Remote sample delivery system

Abstract

A biological sample testing system and method includes a remote sample delivery system configured to secure a container for a biological sample, the container including a sample identifier. A sample receiving station configured to receive the container from the remote sample delivery system based on the sample identifier. The remote sample delivery system is configured to automatically navigate to the sample receiving station when the container is secured to the remote sample delivery system. A sample testing track includes a container transport system and a plurality of testing stations, the container transport system configured to sequentially deliver the container to a separate testing station of the plurality of testing stations based at least in part on the sample identifier.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. application serial number 62 / 900,116, filed on September 13, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to remote sample delivery systems for automated sample testing tracks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A biological sample testing system includes a remote sample delivery system configured to secure a container for a biological sample, the container including a sample identifier. A sample receiving station is configured to receive the container from the remote sample delivery system based on the sample identifier. The remote sample delivery system is configured to automatically navigate to the sample receiving station when the container is secured to the remote sample delivery system. A sample testing track includes a container transport system and a plurality of testing stations, the container transport system being configured to sequentially deliver the container to a separate testing station of the plurality of testing stations based at least in part on the sample identifier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0006] Figure 1 is a biological sample testing system in an example embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 is an example of a biological sample testing system in an expanded operating area in an example embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating components of a machine capable of reading instructions from a machine-readable medium.

[0009] Figure 4 is a user interface for tracking containers within a sample testing track in an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Example methods and systems relate to remote sample delivery systems, preferably, to remote sample delivery systems for sample test tracks, preferably, to automated sample test tracks. The examples disclosed herein represent only possible variations. Unless otherwise expressly stated, components and functions are optional and may be combined or subdivided, and operations may vary in order or be combined or subdivided. In the following description, for illustrative purposes, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present subject matter may be practiced without these specific details.

[0011] In one embodiment, a sample test track (hereinafter also referred to as an automated sample test track) can obtain a biological sample and move the sample along a container conveyor device to each test station. In an example embodiment, the biological sample can be a body fluid such as blood. In another embodiment, the term "test station" as mentioned herein can refer to an automated test station. In another embodiment, the test station can perform discrete tests on the biological sample based on a list of tests sorted by a professional to evaluate various conditions. In an example embodiment, the professional includes a medical professional such as a physician. In another embodiment, the container conveyor device delivers the sample to a test station, which can be configured to perform tests that have been sorted and skip test stations corresponding to tests that have not been sorted.

[0012] In another embodiment, the handling of biological samples within a sample testing track may depend on bringing the biological samples to the sample testing track. In one embodiment, the biological samples, the sample testing track, and / or both may be at remote locations. In another embodiment, individual sample testing tracks are available for use, but some sample testing tracks may include testing stations that may not be able to perform all ordered tests. In another embodiment, some sample testing tracks may include delivering samples to sample testing tracks that may not be able to perform all ordered tests. In another embodiment, since biological samples degrade over time, this may be detrimental to the ability to perform tests in the future. In another embodiment, individual sample testing tracks in a given area may be relatively busy, and the wait time for running tests on biological samples may be longer than other sample testing tracks in the given area. In another embodiment, sending or routing biological samples to sample testing tracks with a large backlog may be inefficient and introduce unnecessary delays in obtaining test results.

[0013] In one embodiment, a remote sample delivery system has been developed that can allow biological samples to be transported to a sample test track relatively quickly and efficiently. In another embodiment, the remote sample delivery system can be based on an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) or "drone", which can be configured to fix a container for a biological sample. In another embodiment, the UAV can be configured to read sample identifications such as barcodes, radio frequency identifiers ("RFID") tags, sensors, MEMS, NFC sensors, NEMS, etc. In another embodiment, the UAV can travel to, preferably automatically travel to, a sample receiving station on the sample test track and place the container on the sample test track. In another embodiment, when multiple sample test tracks are available, the system can select a sample test track based on the capacity and waiting time of each sample test track (as provided on the sample identification) and the tests sorted for the biological sample. In one embodiment, at the moment when the biological sample is picked up and an identifier is attached, the UAV can be configured to send data to the system, which can pre-calculate the sample test track and retain the test track based on the tests sorted for better efficiency.

[0014] One embodiment discloses a biological sample testing system. In another embodiment, the biological sample testing system may include a remote sample delivery system, preferably an automated sample delivery system that can be configured to secure a container for the biological sample. In another embodiment, the container may include a sample identifier.

[0015] In another embodiment, the biological sample testing system may include a sample receiving station. In another embodiment, the sample receiving station may be configured to receive a container based on a sample identification. In another embodiment, the remote sample delivery system may be configured to navigate to the sample receiving station without any human intervention when the container is secured to the remote sample delivery system.

[0016] In another embodiment, the sample testing track may include a plurality of testing stations. In another embodiment, the container transport device may be configured to sequentially deliver the containers to individual testing stations of the plurality of testing stations based at least in part on the sample identification.

[0017] In another embodiment, the remote sample delivery system can be configured to navigate to a sample receiving station based at least in part on a sample identification. In another embodiment, the biological sample testing system can include multiple sample receiving stations and multiple sample testing tracks. In another embodiment, each individual sample testing track in the sample testing track can be associated with one of the multiple sample receiving stations. In another embodiment, the remote sample delivery system can be configured to deliver a container to a predetermined one of the multiple sample receiving stations based at least in part on an associated one of the multiple sample testing tracks.

