Automated process management method, device, electronic device and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a management method and device of an automated process, electronic equipment and a storage medium. The method comprises: in response to a time constraint setting operation of a user, adding a time constraint module in the automated process; in response to a first configuration operation of the user on the time constraint module, determining a node in the automated process that is constrained by the time constraint module; in response to a second configuration operation of the user on the time constraint module, determining a time constraint condition of the time constraint module for the constrained node, so as to determine whether a corresponding operation of the constrained node meets the time constraint condition at a stage of executing the automated process. In the above technical solution, the time constraint condition of the node in the automated process is added, so that the corresponding operation can be accurately executed according to the time constraint condition. Thus, the effectiveness of the consumables involved in the automated process is effectively ensured, and the accuracy and reliability of the execution result of the automated process are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automation, and more specifically to a method for managing an automation process, a device for managing an automation process, an electronic device, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Currently, many fields are continuously implementing automation to free up manpower and improve efficiency. Whether in automated manufacturing, automated testing, or automated testing / experiments, automated systems are widely used. Within an automated system, the entire automation process is broken down into multiple operations performed by individual devices. By ensuring that each device completes its own operation, the smooth execution of the automation process is ensured.

[0003] In an automated process, different steps may take different amounts of time. For example, in a chemical test process, handling and pipetting operations typically do not take a long time. However, enzyme labeling and other procedures may take a longer time. In chemical test processes, most samples can be stored for a long time in test equipment such as incubators. However, they may not be able to be exposed to other test equipment or the laboratory environment where chemical tests are conducted for a long time. If the exposure time exceeds the maximum safe time for the sample, it may cause damage to the sample.

[0004] In addition, in the prior art, the automation system can plan the operations in the automation process. For example, a device in the automation process will take a certain amount of time to perform the corresponding test operation. The automation system can plan the execution operations of the subsequent devices that follow the device in the automation process accordingly, so that the subsequent devices perform the corresponding operations according to the plan. This can avoid the phenomenon that the subsequent devices have to wait for a long time for the current device to finish working, resulting in a waste of equipment resources. However, when planning the execution operations of the subsequent devices, the problem that the planned working time of the subsequent devices is too long, resulting in the exposure time of the sample exceeding its maximum safe time, is not considered, which may also cause damage to the sample. The damage to the sample is very likely to cause the automation process to fail to execute normally, thereby obtaining erroneous results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was proposed in consideration of the above-mentioned issues. It provides a method for managing an automated process. The method comprises: in response to a user's time constraint setting operation, adding a time constraint module to the automated process; in response to a first configuration operation on the time constraint module by the user, determining nodes in the automated process that are constrained by the time constraint module; and in response to a second configuration operation on the time constraint module by the user, determining time constraint conditions imposed by the time constraint module on the constrained nodes, so as to determine whether corresponding operations on the constrained nodes meet the time constraint conditions during the execution of the automated process.

[0006] Exemplarily, the management method also includes: in the stage of executing the automated process, performing timing operations on the corresponding operations of the constrained nodes; in the case where the constrained nodes are multiple nodes, counting the execution time of the operations existing at the multiple constrained nodes and the execution time of the handling operations corresponding to the lines between each two adjacent nodes in the multiple nodes.

[0007] Exemplarily, the management method also includes: in response to a user's operation of inserting a new constraint object within the constraint range of the time constraint module, determining the expected execution time of the corresponding operation of the new constraint object; determining the allowed insertion time based on the time constraint condition and the existing execution time of the operation at the existing nodes within the constraint range; for a case where the expected execution time exceeds the allowed insertion time, prohibiting the insertion operation of the new constraint object; for a case where the expected execution time does not exceed the allowed insertion time, allowing the insertion operation of the new constraint object.

[0008] Exemplarily, an identifier is set on the consumables of the automation process, and the timing operation of the corresponding operation of the constrained node includes: using the consumable identifier to count the execution time of the corresponding operation of the constrained node for each consumable.

[0009] Exemplarily, the constrained nodes include device nodes, and executing the timing operation on the corresponding operation of the constrained nodes includes: determining to start the timing operation and / or end the timing operation based on a connection relationship between the time constraint module and the device node.

[0010] Exemplarily, the management method further includes: in response to a user setting instruction for a pre-operation and / or post-operation of a device corresponding to a device node, determining a pre-operation and / or post-operation to be performed before or after the device performs its own operation, wherein the pre-operation and / or post-operation is performed by a corresponding execution device; based on the connection relationship between the time constraint module and the device node, determining to start a timing operation and / or end a timing operation, including: for a case where the starting end of the time constraint module is connected to the first side of the constrained starting device node, starting the timing operation from the pre-operation of the starting device node, or for a case where the starting end of the time constraint module is connected to the first side of the constrained starting device node , the timing operation is performed starting from the post-operation of the starting device node, wherein, in the automated process, the first side of the starting device node is positioned earlier than the second side of the starting device node; and for the case where the terminating end of the time constraint module is connected to the first side of the constrained terminating device node, the timing operation is terminated after the pre-operation of the terminating device node is completed, or for the case where the terminating end of the time constraint module is connected to the second side of the constrained terminating device node, the timing operation is terminated after the post-operation of the terminating device node is completed, wherein, in the automated process, the first side of the terminating device node is positioned earlier than the second side of the terminating device node.

[0011] Exemplarily, the constrained nodes include only one device node, and the time constraint condition includes at least one of duration information, expiration time information, and maximum waiting time information, wherein the duration information is used to control the duration of executing the operation existing at the device node; the expiration time information is used to determine the maximum safe duration of the consumables for executing the operation existing at the device node, so as to mark the consumables when the maximum safe duration of the consumables is exceeded; the maximum waiting time information is used to determine the maximum effective duration of the consumables for executing the operation existing at the device node, so as to discard the consumables when the maximum effective duration of the consumables is exceeded.

[0012] Exemplarily, the constrained nodes include multiple device nodes, and the time constraint conditions include expiration time information and / or maximum duration information, wherein the expiration time information is used to determine the maximum safe time of consumables for executing operations existing at multiple device nodes and executing transportation operations between adjacent device nodes among the multiple device nodes, so as to mark the consumables when the maximum safe time of the consumables is exceeded; the maximum duration information is used to determine the maximum effective time of the consumables, so as to discard the consumables when the maximum effective time of the consumables is exceeded, wherein the maximum effective time of the consumables is the sum of the time for executing operations existing at multiple device nodes and the time for executing transportation operations between adjacent device nodes among the multiple device nodes.

