mounting device using standard features for rack orientation detection

专利摘要:
patent summary: "mounting device using standard features for rack orientation detection". A first embodiment of the invention relates to systems and methods for detecting the orientation of sample carriers using two or more RFID tags. one or two equally spaced RFID reader antenna arrays may be positioned below or within an area into which the racks may be placed. The first RFID tag defines the origin of the sample conveyor and its geometry. the second rfid tag and the additional tag define the orientations of the sample carrier with respect to the antenna array of the rfid reader. At least two of the label antennas in the rack align solely with two antennas in the reader array. The system powers each reader antenna and associates the RFID tags aligned with them to the physical position of the RFID reader antenna. A second embodiment of the invention detects only the location of a rack while relying on physical control for guidance using a mounting device. The mounting device allows the use of multiple rack / tray sizes to accommodate multiple workflows or sample sorting with automation equipment.
公开号:BR112015019685A2
申请号:R112015019685
申请日:2014-02-14
公开日:2019-12-17
发明作者:Martinez Charles；W Johns Charles；Frenz Christian；Brueggemann Luciano
申请人:Beckman Coulter Inc；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Invention Patent Descriptive Report for MOUNTING DEVICE USING STANDARD RESOURCES FOR RACK GUIDANCE DETECTION.
REFERENCES RELATED TO RELATED DEPOSIT APPLICATIONS [001] This application claims priority to US patent application No. 61 / 768,350, filed on February 22, 201 3 and US patent application No. 61 / 894,769, filed on October 23 2013, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND [002] Sample containers can be transported by automated systems in various areas of a laboratory system. Such areas may include entry, distribution, centrifugation, uncover, aliquotator, exit, classification, capping and secondary pipe elevation areas. Sample containers can include test tubes that can contain material for medical analysis, such as blood, serum, gel, plasma, etc. The sample containers can be placed in a rack, tray or sample carrier for storage, processing or for ease of transport. Sample racks, trays and carriers can also be placed in drawers in specific arrangements to accommodate various workflows or sample classifications.
[003] Operators donating laboratory automation systems can use sample racks to arrange samples in a particular pattern and order to enable automation equipment to remove samples from these racks based on their position within the standard. Likewise, automation equipment can place samples and sample containers on racks in a particular pattern and order to enable the operator to remove samples from
2/42 racks in a specific pattern and order. If the operator does not orient a rack correctly in the automation equipment, then it is difficult to associate the correct positions within the rack for the sample containers in the rack.
[004] A known solution to overcome the above problem provides loading the racks in the automation equipment in a single orientation. A unique feature of the rack can be combined with a docking feature on the automation equipment to perform the unique orientation. However, this solution can be frustrating for the operator. Multiple attempts may be required for the operator to install the rack in the automation equipment to obtain the necessary guidance.
[005] Another solution, as described in US patent application 2011095864 works for racks having two possible orientations. A square rack having equal length sides could be placed in the automation equipment in four different orientations. However, with this solution, only two of the four possible orientations can be identified. Thus, conventional approaches could be improved.
[006] The modalities of the invention address these and other problems, individually and collectively.
BRIEF SUMMARY [007] The modalities of the invention provide systems and methods that allow an operator to load racks in numerous locations and orientations. An automation system can automatically determine the locations and orientations of the racks (or other sample carrier), as well as any samples from the sample containers in the racks.
[008] The modalities of the invention refer to systems and methods for detecting the orientation of the sample carriers or
3/42 racks using two or more RFID tag antennas. In some embodiments, one or two dimensionally spaced arrays of RFID reader antennas can be positioned under or within an area where the sample carriers are placed. The first RFID tag defines the origin of the sample carrier and its characteristics (for example, geometry). The second RFID tag and the additional tag define the orientations of the sample carrier in relation to the antenna array of the RFID readers. At least two of the RFID tags in the rack can uniquely align with two antennas in the antenna array of the RFID reader. The system energizes each reader antenna and associates the RFID tags aligned with them to the physical position of the RFID reader antenna. The number of detectable locations and orientations depends on the number and spacing of the RFID tag antennas in the rack and the RFID reader antennas within the reader array.
[009] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a sample carrier that comprises two or more recesses for holding samples or sample containers and two or more RFID tags. At least one of two or more RFID tags defines the origin of the sample carrier and the remaining RFID tags define the orientation of the sample carrier.
[0010] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a system comprising a sample carrier comprising two or more recesses to hold the sample containers and two or more RFID tags, wherein at least one of two or more tags RFID defines the origin of the sample carrier and the remaining RFID tags define the orientation of the sample carrier and an antenna array of the RFID reader, where the antenna array of the RFID reader comprises multiple RFID antennas. The antenna array of the RFID reader is positioned below
4/42 or within an area where the sample carrier is placed. At least two of the RFID tags on the sample carrier can uniquely align at least two antennas in the antenna array of the RFID reader.
[0011] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for using the system described above. The method may include placing a sample carrier with two or more RFID tags on a platform with an antenna reader array, which is activated. A set (for example, one or more) of antenna readers in the array of the antenna reader then reads the information on at least one of the RFID tags and a processor can determine when the sample carrier is located and can also determine the orientation of the sample carrier in relation to the reference point. The two or more RFID tags from the sample carrier can be aligned with the antenna reader array in such a way that each of at least two RFID tags is brought close to an individual RFID reader antenna in the array array. RFID reader antenna.
[0012] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a universal mounting device that comprises a mounting structure that comprises a plurality of standardized features. The plurality of standardized features is capable of positioning sample carriers of different sizes and / or capable of positioning sample carriers at different locations on the assembly structure. An RFID reader array is attached to the mounting frame. The RFID reader array can be attached to the mounting frame in any suitable way. For example, in the embodiments of the invention, the RFID reader array can be embedded within the mounting frame, in recesses in the mounting frame, or attached to an external surface (e.g.
5/42 upper or side sections) of the mounting structure. The RFID reader array comprises a plurality of RFID reader antennas. The terms RFID reader antenna array, reader antenna array, RFID reader array and reader array are used interchangeably in this specification.
[0013] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a system comprising a universal mounting device comprising a mounting structure comprising a plurality of standardized features and an antenna array of the RFID reader coupled to the mounting structure. The antenna array of the RFID reader comprises a plurality of antennas of the RFID reader. The system also comprises a sample carrier that comprises a transport structure, a transport location feature associated with the carrier structure, a carrier orientation feature associated with the carrier structure and an RFID tag attached to the carrier structure. The sample carrier is capable of being positioned through the interface of one or more standardized features with the carrier location feature and the carrier guidance feature.
[0014] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for using the system described above. The method comprises placing the sample carrier on the universal mounting device, so that one or more standardized features interface with the carrier location feature and the carrier orientation feature. The method may include placing a sample carrier with one or more RFID tags on a platform with a universal mounting device and an RFID reader antenna array, which is activated. A set (for example, one or more) of antenna readers in the antenna array of the RFID reader then reads the information on at least one of the
6/42
RFID, and a processor can determine where the sample carrier is located and can also determine the orientation of the sample carrier.