[0018] In another embodiment, each of the plurality of sample testing tracks may include a mix of testing stations. In another embodiment, at least one of the plurality of sample testing tracks may have a different mix of testing stations than another of the plurality of sample testing tracks. In another embodiment, the remote sample delivery system may be configured to navigate to one of the plurality of sample receiving stations based at least in part on the mix of testing stations of an associated one of the plurality of sample testing tracks.

[0019] In another embodiment, the sample identification may correspond to a series of tests to be performed on the biological sample. In another embodiment, the remote sample delivery system may be configured to navigate to one of the plurality of sample receiving stations based on a mix of testing stations of an associated one of the plurality of sample tracks that are capable of performing the series of tests.

[0020] In another embodiment, each of the plurality of sample testing tracks may have an availability status. In another embodiment, the remote sample delivery system may be configured to navigate to one of the plurality of sample receiving stations based on the availability status of an associated one of the plurality of sample tracks. In another embodiment, each of the plurality of sample testing tracks may be configured to update the availability status of the sample testing track based at least in part on an expected wait time for a sample to be tested. In another embodiment, the remote sample delivery system may be configured to navigate to a plurality of sample receiving locations and secure at least one container at each of the plurality of sample receiving locations.

[0021] Another embodiment may include using the above disclosed system to secure a container for a biological sample using a remote sample delivery system.

[0022] Figure 1A biological sample testing system 100 is shown in an example embodiment. A sample testing track 102 includes a plurality of test stations 104 connected by a container transport device 106 (also broadly referred to as a container transport system). Depending on the type of biological sample to be tested, the test stations 104 may include various capacities. In the example embodiment of blood testing, any given test station 104 may be capable of performing pre-analytical or post-analytical operations, including evaluating, accessing, or closing a container; immunoassay testing; coagulation testing and / or operations that promote coagulation; microbiology testing; molecular testing; hematology testing; and / or chemistry testing. The container transport device 106 may be or include any suitable system that selectively moves containers from one test station 104 to another test station 104 based on the tests ordered for the samples in the containers, skipping test stations 104 that are not performing the ordered tests. The container transport system 106 may include, but is not limited to, a conveyor belt, a robotic arm, and / or a self-propelled vehicle.

[0023] The biological sample delivery system 100 also includes a sample receiving station 108, which is coupled to the pre-analytical testing station 104'. The pre-analytical testing station 104' may include an intelligent multi-function input. In an example embodiment, the sample receiving station 108 includes a location for receiving a remote sample delivery system 110. For example, where the remote sample delivery system 110 is based on a UAV, the sample receiving station 108 may include a landing pad for the UAV. The sample receiving station 108 also includes equipment configured to secure and transport containers from the remote sample delivery system 110 to the pre-analytical testing station 104', such as a robotic arm, a bulk sorter, or the like.

[0024] As previously mentioned, the remote sample delivery system 110 may be based on a UAV, but may alternatively be based on any suitable automated vehicle, including terrestrial systems. For the purposes of this description, a UAV will be used for illustration.

[0025] In the illustrative example, the remote sample delivery system 110 includes an unmanned aerial vehicle 112 (UAV), a sample container securing mechanism 114 (e.g., a test tube holder), and a sample identification reader (e.g., a barcode reader, an RFID reader), or other systems known in the art or previously disclosed, including a visual scanner for color-coded components of the container, etc. The sample container securing mechanism 114 can clamp or otherwise surround the sample container and can optionally provide environmental control, such as appropriately heating or cooling the system to promote solidification of the sample or other appropriate pre-analytical operations, etc. The sample identification can include a unique identifier for the sample; a unique identifier for the patient from whom the sample was obtained; the date and time the sample was obtained; a unique identifier for the healthcare provider from whom the sample was obtained; a destination for the test results; and a discrete test to be performed on the biological sample by the testing station 104.

[0026] When the remote sample delivery system 110 lands the container 116 at the sample receiving station 108 or otherwise delivers the container 116 to the sample receiving station 108, the sample receiving station 108 can, for example, secure the container 116 with a robotic arm and move the container 116 to the pre-analysis test station 104'. The pre-analysis test station 104' can obtain information from the sample identification from the remote sample delivery system 110, or can perform its own reading of the sample identification to obtain relevant information about which tests are to be performed. The pre-analysis test station 114' can receive containers 116 of any different types and sizes and can prioritize the containers 116 based on their priority, for example, setting the priority of STAT containers to the highest. The pre-analysis test station 114' can identify the container 116 based on, for example, the physical attributes of the container 116 (e.g., cap color), can check the sample volume and weight, can check the unique identifier as disclosed herein, can capture an image of the container 116, and can identify the pre-rotation state designed for detection. The pre-analytical testing station 114' or another testing station 114 can utilize synchronized dual centrifuges for workload balancing between and among the various containers 116 and can include an integrated decapping device to provide access to the biological samples contained within the containers 116. The pre-analytical testing station 114 can also include an automated aliquoter. After completing the pre-analytical procedures and operations, the sample testing track 102 can then transport the containers 116 along the container transport system 106 to the various testing stations 104 corresponding to the tests included on the sample identifier.