[0013] Exemplarily, the management method further comprises: in response to a first operation setting instruction of the user on the device in the automation process, determining self-operation execution time information of the device, the operation execution time information being used to determine a first maximum duration for the device to execute the corresponding self-operation; and in response to a case that the device executes the corresponding self-operation for more than the first maximum duration, controlling the device to terminate the execution of the corresponding self-operation.

[0014] Exemplarily, the management method further comprises: in response to a pre-operation and / or post-operation setting instruction of the user on the device in the automation process, determining a pre-operation and / or post-operation executed before or after the device executes its self-operation, wherein the pre-operation and / or post-operation is executed by a corresponding execution device; in response to a second operation setting instruction of the user on the execution device, determining pre-operation and / or post-operation execution time information of the execution device, the pre-operation and / or post-operation execution time information being used to determine a second maximum duration for the execution device to execute the corresponding pre-operation and / or post-operation; and in response to a case that the execution device executes the corresponding pre-operation and / or post-operation for more than the second maximum duration, controlling the execution device to terminate the execution of the corresponding pre-operation and / or post-operation.

[0015] Exemplarily, the management method further comprises: displaying a user interface, the user interface being used to display the automation process and a time constraint control; and in response to a time constraint setting operation of the user, adding a time constraint module in the automation process, comprising: in response to an operation of the user on the time constraint control, adding the time constraint module in the automation process.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present application, there is also provided an automation process management device, comprising an adding module, a constraint object determining module and a constraint condition determining module.

[0017] The adding module is configured to add a time constraint module in the automation process in response to a time constraint setting operation of the user.

[0018] The constraint object determining module is configured to determine a node in the automation process, which is constrained by the time constraint module, in response to a first configuration operation of the user on the time constraint module.

[0019] The constraint condition determining module is configured to determine a time constraint condition of the time constraint module for the constrained node, in response to a second configuration operation of the user on the time constraint module, so as to determine whether a corresponding operation of the constrained node meets the time constraint condition at a stage of executing the automation process.

[0020] According to still another aspect of the present application, there is also provided an electronic device comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores computer program instructions, and the computer program instructions are used to execute the automation process management method as described above when executed by the processor.

[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a storage medium is provided on which program instructions are stored. The program instructions are used to execute the above-mentioned method for managing an automated process when running.

[0022] In the above technical solution, time constraints are added to the nodes in the automated process. This allows the corresponding operations to be accurately executed according to the time constraints during the execution of the automated process. This effectively ensures the availability of the consumables involved in the automated process, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the execution results of the automated process.

[0023] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present invention are specifically listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through a more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present invention, they are used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic flow chart of a method for managing an automated process according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of an automation process according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of an automated process for determining nodes constrained by a time constraint module according to the illustrated embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 shows a schematic flow chart of a management method according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5a A schematic diagram showing a time constraint module according to an embodiment of the invention having a starting end connected to a first side of a constrained starting device node;

[0030] Figure 5b A schematic diagram showing a case where the starting end of a time constraint module is connected to the second side of a constrained starting device node according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 6aA schematic diagram showing a case where a termination end of a time constraint module is connected to a first side of a constrained termination device node according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 6b A schematic diagram showing a case where a termination end of a time constraint module is connected to a second side of a constrained termination device node according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram showing an automated process management device according to an embodiment of the present invention and

[0034] Figure 8 A schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more apparent, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Based on the embodiments of the present invention described in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a method for managing an automated process. Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a schematic flow chart of a method 100 for managing an automated process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the management method 100 may include the following steps.

[0037] Step S110 : In response to the user's time constraint setting operation, a time constraint module is added to the automation process.

[0038] For example, the host computer may provide a visual interface to the user, and based on the visual interface, the user may use the host computer's input device (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, etc.) to trigger operations on the host computer. For example, the user may use the host computer's input device to perform a time constraint setting operation, so that the automated process and the time constraint module added to the automated process are displayed on the host computer's visual interface. Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a partial schematic diagram of an automated process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the automated process includes two equipment nodes and a time constraint module based on the above steps. The two equipment nodes correspond to the pipetting workstation and the gene amplification instrument (PCR). It can be understood that Figure 2The shape of the time constraint module shown is only exemplary. The time constraint module can be as follows: Figure 2 The circular control shown can also be a control in shapes such as rectangle or diamond.

[0039] Step S120 : In response to the user's first configuration operation on the time constraint module, determine the nodes constrained by the time constraint module in the automation process.

[0040] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 2 The embodiment shown is a partial schematic diagram of an automated process for determining nodes constrained by a time constraint module. For example, a user can click on Figure 2 The left end point of the time constraint module is shown, and a line is drawn from the left end point of the time constraint module to the left end point of the device node where the pipetting workstation in the existing automation process is located to generate the first line. Then the user can click the mouse again Figure 2 A second line is generated by extending a line from the right endpoint of the time constraint module to the right endpoint of the device node where the PCR instrument resides in the existing automated process. This allows the device nodes where the pipetting workstation resides and the PCR instrument reside to be identified as nodes constrained by the time constraint module in the automated process.

[0041] Step S130 , in response to the user's second configuration operation on the time constraint module, determining the time constraint condition of the time constraint module for the constrained node, so as to determine whether the corresponding operation of the constrained node meets the time constraint condition during the execution of the automation process.

[0042] For example, after the user completes the first configuration operation for the time constraint module, the second configuration operation can be performed on the time constraint module to pop up a configuration box for the time constraint condition in the current automation process display area. The user can use the configuration box for the time constraint condition to configure parameters such as the execution time of the constrained node as desired. The nodes constrained by the time constraint module may include loop nodes, judgment nodes, and device nodes. The time constraint condition may include the maximum execution time of the operation corresponding to the node in the automation process or the maximum residence time of the consumable in the device. During the automation process execution phase, when the execution time of the operation corresponding to the node in the automation process exceeds the maximum execution time, or the residence time of the consumable in the device exceeds the maximum residence time, it can be determined that the corresponding operation of the node constrained by the time constraint module does not meet the time constraint condition. Otherwise, it meets the time constraint condition.