[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, a location of a sample carrier can be detected with the use of a physical control device for guidance. For example, a universal mounting device can control the location of a rack in one or more positions on a plane. A set or array of antennas from the RFID reader combined with the positions of the universal mounting device on the plane can be used to read the RFID tag attached to a rack structure. As the geometric location of each of the positions of the universal mounting device is known, the location of the correlated reader antenna is also known. When a tag is centered over any of these positions, only a reader antenna in the set can read the RFID tag. The location of the reader antenna that reads the rack label allows the location of the reading antenna to be correlated to the location of the rack in the plane. Thus, the geometric location of a rack on the universal mounting device can be detected.
[0016] In another modality, the use of two or more RFID tags strategically placed in a rack allows the detection of the rack orientation when coupled to a universal mounting device and to the RFID reader antenna array or array. One of the RFID tags can be used to determine the location of the rack. If the RFID reader antenna array is two-dimensional, a second RFID tag spaced at a distance from the first RFID tag equal to the distance between adjacent reader antennas in the array allows the orientation to be verified. If the antenna set of the RFID reader has a single dimension and a rack is square and that rack can be oriented in up to four pos orientations
7/42 levels, the addition of a third antenna allows the rack orientation to be detected in any of the four possible orientations.
[0017] These and other embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] An additional understanding of the nature and advantages of the different modalities can be achieved by reference to the following drawings.
[0019] Figure 1A illustrates a block diagram of a laboratory system.
[0020] Figure 1B illustrates a block diagram of automation equipment components.
[0021] Figure 2A illustrates an exemplary rack with two RFID tags in an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] Figure 2B illustrates an exemplary rack with three RFID tags in an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] Figure 3A illustrates different orientations for a rack using a two-dimensional reader antenna array in one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] Figure 3B illustrates different orientations for a rack using a one-dimensional reader antenna array in one embodiment of the invention.
[0025] Figure 3C-1 shows a rack placement area with a grid.
[0026] Figure 3C-2 shows a rack placement area with a grid and a one-dimensional set of RFID antennas.
[0027] Figure 3C-3 shows a square-shaped rack (recesses for test tubes not shown) 380 with an original RFID tag and a first orientation RFID tag and a second orientation RFID tag.
8/42 [0028] Figure 3C-4 shows examples of valid rack placement on the grid.
[0029] Figure 4 illustrates a 60 ° orientation for a rack using a two-dimensional reader antenna array in one embodiment of the invention.
[0030] Figure 5A illustrates a top plan view of a universal mounting device in an embodiment of the invention.
[0031] Figure 5B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary rack in a universal mounting device in an embodiment of the invention.
[0032] Figure 5C illustrates an exemplary rack comprising a transport location feature and a transport orientation feature in an embodiment of the invention.
[0033] Figure 6 illustrates rack sizes compatible with the universal mounting device in modalities of the invention.
[0034] Figures 7A-7B illustrate exemplary rack / tray arrangements in the universal mounting device in embodiments of the invention.
[0035] Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computerized device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0036] Laboratory automation systems provide automated sample loading, sorting and unloading / transport to minimize manual handling. Samples may need to be transported to other instruments or sections of the laboratory for storage, further processing or disposal. A laboratory automation system operator can assign a specific position within a sample carrier or rack to a specific position within a laboratory automation system. Current solutions allow racks to be loaded onto the equipment
9/42 of automation in a predefined manner with the use of mechanical structure and orientation resources, thereby limiting the rack orientation options in the automation equipment.
[0037] To manage sample traceability by position within the rack, a correlation between each position in the rack and the automation equipment that loads the rack needs to be made. Consequently, both the location of a rack in a plane and the orientation of the rack within that plane need to be communicated to laboratory automation equipment.
[0038] There are at least two ways to communicate location information and guidance for laboratory automation equipment. In the first way, the location and orientation of a sample carrier can be physically controlled so that the automation equipment knows the location of the sample carrier and can correlate that location to specific positions on that sample carrier. In a second way, the location and / or orientation of the sample carrier can be detected in relation to a physical location and that physical location can be correlated to positions on the sample carrier.
[0039] The modalities of the invention refer to systems and methods for detecting the physical location and / or the orientation of a sample carrier. In a first set of modalities, the location and orientation of the rack can be detected in relation to the physical location and can be correlated to a position on a sample carrier. This can be done, for example, by using two or more RFID tags strategically placed on the sample carrier. In a second set of modalities, the location and / or orientation of the sample carrier can be detected in relation to the physical location and can be correlated to
10/42 a position on a sample carrier. This can be accomplished using, for example, an assembly structure with a number of standardized features.
[0040] Before discussing the specific modalities of the invention, some descriptions of some terms may be useful.
[0041] A sample carrier structure or sample carrier structure can include any suitable structure that may contain samples. In some cases, a structure can comprise several recesses (for example, cracks, cavities, etc.), where the recesses can contain samples or containers that can contain samples. Suitable examples of sample carrier structures may include rack structures and microtiter plate structures. Suitable structures can be made of any suitable material including glass, plastic, ceramic, etc. They may also comprise an antistatic material to reduce the likelihood that static electricity may be present during use.
[0042] An RFID tag can include any suitable device that uses radio frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data. In some embodiments, a tag may contain information stored electronically. Some tags are energized by and read in short bands (up to a few meters) through magnetic fields (electromagnetic induction). Others may use a local power supply as a battery or not yet have a battery, but collect energy from an EM interrogation field and then act as a passive transponder to emit microwaves or UHF radio waves (that is, electromagnetic radiation in high frequencies).
[0043] A matrix can include a set of elements, where the elements in the set are spaced from each other. The space
11/42 between the elements in a matrix can be regular or irregular. Suitable matrices can be in the form of a one-dimensional set of elements or a two-dimensional set of elements.
[0044] A recess can include a space of predefined dimensions in a structure. A recess can be in the form of a hole or slit and can be of any suitable size or shape.
[0045] Figure 1A illustrates a high-level block diagram of a 100 laboratory system. The system can include automation equipment. Laboratory system 100 may include automation equipment 104 and a plurality of sample carriers 106 and a loading and unloading platform 108.
[0046] Automation equipment 104 may include any suitable number of devices including at least one sorting, capping, uncapping, filing, aliquoting equipment, etc. It may also comprise handling devices such as robots that can transfer sample containers . Automation equipment 104 may also comprise one or more computers / servers to automate various functions using one or more robotic systems. The computerized apparatus in the automation equipment 104 can also comprise or be coupled to an information database. The information database can store information about types of sample carriers used in the system, geometry information for the respective sample carrier on platform 108 and the locations of sample carriers on platform 108.
[0047] An operator 102 may use the sample carriers 106 to arrange the sample containers (ie, test tubes) in a particular order and pattern to enable automation equipment 104 to deposit and / or remove the containers for
12/42 samples or samples from sample carriers 106. Samples or sample containers may be present in a specific pattern and order on each sample carrier 106. Operator 102 can additionally load racks 106 on the platform loading and unloading 108 coupled to automation equipment 104. For example, loading / unloading platform 108 can be part of an input module of automation equipment 104 where samples can be loaded for further processing, such as sorting, capping, uncapping , filing, aliquoting, etc.
[0048] Figure 1B shows a block diagram of some components of automation equipment 104. Automation equipment 104 can include two or more sample processing devices 104A as sorting, capping, uncapping, filing, aliquoting devices, etc. , as well as devices that can move samples or sample containers (for example, robots, pipettors, etc.). A computerized apparatus 104B can serve as a controller and can control the various sample processing devices.
