Processing system and method for processing consumables

Abstract

A processing system for processing consumables includes: a container in which the consumables are arranged, the container including an RFID tag having at least one RFID tag storage portion for storing consumables state information indicating a filling state of the consumables arranged in the container; an RFID reading unit configured to read information from the RFID tag; an RFID writing unit configured to write information on the RFID tag; and a removal unit configured to remove a portion of the consumable from the container; wherein the processing system is configured to: read consumable status information from the at least one RFID tag storage portion by means of the RFID reading unit; removing a portion of the consumable from the container by means of a removal unit; determining whether a predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied after a portion of the consumable is removed from the container by the removal unit based on the consumable state information read by the RFID reading unit, and updating the consumable state information on the RFID tag by means of the RFID writing unit in a case where the prohibition condition is not satisfied; and irreversibly modifying the RFID tag if the prohibition condition is satisfied, so that the processing system can identify that the prohibition condition is satisfied according to the RFID tag.

Description

[0001] The claimed invention relates to a processing system for processing consumables.

[0002] The processing system can be part of an automated analysis system, which can include several modules such as an input module, a preparation module, a storage module, a processing module, an analysis module (related to, for example, chemistry, hematology or immunoassay), and an output module. The several modules can be connected by a transfer section and are typically used in an environment such as a hospital or a laboratory to analyze various samples such as blood samples and liquid samples.

[0003] During the processing and analysis of samples, several consumables (consumable laboratory items) are used by the system. Examples of such items are tips, caps, tubes, liquids or reagents. Multiple or a specific quantity of these items are stored in containers such as racks, bottles or boxes, which are certified and configured to be inserted into and used with the processing system. In a conventional system, the container can contain identification means, such as RFID tags, which can be used to verify whether the container is certified and which items it contains.

[0004] Such a system can also process a large number of consumables, as well as other consumables and / or samples, at a higher speed in various steps. To achieve reliable automation of the process, it is desirable for the system to have certain identification information and status information about the containers and consumables, such as: information about the container (e.g., container identification and certification information), the type of consumable (e.g., tip, cap, fluid), the capacity of the container, the arrangement and position of the consumables in the container, and the filling status of the consumables in the container.

[0005] For the processing of consumables, a set of information (e.g., container and consumable identification and initial consumable arrangement and position information) can be input and stored in the system at an initial point. This can be done by manually inputting the information or using the identification information stored on an RFID tag attached to the container, where, for an identified container, the system can store information related to the corresponding arrangement and position information of the consumables. This information can be automatically recorded in the system for the container for which the consumables are processed by the system.

[0006] However, system failures that result in restarts, data loss, or the use of a used container in a different system may cause a deviation between the information identified or stored within the system and the actual state of the consumables within the container. Such a deviation may lead to: improper use of the container, which needs to be carefully identified and corrected, and / or may cause additional failures or inefficiencies within the analysis and processing procedures. Additionally, even in systems that use RFID tags, it is difficult to reliably prevent improper use of the container, such as filling an empty container with already used consumables or uncertified third-party consumables that do not meet the required quality standards, especially since RFID tags may be tampered with. Such improper use may also lead to system failures. Furthermore, in order to correctly monitor containers that have been (partially) emptied and transferred to another processing system, the systems must be interconnected, resulting in a complex architecture.

[0007] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a processing system and method for processing consumables, which enable the status information of the consumables within the container to be identified in a simple and reliable manner.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to a processing system for processing consumables, the processing system comprising: a container arranged with consumables, the container including an RFID tag having at least one RFID tag storage portion for storing consumable status information indicating the filling status of the consumables arranged in the container; an RFID reading unit configured to read information from the RFID tag; an RFID writing unit configured to write information onto the RFID tag; and a removal unit configured to remove a portion of the consumables from the container; wherein the processing system is configured to: read the consumable status information from at least one RFID tag storage portion by means of the RFID reading unit; remove a portion of the consumables from the container by means of the removal unit; determine whether a predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied after removing a portion of the consumables from the container by the removal unit based on the consumable status information read by the RFID reading unit, and, in the case where the prohibition condition is not satisfied, update the consumable status information on the RFID tag by means of the RFID writing unit, and, in the case where the prohibition condition is satisfied, irreversibly modify the RFID tag such that the processing system can identify that the prohibition condition is satisfied based on the RFID tag.

[0009] Advantageously, even after restarting the system or if the container is transferred to another system, the processing system can reliably identify the current filling state of the consumables based on the RFID tag of the container simply by reading the RFID tag. Furthermore, it is possible to reliably identify that a prohibited condition is met based on the RFID tag that has been irreversibly modified, which enables reliable prevention of improper use of the container and / or the consumables contained therein, for example, by presenting a notification, where the notification can be a warning or a restriction of further processing in such a case. In particular, since the RFID tag is irreversibly modified, it is no longer possible to further modify the RFID tag to return it to the state before the irreversible modification.

[0010] In at least one RFID tag storage section, consumable status information indicating the filling state of the consumables arranged in the container is stored. Generally, all information from which the filling state can be derived (either alone or in combination with the information stored in the processing system) can be the consumable status information indicating the filling state of the consumables. This advantageously enables the use of RFID tags with a simple and / or inexpensive RFID tag structure, because it is not necessary to store all the filling state information on the RFID tag, but only a part of the filling state information is stored, or even only a part of the information that the system can process to derive an indication of the filling state (such as compressed data or related information) is stored.

[0011] Examples of such consumable status information indicating the filling state of the consumables arranged in the container can be: a simple counter, which in combination with the total number of consumables (which can be stored in the system) can be used to derive the filling state and ultimately determine the empty state of the container; furthermore, the aforementioned simple counter in combination with a predefined order of removal positions (which can be stored in the system) can be used to determine the filling state with position resolution (in other words, it can be used to determine the next removal position and the empty state of the container).

[0012] Therefore, it is possible to advantageously derive the filling state by using simple information. The storage of the consumable status information and the information in the system with which it is combined further enables a simple RFID tag structure.

[0013] It may also be possible without additional information stored in the processing system. In other words, all the necessary information for deriving the filling state of the consumables arranged in the container can be stored on the RFID tag. By doing so, it is possible to use the container more flexibly and independently with respect to multiple systems without the need to update the processing system.

[0014] Consumable status information can include or relate to: the number of items (tips, caps, tubes) on the shelf / in the box; the position (coordinates) of the items on the shelf; the (remaining or removed) volume of liquid in the tube / bottle; the (remaining or removed) volume / quantity of reagent in the box / tube / bottle.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the consumable status information can relate to the removal of consumables disposed in a container such that the consumable status information can include or relate to: the removal of multiple consumables from the position of the container; the removal of a certain volume / quantity of consumables; the time of (first) removal; the initial fill state, the current fill state, and / or the fill state threshold; the number of removals (i.e., a counter); the number of write operations / update operations. Depending on the type of container, the type of consumable, and / or the system, the consumable status information can be configured to include combinations of the above to achieve a desired RFID tag structure and processing system structure. Accordingly, the processing system can be variably configured according to external requirements.

