Method of operating a transport device, transport device and laboratory sample distribution system

Abstract

A method for operating a transport device, the transport device, and a laboratory sample dispensing system. The method for operating a transport device in a laboratory sample dispensing system includes: providing a transport device in the laboratory sample dispensing system, the transport device having: an arrangement of transport modules, wherein each transport module is configured with: a transport surface; a drive device configured to move a sample container carrier on the transport surface; a module control device configured to control the operation of the drive device; and a module network interface connected to the module control device and configured for data communication in a control network; a transport plane; and a controller device connected to the control network via a controller network interface; and assigning a network address to each transport module in the control network; for each transport module, storing its own network address and the network addresses of adjacent transport modules located adjacent to the transport module in the arrangement of the transport modules in the module control device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for detecting and reporting operational errors in an in vitro diagnostic system, a transport device for a laboratory sample dispensing system, and a laboratory sample dispensing system. Background Technology

[0002] In vitro diagnostic systems are used to identify samples of body fluids. The samples are received in a sample container or reservoir and processed within the in vitro diagnostic system. The sample containers can be disposed of by a sample container disposal or dispensing system, for example, for positioning the sample container within a sample container carrier and for picking up the sample container from the sample container carrier. For example, a laboratory sample dispensing system is disclosed in WO2016 / 038014A1.

[0003] In in vitro diagnostic systems, sample containers are disposed of by a laboratory sample dispensing system. Sample containers can move along a processing line for handling, wherein the sample containers and / or sample container carriers are moved by a transport device having one or more actuators and actuator drivers or drive devices for driving (one or more) actuators. For example, a sample container can be moved or repositioned from a first workstation to a second workstation provided in the processing line of the in vitro diagnostic system. A workstation may also be referred to as a working position.

[0004] Document WO2017 / 144219A1 discloses a transport device unit for a transport device that uses multiple transport device units for sampling. The transport device unit includes: a substrate module for fixing the transport device unit to a substrate of a support frame; an actuator module having multiple electromagnetic actuators supported by the substrate module; and a drive surface module having drive surface elements disposed above the actuator module covering the actuators and adapted to carry a sample storage carrier.

[0005] Document WO2017 / 211734A1 discloses a laboratory sample dispensing system, including multiple sample storage carriers, a central controller with a network interface, and multiple transport modules. Each transport module includes: a transport surface, wherein the transport surfaces of the transport modules together form a transport plane; a controllable drive device disposed below the transport surface and adapted to move the sample storage carriers on the transport surface; and a control unit for controlling the drive device. The control unit includes a network interface, wherein the central controller and the control units of the transport modules are connected to each other through their respective network interfaces, and wherein each control unit includes a first addressing terminal and a second addressing terminal, wherein the addressing terminals of the control units are connected to each other in a daisy chain topology, wherein the first addressing terminal of the control unit, as the first control unit in the sequence, is connected to a first reference potential (GND), and the second addressing terminal of the control unit, as the last control unit in the sequence, is connected to a second reference potential (GND).

[0006] US2015 / 0360878A1 discloses a laboratory sample dispensing system. The system includes multiple storage carriers. Each storage carrier includes at least one magnetically active device, such as, for example, at least one permanent magnet, and carries a sample reservoir containing a sample. The system also includes a transport device. The transport device includes a transport plane for carrying the multiple storage carriers and multiple electromagnetic actuators fixedly arranged below the transport plane. The electromagnetic actuators move the storage carriers placed on top of the transport plane by applying magnetic forces to the storage carriers. The transport device also includes a control device to control the movement of the storage carriers on top of the transport plane by driving the electromagnetic actuators. The control device controls the movement such that more than two storage carriers can move simultaneously and independently of each other.

[0007] Document WO2012 / 158541A1 discloses a laboratory product transport element for a laboratory transport system, which includes an energy receiver and / or accumulator to provide drive power. At least one received signal is used to receive a control signal. A control unit generates a drive signal based on at least one control signal obtained from at least one signal receiver. Based on the drive signal from the control unit, a mobile device is provided for independent movement of the laboratory product transport element along a transport path. The drive device is driven by a drive power supply. At least one retainer is provided to hold the laboratory product being transported.

