Automatic registration of at least one device in a laboratory system

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for automatic registration of at least one device (110) in a laboratory system (112) is proposed. The laboratory system (112) comprises a plurality of laboratory devices (116). The method comprises the following steps: i) at least one initialization step (118), which includes transmitting device specific information from the device (110) to be registered to at least one laboratory communication management unit (120) via at least one first communication interface; ii) at least one device configuration step (124), comprising the laboratory communication management unit (120) requesting a solution-specific configuration from at least one remote infrastructure (126) via at least one second communication interface based on the device-specific information, the device configuration step (124) comprising receiving the solution-specific configuration from the remote infrastructure (126) via the second communication interface by the laboratory communication management unit (120) and transmitting the solution-specific configuration from the laboratory communication management unit (120) to the device (110) to be registered via the first communication interface, the solution-specific configuration being based on the device-specific information and on configuration information relating to the laboratory system (112); iii) at least one laboratory configuration step (134), the laboratory configuration step (134) comprising sending at least one request from the laboratory communication management unit (120) including an updated solution-specific configuration to the laboratory devices (116) of the laboratory system (112) via their respective communication interfaces, the updated solution-specific configuration including information about the device (110) to be registered and changes resulting from adding the device (110) to the laboratory system (112), the laboratory configuration step (134) further comprising providing the updated solution-specific configuration to the remote infrastructure (126); Includes.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for automatic registration of at least one device in a laboratory system, a communication network for a laboratory system, a computer program comprising instructions, and a computer-readable storage medium. The method and device may be used in particular in the field of medical or chemical laboratories. However, other fields of application of the invention are also possible. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, to install or register a new device or module in a lab, a series of manual and repetitive configuration tasks must be followed, which can introduce errors during installation. For example, there can be many different modules that need to be installed separately, and doing this manually can be very tedious. This can impact maintainability, performance data, etc.

[0003] In other technical fields, there are several examples of "plug and play" or automatic discovery and configuration involving medical devices.

[0004] US Patent No. 8,549,065 describes a method and corresponding device for communication between a client and a server of a client / server system using the standard protocol OPC UA, where OPC UA service calls are used for interaction between the OPC UA client and the OPC UA server. To integrate transaction contexts into the OPC UA service calls, all OPC UA servers of the system are complemented by a transaction management component, and in order to execute transactions, appropriately configured OPC UA clients communicate with the respective OPC UA servers using transactions.

[0005] US 2005 / 0149283 describes a process for calibrating an operational medico-technical device as a result of the installation of a new component thereon. A medico-technical device is described which is made to automatically identify the new component when it is installed in the medico-technical device and to display the steps required for the calibration of the medico-technical device based on the identification. However, it is also possible to make the medico-technical device to automatically identify the newly installed component after its identification.

[0006] No. 7,680,605 describes a system and method for integrating laboratory equipment and applications to provide a unified control and collaboration architecture under a common interface. The system provides a mechanism for discovering various hardware and software components, and each component's individual functions and input / output data types are automatically recognized and captured in a centralized control system that provides live monitoring of the operational status of the available components.

[0007] US Patent No. 8,225,015 describes a system, apparatus, and method for adaptive and dynamic medical device connectivity. In one example, a medical device interface system includes a device interface that connects a medical device to a client system and enables data exchange between the medical device and the client system, the device interface includes a plug-and-play detector that detects connection of a medical device to the device interface, and a serial agent that collects information from the medical device via a connection between the medical device and the device interface and selects an appropriate device driver to operate and interact with the medical device connected to the device interface, regardless of the presence or absence of existing plug-and-play capabilities of the medical device.

[0008] MBARI PUCK is described in “Cloud PUCK for Sensor Selfconfiguration” Sensors & Transducers, Vol. 172, Issue 6, June 2014, pp. 45-50, to minimize human intervention during device configuration. An instrument pack is preloaded onto the device before it is physically plugged into the sensor network. The instrument pack stores all the configuration information of the device, including metadata and software. As soon as the device is plugged in, the system can retrieve the device's configuration information through the pack interface and automatically configure the device. The instrument pack hardware consists of a non-volatile flash memory device, a microcontroller, a serial transceiver, an isolated power supply, and two RS-232 serial ports.

