Tracking objects using virtual identifiers

Abstract

In some embodiments, a system tracks multiple uses of a physical object having a physical tracking tag with a physical identifier. The system reads the physical tracking tag to determine the physical identifier and assigns different, unique virtual identifiers for different uses of the object. The system may store each virtual identifier with information describing the corresponding use of the object. The system may generate a running cycle count for the object, where the system may use the cycle count to determine when to stop re-using the object. The object may be a refurbishable labware consumable, such as a physically barcoded microplate, where the system assigns virtual identifiers and cycle count to the consumable and cleans the consumable to enable multiple re-uses of the consumable with (i) each use being assigned a unique virtual identifier and (ii) the consumable having the same physical barcode.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.