Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No.
62/320419 filed April 8, 2016, entitled "STORAGE AND MONITORING SYSTEM WITH
SMART HOLDERS", incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a Radio Frequency
Identification
(REID) method, system and apparatus for storing items, and more particularly
to a method and
apparatus for managing inventory, monitoring performance parameters, data
recording, secure
storage, and convenient and controlled access to the stored items and the
associated data. In other
aspects, the present invention relates to REID systems and methods for
tracking and organizing
samples submitted for tests and analyses, as well as task assignment, workflow
and management
of the workers and equipment assigned to perform such tests and analyses. In
yet other aspects,
the present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for management
and organization
of individual workbenches and transitory storage of samples and related
preparations in a
flexible arrangement, multi-user workplace such as an analytical laboratory.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In an industrial setting, analytical laboratories are often
required to analyze
samples submitted either by outside customers or from their own manufacturing
departments.
Submission, tracking and management of such samples is currently done in a
manual fashion in
most companies: typically, a paper form ("Request for Analysis) is filled in,
then entered into a
logbook, then the form and the vial with the sample are left on a shelf for
pickup, or submitted to
1
(
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the laboratory through a window. Currently, most laboratories are not equipped
with RHD
system to electronically track and organize such submitted samples and the
accompanying
requests for analyses and tests to be performed. Without a system to
electronically track and
organize samples and analysis requests and actual tests, a number of
significant inefficiencies
ensue.
[0004] There is an unmet need for a better way of managing all various
steps of dealing
with a sample for analysis at the analyst/operator level (e.g. customer
submitting the sample, the
analyst receiving the sample, record keeping, releasing the analysis results
once the test has been
completed, etc.). At the management/supervisory level, there is an unmet need
for a better way
for managers/supervisors to assign work tasks and to track the sample testing
task, to monitor its
progress, and to manage such workflow.
[0005] On a related note, most analytical laboratories, in particular
those in the
pharmaceutical industry, generally maintain a sizeable inventory of analytical
chromatography
columns for their high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas
chromatography (GC)
machines. In a typical laboratory, analytical chromatography requires the use
of many different
types of analytical columns, depending on the required type of analysis and on
the nature of the
product analyzed.
[0006] Analytical columns (HPLC or GC columns) are expensive and are,
generally, not
disposable after a single use; at the end of each analytical run, HPLG or GC
columns are
typically rinsed and regenerated and their analytical performance parameters
are measured again.
As long as a regenerated analytical column meets a set of minimum acceptable
analytical
performance parameters (critical parameters), the column is still useable and
can be stored for
future runs, when needed.
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[0007] A
multipurpose analytical laboratory performing analyses on a wide range of
products can typically accumulate a large inventory (hundreds and thousands)
of new and
previously used analytical HPLC or GC columns. Such columns are used,
sometimes daily, by
laboratory personnel, who must sign them out, use them, and sign them back
into the storage and
inventory.
[0008] Furthermore, according to various regulations, the laboratory must be
able to show to
auditors, at any time, a log of usage for each individual HPLC or GC column,
and a data set
showing a column's critical parameters before and after each use,
demonstrating that a particular
column was, at any point in its history, in suitable conditions to perform as
required.
[0009] In addition, the requests to review and audit a column's critical
parameters at a certain
point in time arise, not infrequently, a long time (years) after the actual
time the column was
used, requiring a robust archiving and retrieval system to be implemented,
which are an added
challenge.
[0010] Currently, various methods for item inventory and/or asset and/or data
tracking are in
place for analytical columns, such as printed tags (with serial numbers)
attached directly to the
item, manual check out systems with paper logbooks, item counting, or
computerized systems
with barcodes and optical readers. All these methods require extensive manual
operator
intervention, which is susceptible to human errors and is time consuming.
[0011] There is also the added difficulty of retrieving the physical items
(the columns) which are
frequently stored in bulk in drawers, bins, cabinets, boxes or on shelves,
while the associated
logbooks and printouts of performance data sets are often stored separately.
[0012] There is an unmet need for a better way of managing an inventory of
HPLC columns and
similar items, monitoring every item's critical parameters after each use,
data recording, secure
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storage, tracking, and convenient and controlled access to the stored items
and the associated
data.
