Creating and / or modifying functional units
By providing communication channels in a modular factory, processing user data to identify the existence of functional units and implementation plans, and creating or modifying them based on the identification results, the problem that user needs are difficult to understand by manufacturers is solved, and more efficient factory planning is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411770790.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-15
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-04
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-17
AI Technical Summary
In modular plants, the trend of users managing the factory and selecting modules independently makes it difficult for manufacturers to grasp the needs and problems of users, which may lead to a lack of necessary modules or existing modules that require improvement but are unaware of the manufacturer.
By providing at least one communication channel, the user is allowed to transmit data, process the data to identify the presence of a functional unit or implementation plan, and create or modify the functional unit and implementation plan based on the identification result.
It realizes an effective information flow between users and manufacturers, ensuring that functional units and implementation plans can more accurately meet user needs and improve the efficiency of factory planning.
Smart Images
Figure CN120161749A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for creating and / or modifying functional units of a modular plant for disposing and / or analyzing samples and / or functional units of a modular plant for process and automation technology, and / or a method for creating and / or modifying an implementation plan, which describes the implementation manner of an analysis and / or processing protocol in a modular plant. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a platform for executing the method. Background Art
[0002] In modern technology, there is always a greater trend in the direction of modularization for achieving optimal personalization and convenient replacement of components and modules. In this context, the thinking related to modularization also extends to large and complex analysis or processing plants, and in each case, the analysis or processing plant is broken down into separate functional units. For this purpose, suitable modules must be available.
[0003] Furthermore, there is a trend that users are increasingly interested in managing or processing the plant by themselves and selecting the required modules by themselves. For example, this may be because the protocol implemented in the plant of the functional unit does not need to be disclosed to the plant builder. For this purpose, data needs to be suitably available to the user so that the user can perform plant planning by themselves.
[0004] However, the autonomy of users may result in the module manufacturers not being able to best master the knowledge of the users' needs and problems. Therefore, it may occur that the required modules do not exist or the existing modules need to be improved but the manufacturer is unaware. Similar considerations also exist for the idea that the manufacturer may be able to recommend suitable modules and thus make plant planning easier. Summary of the Invention
[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an effective information flow between users and manufacturers of plant components.
[0006] The present invention solves this object by a method for creating and / or modifying functional units of a modular plant for disposing and / or analyzing samples and / or functional units of a modular plant for process and automation technology, and / or for creating and / or modifying an implementation plan that describes the implementation manner of an analysis and / or processing protocol in a modular plant, wherein the method comprises the following steps: providing at least one communication channel for the user to transmit data, processing the data transmitted through the communication channel, and generating an identification result, the identification result indicating whether a functional unit does not exist and / or whether the attributes of an existing functional unit should be modified and / or whether an implementation plan does not exist and / or whether an existing implementation plan should be modified, and, based on the identification result, manufacturing non-existent functional units and / or modifying the attributes of existing functional units and / or generating non-existent implementation plans and / or modifying existing implementation plans.
[0007] Thus, examples of functional units can generally be modules or components that are applied in a factory for inspecting and / or preparing samples or in a factory for process and automation technology.
[0008] Depending on the embodiment, the method is used to manufacture and / or modify functional units of a modular factory for disposing of and / or analyzing samples (in which case this will include the field of robotics, for example, in order to move samples). Alternatively or additionally, the method is used to manufacture and / or modify functional units of a modular factory for process and automation technology. Alternatively or additionally, the method is used to generate and / or modify an implementation plan that describes the implementation of an analysis and / or processing protocol in a modular factory. Thus, for example, this application exists in the field of laboratories, as part of life sciences or pharmacy. However, this application can be part of monitoring or controlling process variables within a processing factory.
[0009] In the method of the present invention, a communication channel is provided to the user. Through which users can communicate with each other and also with the provided platform.
[0010] Data is transmitted via the communication channel. The data relates to, for example, the attributes of functional units, the arrangement of functional units relative to each other, the protocols executed using functional units or the protocols executed in a factory formed by functional units, or, for example, the problems or challenges faced by the user. The communication channel allows, for example, mail, chat, video or telephone communication. For example, the communication channel can be used after arriving at the home page. Alternatively or additionally, for example, when accepting an invitation to an audio / video conference or a social media platform, the communication channel is launched.
