Techniques for providing data encapsulation to an analysis device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a technique for providing data encapsulation to an analysis device. A hospital or laboratory network is proposed, comprising an analysis device (25) for performing in vitro diagnostics and a gateway (24). The network is configured to: - send a data encapsulation request comprising information related to the analysis device from the gateway to a remote service platform (22); - receive information related to available data encapsulation from the remote service platform; - determine a selection of the available data encapsulation to be downloaded from the remote service platform dedicated to the analysis device in the network; - request the selection of the available data encapsulation from the remote service platform; - download the requested selection of the available data encapsulation from the remote service platform; - provide the requested selection of the available data encapsulation to the analysis device. Furthermore, a corresponding method, computer system and computer-readable medium are proposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for providing data encapsulations for multiple analysis devices in a network. Background Art

[0002] There is a growing need in a network environment for integrated analysis devices such as in vitro analyzers employed in hospital or laboratory environments. This can be beneficial for controlling the analysis devices and also for updating or installing software on the analyzers (or relaying other data encapsulations that the analysis devices are to "consume") to the analysis devices. Given the number (and total number) of analysis devices employed in different networks, the number of software or other data encapsulations that must be delivered can be high. As the (control) software and functionality of the devices become more and more complex, the number of data encapsulations can further increase, which can also sharply increase the number and size of the data encapsulations to be relayed to the analysis devices. In addition, security patches and functionality updates may have to be deployed relatively frequently.

[0003] Accordingly, distributing and processing data encapsulations can be rather complex and resource-intensive. For example, a typical large hospital network including a large number of analysis devices can result in a significant amount of network traffic due to the data encapsulations received by the analysis devices. Similarly, managing and distributing data encapsulations for a fleet of analysis devices (e.g., tens of thousands or even millions of analysis devices) by a remote system such as a manufacturer of the analysis devices may require a significant amount of resources. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one general aspect, the present invention relates to a hospital network or a laboratory network including a plurality of analysis devices for performing in vitro diagnostics and a gateway connected to the analysis devices. The network is configured to: send a data encapsulation request including information related to the analysis devices from the gateway to a remote service platform; in response to the request, receive information related to a plurality of available data encapsulations from the remote service platform; and determine, at the gateway, a selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations to be downloaded from the remote service platform dedicated to the plurality of analysis devices in the network. The network is further configured to: request the selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations from the remote service platform; download the requested selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations from the remote service platform; and provide the requested selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations to the plurality of analysis devices to update data of the analysis devices. In some examples, the data encapsulation includes information used when operating a plurality of devices for performing in vitro diagnostics, for example, configuration information for a specific test or assay or information related to a specific consumable (e.g., reagent, calibration material or quality control material, or other substances required to perform a test or assay at the analysis device).

[0005] In another general aspect, the present invention relates to a method for providing data encapsulation of a plurality of analysis devices in a network of analysis devices including a gateway. The method includes: sending a data encapsulation request including information related to the analysis devices of the network from the gateway of the network to a remote service platform; and in response to the request, receiving information related to a plurality of available data encapsulations from the remote service platform. The method further includes: determining, at the gateway, a selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations to be downloaded from the remote service platform dedicated to the plurality of analysis devices in the network; requesting the selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations from the remote service platform; and downloading the requested selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations from the remote service platform. The method further includes: providing the requested selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations to the plurality of analysis devices to update the data of the plurality of analysis devices.

[0006] In a third general aspect, the present invention relates to a method for providing data encapsulation of a plurality of analysis devices in a network of analysis devices including a gateway. The method includes: receiving, at the remote service platform, a data encapsulation request including information related to the analysis devices of the network from the gateway of the network; in response to the request, transmitting information related to a plurality of available data encapsulations from the remote service platform to the gateway; receiving, at the remote service platform, a request for a selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations to be downloaded from the remote service platform dedicated to the plurality of analysis devices in the network; and transmitting the requested selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations to the gateway.

[0007] In a fourth general aspect, the present invention relates to a computer network including a plurality of analysis devices and a gateway connected to the plurality of analysis devices, the computer network being configured to perform the steps of the method of the first general aspect.

[0008] In a fifth general aspect, the present invention relates to a computer system including a remote service platform connected to a network, the network including a plurality of analysis devices and a gateway connected to the plurality of analysis devices, the remote service platform being configured to perform the steps of the method of the second general aspect.

[0009] The technologies of the first to fifth general aspects may have beneficial technical effects.

[0010] First, the techniques of the first through fifth general aspects may allow for the management of analyzer configuration data at the network level of a network including an analyzer (e.g., at the hospital or laboratory network level (e.g., at the gateway of the network)). In some prior art solutions, the management of analyzer configuration data occurs remotely and in a centralized manner for all analyzer devices managed by a particular entity (e.g., a particular vendor of the analytical device). It must be understood that the number of devices can easily run into the tens or hundreds of thousands. This means that centralized management of configuration data for all such large numbers of devices can be challenging and resource-intensive.

[0011] Second (and related to the first aspect), the selection of data encapsulation at the gateway (i.e., locally within the network in which the analyzer device resides) can occur on an as-needed basis, which may reduce data traffic and lower resource requirements.

[0012] Related to this aspect, the technology is scalable in that additional networks including analyzer devices, each having one or more gateways, can be added without a substantial increase in the organizational and computational burden at the remote service platform. This can make the system for distributing data encapsulation more scalable. Centralized solutions may not be easily scalable because, for example, doubling or tripling the number of analyzer devices may mean that the resources at the central size for managing the analyzer devices may be insufficient. The techniques of the present disclosure can shift (at least some of) the processing steps to the network including the analyzer devices (e.g., the hospital or laboratory network).

[0013] Again, in some embodiments, funneling data encapsulation through the gateway can have various other advantages. On the other hand, data security can be improved because the gateway can constitute a defined entry point for data encapsulation into the network. It may be easier to implement and enforce security measures for the defined entry point provided by the gateway.

[0014] In addition, the data traffic can be reduced because the gateway can organize the download of data encapsulations in an efficient manner. For example, in the case where a specific data encapsulation is requested for two or more analysis devices in the network, the gateway can download the data encapsulation only once. In some embodiments, this can significantly reduce the data traffic to the network. Additionally, the download and distribution of data encapsulations can be conveniently scheduled and organized by using the gateway. For example, the gateway can be used to provide data encapsulations to analysis devices with interrupted or irregular connections to an external network (e.g., a remote server) more reliably and efficiently. Additionally, the gateway can be configured to allow for an intelligent and versatile distribution of data encapsulations to analysis devices. In some embodiments, the data encapsulations can be loaded onto removable media and distributed to (some of) the analysis devices of the network in that form. In other embodiments, the gateway can schedule the distribution of the encapsulations to avoid interfering with the operation of the analysis devices or to improve the productivity of the analysis devices. For example, the data encapsulations can be distributed during times of reduced workload or downtime of the analysis devices. In some embodiments, when data encapsulation distribution is centrally managed at an existing technology remote service platform, the above features may be difficult to achieve, or their implementation may result in a significant amount of additional workload at the remote service platform.