[0009] US Patent No. 7,535,854 describes a method for device management related to communication technology, which includes the following steps: the device proactively sends an IP packet for management registration request, which includes at least the device's unique device identifier and IP address, to the management system according to the address information of the management system; and after the management system receives the device's registration request, the management system judges whether the device is valid according to the unique device identifier, and accepts the registration if valid, or rejects it if not. The dynamic configuration of the device can be performed through a standard DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) procedure, and an encryption method can be adopted in the IP packet for management registration request and its response packet, and the device sends the management registration packet to the management system at intervals.

[0010] EP 1 926 429 describes a method, a system and a device for automatic configuration of a high-power X-ray source device having multiple modules. A first module of the high-power X-ray source device has an identification unit for storing at least one parameter of the first module and transmitting the parameter to a configuration control unit. At least one operating parameter of a second module is determined by the configuration control unit based on characteristics of the transmitted parameters of the first module. The high-power X-ray source device is configured by setting the operating parameters of the second module to the determined values.

[0011] US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0110200 describes a multi-protocol adapter system and a data conversion method in the multi-protocol adapter system. The multi-protocol adapter system may include a connection recognition unit for recognizing a connection with a plurality of different types of devices, a session management unit for managing a connection session by sensing an input signal of the plurality of different types of devices connected by an input and managing a connection with the device, a plug-and-play unit for controlling the plurality of different types of devices in units of services provided by the plurality of different types of devices, a data conversion unit for converting received data, a user information management unit for managing user identification information received through radio frequency identification, and a data transmission unit for combining the converted data with the user identification information and sending the combined data to a terminal.

[0012] Despite this achievement in other technical fields, so far there is no solution that allows the automation of the installation or registration of devices in a laboratory environment. The laboratory environment is a strictly regulated environment, especially for medical devices, that affect the patient's test results. For example, laboratories need to document their work processes for accreditation. However, changes may not be properly reported or documented, or multiple system components (e.g., more than 10) may need to cooperate to fulfill their common purpose. This may lead to errors being introduced by manual configuration.

[0013] EP 3 451 253 A1 describes a method for operating a laboratory system comprising laboratory equipment and a laboratory information system, the method comprising the steps of grouping laboratory equipment into equipment clusters and providing a cluster manager for the equipment clusters, a plurality of laboratory equipment publishing their equipment resource descriptions, each cluster manager maintaining an inventory of cluster resources and publishing a list of processing capabilities of the equipment clusters, the laboratory information system assigning processing of test orders to the equipment clusters, each cluster manager assigning laboratory equipment resources corresponding to test orders from the laboratory information system taking into account the inventory of cluster resources, and each laboratory equipment performing processing steps on biological samples as instructed by the cluster manager.

[0014] Issues to be resolved It would therefore be desirable to provide a computer-implemented method and communications network for a laboratory system that at least partially addresses the above-mentioned technical challenges. In particular, it would be desirable to provide a method and system that allows for reducing errors during installation of devices registered in the laboratory system and reducing manual effort during installation of devices registered in the laboratory system. Summary of the Invention

[0015] This problem is addressed by a computer implemented method and a communication network for a laboratory system having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments, which may be realized in either a single aspect or in any combination, are set out in the dependent claims as well as in the entire specification.

[0016] When used below, the terms "have", "comprise" or "include" or any grammatical variants thereof are used in a non-exclusive manner. These terms may therefore refer both to the situation in which the entity described in this context has no further features other than those introduced by these terms, and to the situation in which one or more further features are present. As an example, the expressions "A has B", "A comprises B" and "A includes B" may refer both to the situation in which no other elements are present in A besides B (i.e. the situation in which A is exclusively composed of B), and to the situation in which, besides B, the entity A has one or more further elements, such as element C, elements C and D, or even further elements.

[0017] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "at least one" or "one or more" or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may be present one or more times are typically used only once when introducing each feature or element. In the following, in most cases, the expressions "at least one" or "one or more" will not be repeated when referring to each feature or element, despite the fact that each feature or element may be present one or more times.

[0018] Furthermore, when used below, the terms "preferably", "more preferably", "particularly", "more particularly", "particularly", "more particularly" or similar terms are used with optional features without limiting the possibilities of alternatives. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. The invention may be implemented by using alternative features, as understood by those skilled in the art. Similarly, features introduced by "in an embodiment of the invention" or similar expressions are intended to be optional features without any limitations regarding alternative embodiments of the invention, without any limitations regarding the scope of the invention, and without any limitations regarding the possibility of combining the features introduced in such a way with other optional or non-optional features of the invention.

[0019] In a first aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method for automatic registration of at least one device in a laboratory system is disclosed.

[0020] As used herein, the term "computer-implemented method" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. The term may specifically, but not exclusively, refer to a method involving at least one computer and / or at least one computer network. The computer and / or computer network may comprise at least one processor configured to perform at least one of the method steps of the method according to the invention. In particular, each of the method steps is performed by the computer and / or computer network. The method may be performed fully automatically, in particular without the need for manual actions and / or user interaction.

[0021] As used herein, the term "automated" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and should not be limited to any specific or special meaning. The term may specifically, but is not limited to, refer to a process that is performed entirely by at least one computer and / or computer network and / or machine, particularly without the need for manual action and / or user interaction.

[0022] As used herein, the term "laboratory system" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. The term may specifically refer to at least one environment comprising a plurality of laboratory instruments, such as, but not limited to, at least one analyzer and / or at least one instrument configured to analyze at least one sample, in particular at least one biological sample. A laboratory system may be a place configured to work in the field of natural sciences and / or engineering, in the sense of providing an opportunity to perform corresponding measurements and controls. As used herein, the term "system" may generally refer to any set of interacting components configured to interact to perform at least one common task. In particular, the components of a laboratory system may interact with each other to perform at least one laboratory task. At least two components may be handled independently or may be coupled or connectable. A laboratory system may specifically be or may comprise an automated laboratory system configured to automatically or semi-automatically process a plurality of samples, in particular a large number of samples. By way of example, the laboratory system may be or may comprise an automated laboratory analyzer. The laboratory system may be used in particular in the field of medical laboratories, such as clinical laboratories or forensic laboratories, and / or in the field of chemical laboratories, such as analytical laboratories. For example, reference may be made to WO 2015 / 011274, EP 3056320 or EP 3412603 for exemplary embodiments of laboratory systems that may also be used in the context of the present invention with the modifications as discussed herein. However, other laboratory systems may also be used.

[0023] The laboratory system comprises a plurality of laboratory devices. As used herein, the term "laboratory device" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. The term may specifically refer to, for example, but not limited to, any apparatus or device component or device part or module that is part of a laboratory system. At least some of the laboratory devices may be operable to perform one or more processing or workflow steps on one or more samples. The processing steps may include the physical performance of processing steps such as centrifugation, sorting, sample analysis, etc. In particular, the laboratory device may be or comprise at least one laboratory instrument. The term "laboratory instrument" may encompass, for example, pre-analytical instruments, post-analytical instruments, and / or analytical instruments.

[0024] As used herein, the term "sample" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. The term may specifically refer to a collection of a substance, such as, but not limited to, a chemical or biological compound. Specifically, the sample may be or include at least one biological sample, such as one or more of blood, serum, plasma, urine, saliva. Additionally or alternatively, the sample may be or include chemicals or compounds and / or reagents.

[0025] The analysis of the sample may include the execution of at least one workflow by the laboratory device. As used herein, the term "workflow", also referred to as "processing workflow", is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a special or special meaning. The term may specifically, but not exclusively, refer to a collection of workflow steps or processing steps. For example, a workflow may define the order in which the workflow steps or processing steps are performed by the laboratory device. The workflow, particularly the laboratory devices involved in the workflow, and / or the order of the laboratory devices in the workflow, and / or the optimal route through the laboratory system, and / or the actions performed by each laboratory device, may be defined by at least one laboratory configuration and layout manager of the laboratory system, such as by a management software, also referred to as solution management software.

[0026] The registered laboratory devices may be at least partially controllable via at least one communication network. As used herein, the term "communication network" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. The term may specifically, but not be limited to, refer to a group of interconnected nodes. Thus, a communication network may include a plurality of nodes, also called network nodes. Here, a node should be understood to mean an assembly that can communicate with each other and exchange data and / or commands. The communication network preferably includes three or more such network nodes, such as three, four or even more such network nodes. The laboratory devices may be nodes of the communication network. The laboratory communication management unit may be a further node of the communication network. The communication network may include further nodes, such as a remote infrastructure, as described in more detail below. The communication network may comprise a plurality of communication interfaces for communication between the nodes of the communication network. The control may include providing one or more parameters to the laboratory device for communication and / or configuration, etc. As used herein, the term "at least partially" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and accustomed meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, embodiments in which the laboratory device is fully controllable via a communications network and embodiments in which manual tasks are performed to control at least some functionality of the laboratory device, such as in the event of a malfunction.

[0027] The communication network may be configured to provide the registered laboratory devices with at least one specific setting parameter, such as speed, activity, torque, etc., that allows each laboratory device to optimally utilize its own set of characteristics in the integrated laboratory environment. The specific setting parameter may be tailored to or dependent on the conditions of the laboratory system, such as the number of laboratory devices and / or the number of laboratory devices designed to perform a specific task, and in this case may also be referred to as a solution-specific setting parameter. To enable the provision of solution-specific setting parameters, all laboratory devices of the laboratory system need to be registered in a database or the like that includes one or more of the following information: device type, ownership, device version information, manufacturing information, device code, communication protocol version, e.g., interaction capabilities.

[0028] As used herein, the term "database" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. The term may specifically, but not exclusively, refer to an organized collection of data that is generally stored and accessed electronically from a computer or computer system. A database may comprise or be constituted by a data storage device. A database may comprise at least one database management system that comprises software running on a computer or computer system, the software allowing interaction with one or more of a user, an application, or the database itself, for example, to capture and analyze data contained in the database. The database management system may further comprise facilities for managing the database. Thus, a database containing data may be constituted by a database system that contains the data as well as one or more associated applications. The database may be a remote database and / or may be part of a laboratory system.

[0029] As used herein, the term "registration" is a broad term and should be given its general and ordinary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a special or special meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, the process of introducing a device into a laboratory system. Registration may include the configuration of the device to be registered and performance improvement of the laboratory system. Registration may include one or more of the following: generating a new database entry, providing a solution-specific setting to the device to be registered, and verifying the solution-specific setting by the device. As outlined in more detail below, registration further includes laboratory settings in which the solution-specific setting included in the registered device is updated due to the presence of the new device in the laboratory system. The device to be registered may also be referred to herein as a "new device" to distinguish it from a device already present in the laboratory system.

[0030] The device to be registered may be a device selected from the group consisting of at least one opening device, at least one transport system, at least one analytical instrument, at least one resealing device, at least one fractionator, at least one centrifuge, at least one tube sorter, at least one storage unit, at least one bulk tube loader, at least one tube inspection station, at least one pre-analytical system. The term "device to be registered" may refer to device components, such as a standard power supply, that may be configured according to the use and needs in the system.

[0031] The method includes, inter alia, the following steps, which may be performed in a given order. It should be noted, however, that different orders are also possible. Furthermore, it is also possible to perform one or more of the method steps once or repeatedly. Furthermore, it is also possible to perform two or more of the method steps simultaneously or with overlapping times. The method may include further method steps not listed. i) at least one initialization step, the initialization step including transmitting device specific information from the device to be registered to at least one laboratory communication management unit via at least one first communication interface. ii) at least one device configuration step, the device configuration step including a laboratory communications management unit requesting a solution-specific configuration from at least one remote infrastructure via at least one second communications interface based on the device-specific information, the device configuration step including receiving the solution-specific configuration from the remote infrastructure via the second communications interface by the laboratory communications management unit and sending the solution-specific configuration from the laboratory communications management unit to the device to be registered via the first communications interface, the solution-specific configuration being based on the device-specific information and configuration information relating to the laboratory system. iii) at least one laboratory configuration step, the laboratory configuration step including sending at least one prompt from the laboratory communications management unit including an updated solution-specific configuration to laboratory devices of the laboratory system via their respective communications interfaces, the updated solution-specific configuration including information about the device to be registered and changes resulting from adding the device to the laboratory system, the laboratory configuration step further including providing the updated solution-specific configuration to the remote infrastructure.

[0032] The invention may allow automatic registration of devices to be registered. Adjustments of laboratory settings are possible and automatic remote intervention, in particular self-maintenance of the database of the remote infrastructure, is possible. The invention may allow automatic registration of laboratory equipment so that manual registration can be reduced. Furthermore, the laboratory equipment may be capable of communicating with a remote infrastructure in the laboratory environment.

[0033] As used herein, the term "initialization" is a broad term and should be given its common and ordinary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. The term may specifically, but is not limited to, refer to the process of informing a laboratory system that a new device is available. Initialization may include the so-called "handshake" of the new device with the communication network.

[0034] As used herein, the term "communication interface" is a broad term and should be given its general and ordinary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a special or special meaning. The term may specifically, but not limited to, refer to an item or element forming a boundary configured to transfer information. In particular, the communication interface may be configured to transfer information from a computing device, such as a computer, for example, for the purpose of transmitting or outputting information to another device. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface may be configured to transfer information to a computing device, such as a computer, for example, for receiving information. The communication interface may specifically provide a means for transferring or exchanging information. In particular, the communication interface may provide a data transfer connection, such as, for example, Bluetooth, NFC, inductive coupling, and the like. By way of example, the communication interface may be or may comprise at least one port comprising one or more of a network or Internet port, a USB port, and a disk drive. For example, the communication interface may be at least one web interface. For example, the nodes of the communication network may be configured to communicate via the Internet. The communication network may comprise multiple communication interfaces. The communication interfaces may be of the same or different design. Terms such as "first", "second" and "third" are used as names herein. Data transfer over the communication interfaces may be implemented, for example by using at least one reference USB interface, in particular including version monitoring, and / or as a proprietary protocol that is backward compatible and enhanced over time.

[0035] As used herein, the term "laboratory communication management unit" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a special or special meaning. This term may specifically, but not limited to, refer to any unit configured to provide communication between laboratory devices and / or with at least one remote device, such as a remote infrastructure, and / or configured to manage a laboratory system, such as determining and / or defining the role distribution of the laboratory devices. The laboratory communication management unit may be designed as middleware. As used herein, the term "middleware" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a special or special meaning. This term may specifically, but not limited to, refer to computer software that provides a platform and interface for communication between different application programs above the level of the computer's operating system.

[0036] The laboratory communication management unit may be configured to communicate with the laboratory devices, such as for exchanging data and / or commands. The laboratory communication management unit may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the laboratory devices, such as by WLAN, Bluetooth, and NFC. The laboratory communication management unit may be located between the laboratory device side and back-end resources, for example owned by a remote infrastructure.

[0037] The laboratory communication management unit may comprise a laboratory configuration and layout manager. The laboratory configuration and layout manager may be embodied as a solution management software. For example, the laboratory configuration and layout manager may be realized by the solution COBAS INFINITY® from Roche.

[0038] As used herein, the term "device specific information" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. The term may specifically be, but is not limited to, information for identifying the device to be registered and / or characteristics of the device to be registered, such as one or more of functional characteristics, entity characteristics, and the like. The device specific information may relate to a feature set of the device, such as a range of possible operating parameters. The device specific information may include one or more of version information, manufacturing information, ownership information, information about the software version, device code. The device code may correspond to FIN=SCIN (System Component Identification Number). The device code may relate to the purpose of use. For example, the device specific information may relate to the function of the device. The device specific information may be preloaded on the device to be registered. For example, the device specific information may be preloaded at a manufacturer's site. Additionally or alternatively, the device specific information may be obtained during at least one installation step of the device to be registered, such as during an initial setup of the device to be registered.

[0039] The device specific information may include at least one message or may be transmitted in the form of at least one message. For example, when a new device or module is first plugged into the communication network, it may send a message for a handshake with the communication network. For example, if the new device is an opening device, the device to be registered may send a handshake stating, for example, "I am a device from company X and I have this device code," and the device code may correspond to the purpose of functioning as an opening device.