[0008] US2019 / 018027A1 discloses a method for operating a laboratory sample dispensing system. The system includes a storage carrier, a gateway with network interfaces, and transport modules. Each module includes a transport surface. Each module includes: a driver disposed below the transport surface for moving the storage carrier on the transport surface; and left, right, top, and bottom network interfaces. The left and right network interfaces connect modules row-wise, and the top and bottom network interfaces connect modules column-wise. The gateway's network interface is connected to the network interface of a first module. The method includes sending an exploration command from the gateway to the first module, propagating an initialization command from the first module to the remaining modules, storing addresses within the modules, and using the addresses to address the modules by the gateway.

[0009] Document US2016 / 097786A1 discloses a module for a laboratory sample dispensing system. A magnetic coupling enhancer is provided to increase the magnetic coupling between adjacent modules. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The objective is to provide a method for detecting and reporting operational errors in in vitro diagnostic systems, enabling improved handling of these errors without interrupting operation. Furthermore, transport equipment and a laboratory sample dispensing system should also be provided.

[0011] To address this problem, a method for detecting and reporting operational errors in in vitro diagnostic systems is provided. Furthermore, a transport device for a laboratory sample dispensing system and a laboratory sample dispensing system are provided, respectively. Additional embodiments are also provided.

[0012] According to one aspect, a method for operating a transport device in a laboratory sample dispensing system is provided. The transport device in the laboratory sample dispensing system includes: an arrangement of transport modules, wherein each transport module is equipped with a transport surface; a drive device configured to move a sample container carrier on the transport surface; a transport plane formed by the transport surfaces of the transport modules arranged in the transport module arrangement; a module control device configured to control the operation of the drive device; a module network interface connected to the module control device and configured for data communication in a control network; and a controller device connected to the control network via the controller network interface.

[0013] The method includes: assigning a network address to each of the transport modules in a control network; for each transport module, storing its own network address and the network addresses of adjacent transport modules located near the transport module in the arrangement of the transport modules in a module control device; and applying a replacement operation. The application of the replacement operation includes: replacing a selected transport module by a replacement transport module; receiving replacement information data in a controller device, the replacement information data indicating the replacement of the selected transport module by the replacement transport module; and transmitting a broadcast message via the control network to the module control device of the transport module including the replacement transport module, the broadcast message indicating a start command. In response to receiving the broadcast message, the following are provided: transmitting a network address request from the module control device of the replacement transport module to the module control device of at least one of its adjacent transport modules, the network address request requesting at least one adjacent transport module to provide the network address of the replacement transport module; and having the broadcast message ignored by the module control device of the transport modules in an arrangement that does not include the replacement transport module. Furthermore, in the replacement transport module, the following are provided: receiving the network address of the replacement transport module from at least one adjacent transport module and storing the network address of the replacement transport module in the module control device; and receiving the network address of an adjacent transport module located near the replacement transport module and storing it in the module control device. The method further includes receiving, in the controller device, a recovery message indicating that the replacement transport module can be addressed via its network address for operational control.

[0014] According to another aspect, a transport device for a laboratory sample dispensing system is provided, comprising: an arrangement of transport modules, wherein each transport module is equipped with: a transport surface; a drive device configured to move a sample container carrier on the transport surface, wherein the transport surfaces of the transport modules together form a transport plane of the arrangement of the transport modules; a module control device configured to control the operation of the drive device; and a module network interface connected to the module control device and configured for data communication in a control network. The laboratory sample dispensing system is equipped with a controller device connected to the control network via the controller network interface.