[0015] Finally, the data encapsulations for each analysis device can be made immediately available after being downloaded to the gateway. In some prior art solutions, specific data encapsulations can be distributed to multiple analysis devices in an outstretched manner because each device is provided with the data encapsulation by the remote service platform. The distribution of the data encapsulations from the gateway to the devices can be more efficient because it occurs frequently over a local area network with higher bandwidth.

[0016] A number of terms are used in this disclosure to have specific meanings.

[0017] The "network" in this disclosure refers to a plurality of connected devices having data communication capabilities. The connected devices in the network can be identified by being managed by a specific organization. For example, the network can be a hospital network, a laboratory network, a network of a general practitioner's cabinet, or a network of pharmacies. In some embodiments, the network can be composed of a set of devices forming a logical group (e.g., a network of devices of a specific organization as defined above). Additionally or alternatively, the devices in the network can be located in a relatively close spatial relationship (e.g., a campus, a laboratory, or a hospital building). The devices of the network can be connected via a local area network. However, in other embodiments, the devices of the network can be located at two or more remote locations (e.g., two different locations of a hospital).

[0018] The terms "gateway" and "remote service platform" do not impose any restrictions on a specific hardware and software configuration. Instead, the gateway and the remote service platform can be any computer system (with appropriate hardware and software) configured to provide the functions defined in the present disclosure. For example, the gateway and the remote service platform can form part of a more complex management software on premise and at a remote location, respectively.

[0019] The term "installation" (in the context of data encapsulation) is not limited to any specific operation of modifying or updating the software of an analysis device. Instead, the term "installation" encompasses any operation in which (either directly or after processing steps such as unpacking or compilation) the data included in the data encapsulation is incorporated / deployed in the analysis device. For example, the data encapsulation may include information in a certain form or manner for use when operating the analysis device. In this case, installing the data encapsulation may mean storing the information in a corresponding location to make it available to the analysis device. Further embodiments of how the data encapsulation can be installed on the analysis device will be discussed below.

[0020] An "analysis device" or "analyzer" according to the present disclosure (these terms are used interchangeably in the present disclosure) is a device dedicated to performing an analysis function - typically at least partially automated. In some embodiments, the analysis device or analyzer can be configured to perform an analysis of a sample (e.g., a sample for in vitro diagnosis). For example, the analysis device can be a clinical diagnostic system for performing in vitro diagnosis.

[0021] According to requirements and / or according to the desired workflow, the analyzer of the present disclosure can have different configurations. Additional configurations can be obtained by coupling multiple devices and / or modules together. A "module" is a unit of work, typically smaller in size than the entire analysis device, which has a dedicated function. This function can be analytical, but can also be pre-analytical or post-analytical, or it can be an auxiliary function for any of the pre-analytical functions, analytical functions, or post-analytical functions. In particular, a module can be configured to cooperate with one or more other modules for dedicated tasks of implementing a sample processing workflow (e.g., by performing one or more pre-analytical and / or analytical and / or post-analytical steps).

[0022] In particular, the analysis device can include one or more analysis modules designed to execute corresponding workflows optimized for certain types of analysis.

[0023] The analysis device can include analysis devices for one or more of clinical chemistry, immunoassay, coagulation, hematology, etc.

[0024] Accordingly, the analyzer can include an analysis module or any combination of such modules with corresponding workflows, where pre-analysis and / or post-analysis modules can be coupled to individual analysis modules or shared by multiple analysis modules. Alternatively, pre-analysis and / or post-analysis functions can be performed by units integrated in the analysis device. The analysis device can include functional units (such as a liquid handling unit) for pipetting and / or pumping and / or mixing samples and / or reagents and / or system fluids, and can also include functional units for sorting, storing, transporting, identifying, separating, and detecting.

[0025] The term "sample" refers to a biological material suspected of containing one or more analytes of interest and whose detection (qualitative and / or quantitative) can be associated with a particular condition (e.g., a clinical condition).

[0026] Samples can be derived from any biological source (such as physiological fluids) including: blood, saliva, aqueous humor, cerebrospinal fluid, sweat, urine, milk, ascites, mucus, synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, tissue, cells, etc. Samples can be pre-treated prior to use, such as preparing plasma from blood, diluting viscous fluids, lysing, etc.; the methods of treatment can involve filtration, centrifugation, distillation, concentration, inactivation of interfering components, and addition of reagents. Samples can be used directly as obtained from the source in some cases, or can be used after pre-treatment and / or sample preparation workflows to modify the properties of the sample, e.g., after adding internal standards, after dilution with another solution, or after having been mixed with reagents, e.g., to enable one or more in vitro diagnostic tests, or for enriching (extracting / separating / concentrating) analytes of interest, and / or for removing matrix components that potentially interfere with the detection of the (one or more) analytes of interest.

[0027] The term "sample" is preferably used to indicate the sample before sample preparation, while the term "prepared sample" is used to refer to the sample after sample preparation. In the absence of specification, the term "sample" generally can indicate the sample before sample preparation or the sample after sample preparation or both. Examples of analytes of interest are generally vitamin D, abused drugs, therapeutic drugs, hormones, and metabolites. However, the list is not exhaustive.

[0028] In particular, the analysis device may include a sample preparation station for automated preparation of samples. A "sample preparation station" is a unit in a pre-analytical module or an analysis device coupled to one or more analysis devices, designed to perform a series of sample processing steps aimed at removing or at least reducing interfering matrix components in the sample and / or enriching analytes of interest in the sample. Such processing steps may include any one or more of the following processing operations performed sequentially, in parallel, or in an interleaved manner on one or more samples: pipetting (aspirating and / or dispensing) fluids, pumping fluids, mixing with reagents, incubating at a certain temperature, heating or cooling, centrifuging, separating, filtering, sieving, drying, washing, resuspending, sampling, transporting, storing, and so on.

[0029] A "consumable" is any disposable item that is used and replenished on a regular basis during the operation of the analysis device. For example, consumables may include reagents or other substances required to perform tests or assays at the analysis device. In other embodiments, consumables may include hardware that is used only once or a limited number of times (e.g., reaction vessels or other types of vessels or instrument tips).

[0030] A "reagent" is a substance that is used to process a sample, for example, to prepare a sample for analysis, enable a reaction to occur, or enable the detection of physical parameters of a sample or analyte contained in the sample. In particular, a reagent may be a substance that is or includes a reactant, typically a compound or agent that is capable of, for example, binding to or chemically transforming one or more analytes present in the sample or an undesired matrix component of the sample. Examples of reactants are enzymes, enzyme substances, conjugated dyes, protein-binding molecules, ligands, nucleic acid-binding molecules, antibodies, chelating agents, promoters, inhibitors, epitopes, antigens, and so on. However, the term "reagent" is used to include any fluid that can be added to a sample including a diluent liquid, which includes water or other solvents or buffer solutions; or a substance used to disrupt the specific or non-specific binding of an analyte to a protein, binding protein, or surface.

[0031] A sample may be provided, for example, in a sample container such as a sample tube, including a main tube and a secondary tube; or a microplate; or any other sample-carrying support. Reagents may be arranged, for example, in the form of containers or cartridges containing individual reagents or reagent sets and placed in appropriate storage compartments or positions within a storage compartment or conveyor belt. Other types of reagents or system fluids may be provided in bulk containers or via line feeds.