[0027] While containers 116 can be transported individually, it should be appreciated and understood that facilitating operation of system 100 may involve clustering containers 116 and moving such clusters of containers 116 through system 100 or a portion of the system and performing operations on each of the containers 116 within a given cluster. In various examples, clusters may be formed using racks or other container holders. In one example, a test tube rack may be used to cluster test tube containers 116. In such an example, the test tube rack is configured to at least partially receive and secure the test tube containers 116. A robotic arm may grasp or otherwise secure the individual test tube containers 116 contained within the test tube rack and remove the individual test tube containers 116 for various tests, processing, or transfer to another test tube rack. In such an example, the test tube rack enables test tube containers 116 to be stored vertically, with their caps or lids facing upward to prevent spillage and provide ease of access. In various examples, one of the test stations may be or may include a universal rack builder unit, such as for use in chemistry systems, blood work units, and the like.

[0028] In one example, a test tube rack includes six by six racks with a capacity for thirty-six test tubes. Such a test tube rack has dimensions of 149 mm by 149 mm, a height of 74.4 mm, and a net weight of 250 grams. In another example, a test tube rack includes six by fourteen racks with a capacity for eighty-four test tubes. Such a test tube rack has dimensions of 319 mm by 174 mm, a height of 74.4 mm, and a net weight of 570 grams. In another example, a test tube rack includes a storage rack with a capacity for 105 test tubes. Such a storage rack has dimensions of 132 mm by 308 mm, a height of 46 mm, and a net weight of 474 grams.

[0029] The sample testing track 102 includes various identifier readers 118 located throughout. The identifier readers 118 are configured to identify the containers 116 according to any mechanism for providing sample identification as described above, such as a barcode reader, an RFID tag reader, etc. The identifier readers 118 are positioned at various points within the testing stations 104 and on the container transport system 106. Such locations can be selected to provide a desired resolution regarding the location and status of each container 116 within the sample testing track 102.

[0030] The biological sample testing system 100 also includes an electronic data storage device 120, a network interface 122, a user interface 124, and a processor 126. These components 120, 122, 124, 126 can be local to the system 100 or can be accessed remotely by the system 100. The network interface 122 communicatively couples the identifier reader 118, the electronic data storage device 120, the user interface 124, and the processor 126. The electronic data storage device 120 stores records, such as electronic medical records ("EMRs"), related to the containers 116 and the samples contained therein, in an electronic data repository. The processor 126 provides general processing for the system 100.

[0031] As a container 116 passes an identifier reader 118, the record corresponding to that container 116 is updated to record which particular identifier reader 118 the container most recently passed. Inferentially, the container 116 would then be understood to be located between the identifier reader 118 that last recorded the presence of the container 116 and the immediately subsequent identifier reader 118 within the sample testing track 102. If the identifier reader 118 is located within the testing station 104, then the identified container 116 would be understood to be within the testing station 104.

[0032] As the container 116 passes through each test station 104, the record may be similarly updated with the results of the tests run within the test station 104. Thus, as the container 116 travels through the sample testing track 102, the record of the container 116 and the sample contained in the container 116 will be increasingly populated with information from the test results and the position of the container 116 within the system's sample testing track 102.

[0033] Figure 2 An example of a biological sample testing system 200 in an extended operating area in an example embodiment is shown. In the example shown, there are multiple sample testing tracks 102 to which biological samples can be delivered. In various examples, each sample testing track 102 includes different test stations 104, which means that some sample testing tracks 102 may be able to perform a given test while other sample testing tracks may not be able to perform a given test. In addition, each sample testing track 102 can have various containers 116 at various stages of testing (including waiting for a test to be performed), which means that each sample testing track 102 can have an expected time or wait time until a test can be expected to be completed.

[0034] Located within the transport distance of the biological sample testing system 200 (e.g., the operating range of the automated remote sample delivery system) are typically a plurality of sample pickup locations 202. The sample pickup locations 202 can be locations where biological samples can be obtained, placed in containers 116 with sample identification, and prepared for attachment by the remote automated sample delivery system 110, such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, or any suitably equipped location, including private residences or non-medical commercial or industrial facilities. The sample pickup locations 202 have the capability to be accessed with or without the need for the remote automated sample delivery system 110 to land.

[0035] The biological sample testing system 200 generally includes processing capabilities as disclosed herein to plan routes for the automated remote sample delivery system 110 to pick up containers 116 from various sample pickup locations 202 and deliver the containers 116 to various automated sample testing tracks 102. Route planning can be based on criteria related to the capacity and availability of the automated sample testing tracks 102, the time required for transport between and among the automated sample testing tracks 102 and the sample pickup locations 202, and the priority of any given sample (e.g., if the sample is urgent or time-sensitive). Such processing capabilities can be included in the biological sample testing system 200 in the form of a networked processor (e.g., via cellular, WiFi, or other wired or wireless network protocols, as well as remotely available, such as a "cloud" computing service). In various examples, the automated remote sample delivery system 110 includes an onboard processor capable of functioning independently or in conjunction with other processors.

