Computer-implemented training system and method for user-interactive training of methods performable in IVD laboratory system

Abstract

To enable a user to easily execute manual steps in an in-vitro diagnosis laboratory system.SOLUTION: A plurality of application modules (7, 8, 9, 10) is further configured to control, in response to receiving first user input, output of first views of the IVD laboratory system through a display device (11) according to first view output control data indicative of a first set of view parameters assigned to a first view output mode; receive a training mode selection user input indicative of a user selection for a method to be trained; switch from the first view output mode to a second view output mode; and control, in response to receiving second user input, output of second views of the IVD laboratory system through the display device (11) according to second view output control data indicative of a second set of view parameters assigned to the second view output mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented training system for user-interactive training of a method executable in an IVD laboratory system. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method for user-interactive training of a method executable in an IVD laboratory system by a computer-implemented training system. [Background technology]

[0002] In vitro diagnostic (IVD) laboratory systems are applied to test / analyze samples, e.g., bodily fluid samples, such as blood or tissue samples taken from the human body, particularly in an essentially automated manner. In vitro diagnostics can detect diseases and other conditions and can be used to monitor a person's overall health to help treat, treat, and prevent disease. IVD laboratory systems can also be applied to precision medicine to identify patients who are likely to benefit from a particular treatment or therapy. In vitro diagnostic tests performed by IVD laboratory systems are typically used in a laboratory or other medical professional setting.

[0003] Such an IVD laboratory system can include multiple IVD devices. The IVD devices can include multiple IVD components or (e.g., devices or instrument) modules. The IVD devices can be, for example, pre-analytical, analytical, and / or post-analytical IVD devices. In an IVD laboratory system, IVD sample containers are typically moved along a processing line for processing. For example, an IVD sample container can be moved or relocated from a first IVD device to a second IVD device provided in a processing line within the IVD laboratory system. The IVD devices can provide IVD work stations or locations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide improved techniques for facilitating users to perform (required) manual steps in an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) laboratory system, particularly efficiently, reliably, and / or quickly.

[0005] To achieve the object, a computer-implemented training system for user-interactive training of a method executable in an IVD laboratory system is provided according to independent claim 1. Furthermore, a method for user-interactive training of a method executable in an IVD laboratory system is provided by a computer-implemented training system according to independent claim 23. Further embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect, a computer-implemented training system for user-interactive training of methods executable in an IVD laboratory system includes one or more data processors, a memory device connected to the one or more data processors, a user interface including an output device having a display device and an input device configured to receive user input, and one or more software applications running on the one or more data processors and having a plurality of application modules, the plurality of application modules configured to control user-interactive training for a plurality of methods executable in the IVD laboratory system, each method being assigned a sequence of method steps, which for at least some methods may be an ordered sequence of steps. The plurality of application modules are further configured to, in response to receiving a first user input, control output of a first view of the IVD laboratory system via the display device in accordance with first view output control data indicating a set of first view parameters assigned to a first view output mode from the plurality of view output modes; receive a training mode selection user input indicating a user selection for a method to be trained from the plurality of methods, switch from the first view output mode to a second view output mode of the plurality of view output modes; and, in response to receiving a second user input, control output of a second view of the IVD laboratory system via the display device in accordance with second view output control data indicating a set of second view parameters assigned to the second view output mode, the second view output mode being assigned to the (selected) method to be trained, and the second set of view parameters being different from the first set of view parameters.

[0007] According to one aspect, a computer-implemented training system is provided for user-interactive training of a method executable in an IVD laboratory system. The computer-implemented training system includes one or more data processors, a memory device connected to the one or more data processors, a user interface including an output device having a display and an input device configured to receive user input, and one or more software applications running on the one or more data processors and having a plurality of application modules. The plurality of application modules include: a visualization module configured to provide a digital visualization of an IVD laboratory system including a plurality of IVD instruments designed to process biological samples; a method module configured to provide method control data for a plurality of methods executable in the IVD laboratory system, each method being assigned an ordered sequence of method steps; a view output mode module configured to provide view output control data for controlling a plurality of view output modes, each assigned a set of view parameters for outputting a view of the IVD laboratory system, the views being generated from the digital visualization of the IVD laboratory system; and a control module configured to control the user-interactive training of the plurality of methods.The plurality of application modules are further configured to, in response to receiving a first user input, control output of a first view of the IVD laboratory system via the display device in accordance with first view output control data indicating a set of first view parameters assigned by the control module to a first view output mode from the plurality of view output modes; receive a training mode selection user input indicating a user selection for a method to be trained from the plurality of methods, switch from the first view output mode to a second view output mode of the plurality of view output modes; and, in response to receiving a second user input, control output of a second view of the IVD laboratory system via the display device in accordance with second view output control data indicating a set of second view parameters assigned by the control module to the second view output mode, wherein the second view output mode is assigned to the (selected) method to be trained, and the second set of view parameters is different from the first set of view parameters.

[0008] According to another aspect, a method is provided for user-interactive training of a method executable in an IVD laboratory system by a computer-implemented training system. The method includes providing a computer-implemented training system for an IVD laboratory system including a plurality of IVD instruments designed to process biological samples. The computer-implemented training system includes one or more data processors, a memory device connected to the one or more data processors, a user interface including an output device having a display device and an input device configured to receive user input, and one or more software applications running on the one or more data processors and having a plurality of application modules. The plurality of application modules comprise: a visualization module configured to provide a digital visualization of an IVD laboratory system, the IVD laboratory system comprising a plurality of IVD instruments designed to process biological samples; a method module configured to provide method control data for a plurality of methods executable in the IVD laboratory system, each of the methods being assigned an ordered sequence of method steps; a view output mode module configured to provide view output control data for controlling a plurality of view output modes, each of which is assigned a set of view parameters for outputting a view of the IVD laboratory system, the views being generated from the digital visualization of the IVD laboratory system; and a control module configured to control user interactive training of the plurality of methods.The method further includes, in response to receiving a first user input, controlling output of a first view of the IVD laboratory system via the display device according to first view output control data indicating a set of first view parameters assigned by the control module to a first view output mode from the plurality of view output modes; receiving a training mode selection user input indicating a user selection of a method to be trained from the plurality of methods; switching from the first view output mode to a second view output mode of the plurality of view output modes; and, in response to receiving a second user input, controlling output of a second view of the IVD laboratory system via the display device according to second view output control data indicating a set of second view parameters assigned by the control module to the second view output mode, wherein the second view output mode is assigned to the (selected) method to be trained and the second set of view parameters is different from the first set of view parameters.

[0009] The plurality of methods executable in the IVD laboratory system from which the method to be trained can be selected may include at least one of a workflow, one or more daily activities, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

[0010] The workflow may represent at least one of a sample flow, a sample container flow, and an IVD equipment flow. The sample flow and sample container flow may represent the processing route / steps of a sample and a sample container processed by an IVD laboratory system, respectively. The sample / sample container flow may represent the path of a sample / sample container through an IVD laboratory system while processing the sample / sample container. The sample / sample container flow may represent movement between devices. In particular, the sample / sample container flow may represent movement between devices that requires user interaction. The equipment flow may represent the order in which an IVD device processes a sample / sample container.

[0011] A routine activity may correspond to one or more interactions between a user and an IVD laboratory system (in particular, an IVD device and / or one or more modules of the device of the IVD laboratory system). A routine activity may be performed, for example, periodically every day, each time one or more samples are moved between various modules / devices (e.g., in a workflow), and / or each time an IVD device needs to be refilled or emptied, for example, with samples, sample tubes, and / or pipettes.

[0012] Maintenance may also correspond to one or more interactions between a user and the IVD laboratory system, e.g., one or more IVD devices or modules of the IVD device. Maintenance may be performed to maintain the quality of the IVD laboratory system (in particular, the quality of the IVD device and / or one or more modules / components of the IVD device) and / or to reduce the probability of failure of the IVD laboratory system, e.g., the probability of failure of the IVD device and / or one or more modules of the IVD device. Maintenance may be performed less frequently than routine activities. Maintenance may require more interaction than routine activities. For example, maintenance may be performed only by special users (users trained in maintenance).

[0013] Troubleshooting may also correspond to one or more interactions between a user and an IVD laboratory system (in particular one or more modules of an IVD device and / or a device of the IVD laboratory system). Troubleshooting may be performed, for example, on an IVD laboratory system, e.g., one or more modules of an IVD device and / or an IVD device, in which an anomaly exists, i.e., its quality is degraded, e.g., below a predetermined threshold, is performing incorrectly, and / or has completely failed. Troubleshooting may include one or more interactions to discover the problem and / or one or more interactions to solve the problem.