[0032] Unless specified otherwise in the respective context, the term "about" in connection with a parameter value is intended to include a deviation of + / - 10% from the specified value in the present disclosure. Description of the Drawings

[0033] Figure 1It is a swimlane diagram illustrating a method for providing data encapsulation of multiple analysis devices in a network of analysis devices including a gateway according to the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 It shows a schematic diagram illustrating the components of a system for distributing data encapsulation according to the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0035] First, in conjunction with Figure 1 A general overview of the technology of the present disclosure will be given. In conjunction with Figure 2 Additional aspects of the implementation of the system for distributing data encapsulation according to the present disclosure will be discussed.

[0036] General Overview

[0037] Figure 1 It is a swimlane diagram illustrating a method for providing data encapsulation of multiple analysis devices in a network of analysis devices including a gateway according to the present disclosure.

[0038] As can be seen, Figure 1 There is a separation between the steps performed at the remote service platform (left), the gateway (middle), and one analysis device (right). As can be seen, the teachings of the present disclosure may include modifications to one or more of the remote service platform, the gateway, and the analysis device. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to systems including all three of these entities (or two selected entities of these entities), but also relates to each individual entity configured to implement the corresponding steps of the present disclosure. For example, a gateway may be implemented to implement the gateway-related steps of the present disclosure, and the gateway may be implemented without being limited to a system that also includes a remote service platform.

[0039] Therefore, the technology of the present disclosure will be discussed from different perspectives subsequently. This discussion will start with the gateway.

[0040] As can be seen in the middle column, the technology includes: sending 101 a data encapsulation request including information related to the analysis devices of the network from the gateway of the network to the remote service platform. The technology further includes: receiving 104 information related to multiple available data encapsulations from the remote service platform in response to the request.

[0041] In other words, the technology of the present disclosure can implement a pull solution, where initially a data encapsulation request is sent from the gateway of a network including an analysis device to a remote service platform, rather than the other way around. However, this does not mean that there is no communication between the remote service platform and the gateway before the request. For example, the remote service platform can periodically or when a specific event occurs notify the gateway of the existence of new data encapsulation. However, the remote service platform does not initiate the process of distributing the data encapsulation (i.e., there is no push-mode distribution of data encapsulation according to the present disclosure). In a further step, the technology of the present disclosure includes: determining 105 at the gateway a selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations to be downloaded from the remote service platform dedicated to the plurality of analysis devices in the network; and requesting 106 from the remote service platform the selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations.

[0042] In this way, the remote service platform does not have to perform the "heavy lifting" related to selecting which data encapsulations should be downloaded for further distribution to the analysis devices of a specific network. Instead, the management of which data encapsulations are requested (e.g., missing) can occur to a large (greater) extent at the gateway (these selections of data encapsulations may still include substantial processing operations at the remote service platform, as described below).

[0043] The technology continues with the following operations: downloading 109 from the remote service platform the selection of the plurality of requested available data encapsulations; and providing 110 the selection of the plurality of requested available data encapsulations to the plurality of analysis devices to update the data of the plurality of analysis devices.

[0044] The different steps implemented at the gateway will be discussed in more detail subsequently.

[0045] The step of sending a request 101 from the gateway for a plurality of applicable data encapsulations can be triggered in several different ways. In some embodiments, the request is sent according to a specific schedule (e.g., regularly, such as once a day or once a week). In other embodiments, the sending is triggered on demand. For example, in some embodiments, an operator can trigger the sending of the request. Additionally or alternatively, the sending can be triggered by one or more events. These events can include one or more of the following: a change in the configuration of one or more analysis devices of the network (e.g., adding a module to an analysis device or adding an assay to an analysis device); and the addition of one or more analysis devices to the network. Further, the event can be a data transmission from the remote service platform (e.g., a message that new data encapsulations are available).

[0046] In some embodiments, the information related to the analysis devices of the network included in the data encapsulation request can be part of the gateway configuration information or the device configuration information.

[0047] Information related to an analysis device included in a request can include any information suitable for identifying a set of analysis devices or a set of categories or types of analysis devices in a network of analysis devices (e.g., a unique identifier for each analysis device in the network or a unique identifier for each type or category of analysis device).

[0048] For example, information related to an analysis device can include one or more of the following: information related to the type of the device's category; information related to the geographical location of the network; information related to the language of the network or the analysis device; information related to the software or hardware configuration of the analysis device; information related to the installed consumables of the device (e.g., reagents, calibration / quality control materials); and information related to the installed assays (test protocols). Additionally or alternatively, information related to an analysis device can include inventory information related to data packages installed on one or more analysis devices.

[0049] In some examples, the gateway can maintain device configuration information for each of the multiple analysis devices in the network, which can be sent (fully or partially) as part of a data package request.

[0050] Information related to an analysis device can include device metadata for each analysis device. For example, device metadata can include one or more of the following: a device identifier; a gateway identifier identifying the gateway to which the analysis device is connected; location metadata identifying the location of the analysis device and language metadata indicating the target language for the analysis device; and module identifiers identifying one or more modules of the corresponding analysis device. In other embodiments, the device configuration information can include different types of device metadata.

[0051] The gateway can update information related to an analysis device, such as when a new data package is installed on a specific device or when another change occurs in the configuration of a specific analysis device.

[0052] In addition, the gateway configuration information can include information characterizing the gateway. The gateway configuration information can include one or more of the following: a list of analysis devices connected to the gateway; a list of analysis device modules present in the gateway's network; location metadata identifying the location of the gateway; and language metadata indicating the language settings of the gateway. The gateway can update the gateway configuration information, such as when a new data package is distributed, when the set of analysis devices or modules changes, or when other configurations or settings in the network change.

[0053] In other embodiments, device information is additionally maintained at a remote service platform or other centralized repository.

[0054] The determination of the available encapsulation selections can occur in one of several ways (or include a combination of several measures).

[0055] In some embodiments, the step of determining the available data encapsulation selections includes: determining which data encapsulations are required for the plurality of analysis devices in the network. The required data encapsulations can be data encapsulations that are missing on the respective analysis devices among the plurality of analysis devices in the network.

[0056] The gateway can evaluate information related to a plurality of available data encapsulations (e.g., a list of available data encapsulations) received from a remote service platform. This can include: comparing the available data encapsulations with a list of device encapsulations installed on the analysis devices (e.g., a list of data encapsulations installed on each of the analysis devices in the network of analysis devices). Based on the comparison operation, the gateway can determine the data encapsulation selection.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, determining which data encapsulations are required includes: evaluating one or more rules defined at the gateway. The nature of the rules can be quite broad. In some embodiments, the rules are user-defined. Additionally or alternatively, the rules can define one or more requirements for the data encapsulations. For example, the requirements can be related to one or more of the sources of the data encapsulations. Additionally or alternatively, the requirements can be related to the location of the network (e.g., region or country). Additionally or alternatively, the requirements can be language requirements.

[0058] The selection of the available data encapsulations can include not all data encapsulations. In some embodiments, the selection can include substantially not all data encapsulations (e.g., less than 50% of all data encapsulations or less than 10% of all data encapsulations). In this way, the gateway can use the available information related to the analysis devices of its network to reduce the number of data encapsulations that have to be downloaded from the remote service platform.