[0016] The system is configured to: determine whether a predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied after removing a portion of the consumables from the container based on the consumable status information read by the RFID reading unit. The determination can be any type of determination that can be performed by the system or a part of the system (such as, a controller or a CPU). For example, the determination can involve any one of the following: calculation; logical comparison of values, conditions, and / or thresholds; prediction based on known values. Determining whether the prohibition condition is satisfied or will be satisfied after removing a portion of the consumables from the container is decisive. The timing of the determination can be before the actual removal or after removing a portion of the consumables from the container. The determination can be based on values on the RFID tag and values within the processing system (or, in the case where the container has been transferred to another processing system, values within multiple processing systems), where at least identification / categorization information of the container and the consumables stored on the RFID tag for connecting the RFID tag and system information is used, or the determination can be based only on information stored on the RFID tag.

[0017] Advantageously, the processing system can associate the removal of a portion of the consumables with the consumable status information to reliably determine that the predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied. Accordingly, the determination does not need to be based only on information stored in the system. In addition, the system is capable of connecting the predetermined prohibition condition to the fill state derived from the consumable status information.

[0018] The prohibition condition can be any condition that may be beneficial for restricting the use of the container. Additionally, the prohibition condition can be defined in the system and / or on the RFID tag such that the prohibition condition can be defined by information stored in the system, by information stored on the RFID tag, or the system can be configured to: define the prohibition condition according to information in the system and information on the RFID tag.

[0019] For example, it can be defined that the prohibition condition is satisfied when the container (a part of the container) is empty, or when a specific number of removals or a specific amount of removal has occurred, or when a specific time has passed since the initial removal. Considering the time elapsed since the initial removal of the consumable, it is advantageously possible to take into account the storage life / stability / durability of the consumable starting from the seal break. For the conditions related to removal, the prohibition condition can be related to the filling state of the consumable.

[0020] Advantageously, the definition of the prohibition condition involves the container (a part of the container) being empty, or a specific number of removals or a specific amount of removal having occurred, or a specific time having passed since the initial removal, achieving a separate definition for different types of containers (depending on the most reasonable variables for the corresponding container), that is, when it may be beneficial to restrict the use of the said container.

[0021] An example for determining that the defined prohibition condition is satisfied in the case of an "empty container" can be: Given the initial number X of consumables in a new / full container, the consumable status information is the number Y of consumables removed from the container, and after removing a specific amount of consumables, such that Y = X - 1, the system knows that after removing the next consumable, the container will be empty and the prohibition condition is satisfied.

[0022] Advantageously, the restriction on the use of the container can be based on the system's determination of the prohibition condition related to the empty state of the container or a part of the container, such that the handling of an empty container (a part of the container) is restricted, especially prohibited by the handling system.

[0023] The satisfaction of the prohibition condition can also be defined based on a combination of considering the empty state, the number of removals, and / or a specific time elapsed since the initial removal. For example, the number of removals and the time since the first removal may both be involved in the beneficial restriction of further removals. Based on the time elapsed since the first removal, the handling system can determine that even if the container is not empty after a removal, the prohibition condition is satisfied after removing a part of the consumables from the container. If this occurs before reaching a specific time limit, the handling system can also determine that the prohibition condition is satisfied in the case where the container will become empty after the removal.

[0024] In addition, additional prohibition conditions can be defined in the system, and the said additional prohibition condition is satisfied when it is determined that: the container does not include an RFID tag; the container includes a faulty / damaged RFID tag; an RFID tag with certain information registered in the handling system is read (e.g., "irregularly modified at a certain point in time").

[0025] Defining additional prohibited conditions enables the system to determine prohibited conditions and can also be useful for restricting the use of the container, which can occur independently of removing the consumable from the container.

[0026] In addition, the processing system can know or store multiple prohibited conditions, the RFID tag can know or store multiple prohibited conditions, or both the processing system and the RFID tag can know or store multiple prohibited conditions. Additionally, multiple prohibited conditions can be defined based on a combination of information stored on the RFID tag and within the processing system. Additionally, instructions for assigning prohibited conditions to a specific container or specific consumable can be stored within the processing system and / or on the RFID tag. In particular, prohibited conditions can be defined for parts of the container such that for each part of the container, it can be determined whether the prohibited condition is met. For example, based on an indication that a part of the container is empty after removing a part of the consumable from the container, it can be determined that the prohibited condition for the part of the container is met. In particular, a part of the container can be a row or array of consumable holding positions or slots.

[0027] Advantageously, the processing system and / or the RFID tag knowing multiple prohibited conditions enables the processing system to determine that for a single container and in particular for each part of the container, one of multiple predetermined prohibited conditions is met. Additionally, the system can assign multiple prohibited conditions to a container or a part of the container.

[0028] The prohibited conditions can be encoded in the system and / or on the RFID tag in a suitable manner.

[0029] The processing system is configured to irreversibly modify the RFID tag when the prohibited condition is met, such that the processing system can identify that the prohibited condition is met based on the RFID tag. Thus, the system can be configured to irreversibly modify the RFID tag according to the prohibited condition such that for different prohibited conditions known to the system, the irreversible modification can be different for each prohibited condition. The irreversible modification can be performed by an RFID writing unit or by an RFID modification unit, where the RFID writing unit and the RFID modification unit can be fully or partially integrated into one unit.

[0030] The irreversible modification of the RFID tag is a permanent modification of the RFID tag and can be a modification of the entire RFID tag or only a specific part of the RFID tag, in particular a modification of at least one RFID tag storage part.

[0031] Advantageously, the irreversible modification ensures that an RFID tag with an irreversible modification or an irreversibly modified part of an RFID tag cannot be modified to return to its state before the irreversible modification. Thus, the processing system will be able to permanently identify, based on the RFID tag with the irreversible modification or the irreversibly modified part of the RFID tag, that a prohibited condition is met. This further ensures that tampering with the RFID tag will not restore a state where the processing system cannot identify, based on the RFID tag, that a prohibited condition is met.

[0032] The irreversible modification can be any deactivation of an RFID tag or a part of an RFID tag known in the art. The modification can be any of the following: deactivation by a kill command or a partial kill command; physical destruction via electrical damage, irradiation, mechanical damage, chemical damage; removal of the RFID tag; full or partial encryption; irreversible / permanent overwriting (e.g., marking); deletion of a (non-replicable) processing key on the RFID tag; or a combination thereof.

[0033] The processing system can be a system that can be integrated into different modules of an automated analysis system. The processing system can be a system that directly receives a container with consumables from a user or from another system / module, particularly from another processing system or a module of an automated analysis system. The processing system can process the consumables individually, or can perform preprocessing of the consumables for further processing, particularly further processing carried out in an automated analysis system. The processing system can also process the consumables together with other consumables to generate a product, particularly a product used by an automated analysis system. The processing system can also process consumables, particularly consumables with samples, for analysis of the samples.

[0034] Consumables can be items used in, for example, an automated system, particularly an automated analysis system. Examples of consumables can be: tips for liquid uptake; caps and tubes for closed tube production; other laboratory items; liquids; reagents.

[0035] Examples of containers can be: racks for tips, tubes, caps or other laboratory items; tubes or bottles for liquids; boxes for loose reagents or laboratory items; well plates.

[0036] The arrangement of the consumables in the container can include: placing the consumables (e.g., tips) in the slots of a rack; filling the consumables (e.g., liquids) in a bottle; filling the consumables (e.g., reagents, loose items) in a box or a part of a box (e.g., reagents, loose items).

