Encoding scheme embedded into an automation track surface
US9726686B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/0406
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. A central scheduler can communicate wirelessly with the carriers to direct the carriers to carry a fluid sample to testing stations along a track within the automation system. The carriers can utilize landmarks and distance encoding to reach destinations accurately and quickly, including, for example within less than the time for a single operation cycle of an automated clinical analyzer. The distance encoding can include optical marks repeated at regular intervals (pitch), where the intervals are conveyed to the carriers wirelessly or via optical encoding. The pitch of the encoding can differ for different sections of track depending on the position precision desired.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.