[0011] Thus, data that may contain various information is processed by, for example, a superior unit (for example, part of the platform). The processing produces an identification result. The result particularly relates to identifying whether a functional unit does not exist, whether an existing functional unit should be modified in at least one attribute, or whether an implementation plan does not exist, or whether an existing implementation plan needs to be modified. In this case, the implementation plan describes how to implement a protocol to analyze and / or process samples in a factory. Thus, it actually relates to a construction plan of a factory in which a protocol is executed. In this case, the implementation plan can be of different granularities, such that in one variant it only contains a list of the functional units applied, while in another variant it also includes the arrangement of the functional units relative to each other.
[0012] Examples of functional units or functions implemented by these units include: pipette tips; readers; magnetic stations; storage systems; washers; pump modules; heaters; coolers; shakers; thermal cyclers; dispensers; waste management; consumable generation units; samplers; sample collectors; autosamplers; robots; carriers; compressors; sealer machines; peeling machines; punching machines; scales; incubators; centrifuges; vacuum stations; labeling machines; 3D printers; microscopes; purification; lighting systems; radiation probes; cleaning systems (cleaning lines); charging stations for carriers (e.g., via inductive charging); "power stations" that utilize multiple current circuits to ensure an uninterrupted power supply opportunity in a given situation, where, in a given situation, distribution to different functional units occurs: an uninterruptible power supply (IPS) module as a fail-safe for the operation of the factory over a predetermined period; a communication module (e.g., for communication via WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.); implementing secure, and in a given situation redundant, communication between individual functional units; a secure communication unit for communication with external units (as part of communication with the manufacturer in certain cases) - wiretapping or hacking in certain cases; a monitoring module (with or without touch functionality; with or without input opportunities); a monitoring module with a detachable display unit and / or charging unit (such as a rechargeable battery, for example); a control module for directly selecting and / or starting work processes in the factory; a module for protecting and / or operating the exhaust system.
[0013] Embodiments provide for providing multiple communication channels. In this case, depending on the embodiment, the communication channels can be used for communication between users and / or between the platform and users, or, in a given situation, for communication between multiple users.
[0014] Embodiments include providing communication channels such that users can upload data to the platform so that the data is available to other users. Thus, in this embodiment, users upload their own or self-processed data to the platform. Additionally, users make this data available to other users for free. Thus, users make their data and information available to other users.
[0015] In an embodiment, the opportunity to upload and publish data is supplemented by the fact that when data uploaded by a user to the platform is accessed by another user, the uploading user receives payment. Thus, in this embodiment, users are motivated to make their data available for free. In this way, users are also motivated to provide data on topics of general interest, as in this way, users increase the likelihood that other users will access their data.
[0016] In additional, supplementary or alternative embodiments, an incentive is provided for the user to upload their data, i.e., the number of times the data uploaded by the user to the platform is accessed by other users is recorded, and when the number exceeds a predetermined limit value, the user is commended. Thus, when many users find their data interesting and are incentivized to access the data, the users are rewarded.
[0017] The embodiment is characterized in that a communication channel is provided such that the user makes usage data regarding the use of the factory available via the communication channel. In this embodiment, it is considered that the user already has experience in using a factory preferably having at least one functional unit. The usage data is from the use of the factory and / or the functional unit. The usage data includes, for example, the length of the operating time or the conditions in which the factory is located (such as temperature, humidity, in a given case, current supply loss, cleaning process, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, more comprehensive data may also be involved. For example, if the factory is used to process or dispose of substances that require consumables or consumable materials, the usage data relates to, for example, the time period during which the consumables or consumable materials must be replenished. Other usage data relates to, for example, information about the factory itself. Different usage data is provided by the user via the communication channel. In a variant, the user actively transmits the usage data to, for example, the platform. In an alternative or supplementary variant, the user allows access to the usage data such that, for example, the platform can access the usage data or a (published) part of the usage data. For example, the usage data allows determining which functional units or which modified functional units the user can use to operate their factory more effectively.
[0018] Another embodiment provides that the platform provides the user with data regarding existing functional units and / or implementation plans. Thus, in this embodiment, the user can preferably retrieve, via the provided communication channel, data describing existing functional units or existing implementation plans from the platform. Thus, the user can obtain information from which their own data can be generated or modified.
[0019] Alternative or supplementary embodiments provide for supplying the user with at least one suitable implementation plan according to a protocol. In this embodiment, the user transmits, for example, an analysis and / or processing protocol to the platform. In the platform, it is detected whether there already exists an adapted implementation plan that is the same as or at least has sufficient similarity to the protocol, or an adapted implementation plan is generated. Then the plan is provided to the user.