[0036] Based on processing capabilities and available information, routing can be relatively simple or complex. Thus, for example, when the components of the biological sample testing system 200 are fully networked and generally available, and the system 200 "knows" the locations of all containers 116 for pickup, the locations of the remote sample delivery systems 110, and the availability and capacity of the sample testing tracks 102, the system 200 can optimize the pickup and delivery of containers 116 based on the total time to process each container 116, or based on the priority of each sample 116, or based on any other considerations. Thus, for example, the system 200 can cause the remote sample delivery system 110 to visit multiple sample pickup locations 202 before visiting a single sample testing track 102 that is capable of processing all containers 116 picked up at the visited sample pickup locations 202. Furthermore, if time is available, the remote sample delivery system 110 can pick up multiple containers 116 and then visit multiple automated sample testing tracks 102, leaving one or more containers 116 on each sample testing track based on the capacity and availability of each of the sample testing tracks 102.

[0037] Furthermore, where the remote sample delivery system 110 is limited to its own onboard route calculation processing, the route may be relatively simple. The remote sample delivery system 110 may travel to the pickup location, acquire the container 116, and then transfer to the nearest sample testing track 102 or the nearest sample testing track 102 that the remote sample delivery system 110 "knows" has the required capabilities.

[0038] although Figure 2 The exemplary embodiment shown includes a plurality of automated sample testing tracks 102, it should be recognized and understood that Figure 2 The various principles disclosed may be applied to situations in which only one sample test track 102 is included in the biological sample testing system 200. Thus, in such an example, the remote sample delivery system 110 may only transfer between the sample pickup location 202 and the sample test track 102. When only one sample test track 102 is available or otherwise included in the biological sample testing system 200, considerations of available tests and test wait times or backlogs may not factor into decisions regarding how the remote sample delivery system 110 operates.

[0039] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating components of a machine 300 is shown that is capable of reading instructions from a machine-readable medium (e.g., a machine-readable storage medium) and performing any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, according to some examples. Specifically, Figure 3 A diagrammatic representation of a machine 300 is shown in the form of an example computer system, and instructions 324 (e.g., software) can be executed in the computer system to cause the machine 300 to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein. In alternative examples, the machine 300 operates as a standalone device or can be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine 300 can operate in the capacity of a server machine or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine 300 can be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a netbook, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a web appliance, a network router, a network switch, a bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions 324 sequentially or otherwise, specifying actions to be taken by the machine. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute instructions 324 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

[0040] The machine 300 includes a processor 302 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), or any suitable combination thereof), a main memory 304, and a static memory 306, which are configured to communicate with each other via a bus 308. The machine 300 may also include a graphics display 310 (e.g., a plasma display panel (PDP), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a projector, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The machine 300 may also include an alphanumeric input device 312 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 314 (e.g., a mouse, touchpad, trackball, joystick, motion sensor, or other pointing instrument), a storage unit 316, a signal generating device 318 (e.g., a speaker), and a network interface device 320.

[0041] The storage unit 316 includes a machine-readable medium 322 on which are stored instructions 324 (e.g., software) embodying any one or more of the methods or functions described herein. During execution of the instructions 324 by the machine 300, the instructions 324 may reside completely or at least partially within the main memory 304, within the processor 302 (e.g., within a cache memory of the processor), or within both. Thus, the main memory 304 and the processor 302 may be considered machine-readable media. The instructions 324 may be sent or received over a network 326 via the network interface device 320.

[0042] As used herein, the term "memory" refers to a machine-readable medium capable of temporarily or permanently storing data, and may be considered to include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), cache memory, flash memory, and cache memory. Although the machine-readable medium 322 is shown as a single medium in the example, the term "machine-readable medium" should be considered to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed data repository, or associated caches and servers) that can store instructions. The term "machine-readable medium" should also be considered to include any medium or combination of multiple media that can store or carry instructions (e.g., software) for execution by a machine (e.g., machine 300), such that the instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the machine (e.g., processor 302), cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described herein. Thus, "machine-readable medium" refers to a single storage device or device, as well as a "cloud-based" storage system or storage network comprising multiple storage devices or devices. Accordingly, the term "machine-readable medium" should be considered to include, but is not limited to, one or more data repositories in the form of solid-state memory, optical media, magnetic media, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0043] Figure 4 1 is a user interface 400 for tracking containers 116 within a sample test track 102 in an example embodiment. The user interface 400 may be on a computer display or on a display of a tablet computer, smartphone, etc. The user interface 400 may have or may be a touch screen interface and / or may be interfaced with via a mouse or other remote device.

[0044] The user interface 400 includes an abstract diagram 401 of the sample test track 102 in general and the test stations 104 in particular, with icons 402 of containers 116 superimposed thereon and wherein the positions of the containers 116 are based on the positions of the containers 116 obtained from associated records stored in the electronic data storage 120. In the illustrated example, each icon 402 is generic, with no specific distinguishing information, unless a user selects the icon 402, at which point information such as a unique identifier of the associated container 116 may be displayed. However, in alternative examples, some or all of the icons 402 may be accompanied by the unique identifier of the associated container 116.

[0045] Although the example of diagram 401 shown is abstract, it should be recognized and understood that user interface 400 can alternatively provide less abstract images. For example, icon 402 can be an image of a container or a vial, can depict automated test station 104 with varying degrees of photorealism, etc. User interface 400 can provide a mechanism for switching between abstract images and more realistic images.

