Laboratory equipment management and automatic test system

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of laboratory equipment management, and provides a laboratory equipment management and automatic test system, which comprises core boards and interface boards, the plurality of core boards are connected to the work station through a local area network, and the interface boards are connected to the corresponding core boards through slots; the interface board is provided with a plurality of interfaces, and the plurality of interfaces are adaptive to different testing devices. And a client module is configured on the workstation, so that a user can configure an automatic test scheme in the client module. The laboratory equipment management system has the advantages that hardware equipment, various communication interfaces and a software platform are integrated, laboratory equipment management is more efficient, automation of the testing process can be achieved, and the system can adapt to various laboratory equipment and achieve unified management and efficient communication through customized interface board and various communication protocol support.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of laboratory equipment management, and particularly to a laboratory equipment management and automated testing system. Background Art

[0002] Modern laboratories have a wide variety and large quantity of equipment, and the interfaces and communication methods of these equipment are different, constituting a highly complex and diverse management problem. The traditional manual management method is not only inefficient but also error-prone, difficult to meet complex experimental requirements, and unable to provide real-time monitoring and data tracking. With the development of experimental technology, the demand for automation in the experimental process is increasing day by day, and manual operation can no longer meet the requirements of high efficiency, precision, and repeatability. Therefore, it is very urgent and necessary to develop an efficient, integrated, and automated laboratory equipment management and testing system to cope with the changing and growing experimental requirements and improve the work efficiency and management level of the laboratory. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a comprehensive laboratory equipment management and automated testing system integrating hardware devices, multiple communication interfaces, and software platforms, making laboratory equipment management more efficient and enabling the automation of the testing process, and solving the problems of low efficiency and high error rate of the traditional management method.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A laboratory equipment management and automated testing system includes:

[0006] A core board and interface boards arranged in corresponding numbers to the core board; multiple core boards are connected to a workstation through a local area network, and the interface boards are connected to the corresponding core boards through slots;

[0007] A variety of interfaces are configured on the interface boards, and the various interfaces are adapted to different test devices;

[0008] A client module is configured on the workstation to enable a user to configure an automated testing scheme in the client module;

[0009] A test method is configured in the system, which includes the steps of:

[0010] Plug the required test device into the interface board to form communication between the test device and the core board;

[0011] Generate a test task based on the automated testing scheme configured by the user in the client module and send it to the core board;

[0012] The core board sends test instructions to the test equipment according to the test task for testing, and at the same time collects test data and sends it back to the workstation for data processing, thereby forming the test results at the workstation.

[0013] Furthermore, the interface includes a power interface and a plurality of communication interfaces adapted to different communication protocols, so as to form a single communication network within the system.

[0014] Furthermore, the core board is provided with an expansion port, and the expansion port is used to connect multiple interface boards to the same core board.

[0015] Furthermore, the system includes a server, which is used to save the test data collected by the core board and the test results generated by the workstation in real time.

[0016] Furthermore, the server is configured to send a polling instruction to each core board to obtain the working status of the core board and the test equipment connected to the interface board.

[0017] Furthermore, the client module is configured to obtain the working status of the test device connected to the interface board to form online device information that can be selected by the user; the user configures an automated test solution in the client module based on the online device information.

[0018] Furthermore, a server module is configured on the server, and an automation instruction set is imported into the server module. The automation instruction set includes a driving instruction set of different devices and a general instruction set. The testing method includes the steps of:

[0019] The core board retrieves the corresponding device driver instruction set and general instruction set from the server module according to the test task, and controls the test equipment according to the device driver instruction set to collect test data.

[0020] Furthermore, the server module is configured to identify and record identification information of any test device to match the drive instruction set of the device when any test device is initially connected to the interface board.

[0021] Furthermore, an alarm module is configured on the interface board. After the test device is connected to the interface board, the alarm module monitors the device status in real time and issues an alarm when the test device is abnormal.

[0022] Furthermore, the system is integrated with an environmental control device, and the environmental control device is configured to adjust environmental parameters of the area where the test device is located when the test device is working.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0024] (1) Efficient management: The integrated equipment management system improves the utilization and management efficiency of laboratory equipment;

[0025] (2) Automated testing: Preset an automated testing process to reduce manual operations and improve the accuracy and consistency of testing;

[0026] (3) Real-time monitoring: Provide real-time device monitoring and data recording to facilitate managers to grasp the device status at any time;

[0027] (4) Multi-platform support: The client module supports multiple operating systems and devices, providing a convenient operation platform to enhance the user experience;

[0028] (5) Data security: Improve data storage and management functions to ensure the integrity and security of experimental data;

[0029] (6) Strong scalability: Through customized interface boards and support for multiple communication protocols, the system can adapt to various laboratory devices to achieve unified management and efficient communication. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic framework diagram of the device management and automated testing system provided in this embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the core board and the interface board provided in this embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic architecture diagram of the software platform in the system provided in this embodiment;

[0034] Figure 4 is a step flow chart of the testing method based on the system provided in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0035] It should be noted that the technical solutions between the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the premise that those of ordinary skill in the art can implement it. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the protection scope required by the present invention.