[0043] In the above technical solution, time constraints are added to the nodes in the automated process. This allows the corresponding operations to be accurately executed according to the time constraints during the execution of the automated process. This effectively ensures the availability of the consumables involved in the automated process, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the execution results of the automated process.

[0044] Exemplarily, the management method 100 further includes: displaying a user interface, where the user interface is used to display the automation process and the time constraint control.

[0045] It is understood that the user interface can be a visual interface as described above. The user interface can include an automation process display area and an automation process editing area. Specifically, the automation process display area can display the automation process. The automation process editing area can display a time constraint control.

[0046] In this embodiment, step S110 may include adding a time constraint module to the automation process in response to a user operation on a time constraint control.

[0047] For example, a user can use an input device on a host computer, such as a mouse, to drag a time constraint control from the automation process editing area to the automation process display area, or can trigger the time constraint control by keyboard input to add a time constraint module to the automation process currently displayed in the automation process display area. This allows configuration of the time constraint module.

[0048] In the above technical solution, a time constraint module is added to the automation process in a visual manner through a time constraint control, thereby enabling the automation process to be clearly configured and managed, ensuring the accuracy of the added time constraint module, and improving the convenience and accuracy of automation process management.

[0049] In a specific embodiment, the constrained node may include only one device node. In this embodiment, the time constraint condition may include at least one of duration information, expiration time information, and maximum waiting time information. Duration information is used to control the duration of an operation performed at the device node; expiration time information is used to determine the maximum safe duration of a consumable for performing an operation at the device node, so that the consumable is marked when the maximum safe duration is exceeded; and maximum waiting time information is used to determine the maximum effective duration of a consumable for performing an operation at the device node, so that the consumable is discarded when the maximum effective duration is exceeded.

[0050] For example, the device corresponding to the constrained device node is an incubator. For this device node, there can be a pre-operation (open door), an incubator self-operation (incubation), and a post-operation (close door). For ease of description, the following description is made by way of example with the device node having no pre / post operation. A user can right-click the time constraint module to pop up an edit box 1 for configuring a time constraint condition for a device node in the current automation process display area. The edit box 1 can include a duration control, an expiration time control, and a maximum waiting time control. Alternatively, the duration control, the expiration time control, and the maximum waiting time control can be text boxes, filter boxes, or dials, etc. The time unit in the edit box 1 can be seconds (s), minutes (min), or hours (h), etc. The following description is made by way of example with the time unit being seconds. Specifically, the user can set the execution time of the device node in which the incubator is located to perform the corresponding operation to one hour according to expectations, specifically, the configuration of the duration information can be completed by inputting the number 3600 in the duration control through the keyboard. For the consumables incubated by the incubator, the maximum safe duration of the consumables can be 1.5 hours, i.e. 5400 seconds. Correspondingly, the user can complete the configuration of the expiration time information by inputting the number 5400 in the expiration time control through the keyboard. Preferably, in the actual execution process, if the execution time of the incubation operation exceeds the duration + the maximum safe duration of the consumables, i.e. exceeds 3600 + 5400 = 9000 seconds, the consumables corresponding to the incubation operation can be marked as problem consumables to prompt the user to pay attention to the problem consumables. The user can judge whether the problem consumables will affect the execution result of the automation process according to the actual situation, and decide whether the automation process continues according to the degree of influence. It can be understood that if the user inputs the number 0 in the expiration time control, it can mean that the maximum safe duration of the consumables constraint is not started.

[0051] The following description is made by way of example with the maximum safe duration of the consumables constraint being enabled. The following description is still made by way of example with the incubation operation of the incubator described above. The duration information set for the incubation operation of the incubator is 3600 seconds (1 hour), the maximum safe duration of the consumables is set to 5400 seconds (1.5 hours), and the maximum effective duration of the consumables is 1800 seconds (half an hour). In the actual execution process, if the execution time of the incubation operation of the incubator exceeds 3600 + 5400 + 1800 = 10800 seconds, the consumables corresponding to the incubation operation are abandoned. After that, the abandoned consumables are transported to the pre-set “error time transfer location” and are marked with a “cancel” label.

[0052] Thus, time constraints, including duration information, expiration time information, and maximum waiting time information, can be appropriately set for different operations on different devices. By applying these time constraints to the execution time of corresponding operations in the automated process, the validity and availability of consumables can be guaranteed, further ensuring the smooth execution of the automated process. Consequently, accurate execution results can be achieved.

[0053] In another specific embodiment, the constrained nodes may include multiple device nodes. The time constraint condition may include expiration time information and / or maximum duration information. The expiration time information is used to determine the maximum safe duration of consumables for executing operations existing at multiple device nodes and executing transportation operations between adjacent device nodes in multiple device nodes, so as to mark the consumables when the maximum safe duration of the consumables is exceeded; the maximum duration information is used to determine the maximum effective duration of the consumables, so as to discard the consumables when the maximum effective duration of the consumables is exceeded, wherein the maximum effective duration of the consumables is the sum of the time for executing operations existing at multiple device nodes and the time for executing transportation operations between adjacent device nodes in multiple device nodes.

[0054] For example, the constrained nodes may include the device node where the liquid transfer workstation is located and the device node where the PCR instrument is located. For these two device nodes, there may be corresponding before / after operations respectively. For ease of description, the following description is made by taking the absence of before / after operations for these two device nodes as an example. The user can right-click the time constraint module to pop up an edit box 2 for configuring time constraints for multiple device nodes in the current automated process display area. An expiration time control and a maximum waiting time control may be included in the edit box 2. Similarly, the expiration time control and the maximum waiting time control may also be text boxes, filter boxes, or dialers. The time unit in the edit box 2 may be seconds (s), minutes (min), or hours (h), etc. The operations corresponding to these two device nodes may include pipetting operations, handling operations from the liquid transfer workstation to the PCR instrument, and gene amplification operations. Specifically, the user can set the sum of the maximum safe duration of the consumables performing the above three operations to 20 minutes as desired, and the user can enter 20 minutes in the expiration time control via the mouse or keyboard to complete the configuration of the expiration time information. During actual execution, if the execution time of the above three operations exceeds 20 minutes, the consumables targeted by these three operations will be marked as problematic consumables. Users can determine whether the problematic consumables will affect the execution results of the automated process based on the actual situation and decide whether to continue the automated process based on the degree of impact.

