Apparatus and method for providing functionality

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (100) for providing functionality (F1-F15), comprising a storage unit (117), a communication interface (119) and a processing unit (118), wherein the storage unit (117) comprises a first parameter set (102) with a first parameter value (101.1), the first parameter value indicating whether a functionality associated with the first parameter value can be provided by the apparatus (100) to another apparatus (120, 140), and wherein the storage unit (117) comprises a second parameter set (104) with a second parameter value (104.1), the second parameter value indicating whether a functionality associated with the second parameter value can be provided by the first apparatus (100) to another apparatus (120, 140). The communication interface (119) is configured to obtain a third parameter set (122) from the second device (120), the third parameter set including a third parameter value (122.1), the third parameter value indicating which functionality may be provided by the second device (120), the processing unit (118) being configured to compare the third parameter set (122) with the second parameter set (104), the processing unit (118) being configured to select the functionality of the second device (120) for utilization based on the comparison, and to establish a utilization connection (162) if at least one functionality of the second device (120) is selected for utilization. The present invention further relates to a system having a plurality of devices and a method of providing functionality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing functionality.

Background Art

[0002] Machines, devices or other apparatuses, as well as applications such as microscopes, computers or industrial manufacturing facilities, typically have their individual parts or portions of such a machine or such a device constructed so that the corresponding machine or the corresponding device functions properly (as a whole).

[0003] In contrast, in most cases, a plurality of different machines, devices, other apparatuses or applications cannot cooperate or can cooperate only very limitedly. Thus, for example, a printer can be connected to a computer, thereby enabling the use of the printer by the computer or the user of the computer. However, this often makes other uses of this printer impossible. In the industry, especially within the framework of so-called Industry 4.0, it is known that, for example, a plurality of machines cooperate to a certain extent, but only in the sense of a set method sequence in which the machines act according to other specific operations.

[0004] Therefore, based on this background, there arises the problem of presenting a means by which a plurality of devices can cooperate in the sense of a whole or a unit.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to the present invention, there is proposed an apparatus, system, method and computer program having the features described in the independent claims. Advantageous configurations are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] The present invention relates to an apparatus used to provide functionality, comprising at least one memory unit, a communication interface, and a processing unit (e.g., equipped with a processor). Such an apparatus could be a variety of different devices or equipment or machines, or specific parts or components thereof. For example, an apparatus could include or be part of at least one of the following: a computer, a microscope, a microtome, a high-pressure freezing system, an automatic coloring device, a coating device, a pipette robot, a mounting robot (especially as a robot for coating a first material onto a second material), a conditioned chamber, a laboratory automation device, an electric stage, a heating system, a cooling system, an injection system, and a lighting device including, for example, a laser, an LED, and / or a lamp house. In general, other laboratory equipment could also be included. It should be noted in particular that the apparatus does not have to be an entire device, but may be only a part of one. Furthermore, while the present invention is often described in relation to special apparatuses, the present invention is not limited to special apparatuses as may become apparent from the following description.

[0007] At least one storage unit is provided with a first parameter set and a second parameter set. In this case, the first parameter set includes one or more first parameter values, each indicating whether the functionality associated with the first parameter value can be provided by this device to other devices. The second parameter set includes one or more second parameter values, each indicating whether the functionality associated with the second parameter value should be provided to the first device by other devices.

[0008] In other words, the first parameter set or first parameter value relates in particular to the functionality that the device itself can perform or provide, which can also be provided to one or more other devices. If the device is, for example, a microscope, this functionality may be the presentation of the position of the sample stage (e.g., in the x, y, or z directions) and / or the ability to adjust the position of the sample stage. In this case, the first parameter value indicates, for example, that the device, i.e., the microscope, can adjust the position of the sample stage in the z direction, and that this functionality can be provided to another device, such as a tablet or another computer.

[0009] In this case, the second set of parameters or second parameter values ​​relate, in particular, to functions or features that the device itself cannot perform or provide but would be desirable, or would be desirable when using the device, and therefore should be provided by another device. In the example above, perhaps the microscope itself cannot measure temperature, but information about temperature would be desirable, for example, when observing a sample. Here, the other device may be, for example, a thermometer or other instrument, which can, in particular, measure temperature, or, in some cases, provide the current temperature value only in other ways.

[0010] The communication interface is configured to obtain at least one third parameter set from a second device (i.e., a device different from the receiving device). This third parameter set includes third parameter values, which indicate which functionalities associated with the third parameter values ​​can be provided by the second device (to the first device or the receiving device). In other words, the third parameter set or third parameter values ​​correspond to the first parameter set or first parameter values ​​in the case of the second device, but not in the case of this (first) device. Specifically, the third parameter set or third parameter values ​​relate to the functionality that the second device (i.e., not necessarily the (first) device itself) can perform or provide. In the example above, the second device may be, for example, a temperature measuring device. In this case, it needs to be able to perform temperature measurements, and in particular, this (first) device needs to be able to perform these temperature measurements or obtain temperature values.

[0011] In this sense, a machine (or the device described above) already has various sensors (e.g., a temperature measurement system) and actors (e.g., electronic switches), and possibly other functionalities as well as the data generated in the process. However, even such a machine has a "desire" for further sensors and / or actors that are not yet incorporated into the machine itself, i.e., a "desire" for data that is (still) missing. The parameter list here indicates, for each machine (device), what it "provides" as sensors, data, and actors (i.e., the first or third parameter value from the top) and which sensors, data, and actors it "desires" (i.e., the second parameter value from the top), for example, in a standardized format.

[0012] The processing unit is configured to compare a third set of parameters with a second set of parameters, and based on this comparison, select the functionality of the second device for use, and if at least one functionality of the second device is selected for use, to establish a usage connection with the second device. That is, the comparison between the second set of parameters and the third set of parameters allows for determining which functionality the (first) device wants to have or use, and which functionality can be provided by the second device. If this applies to at least one functionality, which in the above example is temperature measurement, then when this functionality is desired, this functionality can be selected and provided in the (first) device as well. For this purpose, the usage connection described above is established. The selection of functionality should be understood in this case as specifically identifying which functionality (of the second device) should be provided in the (first) device (via the usage connection).

[0013] In other words, for example, multiple different machines (devices) can connect (be connected to) each other via a network to form a single complex, which allows these machines to automatically compare their own parameter lists and, in the example of the "requests" mentioned above, to provide each other with the desired sensors, data, and actors automatically, manually, and / or controlled by policy. For example, if a microscope "requests" a camera and the camera "requests" a controllable light source, the microscope can automatically provide its own light source to the camera, and in return, the camera can be provided to the microscope.

[0014] In this case, this mutual provision is advantageously performed automatically. Additional parameters can further refine the machine's "requests"; for example, if the microscope requests a color camera (as in the example above), a monochrome camera would not (and could not) be connected to the microscope. Nevertheless, the camera could still use the microscope's "requested" illumination module. The exact procedure for connection can be controlled, for example, via a set of rules or regulations. In this case, policies for exchanges compliant with GPPS are usually also handled. The interface can be any possible, such as a wireless standard like 5G or a cable like RJ45. The protocol used can be any known one, such as TCP / IP. The security standard for exchange can be any standard, such as SSL or TLS.