[0014] The IVD laboratory system may have multiple IVD sample containers configured to receive one or more samples to be processed in the IVD laboratory system. The IVD sample containers may be tubes. The IVD sample containers may be received in a rack or pack that provides an IVD sample container holder or carrier. The IVD sample container holder or carrier is configured to receive one or more IVD sample containers. The IVD sample container may be configured to receive one or more samples to be processed in the IVD laboratory system. The IVD sample containers may be handled or processed by only a subset of IVD devices or a single IVD device of the IVD laboratory system.

[0015] The biological sample received in the sample container may include, for example, biological material taken from a human or animal body. The biological sample may include a bodily fluid, such as blood, interstitial fluid, urine, saliva, or other types of bodily fluid. For simplicity, the biological sample will typically be referred to herein simply as a "sample."

[0016] A sample can potentially contain at least one analyte of interest, such as a molecule, ion, protein, metabolite, pathogen, etc. Typically, detecting the presence and / or concentration of one or more analytes in a sample is one of the tasks of IVD testing. More generally, IVD testing can refer to determining the biological properties of a sample. IVD testing can include performing at least one analytical test on the sample, which can allow conclusions to be drawn regarding the biological properties of the sample. The analytical test can include, for example, adding a reagent to the sample, a possible detectable reaction between the sample and the reagent, and / or detecting or not detecting this reaction. Detecting the reaction can include, for example, measuring a physical value of the sample (or a complex obtained by using the sample, such as a sample-reagent mixture), such as the spectrum and / or intensity of radiation reflected by and / or transmitted through the sample (or complex obtained by using the sample).

[0017] Processing a sample may include, for example, transporting the sample (typically in an IVD sample container such as an IVD tube; the IVD sample container may be held in an IVD sample container holder such as an IVD tube rack), performing a pre-analytical step on the sample (e.g., a preparatory step such as centrifugation), performing an analytical step on the sample (e.g., adding a reagent to the sample and measuring a reaction between the sample and the reagent), and / or performing a post-analytical step on the sample (e.g., storing the sample in a refrigerator for later use).

[0018] IVD laboratory instrumentation comprises one or more IVD laboratory devices designed to process samples, e.g., to perform one or more steps of an intended workflow on the samples. Sample processing may include one or more physical processing steps (e.g., moving, mixing, heating, etc.). IVD laboratory devices may include instrument hardware for processing samples (e.g., grippers, reagent reservoirs, pipetting devices, heating elements, etc.), as well as instrument software designed to operate the instrument hardware. IVD laboratory devices may comprise a control unit designed to control, and in particular direct, the operation of the instrument hardware, and the instrument software may be designed to be executed using the control unit.

[0019] IVD laboratory devices are typically classified according to the different types of sample processing steps they can perform. Transport IVD laboratory devices are designed, for example, to transport samples (respective IVD sample containers and / or respective sample container holders) from one IVD laboratory device to another. Pre-analytical IVD laboratory devices are designed to perform pre-analytical steps on samples. Analytical IVD laboratory devices are designed to perform analytical steps (such as analytical tests) on samples. Analytical IVD laboratory devices can include digital analytical IVD laboratory devices designed to perform analytical calculation steps (e.g., medical algorithms). Post-analytical IVD laboratory devices are designed to perform post-analytical steps on samples. Some IVD laboratory devices can perform multiple types of sample processing steps, e.g., pre-analytical steps and analytical steps.

[0020] In one example, the IVD laboratory equipment comprises two pre-analytical IVD laboratory devices, five analytical IVD laboratory devices, one post-analytical IVD laboratory device, and one transport IVD laboratory device, and the IVD laboratory equipment is designed such that the one transport IVD lab device connects all the other IVD laboratory devices.

[0021] The IVD laboratory system may comprise a transport system configured to transport IVD sample containers within the IVD laboratory system. The transport system may be configured to transport the IVD sample containers along an IVD sample container flow. The transport can be fully or substantially automated. The transport system may be supported by user interaction. A user may transport the IVD sample container along at least a portion of the IVD sample container flow. This user transport may be a routine activity.

[0022] Based on the user-interactive training controlled or provided by the control module according to user selection, one or more trainees can perform the provided user-interactive training.

[0023] By default, the initial view of the IVD laboratory system can be one view of a plurality of first views and can be output via the display device. The initial view can be output before controlling the output of the first view of the IVD laboratory system. In response to receiving a training mode selection user input, another initial view of the IVD laboratory system can be output via the display device, and the other initial view can be one view of the plurality of second views. Outputting the other initial view can be included in switching from the first view output mode to the second view output mode. The other initial view can be output before controlling the output of the second view of the IVD laboratory system.

[0024] The view may be (e.g., essentially) an overview showing the entire IVD laboratory system. Alternatively, the view may correspond to a neutral position in front of a particular piece of equipment, sometimes referred to as an equipment or system view. Alternatively, the view may be a detailed view corresponding to a portion of a particular piece of IVD equipment. The detailed view may correspond to information and / or interactive step buttons. The detailed view and / or the system view may be included in the second view. The overview may be included in the first view. Optionally, the first view may also include at least one system view. The second view may not include an overview. The first view may not include a detailed view.

[0025] At least one of the first views may include a marker indicating the workflow of the IVD sample container. The marker may be a line, for example a colored line. The line may indicate the path of the IVD sample container through the IVD laboratory system. The line may lead from device to device. The path of the IVD sample container within the device may be ignored. The line may be in the foreground. A highlighted analyzer may indicate the location of the IVD sample container. Because of such highlighting, a visual representation of the IVD sample container may be displayed on the corresponding IVD device. The IVD sample container flow may include subflows. The subflows may be, for example, the flow of an IVD sample container through the system for the purpose of analyzing the IVD sample container (IVD sample container workflow), the flow of an IVD sample container through the system for the purpose of archiving the IVD sample container (e.g., daily) (IVD sample container (e.g., daily) archiving flow), the flow of an IVD sample container through the IVD laboratory system for the purpose of archiving / removing the IVD sample container (IVD sample container archiving flow), and the flow of a portion of an IVD sample container (aliquot) through the IVD laboratory system (aliquot flow). Different subflows may be assigned different colors. Inactive subflows may be shown, for example, as grayed out. IVD sample container flows may include flows within an automated line and flows outside of an automated line. Flows outside of an automated line may be executed by the user. Flows outside of an automated line may be assigned dashed lines.

[0026] The plurality of application modules may be configured to control operation of the computer-implemented training system by one or more of the modules from the plurality of application modules, such operation including applying first and second view output modes. In an embodiment, the control module, alone or in combination with at least one other module from the plurality of application modules, is configured to process view output control data and control output of the first and second views of the IVD laboratory system.

[0027] The method module may be connected to a method storage device, e.g., included in a memory device. The method storage device may store method control data for multiple methods executable in the IVD laboratory system. The method module may be data-connected to one or more of the other modules of the system, e.g., to exchange data. The method storage device may store data indicating visual representations of multiple methods executable in the IVD laboratory system. The method module may be a program on a main processor, which may comprise one of one or more data processors. Alternatively, the method module may be a program on a processor separate from the main processor, which may comprise one of one or more data processors.

[0028] The plurality of methods may include one or more workflows, one or more routine activities, one or more maintenance methods, and / or one or more troubleshooting methods executable in an IVD laboratory system. For example, a workflow may refer to an IVD sample container workflow that indicates workflow steps performed on or by an IVD sample container in an IVD laboratory system while handling the IVD sample container in the IVD laboratory system to process a sample received in the IVD sample container. One or more methods of the plurality of methods may include method steps, e.g., workflow steps, routine activity steps, maintenance steps, and / or troubleshooting steps.

[0029] The sequence of method steps may be provided as an ordered sequence of method steps. In an ordered sequence, the method steps may be ordered according to the sequence in which they are executed or performed. A chronological order may also be provided. For example, a chronologically ordered view may show a view of multiple steps that should be executed in chronological order when executing a method to be trained in an IVD laboratory system, i.e., a real-world IVD laboratory system.

[0030] The view output mode module may define what is output via the visualization module. In particular, the view output mode module may limit the views that can be displayed on the display device via the visualization module. Due to various limitations, the view output mode module may provide various view output modes. The selection of the view output mode may be made in response to user input. The view output mode module may have a data connection with one or more of the other modules of the system, for example, to exchange data. The view output mode module may be a program on a main processor, which may comprise one of one or more data processors. Alternatively, the view output mode module may be a program on a processor separate from the main processor, which may comprise one of one or more data processors.