[0037] In addition to consumable status information, the RFID tag can also store container-specific information such as the unique ID of the container, information specifying the type of the container and / or consumable, and / or information specifying the removal location, removal coordinates, and / or removal order of the consumable. Additionally, the container-specific information can be stored in at least one RFID tag storage section, or in one or more separate, optionally non-overwriteable additional storage sections.

[0038] The RFID storage section can be part of the RFID tag, defined virtually by data or physically by the RFID tag structure, and can be separated from other parts of the RFID tag.

[0039] The RFID reading unit can read data and information from the RFID tag, such as consumable status information. In this application, "reading" the RFID tag can be understood to be performed by the RFID reading unit.

[0040] The RFID writing unit can write data and information onto the RFID tag and can send data and information to the RFID tag. In this application, "writing" onto the RFID tag can be understood to be performed by the RFID writing unit.

[0041] The RFID reading unit and the RFID writing unit can be formed as a single RFID read and write unit, or as separate units.

[0042] In this application, if not otherwise described, "removing" from the container can be understood to be performed by the removal unit. The removal unit can be: an arm with a gripping device to pick up consumables (e.g., tips, caps, tubes) or a pipette for aspirating liquids. Additionally or alternatively, the removal unit can be capable of removing one or more consumables at a time, or capable of removing a predefined or requested amount / volume of fluid / reagent.

[0043] When it is determined that the prohibition condition is not satisfied (for example, a consumable or fluid remains after removal), the consumable status information is updated according to the removal of the consumable. Examples of updates can be: the initial number of consumables is eight, one consumable is removed, and the updated number of consumables is seven; the initial counter indicates zero, one consumable is removed, and the updated counter indicates one, where the total number of consumables is also known to the system; the initial last removal position is B3, one consumable is removed from position B4, and the updated last removal position is B4; the initial next removal position is B4, one consumable is removed from position B4, and the updated next removal position is B5, where the last removal position is also known to the system; the initial fluid volume is 5 ml, 2 ml is removed, and the updated fluid level is 3 ml; and the initial removed fluid volume is 0 ml, 2 ml is removed, and the updated removed fluid volume is 2 ml, where the total volume of the fluid is known to the system.

[0044] Note that the consumable status information can be updated after each removal of a consumable or after removing a specific number or amount of consumables. Here, "update after removal" should be understood as: the update can be performed after the corresponding removal occurs or before the corresponding removal that is awaited or initiated. In other words, the processing system can be configured such that a specific amount (e.g., multiple consumables) that is part of the consumables is removed simultaneously or sequentially. For continuously removing a specific amount of consumables, the processing system can be configured such that: the processing system updates the consumable status information or irreversibly modifies the RFID tag only after a specific total amount of consumables has been removed (i.e., all individual removal actions have been performed). The processing system can also be configured such that: for sequential removal, the consumable status information on the RFID tag is updated after each individual removal action, especially after each individual removal action before the final individual removal action of the last consumable among multiple consumables. It should also be noted that in the case where it is determined that the prohibition condition is satisfied, the system can be configured to: update the consumable status information before irreversible modification.

[0045] Advantageously, updating the consumable status information after each individual removal action in sequential removal means that: for the case where the system accidentally stops during removal (e.g., due to a fault), the updated consumable status information is still stored on the RFID tag.

[0046] The actual information, especially data, stored and / or updated on the RFID tag may depend on additional information stored within the system and / or on the RFID tag. Advantageously, this enables keeping the amount of data stored on the RFID as small as possible, thus resulting in a simpler or cheaper RFID tag.

[0047] The recognition by the processing system of the satisfaction of the prohibition condition can be carried out by the system or a part of the system (such as a controller or a CPU) by means of an RFID reading unit or an RFID identification unit, wherein, preferably, the RFID reading unit and the RFID identification unit are fully or partially integrated into one unit.

[0048] The recognition can include: being unable to read a part or the whole of the RFID; being unable to read the corresponding RFID storage part; the RFID tag containing information specifying the satisfaction of the prohibition condition (and optionally which prohibition condition is satisfied (for example, for the prohibition conditions defined for each part of the container, which parts of the container are empty)).

[0049] In the processing system, the consumable status information can also indicate the position of a part of the consumables in the container to be removed next, and wherein the processing system can be configured to: remove a part of the consumables from the position of the container indicated in the consumable status information.

[0050] Advantageously, the processing system can reliably identify the position of a part of the consumables in the container to be removed next based on the RFID tag of the container simply by reading the RFID tag. Thus, the system can operate with high efficiency because even if the system is shut down and restarted or even if the container is transferred to a different system, the consumables can be reliably removed directly from the correct expected next position without having to check for empty positions until a filled position is found.

[0051] The consumable status information can also indicate the position of a part of the consumables in the container to be removed next. Generally, all information (alone or in combination with information in the processing system) from which the position of removing a part of the consumables from the container next can be derived can be the consumable status information that indicates the position of a part of the consumables in the container to be removed next. In other words, the position of a part of the consumables in the container to be removed next can be derived with or without additional information stored in the system. The position can be indicated by, for example: a simple counter (such as the number of removals); position information (such as "slot B4 of the shelf"); or exact coordinates within the container. For multiple consumables removed simultaneously, the positions of removing a part of the consumables from the container next can also be the multiple positions of the multiple consumables respectively.

[0052] For example, a part of the consumables to be removed next is a part of the consumables to be removed with the next removal, such as a tube or multiple tubes in a row or caps in a slot. In other words, the removal from the indicated position is the removal from the position derived from the consumable status information.

[0053] The processing system can also be configured to: provide a notification and / or restrict the removal of the consumable from the container if a prohibition condition is recognized or determined to be satisfied.

[0054] In particular, the processing system can be configured to: provide a notification, in particular a warning, and / or restrict the removal of the consumable from the container if a prohibition condition is recognized when reading the RFID tag of a newly received container. Alternatively or additionally, the prohibition system can be configured to: provide a notification, in particular a warning, and / or restrict the removal of the consumable from the container if it is determined that a prohibition condition is satisfied for a container from which a part of the consumable has been removed.

[0055] The processing system can also be configured to: determine that a prohibition condition is satisfied for a newly received container (e.g., a container that has not been irreversibly modified), but where it can be determined from its consumable status information that the prohibition condition is satisfied. For such a case, the processing system can also be configured to: immediately and irreversibly modify the RFID tag of the newly received container without attempting to remove a part of the consumable from the newly received container.

[0056] Advantageously, the notification, in particular the warning, can warn the user of the processing system that a prohibition condition is satisfied, such that the user can act with caution and, if necessary, take actions such as replacing the container. The restriction on the removal of the consumable makes an empty container or a part of the container no longer accessible, thereby improving the efficiency of the system. In addition, an emptied container or a part of the container cannot be refilled with uncertified or incorrect consumables and cannot be reused, such that the risk of failure of the processing system due to the insertion of uncertified or incorrect consumables is reduced.

[0057] A notification, in particular a warning, can be provided for any prohibition condition, optionally a separate warning, where the notification can be provided as: a notification sound; an optical notification signal; or a combination thereof. Examples of the notification can be the text "Container is empty" or "Container misuse detected" provided to the user. The notification can be provided in any manner known in the art, such as being provided on a display with a speaker, which can be part of the processing system or the automatic analysis system.

