System and method for reading radio frequency identification tags associated with in vitro fertilization samples
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2026510768
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-21
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-09
Smart Images
Figure 2026530590000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of in vitro fertilization, and more specifically, to systems and methods for reading radio frequency identification tags associated with in vitro fertilization samples.
Background Art
[0002] In in vitro fertilization (IVF), it is important to ensure accurate matching and tracking of sperm and ova and avoid sample mix-ups. A sample mix-up occurs when genetic material from one patient is unintentionally mixed with that of another patient, which can cause serious consequences and ethical problems. To address this problem, several electronic monitoring systems have been developed and are currently available on the market. An in vitro fertilization radio frequency identification (IVF RFID) tag monitoring system is one such example, which typically uses RFID (radio frequency identification) technology to improve the safety and accuracy of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
[0003] One of the main limitations of existing in vitro fertilization radio frequency identification tag (IVF RFID) monitoring systems is that they do not function in the presence of metal objects. Signals emitted by RFID tags are interfered near metal, leading to signal loss and reduced tracking accuracy. Since many components and instruments used in in vitro fertilization procedures are made of metal, this causes the serious problem of increased probability of errors and mix-ups.
[0004] Furthermore, another in vitro fertilization radio frequency identification tag (IVF RFID) monitoring system includes a non-metallic unit provided with a heating device. The disadvantage of this electronic monitoring system is that it requires the incorporation of additional hardware, such as a heating device placed in the laminar flow hood on existing heating devices, which can lead to increased complexity. Furthermore, in the event of hardware failure or an unintended mix-up, the entire electronic monitoring system will cease to function.
[0005] Another limitation of IVF RFID monitoring systems is tag orientation. If the orientation of the RFID tag and the position of the RFID reader are not properly aligned, scanning of the RFID tag on the sample may be incomplete or inaccurate. This results in a risk of sample mix-ups.
[0006] Therefore, an improved system and method are needed for reading radio frequency identification tags associated with in vitro fertilization samples to address the aforementioned problems. Purpose of the invention
[0007] The objective of this invention is to scan radio frequency identification tags associated with in vitro fertilization samples, regardless of their orientation or position.
[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to scan radio frequency identification tags associated with in vitro fertilization samples by directly integrating an antenna into the grooved observation area of a microscope within a laminar flow hood, minimizing the need for additional hardware. [Overview of the project]
[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a system for reading radio frequency identification tags associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) samples. The system includes a grooved observation area located beneath a microscope within a laminar hood (laminar flow hood). The grooved observation area is adapted for observing IVF samples that have been radio frequency identification tagged. The IVF sample includes at least one biological sample selected from a group consisting of sperm, eggs, and embryos for the IVF process. The grooved observation area includes compartments adapted to accommodate glass plates arranged in parallel for arranging the IVF samples that have been radio frequency identification tagged. The system includes a metal laminar flow plane surrounding the grooved observation area. The metal laminar flow plane is adapted to establish an environment for scanning radio frequency identification tags. This environment is free from contaminants, interference, and external factors that could affect the scanning of radio frequency identification tags. The system includes a radio frequency identification tag reader located near the grooved observation area on the metal laminar flow plane. The radio frequency identification tag reader is adapted to connect to an antenna via a wired connection. The antenna is located within the groove of the observation area and below the glass plates. The antenna is configured to scan radio frequency identification tags placed on a glass plate and capture radio frequency identification tag data. The radio frequency identification tag reader is further configured to scan radio frequency identification tagged in vitro fertilization (IVF) samples regardless of the orientation or placement of the radio frequency identification tags, thereby ensuring the capture and tracking of radio frequency identification tags associated with the IVF samples.
[0010] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for reading radio frequency identification tags associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) samples. The method includes observing an IVF sample tagged with radio frequency identification tags by a grooved observation area. The IVF sample includes at least one biological sample selected from a group consisting of sperm, eggs, and embryos for the IVF process. The method includes housing parallel-arranged glass plates for positioning the IVF sample tagged with radio frequency identification tags by compartments. The method includes establishing a radio frequency identification tag scanning environment by a metal laminar flow plane. This environment is free from contaminants, interference, and external factors that could affect the scanning of the radio frequency identification tags. The method includes scanning the radio frequency identification tags placed on the glass plates with an antenna to capture radio frequency identification tag data. The antenna is located in the groove of the observation area and below the glass plates and is connected to a radio frequency identification tag reader via a wired connection. The method includes scanning the IVF sample tagged with radio frequency identification tags by the radio frequency identification tag reader. This ensures the capture and tracking of radio frequency identification tags associated with in vitro fertilization samples, regardless of their orientation or placement.
