Abstract:
An integral digital memory storage device having a standard form factor to be received by and communicating with a computing device and having memory capability for storage of digital data. An integral multiwell DNA sample tray is carried in a body of the memory storage device for protection and exposed by manipulation of the case for receiving DNA samples.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field 
         [0002]    This application relates generally to the field of DNA storage and identification, and more particularly to an integrated device with digital storage memory for data and DNA storage in an exposable tray contained within the case of the device. 
         [0003]    2. Related Art 
         [0004]    DNA and sampling of DNA have become increasingly important in numerous fields from law enforcement and forensic science to species monitoring. With an estimated 400,000 DNA samples taken daily, with many competing forms of both physical DNA and associated data storage, the issues of use, transportation and storage make establishing standardized packages a difficult problem. Physical DNA samples and associated data files have been maintained physically separated due to the storage environment and physical configurations required. Such separate storage is problematic from the standpoint of potential loss or damage of tracking information and high cost of retrieval. With the volume of DNA information being retained, the sheer size of information files requires enormous temperature and humidity-controlled environments for file storage at significant cost to maintain. Additionally cold DNA storage requires complex facilitization and significant energy consumption. 
         [0005]    As exemplary, the Child Identification safety market is burgeoning with products using such elements as hair clippings or buccal swabs for DNA without sufficient long term storage survivability or reliable matching of associated data. In Forensic science, DNA samples are collected and stored separately from photographs, notes and other physical or digital evidence adding to the complexity of the chain of evidence. 
         [0006]    It is therefore desirable to provide for integrated storage of DNA samples and associated data in a room temperature storable device. It is further desirable that the integrated storage system be small and compatible with existing computer and data storage systems. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Exemplary embodiments provide an integral digital memory storage device having a standard form factor to be received by and communicating with a computing device and having memory capability for storage of digital data. An integral multiwell DNA sample tray is carried in a body of the memory storage device for protection and exposed by manipulation of the case for receiving DNA samples. 
         [0008]    In one configuration the integrated storage unit is housed in a SD form factor flash card. In an alternative configuration, the integrated storage unit is housed in a USB thumb drive case. 
         [0009]    A system for storage of DNA and corresponding digital data incorporates a standard form factor case with memory for storage of digital data. An integral DNA sample tray is carried in a body of the case for protection said tray exposed by manipulation of the case for receiving DNA samples. A computer is employed having an interface to receive the standard form factor case and at least one data entry device connected to the computer. Operating software associated with the computer downloads data from the entry device into the memory. The data entry device in various configurations may be a keyboard, a camera, an image scanner, a fingerprint scanner, a network interface and a computer memory. 
         [0010]    The various embodiments may be employed in a method wherein a DNA sample is obtained and transferred to the sample tray. The integrated storage unit is inserted into an interface on the computing device and a unique indicia is identified associated with the integrated storage unit. Data associated with the DNA is then input into the computer and downloaded from the computer into the memory of the integrated storage unit. The integrated storage unit is then removed from the computer. 
         [0011]    The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined in yet other embodiments further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a SD flash form factor implementation of the invention with the multiwell DNA sample drawer in the open position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the sample tray in the open position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2B  is an isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  with the sample tray in the closed position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top hidden line view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the sample drawer in the closed position and internal details shown. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a second embodiment employing a USB thumb drive form factor with the case in the open position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the second embodiment with the case in the closed position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  an isometric view of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram of a data entry/extraction system employing the integral storage systems as described for the embodiments herein; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart of an exemplary operational method employed by the system of  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Embodiments of the invention incorporate a structure for DNA and data storage which provides physical media for retaining DNA samples integrally stored within the case of a digital memory device capable of storing accompanying data regarding the samples. 
         [0023]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , a first embodiment of an integrated digital data and DNA storage unit (the “integrated storage unit”) employs a memory device having a form factor to be received in a standard interface for a SD flash card. The flash card  10  has a standard case profile with data transfer pins  12 . A body  14  of the card includes portion  16  for the microelectronics for the digital memory and a portion  18  receiving an extendible tray  20 . The tray incorporates multiple wells  22  each having a nano-fiber dry storage media (such as FTA® paper available from Whatman Group)  24  for storing of DNA sample which may be applied to the FTA in a conventional manner with the tray in the extended position as shown in  FIG. 2A . The tray may then be depressed into the receiving portion of the case to protect the DNA sample media as shown in  FIG. 2B .  FIG. 3  shows the case in the closed position with the internal details shown in hidden line view. For the embodiment shown, multiple wells are shown for DNA storage in the tray. In alternative embodiments, a single well and/or multiple horizontally or vertically stacked trays with multiple or single wells on one or both sides of the tray may be employed using FTA® paper or other nano-fiber or other room temperature dry storage media for DNA storage. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 4-7  show an alternative embodiment wherein the memory device is a standard USB Thumb Drive configuration. The integrated storage unit employs a USB thumb drive  30  which has a standard USB interface  32 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , a sliding removable case cover  34  is withdrawn to expose a tray  36  incorporating multiple wells  38  each having a nano-fiber dry storage media (FTA® paper)  40  for storing of DNA sample which may be deposited onto the paper storage media in a conventional manner with the case cover removed. The well cavity is then received into the case cover for complete encapsulation of the paper storage media to protect the samples as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram of an operational system for employing the integrated DNA and integrated digital data storage units of the disclosed embodiments. A microprocessor operated device or computer  50  such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), smart phone or laptop having a display  52  and integrated input device  54  such as a keyboard provides operational control of the system. An interface  56  for one or more integrated storage units  30  allows data transfer between the digital data storage unit(s) and the computer using operational software  57  residing on the computer. For the embodiment shown, standard USB interfaces may be employed for the digital data storage units with a configuration as described with respect to  FIGS. 4-7  above. Additional peripherals such as a camera  58 , bar code scanner  60 , image scanner  62  and network interface  64  such as a wireless modem may be provided either as integral elements of the computer  50  or as separate devices interfaced with the computer using standard USB or other interface technology. Mass storage  66  associated with the computer allows integration of control software for specific applications of the digital data storage units as well as temporary or permanent storage of duplicate digital data stored on the integrated storage units. For the embodiment shown, each integrated storage unit  30  employs a bar code  68  for unique identification. The bar code scanner  60  associated with the computer  50  allows easy recognition of the integrated storage unit for data entry or download from/to the computer. In alternative embodiments, integrated digital identification in the digital data storage unit allows identification upon insertion into the interface on the computer or alternative unique readable indicia is provided on the unit. 