[0058] The processing system can be configured to restrict the removal of the consumable from the container. In other words, the system can be configured to: partially or completely prohibit the removal of the consumable from the container; or prohibit the removal of the consumable from one of multiple parts of the container.

[0059] An example of prohibiting removal after irreversible modification can be: storing the location information of the consumable in at least one RFID tag storage part, and after irreversible modification, the location information can no longer be read, such that an item cannot be removed from that location.

[0060] Another example could be: storing information for the next removal in at least one RFID tag storage section, and after irreversible modification, the information can no longer be read. Wherein, the processing system can be configured to: when the information indicating the next removal cannot be read from at least one RFID tag storage section, not remove the item.

[0061] The processing system can also be configured to: irreversibly modify the RFID tag by irreversibly modifying at least one RFID tag storage section.

[0062] Advantageously, the above configuration enables the use of simple / cheap RFID tags, because at least one RFID tag storage section can be used to store and provide consumable status information, and at the same time for irreversibly modifying the RFID tag, so that it is achieved to identify that the prohibited conditions are met.

[0063] The irreversible modification of at least one RFID tag storage section can be: deactivation by a kill command or a partial kill command; physical destruction via electrical damage, irradiation, mechanical damage or chemical damage; irreversible / permanent overwrite; or deletion of the (non-reproducible) processing key required for processing information from at least one RFID tag storage section on the tag.

[0064] In the processing system, the irreversible modification can include at least one of the following: deactivation, encryption, physical destruction or permanent overwrite.

[0065] Advantageously, the irreversible modification including one of deactivation, encryption or permanent overwrite enables: the irreversible modification can be performed by a simple device (such as an RFID writing unit). Physical destruction can be performed by a simple destruction device without the need for data-based interaction with the RFID tag.

[0066] In the processing system, the information required to determine whether the prohibited conditions are met can be at least partially stored on the RFID tag.

[0067] Advantageously, this enables new prohibited conditions (functions) to be added to the processing system without the need to update the processing system.

[0068] The information stored on the RFID tag can be stored in the RFID tag storage section or another part of the RFID tag. The information can include information about the number of consumables, the location of the consumables, the amount of the consumables, the removal order and / or the storage life of the consumables in the container.

[0069] The determination of whether the prohibition condition is met can be at least partially, optionally completely, based on the information on the RFID tag. In particular, the determination can be based on consumable status information, thresholds, and / or identification and classification information. In the case where information is partially stored on the RFID tag, some information (such as thresholds) can be stored in the processing system, where, using the identification and classification information, a connection between the information in the processing system and the information on the RFID tag is possible.

[0070] In the processing system, the RFID tag can include a plurality of RFID tag storage portions, and each of the plurality of RFID tag storage portions can be configured to: store consumable status information corresponding to the container portion in which the consumable is arranged, respectively.

[0071] Advantageously, the plurality of RFID tag storage portions storing the consumable status information corresponding to the container portion achieve a separation in the storage aspect of the consumable status information, and thus, when it is determined that the prohibition condition for the corresponding container portion is met after removal, a simpler irreversible modification of the RFID tag can be performed.

[0072] The plurality of RFID tag storage portions are parts of the RFID tag (virtually defined by data or physically defined by the RFID tag structure), and can be separated from other parts of the RFID tag. Each part can be configured to store the consumable status information related to or corresponding to the respective container portion.

[0073] The container can include a plurality of parts, and the container portion is a part of the container. Examples of such container portions can be: rows or arrays of slots; a single slot; multiple slots; or a part of a box.

[0074] The consumable status information of the consumable arranged in the container portion can be stored in the corresponding RFID tag storage portion. In particular, one RFID tag storage portion can also store the consumable status information of multiple container portions.

[0075] In an example, the container can be a rack and have four rows, and the RFID tag has three RFID tag storage portions, where the consumable status information of the consumables in row one can be stored in RFID tag storage portion one, the consumable status information of the consumables in row two can be stored in RFID tag storage portion two, and the consumable status information of the consumables in rows three and four can be stored in RFID tag storage portion three.

[0076] In a processing system, a prohibition condition can be defined for each of the container parts separately. The prohibition condition can be defined as an empty state of the corresponding container part. A removal order can be defined for the container parts, and the processing system can be configured to: when the RFID tag storage part corresponding to the previous container part is irreversibly modified, remove the consumable from the next container part defined in the removal order.

[0077] Advantageously, misuse of a container or a container part can be reliably prevented. For example, it can be prevented that the processing system processes a refilled consumable refilled in an emptied container part. Such refilled consumables may be consumables that have already been used, consumables of unknown origin (unauthenticated), or consumables that are inconsistent with the consumables indicated by the RFID tag, all consumables that may cause malfunctions of the processing system and / or the automated analysis system.

[0078] The prohibition condition can be defined as an empty state of the corresponding container part, or in other words, it can be defined that when the processing system determines that the corresponding container part will be empty or will become empty after the next removal, the processing system determines that the prohibition condition is met for the corresponding container part.

[0079] Each container part or RFID tag storage part can have a different prohibition condition, that is, when the corresponding container part corresponding to the RFID tag storage part is empty, the corresponding prohibition condition is met. The system can be configured to: when the last container part is empty and the corresponding last RFID tag storage part has been irreversibly modified, prohibit the system from removing additional consumables and / or issue a notification to the user.

[0080] The removal order can be the order for the removal process. Examples of such an order can be: from which positions, in particular coordinates, the consumables are removed in sequence; for which slot numbers, the items are removed in sequence; at which time point which container part is emptied; from which container part the consumables are removed first and then. If the container part includes multiple slots, the removal order can include a slot sequence for the corresponding container part and slots.

[0081] The removal order can be stored in the processing system, on the RFID tag, or derived from the information stored in the processing system and on the RFID tag.

[0082] An example of a processing system for processing consumables arranged in a container as specified above can be as follows:

[0083] The container is a rack that has three by four slots arranged in a matrix pattern. The first row contains slots A1 to A4, the second row contains slots B1 to B4, and the third row contains slots C1 to C4, where each row is a container portion of the rack. In each slot of the container portion, a tube is arranged. The RFID tag includes a first RFID tag storage portion, a second RFID tag storage portion, and a third RFID tag storage portion corresponding to the three container portions A, B, and C, respectively. The system also reads identification information from the RFID tag such that the system can identify the container (i.e., the rack with three by four slots). For each of the container portions, a prohibited condition is defined, which is satisfied when the corresponding container portion is empty, i.e., when all slots of the corresponding container portion are empty. Each RFID tag storage portion stores the position information (i.e., the next removal position) of the tube to be removed next from the corresponding container portion (e.g., the first RFID tag storage portion stores the position A1 before the tube is initially removed from the rack). A removal order is defined, according to which the system is configured to remove tubes from the portions in ascending order and according to the next removal position stored in the corresponding RFID tag storage portion. According to the defined removal order, the processing system starts removing the tube from position / slot A1. Since the system determines that the prohibited condition of the first container portion is not satisfied after the removal, i.e., the first container portion is not empty, the system updates the next removal position in the first RFID tag storage portion to A2. The system continues to remove tubes from the container portion until only the tube in slot A4 remains and the next removal position stored in the first RFID tag storage portion has been updated to A4. After the next removal, the system determines that the first container portion is empty after the removal, such that the prohibited condition is satisfied, so the system irreversibly modifies the RFID tag using a partial kill command, such that the first RFID tag storage portion is deactivated. According to the defined removal order, the next removal will be performed from the second container portion, where the second RFID tag storage portion indicates B1 as the next removal position. Additionally, the system is configured such that any further removal from the container portion corresponding to the deactivated RFID tag storage portion is prohibited. Then, the system continues to empty the second and third container portions and continues to deactivate the second and third RFID tag storage portions finally when it is determined that the corresponding container portion is empty after removing the tube from the corresponding container portion.