[0015] The arrangement and controller devices of the transport modules are configured to: assign a network address to each of the transport modules in the control network; for each transport module, store its own network address and the network addresses of adjacent transport modules located near the transport module in the arrangement of the transport modules in the module control device; and apply a replacement operation. The replacement operation is configured to replace a selected transport module by a replacement transport module; receive replacement information data in the controller device, the replacement information data indicating the replacement of the selected transport module by the replacement transport module; and transmit a broadcast message via the control network to the module control device of the transport module including the replacement transport module, the broadcast message indicating a start command. In response to receiving the broadcast message, a network address request is transmitted from the module control device of the replacement transport module to the module control device of at least one of its adjacent transport modules, the network address request requesting at least one adjacent transport module to provide the network address of the replacement transport module; and the broadcast message is ignored by the module control device of the transport modules in the arrangement that do not include the replacement transport module. In the replacement transport module, the network address of the replacement transport module is received from at least one adjacent transport module and stored in the module control device; and the network addresses of adjacent transport modules located near the replacement transport module are also received and stored in the module control device. Further, the transport module arrangement and controller device are configured to receive, in the controller device, a recovery message indicating that the replacement transport module is addressable by network address for operational control.

[0016] In addition, a laboratory sample dispensing system including transport equipment is provided.

[0017] The proposed technology provides a reliable and safe replacement for transport modules in the arrangement of transport modules, wherein the transport surfaces of multiple transport modules together form a transport plane for moving or transporting sample container carriers.

[0018] Messages, signals, and / or other electronic data relating to the operation of the transport equipment (such as replacement operations) can be transmitted via a bus system or device that can be connected to module control devices and controller devices. The bus system may include a control signal bus for transmitting control signals or data and a data bus for transmitting other (non-control) signals or data.

[0019] The startup command provided by the broadcast message can be a command used to start or restart a software application, such as a firmware software application. The broadcast message may not include a network address command, thus providing the broadcast message (also) to the module control device that is replacing the transport module, which still needs to collect network address information for that replacement transport module.

[0020] Regarding this method, receiving replacement information data may further include: receiving error information data indicating a fault in the selected transport module within the controller device; and, in response to a clearing request provided in the controller device, clearing the faulty transport module and the transport plane of adjacent transport modules located near the faulty transport module from any sample container carrier. Other information data indicating a fault in the faulty transport module is received in the controller device. Through such error information data, the controller device is informed of the fault or non-functionality of the faulty transport module. In response to such error information data, a clearing request is provided in the controller device for clearing the transport plane from any sample container carrier targeting the faulty transport module. If any sample container carrier is located on the transport surface of the faulty transport module when the clearing request is provided, one or more sample container carriers are moved away from the transport surface of the faulty transport module, for example, to the transport surface of a different transport module that is not an adjacent transport module of the faulty transport module. Therefore, the faulty transport module to be replaced and adjacent transport modules located near the faulty transport module are cleared from any sample container carrier. Subsequently, clearing status information may be provided in the controller device. The clearing status information can be output as user information via an output device connected to the controller device. The clearance status information indicates the clearance status of both the faulty transport module and the adjacent transport module.

[0021] The clearing of the transport surface may further include checking whether an object other than the sample container carrier is positioned on the transport surface of at least one of the faulty transport module and the adjacent transport module. For example, the object could be a tool or any other object not positioned on the sample container carrier's transport surface. If the presence of an object is detected, a request for clearing is provided in the control device and output to the user via the output device. If the transport surfaces of the faulty transport module and the adjacent transport module are cleared of the object, clearing status information can be output to the user. Furthermore, in response to such clearing, a replacement operation can continue. The replacement operation can be prevented from continuing until the clearing status of both the faulty transport module and the adjacent transport module is achieved.

[0022] The clearing of the transport plane may further include receiving user input via a user interface in the controller device, indicating confirmation of the replacement process for the faulty transport module. In response to receiving error information data in the control device, user information indicating error detection may be output to the user. In response to the output of the user information indicating error detection, and upon receiving confirmation of the user input, the replacement process, including the replacement operation, is permitted to begin.

[0023] The method may further include, during a replacement operation, continuing the operation of at least one remaining transport module of the arrangement, which does not include both the replacement transport module and adjacent transport modules positioned near the transport module. Continuing the operation includes moving one or more sample container carriers on the transport surface of the at least one remaining transport module, and controlling the movement of the one or more sample container carriers via the control device. During a replacement operation, at least one remaining transport module continues controlled operation for moving or transporting sample container carriers on the transport surface. Performing a replacement operation while one or more remaining transport modules of the arrangement continue controlled operation can be referred to as hot-swapping. A transport module is replaced or added without stopping the operation of at least one remaining transport module.