[0031] The multiple view output modes may correspond to multiple (e.g., various) restrictions that limit the views that can be displayed on the display device via the visualization module. For example, if a first view output mode is provided, only a view showing an overview of the IVD laboratory system may be allowed. If a second view output mode is provided, only a view showing a detailed view of one or more IVD devices may be allowed.

[0032] The set of view parameters may define restrictions on a corresponding view output mode, for example, the set of view parameters may indicate multiple allowed camera viewpoints from which views may be provided from a digital visualization of an IVD laboratory system, which may be a three-dimensional digital visualization of the IVD laboratory system.

[0033] The control module, sometimes referred to as the training (control) module, may provide, at least in part, an interface between a user and other modules of the training system, e.g., via a user interface. User input may be received via the control module. The user interface may include a user input device such as a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, joystick, gamepad, microphone, and / or camera. The control module may be data connected to one or more of the other modules of the system, e.g., to exchange data. The control module may be a program on a main processor, which may comprise one of one or more data processors. Alternatively, the control module may be a program on a processor separate from the main processor, which may be one of one or more data processors.

[0034] The first view may show a three-dimensional representation of the IVD laboratory system. The first view may include (or define) an overview of the IVD laboratory system. The overview may show the entire IVD laboratory system. The overview may be two-dimensional. The overview may show the IVD laboratory system from above. Alternatively, the first view may correspond to a user's perspective view of the IVD laboratory system. Via the first view, it may be suggested to the user that the user is moving in a digital visualization of the IVD laboratory system (a virtual representation of the IVD laboratory system).

[0035] Through the training mode selection user input, the user may select one of a plurality of methods executable on the IVD laboratory system. In particular, the user may select a method from a plurality of methods executable on the IVD laboratory system on which they wish to train.

[0036] Receiving user input may correspond to receiving a signal from a user input device in response to a user interacting with the user input device.

[0037] With the second set of view parameters, the second view output mode may be configured to prevent outputting one or more of the first views of the IVD laboratory system that are capable of being output in the first view output mode in response to a (first) user input with the first set of view parameters.

[0038] However, one or more first views may be allowed. That is, with the second set of view parameters, the second view output mode may be configured to (only) prevent the output of a subset of the first views of the IVD laboratory system that can be output in response to a (first) user input according to the first set of view parameters in the first view output mode. In particular, the second view output mode may be configured to allow the output of first views facing (one or more sections of) one or more IVD devices of the IVD laboratory system associated with the (selected) method to be trained. These second views may also be allowed even if one or more of these second views match one or more of the first views of the IVD laboratory system that can be output in response to a (first) user input according to the first set of view parameters in the first view output mode.

[0039] From one or more first views of the IVD laboratory system that can be output in response to a first user input according to a first set of view parameters in a first view output mode, only (one or more sections of) those facing one or more IVD devices of the IVD laboratory system that are relevant to the (selected) method to be trained may be allowed.

[0040] In this context, a view facing / oriented towards a particular object may be understood as a view whose focus is on that object, where the particular object may be located in the center of the field of view.

[0041] With the second set of view parameters, the second view output mode can be configured to limit the output of the second view to a view showing the IVD equipment of the IVD laboratory system associated with the selected method to be trained from a particular direction, for example, from the front, from the top, from the back, from the inside, and / or from the line of sight of a user standing in front of the equipment (in working position).

[0042] With the first set of view parameters, the first view output mode may be configured to provide a multi-dimensional view of multiple IVD devices from the visualization of the IVD laboratory system in response to receiving a (first) user input.

[0043] The first view may include an initial first view of the multiple first views and a subsequent first view of the multiple first views. Similarly, the second view may include an initial second view and a subsequent or later second view of the multiple second views. The initial first view may have a first focus, and the subsequent first view may have a second focus, where the first and second foci are different. The foci of the second views may or may not be different. The focus of the second view may be on one or more IVD devices (one or more sections of) of the IVD laboratory system associated with the (selected) method to be trained. The initial first view of the multiple first views may start from a first point (in three-dimensional space), and the subsequent first view may start from a second point (in three-dimensional space), where the first and second points are different.

[0044] A first first view of the plurality of first views may face a first direction (in three-dimensional space) and a subsequent first view of the plurality of first views may face a second direction (in three-dimensional space), the first and second directions being different.

[0045] A first first view of the plurality of first views may correspond to a first zoom, and a subsequent first view of the plurality of first views may correspond to a second zoom, where the first and second zooms are different, or the zoom of the plurality of first views may be fixed (remain unchanged).

[0046] In an embodiment, the first view may have six degrees of freedom, namely, three translational degrees of freedom and three rotational degrees of freedom. Additionally, a zoom degree may be rendered. The degrees of freedom of the first view may be limited to six degrees of freedom, namely, three translational degrees of freedom and three rotational degrees of freedom. Alternatively, the degrees of freedom of the first view may be limited to a number of degrees of freedom less than six, for example, five or four degrees of freedom. Only first views showing at least a portion of the IVD laboratory system may be permitted.

[0047] In response to receiving a (first) user input, the first view output mode may be configured to provide a multidimensional view of a plurality of IVD devices in the IVD laboratory (system) simulating walking through the IVD laboratory system. Via the (first) user input, the first view may be output such that the user gets the impression of moving through the virtual model of the IVD laboratory system via the user input.

[0048] The first view parameter set may allow the first view output mode to be configured to limit the output of the first view to a view showing the IVD laboratory system (such as an IVD device or an IVD device component) from a particular direction, for example, from above. In particular, the first view output mode may be configured to limit the output of the first view to a view starting from the same height above the IVD laboratory system (in which case the zoom may be fixed). Furthermore, in three-dimensional space, the viewing direction may be limited to a certain direction.

[0049] For training of the method, a second set of view parameters may be configured to limit the output of views from the plurality of IVD devices to one or more IVD devices, e.g., a multi-dimensional view of a single device, in response to receiving a (second) user input, and the one or more IVD devices are assigned to a series of method steps of the method to be trained.

[0050] The second view output mode can be configured to limit the output of views to multidimensional views of one or more IVD devices, where the one or more IVD devices are assigned to an ordered sequence of method steps of the method to be trained. The second view output mode can be configured to limit the output of views to multidimensional views of one or more sections of the one or more IVD devices assigned to the sequence of method steps of the method to be trained. The second view output mode can be configured to limit the output of views to an ordered sequence of multidimensional views of (one or more sections of) one or more IVD devices assigned to each method step of the sequence of method steps of the method to be trained. For each method step, another restriction on the output of views can be applied. The second view output mode can be configured to limit the output of views to a first multidimensional view of (one or more sections of) one or more IVD devices assigned to a first method step of the sequence of method steps of the method to be trained (first restriction). The second view output mode may be configured to limit the view output to a second multidimensional view of one or more IVD devices (one or more sections of one or more IVD devices) assigned to a second method step of the sequence of method steps of the method to be trained (second limit). The second method step may be different from the first method step. The second limit may be different from the first limit. The allowed multidimensional views corresponding to the second limit may be different from the allowed multidimensional views corresponding to the first limit. The second method step may be downstream of the first method step in the ordered sequence of method steps of the method to be trained. Switching from the first limit to the second limit may be performed in response to a user input. Switching from the second limit to the first limit may not be allowed.

[0051] The second view may include multiple second views that show the user how to use the IVD laboratory system / IVD equipment. A training system for user-interactive training may be provided to train several users, for example, about 15 users. The display device may be one (e.g., a television) screen. Alternatively, the display device may comprise several screens spaced apart from one another. One screen may be assigned to one user. Alternatively, one screen may be assigned to multiple users. A (user's) smartphone may be used as the screen. User input may be performed by a specific user, for example, a trainee. Other users may be trainees. Note that the trainer may also be a trainee.

[0052] The computer-implemented training system may further include assigning a camera position selectable by user input to each view generated from the visualization of the IVD laboratory system.

[0053] The camera position may define the position of the camera in three-dimensional space and, optionally, further the spatial orientation (rotational direction) of the camera in three-dimensional space. The camera position may define the starting point of a corresponding view and the direction of the corresponding view. In particular, the camera position in three-dimensional space may define the starting point of a corresponding view, and the camera's spatial orientation in three-dimensional space may define the direction of the corresponding view. By simply changing the camera position (but not zooming), the degrees of freedom of user-selectable views may be limited to six degrees of freedom.