[0020] In another embodiment, in the case where the user has uploaded an implementation plan to the platform, the feasibility of the implementation plan is ascertained for existing functional units and / or modifiable functional units and / or functional units to be newly created. Thus, in the case of this embodiment, the question is whether the implementation plan can be formed using existing functional units or modified functional units or only newly created functional units, and whether the new functional units can actually be implemented. Therefore, a feasibility study is performed. This evaluation can alternatively be carried out at the user side, for example, in a configuration tool during the creation of the implementation plan. The result of ascertaining the feasibility is preferably reported to the user. Alternatively or additionally, the optimization of the implementation plan is completed.
[0021] In an alternative or supplementary embodiment, when the data transmitted by the user via the communication channel contains information about existing functional units, information about the supply source is given to the user. The information about the supply source can be, for example, a link to an internet store.
[0022] Furthermore, the present invention achieves this object by means of a platform that provides at least one communication channel for the user to transmit data and is implemented in such a way as to execute the method according to one of the foregoing or following embodiments. The explanation of the method also applies accordingly to the platform. Conversely, the explanation and embodiments of the platform also apply accordingly to the method. Description of the Drawings
[0023] The present invention will now be explained in more detail based on the drawings, which are shown as follows:
[0024] Figure 1 The environment in which the method is applied is schematically shown,
[0025] Figure 2 The processing of data is schematically shown,
[0026] Figure 3 The factory in the field of analysis is schematically shown, and
[0027] Figure 4 The application in the field of process and automation technology is schematically shown. Detailed Description of the Invention
[0028] Figure 1 It is schematically shown how the platform P provides three communication channels CH1, CH2, CH3. In this case, two channels CH1, CH2 are used for the round-trip communication between the platform P and two users A, B. The third channel CH3 enables communication between the users A, B.
[0029] User A downloads data D from platform P, modifies data D according to his needs, and uploads it as modified data D' to platform P. Another user, User B, accesses the data D' – in the given case, clears User A's personal data or re-formats it, etc. – and downloads the data D' through his channel CH2.
[0030] Two users A, B exchange data D'' through their communication channel CH3, such as data about their use cases or the functional units they use. In this example, each user will be interested in converting protocols 70, 70' into implementation plans IP, IP'. The implementation plans IP, IP' each include, in each case, the functional units (alternative names: components or modules) required to execute the protocols 70, 70', and also, in the given case, the arrangement of the functional units relative to each other.
[0031] In this example, for instance, the communication of the data D'' exchanged between users A, B has led User B to detect that, for his protocol 70', he preferably accesses data D', while data D' was generated by another user A according to his protocol 70 and uploaded to platform P. Thus, the two users A, B discuss, for example, the similarities or differences between their protocols 70, 70'.
[0032] In this case, the protocols, such as the analysis and / or processing protocols 70, 70', generally relate to the process of the analysis and processing events of samples in the corresponding factory.
[0033] Additionally, in this case, the environment of the method also includes the source S of the functional units. Such as, for example, the manufacturer or wholesaler. Access to these sources can occur, for example, via the Internet or via an Internet store.
[0034] Figure 2 Illustrates how to evaluate data D, D', D'' to produce an identification result IR.
[0035] There, it is detected, according to the situation, whether the functional unit 3 is to be modified to provide a modified functional unit 3'. The modification involves, for example, dimensions, accessibility, accuracy, cleaning options, the opportunity to connect with other functional units, etc.
[0036] However, it can also be detected that a new functional unit X should be manufactured. Other findings relate to the implementation plan, such that, for example, a modified implementation plan IP' is generated from the existing implementation plan IP. Or it can be detected that a new implementation plan IPx should be generated for a protocol or a set of protocols. The protocol relates to, for example, blood analysis or genetic analysis.
[0037] Figure 3 Schematically shows factory 1 that disposes of sample 2.
[0038] In this case, the inspection includes, for example, preparation - such as cleaning, elutriation, decomposition into components - and subsequent inspection, for example, in the form of an analysis, for the presence of a certain substance in sample 2. However, preferably, factory 1 is the factory for analyzing sample 2. Depending on the size or function, factory 1 can alternatively also be referred to as a device or equipment.
[0039] The handling of sample 2 occurs according to protocol 70, where, for example, various handling steps are performed on the sample, including, for example, preparation steps or subsequent steps, such as cleaning steps. In this case, the individual steps are associated with functional unit 3, which executes the steps as functions or interacts with other functional units 3 in order to support other functional units 3.