[0024] The application replacement operation may further include, in the module control device replacing the transport module, switching from a boot operation mode to an operation control mode in response to receiving a broadcast message. This operation control mode allows bidirectional data communication between the module control devices of the transport modules in the control network, which is not provided in the boot operation mode. After replacing the transport module, the boot operation mode can be applied to the basic setup. It can switch from a firmware application to a boot application (boot operation mode). Therefore, there is a switching between first and second software applications running on one or more processors of the transport device in the laboratory sample dispensing system. In the first software application (boot operation mode), no bidirectional data communication is available between the transport modules. Instead, broadcast messages can be transmitted by the device controller. Such broadcast messages are to be received by the control devices of the transport modules in this arrangement without addressing the broadcast messages to any specific transport module (no (network) address command). Through the second software application (such as the operation control mode), data communication between the transport modules is available, thereby allowing data or signal exchange from transport module to transport module. Such bidirectional data communication can be applied based on the network addresses assigned to the transport modules in this arrangement.

[0025] In a control network, the method may further include: applying a first communication protocol to transmit broadcast messages; and applying a second communication protocol, different from the first communication protocol, to transmit control messages, which include control commands and are addressed to at least one of the network addresses assigned to the transport modules. The first communication protocol is configured to transmit broadcast messages to be received by all transport modules. The second communication protocol, different from the first communication protocol, may be applied to transmit control messages addressed based on network addresses assigned to one or more transport modules in the arrangement.

[0026] Receiving a recovery message in the controller device may include either receiving a recovery message from a replacement transport module or receiving a recovery message from at least one adjacent transport module.

[0027] The receipt and storage of the network address of the adjacent transport module may further include: receiving adjacent information data indicating that a replacement transport module is connected to an adjacent transport module in the controller device; transmitting a request from the controller device to the module control device of the replacement transport module to obtain the network address of the adjacent transport module; and transmitting a request for the network address from the module control device of the replacement transport module to the module control device of the adjacent transport module. After a replacement transport module has been provided in the arrangement of the transport modules, the adjacent information data indicating such a replacement is to be received in the controller device. In response, a request to obtain the network address of the adjacent transport module may be provided in the controller device and transmitted from the controller device to the module control device of the replacement transport module. In response to receiving such a request, a request for the network address is provided in the module control device of the replacement transport module and transmitted to the module control device of the adjacent transport module. Subsequently, the adjacent transport module provides information about its own network address to the replacement transport module that received such a network address. The information about the network address of the adjacent transport module may be stored locally in the memory device of the replacement transport module. Alternatively or additionally, information regarding the network address of an adjacent transport module located near the replacement transport module can be transmitted to the controller device and stored in a memory device allocated to the controller device. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the controller device has access to electronic information regarding which transport module is connected to which adjacent transport module in the arrangement of the transport modules.

[0028] For transportation equipment, transportation modules can be arranged in a daisy-chain topology. A daisy chain is implemented by connecting each transportation module in series with the next module. To transmit messages or data signals, a message can be provided intended for use along the transportation module's parkway, with each module sequentially bouncing it until it reaches its destination (the addressed transportation module). Daisy chains can take two basic forms: linear or ring topology. Alternatively, the transportation modules can be arranged in a multi-point (electrically parallel) topology.

[0029] Regarding at least one of the transport equipment and laboratory sample dispensing systems, necessary modifications (mutates mutandis) may be applied to the embodiments described for the method of operating the transport equipment in the laboratory sample dispensing system. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Further embodiments will then be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 It is a schematic representation of the arrangement of transport modules provided by transport equipment for laboratory sample dispensing systems and together forming a transport plane for transporting sample container carriers; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic representation of the arrangement of the transportation modules, in which one of the transportation modules is replaced by a replacement transportation module; Figure 3 It is a schematic representation of the functional components of transportation equipment; and Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a method for detecting and reporting operational errors in the transport equipment of a laboratory sample dispensing system. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each of the transport modules 2 is shown in a top view, schematically representing the arrangement 1. The transport modules 2 provide transport equipment 3 for the laboratory sample dispensing system. Together, the transport modules 2 form a transport plane 4 for transporting sample container carriers 5.