[0011] To further clarify the merits and features of this disclosure, a detailed description of this disclosure is given below with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Note that these drawings illustrate typical embodiments of this disclosure and are not limiting to its scope. This disclosure is described in more specific detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0012] This disclosure will be described more specifically and in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a system for reading radio frequency identification tags associated with in vitro fertilization samples according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for reading a radio frequency identification tag associated with an in vitro fertilization sample according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the figures are shown for simplification and are not necessarily drawn to actual size. Furthermore, with respect to the configuration of the apparatus, one or more components of the apparatus may be represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only certain details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that would be readily understandable to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0016] For the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the principles herein, embodiments shown in the drawings will be referenced and specific terminology will be used in describing them. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of this specification. Such changes and further modifications in the illustrated systems, as well as further applications of the principles herein that a person skilled in the art could ordinarily conceive, should be construed as being within the scope of this specification.
[0017] The terms “include,” “incorporate,” and other similar terms are intended to be non-exclusive; for example, a process or method including a set of steps does not include only those steps, but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent in the process or method. Similarly, one or more devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components beginning with “a…include” does not, unless further restricted, exclude the existence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional subsystems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Throughout this specification, “in one embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” and similar expressions do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may refer to it.
[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.
[0019] In the following specification and claims, multiple terms are used, and these are defined as follows: Unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context, singular forms ("a," "an," "the") include plural forms.
[0020] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a system for reading radio frequency identification tags associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) samples. The system includes a grooved observation area located beneath a microscope within a laminar hood. The grooved observation area is configured for observing IVF samples that have been radio frequency identification tagged. The IVF sample includes at least one biological sample selected from a group consisting of sperm, eggs, and embryos for the IVF process. The grooved observation area includes compartments configured to accommodate glass plates in parallel for positioning the IVF samples that have been radio frequency identification tagged. The system includes a metal laminar flow plane surrounding the grooved observation area. The metal laminar flow plane is configured to establish an environment for radio frequency identification tag scanning. This environment is free from contaminants, interference, and external factors that could affect radio frequency identification tag scanning. The system includes a radio frequency identification tag reader located near the grooved observation area on the metal laminar flow plane. The radio frequency identification tag reader is configured to be connected to an antenna via a wired connection. The antenna is located within the groove of the observation area and below the glass plates. The antenna is configured to scan radio frequency identification tags placed on a glass plate and capture radio frequency identification tag data. The radio frequency identification tag reader is further configured to scan radio frequency identification tagged in vitro fertilization (IVF) samples regardless of the orientation or placement of the radio frequency identification tags, thereby ensuring the capture and tracking of radio frequency identification tags associated with the IVF samples.
[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system for reading radio frequency identification tags associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) samples according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The system (100) includes a grooved observation area (112) located beneath a microscope (not shown in Figure 1) within a laminar hood (not shown in Figure 1). The grooved observation area (112) is configured for observing an IVF sample tagged with radio frequency identification. The IVF sample includes at least one biological sample selected from the group consisting of sperm, eggs, and embryos, carefully placed in a dedicated container (128), such as a culture dish. The dedicated container (128) is equipped with a corresponding radio frequency identification tag. Typically, a radio frequency identification tag is an electronic tag that exchanges data with a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader using radio waves. This radio frequency identification tag is attached to the culture dish and stores predefined data indicating unique identification information of the biological sample.
[0022] In one embodiment, the predefined data includes unique identification information for the biological sample, patient information, collection data and time, and sample details.
[0023] In one embodiment, the grooved observation area (112) is circular, but any suitable shape can be adopted as needed. The primary purpose of the grooved observation area (112) is to accommodate the culture dish and provide optimal visibility of the in vitro fertilization sample.
[0024] Furthermore, the grooved observation area (112) includes a compartment (114) adapted to accommodate parallel-positioned glass plates for arranging radiofrequency-tagged in vitro fertilization (IVF) samples. The glass plates are positioned to accommodate the arrangement of culture dishes containing the radiofrequency-tagged IVF samples. By placing the culture dishes on the glass plates, the radiofrequency-tagged IVF samples can be observed under a microscope. The glass plates are transparent, which facilitates visual observation of the radiofrequency-tagged IVF samples during scanning.
[0025] The system (100) includes a metallic laminar flow plane (116) surrounding the grooved observation region (112). The metallic laminar flow plane (116) is configured to establish an environment for RFID tag scanning. This environment is free of contaminants, interference and external factors that affect RFID tag scanning. The metallic laminar flow plane is selectively in a heated or unheated state.