[0046] In various examples, each icon 402 is identical. However, in alternative examples, the icons 402 may be different to provide status information for the associated container 116. For example, the color of the icon 402 may change depending on the status of the container 116; if the container 116 is being actively tested by the automated test station 104, the icon 402 may be green; if the container 116 is being transported on the container conveyor system 106, the icon 402 may be yellow; if the container 116 is awaiting testing at the test station 104, the icon 402 may be red, and so on. Furthermore, the icons 402 may change appearance in more ways than simply changing color, as desired, to indicate the status of the container 116 and the sample therein. Furthermore, in the case where multiple containers 116 are substantially co-located (e.g., because the containers 116 are located in the same test tube holder), the icons 402 may be enlarged or otherwise altered to represent multiple, separate, co-located containers 116.

[0047] When icon 402 is selected, window 404 may display information about container 116, the sample in the container, and the status of container 116 within automated sample testing track 102 based on the record of container 116 retrieved from electronic data storage 120. As shown, window 404 displays unique identifier 406; a location description 408 of the current location of container 116; and test status 410, which details the tests that have been performed, the results of those tests, and the tests that have not yet been performed. It should be appreciated and understood that any relevant desired information may be obtained and displayed in window 404, and that the window may provide one or more links to other sources of information about container 116 and sample that may be impractical or impossible to display in window 404.

[0048] The user interface 400 also includes a search line 412 that enables the user to enter a search term to identify a desired container 116. The search term can include any information about the container 116 and sample included in the associated records, and the processor 118 can compare the search term with each record to identify one or more records corresponding to the search term. Even if more than one container 116 corresponds to the search term, the user is prompted to select one of the possible results. When the desired container 116 is identified based on the search term, the user interface 400 can highlight or otherwise draw attention to the associated icon 402 to show the location of the container 116 in the automated sample testing track 102. In various examples, information related to the container 116 and sample can be displayed in a window 404. If a specific container is not identified, each icon 402 associated with a potential container 116 can be highlighted or otherwise identified.

[0049] The user interface 400 may also provide information about the status of the automated sample testing track 102 and the automated test stations 104, as well as the container transport system 106. In the example, a user may select a particular automated test station 104 to obtain information about the function and status of the automated test station 104, such as the number of containers 108 tested by the automated test station 104, the capacity of the automated test station 104 to access more containers, and the operational status of the automated test station 104 (e.g., operational, non-operational, reduced capacity, etc.).

[0050] In addition, the user interface 402 may provide an indication of a backlog. For example, if more than a predetermined number of containers 108 are at a particular location, the user interface 402 may highlight the location or otherwise indicate that a backlog has occurred. The user interface 402 may also indicate the number of containers 108 present at the location and / or the number of containers 116 that exceed a predetermined number.

[0051] In addition, the user interface 402 can identify potentially non-compliant automated test stations 104 and provide alerts indicating potential failures. The system 100 in general and the processor 118 in particular can identify potential failures based on a comparison of records of containers 108 and samples that have been tested by the automated test station 104 with the pass / fail criteria of the associated tests. If a high percentage of these tests fail within a predetermined time period, the automated test station 104 can be marked as a potential failure, and the user interface 400 can highlight or otherwise draw attention to the automated test station 104 with an alert detailing the basis for the discovery of the potential failure.

[0052] In one embodiment, the methods disclosed herein may be performed using techniques such as artificial intelligence or machine learning, wherein the system may automatically learn and improve from past historical experiences that may be stored in a repository. In some other embodiments, other techniques may be used to automate and improve the system, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these techniques fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In an example embodiment, the UAV may access the repository to efficiently automate the processing of biological samples based on historical data present in the repository.

[0053] Throughout this specification, multiple instances can be implemented as parts, operations or structures described as single instances. Although the individual operations of one or more methods are shown and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations can be performed simultaneously and do not require the operations to be performed in the order shown. The structure and function presented as separate parts in the example configuration can be implemented as a combined structure or parts. Similarly, the structure and function presented as a single part can be implemented as a separate part. These and other variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

[0054] Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or multiple components, modules, or mechanisms. A module may constitute a software module (e.g., a code implemented on a machine-readable medium or in a transmission signal) or a hardware module. A "hardware module" is a tangible unit that is capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in some physical manner. In various example embodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., a stand-alone computer system, a client computer system, or a server computer system) or one or more hardware modules (e.g., a processor or a group of processors) of a computer system may be configured by software (e.g., an application or application portion) as a hardware module that operates to perform certain operations as described herein.

[0055] In some embodiments, the hardware module can be implemented mechanically, electronically, or in any suitable combination thereof. For example, the hardware module can include dedicated circuits or logic that are permanently configured to perform certain operations. For example, the hardware module can be a dedicated processor such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC. The hardware module can also include programmable logic or circuits that are temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. For example, the hardware module can include software contained in a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor. It should be understood that the decision to implement the hardware module mechanically, in a dedicated and permanently configured circuit, or in a temporarily configured circuit (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

[0056] Thus, the phrase "hardware module" should be understood to include a tangible entity, i.e., an entity that is physically constructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired) or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in some manner or perform certain operations described herein. As used herein, a "hardware-implemented module" refers to a hardware module. Given implementations in which hardware modules are temporarily configured (e.g., programmed), it is not necessary to configure or instantiate each of the hardware modules at any one instance in time. For example, where the hardware module includes a general-purpose processor that is configured by software to be a special-purpose processor, the general-purpose processor can be configured as different special-purpose processors (e.g., including different hardware modules) at different times. The software can configure the processor accordingly, for example, to constitute a particular hardware module at one instance in time and to constitute a different hardware module at a different instance in time.