[0032] The transport device 3 is constructed from multiple transport modules 2. The transport modules 2 can be fixed to a support frame (not shown). Each of the transport modules 2 shown has a basic square shape, thus allowing for the construction of various designs of the transport device 3 by adding additional transport modules 2 to either side of an existing transport module and / or moving transport modules 2 from the transport device 3. In other embodiments, the transport modules 2 can have different basic shapes, such as triangular or hexagonal basic shapes. It can be specified that all transport modules 2 have the same basic shape. However, in alternative embodiments, the transport device 3 can consist of transport modules 2 with different basic shapes.

[0033] Each of the transport modules 2 is equipped with a transport surface 6. The transport surfaces 6 of the transport modules 2 in arrangement 1 together form a transport plane 4. On the transport plane 4, the sample container carrier 5 can be transported or moved to different locations. A single transport module 7 from arrangement 1 is surrounded by adjacent transport modules 8 located near the transport module 7.

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic representation of the functional components of the transport device 3 is shown. Each transport module 2 is equipped with a drive device 9, which is configured to move the sample container carrier 5 on the transport surface 6 and the transport plane 4. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, the drive device 9 is depicted for use in only one of the transport modules 2, but it is provided for each transport module 2 arranged in 1. The drive device 9 is positioned below the transport surface 6.

[0035] Each transport module 2 includes a module control device 10 configured to control the operation of the drive device 9. The module control device 10 is connected to or equipped with a module network interface 11 configured for data communication in a control network 12. The controller device 13 is also connected to the control network 12 via a controller network interface 14. The control network 12 may be equipped with a data bus system for, for example, data communication between the module control device 10 and the controller device 13.

[0036] Each of the transport modules 2 is assigned a network address. Such network addresses can be used to address electronic data to one or more transport modules 2 in the control network 12. For example, a controller device can use the network address to transmit control signals to one or more transport modules 2 to control the movement of the sample container carrier 5 on the transport plane.

[0037] During operation, the movement or transport of the sample container carrier 5 on the transport plane 4 is controlled by the controller device 13, which provides drive signals to the drive device 9 of the transport module 2. Different implementations of this for the transport module 2 are known in the art. For example, refer to document WO 2017 / 144219 A1.

[0038] If an error or fault is detected in transport module 7 in arrangement 1, a replacement procedure is applied to replace transport module 7 with replacement transport module 15 (see [link]). Figure 2 ). Figure 4 A schematic representation of the process steps is shown, which can be applied to an embodiment of replacing transport module 7 due to error detection. The steps performed on controller device 13, replacement transport module 15, and its adjacent transport module 8 are described.

[0039] After transport module 7 has been replaced by transport module 15, for example, due to a fault detected in transport module 7, transport module 15 must be included in arrangement 1 of transport modules 2. This process can also be referred to as registering transport module 15 in arrangement 1 of transport modules 2. As a result, transport module 15 will be available for controlled operation as one of the transport modules 2 forming arrangement 1 together with transport plane 4.

[0040] After the control module 7 is replaced by the replacement transport module 15, in step 30, a first broadcast message is transmitted by the controller device 13. The first broadcast message indicates a command for starting or restarting the firmware software application in the absence of a network address. This command allows data communication between the transport modules 2, such bidirectional data communication between the transport modules 2, which was not available in the boot operation mode previously applied to the basic setup of the replaced transport module 15. The first broadcast message is received but ignored by the adjacent transport module 8 (step 31). In step 32, the first broadcast message is also provided to the replacement transport module 15, so that in step 33, the replacement transport module 15, and in particular its module control device 10, switches from the boot operation mode previously applied, for example, to the firmware software application in the absence of a network address.

[0041] Subsequently, in step 34, a network address request is transmitted from the replacement transport module 15 to (at least one) adjacent transport module 8. In response, the adjacent transport module 8 provides the replacement transport module 15 with the network address assigned to the transport module 7 now being replaced by the replacement transport module 15 (step 35). Thus, the network address is provided to the replacement transport module 15 via module-to-module data communication. Address information indicating the network address assigned to the transport module 7 (previously) and received in the replacement transport module 15 can be locally stored in a memory allocated to the replacement transport module 15 and is at least connected to the module control device 10 of the replacement transport module 15.