[0054] Controlling the output of the first / second views via the (first / second) user input may include controlling camera positions via the (first / second) user input. For each view, a respective camera position may be selected by the user (via the (first / second) user input). A first set of view parameters assigned to a first view output mode may include a first set of camera positions. In particular, the first set of view parameters assigned to a first view output mode may include a first set of allowed camera positions corresponding to the allowed first views. A second set of view parameters assigned to a second view output mode may include a second set of camera positions. In particular, the second set of view parameters assigned to a second view output mode may include a second set of allowed camera positions corresponding to the allowed second views.

[0055] This user input may indicate the user's position (within the IVD laboratory system). In response to this input, the camera position of each view generated from the visualization of the IVD laboratory system may be fixed (e.g., in a Cartesian coordinate system, the x, y, and z coordinates may be fixed) and may be set specifically to the user's position (e.g., to the user's head position). The camera's rotational degrees of freedom may remain unaffected by this position fixation. Camera fixation may be provided specifically for the second view (but need not be provided for the first view). If the camera position of the second view is fixed, the user may freely rotate the camera (specifically around each of the three spatial axes) according to the user input for the second view (three rotational degrees of freedom). This therefore also applies to the first view. Alternatively, starting from a fixed camera position (in space), the camera may be (rotationally) aimed to point to the position of the (selected) method to be trained. In particular, the camera may sequentially point to individual method steps of the (selected) method to be trained.

[0056] With a first set of view parameters, the first view output mode may be configured to provide a first multi-dimensional view generated from the visualization of the IVD laboratory system in response to receiving a (first) user input, and a first set of camera positions allowed for the first view output mode are assigned to the first multi-dimensional view.

[0057] The first set of allowed camera positions may include (may be defined by) positions of the camera in three-dimensional space that are assigned to a user position (in particular to the user's head position) in the IVD laboratory system. In this case, at each allowed position in three-dimensional space, all spatial orientations of the camera in three-dimensional space may be allowed. One or more zoom settings may be allowed. Only one zoom (setting) may be allowed.

[0058] The first set of allowed camera positions may include (may be defined by) positions of the camera in three-dimensional space that are assigned to a specific height (particularly at the height of the user's head) above (the floor) of the IVD laboratory system. In this case, at each allowed position in three-dimensional space, all spatial orientations of the camera in three-dimensional space may be allowed. One or more zoom settings may be allowed. Only one zoom setting may be allowed.

[0059] The first set of allowed camera positions may include (may be defined by) camera positions in three-dimensional space that are assigned to a specific height above (the floor of) the IVD laboratory system, where the camera position is far above the IVD laboratory system. A position far above the IVD laboratory system may correspond to a position where the height above (the floor of) the IVD laboratory system is a multiple of the height of the IVD laboratory system. Alternatively, a position far above the laboratory may correspond to a position where the camera can provide a view showing some and / or all of the IVD equipment. In this case, at each allowed position in three-dimensional space, only one orientation of the camera in three-dimensional space may be allowed. One or more zoom settings may be allowed. Only one zoom setting may be allowed.

[0060] For training of the method, a second set of view parameters may be configured such that a second view output mode provides a second multidimensional view generated from the visualization of the IVD laboratory system in response to receiving a (second) user input, and a second set of camera positions allowed for the second view output mode, different from the first set of camera positions, is assigned to the second multidimensional view.

[0061] The second set of allowed camera positions for the second view output mode may be different from the first set of camera positions, but one or more of the allowed second camera positions may be equal to one or more of the first camera positions, or the second set of allowed camera positions for the second view output mode may be entirely different (pairwise different) from the first set of camera positions.

[0062] A second allowed multidimensional view may be assigned to a second set of allowed camera positions. The second allowed multidimensional view may include (or be defined as) a view showing a specific IVD device and / or a component or module of a specific IVD device. The specific IVD device may be an IVD device assigned to the (selected) method to be trained. The specific IVD device may be an IVD device selected by a user via user input during the first view output mode, for example. In particular, this selection may be a user selection (via user input) in one of the first output views, for example via a mouse click on a specific IVD device in one of the first output views.

[0063] The second set of allowed camera positions may include (or may be defined by) camera positions in three-dimensional space that are assigned to a user position in the IVD laboratory system, for example the position of the user's head. The second set of allowed camera positions may include (or may be defined by) camera positions in three-dimensional space that are assigned to a spatial region in the IVD laboratory system in front of a particular IVD device, for example in front of an IVD device that is assigned to the (selected) method to be trained. Additionally or alternatively, the second set of allowed camera positions may include (or may be defined by) camera positions in three-dimensional space that are located within a particular IVD device.

[0064] For the second set of allowed camera positions, the zoom (setting) and / or spatial orientation (rotation direction) of the camera in three-dimensional space may be fixed. In this case, such fixation may mean that the same zoom and / or the same rotation direction is provided for all camera positions in the second set of allowed camera positions. Alternatively, such fixation may mean that the zoom and / or rotation direction is fixed for each camera position in the second set of allowable camera positions. In the latter case, the zoom and / or rotation direction of the camera may be different for the various allowed second camera positions. In particular, for the second set of allowed camera positions, the camera may always be pointed at (one or more sections of) a specific IVD device.

[0065] The second set of allowed camera positions for the second view output mode may be configured to limit the second set of camera positions to a plurality of camera positions around a fixed focal point assigned to the method to be trained.

[0066] The focal point may correspond to a particular section of the IVD equipment where user interaction is required, or alternatively, the focal point may correspond to a particular section of the IVD laboratory system or IVD equipment that is assigned to one of the processing steps of the workflow.

[0067] The focal point may be a point at which a camera is pointed. The focal point may be located at the center of a field of view corresponding to a camera pointed at the focal point. For multiple camera positions around a fixed focal point, the camera may be pointed at the focal point. The focal point may be a point at which a camera focuses. For multiple camera positions around a fixed focal point, the camera can be focused at the focal point.

[0068] The computer-implemented training system can further include assigning a fixed focus to an IVD device from the plurality of IVD devices, and the method to be trained should be performed at least in part using the IVD device. When a fixed focus is provided, three rotational degrees of freedom of the view / camera can be eliminated.

[0069] The plurality of application modules may be further configured to provide a freeview output mode assigned a set of freeview parameters configured to output an unordered sequence of views in response to user input to control output of the first view in the first view output mode.

[0070] The free view output mode / free view parameters can output any (physically possible) view. The user can select the view by user input. In this case, the viewpoint of the camera assigned to the view, i.e., in particular the viewing position in three-dimensional space and / or the viewing direction and / or the zoom, can be freely selectable.

[0071] Alternatively, for the first and / or second view, correction of the camera viewpoint assigned to the current view by user input (to select an additional view) may be permitted for various sets of degrees of freedom depending on the view output mode applied. For example, in the first view output mode, a set of all six degrees of freedom (3x linear and 3x rotational) may be applied. In the second view output mode, the camera viewpoint may be limited or fixed to a local point or region, e.g., a local point selected by the user and assigned to the IVD device assigned to the training method being performed, and only rotational degrees of freedom may be allowed. The local point or region may be changed.

[0072] The plurality of second views may include a first group of second views assigned to a first view level and a second group of second views (different from the first group) assigned to a second view level different from the first view level, where the first group of second views is assigned at least a first common view parameter and the second group of second views is assigned at least a second common view parameter different from the first common view parameter. With respect to the first group of second views, each second view in the first group of second views is assigned at least a first common view parameter that is common to all second views from the first group. With respect to the second group of second views, each second view in the second group of second views is assigned at least a second common view parameter that is common to all second views from the second group. Thus, the second views are classified based on the common view parameters.

[0073] The second views assigned to a first view level or second view category are distinguished (or classified) based on at least a common view parameter, where the first common view parameter is common to all second views in the first group of second views, and the second common view parameter is common to all second views in the second group of second views. Multiple view parameters may be common to the second views assigned to the group of second views.

[0074] In this example, the plurality of second views includes second views assigned to various view levels or view categories. For example, second views assigned to one of the view levels, such as those assigned to establish a group, may be assigned a common set of second view parameters. In one example, the various view levels may be distinguished based on the number of degrees of freedom assigned to the second views. A second view at a first view level may be assigned six degrees of freedom for modifying the camera's viewpoint in response to user input. A second view at a second view level may be assigned fewer than six degrees of freedom, e.g., only four degrees of freedom, for modifying the camera's viewpoint in response to user input.

[0075] Additionally, different view levels or view categories can be assigned one or more second views. For example, a view level characterized by or assigned to a focal point relative to a camera's viewpoint can be assigned multiple second views (where the focal point is fixed) that can be output in response to user input that modifies one or more of the rotational and / or zoom degrees of freedom with respect to the camera position. Thus, for a second view assigned to a view level (characterized by a common view parameter, a fixed focal point), different second views are available depending on the user-defined rotation and / or zoom.