[0049] The computerized apparatus 104B may comprise a data processor 104B-1 coupled to a computer-readable medium 104B-2. The computer readable medium 104B-2 can comprise any suitable combination of devices that can store data using any suitable data storage mechanism (e.g., electrical, magnetic, optical, etc.). The 104B-2 computer-readable medium may comprise a number of software modules including an 104B-2A activation module for activating the reader antennas in a reading set. The 104B-2 computer-readable medium may also include a 104B-2B type, location and orientation determination module that can be used in conjunction with
13/42 together with processor 104B-1 to determine the type, location and orientation of the sample carriers after receiving information about which reader antennas have detected the RFID tags associated with the sample carriers. Finally, the computer-readable medium 104B-2 can also include a sample carrier location database 104B-2C which can store the locations of sample carriers 106 after their locations and directions have been detected. It is noted that the modalities of the invention are not limited to the specific modules or databases described, but may include more than the modules and databases specifically described.
Modalities using at least two RFID tags [0050] Some modalities of the invention use a radio frequency identification (RFID) system to detect the orientation of a rack (or other type of sample carrier) for the sample containers in a laboratory automation system. In some embodiments of the invention, the rack has two or more RFID tags that define the direction of rack orientation. One of one or two dimensional arrays of RFID reader antennas preferably equally spaced can be positioned below or within an area where the racks can be placed. The RFID antennas can be spaced apart so that the RFID tags neighboring an RFID tag that is activated by a reader antenna are not activated by the reader antenna when the RFID tag is aligned with the reader antenna. A first RFID tag attached to the rack structure can correspond to the origin of the rack and a second RFID tag attached to the rack structure is placed at a predetermined distance from the first RFID tag. The predetermined distance combines the distance between at least two antennas in a reading matrix. In some modali
14/42, the distance between any two RFID tags can match the distance between two RFID reader antennas. The RFID reader array and antennas in the array can be electrically coupled to a computerized device.
[0051] RFID tags can be attached to the structure in any suitable way. For example, RFID tags can be attached to the structure by attaching two or more RFID tags to the surface of the structure, embedding two or more RFID tags within the structure or allowing the RFID tags to be in the recesses of the structure.
[0052] As noted above, the first RFID tag defines the origin of the rack and its geometry. The first RFID tag can comprise a memory. In some embodiments, memory can be used to store the characteristics (for example, geometry) of the rack. The second RFID tag and the additional tag can be used to define the rack's orientations in relation to the antenna array of the RFID readers. The second RFID tag and the additional tag can each have a unique value, defining a particular direction within the rack's reference structure in relation to the rack's origin. At least two of the RFID tags in the rack can uniquely align with at least two antennas in the underlying reader array on a loading / unloading platform. In this way, the location of the rack and its orientation in relation to the antenna array of the RFID reader can be ascertained using the modalities of the invention. Likewise, using the modalities of the invention, the operator can load racks in various locations and orientations, thus providing benefits over conventional systems.
[0053] In some modalities, the use of two or more RFID tags strategically placed in the structure of a rack allows
15/42 detection of rack orientation when coupled to a universal base structure and to the antenna array assembly of the RFID reader. As noted above, one of the labels can be used to determine the location of the rack. If the RFID reader antenna array is two-dimensional, a second tag spaced at a distance from the first tag equal to the distance between adjacent reader antennas in the reader assembly allows the orientation of the rack to be checked. Also, if the reader antenna set is one-dimensional and a rack is square and thus can be oriented in up to four possible orientations, the addition of a third RFID tag in / within the rack structure allows detection of the rack orientation in any of the four possible orientations.
[0054] The operation of an RFID system can be briefly described before discussing the modalities of the invention. An RFID tag can include a small electronic chip and an antenna. The individualized data can be encoded on the electronic chip of the RFID tag. Labels like these can be incorporated into a sample carrier. RFID tags can be active or passive. An active RFID tag can include a power supply to extend the effective operating range, while a passive tag can operate merely on the energy transmitted from an RFID reader antenna.
[0055] The platform on which the sample carrier is placed may have an antenna array of the RFID reader. An RFID reader antenna can include a radio frequency transmitter and receiver that can be controlled by and electrically coupled to a computerized device. The RFID reader antenna emits short-range radio frequency (RF) signals. The emitted RF signals provide a means of communication with the RFID tag and provide the RFID tag with energy so that the RFID tag can be
16/42 provide communication back to the RFID reader antenna. When an RFID tag passes through an antenna field of the scanning RFID reader, it detects an activation signal from the RFID antenna. The activation signal wakes up the RFID tag and the RFID tag transmits the information stored on its electronic chip to the scanning RFID antenna. The RFID antenna does not require the RFID tag to be in line of sight to read its stored data.
[0056] Figure 2A illustrates an exemplary rack 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The rack comprises two RFID tags.
[0057] The example rack 200 comprises a structure 220 with a planar cross section with a square shape. In this example, structure 220 comprises 16 slots (recesses) for securing sample containers configured as columns (1-4) 204 and rows (AD) 206. A slot 202 marks a reference point for row A and column 1. The example rack 20 additionally comprises a first RFID tag 208 and a second RFID tag 210. Each of the first RFID tag 208 and the second RFID tag 210 can contain electronically stored information that can be read by an antenna reader RFID. In some embodiments, the first and second RFID tags 208 and 210 may each include an integrated circuit for storing and processing information and an antenna for receiving and transmitting signals. The terms RFID tag antennas, RFID tags and tags are used interchangeably in this specification.
[0058] The structure 220 can have any suitable shape including a circular, square or rectangular, vertical or horizontal cross section in some embodiments of the invention. You can have any
17/42 adequate number of slots to hold sample containers, eg test tubes or microtiter plates, in any suitable arrangement. In some embodiments, the slots can be arranged as a set, with equal or uneven numbers of rows and columns.
[0059] In one embodiment, the first RFID tag 208 contains information that defines the origin of the rack 200 and its geometry. The second RFID tag can be used to define the orientation of the rack 200. In some embodiments, the distance between the first RFID tag 208 and the second RFID tag 210 is configured so that the orientation of the rack 200 can be determined when the first and second RFID tags 208, 210 are aligned with the corresponding reader antennas on a loading / unloading platform (not shown).
[0060] Figure 2B illustrates an exemplary rack 201 with three RFID tags according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, rack 201 may comprise a third RFID tag 212 in addition to the first and second RFID tags 208 and 210, previously described. The third RFID tag 212 can be similar to at least the second RFID tag 210 and can further assist in defining the orientation of rack 201. The locations of the second RFID tag 210 and the third RFID tag 212 with respect to first RFID tag 208 can be chosen so that at least two of the first, second and third RFID tags 208, 210 and 212 align uniquely with at least two separate reader antennas in an antenna array to determine the orientation (and / or location) of rack 200 on a platform.
[0061] Different antenna configurations of the RFID reader can be used to determine the orientation of the rack as discussed in reference to Figures 3A-3B.
[0062] Figure 3A illustrates how the different orientations of a rack comprising two RFID tags can be determined by using a two-dimensional reader antenna array.