[0042] Furthermore, all adjacent transport modules 8 provide recovery information (recovery message) to controller device 13 (step 36). The recovery information may indicate the replacement of transport module 7 by replacement transport module 15. Alternatively or additionally, information about the network address now assigned to replacement transport module 15 may be provided to controller device 13. The information received in controller device 13 may be stored in memory allocated to controller device 13. Subsequently, replacement transport module 15 may be addressed by controller device 13.

[0043] Optionally, further steps may be applied during the replacement process. In step 37, a request for the field status of the replacement transport module 15 is transmitted from the controller device 13 to the replacement transport module 15. In response, the replacement transport module 15 notifies the field status in step 38. For example, the field status may indicate at least one of the following: (i) whether any sample container carriers 5 are present on the replacement transport module 15; (ii) if so, how many sample container carriers 5 are present, and (optionally) what their positions are on the replacement transport module 15; and (iii) whether any metal tools are present on the surface of the replacement transport module 15.

[0044] Referring to step 39, request the replacement of the network address of the adjacent transportation module 8 stored locally in transportation module 15.

[0045] In steps 40 and 41, controller device 13 requests information about the current version of the firmware and / or other software applications applied and running in replacement transport module 15. In response, such information is received in controller device 13. Similarly, in steps 42 and 43, controller device 13 requests information about the current version of the software applications running in adjacent transport module 8. Subsequently, the version of the software applications is checked in step 44.

[0046] Finally, in step 45, the replacement transport module 15 is set to an "operating" state, thereby providing the replacement transport module 15 for controlled operation together with the other transport modules 2. Such a replacement can also be referred to as hot-swapping or hot-swapping.

[0047] The described replacement process can be performed when the remaining transport modules of arrangement 1 (i.e., transport modules excluding transport module 7, replacement transport module 15 and adjacent transport module 8) continue to be operated in a controlled manner by moving or transporting sample container carrier 5.

Claims

1. A method for operating transport equipment in a laboratory sample dispensing system, comprising: -Provide a transport device in a laboratory sample dispensing system, the transport device having: - The arrangement of transport modules (2), wherein each transport module (2) is configured with: a transport surface (6); a drive device (9) configured to move the sample container carrier (5) on the transport surface (6); a module control device (10) configured to control the operation of the drive device (9); and a module network interface (11) connected to the module control device (10) and configured for data communication in the control network (12); -The transport plane (4) formed by the transport surface (6) of the transport module (2) arranged by the transport module (2); and - Controller device (13) connected to control network (12) via controller network interface (14); - Assign network addresses to each of the transport modules (2) in the control network (12); - For each transport module (2), its own network address and the network addresses of the adjacent transport modules (8) located near the transport module in the arrangement of the transport modules (2) are stored in the module control device (10); as well as - Apply replacement operations, including: - Replace the selected transport module (7) with the replacement transport module (15); - Receive replacement information data in the controller device (13), the replacement information data indicating the replacement of the selected transport module (7) by the replacement transport module (15); - A broadcast message is transmitted via the control network (12) to the module control device (10) that includes the replacement transport module (15), the broadcast message indicating a start command; -In response to receiving a broadcast message, - A network address request is transmitted from the module control device (10) of the replacement transport module (15) to the module control device (10) of at least one of its adjacent transport modules (8), the network address request requesting at least one adjacent transport module (8) to provide the network address of the replacement transport module (15); and -The module control device (10) of the transport module (2) which does not include the replacement transport module (15) ignores the broadcast message; -In the replacement transport module (15), - Receive the network address of the replacement transport module (15) from at least one adjacent transport module (8), and store the network address of the replacement transport module (15) in the module control device (10); and - Receive the network address of the adjacent transport module (8) located near the replacement transport module (15) and store it in the module control device (10); and - The controller device (13) receives a recovery message indicating that the replacement transport module (15) can be addressed via a network address for operational control.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving replacement information data further comprises: - Receive error information data, which indicates a fault in the selected transport module (7) in the controller device (13); as well as - In response to a clearance request provided in the controller device (13), the transport plane (4) of the faulty transport module and the adjacent transport module (8) located near the faulty transport module is cleared from any sample container carrier (5).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The clearing of the transport plane (4) further includes checking whether an object different from the sample container carrier (5) is positioned on the transport surface (6) of at least one of the incorrect transport module and the adjacent transport module (8).