[0055] Furthermore, the user can use the mouse or keyboard to enter a maximum waiting time in the Maximum Wait Time control, for example, 15 minutes, to complete the configuration of the maximum waiting time information. In actual execution, if the execution time of the above three operations exceeds 35 minutes, that is, after the maximum waiting time, the consumables targeted by these three operations are abandoned. The abandoned consumables are then transferred to the pre-set "Error Transfer Location" and marked with a "Cancel" label.

[0056] This allows for the simultaneous and reasonable setting of common time constraints, including expiration time information and maximum duration information, for different operations on different devices. By applying these time constraints to the execution times of corresponding operations in the automated process, the validity and availability of consumables can be guaranteed, further ensuring the smooth execution of the automated process. Consequently, accurate execution results can be achieved.

[0057] Through the above description, those skilled in the art can understand how to impose time constraints on related operations according to the above time constraints when there are previous / following operations at a device node.

[0058] Exemplarily, the management method 100 may also include: in the stage of executing the automated process, performing timing operations on the corresponding operations of the constrained nodes; in the case where the constrained nodes are multiple nodes, counting the execution time of the operations existing at the multiple constrained nodes and the execution time of the transport operations corresponding to the lines between each two adjacent nodes in the multiple nodes.

[0059] See again Figure 3 , the automation process displayed in the current automation process display area is: the pipetting workstation performs the pipetting operation, and after the pipetting operation is completed, the consumables are transported to the PCR instrument for gene amplification operation. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the starting end of the time constraint module, i.e., the left end point of the time constraint module, is connected to the left end point of the device node at the pipetting workstation. The terminating end of the time constraint module, i.e., the right end point of the time constraint module, is connected to the right end point of the device node at the PCR instrument. Thus, the nodes constrained by the time constraint module include the device node at the pipetting workstation and the device node at the PCR instrument. Thus, when executing the automated process, a timing operation can be performed when the pipetting workstation begins to perform the pipetting operation, and the timing operation can be terminated after the gene amplification operation of the PCR instrument is completed. Wherein, the time counted by the timing operation can include the execution time of the pipetting operation, the execution time of the gene amplification operation, and the execution time of the handling operation of carrying consumables from the pipetting workstation to the PCR instrument.

[0060] In the above technical solution, for multiple nodes constrained by the time constraint module, the execution time of operations at each node and the transfer operations between adjacent nodes are counted to obtain the total execution time of the operations corresponding to the nodes constrained by the time constraint module. This can then be used to determine whether the total execution time meets the time constraint conditions. This ensures the effectiveness and accuracy of the execution results of the automated process.

[0061] Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows a schematic flow chart of a management method 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the management method 100 further includes the following steps.

[0062] Step S140 : In response to the user inserting a new constraint object into the constraint range of the time constraint module, determining an estimated execution time of the corresponding operation of the new constraint object.

[0063] For example, the nodes constrained by the time constraint module in step S120 can determine the constraint range of the time constraint module. The following description is still based on the example that the nodes constrained by the time constraint module are two device nodes. In the stage of building an automated process, after determining the nodes constrained by the time constraint, new constraint objects can be added within the constraint range. See again Figure 3 , the operation of inserting a new constraint object can be performed between the device node where the pipetting workstation is located and the device node where the PCR instrument is located. For example, between the two device nodes of the pipetting workstation and the PCR instrument, the user expects to perform a code scanning operation on the consumables or a centrifugation operation on the consumables. Among them, corresponding to the code scanning operation, the inserted new constraint object is an operation, namely the code scanning operation. Corresponding to the centrifugation operation, the inserted new constraint object is a device node, namely the device node corresponding to the centrifuge. Thus, according to the new constraint object that the user expects to insert, the expected execution time of the corresponding operation of the new constraint object can be determined. For example, the new constraint object that the user expects to insert is the device node where the centrifuge is located. Correspondingly, the expected execution time of the centrifugation operation of this device node is 15 seconds.

[0064] Step S150 : determining the allowed insertion time based on the time constraint condition and the existing execution time of operations existing at existing nodes within the constraint range.

[0065] According to the foregoing, the operations existing at the existing nodes within the constraint range may include the pipetting operation performed by the pipetting workstation, the transport operation of transporting consumables from the pipetting workstation to the PCR instrument, and the gene amplification operation performed by the PCR instrument. In one embodiment, the maximum execution time of the operation corresponding to the node in the time constraint condition determined according to step S130 is 75 seconds, the scheduled execution time of the pipetting operation included in the existing time constraint node is 20 seconds, the scheduled execution time of the transport operation is 15 seconds, and the scheduled execution time of the gene amplification operation is 30 seconds. Thus, the existing execution time of the operation existing at the existing node can be obtained as 20+15+30=65 seconds. It can be understood that the existing execution time is the sum of the scheduled execution times of all operations existing at the existing node. Furthermore, it can be obtained that the allowed insertion time is 75-65=10 seconds.

[0066] Step S160: If the estimated execution time exceeds the allowed insertion time, the insertion operation of the new constraint object is prohibited. If the estimated execution time does not exceed the allowed insertion time, the insertion operation of the new constraint object is allowed.

[0067] According to step S140, the estimated execution time for the operation corresponding to the new constraint object the user wishes to insert is 15 seconds. Step S150 determines that the allowed insertion time is 10 seconds. As can be understood, the estimated execution time of 15 seconds exceeds the allowed insertion time of 10 seconds, thus prohibiting the insertion operation of the device node containing the centrifuge that the user wishes to insert in step S140.

[0068] It is understood that the estimated execution time and the allowed insertion time determined in steps S140 and S150 are merely exemplary. If the estimated execution time determined in step S140 does not exceed the allowed insertion time determined in step S150, the insertion operation of the new constraint object may be allowed.

[0069] Therefore, if the user wants to insert a new constraint object within the existing time constraint module constraint range, the above technical solution can be used to determine whether the new constraint object can be inserted. This can ensure the smooth execution of the automation process and further ensure the accuracy of the execution results of the automation process.

[0070] Exemplarily, an identifier is set on the consumables of the automation process. Executing a timing operation on the corresponding operation of the constrained node includes: using the consumable identifier to count the execution time of the corresponding operation of the constrained node for each consumable.