[0063] As shown in Figure 3A, an exemplary arrangement 300 illustrates reader antennas 318 configured in a two-dimensional array. The arrangement 300 can be present on a loading / unloading platform for a plurality of sample carriers.
[0064] As shown in Figure 3A, a 310 square rack can be placed in four different orientations, as shown by reference numbers 302, 304, 306 and 308. These different orientations can correspond to 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees of rotation, respectively. Rack 310 shown in Figure 3A may have a configuration similar to that of rack 200 shown in Figure 2A. Rack 310 in Figure 3A comprises a first RFID tag 314 and a second RFID tag 316. The first RFID tag 314 is in a central portion of rack 310 while the second RFID tag 316 is close to the edge of the rack and close to a midpoint of the edge.
[0065] Reference number 312 marks a corner with a frame of reference for rack 310. In some embodiments of the invention, the reader antennas 318 may be positioned below or within an area in which rack 310 is placed. For example, reader antennas 318 can be positioned below loading / unloading platform 108 where rack 310 can be placed as part of racks 106 so that automatic equipment 104 can load or unload sample containers in rack 310. The loading / unloading platform can take any shape, including a horizontal plane in a large drawer or on a bench. In a
19/42 mode, reader antennas 318 can be communicatively coupled to a computer (for example, in automatic equipment 104) to control the orientation and location of rack 310.
[0066] In an embodiment of the invention, the first RFID tag 314 defines the origin of the rack 310 and its geometry. The second RFID tag 316 can be used with the first RFID tag to define the orientation of rack 310 with respect to the two-dimensional array of RFID 318 reader antennas. In some embodiments, the second RFID tag 316 may comprise a particular direction within reference frame 312 in relation to the origin of rack 310. The first and second RFID tags 314 and 316 in rack 310 can only align with two antennas in reader array 318 so that the location and orientation of the rack 310 can be determined. In one embodiment, a computer (for example, in automatic equipment 104) coupled to reader 318 antennas can be configured to activate each reader antenna 318. The computer can also be configured to associate the first and second RFID tags with the reader antennas 318 in the reader antenna array for the physical locations of the reader antennas. Due to the limited reading range of the reader antennas 318, in the embodiments of the invention, accidental reading of the label antennas aligned with the adjacent reader antennas is avoided, thereby minimizing reader collisions.
[0067] In the first example configuration 302, the first RFID tag 314 is aligned with a reader antenna 320 and the second RFID tag 316 is aligned with a reader antenna 322. Example example 302 indicates 0 ^o of rack rotation 310 based on the origin of the rack from the first RFID tag 314 and a direction of the second RFID tag 316 in relation to the antenna array of the reader 318. Automatic equipment 104 can detect
20/42 show that rack 310 is oriented at 0 ^o in relation to reference frame 312.
[0068] In the second example configuration 304, the second RFID tag 316 is aligned with another reader antenna 324. The example configuration 304 indicates a 90 ° rotation of the rack 310 in relation to the orientation of the rack 310 in the 302 configuration. second example configuration is based on the origin of the rack from the tag 314 and a direction for the tag 316 in relation to the antenna array of the reader 318. The automatic equipment 104 can detect that the rack 310 is oriented at 90 ° in king action orientation of rack 310 in the first configuration 302 and reference frame 312.
[0069] In the third example configuration 306, the second RFID tag 316 is aligned with another reader antenna 326. The third example configuration 304 indicates a 180 ° rotation of the rack 310 in relation to the orientation of the rack 31 0 in the first configuration example 302. The third example guideline can be based on a direction from the origin of rack 210 of the first RFID tag 314 to the second RFID tag 316 relative to the antenna array of reader 318. Automatic equipment 104 may determine that rack 310 is oriented 180 ° with respect to reference frame 312.
[0070] In the fourth example configuration 308, the second RFID tag 316 is aligned with another reader antenna 328. The example configuration 304 shows a 270 ° rotation of rack 310 in relation to the orientation of rack 310 in the first example configuration 302 The fourth example configuration is determined using a direction of the rack origin from the first RFID tag 314 to the second RFID tag 316, in relation to the antenna array of the reader 318. The automatic equipment 104
21/42 can determine that rack 310 is oriented at 270 ° with respect to reference frame 312.
[0071] Figure 3A also illustrates a circular rack 330 in four different configurations that are rotated by 90 degrees as in the square rack examples described above. Note that the first and second RFID tags 314 and 316 can only be aligned with two reader antennas to determine the location and orientation of rack 330. For example, in the example arrangement 302, the second RFID tag 316 is aligned with a reader antenna 332. In the first example configuration 304, the second RFID tag 316 is aligned with a reader antenna 334. In the second example example 306, the second RFID tag 316 is aligned with a reader antenna 336. In example arrangement 308, the second RFID tag 316 is aligned with a reader antenna 338. In this way, the origin of the rack 310 and its orientation in relation to the antenna array of the RFID reader is verified.
[0072] Figure 3B illustrates different orientations for a rack using a unidirectional reader antenna according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0073] In an exemplary arrangement, as shown in Figure 3B, reader antennas 342 can be configured in a unidirectional array. Reader antennas 342 can be positioned below or within an area where rack 310 is placed. For example, reader antennas 342 may be positioned below or inside loading / unloading platform 108 where rack 310 can be placed as part of racks 106 so that automatic equipment 104 can load or unload sample containers in the rack 310. In one embodiment, reader antennas 342 can be communicatively coupled to a computer (for example, on the
22/42 automatic equipment 104) to control the orientation and location of rack 310.
[0074] As discussed with reference to Figure 3A, the first RFID tag 314 defines the origin and geometry of the rack 310 and the second RFID tag 316 defines a first direction in relation to the origin. A third RFID 340 defines a second direction in relation to the origin. The second and third RFID tags 316, 340 can be used to determine and define the orientation of the rack 310 with respect to a dimensional array of the antennas of the RFID reader 342.
[0075] At least two of the RFID tags among the first, the second and the third RFID tags 314, 316, 340 in rack 310 align only with at least two antennas 342 in the reader matrix. For example, in the first example configuration 302, the first RFID tag 314 is aligned with a reader antenna 346 and the second RFID tag 316 is aligned with a reader antenna 344. The third RFID tag 340 is not aligned with any reader antenna in this example. In the second example configuration 304, the first RFID tag 314 is aligned with a reader antenna 348 and the RFID tag 340 is aligned with a reader antenna 350. The second RFID tag 316 is not aligned with any reader antenna. In the third exemplary configuration 306, the first RFID tag 314 is aligned with a reader antenna 352 and the second RFID tag 316 is aligned with a reader antenna 354. The third RFID tag 340 is not aligned with any antenna. In the fourth exemplary configuration 308, the first RFID tag 314 is aligned with a reader antenna 358 and the third RFID tag 340 is aligned with a reader antenna 356. The second RFID tag 316 is not aligned with any antenna. In one embodiment, a computer coupled
23/42 to the reader antennas 342 can activate each reader antenna 342 and associate the RFID tags that are aligned with the reader antennas to the orientation and location of rack 310. Thus, the origin of rack 310 and its orientation in relation to the antenna array of the RFID reader is checked.