[0013] Especially with analytical HPLC columns (a common yet expensive
inventory item
present in most analytical laboratories in the world), the current management
methods are
cumbersome and time consuming and can lead to costly delays in testing and
releasing test
results. For example, HPLC columns are often stored in cabinets or drawers,
with printed labels
attached to each column; upon being retrieved from their drawer, their
operational and status
often cannot be determined until a search is performed (often manually) in
various log-books and
associated inventory and current performance data sheets.
[0014] On a related note, most multiple-purpose laboratories have, aside from
the analytical
equipment, several large multi-purpose (non-dedicated) workbenches available,
on a flexible
basis, to various workers taking turns according to the certain workflow at
any particular time. In
such laboratories, there is also multi-purpose transitory storage, as well as
various related
preparations which are similarly used, on a flexible basis, by various workers
taking turns
according to the certain workflow at any particular time. Scheduling,
organizing, planning and
managing such resources and their workflow is currently done by users and
managers mostly in a
manual fashion. There is an unmet need for a better way, preferably electronic
and computerized,
to optimally schedule, organize plan and manage the use of such assets in a
busy laboratory.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention responds to these unmet needs by introducing
devices, methods
and apparatuses forming a system, fitted with RFID tags and communication
modules, working
in connection with a database (DB) and networked computers and terminals, to
improve
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efficiency and productivity of managing such various activities specific to
analytical laboratories.
[0016] The goal of a system equipped with RFID in connection with a database
(DB), according
to this invention, is to improve efficiency and productivity.
[0017] Firstly, RFID technology ensures virtually 100% real time tracking and
connection with
the database and dedicated software. Also, the RFID technology allows for easy
navigation
through the history of a product or sample so tagged; instead of pulling a
paper trail, the result is
accessed electronically. Importantly, product information is accessible to
multiple users in
multiple locations; with an electronic system, results can also be received
much more rapidly.
[0018] Secondly, the RFID method allows managers/supervisors to accurately
track the
efficiency of their department and their subordinates. In addition, various
reports are easier to
generate with an electronic system compared to a paper chart.
[0019] Thirdly, paper records are standalone, lacking the ability to be
integrate with other paper
forms of information. The ability to integrate information is critical to the
future and to
additional value added uses. Digital information collected, processed and
stored according to this
invention, unlike paper records, can be easily integrated with internal and
external applications.
[0020] A preferred embodiment of this invention comprises a minimum of one
module, and
preferably three modules, namely Module 1, Module 2 and Module 3. According to
the inventor
herein, Module 1 is the Sample Hand-Off Tracking System (SHOTS) and Job
Tracking
System (JTS); Module 2 is (Items) Storage and Monitoring System with Smart
Holders
(SMS-SH); and Module 3 is the e-Workstation Organizer.
[0021] Module 1 facilitates the sample hand-off transfer between departments
with real-time
sample tracking. Also, Module 1 allows the personnel to track the analytical
laboratory's tasks
status and the task assignment process. Module 2 is designed for managing
inventory,
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monitoring performance parameters, data recording, secure storage, and
convenient and
controlled access to the stored items and the associated data. Module 3
consists of a workbench
organizer and transitory organizer and storage of sample and related
preparations equipped with
e-labels. All three modules preferably share information stored in a common
database and are
preferably using the same Data Process and Reporting system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a high level diagram which illustrates the architecture of a
system consisting of
the three modules according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the Module I (Sample Hand-Off Tracking System
(SHOTS) and
Job Tracking System (JTS)) workflow, illustrating the steps taken by the
various users involved
(Submitter, Manager and Receiver) when submitting, receiving, tracking and
releasing samples
and analysis results.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a depiction of Module 2 System Overview Diagram;
[0025] FIG. 4 is block diagram depicting the main components of Module 2.
[0026] FIG. 5 depicts various embodiments of SMART Holders according to a
preferred
embodiment of this invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a wiring diagram of Module 2 according to a preferred
embodiment of this
invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view (photo) of an exemplary Smart Cabinet
of Module 2
according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a rear view (photo) of SMART Holders stored on a shelf in an
exemplary Smart
Cabinet of Module 2 according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.
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[0030] FIG. 9 is a view from below (photo) of an antenna array placed inside a
Smart Cabinet of
Module 2 according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.
[0031] FIG. 10 depicts an e-Bench Workstation (of Module 3 according to a
preferred
embodiment of this invention), consisting of a work-pad and an electronic
label (e-label)
physically attached to the work-pad and wired/wirelessly connected to a
communication block.