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein clearing the transport plane (4) further comprises receiving user input via a user interface in the controller device (13), the user input indicating confirmation of the replacement process for the faulty transport module.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising, when applying a replacement operation, continuing the operation of at least one remaining transport module of the arrangement, the remaining transport module excluding both the replacement transport module (15) and the adjacent transport module (8) located adjacent to the transport module, wherein continuing the operation includes moving one or more sample container carriers (5) on the transport surface (6) of at least one remaining transport module, and controlling the movement of one or more sample container carriers (5) by a control device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The application replacement operation further includes, in response to receiving a broadcast message, switching from a guided operation mode to an operation control mode in the module control device (10) of the replacement transport module (15), the operation control mode allows bidirectional data communication between the module control devices (10) of the transport modules (2) in the control network (12), the bidirectional data communication not provided in the guided operation mode.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising, in the control network (12), - Apply the first communication protocol to transmit broadcast messages; and - A second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol is used to transmit control messages, which include control commands and are addressed to at least one of the network addresses assigned to the transport module (2).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein receiving the recovery message comprises one of the following in the controller device (13): - Receive a recovery message from the replacement transport module (15); and - Receive a recovery message from at least one adjacent transport module (8).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein receiving and storing the network address of the adjacent transport module (8) further comprises, - Receive adjacent information data indicating that the replacement transport module (15) is connected to the adjacent transport module (8) in the controller device (13); - A request is transmitted from the controller device (13) to the module control device (10) that replaces the transport module (15) to obtain the network address of the adjacent transport module (8); and - A request for a network address is transmitted from the module control device (10) of the replacement transport module (15) to the module control device (10) of the adjacent transport module (8).

10. A transport device for a laboratory sample dispensing system, comprising: - The arrangement of the transport modules (2), wherein each transport module (2) is equipped with: -Transportation surface (6); - Driving device (9), which is configured to move sample container carrier (5) on transport surface (6), wherein the transport surface (6) of transport module (2) together form transport plane (4) of transport module (2) arrangement; - Module control device (10), which is configured to control the operation of drive device (9); and - Module network interface (11), which is connected to the module control device (10) and configured for data communication in the control network (12); and - Controller device (13), which is connected to the control network (12) via controller network interface (14); The arrangement of the transport module (2) and the controller device (13) are configured as follows: - Assign a network address to each of the transportation modules (2) in the control network (12); - For each transport module (2), its own network address and the network addresses of the adjacent transport modules (8) located near the transport module in the arrangement of the transport module (2) are stored in the module control device; - Apply replacement operations, including: - Replace the selected transport module (7) with the replacement transport module (15); - Receive replacement information data in the controller device (13), the replacement information data indicating the replacement of the selected transport module (7) by the replacement transport module (15); and - A broadcast message is transmitted via the control network (12) to the module control device (10) that includes the replacement transport module (15), the broadcast message indicating a start command; -In response to receiving a broadcast message, - A network address request is transmitted from the module control device (10) of the replacement transport module (15) to the module control device (10) of at least one of its adjacent transport modules (8), the network address request requesting at least one adjacent transport module (8) to provide the network address of the replacement transport module (15); and -The module control device (10) of the transport module (2) which does not include the replacement transport module (15) ignores the broadcast message; -In the replacement transport module (15), - Receive the network address of the replacement transport module (15) from at least one adjacent transport module (8), and store the network address of the replacement transport module (15) in the module control device (10); and - Receive the network address of the adjacent transport module (8) located near the replacement transport module (15) and store it in the module control device (10); and - The controller device (13) receives a recovery message indicating that the replacement transport module (15) can be addressed via a network address for operation control.

11. The transport equipment according to claim 10, wherein the transport module (2) is arranged in a daisy-chain topology.

12. A laboratory sample dispensing system, comprising the transport equipment according to claim 10 or 11.

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