[0084] Advantageously, the container portion corresponding to the deactivated RFID tag storage portion cannot be accessed anymore for removal. Thus, in the case of restarting the system and resuming the removal order, the system does not attempt to remove tubes from the portion that has already been emptied, thus improving efficiency. Additionally, possible refilling of unauthenticated or incorrect tubes in the container portion corresponding to the deactivated RFID tag storage portion does not result in the removal of these tubes, thus reducing the risk of failure or inefficiency.

[0085] Another example of a processing system for processing consumables disposed in a container as specified above may be as follows:

[0086] The container is a rack with a row of 10 slots. In each slot, a suction tip is disposed. The RFID tag includes an RFID tag storage portion that stores a counter indicating the number of removals, which indicates "0" before the suction tip is initially removed. A prohibition condition is defined and is satisfied when the rack is empty. The processing system removes the first suction tip from the rack and determines that the prohibition condition is not satisfied after the removal. Accordingly, the processing system updates the counter to indicate "1". The processing system continues to remove suction tips from the rack until only one suction tip remains and the counter indicates "9". After the next removal, the processing system determines that the prohibition condition will be satisfied after the next removal and irreversibly modifies the RFID tag by physically destroying it.

[0087] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a processing system for processing consumables, the processing system including: a container disposed with consumables, the container including an RFID tag having at least one RFID tag storage portion for storing consumable status information indicating the position of a part of the consumables in the container to be removed next; an RFID reading unit configured to read information from the RFID tag; an RFID writing unit configured to write information on the RFID tag; and a removal unit configured to remove a part of the consumables from the container; wherein the processing system is configured to: read the consumable status information from at least one RFID tag storage portion by means of the RFID reading unit; remove a part of the consumables from the position of the container indicated by the consumable status information by means of the removal unit; and update the consumable status information in at least one RFID tag storage portion by means of the RFID writing unit.

[0088] Advantageously, the processing system can reliably identify the position of the part of the consumables in the container to be removed next based on the RFID tag of the container simply by reading the RFID tag. Accordingly, the system can operate with high efficiency because the consumables can be reliably removed from the correct expected next position even if the system is shut down and restarted or even if the container is transferred to a different system.

[0089] The definitions and explanations related to the previous aspect apply accordingly.

[0090] Consumable status information indicates the location of a portion of the consumable within the container that is next to be removed. Generally, all information from which the location of the portion of the consumable to be next removed from the container can be derived, either alone or in combination with information in the processing system, can be consumable status information that indicates the location of the portion of the consumable within the container that is next to be removed. In other words, the location of the portion of the consumable to be next removed from the container can be derived with or without additional information stored in the system. The location can be indicated by: a simple counter (such as the number of removals); location information (such as slot B4 of a rack); or exact coordinates within the container. For multiple consumables removed simultaneously, the locations of the portions of the consumables to be next removed from the container can also be the multiple locations of the multiple consumables, respectively.

[0091] The portion of the consumable to be next removed is the portion of the consumable to be removed with the next removal, such as a tube or multiple tubes in a row or caps in slots.

[0092] In other words, the removal from the indicated location is the removal from the location derived from the consumable status information.

[0093] An example of a processing system that processes consumables arranged in a container as specified by this aspect can be as follows:

[0094] The container is a rack having three by four slots arranged in a matrix pattern. The first row contains slots A1 to A4, the second row contains slots B1 to B4, and the third row contains slots C1 to C4. A tube is arranged in each slot. The RFID tag contains an RFID tag storage portion. The system also reads identification information from the RFID tag such that the system can identify the container (i.e., the rack having three by four slots). The RFID tag storage portion contains consumable status information that indicates the location of the tube within the rack that is next to be removed (i.e., the next removal location). Before the initial removal, the consumable status information indicates A1 as the next removal location. The system removes the tubes step by step, and in which, each removal updates the consumable status information to indicate the next removal location for subsequent removals. When the processing (e.g., due to a processing system failure) stops at a certain stored next removal location (e.g., B3) indicated, the rack to be transferred to another processing system can be removed from the processing system. After receiving a new rack and starting to process the rack, the other processing system will not start removing tubes from the already emptied slot (e.g., A1), but will start removing tubes from the indicated next removal location.

[0095] Advantageously, the processing systems do not need to be interconnected to enable another processing system to start at the indicated next removal position, rather than at an already emptied slot. Thus, processing efficiency is improved. Furthermore, if an emptied slot is refilled with an unauthenticated or wrong tube during the transfer, another processing system will still start at the indicated next removal position, without removing and processing the refilled tube. Thus, the risk of potential failures or inefficiencies due to handling unauthenticated or wrong consumables can be reduced.

[0096] In the processing system according to the above aspects, the consumables may be any of a sample tube, a sample tube cap, a pipette tip, and a liquid, and / or the container may be any of a rack, a well plate, and a bottle.

[0097] In particular, the consumable may be a secondary consumable, which is a consumable to be used with a sample or a sample product. In other words, a secondary consumable is a consumable that can be used in a secondary processing step, in which the consumable can be used to store or transfer a portion of the sample or sample product. The sample may be contained in a main tube. Examples of secondary consumables may be: secondary tubes; secondary pipette tips, secondary tube caps.

[0098] Advantageously, the use of a secondary consumable allows that when the process involves the processing of the consumable with a sample, only a portion of the sample or sample product can be used and processed, rather than the complete sample or sample product.

[0099] Another aspect of the invention relates to an automatic analysis system comprising: at least one input module comprising a processing system according to any one of the preceding claims; and at least one analysis module.

[0100] The definitions under the previous aspects also apply to this aspect.

[0101] The automatic analysis system may be a system having several modules, such as an input module, a processing module, an analysis module and / or an output module. The processing system may be contained in the input module, or in the processing module.

[0102] The input module may be a module for receiving a container with consumables and optionally with a sample, and may optionally be configured for pre-processing the consumables arranged in the container.

[0103] An analysis module may be any module that analyses a sample. An analysis module may also be configured to use consumables. Examples of analysis modules may be: a hematology module, a chemistry module or an immunoassay module.

[0104] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a processing method for processing a consumable, the consumable being arranged in a container, the container including an RFID tag having at least one RFID tag storage portion for storing consumable status information indicating the filling status of the consumable arranged in the container, wherein the processing method includes: an RFID reading step of reading the consumable status information from at least one RFID tag storage portion; a removal step of removing a part of the consumable from the container; a determination step of determining whether a predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied after the removal step based on the consumable status information read from the RFID tag storage portion; an update step of updating the consumable status information on the RFID tag when the prohibition condition is not satisfied; and an irreversible modification step of irreversibly modifying the RFID tag such that the satisfaction of the prohibition condition can be identified based on the RFID tag when the prohibition condition is satisfied.