[0032] FIG. 11 depicts an e-Storage Rack (of Module 3 according to a preferred
embodiment of
this invention); within Fig. 11, there is also an exploded view of Unit A,
which is an e-Storage
block consisting of three individual e-storage units, each labelled as Unit B.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] A preferred embodiment of this invention comprises a minimum of one
module, and
preferably three modules. Depicted in Fig. 1 is the conceptual diagram of an
embodiment with
three modules. Module 1 is the Sample Hand-Off Tracking System (SHOTS) and Job
Tracking
System (JTS); Module 2 is (Items) Storage and Monitoring System with Smart
Holders (SMS-
SH); and Module 3 is the e-Workstation Organizer.
[0034] Module 1 facilitates the sample hand-off transfer between departments
with real-time
sample tracking. Also, Module 1 allows the personnel to track the analytical
laboratory's tasks
status and the task assignment process. Module 2 is designed for managing
inventory,
monitoring performance parameters, data recording, secure storage, and
convenient and
controlled access to the stored items and the associated data. Module 3
consists of a workbench
organizer and transitory organizer and storage of sample and related
preparations equipped with
e-labels. All three modules preferably share information stored in a common
database and are
preferably using the same Data Process and Reporting system.
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[0035] MODULE 1: SAMPLE HAND-OFF TRACKING SYSTEM (SHOTS) & JOB
TRACKING SYSTEM (JTS)
[0036] Module 1 of the present invention is a system that serves as the
interface for the sample
testing requests between different departments, e.g. between the manufacturing
department (the
Submitter) and the laboratory testing department (the Receiver), as depicted
in Figure 2, which is
a diagram of a typical Module I workflow, illustrating the steps taken by the
Submitter, Manager
and Receiver when submitting, receiving, processing, tracking and releasing
the samples for
which analysis is needed.
[0037] The Module 1 according to a preferred embodiment of this invention
comprises the
following typical components: a) a set of re-useable, RFID tagged
folders/binders (physical); b)
two or more computer station terminals equipped with RFID readers; c) a Job
Tracking and
Assignment System (computer system and software). The system facilitates
tracking of sample
testing requests and assignment/tracking of testing progress. At the analyst
level, the job
tracking and assignment system software allows the analysts to electronically
enter, submit
review and manage various aspects of the requests (e.g. submitting, receiving
or releasing)
during and after the test has been completed. At the management/supervisory
level, the software
additionally allows managers/supervisors to assign and track the sample
testing progress.
[0038] Each RFID tagged folder is designed to fit one or more samples (vials,
specimens, etc.)
and the accompanying testing request paper form(s). In use, the operator
typically places the
sample testing request form (paper) into the RFID tagged folder and enters
(logs) such sample
into the system by scanning the folder's RFID tag to one of the RFID readers
which connects to
a server. The Submit and Receive/Release features provides a machine user
interface for
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Submitter and Receiver to Submit, Receive and Release sample testing requests.
The server web
application is preferably available on a computer local area network LAN and
provides access to
all the information from any computer on the local LAN. The server also
provides web services
for the terminals to access and update data.
[0039] In a typical embodiment, the Job Tracking and Assignment System
software prompts
operators to input their unique user name/password identifier credentials,
which are entered into
a log, as depicted in Fig. 2. Typically, as part of each step, the user scans
the RFID tagged
folder, causing the RFID reader to automatically transmit the folder's unique
RFID tag ID to the
software system. The software system automatically records the time for each
step completed by
the sample (e.g. submit, received, released, etc.).
[0040] A dedicated software module with a machine-user interface (preferably
monitor,
keyboard, mouse, or tablet, smart device or touch screen, etc.), allows the
operator to enter into
the database all of the relevant information elicited on the analysis request
form; such
information includes fields such as: a) form type; b) serial number; c)
project; d) batch/lot 14; e)
test type, etc.
[0041] Preferably, the system presents the information in the form of display
tables and charts.
Dashboard views with search history function display the status of samples and
corresponding
release history. The system is preferably equipped to provide operators with e-
mail notification
when analyses are completed and samples/products/batches are released.
MODULE 2
[0042] Module 2 is designed for managing inventory, monitoring performance
parameters, data
recording, secure storage, and convenient and controlled access to the stored
items and the
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associated data.