[0015] Especially in the case of wireless connections, the connection can be routed automatically through multiple machines, which is advantageous (repeater technology). The relevant parameter list of the machines can be further updated or updated, so that new capabilities or "requests" are also reflected when the machine's software is updated.

[0016] Furthermore, it should be noted that such access connections are particularly constructed so that functionality is performed in or by the second device, for which commands or drive control originate from or can originate from this (first) device, and in some cases delegated to the first device. Thus, for example, a microscope user (or possibly the microscope being automated) can request a temperature measurement, for which the second device is appropriately driven and controlled via the access connection.

[0017] Here, connecting multiple machines or devices or parts thereof to form a single complex is possible both statically and dynamically. Static cases include, for example, devices installed on-site, such as the microscopes, thermometers, and printers already mentioned, which are connected appropriately and, in some cases, simply initially, exchange or provide functionality. If a change in functionality occurs in one of the multiple devices, it may be immediately updated.

[0018] Dynamic cases include, for example, the interaction between a mobile device and, potentially, other devices installed on-site. For instance, if a user of such a device (e.g., a notebook PC, smartphone, tablet, etc.) moves around a building (with the device), surrounding equipment (laboratory equipment, computers, printers, thermometers, etc.) can dynamically provide their functionality, or the mobile device can provide its functionality to one or more of these devices (again, this provision may be limited by corresponding safety policies / licensing policies). Thus, in relation to the user's location, other means may be available through their mobile device. For example, if a user sits in front of a microscope in a laboratory, the tablet the user is carrying may automatically connect as the microscope's output unit and / or operating unit. Later, if the user is positioned near a printer with the tablet, the tablet may be used as an input / display device for the printer, if permitted by the printer.

[0019] In other words, to summarize, the (first) device and the second device, or all (considered) devices as a whole or together, can perform or provide a particular number (or all) of functionalities. In this case, it is self-evident that several functionalities, identical or similar functionalities (see also the description below) can be provided by multiple devices. A list or table containing all these functionalities (and possibly further specifications / characteristics of these functionalities) may be stored, for example, within each device or in the device's storage unit. In this case, the first parameter set or first parameter value indicates which of these functionalities the (first) device can provide (which may actually be only a few), the second parameter set or second parameter value indicates which of these functionalities the (first) device wants or desires to have, and the third parameter set or third parameter value indicates which of these functionalities can be provided to the (first) device by the second device. These functionalities may, as needed and to the extent requested, be incorporated into this (first) device via a utilization connection, thereby allowing these functionalities to be provided or at least used in this (first) device as well.

[0020] In this case, further specifications may specify the parameters indicating functionality in more detail, that is, for example, which specific features require or provide a particular functionality. For example, different devices may provide temperature measurements with different accuracies. Similarly, it may be specified which of these functionalities are required, or which may be acceptable as fallback solutions in some cases.

[0021] In other words, a logical complex or system (in the domain sense) can be formed from multiple devices, where many devices "lend," so to speak, specific functionalities to other devices, i.e., through utilization connections. That is, a logical complex should be understood in the sense that individual devices (i.e., machines or parts of machines) are connected in such a way that they advantageously and automatically form a new machine, a kind of "super machine," by exchanging their own sensor functionalities, data functionalities, and actor functionalities or their own sensor capabilities, data capabilities, and actor capabilities with one another. That is, a user of one of these devices can not only utilize the functionality of that one device itself, but can also advantageously utilize, in part, the functionality of other devices. That is, the sensors, data, and actors of other devices (machines) can be partially utilized in one's own device (machine).

[0022] The integration of such functionality corresponding to a third parameter set or third parameter value can be performed automatically by comparison in a comparison unit (which may include, for example, a processor, or be part of a processor). The user or operator does not need to take any action for this. That is, in the example above, the functionality of temperature measurement is automatically integrated and provided when the microscope is in use. This is the case when, on the one hand, temperature measurement is requested or required on the microscope side, and on the other hand, when another device (in the complex) can provide temperature measurement.

[0023] There may be cases where a specific functionality is required in this (first) device, but another device (in the complex) cannot provide it. In such cases, preferably, this (first) device or the comparison unit of this (first) device is configured to output a response or information based on this comparison that the functionality corresponding to the second parameter value cannot be selected for use or cannot be provided. This can be done, for example, by graying out the function in the user interface (GUI) of this (first) device, a corresponding pop-up window, an LED illumination, an audible message, etc.

[0024] Communication between this (first) device and the second device or other devices in general can be performed via the communication interface described above. To obtain or receive the third parameter set or a part thereof, for example, only a simple message with the relevant information may be received, but establishing a connection often requires the exchange of other data and / or information (e.g., control signals). Basically, the communication interface here preferably includes at least one of a cable-connected interface, a wireless interface, an optical interface, an inductive interface, or an acoustic interface. In other words, there may be multiple instances of each type of interface, and / or multiple types of interfaces. For example, this could be a WLAN interface, a Bluetooth interface, a fiberglass interface or fiberglass connection, a mobile wireless connection (especially a mobile wireless connection based on the 5G standard), a USB interface, an interface to a bus system, or a parallel interface.

[0025] In this regard, it should be noted that a bidirectional communication connection is not necessarily required to output or transmit a message containing a parameter set, for example. For instance, so-called broadcast messages, such as those used in Bluetooth advertising, are a possible example.

[0026] Furthermore, it should be noted that this (first) device and the second device do not necessarily need to be directly communicably connected to each other. Rather, it may be sufficient to simply integrate the two devices (and other devices) into a network (intranet, Ethernet, and in some cases, indirectly and automatically routed through a direct connection to other integrated devices in other ways or through a repeater). Thus, the individual devices may be spatially separated from each other, or rather, may ultimately be distributed throughout the world.

[0027] As already described, various devices or apparatuses (or parts thereof) may be considered as this (first) device. Thus, advantageously, this device further includes at least one element among actors, sensors, data storage units, data reading units, data output units, computing units, operating units, energy supply units, and peripheral devices connected to the device. Here, the functionality of at least one element is shown together with an associated first parameter value in a first parameter set. That is, these elements are used to provide or enable the functionality already discussed especially at the beginning.

[0028] In this regard, it should also be stated that the terms actor, sensor, and data should be understood completely generally or broadly. An actor may be not only an electrical drive device that causes a mechanical change, but also an electrical drive system that causes other physical state changes, such as a display, a light source such as an LED, a heating element such as a heating coil, a cooling device equipped with a Peltier element, etc. An actor converts a signal (e.g., an instruction sent from a control computer) into a mechanical movement or other physical quantity (e.g., pressure or temperature), thereby actively intervening in the process. That is, if this (first) device is a microscope, the actor may be, for example, a drive device for adjusting the position of the sample stage, but may also be a display or a light source in the microscope.