[0059] The step of downloading data encapsulations will be discussed next. In some embodiments, each data encapsulation is downloaded by the gateway only once, regardless of the number of analysis devices in the network on which the data encapsulation is to be installed. In this context, the expression "each data encapsulation" refers to different types of data encapsulations. For example, a particular type of analysis device may be present in the network (e.g., a hospital network or a laboratory network) multiple times. At a certain point in time, a particular data encapsulation should be distributed to each of the multiple analysis devices of the same type. Then, the data encapsulation may be downloaded by the gateway only once (and then relayed to the multiple analysis devices). In some prior art systems, the respective data encapsulations may be provided individually to each analysis device (e.g., from a remote server that can increase data traffic).

[0060] In some embodiments, the selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations is received from the remote service platform as a batch. Alternatively, the selection of the plurality of data encapsulations may be received in multiple batches or one by one.

[0061] After the data encapsulation has been received at the gateway, the selection of the data encapsulation is distributed 110 to the analysis devices. In some embodiments, this includes: scheduling at the gateway the distribution of the received selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations to the plurality of analysis devices according to one or more rules.

[0062] For example, the rule may include the following rule: which forces the interleaved distribution of the data encapsulation to the same type of analysis device to ensure that at least one device of that type is available at a given time.

[0063] For example, the type of analysis device may be an analysis device that provides a specific analysis function (e.g., a specific assay or test in vitro or on a human body). The gateway can ensure that at least one of these devices is available in the network (e.g., a hospital network or a laboratory network) at each time point by scheduling the distribution of the data encapsulation to the analysis devices in an interleaved manner. In this way, interference due to installation or operation of the device after installation of the corresponding data encapsulation can be avoided. In some embodiments, the data encapsulation is distributed to the same type of analysis device in a non-overlapping manner.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, the rule may include the following rule: which schedules the distribution to the analysis device taking into account the idle state and / or workload of the analysis device. For example, the data encapsulation may be distributed at night or during the downtime of the corresponding analysis device. Additionally or alternatively, the data encapsulation may be distributed when the workload of the analysis device is low (e.g., when the corresponding analysis device is idle). In other embodiments, the distribution of the data encapsulation to the analysis device may be triggered by a data encapsulation request from the analysis device (i.e., pull mode, rather than push mode where the distribution is triggered by the gateway).

[0065] The main steps of the method of providing data encapsulation for a plurality of analysis devices have been discussed above. Further aspects of these steps will be discussed below (especially in the context of Figure 2 ).

[0066] Further steps

[0067] The method of providing data encapsulation for a plurality of analysis devices may include several further steps.

[0068] In some embodiments, the gateway may update the device configuration information (or inventory information) 114 after having provided the option of encapsulating data to an analytics device of the network. This may include: verifying an installation confirmation that the corresponding data encapsulation has been installed on a particular analytics device. In some embodiments, the corresponding analytics device sends 112 the installation confirmation to the gateway.

[0069] In further embodiments, the gateway may send the device configuration information (or a processed version thereof) or inventory information to a remote location (not shown in Figure 1 ). The remote location may be the location of the source or distributor of the data encapsulation (e.g., the provider of the analytics device and / or the service operator involved in repairing and maintaining the analytics device).

[0070] Additionally or alternatively, the gateway may provide information indicating the selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations received to a remote location (not shown in Figure 1 ). The remote location may be the location of the source or distributor of the data encapsulation (e.g., the provider of the analytics device and / or the service operator involved in repairing and maintaining the analytics device).

[0071] In this way, the gateway can make the information collected at the gateway accessible to other entities, which may be used in developing or distributing data encapsulations or analytics devices, or for other functions related to operating the analytics device.

[0072] Techniques as seen from a remote service platform

[0073] Figure 1 Also illustrated is a method of providing data encapsulations for a plurality of analytics devices as seen from a remote service platform (left side).

[0074] As discussed above, the present disclosure also relates to techniques performed at a remote service platform. Even though the remote service platform communicates with the gateway in the techniques of the present disclosure, the present disclosure relates to the remote service platform and the methods implemented thereon.

[0075] Returning to Figure 1 , the remote service platform receives 102 a data encapsulation request including information related to an analytics device of the network from a gateway of the network. In response to the request, the remote service platform transmits 103 information related to a plurality of available data encapsulations to the gateway. In a further step, the remote service platform receives a request for a selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations to be downloaded from the remote service platform dedicated to the plurality of analytics devices in the network. Then, the remote service platform transmits 108 the selection of the requested plurality of available data to the gateway.

[0076] Many aspects of these steps have been discussed in connection with the actions of the gateway. In some cases, the gateway performs a sending operation corresponding to a receiving operation at the remote service platform, and vice versa. The features discussed above can also be employed on the remote service platform. Accordingly, the subsequent discussion will focus on specific aspects of the remote service platform.

[0077] In some embodiments, the remote service platform can use information related to an analysis device of the network (which can be any of the information discussed above) to select 113 a plurality of available data packages to be downloaded from the remote service platform. This can include: processing data package metadata received from a data package source (not shown in Figure 1 and described in more detail below) and information related to the analysis device of the network to select the plurality of available data packages. The remote service platform can compare the data package metadata with corresponding information related to the analysis device received with the data package request and select the data packages that match the information related to the analysis device.

[0078] For example, the data package metadata received from the data package source may include metadata specifying the language or target geographical location for the data package. If the information related to the analysis device specifies that the set language of the analysis device is English, the remote service platform can only select data packages targeted at an analysis device whose set language is English.

[0079] In some embodiments, the remote service platform can filter out data packages that have already been installed based on the inventory information received from the gateway.

[0080] In other embodiments, the remote service platform can filter out packages for an analysis device or type of analysis device or an analysis device having a specific configuration actually present in the network. For example, a particular network may not include an analysis device on which a particular assay is installed. In such a case, the remote service platform can filter out data packages for that particular assay.

[0081] In this way, the information related to the available data packages may already include a specific selection of data packages selected based on information related to a specific analysis device of the network received from the gateway.

[0082] The technology as seen from the analysis device.

[0083] As Figure 1 shown, the analysis device receives data package 111. In some embodiments, the analysis device may be completely or partially unaware of the implementation details of the gateway and remote service platform involved in distributing the data package. In other embodiments, in addition to receiving the data package, the analysis device can also perform certain steps.

[0084] For example, the analytics device can pull data packages from the gateway and / or set the time for transmitting data packages from the gateway. In other embodiments, the analytics device can provide information to the gateway (e.g., related to the device status such as workload) to allow the gateway to schedule the distribution of data packages.

[0085] Additionally or alternatively, as discussed above, the analytics device can send an installation confirmation 112 to the gateway upon completion of the installation of one or more data packages.

[0086] In the previous section, several aspects of methods for providing data packages for multiple analytics devices in a network have been discussed. In the subsequent sections, further details related to data packages and the systems for implementing the methods of the present disclosure will be discussed in more detail.

