Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Intelligent Laboratory Lockbox System

Publication ID: 24-11857017_0006_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Intelligent Laboratory Lockbox System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857017_0006_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857017_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,017.

Background and Problem Solved

The original intelligent laboratory lockbox system, while innovative, had limitations in terms of real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and seamless integration with laboratory information systems. The new invention addresses these limitations by introducing advanced features that improve the overall workflow, specimen safety, and security.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention introduces novel features such as real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and seamless integration with laboratory information systems, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement in specimen safety, efficiency, and security, making the new invention non-obvious and innovative.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of different types of sensors, such as humidity or pressure sensors, to track specimen storage conditions. Additionally, the system could be integrated with other laboratory systems, such as automated storage and retrieval systems, to further optimize laboratory workflow.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced intelligent laboratory lockbox system has significant commercial potential in the healthcare and life sciences industries, where the safe and efficient handling of specimens is critical. The system could be marketed as a premium solution for laboratories, hospitals, and research institutions, offering improved specimen safety, efficiency, and security.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A42 A42B1/225
G G06 G06Q10/0633
G G06 G06Q10/0832
G G06 G06Q10/0833
Y Y10 Y10T24/32

Field of Art

Laboratory specimen management systems, involving computer-implemented tracking, environmental monitoring, and logistics technologies with expertise in sensor integration, digital health records, and specimen transportation workflows

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with a degree in biomedical engineering or computer science, understanding laboratory information systems, sensor technologies, and digital tracking methodologies, with 3-5 years experience in healthcare logistics and specimen management

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core intelligent lockbox technology, utilizing standard sensor integration techniques, digital tracking methodologies, and workflow optimization strategies commonly employed in laboratory specimen management systems. The disclosed improvements represent incremental technological advancements that would be obvious to implement using known techniques and design approaches within the field.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Temperature monitoring of vault unit with electronic health record integration
PTD Variation
Adding RFID-enabled compartments and real-time tracking capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of expanding sensor capabilities to provide more granular specimen tracking, representing a predictable technological improvement
Source Patent Element
Remote computing device integration for specimen pickup workflows
PTD Variation
Mobile application for couriers to receive and update specimen transportation status
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious design choice to enhance existing remote tracking functionality using standard mobile application development techniques
Source Patent Element
Specimen lockbox with internal temperature measurement
PTD Variation
Adding humidity and pressure sensors for comprehensive environmental monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite set of known environmental parameters that a PHOSITA would recognize as logical extensions for specimen preservation monitoring
Source Patent Element
Electronic health record communication of specimen data
PTD Variation
Generating unique digital identifiers for each specimen and integrating with laboratory information systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable enhancement of existing tracking methodology using standard digital identification and system integration techniques
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857017 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed laboratory specimen management system innovations obvious and therefore unpatentable, as the proposed modifications represent straightforward technological extensions employing known techniques within the field of specimen tracking and environmental monitoring.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,017
TitleIntelligent laboratory lockbox system
Assignee(s)CERNER INNOVATION, INC.