         [0026]    Exemplary applications the integrated DNA and digital data storage units of the disclosed embodiments with various configurations of the operational system may include child identification kits which could incorporate both a DNA sample bearing master unit, and an identical digital storage device as a traveler, either with additional DNA samples or a non-DNA bearing unit. Hospitals could initiate such child identification by taking samples after birth and entering initial physical descriptive data as well as birth certificate data. Hospitals could insert photographs, finger &amp; feet prints, hospital records and family medical records. Hospitals may keep a duplicate unit on file, providing records for future contact with patient. Similarly, for pets and other veterinary applications DNA sample bearing units may be employed for medical and basic information which contain DNA, medical records, pictures and pedigree information. For breeders of pedigree animals the DNA sample bearing units could be used for demonstrating and storing valuable pedigree history and information. Plant growers may use DNA sample bearing units to allow tracking and storage of hybrid modification information. 
         [0027]    Forensic science investigators could employ DNA sample bearing units and operational systems designed for crime scene investigative uses. On-site collection of DNA and related evidence. Data and photographs taken directly from PDA or Laptop computer could be stored on the unit directly with the collected DNA samples. Similarly, in prisons and jail facilities DNA sample units with all related inmate information, records, photographs, etc. could be created upon entry processing and updated with additional data. One unit per individual accommodates following the individual through various facilities. 
         [0028]    Individuals and agencies that periodically monitor various species in their natural habitat for endangered species verification and other similar uses could employ DNA sample bearing units with information and photograph storage. The storage units and operational system may be designed to allow for the range of variation in data taken for each species. Similarly, seed and biobanking conducted by universities, organizations, and businesses that are banking genetics for various reasons such as protecting heirloom, and early varieties of plants, seeds, and animals may use DNA sample bearing units designed to store information with each DNA sample. 
         [0029]    Funeral homes could employ DNA sample bearing units for each decedent, and family history could then be inserted into the data storage. Such integrated storage could provide critical links to prior generations in the event of genetic illnesses or, conversely, if adequately developed, genetic restoration as gene therapy if mutation induced disease was encountered. Similarly, Genealogy societies and members could employ DNA sample bearing units to allow members to archive family DNA &amp; history prior to the death of family members 
         [0030]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart for an exemplary process to accommodate the first example application of child identification using an operational system as disclosed with respect to  FIG. 8 . At the hospital at birth or at any other location in a subsequent child identification program DNA is obtained from the child through a blood draw or swab and deposited on the sample tray in an integrated storage unit, step  900 . The sample tray is then covered by the case of the integrated storage unit, step  901 . The digital data storage unit is inserted into the interface of the computer, step  902  and uniquely identified with the child using a bar code scanner  60  or internal digital identification, step  903 . Input of the child&#39;s name and other information such as location, date and time of birth, birth weight, length, eye color, birth marks and parent identification are entered on the input device  54  of the computer  50 , step  904 . Finger, palm and foot prints may be taken in the convention manner and scanned as images into image scanner  60 , step  906 . In alternative systems, the image scanner may be employed to directly scan the hand and feet for input of identifying prints. Other related data such as family history and medical data may be entered using the input device or downloaded from mass storage  66  or network interface  64  as previously entered data, step  908 . All data associated with the child received by the computer  50  is then stored in the digital memory  42  of the integrated storage unit  30 , step  910 . Duplicate data may then be downloaded into a second integrated storage unit, either with or without DNA storage, as a backup unit or for separate storage, step  912 . Additional duplicates may be downloaded when the initial unit is created or subsequently if additional copies of the data are required. The integrated storage unit is then removed from the interface and is available for storage by the parents to maintain personal and identifying information of the child, step  914 . Use of standard interfaces allows the integrated storage unit to also be updated with additional data by the parents, doctors, child care or school officials using standard personal computers or other devices equipped with interfacing operating software, step  916 . For certain embodiments, any portion of the digital data may be encrypted and/or security protected to avoid overwriting or alteration. For example initial birth data and identifying information could be maintained in a secure portion of the memory with subsequently added data retained in a general purpose or random access portion of the memory. 
         [0031]    Having now described various embodiments of the invention in detail as required by the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications and substitutions to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. Such modifications are within the scope and intent of the present invention as defined in the following claims.