[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Module 2
introduces a
system, method and apparatus wherein each item (which needs to be inventoried,
tracked,
monitored and stored, such as HPLC or GC analytical columns and other
expensive spare parts)
is associated with (or placed inside) a Smart Holder device stored in a
precise location inside a
Smart storage Cabinet. Each Smart Holder is identified with an incorporated
RFID tag. Smart
Holders can have an open or a closed configuration, and can be in the form of
trays, baskets,
boxes, cylindrical containers,,envelopes, jars, or any similar devices (some
preferred examples of
which are depicted in Fig 5), suitable for holding a particular item and
suitable for allowing
subsequent removal or detaching of the item from such Smart Holder by a human
user.
[0044] The use of an RFID-tagged Smart Holder to hold an item for tracking is
more
advantageous compared to attaching an RFID tag directly to a tracked item,
since, in normal use,
the tracked item may be exposed to extreme conditions of operation (high
temperature, very low
temperature, chemical environments, etc.) where common RFID tags would not
normally
survive.
[0045] Furthermore, an RFID tag permanently attached to a tracked item is
generally lost when
the tracked item is discarded at the end of the item's operational life; by
contrast, a Smart Holder
(and the RFID attached to it), as envisioned by Module 2 of the present
invention, can be reused
by simply being reassigned (via software) to another tracked item after the
disposal of the old
item.
KEY PARTS/COMPONENTS LIST OF MODULE 2 AS DEPICTED IN FIGS. 3-9
[0046] Smart Cabinet - Modified by inventor for current application. May be
based upon, for
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example, a commercially available metal network cabinet or similar;
[0047] RFID reader and array of antennas. May be, for example, a Fieg MR 101
RFID Reader or
similar;
[0048] Access panel/networked microcomputer. May be, for example a RCM-3700
micro-
computer
[0049] Electronic interface board; custom built by inventor;
[0050] RFID reader; may be, for example a MR100- FIEG 13.56 MHz RFID reader,
or similar;
[0051] Custom built Array of Antennas connected to an electronic interface
/multiplexor board;
[0052] Smart Holder; may be, for example a bottom-sealed cylindrical
polyethylene tube with a
RFID tag attached.
[0053] Access controlled lock; may be, for example, an electromagnetic EC-
C2000 lock;
[0054] Door sensor: may be, for example, a Reed Relay/permanent magnet
assembly;
[0055] Custom built electronic interface board.
MODULE 2 DESCRIPTION (continued)
[0056] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, each
unique RFID
attached to a Smart Holder is linked to a unique entry into a computerized
database containing a
record of the customizable data and information associated with the tracked
item (such as:
identity of all past users, usage parameters, item's performance parameters
before and after each
use, available stock of similar or equivalent items, graphical information,
etc.).
[0057] While the embodiments described herein teach mainly a method and
apparatus for
inventory, tracking, monitoring and storage of analytical HPLC columns, the
present invention
encompasses a much larger scope, being applicable to any situation requiring
inventory
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management, tracking, monitoring and storage of unique items, with or without
an associated
electronic record of customizable performance data and information associated
with each tracked
item.
[0058] One preferred embodiment of Module 2 of the present invention is an
apparatus
comprising one or more Smart Cabinets, each Smart Cabinet being fitted with a
microcomputer
connected to a local computer network (via LAN or WAN), each Smart Cabinet
therefore being
identified by a certain IP address.
[0059] Each Smart Cabinet has one or more locking doors (front or/and back
doors) and optional
one or more internal shelves, and can accept inside a number of Smart Holders
placed in
predetermined positions inside the Smart Cabinet or on its shelves. Each Smart
Holder is fitted
with an RFID tag corresponding to a unique RFID.
[0060] Each Smart Cabinet is equipped with one or more RFID antenna(s) fitted
inside the Smart
Cabinet, operationally connected to least one RFID reader.
[0061] RFID Antenna(s) are configured so that they may read (scan) multiple
RFID tags
bidirectional, front and back relative to the plane on which RFID tags are
placed. For a large
Smart Cabinet with several shelves, each of the multiple antennas may be
preferably positioned
to cover (scan) a certain spatial region within the Smart Cabinet, so as to
ensure full scanning
coverage of the inside of the Smart Cabinet with several properly placed
antennas,
[0062] A microcomputer commands the RFID reader to scan the RFID antennas and
track
(detect the presence or absence) of the Smart Holders placed within the Smart
Cabinet
sequentially, following a scanning algorithm when requested or when a door
sensor detects the
closing of the cabinet's door.