[0076] The focal-assigned second view may also be referred to as a focal view. The different focal views may provide different view levels or view categories, each assigned with multiple second views (groups of second views) for different camera viewpoints with respect to rotational degrees of freedom.

[0077] The training system may be configured to switch from the first view level to the second view level in response to a user input, for example, a user interaction with an interactive step button.

[0078] The plurality of application modules may be further configured to provide an ordered view output mode assigned an ordered set of view parameters configured to interactively output an ordered sequence of second views of method steps of a method selected by a training mode selection user input to control output of second views in the second view output mode for training of the method.

[0079] Interactively outputting the ordered sequence of (second) views may correspond to outputting the ordered sequence of views in response to a user input. In particular, interactively outputting the ordered sequence of views may correspond to outputting the ordered sequence of views in response to each subsequent user input. In response to a user input (first second user input or user selection input), a first view of the plurality of second views of the ordered sequence of views may be output. In response to a user input (second user input), another view of the plurality of second views of the ordered sequence of views may be output. A previously outputted view of the plurality of second views may be different from another view of the plurality of second views. In the ordered sequence of views, another view of the plurality of second views may be downstream of a view of the plurality of second views. A user input (e.g., interactive) may select between second views assigned to various method steps of the method selected by the training mode selection user input. For example, only such a second view in the ordered sequence of views may be output by user input that is downstream (e.g., directly) from the currently shown second view. Alternatively or additionally, the ordered sequence of ordered views of the method steps of the method selected by the training mode selection user input may be automatically output one after the other, for example, in response to such user selection input. According to another example, only such a second view in the ordered sequence of views may be output by user input that is either upstream or downstream (e.g., directly) from the currently shown second view.

[0080] A first view of the plurality of second views of the ordered sequence of views can be an initial second view. The first view of the plurality of second views of the ordered sequence of views may be output in response to receiving a training mode selection user input indicating a user selection of a method to be trained from the plurality of methods.

[0081] The user input required to change between second views of the ordered sequence of views may be a specific user input, particularly a user input in the currently output second view. For example, this user input may include (or be defined by) clicking a specific symbol, such as an arrow, circle, or ring, for example, with a mouse or touch screen. The specific symbol may be an interactive step button.

[0082] To control output of the second view in the second view output mode for training the method, the plurality of application modules may be further configured to present interactive step buttons within the second view, and in response to receiving user input to select the interactive step button via the input device, switch from a current second view including the presentation of the interactive step buttons to a subsequent second view, wherein the current second view and the subsequent second view are assigned to successive method steps of an ordered sequence of method steps of the method to be trained.

[0083] In each second view, one or more interactive step buttons may be provided. The interactive step buttons may be located (in the currently output second view) at a fixed focus assigned to a subsequent method step. The interactive step buttons may be located (in the currently output second view) at a specific section of the IVD device where user interaction is required during the subsequent method step.

[0084] Selection of an interactive step button can trigger an animation. Additionally, in response to selection of an interactive step button, informational (e.g., textual) data can be displayed, for example, next to the interactive step button and / or in a predetermined section of the display, for example, an information box. The animation can be configured by a second set of views.

[0085] The plurality of application modules may be further configured to present at most (e.g. exclusively / exactly) one interactive step button in the second view, or to present at most one interactive step button in the second view assigned to a method step before the last method step of the consecutive method steps.

[0086] The plurality of application modules may be configured to present one or more interactive step buttons within the second view assigned to the last step of the successive method steps.

[0087] To control output of the second view in the second view output mode for training the method, the plurality of application modules may be further configured to present an interactive information button within the second view and output information data via the display device in response to receiving user input to select the interactive information button via the input device.

[0088] One or more interactive information buttons may be presented within one second view / second views. The information data may include information text data. The information data may be presented next to a selected interactive information button. Alternatively, the information data may be presented in a predetermined section on the display device. In one second view / multiple second views, the interactive information buttons may be located on a displayed section of the IVD laboratory system / IVD equipment where corresponding information is stored / from which information data can be output.

[0089] For this and / or other user inputs of the present disclosure, the following may be provided: User input may include mouse clicks, touches on a touchscreen, voice commands, gesture commands, clicks on a keyboard, and / or joystick input.

[0090] In response to selecting an information button, the view can change to a detailed view of the corresponding section of the IVD laboratory system, which can be included in the second view.

[0091] The views generated from the digital visualization of the IVD laboratory system can include hidden section views representing views of hidden sections of IVD equipment from a plurality of IVD equipment, the hidden sections being covered by the hidden sections of the IVD equipment in a first view and being uncovered in the hidden section views.

[0092] The hidden section may be a section of the IVD laboratory system or one or more IVD devices. For example, the hidden section may be a housing section of the IVD laboratory system or one or more IVD devices. In particular, the hidden section may be a part of one of the IVD devices that is (reversibly) rearrangeable. For example, the hidden section may be a lid, door, or drawer of one of the IVD devices. In the uncovered view, the lid, door, or drawer can be opened. Alternatively or additionally, the hidden section may be a section (within the laboratory) that is not included in the IVD laboratory system. The uncovered view may include a cutaway view of the IVD laboratory system or one or more IVD devices. The uncovered view may show the interior of the IVD laboratory system or one or more IVD devices. The interior of the IVD laboratory system or one or more IVD devices may be included in the hidden section.

[0093] In this context, the first view may be constituted by a first view assigned to a first view output mode. The hidden section view may be included in a second view assigned to a second view output mode. The exposure may occur during switching from the first view output mode to the second view output mode.

[0094] The computer-implemented training system may further include, in response to receiving user input, finding the hidden section and outputting a hidden section view representing the hidden section via the display device.

[0095] This user input may correspond to a selection user input indicating a user selection for a method to be trained from a plurality of methods. The system may further comprise an exposed section of the IVD laboratory system or one or more IVD devices assigned (initially covered) to the (selected) method to be trained.

[0096] The computer-implemented training system may further include providing a digital visualization of the IVD laboratory system configured to operate for at least one of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical purposes.

[0097] The digital visualization may be an animation of the operation of the IVD laboratory system. The digital visualization may be included in the first view and / or the second view. The digital visualization may show the IVD sample container flow, particularly the IVD sample container flow in one of the IVD devices.

[0098] With the first set of view parameters, the first view output mode may be configured to provide an overall view of multiple IVD devices from the visualization of the IVD laboratory system in response to receiving a (first) user input.

[0099] The overall view may correspond to a view from above of the IVD laboratory system. In particular, the overall view may correspond to a bird's-eye view. In one or more overall / first views, the workflow may be shown, for example, via lines that may be colored.

[0100] The plurality of application modules may be further configured to provide, for output of the second views in a second view output mode for training the method, a chronologically ordered sequence of second views assigned to different processing times of the IVD laboratory system, wherein each second view from the chronologically ordered sequence shows a marker within the IVD laboratory system indicating a (e.g., time-dependent) position of an IVD sample container processed by the IVD laboratory system. This provides an embodiment of an ordered view output mode.

[0101] In this regard, interactively outputting the ordered sequence of second views can correspond to outputting the ordered sequence of views in response to a user input. In particular, interactively outputting the ordered sequence of views can correspond to outputting the ordered sequence of views in response to each subsequent user input. In response to a first user input, a view of the (e.g., chronologically) ordered sequence of second views that follows the currently output view in the ordered sequence can be output. In response to a forward user input, a further view of the (e.g., chronologically) ordered sequence of second views that is (e.g., immediately) downstream of the currently output view in the ordered sequence can be output. In response to a backward user input, another view of the (chronologically) ordered sequence of second views that is (e.g., immediately) upstream of the currently output second view in the chronologically ordered sequence can be output. The successive views of the ordered sequence can show the movement of an IVD sample container from IVD device to IVD device. One or more of the second views of the chronologically ordered sequence may contain information assigned to the respective processing times of the IVD laboratory system, such as steps of a workflow. The second view shows the entire path of the IVD sample container within the IVD laboratory system, e.g., a colored line, only inter-instrument movements, but not movements within the IVD device. One or more participating IVD devices may be marked (e.g., colored). A user input may select between the first views assigned to the various workflow steps.

[0102] A view from the ordered sequence of second views can correspond to a first view from a plurality of second views. The first view may be output before controlling the output of the second views. The first view of the plurality of second views in the ordered (e.g., chronological) sequence may be output after launching the training system.

[0103] The user input required to change between second views of the ordered sequence may be some specific user input, e.g., user input in the currently output view. For example, this user input may include (or be defined by) clicking a specific symbol, such as an arrow, circle, or ring, e.g., per mouse or touchscreen. The specific symbol may be an interactive step button.