[0057] A hardware module can provide information to other hardware modules and receive information from other hardware modules. Therefore, the described hardware modules can be considered to be communicatively coupled. In the case where multiple hardware modules exist simultaneously, communication can be achieved by signal transmission (e.g., by suitable circuits and buses) between or among two or more hardware modules. In an embodiment where multiple hardware modules are configured or instantiated at different times, communication between such hardware modules can be achieved, for example, by the storage and retrieval of information in a memory structure accessed by multiple hardware modules. For example, a hardware module can perform an operation and store the output of the operation in a memory device to which it is communicatively coupled. Then, another hardware module can access a storage device at a later time to retrieve and process the stored output. A hardware module can also initiate communication with an input or output device and can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection of information).

[0058] The various operations of the example methods described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more processors that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily configured or permanently configured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more operations or functions described herein. As used herein, a "processor-implemented module" refers to a hardware module implemented using one or more processors.

[0059] Similarly, the methods described herein can be implemented at least in part by a processor, which is an example of hardware. For example, at least some of the operations of the method can be performed by one or more processors or a module implemented by the processor. In addition, one or more processors can also operate to support the execution of related operations in a "cloud computing" environment or as "software as a service" (SaaS). For example, at least some of the operations can be performed by a group of computers (as an example of a machine including a processor), which can be accessed via a network (e.g., the Internet) and via one or more suitable interfaces (e.g., application program interface (API)).

[0060] The execution of certain operations may be distributed among one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine, but also deployed across multiple machines. In some example embodiments, one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be located in a single geographic location (e.g., in a home environment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other example embodiments, one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be distributed across multiple geographic locations.

[0061] Some parts of this specification are presented in the form of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data stored as bits or binary digital signals in machine memory (e.g., computer memory). These algorithms or symbolic representations are technical examples used by those of ordinary skill in the art of data processing to convey the essence of their work to other persons of skill in the art. As used herein, an "algorithm" is a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processes that result in a desired result. In this case, algorithms and operations involve physical manipulations of physical quantities. Typically, but not necessarily, such quantities can take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals that can be stored, accessed, transmitted, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated by a machine. Sometimes, primarily for general reasons, it is convenient to use words such as "data," "content," "bit," "value," "element," "symbol," "character," "term," "digit," "numeral," etc. to refer to such signals. However, these words are merely convenient labels and are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities.

[0062] Unless expressly stated otherwise, discussions herein using words such as "process," "calculate," "calculate," "determine," "present," "display," and the like may refer to the action or process of a machine (e.g., a computer) manipulating or transforming data represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical) quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or any suitable combination thereof), registers, or other machine components that receive, store, send, or display information. Furthermore, as is common in patent literature, quantifier-free terms ("a" or "an") are used herein to include one or more than one instance, unless expressly stated otherwise. Finally, as used herein, the conjunction "or" refers to a non-exclusive "or," unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0063] Other Examples

[0064] In Example 1, a biological sample testing system includes: a remote sample delivery system configured to secure a container for a biological sample, the container including a sample identifier; a sample receiving station configured to receive the container from the remote sample delivery system based on the sample identifier, wherein the remote sample delivery system is configured to automatically navigate to the sample receiving station when the container is secured to the remote sample delivery system; and a sample testing track including a container transport system and a plurality of testing stations, the container transport system configured to sequentially deliver the container to a separate one of the plurality of testing stations based at least in part on the sample identifier.

[0065] In Example 2, the biological sample testing system of Example 1 optionally further includes: the remote sample delivery system is configured to navigate to the sample receiving station based at least in part on the sample identification.

[0066] In Example 3, the biological sample testing system of any one or more of Examples 1 and 2 optionally further includes: the biological sample testing system further includes a plurality of sample receiving stations and a plurality of sample testing tracks, each individual sample testing track in the sample testing tracks being associated with a sample receiving station in the plurality of sample receiving stations, and wherein the remote sample delivery system is configured to deliver the container to a predetermined one of the plurality of sample receiving stations based at least in part on an associated one of the plurality of sample testing tracks.

[0067] In Example 4, the biological sample testing system of any one or more of Examples 1 to 3 optionally further includes: each of the multiple sample testing tracks includes a mix of test stations, and wherein at least one of the multiple sample testing tracks has a different mix of test stations compared to another of the multiple sample testing tracks, and wherein the remote sample delivery system is configured to navigate to one of the multiple sample receiving stations based at least in part on the mix of test stations of an associated one of the multiple sample testing tracks.

[0068] In Example 5, the biological sample testing system of any one or more of Examples 1 to 4 optionally further includes: the sample identification corresponds to a series of tests to be performed on the biological sample, and wherein the remote sample delivery system is configured to navigate to one of the multiple sample receiving stations based on a mix of test stations of an associated one of the multiple sample tracks that is capable of performing the series of tests.

[0069] In Example 6, the biological sample testing system of any one or more of Examples 1 to 5 optionally further includes: each of the multiple sample testing tracks has an availability status, and wherein the remote sample delivery system is configured to navigate to one of the multiple sample receiving stations based on the availability status of an associated one of the multiple sample tracks.