[0040] Thus, if, for example, sample 2 has to be filtered first, functional unit 3 is implemented as a filter. For the temperature control of sample 2, a heating or cooling unit can be present as functional unit 3. Finally, functional unit 3 can also be implemented as an analysis unit, such as a mass spectrometer. In this case, other functional units 3 will be used to prepare sample 2 for analysis.
[0041] Thus, the implemented factory 1 consists of multiple functional units 3. In this case, three special groups of functional units 3 are designated as transport unit 4, base unit 5, and storage unit 6 for sample 2. In this case, transport unit 4 moves sample 2 onto base unit 5 through factory 1 and takes it from one functional unit 3 to another functional unit 3. In this case, functional units 3, 4, 5, 6 are located in structural device 7, for example, in the form of a cabinet.
[0042] Figure 4 Factory 1' in the field of process and automation technology is shown.
[0043] In this case, a functional unit 8 in the form of a sensor using the transit time method monitors the filling level of the filling substance 9 in container 10. The results generated by the operation of sensor 8 are using data UD, which relates to, for example, the active time of sensor 8, measurement values, energy supply, or, for example, measurement conditions (ambient temperature, humidity, etc.).
[0044] List of reference numerals
[0045] 1, 1' Factory
[0046] 2 Sample
[0047] 3 Functional unit
[0048] 4 Functional unit in the form of a transport unit
[0049] 5 Functional unit in the form of a base unit
[0050] 6 Functional unit in the form of a storage unit
[0051] 7 Functional unit in the form of a structural device
[0052] 8 Functional unit in the form of a sensor
[0053] 9 Filling material
[0054] 10 Container
[0055] A, B Users
[0056] S Supply source
[0057] CH1, CH2, CH3 Communication channels
[0058] D, D‘, D‘‘ Data
[0059] UD Usage data
[0060] IP, IP‘, IPx Implementation plans
[0061] P Platform
[0062] 70, 70‘ Protocols
Claims
1. A method for creating and / or modifying functional units (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, X) of a modular plant (1) for handling and / or analyzing samples (2) and / or functional units (8, X) of a modular plant (1') for process and automation technology, and / or for creating and / or modifying implementation plans (IP, IP', IPx) describing the implementation of analysis and / or processing protocols (70, 70') in a modular plant (1, 1'), in, The method comprises the following steps: Provide at least one communication channel (CH1, CH2, CH3) for transmitting data (D, D', D'', UD), processing data (D, D', D'', UD) transmitted via the communication channel (CH1, CH2, CH3) and generating an identification result (V), the identification result indicating whether the functional unit (X) does not exist and / or whether the attributes of the existing functional unit (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) should be modified and / or whether the implementation plan (IPx) does not exist and / or whether the existing implementation plan (TP) should be modified, and, Based on the identification result (V), a non-existent functional unit (X) is produced and / or the properties of an existing functional unit (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) are modified and / or a non-existent implementation plan (IPx) is generated and / or an existing implementation plan (IP) is modified.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of communication channels (CH1, CH2, CH3) are provided.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in, The communication channel (CH3) is used for communication between users (A, B).
4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The communication channels (CH1, CH2) are used for communication between the platform (P) and users (A, B).
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, A communication channel (CH1) is provided to enable a user (A) to upload data (D') to the platform (P) so that it is available to other users (B).
6. The method according to claim 5, in, When data (D') uploaded by a user (A) to the platform (P) is accessed by another user (B), the user (A) receives payment.
7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, in, The number of times the data (D') uploaded by the user (A) to the platform (P) is accessed by other users (R) is recorded, and when the number exceeds a predetermined limit, the user (A) is rewarded.
8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The communication channel (CH1) is provided to enable a user (A) to make available usage data (UD) regarding the usage of the plant (1, 1') via the communication channel (CH1).
9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, The platform (P) provides users (A, B) with data (D, D') about existing functional units (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and / or implementation plans (IP, IP').
10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in, According to the agreement (70), at least one suitable implementation plan (IP) is provided to the user (A).
11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in, When the user (A) has uploaded the implementation plan (TP') to the platform (P), the feasibility of the implementation plan (IP') is checked for existing functional units (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and / or modifiable functional units (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and / or functional units to be newly created (X).
12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in, When the data (D, D', D'') transmitted by the user (A, B) via the communication channel (CH1, CH2, CH3) contains information about the existing functional units (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), the user (A, B) is given information about the supply source (S).
13. A platform (P), in, The platform (P) provides at least one communication channel (CH1, CH2, CH3) to users (A, B) for transmitting data (D, D', D'', UD), and the platform (P) is implemented in such a way as to perform the method according to one of claims 1 to 12.