[0104] The ordered sequence of second views may include different second views in which different IVD devices are selectable. The second views may be ordered according to a workflow. In a second view of the plurality of second views, one or more IVD devices assigned to a first workflow step may be selectable. In a subsequent second view from the plurality of second views, one or more IVD devices assigned to a subsequent workflow step may be selectable.

[0105] The application modules may further be configured to provide a second ordered view output mode assigned a set of second ordered view parameters configured to (interactively) output a chronologically ordered sequence of second views assigned to various processing times of a specific IVD device, each second view indicating a processing state of the specific IVD device, to control the output of the second views in the second view output mode for training the method. This provides a further embodiment of the ordered view output mode. These second views from the chronologically ordered sequence can correspond to various processing states of the IVD device. In particular, the second views can correspond to various workflow states. It should be noted that the second views from the chronologically ordered sequence can also include one or more interactive information buttons. The one or more interactive information buttons can, for example, include the symbol "i" and, optionally, an index numbering the one or more interactive information buttons.

[0106] Receiving the training mode selection user input may include receiving a user input indicating a user selection of a first IVD device from the plurality of IVD devices, and switching from a first view output mode to a second view output mode in response to receiving the user selection, wherein the second view corresponds to the first IVD device identified by the user selection, i.e., the second view at least partially shows the first IVD device.

[0107] In the first view output mode and / or the second output mode, representations of one or more IVD devices may be provided. One or more of these representations may be selectable by user input. One or more representations may be highlighted, for example, by color (e.g., blue). Also, a table and / or the entire workstation containing one or more IVD devices may be highlighted.

[0108] At least one of the plurality of first views and the plurality of second views represents a view provided from a digital visualization of the IVD laboratory system and may include an inaccessible view that shows aspects of the IVD laboratory system that are unavailable or inaccessible to a user in a real-world IVD laboratory system that corresponds to the IVD laboratory system for which the digital visualization is provided. Thus, the user is unable to visually access aspects of the real-world IVD laboratory system, such as, for example, seeing certain spaces or sub-spaces provided in the IVD laboratory system.

[0109] The digital or data rendering process may be applied in at least one of a first view output mode and a second view output mode to provide various views from the digital visualization of the IVD laboratory system. The rendering may be applied as a (near-) continuous rendering process where views are output continuously or essentially continuously in response to user input.

[0110] For methods for user-interactive training of methods executable in an IVD laboratory system by a computer-implemented training system, the embodiments described above in relation to the computer-implemented training system may be provided where appropriate.

[0111] Description of Further Embodiments In the following, embodiments are described by way of example with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0112] [Figure 1] 1 is a graphical representation of an embodiment of a computer-implemented training system for user-interactive training of methods executable on an IVD laboratory system. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for user-interactive training of a method executable in an IVD laboratory system by a computer-implemented training system. [Figure 3] 1 is a graphical representation of the instruments / modules of an IVD laboratory system. [Figure 4] 1 is a graphical representation of an IVD laboratory system. [Figure 5] 1 is a graphical representation of an exemplary view / image output by a display device displayed during training according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a graphical representation of an exemplary view / image output by a display device displayed during training according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0113] 1 shows a graphical representation of an embodiment of a computer-implemented training system 1 for user-interactive training of methods executable in an IVD laboratory system 40. The illustrated system 1 comprises a main data processor 2, a memory device 3, a user interface 4, and a software application executing on the main data processor 2. The memory device 3 is connected to the main data processor 2. The user interface 4 comprises an output device 5 having a display device 11, and an input device 6 configured to receive user input. The main data processor 2 provides a number of application modules 7, 8, 9, 10. In particular, the main data processor 2 provides the following application modules 7, 8, 9, 10: a visualization module 7 configured to provide a digital visualization of the IVD laboratory system 40; a method module 8 configured to provide a plurality of methods executable in the IVD laboratory system 40, each method being assigned an ordered sequence of method steps; a view output mode module 9 configured to provide a plurality of view output modes, each assigned a set of view parameters for outputting a view of the IVD laboratory system 40, the views being generated from the digital visualization of the IVD laboratory system 40; and a control module 10, also referred to as a training module, configured to provide or control user-interactive training on the plurality of methods.

[0114] The control module 10 is connected to the input device 6. The control module 10 may be an interface between the processor's calculations of the output views / images and the user input / input device 6. The control module 10 may forward signals indicative of user input to other modules of the processor 2.

[0115] The visualization module 7 is connected to the output device 5. The visualization module 7 can convert data provided by other modules of the processor 2 so that the display device 11 can output them as views / images. In particular, the visualization module 7 can convert data provided by the view output mode module 9 into, for example, displayable data.

[0116] The method module 8 is connected to the memory device 3. A number of methods executable in the IVD laboratory system 40 may be stored in the memory device 3. The method module 8 can access the stored number of methods and pass them on to other modules.

[0117] For example, the control module 10 can receive a signal corresponding to a user input indicating a particular method of a method executable in the IVD laboratory system 40. The control module 10 can forward this signal to the method module 8. In response, the method module 8 accesses the memory device 3 and provides method data indicating the particular method to the processor 2. In particular, the method module 8 can transmit the method data to the view output mode module 9. The view output mode module 9 can then perform pre-calculation and set specific restrictions for the views / images to be output. The data calculated in the view output mode module 9 is then sent to the visualization module 7. The visualization module 7 can be a graphics card. The visualization module 7 converts the provided data into data that can be output by the output device 5, in particular the display device 11. The data is then transmitted to the output device 5, which includes the display device 11.

[0118] 2 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 20 for user-interactive training of a method executable in an IVD laboratory system 40 by a computer-implemented training system 1. Method 20 includes several steps, some of which are optional. According to step 21, a computer-implemented training system 1 is provided for an IVD laboratory system 40 comprising a plurality of IVD devices 30 designed to process IVD sample containers 33 receiving biological samples.

[0119] According to step 22, a first first view of the plurality of first views is output via the output device 5, in particular the display device 11. The first first view may correspond to a home screen of the system 1. No user input may be required to output the first first view. The first first view may be output upon system startup, for example, in response to a user pressing a start button. The first first view may show an overview of the IVD laboratory system 40, in particular the IVD laboratory system 40. The first first view may show the view last displayed before a previous shutdown of the system 1. Step 22 is optional.

[0120] According to step 23, the output of the plurality of first views of the IVD laboratory system 40 via the display device 11 is controlled by the control module 10 in response to receiving a first user input and according to a first set of view parameters assigned to the first view output mode from the plurality of view output modes.

[0121] According to step 24, a training mode selection user input indicating a user selection of a method to be trained from the plurality of methods is received. In step 25, the plurality of view output mode is switched from the first view output mode to the second view output mode. Step 25 may be performed in response to step 24, in particular in response to receiving the training mode selection user input indicating a user selection of a method to be trained from the plurality of methods.

[0122] In step 26, a first second view from the plurality of second views assigned to the selected training mode is output. Alternatively, the first second view may not be assigned to a training mode. Step 26 may be included in step 25. In particular, step 26 may be performed in response to step 24, for example in response to receiving a training mode selection user input indicating a user selection of a method to be trained from the plurality of methods. The first second view from the plurality of second views may show equipment of the IVD laboratory system 40. In particular, the first second view may show an IVD equipment of the IVD laboratory system 40 that corresponds to the user selection input. Step 26 is optional.

[0123] In step 27, the output of the second view of the IVD laboratory system 40 via the display device 11 is (further) controlled by the control module 10 in response to receiving a user input indicating a user selection, according to a second set of view parameters assigned to a second view output mode from the plurality of view output modes. The second view output mode is assigned to a method to be trained. The second set of view parameters is different from the first set of view parameters.

[0124] FIG. 3 shows a graphical representation of an IVD device 30 of an IVD laboratory system 40. The IVD device 30 is part or element of the IVD laboratory system 40. The IVD device 30 is configured to operate for at least one of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical purposes. In the illustrated example, the IVD device 30 includes a lid 31, a drawer 32, an interior 34, and an IVD sample container 33. The IVD sample container 33 is housed in an IVD sample container holder or carrier. The carrier houses multiple IVD sample containers 33. One or more carriers may be received by a single drawer 32. The lid 31 is a pivoting door. When closed, the lid 31 can conceal the interior 34. When open, the lid 31 can be positioned to not conceal the interior 34. The IVD device 30 is configured to process one or more IVD sample containers 33.