[0029] A sensor is, in particular, a technical component that can qualitatively detect or quantitatively detect as a measured value specific physical or chemical properties (physical properties are, for example, heat quantity, temperature, humidity, pressure, magnitude of a sound field, brightness, acceleration, and chemical properties are, for example, pH value, ionic strength, electrochemical potential) and / or the material properties of its surroundings. These quantities can then be detected, for example, by physical, chemical, or biological effects and converted into an electrical signal that can be subsequently processed. The sensor may in particular be a so-called smart sensor. A smart sensor (or intelligent sensor) is, for example, a sensor that can integrate (complete) signal processing parts and signal processing units inside the casing in addition to the original detection of measured quantities. Such complex sensors usually include, among other things, a microprocessor or a microcontroller, for example, a complex logic unit such as an FPGA, and provide a standardized interface for communicating with a higher-level system, for example, via a fieldbus system, a sensor network, or IO-Link.

[0030] Preferably, this (first) device is a sensor, here including at least one of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a position sensor, a GPS sensor, an acceleration sensor, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, an optical sensor, an imaging sensor (for example, a camera), a motion sensor, and a humidity sensor.

[0031] However, it can also be understood that the sensor intended by this application is a purely digital detected measured value that detects the state of software, for example, a counter (or counter) indicating the number of times of measurement execution.

[0032] The present invention further relates to a method by which, in some cases, a utilization connection between the (first) device and the second device can be established, whereby the functionality of the second device can be integrated into or provided to the first device. Here, the first device is in particular the device of the present invention as described in detail above. Here, this method is The method includes: providing a first parameter set in a first device, comprising one or more first parameter values, wherein the first parameter values ​​indicate whether a functionality associated with the first parameter values ​​can be provided to another device by this device; providing a second parameter set in the first device, comprising one or more second parameter values, wherein the second parameter values ​​indicate whether a functionality associated with the second parameter values ​​should be provided to the first device by another device; obtaining at least one third parameter set of a second device, comprising third parameter values, wherein the third parameter values ​​indicate which functionality associated with the third parameter values ​​can be provided by the second device; comparing the third parameter set with the second parameter set; selecting a functionality of the second device for use based on this comparison; and establishing a usage connection with the second device if at least one functionality of the second device has been selected for use.

[0033] For a more detailed explanation, please refer to the above description of the apparatus applicable to this method. Similarly, preferred embodiments described further below also apply to the apparatus.

[0034] Advantageously, the method further includes the steps of: obtaining a fourth parameter set of a second device, including a fourth parameter value, the fourth parameter value indicating which functionality associated with the fourth parameter value is desired by the second device; comparing the fourth parameter set with a first parameter set; and sending a message to the second device indicating, based on this comparison, which desired functionality can be provided.

[0035] In other words, in the case of the second device, the fourth parameter set or fourth parameter value basically corresponds to the second parameter set or second parameter value. Similar to the first device, the second device can also request functionality that it does not possess or cannot provide. Accordingly, the first device can, after matching or comparison, notify the second device of what functionality it can provide to it. This is particularly advantageous when the second device itself cannot perform the comparison and can only notify its own needs or requests for functionality.

[0036] Advantageously, each of these parameter values ​​is set to active or inactive (in some cases), in which case this comparison particularly involves a comparison of the parameter values ​​for each of the associated functionalities indicated in the parameter set. In this case, a parameter value set to active may be understood as meaning that the associated functionality can be provided (this is especially true for the first and third parameter values), or that the associated functionality should be provided by another device (this is especially true for the second and fourth parameter values). Accordingly, a parameter value set to inactive (or deactivated) may be understood as meaning that the associated functionality cannot be provided (this is especially true for the first and third parameter values), or that the associated functionality should not be provided by another device, or is not required (this is especially true for the second and fourth parameter values).

[0037] However, it is also particularly convenient that such parameter values ​​can be set to active or inactive as intended, regardless of whether the corresponding functionality can or should be provided. Therefore, for example, the first parameter value to which a functionality that can be basically provided by this (first) device belongs may be set to inactive, meaning that this functionality should not, or should not be, provided to another device. This may be the case, for example, for safety or data protection reasons. This also applies to the second parameter value accordingly; that is, for example, a particular functionality may be basically desirable, but for example, for safety reasons, this functionality should not be integrated.

[0038] (In the sense of release) Actively setting a device may, in some cases, optionally impose further hurdles, such as authentication for the user using a PIN number, security inquiry, etc., meaning that specific rules may be imposed on actively setting a device. In other words, a specific functionality of a device will only be provided to other devices (and only in such cases will it be possible to integrate it with other devices) if the user has released a policy (a set of predetermined rules) to that functionality, or if the functionality is bound by a license agreement and is only released by a valid license (release from the dongle).

[0039] Given this background, it is also convenient that the functionality of the second device be selected for use when the second and third parameter values ​​are actively set for that functionality.

[0040] Advantageously, each functionality is characterized by a unique identifier. This is especially true within a complex or system of devices that are interconnected in a network and can provide functionality to each other. Therefore, each device within this complex uses the same name for a particular functionality.

[0041] Regarding the associated functionality, the acquired parameter values ​​are stored, and more specifically, it is convenient that they be stored in a memory unit, for example. Therefore, these can be retained, for example, persistently, even after a restart.

[0042] Preferably, this method also includes outputting (or providing) a first partial parameter set, which includes at least a portion of the first parameter values, and / or outputting (or providing) a second partial parameter set, which includes at least a portion of the second parameter values, for reception by another device. In this way, it becomes unnecessary to output the complete parameter set to the other device, and rather, it becomes possible to output, for example, only the active functionality that is provided, or only the desired functionality. Output should be understood here in particular as the provision of the parameter set to the other device, and more specifically, the provision of the parameter set to the other device so that these parameter sets can be transmitted to the other device as data or information, or received by the other device.

[0043] The output can be, here preferably, transmitted to one or more other devices connected to the device, and more specifically, via a bidirectional communication connection. In the communication connection, the speed of data transmission (e.g., measurements from a sensor array) may also be considered. For example, there may be cases where there are conditions regarding the latency time of data transmission, in which case synchronized data transmission is required. However, in other cases, unsynchronized data transmission may suffice. However, this output may also be made by broadcast message, for example, in the case of Bluetooth advertising. In this case, this output is preferably made upon request to output a first set of parameters and / or a second set of parameters originating from, for example, a second device or another device.

[0044] These functionalities preferably include at least one of the following: driving control of actors in the device (especially synchronously, i.e., faster than a predetermined transmission time (allowable latency time / delay time) and / or in sync with a clock signal (keyword: synchronous data transmission), or asynchronously, i.e., not bound by a predetermined transmission time and / or not in sync with a clock signal); output of data stored in the device; output of data measured by the device (especially synchronously or asynchronously, as described above); data processing by the device; and the characteristics of the device. For the term actor, please refer to the above description of a device, which is applicable here accordingly.