[0087] Aspects related to data packages

[0088] In the previous section, data packages have been discussed in a rather abstract manner. In fact, the techniques of the present disclosure are not limited to a specific type of data package. However, several example data packages that can be distributed using the techniques of the present disclosure will be discussed in the subsequent sections.

[0089] In some embodiments, the data package is a software package for an analytics analyzer (or for its module). For example, the software package can modify or update the existing software or software module of the analytics device (e.g., a new version of the software or software module of the analytics device). For example, the data package can include bug fixes or other error corrections for the software of the analytics device.

[0090] In other embodiments, the data package can include new software or software modules for the analytics device (i.e., to initiate the first installation of the software or software module).

[0091] Generally, the data package can include any software components required for setting up or updating any software running on the analytics device.

[0092] In still other embodiments, the data package can include configuration information for the analytics device (e.g., a configuration file). Generally, the configuration information can include any information used in setting up or changing the settings of the analytics device.

[0093] For example, the configuration information can include configuration information for a specific test or assay. In still other examples, the data package can include information related to specific consumables (e.g., information related to reagents / reagent batches or another type of consumable or consumable batch such as calibration materials or quality control materials). This information can also be considered as configuration information for the analytics device.

[0094] In other embodiments, the data encapsulation may include configuration information such as language data (or other data that can be used to change the settings of the analysis device in a specific manner).

[0095] In still other embodiments, the data encapsulation may include documentation related to the analysis device or its components (e.g., an operator's manual written in a specific language).

[0096] The system settings of a particular embodiment

[0097] In the previous sections, many details of the methods of the present disclosure have been discussed in relatively great detail. In the subsequent sections, aspects of the systems for implementing these methods will be discussed in more detail in the context of Figure 2 the context of

[0098] Figure 2 FIG. shows a schematic diagram illustrating the elements of a system for distributing data encapsulation according to the present disclosure.

[0099] As Figure 2 shown in, the computer network 27 (corresponding to a network including the analysis devices discussed above) includes a plurality of analysis devices 25 and a gateway 24 connected to the plurality of analysis devices 25. The computer network 27 is configured to implement the steps of the techniques described in the present disclosure (i.e., in combination with the gateway 24 and the analysis devices 25).

[0100] Figure 2 Also shown is a computer system 28 including a remote service platform 22 connected to the network 27. The remote service platform 22 may be configured to implement the steps of the methods described in the present disclosure related to the remote service platform 22.

[0101] In some embodiments, as discussed above, the network 27 may be a hospital network, a laboratory network, a network of general practitioners' clinics, or a network of pharmacies (or may be a part thereof). The analysis devices 25 may include any of the analysis devices discussed above (in any combination and in any number of units).

[0102] In the previous sections, the substructures of the gateway 25 and the remote service platform 22 have not been discussed. In fact, in some embodiments, the gateway and the remote service platform may be considered black boxes, i.e., their respective internal structures may take various forms as long as the internal structure is configured to implement the steps of the methods described in the present disclosure.

[0103] In Figure 2In an embodiment, the remote service platform 22 includes a packaging management module 29 and a gateway communication module 30. Additionally, the remote service platform 22 is connected to a data packaging source 21. The data packaging source 21 is an entity that provides data packaging 23 to the remote service platform 22, and the data packaging 23 is subsequently distributed by the remote service platform 22 and the gateway 24. In some embodiments, the data packaging source 21 can be a provider of the analysis device and / or a service operator involved in the repair and maintenance of the analysis device. In other additional embodiments, the data packaging source 21 can be a third party that provides software and / or hardware used in the analysis device. The data packaging source 21 is an abstract computer system that can communicate with the remote service platform (e.g., via an Internet connection). In some embodiments, the remote service platform 22 can be connected to multiple data packaging sources 21. In other additional embodiments, the remote service platform 22 itself can include / act as a data packaging source 21 or the data packaging source 21.

[0104] The packaging management module 29 can track all available data packagings supplied by one or more sources. Additionally, the packaging management module 29 can perform the following steps: process the data packaging requests received from the gateway 24; and select available data packagings for a specific set of analysis devices 25 described in the present disclosure.

[0105] The gateway communication module 30 can handle all requests received from the gateway 24 and provide information and data packaging 23 to the gateway 24 as described in the present disclosure.

[0106] The gateway 24 includes: a packaging router module 26, which is configured to handle the data packaging distribution step to the analysis devices according to the present disclosure.

[0107] In different embodiments, the remote service platform 22 and / or the gateway 24 can include modules different from or additional to those shown in Figure 2 Although a certain setting of the gateway 24 and the remote service platform 22 may be advantageous, the setting can be varied as long as the gateway 24 and the remote service platform 22 can perform the steps of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0108] Both of these entities can be embodied in any shape or form suitable for the purpose. For example, the remote service platform 22 can be located on a remote server and / or in the cloud. The remote service platform 22 can be an independent entity or a part of a more complex software solution that also provides other functions. The same applies to the gateway 24, which can be part of network management software for a network 27 (e.g., hospital management software or laboratory management software). In other embodiments, the gateway 24 can be part of management software for managing the multiple analysis devices.

[0109] This also applies to the configuration of the communication connections between the remote service platform 22 and the gateway 26, and between the gateway 24 and the analysis device 25. These network connections can be any communication connections that allow the sending and receiving of the information and data encapsulations described herein. In one embodiment, the gateway 24 is connected to the remote service platform 22 via the Internet. In some examples, the network 27 can be a local area network.

[0110] Figure 2 Also illustrated are the steps of a technique (labeled (1) through (7)) that provides the data encapsulation method discussed above. Some of the steps of the method will be discussed in more detail below.

[0111] In particular, as discussed above, the data encapsulation source 21 can provide (steps (1) and (1)a) the data encapsulation 23 for the analysis device.

[0112] In some examples, this can include receiving a specific data encapsulation 23 in a first step (1). The data encapsulation metadata can be received separately in a second step (1)a. For a specific data encapsulation, different (or updated) data encapsulation metadata can be received at multiple different times. For example, a new data encapsulation can be released by the data encapsulation source 21 and transmitted to the remote service platform 22. At multiple later time points, the data encapsulation metadata can be transmitted to the remote service platform (e.g., whenever a data encapsulation is released for a specific geographic region, for a specific analysis device or class of analysis devices, etc.).

[0113] Steps (2), (3), (4), and (7) correspond to the steps discussed in great detail in connection with requesting the data encapsulation 23 from the gateway 24, downloading the data encapsulation to the gateway 24, and distributing the data encapsulation 23 to the analysis device 25.

[0114] Steps (5) and (6) are optional additional steps that will be discussed in more detail later. In some embodiments, the distribution of the data encapsulation 23 to the analysis device can occur according to a similar outline as discussed for providing the data encapsulation 23 from the remote service platform 22 to the gateway 24. Wherein, the gateway 24 assumes the role of the remote service platform, and the analysis device 25 assumes the role of the gateway. The features discussed above and below apply equally to requests for data encapsulation by the analysis device 25 or group of analysis devices.

[0115] In particular, the distribution of data packages can occur in a "request-based" module, in which a specific analysis device 25 or group of analysis devices initiates the data package distribution process. For example, the analysis device 25 can send a data package request to the gateway 24 (step (5)). Additionally or alternatively, in response to this request, the gateway 24 can send information regarding multiple available data packages for the analysis device 25 (step (6)). Then, the analysis device 25 can determine a selection of the multiple available data packages 23 to download from the gateway 24 dedicated to the analysis device 25 and request the selection of the multiple available data packages from the gateway 24.