[0125] FIG. 4 shows a graphical representation of an IVD laboratory system 40. The IVD laboratory system 40 comprises a plurality of IVD devices 30 and IVD device devices 42. The devices 30 / devices 42 are designed to process biological IVD sample containers 33 (for their samples), in particular along a processing line. The order in which the devices 30 process the sample containers 33 or the samples received in the sample containers 33 can correspond to a (sample or sample container) workflow. Furthermore, the IVD laboratory system 40 comprises a transport system 41, in particular for transporting the IVD sample containers 33 between the devices. The transport system 41 is configured to transport the IVD sample containers 33 within the IVD laboratory system 40, where the IVD sample containers 33 can be received in a holder. The transport system 41 is configured to transport the IVD sample containers 33 along the sample container flow 43. The transport can be automated.

[0126] 5a to 5h show graphical representations of exemplary views output by display device 11 displayed according to a first embodiment including a training mode.

[0127] Fig. 5a corresponds to an initial first view 51.1 from a plurality of first views 51 to be output in a first view output mode. The initial first view 51.1 shows a three-dimensional view of the IVD laboratory system 40. The initial first view 51.1 shown in Fig. 5a represents only one of several possible initial first views of the plurality of first views 51. Other three-dimensional views of the IVD laboratory system 40 may also be provided. The initial first view 51.1 in Fig. 5a virtually represents a user's view within the IVD laboratory system 40.

[0128] User input allows the user to change the view. In particular, upon user input, the user can virtually walk through the IVD laboratory system 40. In response to the user input, the view may change from an initial first view 51.1 of the multiple first views 51 to another first view 51.2 (see FIG. 5b). The other first view 51.2 shows a three-dimensional view of the IVD laboratory system 40 that differs from the three-dimensional view of the IVD laboratory system 40 corresponding to the initial first view 51.1. The change in view gives the user the impression that they have moved from a first position (first camera perspective) within the IVD laboratory system 40 corresponding to the initial first view 51.1 to a second position (second camera perspective) within the IVD laboratory system 40 corresponding to the other first view 51.2 from the multiple first views 51.

[0129] Starting from the initial first view 51.1, the user has the option, via user input, to obtain additional first views 52' from the displayed plurality of first views. The additional first views 52, 52' show three-dimensional views of the IVD device 30. The additional first views 52, 52' can correspond to information views 52' (A, see Figures 5c, 5d) or maintenance views 52 (B, see Figures 5e, ..., 5h) provided in a training operation mode.

[0130] Several additional first views 51.3, 51.4 are provided in Figures 5c, 5d. The additional first view 51.3 in Figure 51.3 shows a system view of the IVD device 30. The IVD device 30 is selected by a user, for example, in the other first view 51.2. The system view corresponds to a view of the IVD device 30 from the front, showing the entire IVD device 30. The additional first view 51.3 may comprise a hidden section 56 of the IVD device 30. In the example shown in Figure 5c, the hidden section 56 is the lid 31. The lid 31 hides the interior 34. In response to a user input, particularly in response to a user input in the initial first view 51.3, it may be possible to switch between the additional first views 51.3, 51.4 of Figures 5c and 5d.

[0131] The additional first view 51.4 of Fig. 5d corresponds to a detailed view of the IVD device 30. The detailed view of the IVD device 30 shows the interior 34 of the IVD device 30. The additional first view 51.4 is a hidden section view. In the additional first view 51.4, the interior 34 of the IVD device 30 is not covered. The plurality of first views 51, according to Fig. 5d, comprises, for example, interactive information buttons 53 corresponding to several processes in (the interior 34 of) the IVD device 30. The interior 34 comprises, for example, tools such as a gripping device 57 configured to grip and transport samples within the IVD device 30. In response to a selection of the interactive information button 53, corresponding information data may be output via the display device 11 (not shown).

[0132] Alternatively, the user is provided with multiple second views 52 (see B, Fig. 5e, ..., Fig. 5h). The multiple second views 52 are assigned to training modes, such as a maintenance mode of operation (maintenance training mode). A first second view 52.1 of the multiple second views 52 shows a system view of the IVD device 30 in Fig. 5e. The first second view 52.1 corresponds to a first maintenance step, which is a preparation step. The first second view 52.1 shows the hardware required for the selected maintenance (the method to be trained). The maintenance process in Fig. 5 requires a pair of tweezers and tissue. A visual representation of the required hardware is displayed in the first second view 52.1. An interactive information button 53 may be assigned to at least one of the displayed required hardware (not shown in Fig. 5e). In response to the user's selection of this interactive information button 53, information data for the corresponding hardware may be displayed.

[0133] Furthermore, the initial second view 52.1 shows an interactive step button 54. The interactive step button 54 is a start button. In response to selection of the start button, a visual representation of the actual first maintenance step is displayed. Additional second views 52.2 and 52.3 of the plurality of second views 52 correspond to one of such actual maintenance steps. In particular, a change between the additional second views 52.2, 52.3 corresponds to one maintenance step. The additional second view 52.2 comprises a further interactive step button 55. The position of the further interactive step button 55 (FIG. 5f) indicates the position where the user needs to interact with the IVD device 30. In response to selection of the further interactive step button 55, an animation of the maintenance step can be output.

[0134] The second view output mode provided for outputting one or more of the plurality of second views 52 may include outputting several second views (not shown). An additional second view 52.3 from the plurality of second views 52 shows the state of the IVD device 30 after this maintenance step. A further interactive step button 55 is again displayed (see FIG. 5g), selection of which is used to display the subsequent maintenance step.

[0135] This sequence may be repeated until all maintenance steps have been performed. Thus, the view corresponding to the state of the IVD device 30 after the last maintenance step has been completed may not have interactive step buttons. A further second view 52.4 from the plurality of second views 52 (FIG. 5h) shows the interaction between the user and the IVD device 30. The hand movements performed by the user are shown. For this purpose, a visual representation of the hand 57 is shown, which is provided by an animation in which the hand is animated, i.e., not an element of the IVD laboratory system 40.

[0136] Instead of selecting whether to continue in the first view output mode according to the steps in Figures 5c and 5d or switch to the second view output mode (for training) according to the steps in Figures 5e to 5h, the user may be provided with the option of selecting different second view output modes each assigned to a training method.

[0137] 6a to 6c show graphical representations of exemplary views output by display device 11 displayed in a second embodiment including a training mode.

[0138] According to Fig. 6a, a first first view 61.1 forming the plurality of first views 61 corresponds to the display output 60. The first first view 61.1 shows the entire IVD laboratory system 40 from above. The first first view 61.1 corresponds to a visual representation of a first workflow step. In the first first view 61.1, an IVD sample container 33 (of interest) is placed in a first position that can correspond to a first workflow step / sample flow step. This position is indicated by a visual representation of an IVD sample container 64.

[0139] The IVD device 30 corresponding to the first workflow step (workflow device step) is identified by a marker 65. An information box 67 presents information about the currently displayed workflow step. Via interactive step buttons 66, the user can switch between multiple first views 61 corresponding to adjacent workflow steps. In particular, the user can use these interactive step buttons 66 to switch from the currently displayed initial first view 61.1 to another first view corresponding to a workflow step either downstream or upstream of the workflow step associated with the currently displayed initial first view 61.1.

[0140] 6b shows another first view 61.2 of the plurality of first views. The other first view 61.2 corresponds to a workflow step upstream of the workflow step associated with the first first view 61.1. Therefore, the positions of the IVD sample container 33 and the IVD device 30 marked in the second view of the plurality of first views 61.2 are different from the positions of the sample container 33 and the IVD device 30 marked in the first first view 61.1.

