Sensing Apparatus Utilizing RF Technology

Abstract

This disclosure describes a slide comprising a substrate, a wireless communication element, and a sensing element, wherein the slide is capable of communicating with an external communications device via the wireless communication element. In some implementations, the wireless communication element comprises an antenna, an integrated circuit, and a memory unit, that are powered wirelessly by an external device, such that it is capable of measuring, logging, and communicating data. The data, such as time and temperature, may be collected via the sensing element connected to the wireless communication element.

1 . A sensing apparatus for receiving a mounted specimen, comprising:
 a rigid and transparent substrate, to be received by slide-using research and medical diagnostic instruments, devices, and equipment, having a shape that is substantially a flat rectangular prism comprising a volume enclosed by at least a first face, a second face, a third face, a fourth face, a fifth face, and a sixth face;   a wireless communication element at least partially embedded in the volume of the substrate, wherein the wireless communication element is further comprising an antenna, an integrated circuit, and a memory unit, wherein the wireless communication element is powered wirelessly by an external device; and   a temperature sensor, at least partially embedded in the substrate and in electronic communication with the wireless communication element , wherein the temperature sensor measures temperature of the temperature measuring and logging slide.   
     
     
         2 . The sensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the substrate is further comprising:
 a first section that is translucent; and 
 a second section that is transparent, wherein the second section is larger than the first and includes the center of the substrate. 
 
     
     
         3 . The sensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the substrate material of construction is selected from the group comprising glass, tempered glass, and laminated glass. 
     
     
         4 . The sensing apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a displayed content, wherein the content is comprised of text or graphic. 
 
     
     
         5 . The sensing apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the displayed content is linked to a database containing information. 
     
     
         6 . The sensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the temperature sensor is completely embedded in the substrate. 
     
     
         7 . The sensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the wireless communication element is a WISP that is attached to a label, and the label is attached to a surface of the substrate. 
     
     
         8 . The sensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the antenna is positioned along at least a first interior edge defining the substrate. 
     
     
         9 . The sensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the wireless communication element is a WISP that communicates wirelessly with an external communications device. 
     
     
         10 . A sensing apparatus for receiving a mounted specimen, comprising:
 a rigid and transparent substrate, to be received by slide-using research and medical diagnostic instruments, devices, and equipment, having a shape that is substantially a flat rectangular prism comprising a volume enclosed by at least a first face, a second face, a third face, a fourth face, a fifth face, and a sixth face, and further comprising a first section that is translucent and a second section that is transparent, wherein the second section is larger than the first and includes the center of the substrate;   a wireless communication element comprising an antenna, an integrated circuit, and a memory unit, wherein the WISP is powered wirelessly by an external device, wherein the wireless communication element is at least partially embedded in the substrate, and wherein the wireless communication element communicates wirelessly with an external communications device; and   a temperature sensor connected to and in electronic communication with the wireless communication element , wherein the temperature sensor is at least partially embedded in the substrate, and further wherein the temperature sensor measures temperature of the temperature measuring and logging slide.   
     
     
         11 . The sensing apparatus of  claim 10  further comprising:
 a displayed content, wherein the content is comprised of text or graphic. 
 
     
     
         12 . The sensing apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the displayed content is linked to a database containing information. 
     
     
         13 . The sensing apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the substrate material of construction is selected from the group comprising glass, tempered glass, and laminated glass. 
     
     
         14 . The sensing apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the temperature sensor is completely embedded in the substrate. 
     
     
         15 . The sensing apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the wireless communication element is a WISP that is completely embedded in the substrate.