[0045] Data output can be understood as the optional procurement or provision of this data, in particular for other devices or other equipment or devices of a different nature, while synchronized with a clock signal. This can be done, in particular, using a communication interface. Similarly, data output may be understood as visual and / or acoustic and / or tactile output (in this case, e.g., via a display or speaker). Device characteristics should be understood as physical or other characteristics of the device, not necessarily related to the performance of an action. This may include, for example, metadata and information about the current time or time, (local) location, etc. In this regard, it should be noted that certain functionality may be provided simultaneously by, for example, different devices, in which case the individual configurations may differ. Thus, two different devices may each include one location as a functionality, but the specific value may differ depending on where the device is installed. This is similar to the description of time or the corresponding specific value.

[0046] Advantageously, a connection is established with another device in response to a usage request, and the functionality specified in the usage request is then provided to the other device. Parameter values ​​are preferably shown as attributes of an object associated with that functionality. Here, "object" can be understood as an object in the sense of object-oriented programming or a "shared object."

[0047] The present invention further relates to a computer program comprising program code, which is configured to carry out the method of the present invention when executed on a processor or, for example, an apparatus of the present invention which itself may have a suitable computing unit or processor.

[0048] Further advantages and configurations of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0049] It is obvious that the features described above and those described later can be used not only in the combinations described, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0050] The present invention is schematically shown in the drawings based on embodiments, and the present invention will be described hereafter with reference to these drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0051] [Figure 1a] This figure schematically shows the apparatus of the present invention in a preferred embodiment. [Figure 1b] To further illustrate the present invention, Figure 1a is a schematic diagram showing the apparatus. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows the flow of the method of the present invention in a preferred embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure schematically shows a display as part of the apparatus of the present invention in another preferred embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0052] Figure 1a schematically shows the apparatus 100 of the present invention in a preferred embodiment. Apparatus 100 is here integrated into a complex or system having other apparatuses 120 and 140. This system may be the system of the present invention in a preferred embodiment. The method of the present invention or aspects of the method of the present invention will also be described thereafter based on this.

[0053] Exemplary, device 100 is a microscope, device 120 is a temperature measuring device, and device 140 is a printer. Microscope 100 includes a storage unit 117, a processing unit 118 (which may have, for example, a processor and be used as a computing unit or control unit, or may be part of the processing unit 118), and a communication interface 119. The same applies to the other devices. Thus, the temperature measuring device includes a storage unit 137, a processing unit 138, and a communication interface 139. Printer 140 includes a storage unit 157, a processing unit 158, and a communication interface 159. Here, the storage unit, processing unit, and communication interface are shown separately, but these components may each be part of the applicable device.

[0054] Furthermore, the microscope 100 includes, for example, an actor 116 for positioning the sample stage, and the temperature measuring device 120 includes, for example, a sensor 136 (i.e., a temperature sensor) for measuring temperature.

[0055] Devices 110, 120, and 140 are connected to each other in a communicative manner via communication interfaces 119, 139, and 159, thereby forming a network. The specific type of communication connection 160 is not important; it may be wireless or wired, for example, and may be direct or indirect (for example, between device 100 and device 140). See the above explanation for further details. Multiple communication connections may also be used in parallel, consisting of, for example, a sufficiently fast standard communication connection for "slow" asynchronous coupling and / or another communication connection. This other communication connection enables particularly fast and fault-free coupling with a preconfigurable latency time, thereby also enabling synchronous data coupling.

[0056] In each of the devices 100, 120, and 140, or in each of the devices 100, 120, and 140, a kind of list containing various functionalities is provided or provided on the storage unit. This list, for example, includes all the functionalities that may be provided by the devices 100, 120, and 140 as a whole. In the illustrated example, these are 15 different functionalities, which may be, for example, the following, and are indicated in the figure by reference numerals F1 to F15: x-position of the sample stage (F1), y-position of the sample stage (F2), z-position of the sample stage (F3), temperature (F4), imaging (F5), pressure (F6), humidity (F7), date (F8), time (F9), metadata (F10), status (F11), location (F12), network (F13), color printing (F14), and black and white printing (F15).

[0057] As already mentioned, typically, each device does not offer all the functionality, but rather only specific functionality. For the purposes of the following explanation, the microscope 100 will be considered the (first) device, and the temperature measuring device 120 will be considered the second device. The printer is a separate device (from the perspective of the microscope), and this also applies to the temperature measuring device 120.

[0058] In the illustrated example, the microscope 100 provides the following functionalities: x-position of the sample stage (F1), y-position of the sample stage (F2), z-position of the sample stage (F3), temperature (F4), imaging (F5), metadata (F10), status (F11), and position (F12). Furthermore, a first parameter set 102 is provided, which includes first parameter values ​​indicating the functionalities provided by the microscope 100. In this regard, each of the first parameter values ​​is set to 1 as an example. For the remaining functionalities, the first parameter values ​​are set to 0 as an example. In the figure, the first parameter value for functionality F1 is shown as a value 102.1 with a value of 1, i.e., 102.1 = 1. Accordingly, the following equations hold true: 102.2=1, 102.3=1, 102.4=1, 102.5=1, 102.6=0, 102.7=0, 102.8=0, 102.9=0, 102.10=1, 102.11=1, 102.12=1, 102.13=0, 102.14=0, and 102.15=0.

[0059] Furthermore, there are functionalities that should be provided to the microscope 100 by other devices (in this example, a temperature measuring device 120 and a printer 140 are on standby), i.e., functionalities that the microscope "requests". For this purpose, the microscope 100 or its memory unit is provided with a second parameter set 104, which includes second parameter values. In this example, the second parameter values ​​indicate that the following functionalities should be provided to the microscope 100 by other devices: temperature (F4), image recording (F5), humidity (F7), date (F8), time (F9), metadata (F10), status (F11), location (F12), network (F13), and color printing (F14). With respect to this, the second parameter value is set to 1 as an example. With respect to the remaining functionalities, the second parameter value is set to 0 as an example. In the figure, the second parameter value for functionality F1 is shown as 104.1 with a value of 0, i.e., 104.1 = 0. Accordingly, the following holds true: 104.2=0, 104.3=0, 104.4=1, 104.5=1, 104.6=0, 104.7=1, 104.8=1, 104.9=1, 104.10=1, 104.11=1, 104.12=1, 104.13=1, 104.14=1, and 102.15=0. Regarding imaging (F5), while the microscope 100 can basically provide this function itself, for example via a built-in camera, it should be noted that it is desirable to be able to capture images of relatively high quality value, for example, via a better, external camera. The same applies to temperature (F4), which will be explained in more detail later with examples.

[0060] It should be noted that other functionalities also exist, and these functionalities can be provided by the microscope itself, but should also be provided to the microscope 100 by other devices. This applies, for example, to metadata (F10), status (F11), and position (F12). In this case, both the corresponding first and second parameter values ​​are set to 1.