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[0063] The same microcomputer that controls the scanning algorithm also
controls a locking
mechanism for opening and closing the door(s) and is configured with a
separate interface for
performing the identification of any users through a typed user name/password
sequence or
through a separate RFID reader and unique RFID user access cards issued to
individual users.
[0064] Management of tracked items is performed by a variety of sequences of
procedures that
may include the following:
[0065] Procedure to Add New Item to Inventory: the new item's proprieties
(name, serial
number, performance data from the manufacturer, special instructions for use,
restrictions, etc.)
are entered by an operator into a computer data base, followed by the
assignment of a chosen
Smart Cabinet/shelf location, selected from the vacant locations offered by
the system. The
operator then physically attaches the item to a Smart Holder equipped with an
RFID tag (e.g. if
Smart Holder is a cylindrical container, the item is placed inside the
container) and then places
the Smart Holder (with the associated item in it) in the assigned location
inside the Smart
Cabinet. Upon the closing of the cabinet's door, the door sensor triggers a
full inventory scan of
all RFID tags inside the Smart Cabinet, for the purpose of confirming the
addition of the new
Smart Holder inside the cabinet and into the inventory.
[0066] Procedure for searching by different criteria, such as object name,
allocated project,
allocated internal code, other properties (length, diameter, etc.).
[0067] Procedure for comparing the critical performance parameters for two or
more items of the
same type, and for the making a reservation for the item of interest (software
only). The reserved
item cannot subsequently be signed out by anyone else except the user who made
the reservation
in the system.
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[0068] Procedure for signing out an item: the user books the item of interest
through the
reservation system associated with the database, then the user accesses the
Smart Cabinet
(opening the door using his/her user name and password, or his/her RFID access
card) and
removes the reserved item from the Smart Cabinet. Once the selected item is
removed from the
Smart Cabinet and the door is closed, a full inventory scan is performed
inside the Smart Cabinet
in order to verify that the correct Smart Holder (corresponding to the
software-checked out item)
was indeed removed. If a user removes from the Smart Cabinet (intentionally or
by error) a
Smart Holder corresponding to an item other than the software-reserved item,
the system detects
the mismatch, displays a warning message and proceeds to allocate the actual
removed item (s)
as checked out by the logged user.
[0069] Procedure to return item: after each use of an item, the system will
not allow a user to
return a signed out item to the Smart Cabinet until the user first enters into
the system a set of
measurement values reflecting the performance parameters of the item at that
particular time.
Only when this requirement is met, the system allows the return of the item to
the Smart Cabinet
and then confirms the return by performing a full inventory scan after
detecting the closing of the
door of the Smart Cabinet.
[0070] Procedure for analyzing stock and alert if the stock of certain items
drops below a
predetermined limit (software only).
[0071] Procedure to perform Inventory using custom design algorithm, scanning
for non-present
tag ID to prevent anti-collisions. Inventory is preferably performed in 2
steps: fast scan and full
scan.
¨ fast scan predicts the spatial location within the Smart Cabinet (and, in
the case of
multiple antennas within the Smart Cabinet, predicts the nearest antenna which
can
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scan that location) and only scans in that antenna;
- full scan involves a second pass scanning for all missing tags on each
antenna to find
missing or misplaced tags.
MODULE 3: E-WORKSTATION ORGANIZER
[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Module 3 comprises
at least one of
the following: one or more e-Bench Workstation(s), one or more e-Storage
component(s) and
one or more Communication Block(s).
[0073] As depicted in Figure 10, a typical e-Bench Workstation comprises a
work Pad and an
electronic label (e-Label) physically attached to the Pad and connected
wirelessly (or wired) to a
communication block. Multiple working Pads (with their e-Labels) may be placed
on a larger,
shared, laboratory bench to create multiple individual working stations.
[0074] The work Pad, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, is a
generally flat, thin pad, made of a chemically resistant material, laid on top
of a larger, shared
laboratory workbench, to provide and define a non-shared work area for an
individual
workstation.