[0071] For example, for the consumables used in the automation process, the identifiers corresponding to different consumables can be displayed in the user interface. For example, different consumables can be displayed as consumable 1, consumable 2, consumable 3 or consumable 4, etc. This makes it convenient for users to directly observe the direction of the consumables in the automation process. It can be understood that the identifiers of the consumables can be set before the automation system leaves the factory. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the consumable identifiers and the consumables. Based on the consumable identifiers, timing operations can be performed separately for the corresponding operations of the nodes where each consumable is located, which are constrained by the time constraint module. For example, there are 2 consumables in an automation process. For consumable 1, consumable 1 is first transported to the pipetting workstation to perform the pipetting operation, and then transported to the plate washer to perform the plate washing operation after the pipetting operation. For consumable 2, consumable 2 is also first transported to the pipetting workstation to perform the pipetting operation, and then transported to the centrifuge to perform the centrifugation operation after the pipetting operation. Therefore, the pipetting operation, transport operation, plate washing operation involving consumable 1 and the pipetting operation, transport operation, centrifugation operation involving consumable 2 can be timed separately according to the consumable identifier to ensure that the counted time is for each consumable.

[0072] In the above technical solution, the execution time is counted according to the identifier set on the consumables, thereby not only improving the efficiency of counting time, but also ensuring the accuracy of the counted time, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the execution results of the automated process.

[0073] In a specific embodiment, the constrained nodes may include device nodes. Executing a timing operation on a corresponding operation of the constrained nodes includes: determining to start the timing operation and / or end the timing operation based on a connection relationship between the time constraint module and the device node.

[0074] See again Figure 3 , the constrained nodes are the device node where the pipetting workstation is located and the device node where the PCR instrument is located. Specifically, the range constrained by the time constraint module includes the left endpoint of the device node where the pipetting workstation is located to the right endpoint of the device node where the PCR instrument is located. Correspondingly, the operations corresponding to these two device nodes may include the pipetting operation of the pipetting workstation, the transport operation of transporting consumables to the PCR instrument after the pipetting operation is completed, and the gene amplification operation of the PCR instrument. Based on this constraint range, it can be determined that the timing operation starts at the same time as the pipetting operation of the pipetting workstation begins to be executed, and the timing operation ends after the gene amplification operation of the PCR instrument is completed.

[0075] In the above technical solution, the start or end of the timing operation is determined by the connection relationship between the time constraint module and the device node. In this way, it can be ensured that the time counted by the timing operation can accurately correspond to the time constraint conditions of the time constraint module, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the time constraint module and further improving the accuracy of the execution results of the automation process.

[0076] Exemplarily, the management method may also include: in response to a user setting instructions for pre-operation and / or post-operation of a device corresponding to a device node, determining the pre-operation and / or post-operation to be performed before or after the device performs its own operation, wherein the pre-operation and / or post-operation is performed by the corresponding execution device.

[0077] The front operation of the device node is used to be executed by the execution device of the front operation before the device corresponding to the control device node executes its own operation, and the back operation of the device node is used to be executed by the execution device of the back operation after the device corresponding to the control device node executes its own operation. The execution device of the front operation and / or back operation can be the same device as the device corresponding to the device node, or it can be a different device. For example, a front / back operation setting control can be set on the user interface. The user can enter the front / back operation setting interface of the device by clicking the front / back operation setting control with the mouse. For example, for a plate washer, its own operation is plate washing. Optionally, the front / back operation can be set for it: robotic arm transfer. Thus, when the automation process reaches the plate washer node, according to the automation process, the orifice plate that needs to be washed can first be transferred to the workbench of the plate washer by the robotic arm. Afterwards, the plate washer performs the plate washing operation on the orifice plate. After the plate washing operation is completed, the orifice plate is transferred to the position of the next node device in the automation process by the robotic arm. In this example, the robot arm, which is the execution device for the front / back operation, and the plate washer, which is the node device to which the front / back operation belongs, are different devices.

[0078] In this embodiment, determining to start a timing operation and / or end a timing operation based on the connection relationship between the time constraint module and the device node may include the following situations.

[0079] For the situation that the starting end of the time constraint module is connected to the first side of the constrained starting device node, the timing operation is started from the front operation of the starting device node, or for the situation that the starting end of the time constraint module is connected to the second side of the constrained starting device node, the timing operation is started from the back operation of the starting device node. Wherein, in the automation process, the first side of the starting device node is closer to the front than the position of the second side of the starting device node. It can be understood that the "front" and "back" here refer to the starting position and the end position of the automation process. Specifically, the node or position closer to the starting position of the automation process is closer to the front. On the contrary, the node or position closer to the end position of the automation process is closer to the back.

[0080] Figure 5a FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a time constraint module according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the starting end is connected to the first side of the constrained starting device node. Figure 5a As shown, the starting end of the time constraint module is connected to the first side of the device node where the pipetting workstation is located, that is, the left end point. Figure 5a In the illustrated embodiment, the device node where the liquid transfer workstation is located may be provided with a pre-operation of a robotic arm transport. In this case, the timing operation may be started at the same time as the robotic arm transport operation starts to be executed.

[0081] Figure 5b FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a time constraint module according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the starting end is connected to the second side of the constrained starting device node. Figure 5b As shown, the starting end of the time constraint module is connected to the second side of the device node where the pipetting workstation is located, that is, the right end point. Figure 5b In the illustrated embodiment, the device node where the liquid transfer workstation is located may be provided with a post-operation of robot arm transport. In this case, the timing operation may be started at the same time as the robot arm transport operation starts to be executed.

[0082] If the terminating end of the time constraint module is connected to the first side of the constrained terminating device node, the timing operation ends when the preceding operation of the terminating device node is completed. If the terminating end of the time constraint module is connected to the second side of the constrained terminating device node, the timing operation ends when the following operation of the terminating device node is completed. In the automated process, the first side of the terminating device node is located earlier than the second side of the terminating device node.

[0083] Figure 6a FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a time constraint module according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the termination end is connected to the first side of the constrained termination device node. Figure 6a As shown, the terminal end of the time constraint module is connected to the first side of the device node where the PCR instrument is located, that is, the left end point. Figure 6a In the illustrated embodiment, the device node where the PCR instrument is located may be provided with a pre-operation of opening the door. In this case, the timing operation may be terminated when the door opening operation is completed.