[0061] The above list, including all functionalities, along with the first and second parameter values, may be provided or procured within the microscope as a dataset (which may be a "shared object") or as metadata. In a simple case, this would be a bitstream, where each pair of bits represents the first and second parameter values ​​for a functionality. In the microscope example, such a bitstream for the first five functionalities might look like this: 1010100101.

[0062] However, similarly, individual parameters or parameter values ​​may not be numerical or bitwise, but may be other values ​​or software objects. Multiple parameters or parameter values ​​may be combined into a single logical parameter; for example, parameter values, namely the x-position, y-position, and z-position of the sample stage, may be combined into another parameter value, namely the sample stage position adjustment.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the temperature measuring device 120 provides functionality such as temperature (F4), humidity (F7), date (F8), time (F9), metadata (F10), and status (F11). Furthermore, a third parameter set 122 is provided, which includes third parameter values ​​indicating the functionality provided by the temperature measuring device 120. In this regard, each of the third parameter values ​​is set to 1 as an example. For the remaining functionality, the third parameter values ​​are set to 0 as an example. In the figure, the third parameter value for functionality F1 is shown as 122.1 with a value of 0, i.e., 122.1 = 0. Accordingly, the following equations hold true: 122.2=0, 122.3=0, 122.4=1, 122.5=0, 122.6=0, 122.7=1, 122.8=1, 122.9=1, 122.10=1, 122.11=1, 122.12=0, 122.13=0, 122.14=0, and 122.15=0.

[0064] Furthermore, there are functionalities that should be provided to the temperature measuring device 120 by other devices (in this example, the microscope 100 and printer 140 are on standby), i.e., functionalities that the temperature measuring device "requests". For this purpose, the temperature measuring device 120 or its memory unit is provided with a fourth parameter set 124, which includes a fourth parameter value. In this example, the fourth parameter value indicates that the following functionalities should be provided to the temperature measuring device 120 by other devices: metadata (F10), status (F11), location (F12), network (F13), and color printing (F14). With respect to these, the fourth parameter value is exemplary to be set to 1 for each. With respect to the remaining functionalities, the fourth parameter value is exemplary to be set to 0. In the figure, the fourth parameter value for functionality F1 is shown as 124.1 with a value of 0, i.e., 124.1 = 0. Accordingly, the following equations hold true: 124.2=0, 124.3=0, 124.4=0, 124.5=0, 124.6=0, 124.7=0, 124.8=1, 124.9=1, 124.10=1, 124.11=1, 124.12=1, 124.13=1, 124.14=1, and 124.15=0.

[0065] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, printer 140 provides the following functionalities: date (F8), time (F9), metadata (F10), status (F11), location (F12), network (F13), color printing (F14), and black and white printing (F15). In addition, a parameter set 142 is provided which contains parameter values ​​indicating the functionalities provided by printer 140. With regard to this, each parameter value is set to 1 as an example. For the remaining functionalities, the parameter values ​​are set to 0 as an example. In the figure, functionality F1 is shown as F142.1 with a value of 0, that is, the parameter value indicates that a functionality is provided for which 142.1 = 0 holds true. Accordingly, the following equations hold true: 142.2=0, 142.3=0, 142.4=0, 142.5=0, 142.6=0, 142.7=0, 142.8=1, 142.9=0, 142.10=1, 142.11=1, 142.12=1, 142.13=1, 142.14=1, and 142.15=1.

[0066] Furthermore, there are functionalities that should be provided to the printer 140 by other devices (in this example, a microscope 100 and a temperature measuring device 120 are on standby), i.e., functionalities that the printer "requests". For this purpose, the printer 140 or its memory unit is provided with a parameter set 144, which includes the parameter values ​​it indicates. In this example, these parameter values ​​indicate that functionalities such as temperature (F4), humidity (F7), metadata (F10), and status (F11) should be provided to the printer 140 by other devices. In this regard, the parameter values ​​are set to 1 exemplarily. For the remaining functionalities, the parameter values ​​are set to 0 exemplarily. In the figure, functionality F1 is shown as F144.1 with a value of 0, i.e., the parameter value indicates that functionalities for which 144.1 = 0 is "requested". Accordingly, the following equations hold true: 144.2=0, 144.3=0, 144.4=1, 144.5=0, 144.6=0, 144.7=1, 144.8=0, 144.9=0, 144.10=1, 144.11=1, 144.12=0, 144.13=0, 144.14=0, and 144.15=0.

[0067] In Figure 1b, the microscope 100, temperature measuring device 120, and printer 140 from Figure 1a are again shown, and these are combined to form a system or domain 180 that should be used in a specific workflow or processing step, such as the inspection of a sample including documentation. A user may want to utilize a certain functionality while sitting in front of a microscope, but the microscope itself may not provide this functionality, or may only provide it in a qualitatively poor version. Instead, a temperature measuring device, for example, can be used directly with the microscope by the procedure proposed within the scope of this invention.

[0068] Furthermore, the tablet 190 is shown schematically and illustratively as a device, which provides input / output functionality in the sense of a user interface, and the user carries it with them, although this is not shown in detail.

[0069] As already explained with reference to Figure 1a, each of the three devices 100, 120, and 140 provides and "requests" a specific functionality. The latter may be a functionality that the device itself does not provide, or a functionality that the device itself provides or offers.

[0070] In a workflow involving a microscope, the user might, for example, use the microscope to inspect a sample and take images of it. Furthermore, to position the sample as desired, the user requires the following functionalities: the x-position (F1), y-position (F2), and z-position (F3) of the sample stage. Similarly, to take images of the sample, the user requires the imaging (F5) functionality. Additionally, for documentation purposes, it is important to know what illumination parameters are used, which are included in metadata (F10), a functionality. All of these functionalities are provided by the microscope itself.

[0071] However, the workflow here requires, for example, additional measurements of temperature (F4) and humidity (F7) during sample inspection. Similarly, the current date (F8) and time (F9) may be needed for documentation purposes. The microscope 100 itself does not provide these functions except for temperature (F4), but instead, the temperature measuring device 120 provides these functions.

[0072] Within the scope of the present invention, it is assumed that, for example, the microscope 100 may require these functionalities F4, F7, F8, and F9 (see also Figure 1a). Since the temperature measuring device 120 can provide these, the microscope 100 selects these functionalities and establishes a usage connection with the temperature measuring device 120 for this purpose. In this way, the user can directly utilize these functionalities, namely temperature (F4), humidity (F7), date (F8), and time (F9), in the microscope 100, for example, in the user interface, even though the temperature measuring device 120 would normally provide them.