[0036] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, and the technical solutions of the present invention will be further described in conjunction with the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0037] AsFigure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in Figure 2 , this embodiment provides a laboratory equipment management and automated testing system, including a core board, an interface board, a server, a workstation, and a test equipment group composed of different test devices. Multiple core boards form communication connections with the workstation and the server through a local area network, while the interface board is connected to the corresponding core board through a slot, and a variety of interfaces are configured on the interface board, and the various interfaces are adapted to different test devices in the test equipment group.

[0038] The test equipment group includes commonly used laboratory test devices such as a power supply, a power meter, an electronic load, and a data collector. These devices have different interfaces, mainly including interfaces such as RJ45, RS232, RS485, USB, and GPIB. Therefore, an interface board is required to be uniformly connected to the core board for communication.

[0039] Thus, different types of test devices with different interfaces are merged into a communication network through the core board and the interface board, so as to realize unified automated testing using different test devices.

[0040] Among them, the core board is centered on an industrial-grade core board, and the bottom board is customized and developed, and interfaces of RJ45 and 100Pin slots are added to the bottom board. The core board runs the Linux system, which is used to process the instructions issued by the upper computer through the local area network during the test, and control the test devices and collect the data of the test devices, etc.

[0041] A variety of hardware components are built into the core board to ensure the stable operation and smooth communication of the system, including:

[0042] A network interface component, which is used to provide wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Bluetooth, WIFI) network connections, adapt to different network environments, and improve the flexibility and stability of system communication.

[0043] A power supply component, on the one hand, provides stable power support for the components on the core board to ensure long-term stable operation; on the other hand, it can provide power supply for the interface board and provide 12 / 5V power output to the test equipment group to realize the operation of the test equipment group.

[0044] An interface board expansion port, which can meet the connection of multiple interface boards to the same core board, so as to realize the customization expansion and upgrade of hardware functions, adapt to various different test devices, and uniformly manage the tests.

[0045] A variety of communication and power interfaces are provided on the interface board, and the interface types include but are not limited to the following, ensuring the diversified integration ability of the system:

[0046] RS232 / RS485 / RJ45 (Ethernet): Support traditional and modern wired communication interfaces to ensure the stability and reliability of device data transmission;

[0047] IO ports: Used to connect external input and output devices to achieve signal interaction between multiple devices;

[0048] 12V / 5V power output: Provide necessary power support for external devices;

[0049] GPIB: Suitable for connecting and controlling experimental equipment with high-precision communication requirements;

[0050] USB: Provide a wide range of device connection options and support the access of various USB devices.

[0051] An alarm component is configured on the interface board, which includes a buzzer and an indicator light. Both are used for alarm functions in the form of sound prompts or displaying device status to timely notify users of the device status or abnormal situations and provide intuitive device status indications.

[0052] At the same time, the system also uses UDP (User Datagram Protocol) as the communication protocol between devices in the system, which has the advantages of fast speed and low latency and is suitable for laboratory environments with high real-time requirements. In addition, UDP also supports functions such as broadcast query of online devices, which is convenient for quickly discovering and identifying devices.

[0053] The workstation in the system can be represented as a software platform suitable for different terminal devices. As a medium for interaction between the system and users, it is used to receive device management formulated by users and generate test plans. The server in the system is used to save the test data collected by the core board and the test results formed by the workstation in real time. At the same time, the server can also send polling instructions to each core board to obtain the working status of the core board and the test equipment connected to the interface board.

[0054] Based on the above-mentioned hardware components, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the software architecture, a client module is configured on the workstation to enable users to configure automated test plans in the client module.

[0055] The client software supports multiple device operation ends to provide users with a diverse operation platform. It includes:

[0056] User interface: Provide a user operation interface for configuring automated test plans.

[0057] Device control: Read device drivers from the server module and send instructions to the lower computer software to control the device;

[0058] Automated testing: According to the automated process configuration, cooperate with the lower computer software to perform automated testing;

[0059] Data preservation: Save test process data and upload result data to the server.

[0060] Specifically, the client module can obtain the working status of the test device connected to the interface board to form online device information that can be selected by the user, and then the user can configure and form an automated test plan in the client module based on the online device information.

[0061] The server is configured with a server-side module, which is responsible for the implementation and management of the core functions of the system, including:

[0062] View online devices: View the status of current online devices in real time through UDP broadcast query and other methods;

[0063] Equipment control: By sending device driver instructions to the lower computer software, remote control laboratory equipment for operation and testing;

[0064] Read device information: Automatically identify and record key information of laboratory equipment, such as serial number, when the equipment is initially connected, to facilitate subsequent management and identification;

[0065] Equipment locking: lock the equipment that is in use or needs maintenance to prevent misoperation;

[0066] Data preservation: Save and manage test data in real time to ensure data integrity and security.

[0067] In addition, the server module can import the automation instruction set into the server for storage. The automation instruction set includes driver instruction sets for different devices and general instruction sets. The device driver instruction set is used for instructions to communicate with the device. The communication protocols of different models of devices are different, resulting in the need to develop a driver instruction set separately for each model to tell the lower computer software what instructions to send to communicate with the device.