[0070] In Example 7, the biological sample testing system of any one or more of Examples 1 to 6 optionally further includes: each of the plurality of sample testing tracks is configured to update an availability status of the sample testing track based at least in part on an expected wait time for a sample to be tested.

[0071] In Example 8, the biological sample testing system of any one or more of Examples 1 to 7 optionally further includes: the remote sample delivery system is configured to navigate to a plurality of sample receiving locations and secure at least one container at each of the plurality of sample receiving locations.

[0072] In Example 9, the method includes: using a remote sample delivery system to secure a container for a biological sample, the container including a sample identification; using the remote sample delivery system to automatically navigate to a sample receiving station based on the sample secured to the remote sample delivery system; using the sample receiving station to receive the container; and using a container transport system to sequentially deliver the container to a separate test station among a plurality of test stations of a sample testing track based at least in part on the sample identification.

[0073] In Example 10, the method of Example 9 optionally further includes: the automatic navigation is also based at least in part on the sample identification.

[0074] In Example 11, the method of any one or more of Examples 9 and 10 optionally further includes: the biological sample testing system further includes a plurality of sample receiving stations and a plurality of sample testing tracks, each individual sample testing track in the sample testing tracks is associated with a sample receiving station in the plurality of sample receiving stations, and wherein the automatic navigation is automatically navigated to a predetermined one of the plurality of sample receiving stations based at least in part on the associated one of the plurality of sample testing tracks.

[0075] In Example 12, the method of any one or more of Examples 9 to 11 optionally further includes: each of the multiple sample test tracks includes a mix of test stations, and wherein at least one of the multiple sample test tracks has a different mix of test stations compared to another of the multiple sample test tracks, and wherein the automatic navigation is automatically navigated to one of the multiple sample receiving stations based at least in part on the mix of test stations of an associated one of the multiple sample test tracks.

[0076] In Example 13, the method of any one or more of Examples 9 to 12 optionally further includes: the sample identification corresponds to a series of tests to be performed on the biological sample, and wherein the automatic navigation automatically navigates to one of the multiple sample receiving stations based on a mix of test stations associated with one of the multiple sample tracks capable of performing the series of tests.

[0077] In Example 14, the method of any one or more of Examples 9 to 13 optionally further includes: each of the plurality of sample test tracks has an availability status, and wherein the automatic navigation automatically navigates to one of the plurality of sample receiving stations based on the availability status of an associated one of the plurality of sample tracks.

[0078] In Example 15, the method of any one or more of Examples 9 to 14 optionally further includes: each of the plurality of sample test tracks updating an availability status of the sample test track based at least in part on an expected wait time for a sample to be tested.

[0079] In Example 16, the method of any one or more of Examples 9 to 15 optionally further includes: the automated navigation is navigating to a plurality of sample receiving locations and securing at least one container at each of the plurality of sample receiving locations.

[0080] In Example 17, a remote sample delivery system includes an unmanned autonomous aerial vehicle, and a sample container securing mechanism secured to the unmanned autonomous aerial vehicle and configured to secure a container for a biological sample, the container including a sample identifier, wherein the remote sample delivery system is configured to automatically navigate to a sample receiving station of a biological sample testing system based at least in part on the sample identifier when the container is secured to the remote sample delivery system.

[0081] In Example 18, the remote sample delivery system of Example 17 optionally further includes: the biological sample testing system includes a plurality of sample receiving stations and a plurality of sample testing tracks, each individual sample testing track in the sample testing tracks is associated with a sample receiving station in the plurality of sample receiving stations, and wherein the remote sample delivery system is configured to deliver the container to a predetermined one of the plurality of sample receiving stations based at least in part on an associated sample testing track in the plurality of sample testing tracks.

[0082] In Example 19, the remote sample delivery system of any one or more of Examples 17 and 18 optionally further includes: the biological sample testing system further includes a plurality of sample receiving stations and a plurality of sample testing tracks, each individual sample testing track in the sample testing tracks being associated with one of the plurality of sample receiving stations, and wherein the automatic navigation is automatic navigation to a predetermined one of the plurality of sample receiving stations based at least in part on the associated one of the plurality of sample testing tracks.

[0083] In Example 20, the remote sample delivery system of any one or more of Examples 17 to 19 optionally further includes: each of the multiple sample testing tracks includes a mix of test stations, and wherein at least one of the multiple sample testing tracks has a different mix of test stations compared to another of the multiple sample testing tracks, and wherein the automatic navigation is automatic navigation to one of the multiple sample receiving stations based at least in part on the mix of test stations of an associated one of the multiple sample testing tracks.

[0084] In Example 21, the remote sample delivery system of any one or more of Examples 17 to 20 optionally further includes: the sample identification corresponds to a series of tests to be performed on the biological sample, and wherein the automatic navigation is based on a mix of test stations of an associated one of the multiple sample tracks that are capable of performing the series of tests to automatically navigate to one of the multiple sample receiving stations.

[0085] In Example 22, the remote sample delivery system of any one or more of Examples 17 to 21 optionally further includes: each of the multiple sample testing tracks has an availability status, and wherein the automatic navigation automatically navigates to one of the multiple sample receiving stations based on the availability status of an associated one of the multiple sample tracks.