[0073] As described above, both the microscope 100 and the temperature measuring device 120 provide temperature (F4) functionality for temperature measurement. However, the microscope 100 may only have a simple temperature sensor that enables temperature measurement with an accuracy of, for example, + / -1°C. In contrast, the (dedicated) temperature measuring device 120 enables temperature measurement with an accuracy of, for example, + / -0.01°C. In this respect, it is desirable to use the more accurate temperature measurement of, for example, the temperature measuring device 120 for the purpose of achieving the most accurate temperature measurement or documentation possible. Nevertheless, if the temperature measurement of the temperature measuring device 120 is not available, the temperature measurement built into the microscope 100 may be considered as a kind of fallback solution.

[0074] This may be adjusted, for example, via the aforementioned "rule set," and the microscope 100 requires or prefers a temperature (F4) functionality or "temperature measurement" or temperature (F4) functionality with an accuracy parameter of at least + / -0.05°C, which is supplied by an external temperature measuring device 120, but if this temperature measuring device 120 or a more accurate temperature measurement does not exist, the microscope 100 will use an internal thermometer (sensor) or another external thermometer of similarly lower quality. Regardless of this, the microscope 100 may also provide this "relatively lower quality" temperature measurement as precisely "temperature measurement with an accuracy of + / -1°C" to other devices or instruments.

[0075] In this sense, multiple devices may provide similar functionality, or they may provide functionality that is essentially the same but has different specific characteristics. These devices may require only a specific characteristic from among these functionalities (e.g., temperature measurement with a certain accuracy), but may nevertheless use other characteristics if necessary.

[0076] As explained at the beginning, for example, if the user is positioned in front of the microscope or in the same space as the microscope and is carrying a tablet, the tablet 190 may be dynamically connected to the microscope 100. In this case, input / output can be performed via the tablet 190 (instead of via the microscope's operating unit / display unit).

[0077] Furthermore, in this case, the workflow may require documentation of the inspection, including the location or position of the inspection (F12), and procurement of documentation via a network (F13). Neither the microscope 100 nor the temperature measuring device 120 provides such functionality, but the printer 140 does. In contrast, network connectivity is not permitted via the tablet 190, for example. Therefore, the microscope 100 selects these functionalities (which it itself desires) and establishes a connection with the printer 140 for this purpose. This allows the user to utilize these functionalities, namely location (F12) and network (F13), which are originally provided by the printer 140, either directly through the user interface of the microscope 100, or directly through the tablet 190.

[0078] In the illustrated example, it can also be seen that the printer 140 similarly provides the necessary functionality of date (F8) and time (F9). That is, the microscope 100 can also utilize the printer for this purpose. As can be seen from Figure 1a, the printer 140 naturally provides both color printing (F14) and black and white printing (F15) functionality, and the microscope 100 can also provide these functions to the user, for example, via a connection, but this functionality is not necessary in the exemplary workflow.

[0079] However, here too, as with the functionality of temperature (F4), such fallback positions may be provided. For example, if microscope 100 wants or desires to integrate a printer, but a color printer is not available, there is a fallback position ("fallback request") for integrating a monochrome printer. Color printing and monochrome printing may be defined as desired printing functionalities with additional parameters relating to the type of printing, and may be performed in combination with a corresponding set of rules ("rule set"). In such cases, it would be important that the second request (monochrome printing) is only actively switched to using the corresponding rules if the first request (color printing) is not met.

[0080] In other words, in the illustrated case, the microscope 100 may require the functionality of color printing (F14), and only if this requirement cannot be met or is not possible will it require the functionality of black and white printing (F15). Furthermore, it should be noted that, depending on the configuration, both of these functionalities may be used as functionalities with different characteristics, similar to the functionality of temperature (F4).

[0081] Nevertheless, if the user later wishes to print something further, for example, the user can go with their tablet 190 to a printer 140 located in a different space from the microscope, where the tablet 190 can then be connected to the printer 140. Then, for example, input can be made via the tablet 190 (instead of input via the printer's control unit / display unit, or if the printer does not have a control unit / display unit at all).

[0082] Therefore, in summary, it can be seen that various functionalities, which are themselves distributed across various devices, i.e., machines or parts of machines, can be provided to the device for the user.

[0083] Here, for clarity, please note that Figure 1b only lists the functionality required within the scope of the exemplary workflow and which devices (originally) provide that functionality.

[0084] Figure 2 schematically shows a flow of the method of the present invention in a preferred embodiment, which can be implemented, for example, by the apparatus or system shown in Figure 1. Hereafter, this flow will be described in more detail, particularly with reference to Figure 1a. This will enable systems or domains that can be used in workflows such as those described with reference to Figure 1b.

[0085] In the first step 200, a first parameter set 102 or first parameter values ​​are provided in the microscope 100. This indicates what functionality the microscope 100 can provide, for example, adjustment of the x-position of the sample stage, and whether this can be provided not only to the microscope itself, i.e., the microscope user, but also to other devices such as a temperature measuring device 120 or a printer 140. In any case, it is not important at this point whether one of the other devices requests or needs these functionalities. For example, if one of these functionalities can no longer be provided for a particular reason, or should not be provided any further, the first parameter set 102 can be repeatedly updated as needed.

[0086] In particular, in relation to the latter aspect, as already explained, parameter values ​​can also be set to active or inactive depending on whether a particular functionality should be provided or not, for example, for security or data protection reasons.

[0087] In step 202, the microscope 100 is provided with a second parameter set 104 or a second set of parameter values. This indicates which functionality should be provided to the microscope 100 from the other device, such as temperature or temperature measurement. In any case, for the time being, it is not important whether one of the other devices actually provides or can provide these functionality.

[0088] In step 204, the microscope 100 acquires a third parameter set 122 or a third parameter value via connection 160 or the corresponding communication interfaces 119, 139, for example, by the temperature measuring device 120. In this way, the microscope 100 is notified of what functionality the temperature measuring device 120 can provide to the microscope 100.

[0089] In step 206, the third parameter set 122 is compared with the second parameter set 104 in the microscope 100 or the comparison unit 118 of the microscope 100. In this case, it can be determined whether the temperature measuring device 120 can provide the functionality that the microscope 100 wants to have or wants to be provided (i.e., "desired"). In the example shown (in Figure 1a), this is temperature, humidity, date, time, metadata, and status. In this comparison, all parameter values ​​of the two parameter sets can be compared, but this may be limited to the parameter values ​​that are particularly actively set.

[0090] For example, if a third parameter value for positional functionality is always set to inactive in the temperature measuring device 120 for some reason, i.e., not to be provided to other devices, then the microscope does not possess this functionality anyway, and therefore such a parameter value does not need to be included in the comparison.

[0091] In step 208, a specific functionality is selected for use in the microscope 100 based on this comparison, that is, by knowledge of which functionality required by the microscope 100 can be provided by the temperature measuring device 120. In this case, all functionality required by the microscope 100 and simultaneously provided by the temperature measuring device 120 may be selected, but this is not mandatory.

