RF Tracking System for Biological Samples in Cryo-Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and tracking biological samples in assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such as IVF, rely heavily on manual double-witnessing protocols, which are prone to human error, inefficient, and not effective in preventing mismatching errors, especially under stressful conditions and in cryo-environments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing RF transceiving devices resistant to laboratory conditions, including cryo-environments, for real-time identification and tracking of biological samples, integrated with a centralized database and hand-held devices for accurate and automated tracking, eliminating the need for manual double-witnessing and ensuring accurate workflow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual double-witnessing protocols are used for identification and tracking, then human oversight is provided, but human error and inefficiency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification processes with an automated RF-based system. Hand-held devices with RF transceiving capabilities automatically identify biological samples by reading RF tags, eliminating manual double-witnessing while maintaining reliability and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-identifying biological samples through embedded RF tags. Each sample contains its own identification data that can be automatically read by hand-held devices, eliminating the need for human operators to manually verify and record identification information.
2Reliability
If manual double-witnessing protocols are used, then human verification is achieved, but mismatching errors still occur under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate automated feedback by comparing RF tag data with the treatment plan in real-time. The hand-held device verifies sample identity against the intended procedure before allowing progression, preventing mismatching errors through automated validation rather than relying on human attention under stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human verification with automated RF-based identification and validation. The system objectively compares sample identifiers with treatment plan requirements, eliminating human error in matching while improving precision through automated data comparison.
3Ease of operation
If manual tracking methods are used, then flexibility is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF identification system operates continuously and automatically as samples move through the workflow. Hand-held devices can rapidly read multiple RF tags in sequence without interruption, maintaining continuous tracking while reducing the time spent on identification compared to manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual tracking with automated RF reading. The hand-held devices instantly capture identification data from multiple samples in rapid succession, dramatically reducing identification time while maintaining operational flexibility through portable device design.
4Measurement precision
If sample removal from cryo-environment is required for tracking, then identification can occur, but sample integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The RF tag acts as an intermediary carrier of identification information that remains with the sample in the cryo-environment. The hand-held device reads the RF tag data without requiring sample removal, using the tag as a mediator to transfer identification information across the temperature boundary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical sample handling for identification with wireless RF communication. The hand-held device communicates with the RF tag through electromagnetic fields that can penetrate cryo-environment barriers, eliminating the need to physically remove samples and compromising integrity.
5Productivity
If automated RF tracking is implemented, then efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from complex manual procedures and embeds it in simple RF tags attached to samples. The hand-held device contains the necessary RF transceiving capability, separating the complexity into manageable components while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held device serves multiple functions: reading RF tags, validating sample identity, tracking sample location, and communicating with the central system. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, managing complexity while improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a device and system for monitoring the accuracy of procedures in the course of the performance of a task, the task comprising at least one procedure to be performed, the device comprising: an input interface for receiving input data relating to the procedures; a data store for storing data relating to the procedures; a processor for: comparing the input data with the stored data; and generating a comparison result indicating the result of that comparison; and an output interface for outputting the comparison result.