[0084] Figure 6b FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a time constraint module according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the termination end is connected to the second side of the constrained termination device node. Figure 6b As shown, the terminal end of the time constraint module is connected to the second side of the device node where the PCR instrument is located, that is, the left end point. Figure 6bIn the illustrated embodiment, the device node at the PCR instrument location may be provided with a post-operation of closing the door. In this case, the timing operation may be terminated after the door closing operation is completed.

[0085] In the above technical solution, when a device node constrained by a time constraint module has a preceding or following operation, the timing operation can be started or ended based on the connection position of the starting and ending terminals of the time constraint module. This ensures the accuracy of the time measured by the timing operation, and the measured time can be compared with the relevant parameters in the time constraint conditions to accurately constrain the execution time of the corresponding operation of the node constrained by the time constraint module. This ensures the accurate execution of the automated process.

[0086] Exemplarily, the management method also includes: in response to a user's first operation setting instruction for a device in an automated process, determining the device's own operation execution time information, the operation execution time information being used to determine the first maximum duration for the device to execute the corresponding self-operation; if the device executes the corresponding self-operation for more than the first maximum duration, controlling the device to terminate the execution of the corresponding self-operation.

[0087] For example, during the configuration of an automated process, corresponding operation execution time information can be configured for a device. Based on this operation execution time information, the operating status of the corresponding device can be monitored. Specifically, the current user interface may include a device edit list. The device edit list contains a large number of devices and device pools used to execute automated processes. The following description uses a pipetting workstation as an example. The user can click the identifier of the pipetting workstation in the device edit list to issue a first operation setting instruction for the pipetting workstation. In response to the user's click on the pipetting workstation identifier, a pipetting workstation parameter configuration interface may pop up. The pipetting workstation parameter configuration interface may include a first execution time control for setting the execution time of the pipetting operation performed by the pipetting workstation. Optionally, the first execution time control may be a text box, a filter box, or a counter. For example, the user can use the mouse or keyboard to enter a corresponding time parameter in the first execution time control based on the actual device conditions or personal needs. This time parameter is the first maximum duration for the pipetting workstation to perform a pipetting operation, for example, 5 minutes. If the execution time of the pipetting operation exceeds 5 minutes, the pipetting workstation can be controlled to stop the pipetting operation.

[0088] In the above technical solution, determining the device's own operation execution time information enables timely monitoring of the device's operational status. This allows for timely termination of potentially erroneous device operations, ensuring the accuracy of the automated process's execution results. This also effectively reduces the likelihood of device failures due to erroneous operations, ensuring device safety and protecting user interests.

[0089] Exemplarily, the management method further includes: in response to a user setting a pre-operation and / or post-operation instruction for a device in the automated process, determining a pre-operation and / or post-operation to be executed before or after the device executes its own operation, wherein the pre-operation and / or post-operation is executed by the corresponding execution device. The pre-operation and post-operation of the device have been described in detail above and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0090] In this embodiment, the management method may also include: determining the execution time information of the previous operation and / or subsequent operation of the execution device in response to the user's second operation setting instruction for the execution device; the execution time information of the previous operation and / or subsequent operation is used to determine the second maximum time for the execution device to execute the corresponding previous operation and / or subsequent operation; for the case where the execution device executes the corresponding previous operation and / or subsequent operation for more than the second maximum time, controlling the execution device to terminate the execution of the corresponding previous operation and / or subsequent operation.

[0091] As previously mentioned, the current user interface may include a device edit list. Users can select the device they wish to configure from the list as needed. The following description will continue using the example of a pipetting machine as the device to be configured. In response to a user's instruction to set a first operation for the pipetting machine, a pipetting machine parameter configuration interface may pop up. The pipetting machine parameter configuration interface may include a forward / backward operation setting control. Users can click the forward / backward operation setting control to set the forward / backward operation for the pipetting machine using a mouse. For example, the forward / backward operation control may be a menu. The menu includes the forward / backward operations supported by the pipetting machine. Users can click the forward / backward operation they wish to add to the menu to add it to the forward / backward operation list. In the forward / backward operation list, each forward and backward operation has a corresponding second execution time control. Users can click the second execution time control to set the execution time for the corresponding forward or backward operation. Alternatively, the second execution time control may be a text box, a filter box, a counter, or the like. For example, the following description will continue using the example of a pipetting machine as the device. The pipetting workstation is equipped with a front operation: robotic arm transfer and a back operation: robotic arm transfer. As previously mentioned, the device performing the front and / or back operations can be the same device as the device corresponding to the device node, or they can be different devices. In this embodiment, the device corresponding to the device node (the pipetting workstation) and the device performing the front and / or back operations (the robotic arm) are not the same device. The user can enter the corresponding time parameter in the second execution time control using the mouse or keyboard based on the actual situation of the device performing the front and / or back operations (the robotic arm) or their own needs. This time parameter is the second maximum duration for the robotic arm to perform the transfer operation, for example, 2 minutes. It will be understood that for the front and back operations of the pipetting workstation, the execution time of the front and back operations is timed separately during the actual execution process. In other words, the second maximum duration can only constrain one operation, that is, in this embodiment, only constrain one robotic arm transport operation. If the execution time exceeds 2 minutes during the execution of the transfer operation, the robotic arm can be controlled to stop performing the transfer operation.

[0092] In the above technical solution, the execution time of the pre-operation and / or post-operation of the execution device can be time-constrained, thereby being able to supervise the operation of the execution device and ensure its effective operation.

[0093] According to another aspect of the present invention, a device for managing an automated process is provided. Figure 7 FIG. 7 shows a schematic block diagram of an automated process management device 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, the management device 700 includes an adding module 710 , a constraint object determining module 720 , and a constraint condition determining module 730 .

[0094] An adding module 710 is configured to add a time constraint module to the automation process in response to a time constraint setting operation by a user;

[0095] A constraint object determination module 720 is configured to determine a node constrained by the time constraint module in the automation process in response to a first configuration operation of the time constraint module by the user;

[0096] The constraint condition determination module 730 is used to determine the time constraint condition of the time constraint module for the constrained node in response to the user's second configuration operation on the time constraint module, so as to determine whether the corresponding operation of the constrained node meets the time constraint condition during the execution of the automation process.