[0105] The definitions and descriptions related to the previous aspect apply accordingly. The processing method can be executed by the processing system specified above.

[0106] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a processing method for processing a consumable, the consumable being arranged in a container, the container including an RFID tag having at least one RFID tag storage portion for storing consumable status information indicating the position of a part of the consumable in the container to be removed next, wherein the processing method includes: an RFID reading step of reading the consumable status information from at least one RFID tag storage portion; a removal step of removing a part of the consumable from the position of the container indicated by the consumable status information; and an update step of updating the consumable status information in at least one RFID tag storage portion.

[0107] The definitions and descriptions related to the previous aspect apply accordingly. The processing method can be executed by the processing system specified above.

[0108] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of an RFID tag in a processing system for processing a consumable according to any one of the processing systems specified above, wherein the RFID tag includes at least one RFID tag storage portion for storing consumable status information, wherein the consumable status information indicates the filling status of the consumable arranged in the container, and / or indicates the position of a part of the consumable in the container to be removed next.

[0109] The definitions and descriptions related to the previous aspect apply accordingly.

[0110] In the following, possible examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the described examples, and the features of the examples can be combined to form additional examples of the present invention.

[0111] Figure 1 An example of an input module including a processing system is shown.

[0112] Figure 2 An example of an input module of a processing system in different states is shown Figure 1 is shown.

[0113] Figure 3 An example of an automatic analysis system including an input module and an analysis module is shown.

[0114] Figure 4 A diagram showing an example of a processing method for processing consumables is shown.

[0115] Figure 5 A diagram showing another example of a processing method for processing consumables is shown.

[0116] Figure 6 An example of a container arranged with consumables is shown.

[0117] Figure 7 Examples of Figure 6 containers arranged with consumables are shown from different perspectives.

[0118] Figure 8 Another example of a container arranged with consumables is shown.

[0119] In Figure 1In [description], an input module 11 is shown. The input module 11 includes an input module housing 11a which has an input module access door 11b located on one side of the input module housing in the negative x direction. The input module housing 11a is configured to contain a processing system 1 inside the input module and prohibit (e.g., by the user) physical interaction with parts of the processing system 1 from outside the input module 11. Below the input module housing 11a (i.e., in the negative z direction) there is an input module body 11c where parts of the input module and also parts of the processing system 1 (such as a controller or CPU, or other units of the processing system for controlling the processing of the consumable 2) can be stored. Inside the input module housing 11a, a processing space is formed above the input module body 11c. The input module housing 11a can also be configured to prevent contamination of objects (e.g., the consumable 2, samples, the processing system 1 and its units) stored inside the processing space. Through the input module access door 11b, a container 3 containing the consumable 2 can enter the input module (e.g., by the user). The container 3 is placed on a container placement part 15 where the consumable 2 is processed. The container placement part forms an area in the x - y plane on top of the input module body 11c.

[0120] Via a control panel 17 in front of the input module body 11c in the y direction, the user can initiate the processing of the consumable 2. Thus, the control panel 17 can include certain control devices such as buttons, a keyboard and / or (optionally, touch - sensitive) display. Alternatively, the processing can be automatically initiated by the processing system 1 after the container 3 is received.

[0121] The processing system 1 uses an RFID read - and - write unit 5, 7 formed by an RFID read unit 5 and an RFID write unit 7 together to read information, especially consumable status information, from an RFID tag 4. The RFID read - and - write unit 5, 7 is positioned on top of the input module body 11c inside the processing space. The RFID read - and - write unit 5, 7 is formed as a movable unit with an arm and specific read - and - write devices and is configured to approach the RFID tag 4 on the container 3 to read from and write to the RFID tag 4.

[0122] Although the RFID read - and - write unit 5, 7 is in Figure 1is depicted as a movable unit having an arm, but the RFID reading and writing units 5, 7 (or a separate RFID reading unit 5 and RFID writing unit 7) can be integrated as a fixed unit into or below the container placement section 15. The container 3 is placed on the container placement section 15 such that the RFID reading and writing units 5, 7 can read from and write to the RFID tag 4 when integrated into or below the container placement section 15.

[0123] The processing system 1 identifies the type of the container 3 as a rack 3 and the type of the consumable 2 as a tube 2, and the three-by-three matrix structure in which the tube 2 is arranged in the rack 3 based on the information read from the RFID tag. The tube 2 extends from the rack 3 in the z direction.

[0124] According to the removal order, the processing system 1 starts to remove the first tube 2 from above (in the z direction) from the rack 3 using the removal unit 9 having the clamping device 9a, and the removal unit 9 is configured to selectively remove a specific tube 2a which is a part 2a of the tube 2 from the rack 3. The removal unit 9 is positioned on top of the input module main body 11c inside the processing space. The moving unit 9 is formed as a movable unit having an arm, and the clamping device 9a is attached to the arm.

[0125] Define the prohibited conditions of the rack 3 within the processing system 1 based on the information read from the rack 3. It is defined that the prohibited conditions are satisfied when the rack 3 reaches the empty state.

[0126] The processing system 1 determines whether the predetermined prohibited conditions of the rack 3 are satisfied after the removal, wherein the processing system 1 determines that the predetermined prohibited conditions are satisfied when the rack 3 is empty after the removal of the specific tube 2a.

[0127] Since the specific tube 2a is the first tube removed from the container, the processing system 1 determines that the prohibited conditions are not satisfied. Therefore, the processing system 1 updates the consumable status information on the RFID tag 4, particularly the consumable status information in the RFID tag storage section of the RFID tag 4.

[0128] The update of the consumable status information involves the update of a counter that counts the number of removals from the rack 3. Therefore, the processing system updates the counter on the RFID tag 4 to indicate "1".

[0129] Figure 2 Shows the input module 11 at a later stage. The removal unit 9 removes the specific tube 2a which is the last tube from the rack 3. After removing the last tube from the rack 3, the processing system determines based on the consumable status information that the rack 3 has reached the empty state, and therefore, the predetermined prohibited conditions are satisfied. Figure 1

[0130] ​Using RFID read and write units 5, 7, the processing system 1 irreversibly modifies the RFID tag 4 of the rack 3 by sending a kill command to the RFID tag. As a result, the RFID tag 4 becomes permanently deactivated.

[0131] The processing system 1 is able to identify that a prohibition condition is met based on the RFID tag 4, that is, the processing system 1 is able to identify that the RIFD tag 4 has been permanently deactivated. Since the processing system 1 is configured to prohibit further removal from the rack 3 for which it has determined that the prohibition condition is met, the processing system 1 will no longer process the rack 3. Via the control panel 17, the processing system 1 can provide a notification, in particular a warning, that the prohibition condition is met and the rack 3 has reached an empty state.

[0132] The user can remove the rack 3 from the input module 11, refill the rack 3 with an uncertified tube or an incorrect tube (i.e., a tube of a different type compared to the type of tube 2 indicated by the RFID tag 4), and insert the rack 3 back into the input module 11. In this case, since the RFID tag 4 has been permanently deactivated, the processing system 1 will not process the refilled tubes from the rack 3. It is also not possible for the user to return the RFID tag 4 to its state before the irreversible modification, that is, the active state.

[0133] Figure 3 An example of an automatic analysis system 10 including an input module 11 and an analysis module 13 is shown. The analysis module 13 is positioned away from the input module 11 in the x direction.