[0092] In step 210, if at least one of these functionalities is selected, a utilization connection 162 is established between the microscope 100 and the temperature measuring device 120 using their communication interfaces 119, 139. In this way, the functionality of the temperature measuring device 120 can be integrated into the microscope 100, and thus, for example, the user of the microscope can also utilize these functionalities as described above with reference to Figure 1b. For example, while observing a sample, the user can position the sample stage (as a functionality of the microscope 100 itself) and, at the same time, measure the (current) temperature as needed (as a functionality provided to the microscope 100 by the temperature measuring device 120).

[0093] Such procedures can be performed in any of the devices, namely, in the temperature measuring device 120 and the printer 140, for example. In Figure 1a, arrows between the functions of each device simply illustrate which device provides which function to which other device. This requires one access connection for each.

[0094] Such procedures are often automated or performed automatically, and are especially often repeated, for example, at certain time intervals, so that new devices can be automatically integrated into a system or complex, and the functionality that can be provided by the individual devices themselves or by the integration is always kept up to date. That is, for example, in printer 140, if the color printing functionality is initially set to inactive, and is then activated by the operator through the repeatedly performed procedure described above, then the color printing functionality can also be provided in microscope 100 if it is the desired functionality. This has not been done before.

[0095] Figure 3 illustrates, for example, a display 300 as part of the apparatus of the present invention in another preferred embodiment, more specifically, a display 300 for a microscope 100 (in this case, digital). In this case, the display 300 may be integrated into the microscope 100 or provided and connected as an accessory. The display 300 may be, for example, a touch display. However, for example, the tablet 190 described above can similarly perform this functionality.

[0096] The display shows a user interface, which is a so-called GUI ("graphical user interface"), which on the one hand includes an image 302 of an object observed using the microscope, and on the other hand exemplifies the functionality referred to in Figure 1a, namely five (digital) input means and display means 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e provided for the x position (F1) of the sample stage, the y position (F2) of the sample stage, the z position (F3) of the sample stage, temperature (F4), and imaging (F5).

[0097] The first three of these functionalities (F1, F2, F3) are provided by the microscope, but the temperature (F4) functionality is provided by a temperature measuring device and integrated into the microscope, as implied in Figure 1a. In contrast, the imaging (F5) functionality can basically be provided by the microscope 100, as implied in relation to Figure 1a, but in the example shown here, this may be impossible, for example, due to a defect in the microscope's camera, or because a particular microscope does not have a camera, and furthermore, this functionality cannot be provided by any (other) existing device. Therefore, the corresponding input means and display means 304e are grayed out.

[0098] In this regard, it should be noted that this is merely illustrative. Herein, for example, a camera to be used with the microscope may not be integrated in the sense of the present invention as a separate device, or an additional camera may be provided.

[0099] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the items listed relating to it, and may be abbreviated as " / ".

[0100] While several embodiments have been described in the context of the apparatus, it is clear that these embodiments also represent descriptions of the corresponding methods, where blocks or apparatus correspond to steps or features of steps. Similarly, embodiments described in the context of steps also represent descriptions of the corresponding blocks, items, or features of the corresponding apparatus.

[0101] Some embodiments relate to a microscope including a processing unit or computing unit, as described in relation to one or more of the figures from Figures 1 to 3. Alternatively, the microscope may be part of a processing unit or computing unit, as described in relation to one or more of the figures from Figures 1a to 3, or may be connected to a processing unit or computing unit, as described in relation to one or more of the figures from Figures 1a to 3. Figure 1a shows a schematic diagram of a processing unit or computing unit 118 configured to carry out the method described herein. The processing unit or computing unit 118 is part of a microscope 100 and is a computer system. The microscope 100 is configured, for example, to take images and is connected to the computer system 118. The computer system 118 is configured to carry out at least a portion of the method described herein. The computer system 118 may be configured to run machine learning algorithms. The computer system 118 and the microscope 100 may be separate entities or may be integrated within a single common housing. The computer system 118 may be part of the central processing system of the microscope 100, and / or the computer system 118 may be part of the dependent components of the microscope 100, such as sensors, actors, cameras, or lighting units.

[0102] The computer system 118 may be a local computer device (e.g., a personal computer, laptop, tablet computer, or mobile phone) comprising one or more processors and one or more storage devices, or it may be a distributed computer system (e.g., a cloud computing system comprising one or more processors and one or more storage devices distributed to various locations such as local clients and / or one or more remote server farms and / or data centers). The computer system 118 may include any circuit or combination of circuits. In one embodiment, the computer system 118 may include one or more processors, which may be of any kind. As used herein, the processor may be intended to be any kind of computing circuit, such as a microprocessor for a microscope or microscopic component (e.g., a camera), a microcontroller, a composite instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a multicore processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other kind of processor or processing circuit. Other types of circuits that may be included in the computer system 118 may be custom circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc., such as one or more circuits (communication circuits, etc.) used in wireless devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, two-way radios, and similar electronic systems. The computer system 118 may also include one or more storage devices that may include one or more memory elements suitable for a particular application, such as main memory in the form of random access memory (RAM), one or more hard drives and / or one or more drives that handle removable media such as compact discs (CDs), flash memory cards, digital video discs (DVDs), etc.The computer system 118 may also include a display device, one or more speakers and a controller which may include a keyboard and / or mouse, trackball, touchscreen, voice recognition device, or any other device which enables a user of the system to input information into and receive information from the computer system 118.

[0103] Some or all of the steps may be performed by hardware devices (or by using hardware devices), such as a processor, microprocessor, programmable computer, or electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most critical steps may be performed by such devices. Depending on certain implementation requirements, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware or software. This implementation is possible by a non-transient recording medium, which is a digital recording medium, etc., that stores electronically readable control signals and cooperates (or can cooperate) with a programmable computer system to carry out each method. Examples include hard drives (HDDs), SSDs, floppy disks, DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, ROMs, PROMs and EPROMs, EEPROMs, or FLASH memory. Thus, the digital recording medium may be computer-readable.

[0104] Some embodiments of the present invention include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals that can cooperate with a programmable computer system so as to carry out any of the methods described herein.

[0105] Generally, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product comprising program code, which operates to perform one of the methods when the computer program product is executed on a computer. This program code may be stored, for example, on a machine-readable carrier.

[0106] Another embodiment includes a computer program stored in a machine-readable carrier for carrying out any of the methods described herein.

[0107] Therefore, in other words, embodiments of the present invention are computer programs having program code for carrying out any of the methods described herein when the computer program is executed on a computer.

[0108] Accordingly, another embodiment of the present invention is a recording medium (or data carrier or computer-readable medium) containing a stored computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein when executed by a processor. The data carrier, digital recording medium, or recording medium is typically tangible and / or non-transient. Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus, such as those described herein, comprising a processor and a recording medium.

[0109] Therefore, another embodiment of the present invention is a data stream or signal sequence representing a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein. The data stream or signal sequence may be configured to be transmitted, for example, over a data communication connection, such as the Internet.

[0110] Another embodiment includes processing means, for example, a computer or programmable logic device configured or adapted to carry out any of the methods described herein. Another embodiment includes a computer having an installed computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein.