[0097] Illustratively, the management device 700 may further include a timing module. The timing module is configured to, during the execution of the automated process, perform timing operations on corresponding operations of the constrained nodes. Furthermore, when there are multiple constrained nodes, the timing module is configured to calculate the execution time of operations existing at the multiple constrained nodes and the execution time of the transport operations corresponding to the lines connecting each two adjacent nodes in the multiple nodes.

[0098] Exemplarily, the management device 700 may further include an insertion time determination module. The insertion time determination module is configured to, in response to a user's operation of inserting a new constraint object within the constraint range of the time constraint module, determine an estimated execution time of the corresponding operation of the new constraint object; determine an allowable insertion time based on the time constraint condition and the existing execution time of operations at existing nodes within the constraint range; prohibit the insertion operation of the new constraint object if the estimated execution time exceeds the allowable insertion time; and permit the insertion operation of the new constraint object if the estimated execution time does not exceed the allowable insertion time.

[0099] Exemplarily, the management device 700 may further include a timing operation determination module configured to determine the start and / or end of a timing operation based on a connection relationship between the time constraint module and the device node.

[0100] Exemplarily, the management device 700 may further include a pre-operation and / or post-operation determination module. The pre-operation and / or post-operation determination module is configured to, in response to a user's pre-operation and / or post-operation setting instruction for the device corresponding to the device node, determine the pre-operation and / or post-operation to be performed before or after the device performs its own operation, wherein the pre-operation and / or post-operation is performed by the corresponding execution device.

[0101] The timing operation determination module can be specifically configured to execute the timing operation starting from the preceding operation of the starting device node when the starting end of the time constraint module is connected to the first side of the constrained starting device node, or to execute the timing operation starting from the following operation of the starting device node when the starting end of the time constraint module is connected to the second side of the constrained starting device node, wherein, in the automated process, the first side of the starting device node is positioned earlier than the second side of the starting device node. Furthermore, the timing operation can be terminated when the preceding operation of the terminating device node is completed when the terminating end of the time constraint module is connected to the first side of the constrained terminating device node, or when the terminating end of the time constraint module is connected to the second side of the constrained terminating device node, when the following operation of the terminating device node is completed, wherein, in the automated process, the first side of the terminating device node is positioned earlier than the second side of the terminating device node.

[0102] Exemplarily, the management device 700 may further include a device control module. The device control module is configured to determine the device's own operation execution time information in response to a user's first operation setting instruction for a device in an automated process. The operation execution time information is used to determine a first maximum duration for the device to execute the corresponding operation. If the device executes the corresponding operation for longer than the first maximum duration, the device is controlled to terminate execution of the corresponding operation.

[0103] Exemplarily, the management device 700 may further include a device pre-operation and / or post-operation control module. The device pre-operation and / or post-operation control module is configured to respond to a user's pre-operation and / or post-operation setting instruction for a device in an automated process, determine the pre-operation and / or post-operation to be performed before or after the device performs its own operation, wherein the pre-operation and / or post-operation is performed by a corresponding execution device; respond to a user's second operation setting instruction for the execution device, determine the execution time information of the pre-operation and / or post-operation of the execution device; the pre-operation and / or post-operation execution time information is used to determine the second maximum duration for the execution device to execute the corresponding pre-operation and / or post-operation; and if the execution device executes the corresponding pre-operation and / or post-operation for longer than the second maximum duration, control the execution device to terminate the execution of the corresponding pre-operation and / or post-operation.

[0104] Exemplarily, the management device 700 may further include a display module. The display module is used to display a user interface, and the user interface is used to display the automation process and the time constraint control.

[0105] The adding module 710 is specifically configured to add a time constraint module to the automation process in response to a user's operation on the time constraint control.

[0106] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided. Figure 8FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, the electronic device 800 includes a processor 810 and a memory 820. The memory 820 stores computer program instructions, which are used by the processor 810 to execute the above-mentioned management method for the automated process when the computer program instructions are executed.

[0107] According to another aspect of the present invention, a storage medium is also provided. Program instructions are stored on the storage medium, and the program instructions are used to execute the above-mentioned management method of the automated process when running. The storage medium may include, for example, a storage component of a tablet computer, a hard disk of a personal computer, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a USB memory, or any combination of the above storage media. The computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more computer-readable storage media.

[0108] A person skilled in the art can understand the specific implementation scheme and beneficial effects of the above-mentioned management device, electronic device and storage medium for the automation process by reading the above-mentioned description of the management method for the automation process. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described here.

[0109] Although example embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the above example embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various changes and modifications may be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as claimed in the appended claims.

[0110] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present invention.

[0111] In the several embodiments provided by the present invention, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units described is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not implemented.

[0112] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are described. However, it is understood that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description.

[0113] Similarly, it should be understood that in order to streamline the present invention and aid in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects, in the description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the various features of the present invention are sometimes grouped together into a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof. However, this approach to the present invention should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed invention requires more features than those explicitly recited in each claim. More precisely, as reflected in the corresponding claims, the inventive point is that the corresponding technical problem can be solved with fewer features than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim itself serving as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, except where mutually exclusive, all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and all processes or units of any method or apparatus disclosed herein may be combined in any combination. Unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature providing the same, equivalent, or similar purpose.

[0115] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not other features, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the present invention and to form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

[0116] The various component embodiments of the present application can be implemented in hardware, or as software modules running in one or more processors, or combinations thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that some or all of the functionality of some of the modules in the management apparatus of the automated process according to embodiments of the present application can be implemented in practice using a microprocessor or a digital signal processor (DSP). The present application can also be implemented as a program (for example, computer program and computer program product) for executing part or all of the methods described herein. Such a program implementing the present application can be stored on a computer readable medium, or can be in the form of one or more signals. Such a signal can be downloaded from an Internet website, or provided on a carrier signal, or in any other form.

[0117] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the application, and that one skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. The word 'a' or 'an' preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The application can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a unitary claim, several of the devices, apparatuses or means, if more than one is recited, can be implemented by one and the same item of hardware. The use herein of the term implying a certain order should not be construed as implying any order. Such terms can be interpreted as nouns.