[0116] However, in other embodiments, the distribution of data packages can be implemented in a push mode, i.e., the gateway 24 initiates the distribution of the data packages 23 to the analysis device 25. Aspects of this push mode have been described above in connection with Figure 1 the description of this push mode.

[0117] Example embodiments including the distribution of information related to calibration materials (or other reagents or consumables)

[0118] In one embodiment, the techniques of the present disclosure can be used to provide a data package including information related to calibration materials to a specific analysis device for performing in vitro diagnostics in a network.

[0119] This information can be requested from the gateway of the network of the present disclosure and provided to a specific analysis device for performing in vitro diagnostics in the network. In some examples, multiple analysis devices for performing in vitro diagnostics may each require multiple calibration materials associated with a specific function (e.g., a specific test or assay, a specific measurement type, or other function) of the corresponding analysis device for performing in vitro diagnostics. In some examples, different calibration materials may also be required for calibrating the analysis device for different concentration levels of the corresponding analyte.

[0120] Information specific to a particular calibration material or calibration material batch can be provided for the calibration material. This information can be included in one or more files (e.g., pdf files). The information may vary from material to material and / or batch to batch. In some examples, calibrator values indicating the measurement results expected when processing the calibration device in a specific analysis device for performing in vitro diagnostics (e.g., when performing a specific test or process on the analysis device for performing in vitro diagnostics) can be provided for the calibration material. These values can be batch-specific or sample-specific. When using the techniques of the present disclosure, the calibrator values can be made available to a specific analysis device for performing in vitro diagnostics on the network applicable to the corresponding batch.

[0121] In some examples, a particular calibration material or batch of calibration materials may be processed on multiple analytical devices used to perform in vitro diagnostics of a network. In some examples, the techniques of the present disclosure may allow for the management of the download of this information in a more flexible and efficient manner, as discussed in the present disclosure. In particular, information related to a particular calibration material or batch of calibration materials may only be downloaded once (and then distributed to multiple analytical devices used to perform in vitro diagnostics of a network that require the corresponding information). If a new calibration material or batch of calibration materials is provided, the techniques of the present disclosure may allow for the download of only the information related to the new calibration material or batch of calibration materials.

[0122] In some prior art systems, management information related to information associated with calibration materials is provided in a batch operation that requires the transmission of information related to all possible batches of calibration materials. Even when the information is provided in a relatively small file (e.g., a pdf file), a large number of calibration materials and / or batches may result in a data volume of a considerable size (e.g., in the terabyte range). Processing this size of data volume may result in relatively high resource requirements (e.g., resource requirements for downloading the data but also for distributing the data in a laboratory or hospital network that includes analytical devices used to perform in vitro diagnostics and storage resources). In some examples, when using the techniques of the present disclosure, the resource requirements may be reduced. For example, if a single new batch of a particular calibration material is made available, only the information for that batch may be downloaded and distributed.

[0123] The techniques described above for quality control materials may be equivalently applied to process information for other reagents or consumables used when operating analytical devices for performing in vitro diagnostics.

[0124] Further aspects

[0125] Many aspects of the techniques of the present disclosure for providing data encapsulation have been discussed in previous sections. Additionally, the techniques of the present disclosure for providing data encapsulation may also be implemented according to the following aspects.

[0126] 1. A method for providing data encapsulation of multiple analytical devices in a network of analytical devices including a gateway, the method comprising:

[0127] Sending a data encapsulation request including information related to the analytical devices of the network from the gateway of the network to a remote service platform;

[0128] Receiving, in response to the request, information related to multiple available data encapsulations from the remote service platform;

[0129] Determining, at the gateway, a selection of the multiple available data encapsulations to be downloaded from the remote service platform dedicated to the multiple analytical devices in the network;

[0130] Request a selection of the multiple available data packages from the remote service platform;

[0131] Download the requested selection of the multiple available data packages from the remote service platform; and

[0132] Provide the requested selection of the multiple available data packages to the multiple analysis devices to update the data of the multiple analysis devices.

[0133] 2. The method according to aspect 1, wherein the selection of the multiple available data packages is received from the remote service platform as a batch.

[0134] 3. The method according to aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the step of determining the selection of the multiple available data packages includes: determining which data packages are required for the multiple analysis devices in the network.

[0135] 4. The method according to aspect 3, wherein determining which data packages are required includes: determining which data packages are missing on the corresponding analysis devices among the multiple analysis devices in the network.

[0136] 5. The method according to aspect 3 or aspect 4, wherein determining which data packages are required includes: evaluating one or more rules defined at the gateway.

[0137] 6. The method according to aspect 5, wherein the rules are user-defined.

[0138] 7. The method according to aspect 5 or aspect 6, wherein the rules define one or more requirements for the data packages, optionally, wherein the requirements are related to one or more of the sources of the data packages.

[0139] 8. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein each data package is downloaded by the gateway only once, regardless of the number of analysis devices in the network on which the data package is to be installed.

[0140] 9. The method according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein the reception of the data packages is scheduled at a predetermined time or occurs upon receipt of a message.

[0141] 10. The method according to any one of the foregoing aspects, further comprising:

[0142] Maintain device configuration information of the multiple analysis devices at the gateway.

[0143] 11. The method according to aspect 10, further comprising:

[0144] Use the device configuration information to select the plurality of available data packages to be downloaded from the remote service platform.

[0145] 12. The method according to aspect 10 or aspect 11, further comprising:

[0146] After receiving the selection of the requested plurality of available data packages from the remote service platform, and optionally after installing the data packages on the device, update the device configuration information at the gateway.

[0147] 13. The method according to aspect 12, further comprising:

[0148] Provide the updated device configuration list to a remote location, optionally, wherein the remote location is the location of the distributor of the data packages.

[0149] 14. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising:

[0150] Provide information indicating the selection of the received plurality of available data packages to a remote location, optionally, wherein the remote location is the location of the distributor of the data packages.

[0151] 15. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising:

[0152] Schedule the distribution of the received selection of the plurality of available data packages to the plurality of analysis devices at the gateway according to one or more data package selection or data package distribution rules.

[0153] 16. The method according to aspect 15, wherein the rule includes the following rule: it forces the staggered distribution of data packages to analysis devices of the same type to ensure that at least one device of that type is available at a given time.

[0154] 17. The method according to aspect 15, wherein the rule includes the following rule: it schedules the distribution to the analysis devices taking into account the idle state and / or workload of the analysis devices.

[0155] 18. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects 1 to 17, wherein the plurality of analysis devices includes one or more devices for performing in vitro diagnostics, IT system devices or research analysis devices.

[0156] 19. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects 1 to 18, wherein the network of the analysis devices is part of a hospital network, a laboratory network, a network of a general practitioner's clinic or a network of a pharmacy.

[0157] 20. The method according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein the sending of requests for encapsulating multiple applicable data from a gateway of a network including the multiple analysis devices to a remote service platform is triggered based on a schedule, or on demand, or when a message is received from the remote service platform.

