RFID Tagged Animal Data Management System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current research facility systems are inefficient and error-prone due to difficulties in locating and identifying animals, improper data collection, and time-consuming procedures, especially when dealing with multiple animals in the same enclosure.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating RFID tags with animals, laboratory objects, and technician badges to communicate with a data management system, enabling efficient data collection and organization, automatic identification of animals, and streamlined research procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If technicians manually locate and identify animals in cages using visual indicators, then animal identification is possible, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone when multiple animals are in the same enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual identification with RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology. RFID tags are implanted in animals and read by automated scanners, eliminating the need for technicians to manually search through cages and visually identify animals. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated electronic systems directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining high identification accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service identification where animals automatically present their RFID tags to scanners without requiring manual handling or active participation from the animal. The RFID tags continuously emit identification signals that are automatically detected by scanners positioned in the facility, allowing the identification process to occur without technician intervention and eliminating time losses associated with manual searching.
2Loss of information
If technicians follow multiple manual steps for data collection and documentation, then comprehensive data can be gathered, but the procedures become time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate procedures (animal identification, data collection, and documentation) into a single integrated automated process. When an RFID scanner detects an animal, it automatically retrieves the animal's information from the database, collects relevant data, and documents everything without requiring separate manual steps. This consolidation maintains comprehensive data collection while eliminating the time consumption and errors associated with multiple manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where data collected from RFID scanning and animal measurements is immediately processed, validated, and stored in the database. The system provides real-time feedback to technicians about data quality and completeness, automatically correcting errors and ensuring comprehensive data collection without requiring multiple manual review steps, thus reducing both time and errors.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators are used to identify animals, then animal characteristics can be displayed, but the system becomes inefficient when dealing with multiple animals in the same cage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual indicator systems with automated RFID scanning technology. Instead of technicians visually examining animals and manually recording information, RFID scanners automatically detect and read identification tags from animals, retrieving and displaying relevant information electronically. This substitution maintains ease of operation by providing clear identification while dramatically improving productivity through automation and elimination of manual processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly reduces time and errors in animal identification and data collection, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of research procedures by automating the tracking and management of animal and object information within the research facility.
Implementation Method 1
a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip is disposed within the housing and programmed to include a unique identification number for a rodent to which the tag is attached
Data Source
AI summary
A system for integrating at least one object with an animal within a research facility comprises at least one animal within the research facility, the at least one animal having a first tag associated therewith that is configured to communicate with a data management system. The system further includes at least one laboratory object having a second tag associated therewith and being associated with the at least one animal, the second tag being configured to communicate with the data management system. Still further, the system includes at least one technician badge having a third tag associated therewith, the badge configured to communicate with the data management system. The at least one animal, the at least one laboratory object, and the at least one technician badge are configured to transmit information to the data management system.