Portable detection system and method
AssigneesSmiths Detection Inc., Smiths Detection-Watford Limited
InventorsJay Lewington, John Walter Czajka, Douglas Jason Green, Carmelo Volpe
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing assay information to a portable detection unit, by way of a remote server in communication with the portable detection unit or a consumable with stored information for use with the portable detection unit. Global Positioning System (GPS) information is provided to a portable detection unit having a GPS receiver, so that the unit can determine its current position, including altitude. Based on the determined position, assays and parameters, such as PCR melt temperatures, can be selected. Assays to be performed by the portable detection unit can be selected based on the results of a prior assay.
Claims21
A system for testing an unknown sample, comprising:
- a portable detection unit having stored therein assay parameter information for testing the unknown sample with respect to a plurality of assays;
- and a remote server providing updated assay parameter information to the portable detection unit;
- wherein the portable detection unit comprises a wireless transceiver for wireless communicating with the remote server and a means for notifying the remote server whenever the portable detection unit is turned on;
- and wherein the remote server comprises:
- means for determining whether or not current assay parameter information stored therein is different from the assay parameter information stored at the portable detection unit, and for outputting the current assay parameter information to the portable detection unit if there is a difference.
A method of testing an unknown sample, comprising:
- storing, at a portable detection unit, assay parameter information for testing the unknown sample with respect to a plurality of assays;
- wirelessly communicating updated assay parameter information from the remote server to the portable detection unit;
- notifying, by the portable detection unit, the remote server whenever the portable detection unit is turned on;
- and determining, by the remote server, whether or not current assay parameter information stored therein is different from the assay parameter information stored at the portable detection unit, and outputting the current assay parameter information to the portable detection unit if there is a difference.
A system for testing an unknown sample, comprising:
- a portable detection unit having stored therein assay parameter information for testing the unknown sample with respect to a plurality of assays;
- and a remote server providing updated assay parameter information to the portable detection unit, wherein the assay parameter information includes a minimum melt temperature for each of the plurality of assays;
- an altitude determining unit configured to determine a current altitude of the portable detection unit with respect to sea level;
- and a melting temperature recalculating unit configured to recalculate the melt temperature for the plurality of assays based on the current height of the portable detection unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.