[0134] The input module 11 has a structure similar to the input module 11 shown in Figure 1 and includes a processing system 1 having RFID tag read and write units 5, 7, a removal unit 9, and a container 3 with a consumable 2. The input module 11 further includes a sample 19 in the processing space of the input module 11, where the processing system 1 processes the consumable 2 together with the sample 19.

[0135] The consumable 2 is a secondary tube 2 that is processed together with the sample 19, where a portion of the sample 19 is transferred to a separate tube 2 during processing to prepare the processed consumable 21. The transfer is performed by a transfer unit (not shown). Alternatively, the removal unit 9 can be configured to perform the processing of the consumable, and the processing of the consumable can include the processing with the sample, where the processing can produce a processed consumable 21 for further analysis.

[0136] Although the processed consumable 21 is prepared by processing the consumable 2 with the sample 19, the processing system 1 can also be configured to: prepare other processed consumables by processing the consumable with other consumables.

[0137] The input module 11 and the analysis module 13 are connected via a transfer section 14, wherein the automated analysis system 10 is configured to automatically transfer the consumable 2, the processed consumable 21, and / or the sample 19 from one module to another module, in particular from the input module 11 to the analysis module 13.

[0138] Within the analysis module 13, the analysis of the processed consumable 21 is performed using the analysis device 13a. Depending on the type of analysis (e.g., chemistry, hematology, or immunoassay), the analysis device 13a may include specific additional devices for the respective type of analysis.

[0139] Although in Figure 3 the input module 11 and the analysis module 13 are shown as two separate modules connected via the transfer section 14, the input module 11 and the analysis module 13 may also be formed as a combined module without the need for the transfer section 14. In other words, the automated analysis system 10 may be formed such that one module combines the input module 11 and the analysis module 13, wherein the modules 11, 13 share the same space for processing and analysis.

[0140] Although Figure 3 not shown in

[0141] the automated analysis system may include additional modules, such as additional input modules, preparation modules, storage modules, processing modules, additional analysis modules (related to, for example, chemistry, hematology, or immunoassay), and output modules. These modules may be formed separately and connected via the transfer section 14, or these modules may also be formed as combined modules without the need for the transfer section 14. Each of these modules may be configured to incorporate the processing system 1. Figure 4 In

[0142] a diagram is shown that illustrates an example of a processing method for processing the consumable 2, wherein the processing method is performed by the processing system 1. The method starts with an insertion step in which the operator places the container 3 holding the consumable 2 into the processing system 1.

[0143] Subsequently, in an RFID reading step, the processing system 1 reads the consumable status information from the RFID tag 4 and determines the filling status of the consumable 2 in the container 3 based on the consumable status information.

[0144] In a removal step, the system removes a portion 2a of the consumable 2 from the container 3.

[0145] When the prohibition condition is not satisfied, in the update step, the processing system 1 updates the consumable status information on the RFID tag 4.

[0146] After the update step, the processing system 1 continues to remove another part 2a of the consumable 2 from the container 3 in another removal step.

[0147] When the prohibition condition is satisfied, in the irreversible modification step, the processing system 1 irreversibly modifies the RFID tag 4 such that based on the RFID tag 4, it can be recognized that the prohibition condition is satisfied.

[0148] After the irreversible modification step, the processing system 1 determines whether the container 3 is empty. The processing system 1 knows whether there are several container parts 3a in the container 3 based on the information read from the RFID tag 4.

[0149] When there are several container parts 3a and the prohibition condition is satisfied for only one of the container parts 3a, where the other container part 3a is still full or still contains consumables, the processing system 1 continues to remove another part 2a of the consumable 2 from the container 3 in another removal step.

[0150] When it is determined that the container 3 is empty, in the notification step, the user is notified that the container 3 is empty and can be removed from the processing system 1.

[0151] In Figure 5 FIG., there is shown a diagram of another example of a processing method for processing the consumable 2, where the processing method is executed by the processing system 1. The method starts with an insertion step in which an operator places the container 3 equipped with the consumable 2 into the processing system 1.

[0152] Subsequently, in the RFID reading step, the processing system 1 reads the consumable status information from the RFID tag 4 and determines the filling status of the consumable 2 in the container 3 based on the consumable status information.

[0153] In the determination step, the processing system 1 determines whether a predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied after removing a part 2a of the consumable based on the consumable status information read from the RFID tag storage part. Thus, the processing system knows the current filling status of the consumable 2 and the amount of a part 2a of the consumable 2 to be removed in the subsequent removal step.

[0154] In the subsequent removal step, the system removes a part 2a of the consumable 2 from the container 3.

[0155] When the prohibition condition is not satisfied, in the update step, the processing system 1 updates the consumable status information on the RFID tag 4.

[0156] After the update step, the processing system 1 continues to determine whether a prohibition condition is met after another part 2a of the consumable 2 is subsequently removed from the container 3 in another removal step.

[0157] In the case where the prohibition condition is met, in an irreversible modification step, the processing system 1 irreversibly modifies the RFID tag 4 such that, based on the RFID tag 4, it can be recognized that the prohibition condition is met.

[0158] After the irreversible modification step, the processing system 1 determines whether the container 3 is empty. The processing system 1 knows whether there are several container parts 3a in the container 3 based on the information read from the RFID tag 4.

[0159] In the case where there are several container parts 3a and the prohibition condition is met for only one of the container parts 3a, where the other container parts 3a are still full, the processing system 1 continues to determine whether another prohibition condition is met after another part 2a of the consumable 2 is subsequently removed from the container 3 in another removal step.

[0160] When it is determined that the container is empty, in the notification step, the user is notified that the container 3 is empty and can be removed from the processing system 1.

[0161] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The examples of and are specific examples of the processing method, and the specific examples do not exclude other examples with different method steps and / or sequences. For example, the notification step can be executed before the irreversible modification step or simultaneously with the irreversible modification step. In addition, in the case where the removal step has been initiated and is waiting, the update step and / or the irreversible modification step can be executed before the actual removal step.

[0162] Figure 6 An example of a container 3 with a consumable 2 is shown. The container 3 is a rack 3, and the consumable 2 is a tube 2 extending in the z direction from the rack 3. The rack 3 contains sixteen rows arranged in a matrix pattern, with each row having seven slots, where the rows of seven slots extend in the x direction. Each of the rows 3a forms a container part 3a of the rack 3. The rack 3 is only partially filled with the consumable 2 such that the first nine rows 3a (viewed from the front of the rack 3 in the y direction) have reached an empty state. For each of these rows 3a, a prohibition can be defined within the processing system 1, where it can be defined that the corresponding prohibition condition is met when the corresponding row 3a reaches an empty state. The row 3a after the empty rows 3a (in the y direction) is partially filled, and the remaining six rows 3a are fully filled, so for these rows 3a, the corresponding prohibition condition is not met.

[0163] In Figure 7 it shows, from a bottom perspective view (in the z direction), Figure 3The rack 3. In other words, the bottom and both sides of the rack 3 are shown. The RFID tag 4 is attached to the bottom of the rack 3 by using a clip that is part of the rack 3.

[0164] Instead of the mechanical attachment via the clip, the RFID tag can also be attached to the container 3 by gluing on the container 3, welding on the container 3, or integrating into the container 3.