[0068] The automation instruction set is composed of multiple device driver instruction sets and general instruction sets (such as timing, judgment, loop, etc.) combined into a series of automation processes, so that the device can be controlled to perform periodic operations or data collection, etc.

[0069] The server module is used to store instruction set files and test results, and at the same time, opens interfaces to the client module and the Web / management module to read and write data.

[0070] The Web / management module is used to manage instruction set files, test data statistical analysis, device positioning, device status query, large-screen display, etc.

[0071] A lower computer module is configured on the core board, which can receive instructions sent by the server and the client, parse and execute operations, and communicate with the test equipment, so as to perform automated tests according to the automated test plan configuration, thereby improving the experimental efficiency.

[0072] In the above laboratory equipment management and automated test system, it realizes the precise positioning and tracking of various test equipment in the laboratory through the system, ensuring the high efficiency and accuracy of test equipment management; it can count the usage frequency and time of test equipment, facilitating the scheduling and maintenance of test equipment; it supports users to reserve the usage time of test equipment, and the system automatically generates a schedule according to the reservation to optimize the use of test equipment resources; and it can monitor the status of test equipment in real time, set maintenance reminders, and give an alarm in time when the test equipment is abnormal to notify the maintenance personnel.

[0073] On this basis, users can design and configure automated test processes in the system, and the system will automatically execute and record test data, and analyze the test data in real time and automatically generate test reports to assist users in evaluating experimental results.

[0074] In addition, the system can integrate environmental control equipment, such as temperature and humidity controllers, etc., to automatically adjust the experimental environment parameters, thereby improving the accuracy of the test.

[0075] Based on the above hardware construction and software program configuration, the system forms an automated test method, as Figure 4 shown, which includes the steps:

[0076] S1. Plug the required test equipment onto the interface board to form communication between the test equipment and the core board;

[0077] S2. Generate a test task based on the automated test plan configured by the user in the client module and send it to the core board;

[0078] S3. The core board sends test instructions to the test equipment according to the test task for testing, and at the same time collects test data and sends it back to the workstation for data processing, so as to form a test result at the workstation.

[0079] Through this system, users can design and configure automated test processes in the client module, and the server module directly executes automated tests according to the configuration, records test data in real time, and performs data analysis and management, thereby completing the test task.

[0080] The efficient, integrated, and automated laboratory equipment management and automated system provided by this embodiment integrates hardware equipment, multiple communication interfaces, and software platforms, making the laboratory equipment management more efficient and enabling the automation of the test process, which is applicable to the management and automated test requirements of various equipment in the laboratory.

[0081] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications or supplements to the described specific embodiments or use similar means for substitution, but will not deviate from the spirit of the present invention or exceed the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A laboratory equipment management and automated testing system, characterized in that: include: A core board and interface boards arranged in a number corresponding to the core boards; a plurality of the core boards are connected to a workstation via a local area network, and the interface boards are connected to corresponding core boards via slots; The interface board is configured with a plurality of interfaces, and the plurality of interfaces are adapted to different test equipment; A client module is configured on the workstation so that a user can configure an automated testing solution in the client module; The system is provided with a testing method, which comprises the steps of: Plug the required test equipment into the interface board to establish communication between the test equipment and the core board; Based on the automated testing scheme configured by the user in the client module, a test task is generated and sent to the core board; The core board sends test instructions to the test equipment according to the test task to perform the test, and collects test data and sends it back to the workstation for data processing, thereby forming a test result at the workstation.

2. A laboratory equipment management and automated testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interface includes a power interface and a plurality of communication interfaces adapted to different communication protocols, so as to form a single communication network within the system.

3. A laboratory equipment management and automated testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The core board is provided with an expansion port, and the expansion port is used to connect a plurality of the interface boards to the same core board.

4. A laboratory equipment management and automated testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system includes a server, and the server is used to save the test data collected by the core board and the test results formed by the workstation in real time.

5. A laboratory equipment management and automated testing system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The server is configured to send a polling instruction to each core board to obtain the working status of the core board and the test equipment connected to the interface board.

6. A laboratory equipment management and automated testing system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The client module is configured to obtain the working status of the test device connected to the interface board to form online device information that can be selected by the user; the user configures the client module to form an automated test solution based on the online device information.

7. A laboratory equipment management and automated testing system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The server is configured with a server module, and an automation instruction set is imported into the server module. The automation instruction set includes a driving instruction set of different devices and a general instruction set. The testing method includes the steps of: The core board retrieves the corresponding device driver instruction set and general instruction set from the server module according to the test task, and controls the test equipment according to the device driver instruction set to collect test data.

8. A laboratory equipment management and automated testing system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The server module is configured to identify and record identification information of any test device to match the driving instruction set of the device when any test device is initially connected to the interface board.

9. A laboratory equipment management and automated testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interface board is provided with an alarm module, which monitors the device status in real time after the test device is connected to the interface board, and issues an alarm when the test device is abnormal.

10. A laboratory equipment management and automated testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system is integrated with an environmental control device, and the environmental control device is configured to adjust environmental parameters of the area where the test device is located when the test device is working.

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