RFID Tag Response State Control for Reagent Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The RFID system used for managing reagent containers in automatic analyzing apparatuses faces challenges in unambiguously associating data with specific wireless tags, leading to inefficiencies when combined with barcode systems for inventory control within reagent depositories.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzing apparatus with a reagent depository, wave radiator, wave receiver, and processing circuitry that sends and receives radio waves to and from wireless tags on reagent containers, allowing the system to specify reagent information by changing the response state of the tags and associating the data with the correct container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the RFID system is used for managing reagent containers, then inventory control efficiency is improved, but the ability to unambiguously associate data with specific wireless tags deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the identification process into two distinct stages: first, collectively reading wireless tags from multiple reagent containers using RFID to achieve efficient inventory control; second, individually identifying each container by detecting changes in the wireless tag response state when illuminated by spot light. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing bulk operations for efficiency while maintaining precise individual identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spot light as an intermediary to mediate between the RFID system and the wireless tags. The spot light acts as a selective activation mechanism that illuminates only the wireless tag on the target reagent container, causing it to change its response state. This intermediary enables precise individual identification without compromising the efficiency of collective RFID reading for inventory control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both RFID system and barcode system are used for reagent management, then inventory control capability is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wireless tag multi-functional by enabling it to serve both RFID communication and optical identification purposes. The wireless tag can be collectively read via RFID for inventory control and individually identified through spot light illumination that changes its response state. This universality eliminates the need for separate barcode labels while maintaining comprehensive inventory control capability, thereby reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of RFID tags and barcode labels into a single wireless tag system. By combining wireless communication capability with optical response characteristics, the system achieves both inventory control efficiency and precise identification without requiring dual labeling systems, thus reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Speed
If wireless tag reader is placed at reagent depository entrance, then recognition speed is improved, but the ability to specify individual container data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification process into two phases: rapid collective recognition at the depository entrance using RFID reading, followed by precise individual container specification using spot light activation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high recognition speed for inventory purposes while achieving accurate individual container identification when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary collective reading of all wireless tags at the reagent depository entrance to establish an inventory list. This preliminary action enables fast recognition and inventory control, while individual container specification is subsequently achieved by selectively activating specific wireless tags with spot light based on the pre-established inventory data.
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
Enables accurate identification and management of reagent information for each container using RFID technology, allowing for efficient inventory control and eliminating the need for barcode labels, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
a wave radiator that sends a radio wave to a plurality of wireless tags... and a wave receiver that receives return radio waves from the wireless tags
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzing apparatus includes a reagent depository, a wave radiator, a wave receiver, a switcher, and processing circuitry. The wave radiator sends a radio wave to a plurality of wireless tags. The wireless tags are comprised by respective reagent containers in the reagent depository or by respective reagent containers at a reagent retaining space. The wave receiver receives return radio waves from the wireless tags that have received the radio wave. The switcher changes a response state of one of the wireless tags. The processing circuitry specifies reagent information corresponding to the reagent container that comprises the response state-changed wireless tag, based on the return radio waves received before and after the response state is changed.