[0165] Figure 8 Another example of the container 3 with the consumable 2 is shown, where the consumable 2 extends from the container 3 in the z - direction. The container 3 is the rack 3, and the consumable 2 is the suction tip 2. The rack 3 contains twelve rows arranged in a matrix pattern, with each row having eight slots, where the rows of eight slots extend in the y - direction. Each of the rows 3a forms a container part 3a of the rack 3. The rack 3 is only partially filled with suction tips 2 such that the first seven rows 3a (viewed from the front of the rack 3 in the negative x - direction) have reached the empty state. For each of these rows 3a, a prohibition can be defined within the processing system 1, where it can be defined that the corresponding prohibition condition is met when the corresponding row 3a reaches the empty state. The row 3a after the empty row 3a (in the negative x - direction) is partially filled, and the remaining four rows 3a are fully filled. Therefore, for these rows 3a, the corresponding prohibition conditions are not met. The RIFD tag 4 is attached to the rack 3, and the RIFD tag 4 is attached to the front side (in the y - direction) of the rack 3.

[0166] List of reference numerals

[0167] 1 Processing system

[0168] 2 Consumable

[0169] 2a Part of the consumable

[0170] 3 Container

[0171] 3a Container part

[0172] 4 RFID tag

[0173] 5 RFID reading unit

[0174] 7 RFID writing unit

[0175] 9 Removal unit

[0176] 9a Pick - up arm

[0177] 10 Automatic analysis system

[0178] 11 Input module

[0179] 11a Input module housing

[0180] 11b Input module access door

[0181] 11c Input module main body

[0182] 13 Analysis module

[0183] 13a Analysis device

[0184] 14 Transportation section

[0185] 15 Container placement part

[0186] 17 Control panel

[0187] 19 Sample

[0188] 21 Processed consumables

Claims

1. A processing system (1) for processing a consumable (2), comprising: a container (3) arranged with the consumable (2), the container including an RFID tag (4), the RFID tag (4) having at least one RFID tag storage portion for storing consumable status information indicating the filling status of the consumable (2) arranged in the container; an RFID reading unit (5) configured to read information from the RFID tag (4); an RFID writing unit (7) configured to write information onto the RFID tag (4); and a removal unit (9) configured to remove a portion (2a) of the consumable (2) from the container (3); wherein the processing system (1) is configured to: read the consumable status information from the at least one RFID tag storage portion by means of the RFID reading unit (5), remove a portion (2a) of the consumable (2) from the container (3) by means of the removal unit (9), determine whether a predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied after removing a portion (2a) of the consumable (2) from the container (3) by the removal unit (9) based on the consumable status information read by the RFID reading unit (5), and update the consumable status information on the RFID tag (4) by means of the RFID writing unit (7) when the prohibition condition is not satisfied; and irreversibly modify the RFID tag (4) when the prohibition condition is satisfied, such that the processing system (1) can identify that the prohibition condition is satisfied according to the RFID tag (4).

2. The processing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the consumable status information further indicates the position of a portion (2a) of the consumable (2) in the container (3) to be removed next, and wherein the processing system (1) is configured to: remove a portion (2a) of the consumable (2) from the position of the container (3) indicated in the consumable status information.

3. The processing system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing system (1) is further configured to: provide a notification and / or restrict the removal of the consumable (2) from the container (3) if it is recognized or determined that the prohibition condition is satisfied.

4. The processing system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing system (1) is configured to: irreversibly modify the RFID tag (4) by irreversibly modifying the at least one RFID tag storage portion.

5. The processing system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the irreversible modification includes at least one of the following: deactivation, encryption, physical destruction, or permanent overwrite.

6. The processing system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The information required to determine whether the prohibition condition is satisfied is at least partially stored on the RFID tag (4).

7. The processing system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the RFID tag (4) includes a plurality of RFID tag storage parts, and each of the plurality of RFID tag storage parts is configured to: store consumable status information corresponding to the container part (3a) in which the consumable (2) is arranged, respectively.

8. The processing system (1) according to claim 7, wherein, a prohibition condition is defined for each of the container parts (3a), the prohibition condition is defined as the empty state of the corresponding container part (3a), a removal order is defined for the container parts (3a), and the processing system (1) is configured to: when the RFID tag storage part corresponding to the previous container part (3a) has been irreversibly modified, remove the consumable (2) from the next container part (3a) defined in the removal order.

9. A processing system (1) for processing a consumable (2), comprising: a container (3) in which a consumable (2) is arranged, the container (3) includes an RFID tag (4), the RFID tag (4) has at least one RFID tag storage part, and the at least one RFID tag storage part is used to store consumable status information indicating the position of a part (2a) of the consumable (2) to be removed next in the container (3); an RFID reading unit (5), the RFID reading unit (5) is configured to read information from the RFID tag (4); an RFID writing unit (7), the RFID writing unit (7) is configured to write information on the RFID tag (4); and a removal unit (9), the removal unit (9) is configured to remove a part (2a) of the consumable (2) from the container (3); wherein, the processing system (1) is configured to: read the consumable status information from the at least one RFID tag storage part by means of the RFID reading unit (5), remove a part (2a) of the consumable (2) from the position of the container (3) indicated in the consumable status information by means of the removal unit (9), update the consumable status information in the at least one RFID tag storage part by means of the RFID writing unit (7).

10. The processing system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the consumable (2) is any one of a sample tube, a sample tube cap, a pipette tip, and a liquid, and / or wherein, the container (3) is any one of a rack, a microplate, and a bottle.

11. An automatic analysis system (10), comprising: at least one input module (11), the at least one input module (11) includes the processing system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and at least one analysis module (13).

12. A processing method for a consumable (2), the consumable (2) being arranged in a container (3), the container (3) including an RFID tag (4), the RFID tag (4) having at least one RFID tag storage portion for storing consumable status information indicating the filling status of the consumable (2) arranged in the container (3). Wherein, the processing method includes: an RFID reading step of reading the consumable status information from the at least one RFID tag storage portion; a removing step of removing a part (2a) of the consumable (2) from the container (3); a determining step of determining whether a predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied after the removing step based on the consumable status information read from the RFID tag storage portion; and an updating step of updating the consumable status information on the RFID tag (4) when the prohibition condition is not satisfied; and an irreversible modification step of irreversibly modifying the RFID tag (4) such that the satisfaction of the prohibition condition can be identified based on the RFID tag (4) when the prohibition condition is satisfied.

13. A processing method for a consumable (2), the consumable (2) being arranged in a container (3), the container (3) including an RFID tag (4), the RFID tag (4) having at least one RFID tag storage portion for storing consumable status information indicating the position of a part (2a) of the consumable (2) to be removed next within the container (3). Wherein, the processing method includes: an RFID reading step of reading the consumable status information from the at least one RFID tag storage portion; a removing step of removing a part (2a) of the consumable (2) from the position of the container (3) indicated in the consumable status information; and an updating step of updating the consumable status information in the at least one RFID tag storage portion.

14. Use of an RFID tag (4) in a processing system (1) for a consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, the RFID tag (4) includes at least one RFID tag storage portion for storing consumable status information, wherein the consumable status information indicates: the filling status of the consumable (2) arranged in the container (3), and / or the position of a part (2a) of the consumable (2) to be removed next within the container (3).

Images