[0076] Some methods, according to the modalities of the invention, may include aligning two or more RFID tags from a sample carrier with an antenna array of the RFID reader such that each of the at least two tags RFID tag is placed in the vicinity of an individual REFID reader antenna. The presence, position and characteristics (eg, sample carrier geometry) of the sample carrier can be detected with the RFID antenna array.
[0077] In some cases, the geometric information of the sample carrier can be obtained directly from the RFID tag that defines the origin or is obtained from a database that comprises a list of sample carrier types, their respective geometry information and optionally corresponding to sample containers or other objects that can be transported by the sample carrier types. When using this information, a sample container or sample containers within a sample carrier can be located in the area. A sample container transport device such as a gripping unit can then be manipulated to handle one or more sample containers within the area.
[0078] An exhibitor associated with a computerized device in electrical communication with the RFID antenna array can then present one or more sample carriers and / or sample containers in the area in a graphical user interface.
[0079] Some modalities of the invention may have areas for
24/42 rack placement (or other sample carrier) (eg, entry or exit drawers), where racks can be placed by the user. The areas can be examples of the mounting devices for the mounting racks. Areas can be any area (for example, entry area, exit area or distribution area) where racks can be placed or switched. The areas may comprise a grid that defines a variety of valid positions for placing the rack. This grid can be made by a mechanical structure, for example, recesses, pins, bases, which correspond to the respective mechanical structures of the racks (for example, edges, holes, etc.). The grid will allow the user to freely choose the position of the rack of various sizes as long as all racks are aligned with the grid. The orientation of the racks can be determined automatically through a combination of three labels on each rack (one source label (which comprises geometric rack information) and two orientation labels, one for each orthogonal axis of the rack orientation).
[0080] When reading the labels, the system finds out which rack is placed in which segments of the rack placement area. By reading the memory of the source RFID tag in the rack, the system finds out, for example, in which positions the sample containers can be attached by the rack so that a system claw can specifically pick up individual samples. The source RFID tag memory can also comprise information related to the type of samples that fit in the rack, so that, for example, the system can tell from the reading of the source tag that a STAT tube rack (time short return) has been inserted, and that tubes in the tube rack must be handled with priority.
[0081] These concepts can be described with reference to Figures 3C-1,3C-2, 3C-3 and 3C-4. Figure 3C-1 shows an area of co
25/42 rack location with a 370 grid. Figure 3C-2 shows a rack placement area with the 370 grid and a one-dimensional set of RFID 374 antennas. Figure 3C-3 shows a square shaped rack (recesses for test tubes are not shown) 380 with an origin RFID tag 380 (a) and a first orientation RFID tag 380 (b) and a second orientation RFID tag 380 (c).
[0082] Figure 3C-4 shows examples of valid rack settings in grid 370. The rack orientation is automatically detected. For example, rack 380 may have an origin RFID tag 380 (a) and a first orientation RFID tag 380 (b) and a second orientation RFID tag 380 (c). The first orientation RFID tag 380 (b) and the second orientation RFID tag 380 (c) form a right angle to the source RFID tag 380 (a). In this example, the source RFID tag 380 (a) and the second RFID tag 380 (c) can be detected by the underlying RFID antenna array. The orientation of rack 380 can be determined as the source RFID tag 380 (a) is known. The source RFID tag 380 (a) can comprise information related to the geometry of the rack, including the position of the first orientation RFID tag 380 (b) and the second orientation RFID tag 380 (c) in relation to the tag source RFID 380 (a). In another example, rack 390 may have a source RFID tag 390 (a) and a first orientation RFID tag 390 (b) and a second orientation RFID tag 390 (c). In this example, the source RFID tag 390 (a) and the second guidance RFID tag 390 (c) can be detected.
[0083] A workflow, which can be used in the modalities of the invention, is described below. In the modalities of the invention, a rack placement area may have a defined grid, indicating the
26/42 valid positions for placing the rack. The grid can be defined, for example, by lines or preferably by mechanical structures. The grid is preferably orthogonal, thus limiting the options for the orientation of the rack placement to 4 (0 ° 90 ° 180 ° 270 ^. Some racks may be too large in relation to the rack placement area to be placed on all the four orientations In such cases, only two placement orientations may be possible. Corresponding to the grid, there is a set of antennas of the RFID reader, for example, an antenna is placed in each field defined by the grid. only one-dimensional, for example, a row of RFID antennas along the longitudinal axis of the rack placement area.
[0084] And in some embodiments, a corresponding rack (or other sample carrier) may have exactly one RFID tag remaining in addition to an original RFID tag. Such a rack can, for example, be used where that rack can be placed in only two possible orientations in the rack placement area due to the limited width of the rack placement area in relation to the rack dimensions. In other embodiments, a corresponding rack (or other sample carrier) can have exactly two remaining RFID tags in addition to an original RFID tag. Such a rack can, for example, be used where the rack placement orientation in the rack placement area is only limited by a grid of valid positions for placing the rack in the rack placement area, but at least for some positions placement, not limited by the borders of the rack placement area.
[0085] Racks suitable for use in the rack placement area can have at least two RFID tags that can align with the antenna array in the rack placement area, when the rack interfaces with the structures of the placement area grid
27/42 of the rack. The number of tags applied to the rack may depend on the layout of the RFID reader antenna array in the rack placement area. If at least two RFID tags are aligned with the RFID reader antennas at each possible placement position of the rack, the rack orientation can be determined unambiguously.
[0086] However, a situation is possible, where the rack orientation can also be determined by physical limitations in combination with only one RFID tag detected. Therefore, for example, a square-shaped rack, corresponding to the size of the 3x3 grid cells in the rack placement area, can comprise four different RFID tags, each in the middle of each side of the rack. When the rack placement area is also limited to a width of 3 grid cells and the reader array is located as a one-dimensional array of RFID reader antennas along one side of the rack placement area, then on each possible rack orientation only one RFID tag is aligned with an RFID reader antenna from the RFID reader antenna array. However, in this setting, this is sufficient to determine the orientation in which the rack is placed.
[0087] In the RFID reading process, the RFID antennas are energized. When an RFID tag is aligned to an antenna in the antenna array of the RFID reader, it responds back by providing its ID (and intrinsically its position as the reader's position is known). The system can then request information from the RFID tag, for example, information about the type of rack.
[0088] Figure 4 illustrates a 60 ° orientation for a rack using a two-dimensional reader antenna array in one embodiment of the invention. Unlike the previous reader antenna array modalities, the reader antenna array is in the form of a circle of reader antennas. Additionally, the rack in this example
28/42 is a one-dimensional rack with recesses that extend in one direction only.
[0089] As shown in Figure 4, a rack 402 having a one-dimensional set of recesses comprises a first RFID 406 tag and a second RFID 408 tag. In one embodiment of the invention, the first RFID 406 tag defines the origin of the rack 402 and its geometry. The second RFID tag 408 defines the orientation of rack 402 with respect to the two-dimensional array of RFID 410 antennae. As shown in Figure 4, rack 404 is oriented 60 ° counterclockwise with respect to rack 402 The rack origin for rack 404, as marked by the RFID tag 406 and the RFID tag 408 is aligned with a reader antenna 412.
[0090] The modalities of the invention provide benefits over current solutions through the use of two or more RFID tags and an antenna array of the RFID reader so that an operator can load the racks in various locations and orientations and the system of Automation is able to determine the locations and orientations of the racks. The number of detectable locations and orientations may depend on the number of RFID tag antennas in the reader array and the spacing of the RFID tags in the rack. Thus, the automation equipment can determine the correct association of the position within the rack to remove and deposit samples in the rack.
