Microplate Reader NFC Filter Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microplate readers lack efficient validation mechanisms for ensuring that the correct optical filters and consumable materials are loaded and available for specific assay protocols, which can lead to errors and interruptions during operations.
Innovation Solution
A microplate reader system utilizing NFC tags for each optical filter and an assay kit, where a controller reads and verifies the filter information, ensuring that only the specified filters are loaded and that sufficient consumables are present before allowing the protocol to proceed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual verification of filters and consumables is performed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of protocol execution deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The filter and consumable items are equipped with NFC tags that automatically provide identification and verification information when scanned by the reader/writer, enabling the system to self-validate without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
Manual visual inspection and verification of filters and consumables is replaced by an automated NFC-based electronic verification system that reads tag data and validates compatibility with the selected protocol
2Reliability
If automated NFC validation is implemented, then the reliability of filter verification is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
NFC tags serve as intermediary carriers of identification and verification information between the physical filters/consumables and the electronic validation system, enabling reliable verification without direct complex electronic integration
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC reader/writer integrated into the controller serves multiple functions: reading filter identification, verifying consumable availability, and validating protocol compatibility, consolidating what could be separate complex subsystems into a single multi-functional component
3Reliability
If comprehensive validation of all components is performed, then the error-free operation is ensured, but the operation time increases due to additional validation steps
Solution Approach 1:
NFC tags are pre-loaded with identification and verification data during manufacturing, so that when the reader/writer scans them during protocol setup, immediate validation can occur without time-consuming manual verification or complex real-time analysis
Data Source
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AI summary
A microplate reader and a method for operating the microplate reader are disclosed. The microplate reader includes a housing, a first NFC reader/writer, a filter tray positioning device, a filter tray, an optical filter disposed in the filter tray, and a a controller. The filter tray has a filter tray NFC tag disposed thereon and the filter has a filter NFC tag disposed thereon. The controller receives information about an assay protocol to be undertaken, wherein the assay protocol specifies a filter to be used. The first NFC reader/writer reads filter information stored in the filter NFC tag, the controller directs the NFC reader/writer to store the filter information in the filter tray NFC tag, and the controller enables operation of the microplate reader to undertake the assay protocol only if filter information indicates that the optical filter is in accordance with the filter specified in the assay protocol.