[0086] Unless expressly stated otherwise, discussions herein using words such as "process," "calculate," "calculate," "determine," "present," "display," and the like may refer to the action or process of a machine (e.g., a computer) manipulating or transforming data represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical) quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or any suitable combination thereof), registers, or other machine components that receive, store, transmit, or display information. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, as is common in patent literature, quantifier-free terms ("a" or "an") are used herein to include one or more than one instance. Finally, unless expressly stated otherwise, as used herein, the conjunction "or" refers to a non-exclusive "or."

Claims

1. A biological sample testing system comprising: A remote sample delivery system comprising an unmanned autonomous aerial vehicle and a sample container securing mechanism secured to the unmanned autonomous aerial vehicle and configured to secure a container for a biological sample, the container comprising a sample identifier; a sample receiving station configured to receive the container from the remote sample delivery system based on the sample identification, wherein the remote sample delivery system is configured to automatically navigate to the sample receiving station when the container is secured to the remote sample delivery system; and a sample testing track comprising a pre-analytical testing station, a container transport system, and a plurality of testing stations, the container transport system being configured to sequentially deliver the containers to individual testing stations of the plurality of testing stations based at least in part on the sample identification, wherein the sample receiving station is coupled to the pre-analysis testing station, and Wherein, the sample receiving station includes a landing site for the unmanned autonomous aerial vehicle.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The remote sample delivery system is configured to navigate to the sample receiving station based at least in part on the sample identification.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The biological sample testing system further comprises a plurality of sample receiving stations and a plurality of sample testing tracks, each individual sample testing track of the sample testing tracks being associated with one of the plurality of sample receiving stations, and wherein the remote sample delivery system is configured to deliver the container to a predetermined one of the plurality of sample receiving stations based at least in part on the associated one of the plurality of sample testing tracks.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the plurality of sample testing tracks includes a mix of test stations, and wherein at least one of the plurality of sample testing tracks has a different mix of test stations compared to other sample testing tracks in the plurality of sample testing tracks, and wherein the remote sample delivery system is configured to navigate to a sample receiving station in the plurality of sample receiving stations based at least in part on the mix of test stations of an associated one of the plurality of sample testing tracks.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The sample identification corresponds to a series of tests to be performed on the biological sample, and wherein the remote sample delivery system is configured to navigate to the one of the multiple sample receiving stations based on a mix of testing stations of an associated one of the multiple sample testing tracks that are capable of performing the series of tests.

6. The system according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the plurality of sample testing tracks has an availability status, and wherein the remote sample delivery system is configured to navigate to the one of the plurality of sample receiving stations based on the availability status of the associated one of the plurality of sample testing tracks.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the plurality of sample test tracks is configured to update an availability status of the sample test track based at least in part on an expected wait time for a sample to be tested.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The remote sample delivery system is configured to navigate to a plurality of sample receiving locations and secure at least one container at each of the plurality of sample receiving locations.

9. A biological sample testing method comprising: securing a container for a biological sample using a remote sample delivery system, the container including a sample identifier, wherein the remote sample delivery system includes an unmanned autonomous aerial vehicle and a sample container securing mechanism, the sample container securing mechanism being secured to the unmanned autonomous aerial vehicle; using the remote sample delivery system, automatically navigating to a sample receiving station when the sample container is secured to the remote sample delivery system; receiving the container using the sample receiving station; and sequentially delivering the containers to individual testing stations of a plurality of testing stations of a sample testing track based at least in part on the sample identification using a container transport system, wherein the sample receiving station is coupled to a pre-analysis test station of the sample testing track, and Wherein, the sample receiving station includes a landing site for the unmanned autonomous aerial vehicle.

10. The biological sample testing method according to claim 9, wherein: The automated navigation is also based at least in part on the sample identification.

11. The biological sample testing method according to claim 10, wherein: The biological sample testing system also includes a plurality of sample receiving stations and a plurality of sample testing tracks, each individual sample testing track of the sample testing tracks being associated with one of the plurality of sample receiving stations, and wherein the automatic navigation is automatically navigated to a predetermined one of the plurality of sample receiving stations based at least in part on the associated one of the plurality of sample testing tracks.

12. The biological sample testing method according to claim 11, wherein: Each of the plurality of sample test tracks includes a mix of test stations, and wherein at least one of the plurality of sample test tracks has a different mix of test stations than other sample test tracks in the plurality of sample test tracks, and wherein the automated navigation automatically navigates to a sample receiving station in the plurality of sample receiving stations based at least in part on the mix of test stations of an associated one of the plurality of sample test tracks.

13. The biological sample testing method according to claim 12, wherein: The sample identification corresponds to a series of tests to be performed on the biological sample, and wherein the automated navigation automatically navigates to the one of the plurality of sample receiving stations based on a mix of testing stations of an associated one of the plurality of sample testing tracks that are capable of performing the series of tests.

14. The biological sample testing method according to claim 11, wherein: Each of the plurality of sample testing tracks has an availability status, and wherein the automated navigation navigates to the one of the plurality of sample receiving stations based on the availability status of the associated one of the plurality of sample testing tracks.

15. The biological sample testing method according to claim 14, further comprising: Each of the plurality of sample test tracks updates an availability status of the sample test track based at least in part on an expected wait time for a sample to be tested.

16. The biological sample testing method according to claim 9, wherein: The automated navigation is to navigate to a plurality of sample receiving locations and secure at least one container at each of the plurality of sample receiving locations.

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