[0158] 21. The method according to any one of the foregoing aspects 1 to 20, wherein the method further comprises:

[0159] evaluating, at the remote service platform, information related to the analysis device to select information related to multiple available data encapsulations for the gateway.

[0160] 22. The method according to any one of the foregoing aspects 1 to 21, wherein the information related to the analysis device includes one or more of the following: information related to the type of the category of the device; information related to the geographical location of the network; information related to the software or hardware configuration of the device; information related to the language of the network or the analysis device; information related to the installed consumables such as reagents, calibration / quality control materials, etc. of the device; and information related to the installed analysis tests (test protocols).

[0161] 23. The method according to aspect 21 or aspect 22, wherein the remote service platform filters out the already installed encapsulations based on the information related to the analysis device.

[0162] 24. The method according to any one of the foregoing aspects 1 to 23, wherein the selection of the multiple available data encapsulations includes not all data encapsulations.

[0163] 25. The method according to any one of the foregoing aspects 1 to 24, wherein each data encapsulation includes an update to the software of the devices of the multiple analysis devices.

[0164] 26. A method for providing data encapsulations of multiple analysis devices in a network of analysis devices including a gateway, the method comprising:

[0165] receiving, at a remote service platform, a data encapsulation request including information related to the analysis devices of the network from a gateway of the network;

[0166] in response to the request, transmitting, from the remote service platform to the gateway, information related to multiple available data encapsulations;

[0167] receiving, at the remote service platform, a request for selection of the multiple available data encapsulations to be downloaded from the remote service platform dedicated to the multiple analysis devices in the network;

[0168] Transmit the selection of encapsulating the requested multiple available data to the gateway.

[0169] 27. A computer network, comprising:

[0170] A plurality of analysis devices; and

[0171] A gateway connected to the plurality of analysis devices,

[0172] wherein the computer network is configured to perform the steps of any one of aspects 1 to 25.

[0173] 28. A computer system comprising a remote service platform connected to a network, the network including a plurality of analysis devices and a gateway connected to the plurality of analysis devices,

[0174] the computer system being configured to perform the steps of the method as described in aspect 26.

[0175] 29. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to perform the steps of the method as described in any one of aspects 1 to 26.

[0176] 30. A hospital network or laboratory network, including a plurality of analysis devices for performing in vitro diagnostics and a gateway connected to the plurality of analysis devices,

[0177] wherein the network is configured to:

[0178] Send a data encapsulation request including information related to the analysis devices from the gateway to a remote service platform;

[0179] In response to the request, receive information related to multiple available data encapsulations from the remote service platform;

[0180] Determine, at the gateway, a selection of the multiple available data encapsulations to be downloaded from a remote service platform dedicated to the plurality of analysis devices in the network;

[0181] Request the selection of the multiple available data encapsulations from the remote service platform;

[0182] Download the requested selection of the multiple available data encapsulations from the remote service platform; and

[0183] Provide the requested selection of the multiple available data encapsulations to the plurality of analysis devices to update the data of the plurality of analysis devices.

[0184] 31. The network as described in aspect 30, wherein the data encapsulation includes information used in operating the plurality of analysis devices.

[0185] 32. The network according to aspect 31 or aspect 32, wherein the data encapsulation includes configuration information for a specific test or assay or information related to a specific consumable.

[0186] 33. The network according to aspect 32, wherein the consumable is a reagent, calibration material, or quality control material, or other substance required to perform a test or assay at the analytical device.

[0187] 34. The network according to any one of aspects 30 to 33, wherein the data encapsulation includes information related to a specific reagent batch.

[0188] 35. The network according to any one of aspects 30 to 34, wherein the information related to the analytical device includes information related to the installed consumables of the device, optionally, wherein the consumable is a reagent, calibration material, or quality control material.

[0189] 36. The network according to any one of aspects 30 to 35, further configured to:

[0190] Maintain device configuration information of the plurality of analytical devices at the gateway;

[0191] Use the device configuration information to select a plurality of available data encapsulations to be downloaded from the remote service platform, optionally further configured to:

[0192] After receiving the selection of the requested plurality of available data encapsulations from the remote service platform, optionally after installing the data encapsulation on the device, update (114) the device configuration information at the gateway.

[0193] 37. The network according to any one of aspects 30 to 36, wherein the step of determining the selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations includes: determining which data encapsulations are required for the plurality of analytical devices in the network, optionally, wherein determining which data encapsulations are required includes: determining which data encapsulations are missing on the respective analytical devices among the plurality of analytical devices in the network.

[0194] 38. The network according to any one of aspects 30 to 37, wherein each data encapsulation is downloaded by the gateway only once, regardless of the number of analytical devices in the network on which the data encapsulation is to be installed.

[0195] 39. The network according to any one of the foregoing aspects 30 to 38, wherein the reception of the data encapsulation is scheduled at a predetermined time or occurs upon receipt of a message.

[0196] 40. The network as described in any one of the foregoing aspects 30 to 39 is further configured to:

[0197] Provide information indicating a selection of the received multiple available data encapsulations to a remote location, optionally, wherein the remote location is the location of the distributor of the data encapsulation.

[0198] 41. The network as described in any one of the foregoing aspects 30 to 40 is further configured to:

[0199] At the gateway, schedule the distribution of the selection of the received multiple available data encapsulations to the multiple analysis devices according to one or more data encapsulation selection or data encapsulation distribution rules. Optionally, the rules include the following rules: the rule forces the interleaved distribution of data encapsulations to the same type of analysis device to ensure that at least one device of this type is available at a given time; and / or the rule schedules the distribution to the analysis devices taking into account the idle state and / or workload of the analysis devices.

[0200] 42. A method for providing data encapsulations for multiple devices for performing in vitro diagnostics in a hospital network or a laboratory network of a device for performing in vitro diagnostics including a gateway, the method comprising:

[0201] Send a data encapsulation request including information related to an analysis device from the gateway of the network to a remote service platform;

[0202] In response to the request, receive information related to multiple available data encapsulations from the remote service platform;

[0203] At the gateway, determine a selection of the multiple available data encapsulations to be downloaded from the remote service platform dedicated to the multiple analysis devices in the network;

[0204] Request the selection of the multiple available data encapsulations from the remote service platform;

[0205] Download the requested selection of the multiple available data encapsulations from the remote service platform; and

[0206] Provide the requested selection of the multiple available data encapsulations to the multiple analysis devices to update the data of the multiple analysis devices.

[0207] 43. A method for providing data encapsulations for multiple analysis devices for performing in vitro diagnostics in a hospital or laboratory network of a device for performing in vitro diagnostics including a gateway, the method comprising:

[0208] At a remote service platform, receive a data encapsulation request including information related to the analysis device from the gateway of the network;

[0209] In response to the request, information related to a plurality of available data encapsulations is transmitted from the remote service platform to the gateway;

[0210] Receiving, at the remote service platform, a request for a selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations to be downloaded from the remote service platform dedicated to the plurality of analysis devices in the network; and

[0211] Transmitting the selected plurality of available data encapsulations requested to the gateway.