[0026] In one embodiment, the metallic laminar flow plane (116) is rectangular and can be formed of materials such as steel, nickel, aluminum, etc. The material selection of the metallic laminar flow plane (116) depends on factors such as electromagnetic shielding requirements and cost.
[0027] The system (100) comprises a radio frequency identification tag reader (118) positioned near the grooved observation region (112) on the laminar flow metal plane (116). The radio frequency identification tag reader (118) is a device used to communicate with a radio frequency identification tag on an in vitro fertilization sample via an antenna (120). The radio frequency identification tag reader (118) transmits a signal to the radio frequency identification tag and receives a response from the tag. The radio frequency identification tag reader (118) is adapted to be connected to the antenna (120) via a wired connection. The antenna (120) is positioned within the groove of the observation region and below the glass plate. Examples of the antenna (120) include, but are not limited to, patch antennas, microstrip antennas, and the like. The selection and shape of the antenna (120) depend on factors such as the operating frequency range, antenna size, and the like. When the radio frequency identification tag reader (118) transmits a signal, the antenna (120) generates an electromagnetic field that supplies power to the radio frequency identification tag (126) on the in vitro fertilization sample within the range of the electromagnetic field. The radio frequency identification tag reader (118) scans the radio frequency identification-tagged in vitro fertilization sample regardless of the orientation and arrangement of the radio frequency identification tag. In response, the radio frequency identification tag (126) returns the stored predefined data to the radio frequency identification tag reader (118). The system (100) comprises a display module (122) connected to the radio frequency identification tag reader (118). The display module (122) is configured to visualize radio frequency identification tag data in real time to ensure the capture and tracking of the radio frequency identification tag (126) associated with the in vitro fertilization sample.
[0028] Further, the system (100) comprises a database (124) operably coupled to the radio frequency identification tag reader (118). The database (124) is configured to store captured radio frequency identification tag data together with at least one in vitro fertilization sample.
[0029] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method (300) for reading a radio frequency identification tag associated with an in vitro fertilization (IVF) sample according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (300) includes observing the radio frequency identification tagged IVF sample through a grooved observation area in a laminar hood. The IVF sample includes at least one biological sample selected from the group consisting of sperm, eggs, and embryos for the IVF process in step 310. In the IVF procedure, the IVF sample includes at least one biological sample placed in a dedicated container, such as a culture dish. This dedicated container is equipped with a corresponding radio frequency identification tag. The radio frequency identification tag is attached to the portion containing the biological sample, such as sperm, eggs, or embryos, and stores predefined data indicating unique identification information of the biological sample.
[0030] In one embodiment, the predefined data includes unique identification information for the biological sample, patient information, collection data and time, and sample details.
[0031] The method includes, in step 320, housing parallel glass plates in compartments for arranging radiofrequency-tagged in vitro fertilization samples. Dedicated containers containing the biological samples and their corresponding radiofrequency-tagged tags are placed on these glass plates. This arrangement allows for observation of the radiofrequency-tagged in vitro fertilization samples through a microscope, providing clear visibility for further processing.
[0032] The method includes, in step 330, establishing an environment for radio frequency identification tag scanning using a metallic laminar flow plane. This environment is free from contaminants, interference, and external factors that may affect radio frequency identification tag scanning.
[0033] This method involves scanning radio frequency identification tags placed on a glass plate using an antenna, thereby capturing radio frequency identification tag data. The antenna is located in a groove in the observation area and below the glass plate and is connected to a radio frequency identification tag reader via a wired connection in step 340. Examples of antennas include, but are not limited to, patch antennas and microstrip antennas. The selection and shape of the antenna depend on factors such as the operating frequency range and antenna size. When the radio frequency identification tag reader transmits a signal, the antenna generates an electromagnetic field that powers the radio frequency identification tags on the in vitro fertilization sample within its range.
[0034] This method involves scanning in vitro fertilization (IVF) samples tagged with radio frequency identification tags using a radio frequency identification tag reader, regardless of the orientation or position of the radio frequency identification tags, thereby ensuring the capture and tracking of the radio frequency identification tags associated with the IVF samples in step 350. The radio frequency identification tags then respond by sending back stored predefined data to the radio frequency identification tag reader. The system includes a display module connected to the radio frequency identification tag reader. The display module is configured to visualize the radio frequency identification tag data in real time.