IL Modalities using at least one RFID tag and a physical structure [0091] Other modalities of the invention do not need to use at least two RFID tags on a sample carrier. In other embodiments of the invention, a universal mounting device can be used to control the location and / or orientation of a rack within a plane. An RFID tag on the rack can be used 29/42 to identify the rack and / or its location.
[0092] Again with reference to Figure 1 A, operator 102 of automation equipment 104 may need to accommodate various workflows and / or classifications of sample containers (for example, test tubes). For example, sample containers may need to be classified for further processing such as sorting, capping, uncapping, filing, aliquoting, etc., which may require different workflows. Therefore, it may be desirable for operators to have the flexibility to use multiple sizes of sample carriers (for example, racks or trays containing test tubes) with automation equipment 104 without changing any facet of the system. For example, automation equipment 104 may need to place racks or trays of different sizes in a drawer (for example, in an input module). In addition, automation equipment 104 may need to locate racks or trays with different sizes placed on the bottom of the drawer so that the system can access the contents of the sample containers stored in the sample carriers inside the drawer.
[0093] Conventional solutions allow a single arrangement of rack types and positions in a drawer. They are not flexible to change the configuration to match the workflow or rack sizes. Other solutions make use of a base frame structure that allows the use of various rack sizes and layouts. However, each base frame structure can only allow for a unique arrangement of rack types and their positions. Consequently, a large number of base frames may be required to accommodate the many variations of the rack types and their various positions in the drawer.
[0094] The modalities of the invention allow operators to
30/42 flexibility to use multiple rack sizes and arrange them in different ways to accommodate multiple workflows. In one embodiment, a method is provided that allows the arrangement of multiple types of rack in a drawer (for example, in an input module of an automation system) in various positions using a universal mounting device. The universal mounting device may be present in the drawer or be able to be removed from the drawer or the input module of an automation system in the embodiments of the invention. In addition, information regarding the racks / trays, their locations and orientations in the drawer are transmitted to the system which can use them to move samples or sample containers to and from the sample carriers (eg racks, trays, etc. .).
[0095] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a universal mounting device that comprises a mounting structure that comprises a plurality of standardized features. The plurality of standardized features is capable of positioning sample carriers of different sizes and / or capable of positioning sample carriers in different locations on the assembly structure. In some embodiments, the locations can be predefined. An antenna array of the RFID reader is attached to the mounting frame. The antenna array of the RFID reader can be attached to the mounting structure in any suitable way. For example, in the embodiments of the invention, the antenna array of the RFID reader can be embedded within the mounting frame, in recesses in the mounting frame or attached to an external surface (for example, top or side surfaces) of the mounting frame. . The antenna array of the RFID reader comprises a plurality of antennas of the RFID reader. In the modalities of the invention, the standard features associated with the assembly structure ensure
31/42 ram that an RFID tag associated with the sample carrier (for example, a rack) aligns with a defined reader antenna (from the matrix) on the mounting frame, when the sample carrier is placed in a defined position (by standardized feature) in the assembly structure. The RFID tag can comprise information regarding the dimensions of the sample carrier in some embodiments of the invention.
[0096] Figure 5A illustrates a top plan view of a universal mounting device according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0097] In one embodiment, an example device 500 includes a universal mounting device 502 and a rack 504 that can be mounted on the universal mounting device 502 in multiple positions. In one embodiment, the universal mounting device 502 may include a mounting frame 520 and an antenna array of the RFID reader 514 comprising a plurality of antennas of the RFID reader 516 coupled to the mounting frame 520. The mounting frame 520 it can be in the form of a planar structure and the antennas of the RFID reader 516 can be embedded within the mounting structure 520 or attached to its upper or lower side. The mounting frame 520 can be produced from any suitable material including any suitable polymeric material. The mounting frame 520 can have any suitable shape that allows the arrangement of different types / sizes of racks or trays that can be accessed by the automation equipment 102. For example, the mounting frame 520 can have a circular, square or rectangular in some embodiments of the invention.
[0098] In Figure 5A, the universal mounting device 502 comprises eight standardized features 518. Each feature standardizes
32/42 of 518 can include one or more mounting location features 522 (for example, in the form of walls of a rectangle) and a mounting orientation feature 524, for example, extending from one of the walls. The standard features 518 can be raised or lowered in relation to another main surface of the mounting frame 520, by any suitable distance.
[0099] Figure 5B illustrates a perspective view of a rack 504 mounted on a universal mounting device 502 in an embodiment of the invention. It will be understood that the rack 504 can be mounted on any of the eight standardized features 518 of the universal mounting device 502. In some embodiments, at least one valid position of the rack 504 on the universal mounting device 502 can be defined based on the standardized features of the universal mounting device 502.
[00100] Figure 5C illustrates a rack 504 comprising a transport location feature and a transport orientation feature in an embodiment of the invention.
[00101] As shown in Figure 5C, rack 504 may comprise a carrier structure 512, an RFID tag 506 attached to the carrier structure 512, a carrier location feature 508 and a carrier orientation feature 510 associated with the frame of the conveyor 512. The rack 504 is capable of being positioned and oriented by the interface of one or more standardized features of the universal mounting device 502 with the locator feature of the conveyor 508 and the orientation feature of the conveyor 510 associated with the conveyor structure. 512. Rack 504 can contain microliter plates or simply a sample. As shown, the RFID tag 506 can be placed inside a structure that comes down from the main surface of the top of the rack 504. This allows the RFID tag 506
33/42 is as close as possible to the reader antennas in the reader antenna array.
[00102] In Figure 5A, the antenna array of the RFID reader 514 is configured as a one-dimensional array of equally spaced RFID reader antennas 516, however any suitable configuration of the RFID reader antennas is possible (for example, two-dimensional, circular, etc.). Additionally, although Figure 5A shows RFID reader antennas equally spaced, in other embodiments, the RFID reader antennas may not be equally spaced. In this example, each reader antenna 516 is arranged within mounting location resources or between adjacent pairs of mounting location resources 522. As discussed earlier, each of the antennas of the RFID reader 516 can be configured as a transmitter and receiver radio frequency that can be controlled by a computer or a processing unit. The antenna array of the RFID reader 514 can be configured to extract information from the RFID tags that can be attached to the rack structures. Such information is directly extracted from the RFID tag's memory or from a higher-level software database according to the identified type or ID of the RFID tag's information.
[00103] In one embodiment of the invention, the universal mounting device 502 is configured to support the assembly of sample carriers as racks or trays of different sizes / types. In addition, the universal mounting device 502 provides one or more standardized features 518 where racks and trays that are compatible with this feature can be located, for example, by using the mounting location feature 522 and the orientation feature. assembly 524. In one embodiment, a tray can be configured as an adapter that allows
34/42 te that racks or other items that are not compatible with the standardized feature of the universal mounting device 502 can be located on the universal mounting device 502. In another embodiment, the universal mounting device 502 can be implemented as a permanent feature in the drawer. In another embodiment, the universal mounting device 502 is similar to a base frame that is removable from the drawer to accommodate various sizes and types of rack.
[00104] In one embodiment, rack 504 or a tray containing rack 504 (not shown) is designed to be cooperatively structured with the standardized feature 518 of the universal mounting device 502. The carrier structure 512 can have any suitable shape including a circular, square or rectangular, vertical or horizontal cross section to accomplish this. The structure of the conveyor 512 may also have any suitable number of slots or recesses to hold the sample containers, in any suitable arrangement. In some embodiments, the slits can be arranged as a set, with equal or uneven numbers of dies and columns.
[00105] In one embodiment, the RFID tag 506 can be affixed to rack 504, for example, in a central position so that it aligns with an antenna of the RFID reader on the universal mounting device 502 when the rack is placed in such a way in the universal assembly that the rack carrier location features and the universal assembly mount location feature interface with each other. When an RFID tag 506 is brought close to the field of an antenna of the scan RFID reader 516, it is activated by the field of the scan RFID antenna and its ID can be read by the antenna of the RFID reader. Through software running on the processor, multiple or specific tags
35/42 RFID ports can be activated by the RFID reader antenna to transmit the information stored in the microchip to be picked up by the scanning RFID antenna. Information associated with RFID 506 tags can be included in a unique identifier for the rack or tray, information related to the 504 rack or a tray containing the rack, a type of rack or tray, geometric information related to the rack or tray, and information related to location of one or more positions in the rack or tray where sample containers or samples can be contained by the rack or tray. Such rack-specific information may, for example, comprise additional information related to the test tubes that will be placed in the respective rack. In one embodiment, the central position of the RFID tag 506 aligns with an RFID reader that can be part of the antenna array of the RFID reader 514. The RFID readers in the antenna array of the RFID reader 514 may have limited range which prevents them from reading any RFID tag other than the one directly on the antenna. As each antenna in the antenna array of the RFID reader 514 is energized, some of the antennas in the RFID reader 516 can read the RFID tag associated with a rack / tray, while others do not. Since the standardized feature of the universal mounting device 502 is defined in relation to the antenna positions of the RFID reader 516, if an antenna of the RFID reader 516 reads an RFID tag, the rack to which the tag is attached can be associated with a feature position on the universal mounting device 502.
[00106] With respect to the universal mounting device 502 in Figure 5A, a number of wires or other electrical components can connect the antenna array of the RFID reader 514 to a computerized device (for example, the computerized device 104B in Figure 1B) . These wires are not shown to simplify the illus
36/42 traction and one skilled in the art knows how to make any proper electrical communication between the RFID 514 antenna array and a computerized device.
[00107] Rack 504 may comprise one or more carrier locating features 508 and one or more carrier locating features 510. Carrier locating features 508 and carrier orientating features 510 can be integrally formed with the frame of conveyor 512, as shown in Figure 5C, or separate structures attached to the structure of conveyor 512. In this example, there are two locating features in rack 504, each of which is integrated into parallel walls. The parallel walls can interface (for example, contact) with the parallel sides of a single standardized feature 518 or multiple standardized features 518 using the mounting location feature 522 and the mounting orientation feature 523, so that the rack 504 it is precisely positioned on the universal mounting device 502. The carrier guidance feature 510 in this example is integrated by a recess in one of the walls of the rack 504. In other embodiments, the carrier guidance features may be in the form of specific structures such as protusions. The one or more carrier location feature 508 and the carrier orientation feature 510 allow precise location and orientation with respect to the one or more standardized feature of the universal mounting device 502.
[00108] The carrier location feature 508 and the carrier orientation feature 510 may have other suitable characteristics. For example, in one embodiment, the carrier location feature 508 can be related to the geometric dimensions (for example, length and width) of rack 504. In one embodiment, the carrier orientation feature 510 can with
37/42 to hold a slot or opening that can be used as a reference to place or locate rack 504 on universal mounting device 502 in a specific position. In one embodiment, the geometric location of the universal mounting device 502 and its standardized feature are defined in relation to the drawer, which helps to determine the locations of the racks / trays in relation to the drawer. The geometric information about the 504 rack extracted from the RFID 506 tag allows the identification of the geometric locations of the accessible places in the 504 rack. The information can be transported to the automation equipment 104 which can use this information to move the sample containers to and rack 504.
[00109] Figure 6 illustrates exemplifying rack sizes compatible with the universal mounting device in modalities of the invention.
[00110] As illustrated, the increasingly large sizes of racks 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614 and 616 are compatible with the universal mounting device 502. In the embodiments of the invention, a rack / tray size is compatible device incorporates the standardized feature of the universal mounting device 502. For example, rack 604 can be similar to rack 504 with an RFID tag similar to RFID tag 506 that can be read by the antennas of the RFID reader of the antenna array RFID reader 514. In some embodiments, one or more of the sizes of racks 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614 and 616 denote that they are compatible with the universal mounting device 502. Racks or other items that do not have the standard feature of the universal mounting device 502 cannot be located or placed on the universal mounting device 502. In some embodiments, each of the racks or trays may have an RFID tag attached to a central position what
38/42 can be detected by one of the RFID reader antennas of the antenna array of the RFID reader 514. For example, if a rack of the size designated by reference number 604, the rack may have a unique RFID tag on a central rack position. When the rack is placed over the 516 mount location features that are labeled 1 and 2, an RF antenna between these 516 mount location features can activate and obtain information from the unique RFID tag. This unique RFID tag can store information (for example, in memory) regarding the dimensions of the rack. In this case, a computerized device coupled to the reader antenna will be able to determine whether the rack is currently located on the mounting location features that are labeled 1 and 2.
[00111] Figures 7A-7B illustrate exemplary rack / tray arrangements in the universal mounting device in embodiments of the invention.
[00112] As shown in Figure 7A (showing the top plan views), in a first example configuration 702, four 6x6 racks can be arranged in the universal mounting device 502. In a second example example 704, a 6x14 rack, a 6x2 and a 6x6 can be arranged in a universal mounting device 502. In the third exemplary configuration 706, two 6x6 racks and a 708 tray containing twelve 5x1 racks can be arranged in a universal mounting device 502.
[00113] In the first example configuration, rack 710 can have an RFID tag in a central location in the rack. The RFID tag of rack 710 can be aligned with an antenna of RFID reader 712 so that geometric information related to rack 710 is extracted and associated with a feature position on the universal mounting device 502.
39/42 [00114] In a third example configuration 706, the sample carrier 708 holds twelve 5x1 racks. Each of the 5x1 racks cannot have the standard feature of the universal mounting device 502. However, an RFID tag (not shown) attached to the sample carrier 708 can be in a central position so that it aligns with the antenna of the RFID reader on the universal mounting device 502 and extract relevant information to identify the racks placed on the sample carrier 708 to thereby identify the sample positions in the racks.
[00115] Figure 7B illustrates a side perspective view of the universal mounting device 502 and configurations 702, 704 and 706 using the universal mounting device 502 according to the modalities of the invention.
[00116] As illustrated in Figures 7A-7B, the modalities of the invention allow the arrangement of different sizes / types of racks or trays in multiple positions using the universal mounting device. In the embodiments of the invention, a sample carrier is capable of being positioned by means of the interface of one or more of the standardized features of the universal mounting device with the location feature and the orientation feature of the sample carrier. As such, the modalities of the invention provide flexibility to operators of automation systems by allowing access to multiple sizes of racks / trays to accommodate various workflows or sample sorting.
[00117] Additionally, with reference to Figure 5A, the mounting orientation feature 524 provides physical control to detect the orientation of the rack 504 and the RFID tag 506 allows the detection of the location of the rack 504 on the universal mounting device 502. In some embodiments, the 524 mounting orientation feature
40/42 of the universal mounting device 502 can be combined with multiple RFID tags from the rack 200 to determine the location and orientation of the racks on the universal mounting device 502. Using the mounting orientation feature for physical control may allow less RFID reader antennas, since the position of the rack can be somewhat confined. This can decrease the complexity and cost of the system, compared to other configurations.
[00118] The various participants and elements described here with reference to the figures can operate one or more computerized devices to facilitate the functions described here. Any of the elements in the description above, including any servers, processors or databases, can use any suitable number of subsystems to facilitate the functions described here, for example, functions to operate and / or control the units and functional modules of the laboratory automation system, transport systems, programmer, central controller, local controllers, etc.
[00119] Examples of such subsystems or components are shown in Figure 8. The subsystems shown in Figure 8 are interconnected via an 805 system bus. Additional subsystems, such as an 804 printer, an 808 keyboard, an 809 fixed disk (or other computer-readable memory), an 811 monitor, which is attached to an 806 display adapter, and others are shown. Peripheral and input / output (I / O) devices, which are coupled to an I / O 801 controller (which may be a processor or other suitable controller), can be connected to the computer system by any number of means known in the art , such as a serial port 807. For example, serial port 807 or an external interface 810 can be used to connect the computing device to a wide area network, such as the Internet, a mouse input device, or a scanner. Interconnection through
41/42 system bus allows central processor 803 to communicate with each subsystem and control the execution of instructions from system memory 802 or fixed disk 809, as well as the exchange of information between subsystems. System memory 802 and / or fixed disk 809 may incorporate a computer-readable medium.
[00120] The modalities of technology are not limited to the modalities described above. Specific details regarding some of the aspects described above are provided above. The specific details of the specific aspects can be combined in any appropriate way without deviating from the spirit and scope of the technology modalities. For example, back-end processing, data analysis, data collection and other processes can be combined in some technology modalities. However, other modalities of technology can be directed to specific modalities related to each individual aspect or specific combinations of these individual aspects.
[00121] It should be understood that the present technology as described above can be implemented in the form of control logic with the use of computer software (stored in a tangible physical medium) in a modular or integrated manner. In addition, the present technology can be implemented in the form and / or in combination with any image processing. Based on the disclosure and the teachings provided here, a person with common skills in the technique will know and will know other ways and / or methods to deploy the present technology using hardware and a combination of hardware and software.
[00122] Any software components or functions described in this application can be deployed as software code to be executed by a processor using any suitable computing language, such as Java, C ++ or Perl with
42/42 use, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques. The software code can be stored as a series of instructions or commands in a computer-readable medium, such as random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a magnetic medium, such as a hard disk or a floppy disk or an optical medium, such as a CD-ROM. Any computer-readable medium can reside on or within a single computing device and can be present on or within different computing devices within a system or network.
[00123] The description above is illustrative and not restrictive. Several variations of the technology will become evident to those versed in the technique through the analysis of the description. The scope of the technology should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but, instead, it should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their scope or equivalents.
[00124] One or more resources of any modality can be combined with one or more resources of any other modality without departing from the scope of the technology.
[00125] A mention of one, one or w / o is intended to mean one or more except when specifically indicated otherwise.
[00126] All the above mentioned patents, patent applications, publications and descriptions are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. None of them are admitted as prior art.

权利要求:
Claims (15)
[1]
1. Mounting device, characterized by the fact that it comprises:
an assembly structure comprising a plurality of standardized features that is capable of positioning sample carriers of different sizes and / or is capable of positioning sample carriers at different predefined locations in the assembly structure; and an RFID reader antenna array coupled to the mounting structure, the RFID reader antenna array comprising a plurality of RFID reader antennas.
[2]
2. Mounting device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the mounting device is a universal mounting device and in which the standardized features are defined or positioned in relation to the antenna positions of the RFID reader.
[3]
Mounting device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the antenna array of the RFID reader is configured as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array of equally spaced RFID reader antennas.
[4]
4. Mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that each of the plurality of antennas of the RFID reader is configured to detect an RFID tag associated with a sample carrier, when the said sample carrier is positioned on the mounting device.
[5]
Mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the antennas of the RFID reader in the antenna array of the RFID reader are in a grid.
2/3
[6]
6. Laboratory automation system, characterized by the fact that it comprises an assembly device, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5.
[7]
7. Laboratory automation system, according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the assembly device is located within the laboratory automation system in an area where the sample carriers can be placed or switched.
[8]
8. Laboratory automation system, according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by the fact that the area is an entrance area, an exit area or a distribution area.
[9]
9. System, characterized by the fact of understanding:
a mounting device comprising a mounting structure comprising a plurality of standardized features and an RFID reader antenna array coupled to the mounting structure, the RFID reader antenna array comprising a plurality of RFID reader antennas; and a sample carrier comprising a carrier structure comprising at least one recess for holding sample containers or samples, a carrier location feature associated with the carrier structure, a carrier guidance feature associated with the carrier structure. carrier and an RFID tag attached to the carrier structure, the sample carrier can be positioned in a defined position on the assembly structure by interfacing one or more of the standardized features with the carrier location feature feature and the feature carrier guidance.
[10]
10. System, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the RFID tag is affixed to the structure of the
3/3 sample carrier conveyor in a central position that aligns with at least one of the plurality of antennas in the RFID reader, when the sample conveyor is positioned on the mounting frame.
[11]
11. System according to claims 9 and 10, characterized by the fact that it also comprises an input module, in which the mounting device is present in the input module.
[12]
12. System according to claims 9 to 11, characterized by the fact that the input module is part of a laboratory automation system.
[13]
13. System according to claims 9 to 12, characterized by the fact that at least one valid position of the sample carrier on the mounting device can be defined based on the standardized features of the mounting device.
[14]
14. Method of using the system, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that it comprises:
placing the sample carrier on the mounting device, so that one or more standardized features interface with the carrier location feature and the carrier orientation feature.
[15]
15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises:
activating at least one RFID tag from the sample carrier through the antenna array of the RFID reader;
reading the RFID tag information from at least one RFID tag; and determining the position of at least one recess to hold the sample containers or samples by using the read information obtained by reading at least one RFID tag.

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法律状态:
2018-11-13| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2020-03-03| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2021-10-13| B350| Update of information on the portal [chapter 15.35 patent gazette]|

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2021-10-26| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2022-01-11| B08F| Application dismissed because of non-payment of annual fees [chapter 8.6 patent gazette]|Free format text: REFERENTE A 8A ANUIDADE. |

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2022-02-08| B11D| Dismissal acc. art. 38, par 2 of ipl - failure to pay fee after grant in time|

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US201361768350P| true| 2013-02-22|2013-02-22|

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US201361894769P| true| 2013-10-23|2013-10-23|

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PCT/US2014/016470|WO2014130358A2|2013-02-22|2014-02-14|Mount device utilizing patterned features for rack orientation detection|

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