Wireless ID Tag Management for Medical Diagnostic Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical diagnostic systems face challenges in efficiently managing and tracking containers storing substances used for assays, particularly in terms of container location, authenticity, calibration, and assay data, due to limitations in existing tracking and communication methods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of electronic identification (ID) tags with readable and writeable memory, coupled with a control system and mobile robots, enables wireless communication and data management for containers, including location tracking, calibration data, and assay information, allowing seamless integration and movement of containers between different areas of the diagnostic system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tracking methods are used for containers, then the system complexity is low, but the tracking precision and data management capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tracking systems with electronic identification tags and wireless communication systems. Each container is equipped with an ID tag containing memory, and the system uses antennas to wirelessly read and write data to these tags, enabling precise tracking without complex mechanical sensors or manual recording mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of container information by storing data in electronic ID tags attached to containers. These tags contain memory that stores container identification, location, and status information, which can be read wirelessly by antennas, effectively creating a digital replica of the physical container's state for tracking purposes.
2Productivity
If manual container management is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service container management through automated wireless communication between antennas and ID tags. The control system automatically reads container information, tracks locations, and manages container movements without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving operational efficiency while the automation handles the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that manages the complexity of container tracking and management. This control system coordinates between multiple antennas, mobile robots, and container ID tags, handling the computational and logistical complexity while presenting a simplified interface for container management operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If containers are moved between different diagnostic systems, then the versatility is improved, but the data consistency and interoperability become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal container management through standardized ID tags that can be read by any antenna in the network. The electronic tags store container information in a standardized format that can be accessed across different diagnostic systems, enabling seamless interoperability while maintaining data consistency through the uniform communication protocol.
4Measurement precision
If static antenna arrays are used for communication, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to track moving containers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static antenna arrays to dynamic mobile robotic systems equipped with antennas. These mobile robots can move throughout the diagnostic system to actively locate and communicate with containers, enabling precise tracking of container positions while the robots navigate the space, rather than relying on fixed antenna coverage zones.
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
This solution enhances the management and tracking of containers, ensuring accurate data storage and retrieval, efficient container movement, and interoperability between different medical diagnostic systems, thereby improving the operational efficiency and reliability of the diagnostic processes.
Implementation Method 1
Antennas are configured to communicate wirelessly with ID tags associated with the one or more containers
Data Source
AI summary
An example medical diagnostic system includes one or more containers that are usable in a medical diagnostic test. Each container has an identification (ID) tag associated therewith. An ID tag of a container includes memory that is readable and writeable. The memory is for storing information relating to the container. Antennas are configured to communicate wirelessly with ID tags associated with the one or more containers. A control system is configured to store a location of the container based on an identify of the antenna, to select the antenna for communication with the ID tag, and to use the antenna to read at least some of the information from, or to write at least some of the information to, the memory on the ID tag.