Tracking biological and other samples using RFID tags
Inventors
Davidowitz, Hananel • Coradetti, Thomas • Altman, Theodore • Or, Roni
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9431692-B2
Publication Date
2016-08-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
A box mapper has (i) a frame configured to receive a sample box of RFID-tagged sample vials and (ii) a set of antennae configured to read the vial RFID tags of the sample vials to determine the identity and position of each sample vial in the sample box. In one embodiment, the set of antennae include two mutually orthogonal subsets of biphase digit antennae.
Core Innovation
The invention describes an RFID-based sample tracking system for biobanks in which a box mapper reads RFID-tagged sample vials within a sample box to determine each vial’s identity and position. The sample box does not have antennas configured to read the vial RFID tags stored in the sample box, while the box mapper includes a frame configured to receive the sample box and a set of antennas configured to read the vial RFID tags.
The document further extends the box mapper concept to include additional sensing and imaging functionality. A set of antennas is mounted on a substrate having apertures that allow optical viewing of the sample vials through the apertures, and a camera is used in a vial reader to image a sample vial while the vial RFID tag is read by an antenna. The box mapper is also configured to map sample boxes having a first box configuration, and at least one other box mapper is configured to map sample boxes having a second box configuration different from the first.
To support temperature-related tracking, the invention introduces temperature monitoring integrated with the box mapper and sample vial mounting. The box mapper includes circuitry for receiving temperature information corresponding to one or more sample vials in the sample box, where the temperature information is based on signals generated by one or more temperature sensors located near the one or more sample vials. At least one sample vial is placed within a socket having at least one temperature sensor, where metallic springs provide a thermal conductive path between the sample vial and the temperature sensor to enable generation of a temperature history for the sample vial.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides five independent claims covering mapping RFID-tagged vial identity and position in an RFID-tagged sample box, a biphase digit antenna architecture with a biphase converter, a vial reader that reads an RFID tag and images the vial, a split-metal-ring RFID tag antenna with die interconnection, and temperature-history sensing via a metallic-spring socket and temperature sensors.
RFID box mapper mapping vial identity and position without box antennas
A box mapper with a frame configured to receive a sample box of RFID-tagged sample vials, and a set of antennas configured to read the vial RFID tags of the sample vials to determine identity and position of each sample vial in the sample box, wherein the sample box does not have antennas configured to read the vial RFID tags stored in the sample box.
Biphase digit antenna with converter splitting into out-of-phase components
A biphase digit antenna having an elongated shape with its length greater than its width, where the biphase digit antenna includes a first antenna conductor corresponding to a first half of the elongated shape, a second antenna conductor corresponding to a second half of the elongated shape, and a biphase converter configured to convert an applied signal into a first signal component and a second signal component out of phase with the first signal component, with the first signal component applied to the first antenna conductor and the second signal component applied to the second antenna conductor.
Vial reader with antenna RFID reading and camera imaging
A vial reader comprising a frame configured to receive a sample vial having a vial RFID tag, an antenna configured to read the vial RFID tag with the sample vial received by the frame, and a camera configured to image the sample vial with the sample vial received by the frame.
RFID tag with split metal ring antenna and die connected to both ends
An RFID tag comprising an RFID tag antenna formed of a split metal ring having a gap between two ends of the split metal ring, and an RFID tag die electrically connected to both ends of the split metal ring of the RFID tag antenna via wires.
Temperature-sensing vial socket using deformable metallic springs thermal path
A socket for receiving a sample vial comprising a tube configured to receive the sample vial, one or more metallic springs configured to be deformed when the sample vial is received by the tube, and at least one temperature sensor mounted on a corresponding metallic spring, wherein the metallic spring provides a thermal conductive path between the sample vial and the temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor enables a temperature history for the sample vial to be generated.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage is directed to mapping RFID-tagged vial identity and position using a box mapper where the sample box lacks antennas for vial RFID reading, a biphase digit antenna architecture with a biphase converter generating out-of-phase signal components for first and second conductor halves, a vial reader that reads an RFID tag and images the vial, a split metal ring RFID tag antenna with an RFID tag die electrically connected to both ends via wires, and generating temperature history using a temperature-sensing socket where deformable metallic springs provide a thermal conductive path between a vial and a temperature sensor.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
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