[0035] As described above, various embodiments of the system and method for reading RFID tags associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) samples read RFID tags on IVF samples regardless of their orientation or placement. Furthermore, the system eliminates the need for additional hardware frequently used in existing setups for IVF sample tracking. The reduction in hardware components simplifies the overall setup, reduces maintenance requirements, and lowers costs. The system employs an improved RFID tag reader equipped with an antenna for scanning RFID tags and positioned within a grooved observation area. The optimized placement of the antenna improves the accuracy of RFID tag reading and eliminates interference.
[0036] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-mentioned general description and the following detailed description are intended to illustrate and illustrate the contents of the disclosure, and are not intended to limit them.
[0037] Certain terms are used to describe the disclosure, but this is not intended to impose any limitations. As those skilled in the art will understand, various practical modifications can be made to the methods in order to implement the concepts of the inventions taught herein.
[0038] The drawings and the preceding description illustrate examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more of the described elements may be integrated into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be divided into multiple functional elements. Elements of one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and is not limited to the methods described herein. Furthermore, the operations in the flowchart do not have to be implemented in the order shown, nor do all operations necessarily have to be performed. Operations that do not depend on other operations may be performed in parallel with other operations. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
Claims
1. A system (100) for reading radio frequency identification tags associated with in vitro fertilization samples, The laminar hood comprises a grooved observation area (112) located under the microscope, wherein the grooved observation area (112) is adapted for observing radio frequency identification tagged in vitro fertilization samples, and the in vitro fertilization sample comprises at least one biological sample selected from the group consisting of sperm, eggs, and embryos for the in vitro fertilization process. The grooved observation area (112) is A compartment (114) for housing glass plates arranged in parallel for placing in vitro fertilization samples tagged with radio frequency identification, A metal laminar flow plane (116) surrounds the grooved observation area (112), and the metal laminar flow plane (116) is adapted to establish an environment for radio frequency identification tag scanning, which is free from contaminants, interference, and external factors that may affect radio frequency identification tag scanning. The system comprises a radio frequency identification tag reader (118) located near a grooved observation area (112) on a metal laminar flow plane (116), The radio frequency identification tag reader (118) The antenna (120) is connected via a wired connection, and the antenna (120) is located in the groove of the observation area and below the glass plate. The antenna (120) scans the radio frequency identification tag placed on the glass plate inside the laminar hood below the microscope to capture the radio frequency identification tag data. A system adapted to scan in vitro fertilization (IVF) samples tagged with radio frequency identification tags, regardless of the orientation or placement of the tags, thereby ensuring the capture and tracking of radio frequency identification tags associated with the IVF samples. A system (100) characterized by the following.
2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification tag (126) stores predefined data indicating unique identification information of a biological sample.
3. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification tag (126) is attached to a position on a dedicated container (128) configured to contain an in vitro fertilization sample.
4. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the metal laminar flow plane (116) is selectively heated or not heated.
5. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the glass plate is transparent, thereby facilitating the visual observation of the radio frequency identification tagged in vitro fertilization sample during scanning.
6. The system (100) according to claim 1, comprising a database (124) operably connected to a radio frequency identification tag reader (118), wherein the database (124) is configured to store radio frequency identification tag data captured with at least one in vitro fertilization sample.
7. The system (100) according to claim 1, comprising a display module (122) connected to a radio frequency identification tag reader (118), wherein the display module (122) is configured to visualize radio frequency identification tag data in real time.
8. A method (300) for reading a radio frequency identification tag associated with an in vitro fertilization sample, The process involves observing an in vitro fertilization sample tagged with radio frequency identification using a grooved observation area within a laminar hood, wherein the in vitro fertilization sample comprises at least one biological sample selected from a group consisting of sperm, eggs, and embryos for the in vitro fertilization process (310). The process involves (320) housing parallel-arranged glass plates for placing radio frequency identification tagged in vitro fertilization samples in a compartment, A step of establishing an environment for radio frequency identification tag scanning using a metal laminar flow plane, wherein this environment is free from contaminants, interference, and external factors that may affect radio frequency identification tag scanning (330), The process involves scanning a radio frequency identification tag placed on a glass plate inside a laminar hood under the microscope using an antenna, and capturing the radio frequency identification tag data, wherein the antenna is located below the glass plate in a groove in the observation area and is connected to a radio frequency identification tag reader by a wired connection (340). A step (350) to scan an in vitro fertilization sample tagged with radio frequency identification tags using a radio frequency identification tag reader, regardless of the orientation or placement of the radio frequency identification tags, and to ensure the capture and tracking of the radio frequency identification tags associated with the in vitro fertilization sample, A method characterized by having the following: