Method, system, and wearable electronic device

Abstract

To provide a method for controlling a laboratory device.SOLUTION: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising: providing a wearable electronic device that is configured to be worn by a user of a laboratory device; by means of the wearable device, retrieving user data that is specific to the user; and, on the basis of the retrieved user data, providing functionality for control of the laboratory device.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a method of controlling or operating laboratory devices, particularly liquid handling devices.

Background Art

[0002] Electronic pipettes are widely used for liquid handling in operations involving complex chemical analysis. Electronic pipettes are controlled via their user interfaces, which include buttons integrated into the pipette handles and display screens. Due to the size and shape of the handles, the design and versatility of the user interfaces are inherently limited, which may further have an adverse effect on the performance of the pipettes.

[0003] In laboratories, user identification data typically cannot be automatically acquired and is unreliable. As a result, error tracking may be incomplete or difficult, and personalization of the user interfaces of laboratory devices may be cumbersome and may require manual user input.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention intends to solve at least some of the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides a method comprising the steps of: providing a wearable electronic device configured to be worn by a user of an experimental device; using the wearable device to retrieve user data specific to the user; and providing a function for controlling the experimental device based on the retrieved user data.

[0007] Various embodiments of the first aspect described above may include one or more features from the following bulleted list.

[0008] The wearable electronic device is configured to be attached to a part of the user's body.

[0009] The wearable electronic device includes a smartwatch, smart bracelet, smart ring, smart necklace, or smart glasses, and preferably includes a smartwatch.

[0010] The experimental device is a liquid handling device or liquid injection device, such as a handheld electronic pipette or an automated liquid handling or injection device.

[0011] The experimental device is a pipette, such as a single-channel pipette or a multi-channel pipette.

[0012] The experimental device is a mechanical pipette, a semi-mechanical pipette, or an electronic pipette.

[0013] The experimental device is an experimental balance.

[0014] The experimental device is an automated sample handling or analysis device.

[0015] The experimental device is located in a sterile environment or space, such as a sterile laminar flow hood or a sterile room.

[0016] · The wearable device is outside the sterile space.

[0017] · The experimental device does not include physical buttons.

[0018] · The experimental device does not include a display.

[0019] · The experimental device is preferably entirely sterilizable.

[0020] · The wearable electronic device and the experimental device are connected to each other by a wireless connection or can be connected.

[0021] · The user data includes user identity data.

[0022] · The user data includes usage history data unique to the user.

[0023] · The user data includes user location data such as the distance of the wearable device worn by the user from the experimental device.

[0024] · The functionality can be executed manually by the user, for example by selection or activation, or automatically by the experimental device.

[0025] · The executable functions are provided for use or execution in the wearable electronic device and / or the experimental device.

[0026] · The executable functions are provided in the experimental device.

[0027] · The functions include automatic locking or unlocking of the experimental device.

[0028] · The functions such as the lock of the experimental device are automatically executed when the user data meets a predetermined standard, such as when the distance between the user and the experimental device is less than a predetermined minimum distance.

[0029] · The executable functions are provided in the wearable electronic device.

[0030] · The functions include remote control of at least one function of the experimental device.

[0031] · The remote control of the experimental device is provided in the wearable electronic device via a user interface in the wearable electronic device.

[0032] · The executable functions are provided in the wearable electronic device, and the functions include providing a user-customized user interface for the experimental device.

[0033] · The user-customized user interface of the experimental device is provided in the wearable device via input and / or output means such as a display and / or buttons of the wearable electronic device.

[0034] · The user interface or the user-customized user interface of the experimental device is a user interface controlled by the user's motion of the experimental device.

[0035] · When user data cannot be retrieved, functions for controlling the experimental device are not provided, and preferably the use of the experimental device is made completely or partially unavailable, for example by locking at least one or more of the experimental device or its operating mode.

[0036] The method includes the step of extracting environmental status data specific to the experimental device, such as temperature data, air humidity data, fleet management data, or data relating to the atmosphere.

[0037] Based on the extracted user data and the extracted environmental status data, the system provides functions for controlling the experimental device.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an experimental device is provided which is configured to be used in the method according to the first aspect.

[0039] A third aspect of the present invention provides a wearable electronic device configured for use in the method according to the first aspect.

[0040] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a system comprising wearable electronic devices and experimental devices connected to each other by wireless connection, configured for use in the method according to the first aspect.

[0041] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a wearable electronic device, such as a smartwatch, is provided for providing user data specific to the user of an experimental device, wherein the wearable electronic device is provided with functions for controlling the experimental device based on the user data.

[0042] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a wearable electronic device is provided that is connectable to an experimental device and configured to be worn by a user of the experimental device, the wearable electronic device comprising means for retrieving user data specific to the user, and means for providing a user-specific user interface that includes at least one function for controlling the experimental device based on the retrieved user data. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Surprisingly, it was found that using electronic wearable devices could potentially provide users with novel, effective, and safe ways to control experimental equipment.

[0044] The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps of: providing a wearable electronic device configured to be worn by a user of an experimental device; using the wearable device to retrieve user data specific to the user; and providing a function for controlling the experimental device based on the retrieved user data.

[0045] In the following, the term "wearable device" typically refers to "wearable electronic devices."

[0046] Typically, the wearable electronic device is configured to be attached to a part of the user's body.

[0047] Preferably, the wearable device is detachably attached by the user so as to be attached to or wrapped around the user's body or a part of the body, for example, around the wrist or finger. The user's hands are free in the sense that the user can use both hands freely to perform tasks such as handling liquids.

[0048] For example, the user may wear the wearable device on the hand holding the pipette. Alternatively, the user may choose to wear the wearable device on a different hand.

[0049] In one embodiment, the user may wear the wearable device so that the display of the wearable device is visible.

[0050] In one embodiment, the user may wear the wearable device so that the user interface integrated with the wearable device can be used, for example, by touch, by voice control, or by gesture control.

[0051] In some embodiments, the wearable device can be operated without touching it, or via a user interface of an external electronic device, in order to reduce cross-contamination.

[0052] In some embodiments, the wearable device can be attached to the user's body so as to be in constant and direct contact with the user's skin. Such skin contact can be used, for example, to detect the user's heart rate.

[0053] In one embodiment, the wearable device may be worn by wrapping around or attaching it to a movable part of the body (depending on the usage situation), such as the hand, wrist, or finger.

[0054] In one embodiment, the wearable device may be worn by wrapping around or attaching it to a part of the body that is substantially stationary (in the context of use), such as the neck or the foot.

[0055] Usage may refer to the use of experimental devices, such as pipetting events performed by the user.

[0056] In some embodiments, the wearable device may be worn by wrapping around or attaching it to a part of the body that can be placed near or close to the experimental device, such as a finger or wrist, during use.

[0057] In some embodiments, the wearable device may be wrapped around or attached to a part of the body facing or towards the experimental device, for purposes such as recording video, taking photographs, or establishing a data connection during use. An exemplary embodiment is smart glasses worn over the user's nose.

[0058] Alternatively, the wearable device itself may be rotatable so that the user can adjust the attached device to a desired shape in three-dimensional space.

[0059] For example, the wearable electronic device may include a smartwatch, smart bracelet, smart ring, smart necklace, or smart glasses. A smartwatch is particularly preferred.

[0060] The wearable device may include a user interface. The user interface is configured to input and / or output data. Output means may include a display or screen for presenting data to the user. Input means may include keys, buttons, a microphone, and / or a camera. A touch display may be used for inputting and outputting data. An accelerometer may be used to identify the orientation of the wearable device. The wearable device may include memory capable of storing data and / or executable commands, a processor, a controller, voice control means, gesture control means, control software, and connectivity means for providing wireless and / or wired connectivity. Wireless connectivity may be provided via a wireless reader, radio frequency (RF) tag, infrared, or Bluetooth connectivity. Connectivity means may enable both transmission and reception of data via the established connectivity. Data may include commands, control data, signaling, variables, or any other data.

[0061] The experimental device may be a liquid handling or liquid injection device, such as a handheld electronic pipette or an automated liquid handling or injection device. In one embodiment, the experimental device is any electronic experimental device configured to be controlled or operated via a user interface integrated into the experimental device itself and / or via a remote user interface.

[0062] The aforementioned experimental devices may be any electronic or semi-electronic experimental devices, such as pipettes, dispensers, burettes, liquid handling stations, laboratory balances, sample analyzers, filtration devices, bioreactors, fermenters, flow cytometers, live cell imaging and / or analysis devices, chromatography devices or systems, protein analyzers, or water purification or dispensing devices or systems.

[0063] In one embodiment, the experimental device is an electronic liquid handling device.

[0064] In one embodiment, the experimental device is an electronic laboratory balance.

[0065] In one embodiment, the experimental device is a mechanical or semi-mechanical pipette capable of wireless communication with the wearable electronic device. Preferably, a function is provided for controlling one or more electronic functions of the mechanical or semi-mechanical pipette based on the retrieved user data.

[0066] In one embodiment, the experimental device is located in a clean, sterile, or sterilizable environment, such as within a sterile laminar flow hood, sterile room, cleanroom, or sterile chamber. The wearable device allows for remote control and operation of the experimental device from a selected location different from the experimental device's actual location.

[0067] The wearable device is advantageous, for example, when a user's tablet or mobile phone cannot be brought into a cleanroom environment or when using a laminar flow hood or other clean work cabinet. The user wearing the wearable device may remain outside the cleanroom environment, or at least maintain a greater distance from the experimental device than would be possible without the wearable device, and still be able to control the experimental device. Alternatively, the user may enter the cleanroom environment but carry fewer devices, such as a laptop.

[0068] For example, in the case of a laminar flow hood, it is typically not possible to place a laptop or any other smart device inside the hood because the workspace inside the hood is limited, and the item usually needs to be sterilized before being brought inside. Therefore, any use of a laptop during the work process inside a laminar flow hood is cumbersome or impossible, and may require interruptions to the work. Through the user interface of a wearable device, the user can perform functions such as changing the protocol or settings of experimental devices outside the hood without relying on a laptop or computer.

[0069] Reliable user identification during pipetting can be extremely important in situations such as those with stringent traceability requirements and in hospital environments. Wearable devices can further ensure the reliability of user identification data.

[0070] The wearable electronic device and the experimental device are preferably connected to each other by wireless connection. Alternatively, a wired connection may be used. The connection may enable the transmission of data and commands that enable control of the experimental device according to some embodiments. The connection may also enable the reception of data such as measurement results and settings of the experimental device.

[0071] The wearable device and the experimental device may automatically connect to each other when they are sufficiently close to each other and both are turned on. Alternatively, the user may connect the devices by a command that initiates or creates the connection.

[0072] The wireless connection may be implemented using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication) tags and readers. Preferably, the operating distance is short, such as less than 0.5 m. A short operating distance is advantageous because it limits the functionality of the wearable device to use only when in close proximity to an external experimental device.

[0073] In one embodiment, the wearable device is exclusive to the user wearing the wearable device. In this case, the wearable device can provide user identity data to an external device such as a pipette. The wearable device may receive the user identity data by various means, for example, from a log file that is accessible only when the wearable device is worn or activated and / or when the user's pulse or other presence data is detected by the wearable device.

[0074] The wearable device may be configured to be used only with a specific type of experimental device or a designated single experimental device. Furthermore, the wearable device may be reserved for the user wearing it and may identify that user.

[0075] In some embodiments, the user wearing the wearable device is identified, for example, by their heart rate or any other suitable measurable physiological quantity or parameter. Alternatively, the user may input identification data, such as biometric identification data (fingerprint recognition, iris recognition, facial recognition) or alphanumeric identification data, into the wearable device.

[0076] The wearable device offers clear advantages over simply portable devices such as tablets or smartphones, namely, a secure connection between the wearable device and the user wearing it, which allows for more reliable verification of the user's identity, location, and / or presence.

[0077] In one embodiment, the wearable device is wearable and portable. Portability typically includes the wearable device being lightweight and the user being able to carry the wearable device while moving, such as walking.

[0078] In some embodiments, the wearable device is used to retrieve user data relating to the user currently wearing the wearable device. Advantageously, the user data is retrieved when the user prepares the experimental device or during the process of operating the experimental device. The retrieval of the user data typically provides a basis for providing functionality for controlling the experimental device. Such provision may involve making available new or modified features or functions in the wearable device or in the experimental device itself.

[0079] The user data may include user identity data, or usage history data specific to the user, or user location data such as the user's distance from the experimental device. Usage history data may relate to logs or historical data collected and stored during previous use of the experimental device by the wearable device and / or the identified user. User location data may be based on the location of the wearable device. The user's distance from the experimental device may correspond to the distance of the experimental device from the wearable device.

[0080] Therefore, the user data may be useful with respect to the user's identity and / or characteristics.

[0081] The user data may relate to both the user and the experimental device, such as the user's specific way of operating the experimental device. Advantageously, at least some embodiments allow for consideration of user-specific settings, preferences, or limitations associated with the operation of the experimental device. These settings, preferences, or limitations are typically reflected in or included in the user data extracted by the wearable device.

[0082] The new features or functions provided are preferably suitable for, usable for, or executable for controlling the experimental device. In some embodiments, the use, activation, or execution of the provided functions affects the operation of the experimental device.

[0083] The aforementioned functions may be made executable or available to the user manually or automatically by the experimental device, whenever desired or necessary.

[0084] The executable functions may be provided in the wearable electronic device and / or the experimental device.

[0085] The means for performing the aforementioned functions, such as a processor, memory, and software, may be located within the wearable device and / or the experimental device.

[0086] Based on the user data, the wearable device may send commands or instructions to the experimental device, which may then provide executable functions. These executable functions may be performed automatically or may be used or executed by the user when controlling the experimental device.

[0087] For example, the executable functions may be provided in a library or memory within the wearable device, from which the user may select and use the functions. The library is preferably opened and used by the user based on the detected or retrieved user data.

[0088] For example, the function may include automatically locking or unlocking some or all of the functional features of the experimental device, such as user location data, based on the content of the user data.

[0089] For example, the function may include means for manually locking or unlocking the experimental device, such as some or all of the functional features of the experimental device, via a user interface provided to the user based on the content of the user data. The user may lock or unlock the experimental device by providing input such as selection or setting via the user interface.

[0090] In some embodiments, the user interface available in a laboratory device, such as a liquid handling device, may be adjusted or modified based on user data. The user interface may include pipette operation modes. In one example, the pipette operation modes available in a liquid handling device may be adjusted based on user data. In this case, the new functionality provided includes a set of pipette operation modes adjusted to the user.

[0091] The functions described above, such as locking or unlocking the experimental device or a part of its operating mode, may be performed automatically when the user data meets a predetermined criterion, such as when the distance between the user and the experimental device is less than a predetermined minimum distance. Typically, such automatic locking or unlocking is performed using software and a processor within the experimental device.

[0092] In one embodiment, the executable function is provided in the wearable electronic device, and the function may include remote control of at least one function of the experimental device. The remote control of the experimental device may be provided in the wearable electronic device via a user interface integrated into the wearable electronic device.

[0093] In one embodiment, the executable function is provided in the wearable electronic device, and the function includes providing a user-customized user interface for controlling the experimental device or at least some of its functions or operating modes.

[0094] The user-customized user interface for the experimental device may be provided on the wearable electronic device via a user interface such as a display and / or buttons integrated into the wearable device. For example, the user interface such as a display and / or buttons may be identical to a display and buttons that form part of the user interface for controlling the wearable device itself, such as the smartwatch. Switching between these two user interfaces may be done manually by the user. The user-customized user interface for controlling the experimental device may be activated on the wearable device when the distance between the two devices, i.e., the distance between the user and the experimental device, falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0095] In addition to, or instead of, the user interface for remote control of the experimental device may be implemented using one or more input means, such as motion sensors, voice sensors, or other sensors integrated into the wearable device, to enable remote voice and / or motion control of the experimental device. Furthermore, or instead, the wearable device may include a camera or scanner.

[0096] In one embodiment, the user interface or the user-customized user interface of the experimental device is a user motion-controlled user interface of the experimental device. In this case, the wearable device is preferably attached to or wrapped around the user's hand or a part thereof.

[0097] In the case of voice control, the wearable device is preferably worn close to the user's mouth, such as a smart necklace.

[0098] User Interface In one embodiment, the wearable device includes an enhanced user interface compared to the experimental device, such as a liquid handling device, with which the wearable device communicates to facilitate remote operation or control of the experimental device. Such an enhanced user interface may include gesture control, such as a radar chip, which is typically not possible for handheld experimental devices. For example, with a pipette, it is practically inconvenient to make gestures during pipetting.

[0099] In one embodiment, the user interface of the wearable device is adaptable, adaptable, or modified according to, for example, the user's identity, location, liquid handling device, and / or liquid handling task. In this way, the usability of the experimental device can be improved or adapted to the user's requirements. The experimental device may be personalized in use, thus reducing the need to provide each user with their own experimental equipment, such as pipettes. For example, the user interface of the wearable device may consist only of a relatively small display screen and a limited number of buttons, if the function and purpose of the display and buttons are modified according to the experimental device and its use. The buttons may be, for example, virtual buttons on a touch display or physical buttons.

[0100] In one embodiment, the wearable device includes a user interface that provides substantially the same input and output functions as a conventional user interface integrated with an experimental device, such as the liquid handling device, with which the wearable device communicates to enable remote control of the liquid handling device.

[0101] In embodiments involving a sterile environment, the experimental device, such as a liquid handling device, may lack physical control buttons and / or indicators and preferably have a smooth, easily sterilizable or washable surface. In one embodiment, the experimental device is entirely sterilizable and contains only sterilizable components. This allows for complete cleaning of the experimental device and reduces the risk of contamination.

[0102] Preferably, the user may control and / or operate the experimental device, such as a pipette, via the user interface of the wearable communication device. The commands and data transmitted from the wearable device to the pipette may be accompanied by user identification data, which the pipette may utilize, for example, by attaching the user identification data to a log file generated in the process of performing pipette operations in accordance with the received commands. Such a log file may be generated by the liquid handling device and stored in its memory. In one example, user-specific usage history data may be generated and stored, for example, in the memory of the liquid handling device.

[0103] Remote control of a pipette is preferable in situations where, for example, the user cannot enter the space where the pipette is located, or the user has a disability, or the user needs an improved pipette user interface, or the user does not want to touch the pipette.

[0104] In some embodiments, the wearable device is configured to provide an alternative user input method, such as a technologically advanced user input method, for the use or control of the experimental device. This is particularly advantageous when such an advanced or alternative user input method is not compatible with integration with the experimental device and / or when such a user input method is required only in specific user-specific circumstances.

[0105] The present invention also relates to a system including electronic wearable devices and experimental devices.

[0106] Typically, the system includes means for establishing a wireless connection between the wearable device and the experimental device. The user data and / or experimental device data may be transmitted between the wearable device and the experimental device via the wireless connection. The experimental device data may include experimental device status data.

[0107] In one embodiment, the wearable device preferably includes means for enabling the user to utilize functions via the wearable device based on at least the experimental device data received from the experimental device, in combination with user data, the functions being configured to be used by the user to control the experimental device while the wearable device is being worn or while the experimental device is being controlled.

[0108] In another embodiment, the experimental device includes means for making the functions of the experimental device available to the user or for the user to disable the functions of the experimental device, based on the user data received from the wearable device.

[0109] Various further features may be realized using the aforementioned wearable device.

[0110] In some embodiments, the wearable device is configured to receive status data from a laboratory device such as a liquid handling device or pipette. The wearable device may further communicate the status data to the user of the wearable device, for example, via its own integrated display or other display means. Such status data may include any of the following: commands related to performing pipetting operations; alarm signals related to the status of the liquid handling device (e.g., calibration status, battery status); pipette position and availability data; protocols available for use with the liquid handling device; information related to any final error or deviation in the course of a recent pipetting event; and commands to compensate for or correct such errors or deviations. The retrieved laboratory device status data may be used in combination with the retrieved user data to provide a basis for providing specific functions for controlling the laboratory device.

[0111] In some embodiments, the wearable device is configured to receive or retrieve environmental status data specific to the experimental device or its environment, such as temperature data, air humidity data, fleet management data, or atmosphere-related data. The environmental status data may correspond to status data within a laminar flow hood. The wearable device may further communicate the environmental status data to the user of the wearable device, for example, via its own integrated display or other display means. The environmental status data may be received from one or more sensors located near the experimental device, integrated into its structure, or integrated into the experimental space, laboratory, or experimental facility where the experimental device is located. The retrieved environmental status data may be combined with the retrieved user data to provide a basis for providing specific functions for controlling the experimental device.

[0112] In one embodiment, the wearable device may retrieve and utilize data that is outside the experimental device, such as a pipette, and cannot be retrieved by the experimental device itself. Such external data may be used to improve the accuracy and reliability of the liquid handling operation. The external data may be used in combination with user data to provide a basis for providing specific functions for controlling the experimental device.

[0113] In some embodiments, the wearable device is configured to function as a data exchange hub between multiple experimental devices. The experimental devices connected to the wearable device may, advantageously, include one or more of the following: liquid handling devices, altimeters, barometers, temperature sensors, and air humidity sensors. Multiple devices from each of the enumerated categories may be connected to one another.

[0114] In some embodiments, the wearable device is configured to receive input, commands, or data from the user. Such input, commands, or data may include user identification data, user-specific settings for the experimental device, and personal settings or control inputs for the wearable device itself and / or for the experimental device.

[0115] The present invention also relates to a system including wearable electronic devices and experimental devices connected to each other by wireless connectivity.

[0116] The present invention further relates to the use of a wearable electronic device, such as a smartwatch, for providing user data specific to the user of an experimental device. The user is wearing the wearable device. Based on the user data, functions for controlling the experimental device are provided to or made available to the user.

[0117] Examples Example 1: Control of automated experimental devices such as automated liquid handling robots To control an automated liquid handling robot or other automated experimental device, the wearable device may be a smartwatch or a smart glove.

[0118] The wearable device may provide safety features in relation to the automated liquid handling robot. For example, the features provided based on user data such as the user's proximity may include automatic locking of the robot or automatic delay of the robot's motion.

[0119] In another example, a motion-controlled or gesture-controlled user interface for controlling the moving or movable parts of the robot may be provided based on retrieved user data such as the presence or absence of a user, the user's identity, and / or the user's proximity.

[0120] The wearable device, such as the smart glove, may include one or more sensors configured to detect the user's hand gestures or position, such as clenching a fist, pinching fingers, pointing with one or more fingers, and / or clasping hands together.

[0121] The motion or gesture control may involve synchronized motion between a part of the body supporting the wearable device and a moving part or movable part of the robot. For example, the movable part of the robot may move up or down based on a gesture or motion detected by the wearable device.

[0122] The moving parts or movable components of an automated liquid handling robot may include one or more grippers for grasping and moving tip racks or tip boxes or other equipment and releasing them in a suitable location such as on or near the robot's platform, and dispensing heads configured to move tips in three-dimensional space, draw liquid into the tips, and dispense the liquid from the tips into containers such as microplate wells.

[0123] For example, the motion or gesture control may be used to time or induce actions in the robot, such as inducing a picking motion or action that causes the robot to pick a tip from the dispensing head, or inducing a suction or dispensing action.

[0124] In one example, the motion-controlled user interface may be used to teach a liquid dispensing robot how to operate.

[0125] Example 2: Smartwatch The wearable device may be a smartwatch. In this case, the experimental device may be a handheld electronic pipette or another electronic handheld experimental device.

[0126] In one embodiment, the user interface (UI) of the pipette is entirely provided by a smartwatch, which is used to communicate pipette operation parameters or commands to the pipette via an application (i.e., an app) on the wearable device. Simultaneously, the watch may identify the user and store a user identifier (ID) in a log file. If the watch is removed from the user's wrist, the watch detects the removal via the absence or failure to detect the user's skin contact or pulse and logs out of the app. Re-login is only possible when skin contact or pulse is detected.

[0127] In one embodiment, the user wears the smartwatch on one hand and operates a handheld pipette with the other. When the dispensing volume is small and the microplate wells are correspondingly small and densely arranged, pressing the pipette button may impair the precise placement of the tip above the well from which the liquid is to be dispensed. In such cases, it is advantageous to use gesture control, such as moving the hand holding the smartwatch or rotating the wrist, to initiate the dispensing of the liquid from the tip into the well. Thus, the hand holding the pipette can remain stationary. Preferably, all manual pressing actions of the pipette button may be replaced by such gesture control during pipetting events, which typically involve aspirating and dispensing liquid and positioning the tip in or above the well.

[0128] Example 3: Smart Ring The wearable device may be implemented as a smart ring worn on the user's finger.

[0129] The embodiments of the disclosed invention are not limited to the specific structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but should be understood to extend to their equivalents as would be recognized by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the terms used herein are used solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting.

[0130] Throughout this specification, whenever the phrase "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" is used, it means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, not all occurrences of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" throughout this specification refer to the same embodiment.

[0131] As used herein, multiple items, structural elements, constituent elements, and / or materials may be presented in common lists for convenience. However, these lists should be interpreted as if each item in the list were individually identified as a distinct and unique item. Therefore, no individual item in such a list should be interpreted as a de facto equivalent of any other item in the same list, solely on the basis that it is presented within a common group, unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, various embodiments and examples of the invention may be referred to here, along with substitutes for their various components. Such embodiments, examples, and substitutes should be considered as distinct and autonomous representatives of the invention, rather than being interpreted as de facto equivalents of each other.

[0132] Furthermore, the features, structures, or properties described herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. The following description provides many specific details, such as examples of length, width, and shape, to provide a full understanding of embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be carried out without one or more of the aforementioned specific details, or in conjunction with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not described or elaborated upon to avoid obscuring embodiments of the present invention.

[0133] While the above embodiments illustrate the principles of the present invention in one or more specific applications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made to the form of implementation, usage, and details without demonstrating inventive ability and without departing from the principles and concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited except by the following claims.

[0134] In this text, the verbs "to comprise" and "to include" are used as non-limiting clauses that neither exclude nor require the existence of undescribed features. Unless otherwise specified, the features described in dependent claims can be freely combined with each other. Furthermore, the use of "a" or "an," i.e., the singular form, throughout this text should be understood as not excluding the plural form. [Industrial applicability]

[0135] The present invention may have industrial applications in controlling at least electronic handheld liquid handling devices or automated liquid handling robots.

Claims

1. A wearable electronic device configured to be worn by a user of an experimental device, comprising the steps of providing a wearable electronic device including a user interface, The steps include: using the wearable electronic device to retrieve user data specific to the user and status data of the experimental device; A method comprising the step of providing a function for remote control of at least one function of the experimental device in the user interface of the wearable electronic device, based on the extracted user data and the extracted status data of the experimental device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wearable electronic device is configured to be attached to a part of the user's body.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the wearable electronic device includes a smartwatch, a smart bracelet, a smart ring, a smart necklace, or smart glasses.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the experimental device is a liquid handling device or liquid injection device, or a handheld electronic pipette, or an automated liquid handling device or injection device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the experimental device is located in a sterile environment or in a sterile laminar flow hood or sterile room, and correspondingly, the wearable electronic device is located outside the sterile environment, the sterile laminar flow hood, or the sterile room.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the experimental device does not have a physical button.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the experimental device can be sterilized as a whole.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wearable electronic device and the experimental device are connected to each other by wireless connection.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the extracted user data includes at least one of user identity data, usage history data specific to the user, user location data, or the distance of the wearable electronic device worn by the user from the experimental device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the functions can be performed manually by selection or activation by the user, or automatically by the experimental device.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the functions is implementable and provided for use or execution in the wearable electronic device and / or the experimental device.