[0141] Upon user selection, multiple second views 62 are displayed in a training second view output mode (see Figures 6c and 6d). The user selection can correspond to the user clicking on the IVD device 30 marked at once from the multiple first views 61. The multiple second views 62 include a system view 62.1 and a detail view 62.2. The detail view 62.2 from the multiple second views 62 corresponds to a visual representation of the sample flow within the IVD device 30. Each sample flow step 68 can be assigned an interactive information button 53. By selecting (clicking) one of these interactive information buttons 53, information text about the corresponding sample flow step 68 can be displayed in an information box 67.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented training system (1) for user-interactive training of a plurality of methods executable in an IVD laboratory system, comprising: one or more data processors (2); a memory device (3) connected to said one or more data processors; a user interface (4) comprising an output device (5) having a display device (11) and an input device (6) configured to receive user input; one or more software applications running on said one or more data processors (2) and having a plurality of application modules (7, 8, 9, 10); The plurality of application modules (7, 8, 9, 10) a visualization module (7) configured to provide digital visualization of an IVD laboratory system (40), the IVD laboratory system (40) comprising a plurality of IVD instruments (30) designed to process biological samples (33); a method module (8) configured to provide method control data for a plurality of methods executable in the IVD laboratory system (40), each of the methods being assigned a sequence of method steps; a view output mode module (9) configured to provide view output control data for controlling a plurality of view output modes, each of which is assigned a set of view parameters for outputting a view of the IVD laboratory system (40), the views being generated from the digital visualization of the IVD laboratory system (40); a control module (10) configured to control user-interactive training of said plurality of methods; Equipped with The plurality of application modules (7, 8, 9, 10) in response to receiving a first user input, controlling output of a first view of the IVD laboratory system (40) via the display device (11) according to first view output control data indicative of a first set of view parameters assigned by the control module (10) to a first view output mode of the plurality of view output modes; receiving a training mode selection user input indicating a user selection for a method to be trained from the plurality of methods; switching from the first view output mode to a second view output mode among the plurality of view output modes; further configured, in response to receiving a second user input, to control output of a second view of the IVD laboratory system (40) via the display device (11) according to second view output control data indicating a set of second view parameters assigned to the second view output mode by the control module (10); the second view output mode is assigned to the method to be trained; the second set of view parameters is different from the first set of view parameters; Computer-implemented training system (1).

2. 2. The computer-implemented training system of claim 1, wherein the second set of view parameters configures the second view output mode to prevent output of one or more of the first views of the IVD laboratory system (40) that were permitted to be output in response to user input with the first set of view parameters in the first view output mode.

3. 2. The computer-implemented training system of claim 1, wherein the first set of view parameters configures the first view output mode to provide a multi-dimensional view of the plurality of IVD devices (30) from the visualization of the IVD laboratory system (40) in response to receiving user input.

4. 2. The computer-implemented training system of claim 1, wherein for training of the method, the second set of view parameters configures the second view output mode to limit view output to a multi-dimensional view of one or more IVD devices (30) from the plurality of IVD devices (30) in response to receiving user input, and the one or more IVD devices are assigned to a sequence of the method steps of the method to be trained.

5. 10. The computer-implemented training system of claim 1, further comprising assigning a camera position selectable by user input to each view generated from the visualization of the IVD laboratory system.

6. the first set of view parameters configures the first view output mode to provide a first multi-dimensional view generated from the visualization of the IVD laboratory system in response to receiving user input; The computer-implemented training system of claim 5 , wherein a first set of allowed camera positions for the first view output mode is assigned to the first multi-dimensional view.

7. For training of the method, the second set of view parameters configures the second view output mode to provide a second multi-dimensional view generated from the visualization of the IVD laboratory system (40) in response to receiving user input; 7. The computer-implemented training system of claim 6, wherein a second set of allowed camera positions for the second view output mode is different from the first set of camera positions and is assigned to the second multi-dimensional view.

8. 8. The computer-implemented training system of claim 7, wherein the second set of camera positions allowed for the second view output mode is configured to limit the second set of camera positions to a plurality of camera positions about a fixed focal point assigned to the method to be trained.

9. 9. The computer-implemented training system of claim 8, further comprising assigning the fixed focus to one IVD device (30) of the plurality of IVD devices (30), wherein the method to be trained is to be performed at least in part by the IVD device (30).

10. 2. The computer-implemented training system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of application modules are further configured to provide a freeview output mode assigned a set of freeview parameters configured to output an unordered sequence of views in response to user input to control the output of the first view in the first view output mode.

11. A computer-implemented training system as described in claim 1, wherein the plurality of second views include a first group of second views assigned to a first view level and a second group of second views assigned to a second view level different from the first view level, the first group of second views being assigned at least a first common view parameter, and the second group of second views being assigned at least a second common view parameter different from the first common view parameter.

12. 2. The computer-implemented training system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of application modules are further configured to provide an ordered view output mode assigned an ordered set of view parameters configured to interactively output an ordered sequence of second views of the method steps of the method selected by a training mode selection user input to control the output of the second views in the second view output mode for training of the method.

13. to control the output of the second view in the second view output mode for training the method, the plurality of application modules: presenting interactive step buttons (54) within said second view; 2. The computer-implemented training system of claim 1, further configured to switch from a current second view including the presentation of the interactive step button (54) to a subsequent second view in response to receiving user input to select the interactive step button (54) via the input device, the current second view and the subsequent second view being assigned to successive method steps of the sequence of method steps of the method to be trained.

14. The plurality of application modules presenting at most one interactive step button (54) in said second view; or 13. The computer-implemented training system of claim 12, further configured to present at most one interactive step button (54) in the second view assigned to a method step before a last method step of the sequence of method steps.

15. to control the output of the second view in the second view output mode for training the method, the plurality of application modules: presenting an interactive information button (53) within said second view; 2. The computer-implemented training system of claim 1, further configured to output informational data via the display device in response to receiving user input to select the interactive information button via the input device.

16. 2. The computer-implemented training system of claim 1, wherein the view generated from the digital visualization of the IVD laboratory system (40) includes a hidden section view representing a view of a hidden section of the IVD equipment (30) among the plurality of IVD equipment (30), the hidden section being covered by the hidden section of the IVD equipment in a first view and not covered in the hidden section view.

17. 17. The computer-implemented training system of claim 16, further comprising: in response to receiving user input, uncovering the hidden section and outputting a hidden section view representing the hidden section via the display device (11).

18. 10. The computer-implemented training system of claim 1, further comprising providing a digital visualization of an IVD laboratory system (40) configured to operate for at least one of pre-analysis, analysis, and post-analysis.

19. 2. The computer-implemented training system of claim 1, wherein the first set of view parameters configures the first view output mode to provide an overall view of the plurality of IVD devices (30) from the visualization of the IVD laboratory system (40) in response to receiving user input.

20. the plurality of application modules are further configured to provide a chronologically ordered sequence of second views assigned to various processing times of the IVD laboratory system (40) for the output of the second views in the second view output mode for training of the method; 2. The computer-implemented training system of claim 1, wherein each second view of the chronologically ordered sequence shows a marker (64, 65) within the IVD laboratory system (40) indicating the location of an IVD sample container (33) to be processed by the IVD laboratory system (40).

21. the plurality of application modules are further configured to provide a chronologically ordered sequence of second views assigned to various processing times of an IVD device of the plurality of IVD devices (30) to control the output of the second views in the second view output mode for training of the method; The computer-implemented training system of claim 1 , wherein each second view depicts a processing state of the IVD device.

22. receiving the training mode selection user input includes receiving a user input indicating a user selection of a first IVD device of the plurality of IVD devices; switching from the first view output mode to the second view output mode in response to receiving a selection of the IVD device; The computer-implemented training system of claim 1 , wherein the second view corresponds to the first IVD device.

23. 1. A method for user-interactive training of a method executable in an IVD laboratory system by a computer-implemented training system, the method comprising: A computer-implemented training system (1) for an IVD laboratory system (40) comprising a plurality of IVD instruments (30) designed to process biological samples (33), the computer-implemented training system (1) comprising: one or more data processors (2); a memory device (3) connected to said one or more data processors (2); a user interface (4) comprising an output device (5) having a display device (11) and an input device (6) configured to receive user input; and one or more software applications running on said one or more data processors (2) and having a plurality of application modules (7, 8, 9, 10), said plurality of application modules (7, 8, 9, 10) comprising: a visualization module (7) configured to provide digital visualization of an IVD laboratory system (40), the IVD laboratory system (40) comprising a plurality of IVD instruments (30) designed to process biological samples (33); a method module (8) configured to provide method control data for a plurality of methods executable in the IVD laboratory system (40), each of the methods being assigned a sequence of method steps; a view output mode module (9) configured to provide view output control data for controlling a plurality of view output modes, each of which is assigned a set of view parameters for outputting a view of the IVD laboratory system (40), the views being generated from the digital visualization of the IVD laboratory system (40); a control module (10) configured to control user-interactive training of said plurality of methods; a computer-implemented training system (1) for an IVD laboratory system (40), comprising: In response to receiving a first user input, controlling output of a first view of the IVD laboratory system (40) via the display device (11) according to first view output control data indicating a first set of view parameters assigned by the control module (10) to a first view output mode of the plurality of view output modes; receiving a training mode selection user input indicating a user selection for a method to be trained from the plurality of methods; switching from the first view output mode to a second view output mode among the plurality of view output modes; in response to receiving a second user input, controlling output of a second view of the IVD laboratory system (40) via the display device (11) according to second view output control data indicating a set of second view parameters assigned to the second view output mode by the control module (10); Including, the second view output mode is assigned to the method to be trained; the second set of view parameters is different from the first set of view parameters; method.

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