[0212] 44. A computer system comprising a remote service platform connected to a network, the network including a plurality of analysis devices and a gateway connected to the plurality of analysis devices,

[0213] The computer system includes a remote service platform configured to perform the steps of the method as described in aspect 43.

[0214] 45. A computer-readable medium including instructions that, when implemented by a computer system, cause the computer system to perform the steps of the method as described in any one of aspects 43 or 44.

[0215] Computer implementation

[0216] Further disclosed and proposed is a computer program including computer-executable instructions that, when executed on a computer or a computer network, are used to perform the method according to the present disclosure in one or more of the embodiments appended hereto. Specifically, the computer program may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. In other examples, the computer program may be a cloud-based computer program. Thus, specifically, one, more than one, or even all of the method steps disclosed herein may be performed by using a computer or a computer network, preferably by using a computer program.

[0217] Further disclosed and proposed is a computer program product having program code for performing the method according to the present disclosure in one or more of the embodiments appended hereto when the program is executed on a computer or a computer network. Specifically, the program code may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier.

[0218] Further disclosed and proposed is a data carrier having a data structure stored thereon that can perform a method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein after being loaded into a computer or a computer network (such as being loaded into the working memory or main memory of the computer or the computer network).

[0219] Further disclosed and proposed is a computer program product having program code stored on a machine-readable carrier so as to perform a method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. As used herein, the computer program product refers to the program as a tradable product. The product can generally exist in any format (such as in paper format) or on a computer-readable data carrier. Specifically, the computer program product can be distributed over a data network.

[0220] Further disclosed and proposed is a modulated data signal comprising instructions readable by a computer system or computer network for performing a method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0221] Referring to the computer-implemented aspects of the present disclosure, one or more or even all of the method steps of performing a method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein can be carried out by using a computer or computer network. Thus, generally, any of the method steps including the provision and / or manipulation of data can be carried out by using a computer or computer network (such as a cloud-based computer network). Generally, these method steps can include any of the method steps typically except for those method steps that require manual work (such as certain aspects of providing samples and / or performing measurements).

[0222] Further disclosed and proposed is a computer or computer network comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor is adapted to execute a method according to one of the embodiments described in this specification.

[0223] Further disclosed and proposed is a computer-loadable data structure adapted to perform a method according to one of the embodiments described in this specification when the data structure is executed on a computer.

[0224] Further disclosed and proposed is a storage medium on which a data structure is stored, and wherein the data structure is adapted to perform a method according to one of the embodiments described in this specification after having been loaded into the main and / or working storage of a computer or computer network.

Claims

1. A hospital network device or a laboratory network device, comprising a plurality of analysis devices (25) for performing in vitro diagnostics and a gateway (24) connected to the analysis devices, wherein the network device is configured to: send (101) a data encapsulation request including information related to the analysis devices from the gateway to a remote service platform (22); receive (104) information related to a plurality of available data encapsulations from the remote service platform in response to the request; determine (105) at the gateway a selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations to be downloaded from the remote service platform dedicated to the plurality of analysis devices in the network device; request (106) the selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations from the remote service platform; download (109) the requested selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations from the remote service platform; and provide (110) the requested selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations to the plurality of analysis devices to update the data of the plurality of analysis devices, wherein the data encapsulation includes configuration information for a specific test or assay or information related to specific consumables, and wherein the distribution of the data encapsulation to the analysis devices is triggered by a data encapsulation request from the analysis devices.

2. The network device according to claim 1, wherein the data encapsulation includes information used in operating the plurality of analysis devices.

3. The network device according to claim 1, wherein the consumable is a reagent, a calibration material or a quality control material, or another substance required for performing a test or assay at the analysis device.

4. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the data encapsulation includes information related to a specific reagent batch.

5. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information related to the analysis devices includes information related to the installed consumables of the devices, optionally, wherein the consumable is a reagent, a calibration material or a quality control material.

6. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further configured to: maintain at the gateway the device configuration information of the plurality of analysis devices; use the device configuration information to select a plurality of available data encapsulations to be downloaded from the remote service platform, optionally further configured to: update (114) the device configuration information at the gateway after receiving the requested selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations from the remote service platform, optionally after installing the data encapsulation on the device.

7. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of determining the selection of the plurality of available data encapsulations comprises: determining which data encapsulations are required for the plurality of analysis devices in the network device, optionally, wherein determining which data encapsulations are required includes: determining which data encapsulations are missing on the corresponding analysis devices among the plurality of analysis devices in the network device.

8. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each data package is downloaded only once by the gateway, regardless of the number of analysis devices in the network device on which the data package is to be installed.

9. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reception of the data package is scheduled at a predetermined time or occurs upon receipt of a message.

10. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further configured to: Provide information indicating the selection of the plurality of available data packages received to a remote location, optionally, wherein the remote location is the location of the distributor of the data package.

11. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further configured to: Schedule the distribution of the selection of the plurality of available data packages received to the plurality of analysis devices at the gateway according to one or more data package selection or data package distribution rules, optionally, wherein the rules include the following rules: the rule forces the interleaved distribution of data packages to analysis devices of the same type to ensure that at least one device of that type is available at a given time; and / or the rule schedules the distribution to the analysis devices taking into account the idle state and / or workload of the analysis devices.

12. A method for providing data packages (23) for a plurality of devices (25) for performing in vitro diagnostics in a hospital network or laboratory network (27) of a device (25) for performing in vitro diagnostics comprising a gateway (24), the method comprises: Sending (101) a data package request including information related to the analysis device from the gateway of the network to a remote service platform (22); Receiving (104) information related to a plurality of available data packages from the remote service platform in response to the request; Determining (105) at the gateway the selection of the plurality of available data packages to be downloaded from the remote service platform dedicated to the plurality of analysis devices in the network; Requesting (106) the selection of the plurality of available data packages from the remote service platform; Downloading (109) the requested selection of the plurality of available data packages from the remote service platform; and Providing (110) the requested selection of the plurality of available data packages to the plurality of analysis devices to update the data of the plurality of analysis devices, wherein the data package includes configuration information for a specific test or assay or information related to a specific consumable, and wherein the distribution of the data package to the analysis device is triggered by a data package request from the analysis device.

13. A method for providing data packages for a plurality of analysis devices (25) for performing in vitro diagnostics in a hospital or laboratory network (27) of analysis devices comprising a gateway (24), the method comprises: Receiving (102) at the remote service platform (22) from the gateway of the network a data package request including information related to the analysis device (25); In response to the request, information related to a plurality of available data packages is transmitted (103) from the remote service platform to the gateway; A request for selection of the plurality of available data packages to be downloaded from the remote service platform dedicated to the plurality of analysis devices in the network is received (107) at the remote service platform; and The selection of the requested plurality of available data packages is transmitted (108) to the gateway, wherein the data packages include configuration information for a specific test or assay or information related to a specific consumable, and wherein the distribution of the data packages to the analysis devices is triggered by a data package request from the analysis devices.

14. A computer system (28) comprising a remote service platform (22) connected to a network, the network including a plurality of analysis devices and a gateway connected to the plurality of analysis devices, The computer system includes a remote service platform configured to perform the steps of the method as claimed in claim 13.

15. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when implemented by a computer system, cause the computer system to perform the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 or 13.

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