[0075] The electronic label (e-Label), according to a preferred embodiment of
the present
invention, is a device which combines the functionality of an RFID tag with an
electronic display
and communication device. An e-Label may display (e.g.,
dynamically/automatically changing)
any job related information (as sent from the computer station (e-label
server)), such as the
analyst name, the particular task assigned to that e-Pad, etc. For bi-
directional communication, e-
Labels are fitted with one or more communication modules using WiFi or
Ethernet cable, or any
other wired or wireless protocol such as RF and Infrared (IR).
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[0076] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the e-Labels also play
(electronically and
logically) the role of unique IDs for each workstation in the Module 3 system,
and are recognized as
such by the server software (client server and e-label server). In alternative
embodiments, the e-
Labels may also display (show) various messages and instructions for the
operator.
e-Storage Components
[0077] A preferred embodiment of Module 3 of the present invention comprises
the following e-
Storage Components: one or more e-Storage Rack, several e-storage blocks, and
several e-storage
units. As seen in Fig. 11, an e-Storage Rack is typically a rack custom-design
by the inventor
herein (or it may be based upon, for example, a commercially available storage
rack modified by
inventor for current application) which accommodates multiple e-storage
blocks. Each e-storage
block has a unique location, monitored by dedicated software application.
Typically, an e-storage
block is built of a chemical resistant material, and it consists of multiple e-
storage units and an e-
Label. Each e-storage block is able to accommodate a number of same type of e-
storage units or a
combination of types of e-storage units. Typically, an e-storage unit is a
holding enclosure, custom
designed by the inventor herein, functionally designed for the purpose of
accommodating multiple
items of different shape and size, i.e. laboratory glassware (analytical
flasks, beakers etc.). In a
preferred embodiment, each e-storage block is fitted with an e-Label as
described above.
The Communication Block
[0078] Within Module 3 of the present invention, the Communication Block
preferably consists
of a computer station (client server and e-label server) and a wired or
wireless communication
station(s), which is a base station capable of 2-way encrypted data
communication.
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[0079] The computer station is equipped with a dedicated software program that
manages
multiple e-labels and displays requested data fields such as but not limited
to location, date, user
name, project name, batch name, test name.
[0080] The wired/wireless communication station has one or more Access
Processors and
transmits information from the server to each e-label via WiFi or Ethernet
cable, or any other
wired or wireless protocol such as RF and Infrared (IR). The communication
station preferably
uses RF or Infrared (IR) technology to wirelessly transmit/receive the
aforementioned data
to/from various locations of interest within the same Module 3, such as the e-
Bench Workstation
or to/from the e-Labels placed on each e-Storage Rack and/or e-Storage Block.
The data
information is preferably transmitted to all locations simultaneously.
[0081] Through the software program, each analyst selects the e-Bench
Workstation of interest
and the associated e-Storage Rack(s) and e-Storage Block(s) required. To
select an e-Bench
Workstation, the analyst logS in into the software program using a unique
username/password
combination. The computer will display to the analyst a set of available e-
Bench Workstations
and locations on the e-storage rack. After the analyst has entered into the
program the
aforementioned data fields, an e-storage block location is selected by the
analyst or is assigned
by the software program to the analyst. Once the active work on the
workstation is completed,
the analyst is prompted to empty the allocated e-storage blocks and to confirm
that the action
was completed. The data from the e-storage blocks e-labels will be cleared,
and the e-storage
blocks will then be marked as available. Once the product (for which
testing/analysis was
commissioned) has been released, all the objects (solutions/glassware)
associated with the now-
completed task will be transferred/moved from the e-Bench workstation pad to
the e-storage
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blocks and will be confirmed that the action was completed. At this point, the
software will clear
the e-Bench workstation and mark it as available for other tasks/assignments.
[0082] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been
shown and
described herein, it will be obvious that such embodiments are provided by way
of example only.
Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those of skill in
the art without
departing from the invention herein. For example, the Module 2 described
herein can be used for
managing inventory, monitoring performance parameters, data recording, secure
storage, and
convenient and controlled access to a large variety of other items placed in
Smart Holders
according to this invention, such as (the following list is not exhaustive):
- controlled substances;
- articles of jewellery;
- tools, consumable parts and spare-parts;
- documents and printed materials;
- sports equipment;
- cellphones and emergency items and items for self-defense and protection
- CDs and DVDs and other storage media;
- rental items and items frequently borrowed;
- keys;
- any expensive items, etc.
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