[0118] The above descriptions are only specific embodiments or specific implementations of the present application, and the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any skilled person in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed by the present application, and all of them should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. The protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for managing an automated process, characterized in that: include: In response to a time constraint setting operation by a user, adding a time constraint module to the automated process; In response to a first configuration operation of the time constraint module by a user, determining a node in the automation process that is constrained by the time constraint module; In response to a second configuration operation of the time constraint module by the user, the time constraint condition of the time constraint module for the constrained node is determined, so as to determine whether the corresponding operation of the constrained node meets the time constraint condition during the execution of the automation process.

2. The management method according to claim 1, wherein: The management method further comprises: During the execution of the automation process, a timing operation is performed on the corresponding operations of the constrained nodes; In the case where the constrained nodes are multiple nodes, the execution time of the operations existing at the multiple constrained nodes and the execution time of the transport operation corresponding to the connection between every two adjacent nodes in the multiple nodes are counted.

3. The management method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The management method further comprises: In response to a user's operation of inserting a new constraint object within the constraint range of the time constraint module, determining an estimated execution time of an operation corresponding to the new constraint object; Determining an allowable insertion time based on the time constraint and existing execution times of operations existing at existing nodes within the constraint range; If the estimated execution time exceeds the allowed insertion time, the insertion operation of the new constraint object is prohibited; if the estimated execution time does not exceed the allowed insertion time, the insertion operation of the new constraint object is allowed.

4. The management method according to claim 2, wherein: An identifier is set on the consumables of the automation process, and the timing operation of the corresponding operation of the constrained node includes: The identifier of the consumable is used to count the execution time of the corresponding operation of the constrained node for each consumable.

5. The management method according to claim 2, wherein: The constrained nodes include device nodes, The performing a timing operation on the corresponding operation of the constrained node includes: Based on the connection relationship between the time constraint module and the device node, determining to start a timing operation and / or to end a timing operation.

6. The management method according to claim 5, wherein: The management method further comprises: In response to a user setting instruction for a pre-operation and / or post-operation of a device corresponding to the device node, determining a pre-operation and / or post-operation to be performed before or after the device performs its own operation, wherein the pre-operation and / or post-operation is performed by the corresponding execution device; The determining of starting a timing operation and / or ending a timing operation based on a connection relationship between the time constraint module and the device node includes: When the starting end of the time constraint module is connected to a first side of a constrained starting device node, the timing operation is performed starting from a preceding operation of the starting device node; or when the starting end of the time constraint module is connected to a second side of the constrained starting device node, the timing operation is performed starting from a following operation of the starting device node, wherein the first side of the starting device node is located earlier than the second side of the starting device node in the automated process; and For the case where the termination end of the time constraint module is connected to the first side of the constrained termination device node, the timing operation is terminated after the previous operation of the termination device node is executed; or for the case where the termination end of the time constraint module is connected to the second side of the constrained termination device node, the timing operation is terminated after the subsequent operation of the termination device node is executed, wherein, in the automated process, the first side of the termination device node is positioned ahead of the second side of the termination device node.

7. The management method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The constrained node includes only one device node, and the time constraint condition includes at least one of duration information, expiration time information, and maximum waiting time information, wherein, The duration information is used to control the duration of executing the operation existing at the device node; The expiration time information is used to determine a maximum safe duration of a consumable for executing an operation existing at the device node, so as to mark the consumable when the maximum safe duration of the consumable is exceeded; The maximum waiting time information is used to determine a maximum effective duration of a consumable for executing an operation existing at the device node, so as to discard the consumable when the maximum effective duration of the consumable is exceeded.

8. The management method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The constrained nodes include multiple device nodes, The time constraint condition includes expiration time information and / or maximum duration information, wherein: The expiration time information is used to determine a maximum safe duration of consumables for performing operations existing at the multiple device nodes and performing a transport operation between adjacent device nodes among the multiple device nodes, so as to mark the consumables when the maximum safe duration of the consumables is exceeded; The maximum duration information is used to determine the maximum effective duration of the consumables so as to discard the consumables when the maximum effective duration of the consumables is exceeded, wherein the maximum effective duration of the consumables is the sum of the time for executing the operations existing at the multiple device nodes and the time for executing the transport operations between adjacent device nodes among the multiple device nodes.

9. The management method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The management method further comprises: In response to a first operation setting instruction of a user on a device in the automated process, determining operation execution time information of the device itself, wherein the operation execution time information is used to determine a first maximum duration for the device to execute the corresponding operation itself; If the time period for the device to execute the corresponding operation exceeds the first maximum time period, the device is controlled to terminate the execution of the corresponding operation.

10. The management method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The management method further comprises: In response to a user setting instruction for a pre-operation and / or post-operation of a device in the automated process, determining the pre-operation and / or post-operation to be performed before or after the device performs its own operation, wherein the pre-operation and / or post-operation is performed by the corresponding execution device; In response to a user's second operation setting instruction for the execution device, determining execution time information of a preceding operation and / or a following operation of the execution device, wherein the preceding operation and / or following operation execution time information is used to determine a second maximum duration for the execution device to perform the corresponding preceding operation and / or following operation; In a case where the execution time of the corresponding preceding operation and / or following operation by the execution device exceeds the second maximum time length, the execution device is controlled to terminate the execution of the corresponding preceding operation and / or following operation.

11. The management method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The management method further comprises: displaying a user interface, wherein the user interface is used to display the automation process and the time constraint control; In response to the user's time constraint setting operation, adding a time constraint module to the automated process includes: In response to a user's operation on the time constraint control, a time constraint module is added to the automated process.

12. A management device for an automated process, characterized in that: include: An adding module, configured to add a time constraint module to the automated process in response to a time constraint setting operation by a user; a constraint object determination module, configured to determine, in response to a first configuration operation of the time constraint module by a user, a node in the automation process constrained by the time constraint module; A constraint determination module is used to determine the time constraint of the time constraint module for the constrained node in response to the user's second configuration operation on the time constraint module, so as to determine whether the corresponding operation of the constrained node meets the time constraint during the execution of the automation process.

13. An electronic device comprising a processor and a memory, wherein: The memory stores computer program instructions, which are used by the processor to execute the method for managing an automated process according to any one of claims 1 to 11 when the processor is running the computer program instructions.

14. A storage medium having program instructions stored thereon, wherein the program instructions are used to execute the method for managing an automated process according to any one of claims 1 to 11 when run.

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