14 to 20, wherein the tracking identifier comprises an RFID tag.

22. The system of any of claims 14 to 21, wherein the tracking identifier comprises a fiducial marker.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the fiducial marker comprises a barcode.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein the fiducial marker comprises a quick response code.

25. The system of any of claims 14 to 24, wherein the body forms a dish.

26. The system of any of claims 14 to 24, wherein the body forms a test tube.

27. A system for incubating biological material, the system comprising: a first tag reader coupled to a workstation, the first tag reader having a horizontal read area; a second tag reader in an incubation chamber, the second tag reader having a vertical read area; and labware configured to hold the biological material, the labware comprising a tracking tag, the tracking tag being readable by the first tag reader, the tracking tag being readable by the second tag reader, the tracking tag uniquely identifying an incubation dish.

28. An assisted reproductive technology (ART) system comprising : a first ART device having a horizontal reader; a second ART device having a vertical reader; and a labware product having an identifier that is readable by the horizontal reader and the vertical reader.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the horizontal reader is configured to read the identifier of the labware product when a bottom surface of the lab ware product is resting on a first substantially horizontal surface of the ART system, and the vertical reader is configured to read the identifier of the labware product when the bottom surface of the labware product is resting on a second substantially horizontal surface of the ART system.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the first substantially horizontal surface is a first portion of a worksurface of an ART workstation, and the second substantially horizontal surface is a second portion of the worksurface of the ART workstation.

Images