12. At least one of the above functions is implementable and provided in the experimental device. The method according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the functions includes automatic locking and / or automatic unlocking of the experimental device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one function is automatically executed when the retrieved user data meets a predetermined criterion.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein when the retrieved user data satisfies a predetermined criterion, the distance between the user and the experimental device is less than a predetermined minimum distance.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the at least one function that is automatically performed when the retrieved user data meets a predetermined criterion includes locking the experimental device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the status data includes at least one of commands related to the execution of a pipetting operation, alarm signals related to the status or calibration status or battery status of a liquid handling device, pipette position and availability data, protocols available for use with a liquid handling device, information related to a final error or deviation in the course of a recent pipetting event, and commands for compensating for or correcting such errors or deviations.

17. At least one of the aforementioned functions is implementable and provided in the wearable electronic device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the functions includes providing a user-customized user interface for the experimental device.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the user-customized user interface of the experimental device is provided in the wearable electronic device via input means and / or output means of the user interface of the wearable electronic device.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein the user interface, or the user-customized user interface described in claim 17 of the experimental device, is a user motion-controlled user interface of the experimental device.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein if user data cannot be retrieved, the function for remote control of at least one function of the experimental device is not provided.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein if user data cannot be retrieved, the experimental device becomes completely or partially unusable.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the use of the experimental device is made completely or partially impossible by locking at least one or more of the experimental device or its operating modes.

23. A step of extracting environmental status data specific to the experimental device, including at least one of temperature data, air humidity data, fleet management data, or data related to the atmosphere, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the step of providing a function for remote control of at least one function of the experimental device based on the retrieved user data, the retrieved experimental device status, and the retrieved environmental status data.

24. The wearable electronic device includes a smartwatch, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the experimental device is a handheld electronic pipette, or an automated liquid handling device or injection device.

25. The wearable electronic device includes a smart glove, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the experimental device is an automatic liquid handling device or an injection device.

26. The retrieved user data includes user identity data, The at least one of the functions includes the step of providing a user-customized user interface for the experimental device, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user-customized user interface of the experimental device is provided in the wearable electronic device via input means and / or output means of the user interface of the wearable electronic device.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the user-customized user interface provides remote control of at least one function of the experimental device.

28. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the remote control includes gesture control of the aspiration function and / or dispensing function of a handheld liquid handling device.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the gesture control is for initiating the aspiration of a liquid into or dispensing of a liquid from the tip of the handheld liquid handling device.

30. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the remote control includes gesture control of at least one of the picking action, suction action, and dispensing action of an automated liquid handling robot.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the gesture control includes synchronized motion between a part of the body supporting the wearable electronic device and a movable part of an automated liquid handling robot.

32. The method according to claim 26, wherein the user identity data is retrieved and / or selected from a log file, the log file being accessible only when the user's pulse or the user's skin contact is detected by the wearable electronic device.

33. The retrieved user data includes user location data, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the function includes automatic locking and / or automatic unlocking of some or all of the functional features of the experimental device based on the user location data.

34. The retrieved user data includes user location data, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the function includes an automatic delay of the motion of an automated liquid handling robot based on the user position data.

35. A system comprising wearable electronic devices and experimental devices connected to each other by wireless connection, configured for use in the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

36. A method for using a wearable electronic device to retrieve user data specific to the user of an experimental device and status data of the experimental device, wherein a function for remote control of at least one function of the experimental device is provided based on the user data.

37. The method of use according to claim 36, wherein the wearable electronic device includes a smartwatch.

38. A wearable electronic device that is connectable to an experimental device and configured to be worn by a user of the experimental device, Means for retrieving user data specific to the user and status data of the experimental device, A wearable electronic device comprising means for providing a user-specific user interface that includes at least one function for remote control of the experimental device, based on the extracted user data and the extracted status data of the experimental device.