[0111] Another embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus or system configured to transfer (e.g., electronically or optically) a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein to a receiver. The receiver may be, for example, a computer, a mobile device, a storage device, etc. The apparatus or system may include, for example, a file server for transferring the computer program to the receiver.

[0112] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field-programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the field-programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor to carry out any of the methods described herein. Generally, the methods are advantageously carried out by any hardware device.

Claims

1. A device (100) that provides functionality (F1 to F15), comprising at least one storage unit (117), a communication interface (119), and a processing unit (118), The storage unit (117) is provided with a first parameter set (102), the first parameter set comprising one or more first parameter values ​​(101.1), the first parameter value indicating whether a functionality (F1, F2, F3, F5, F10, F11, F12) associated with the first parameter value can be provided by the device (100) to other devices (120, 140); the storage unit (117) is further provided with a second parameter set (104), the second parameter set comprising one or more second parameter values ​​(104.1), the second parameter value indicating whether a functionality (F4, F5, F7-F14) associated with the second parameter value should be provided to the device (100) by other devices; The communication interface (119) is configured to obtain at least one third parameter set (122) from the second device (120), the third parameter set including a third parameter value (122.1), the third parameter value indicating which functionality (F4, F7 to F11) associated with the third parameter value can be provided by the second device (120), The processing unit (118) is configured to compare the third parameter set (122) with the second parameter set (104), and based on the comparison, the processing unit (118) is further configured to select the functionality (F4, F7 to F11) of the second device (120) for use, and if at least one functionality of the second device (120) is selected for use, to establish a usage connection (162) with the second device (120). The communication interface (119) is further configured to obtain a fourth parameter set (124) from the second device (120), the fourth parameter set including a fourth parameter value (124.1), the fourth parameter value indicating which functionality (F10 to F14) associated with the fourth parameter value is requested by the second device (120). The processing unit (118) is further configured to compare the fourth parameter set (124) with the first parameter set (102), and the processing unit (118) is configured to send a message to the second device (120) via the communication interface (119) indicating which desired functionality can be provided based on the comparison, in the device (100).

2. The communication interface (119) includes at least one of the following: a cable-connected interface, a wireless interface, an optical interface, an inductive interface, and an acoustic interface. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1.

3. The apparatus (100) further includes at least one element from among an actor (116), a sensor, a data storage unit, a data reading unit, a data output unit, a calculation unit, an operation unit, an energy supply unit, and peripheral equipment connected to the apparatus. The functionality of at least one of the elements is shown in the first parameter set (102) along with the corresponding first parameter value. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The apparatus (100) includes, as a sensor, at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a position sensor, a GPS sensor, an acceleration sensor, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, an optical sensor, an imaging sensor, a motion sensor, and a humidity sensor. The apparatus (100) according to claim 3.

5. The apparatus (100) includes or is part of at least one of the following: a computer, a microscope, a microtome, a high-pressure freezing system, an automatic coloring device, a coating device, a pipette robot, a mounting robot, an air-conditioned chamber, laboratory automation equipment, an electric stage, a heating system, a cooling system, an injection system, and a lighting device. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A system (180) having the apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a second apparatus (120), The second device (120) comprises at least one storage unit (137) and a communication interface (139), The at least one storage unit (137) is provided with a third parameter set (122), the third parameter set comprising one or more third parameter values ​​(122.1), the third parameter value indicating which functionality (F4, F7 to F11) associated with the third parameter value can be provided by the second device (120), The communication interface (139) is configured to output at least a portion of the third parameter set (122). System (180).

7. A method for providing functionality (F1 to F15), wherein the method is Advantageously, a first apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the step of providing a first parameter set (102) including one or more first parameter values ​​(102.1), wherein the first parameter value indicates whether a functionality (F1, F2, F3, F5, F10, F11, F12) associated with the first parameter value can be provided by the apparatus (100) to other apparatuses (120, 140), The first device (100) provides a second parameter set (104) including one or more second parameter values ​​(104.1), the second parameter value being a second parameter value, the second parameter value being a second parameter value, the second parameter value being a second parameter value, the second parameter value being a second parameter value (104.1), the second parameter value being a second parameter set (104) being provided to the first device (100) by another device (202), Step (204) of obtaining at least one third parameter set (122) of a second device (120), including a third parameter value (122.1), wherein the third parameter value indicates which functionality (F4, F7 to F11) associated with the third parameter value can be provided by the second device (120). The steps include comparing the third parameter set (122) and the second parameter set (104) (206), Based on the above comparison, the step (208) is to select the functionality (F4, F7 to F11) of the second device (120) for use, Step (210) of establishing a usage connection (162) with the second device (120) when at least one functionality of the second device is selected for use, A method that includes this.

8. The aforementioned method, A step of obtaining a fourth parameter set (124) of the second device (120), including a fourth parameter value (124.1), wherein the fourth parameter value indicates which functionality (F10 to F14) associated with the fourth parameter value is desired by the second device (120), The steps include comparing the fourth parameter set (124) with the first parameter set (102), Based on the above comparison, a message is sent to the second device (120) indicating which desired functionality can be provided. Further including, The method according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned parameter values ​​(102.1, 104.1, 122.1, 124.1, 142.1, 144.1) are each set to active or inactive. The comparison (206) includes, in particular, a comparison of the parameter values ​​for each of the associated functionalities shown in the parameter set (104, 122), The method according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The method further includes the step of selecting the functionality of the second device (120) for use when the second parameter value and the third parameter value are actively set for the functionality. The method according to claim 9.

11. Each functionality is characterized by a unique identifier. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. The method further includes the step of storing acquired parameter values ​​(122.1) with respect to the associated functionality. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. The method further includes the steps of outputting a first partial parameter set, which includes at least a portion of the first parameter value (102.1), and / or outputting a second partial parameter set, which includes at least a portion of the second parameter value (104.1), for reception by other devices (120, 140). The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

14. The output is transmitted to one or more other devices (120, 140) connected to the device (100). The method according to claim 13.

15. The above output is performed by a broadcast message. The method according to claim 13 or 14.

16. The output is performed upon request to output a first parameter set (102) and / or a second parameter set (104). The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. The aforementioned functionality (F1 to F15) includes at least one of the following: drive control of actor (116) in the device (100), output of data stored in the device (100), output of data measured by the device (100), data processing by the device (100), and characteristics of the device (100). The method according to any one of claims 7 to 16.

18. The method further includes the steps of establishing a usage connection with another device (140) in response to a usage request and providing the functionality indicated in the usage request to the other device (140). The method according to any one of claims 7 to 17.

19. The aforementioned parameter values ​​are shown as attributes of objects associated with functionality. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 18.

20. A computer program comprising program code, The program code is configured to perform the method described in any one of claims 7 to 19 when executed on a processor, an apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or an apparatus (100) of the system according to claim 6. Computer program.

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