[0040] The initialization step may include the laboratory communication management unit determining whether the software version present on the device to be registered needs to be updated and updating the software version if determined to be necessary by the laboratory communication management unit. The initialization step may include collecting, installing and checking required software updates for the device. In addition to the software, the firmware of the device may be checked for required updates and updated if necessary. For example, in the case of an opening device, the available software and / or firmware versions for this opening device and the need for updates are checked.

[0041] In particular, any updates to the device's software and firmware are completed before a device configuration step is performed.

[0042] As used herein, the term "device configuration step" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and should not be limited to any specific or special meaning. The term may specifically, but is not limited to, refer to the process of adapting and / or tuning a device to be registered to an existing laboratory system.

[0043] As used herein, the term "configuration" is a broad term and should be given its common and ordinary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. The term may specifically refer to at least one set of parameters of at least one laboratory device, such as, but not limited to, operational parameters.

[0044] As used herein, the term "remote infrastructure" is a broad term and should be given its general and ordinary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a special or special meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, at least one remote system configured to store data and / or process data and / or manage data. The remote infrastructure may comprise back-end resources such as databases and file servers. The remote infrastructure may be configured for further tasks, such as to provide service tasks. The remote infrastructure may comprise one or more of at least one processing unit, at least one database, such as at least one library, at least one database management system, such as software that allows interaction with one or more of users, applications, or the database itself, for example, to capture and analyze data contained in the database. The database management system may further include facilities for managing the database.

[0045] The device configuration step includes the laboratory communication management unit, in particular the middleware, requesting a solution-specific configuration from the remote infrastructure via a second communication interface based on the device-specific information. The communication between the laboratory communication management unit and the remote infrastructure may be performed via the Internet. The remote infrastructure may be configured to receive the device-specific information. The device configuration step may include accessing a database of the remote infrastructure. The database may include configuration information regarding the laboratory system. For example, the database may include information regarding all laboratory devices already present in the laboratory system, in particular their actual configurations and / or possible configurations such as ranges of possible operating parameters. The database may include other configuration information regarding the laboratory system, such as sample throughput, workflow, environmental conditions, communication protocols, etc. The remote infrastructure may be configured to generate the solution-specific configuration taking into account the device-specific information and the configuration information regarding the laboratory system. For example, the remote infrastructure may be configured to determine the solution-specific configuration by solving at least one optimization problem having as input the device-specific information and the configuration information regarding the laboratory system. For example, the device configuration step may include accessing a database of the remote infrastructure in light of configuration information regarding the laboratory system and retrieving communication protocol information from the database.

[0046] As used herein, the term "solution-specific settings" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a special or special meaning. The term may specifically, but not limited to, refer to a set of parameters of a device's feature set in light of device-specific information and configuration information regarding the laboratory system. The solution-specific settings may be provided in the form of at least one instruction and / or at least one prompt to register the device. The solution-specific settings may include one or more of the following configuration information: at least one device communication protocol, speed information, at least one device-specific configuration parameter. The device-specific configuration parameter may enable the device to optimally utilize its own feature set in the laboratory system. For example, the solution-specific settings may include one or more of the following: required speed information, such as pushing to the limit or staying within 60% performance, settings of how to handle the opening of the sample, such as rotating the sample twice with a specific torque, and / or settings of how to define the device communication protocol used in this laboratory type or country to meet compliance. A laboratory communication management unit, such as middleware, may provide and share solution-specific settings to devices to be registered to enable the best performance and operation set for this entire laboratory type.

[0047] As used herein, the term "solution" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of skill in the art and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, the distribution of roles to laboratory devices for a particular laboratory environment. The term "solution" may encompass parameter settings, such as operational parameters, of each laboratory device and / or laboratory devices involved in a particular workflow. The term "solution" may encompass at least one communication protocol for a particular laboratory type or country.

[0048] The laboratory communication management unit receives the solution-specific configuration from the remote infrastructure via the second communication interface, and transmits the solution-specific configuration from the laboratory communication management unit to the device to be registered via the first communication interface. The device configuration step may further include confirming the solution-specific configuration by the device to be registered. As used herein, the term "confirming the solution-specific configuration" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a special or special meaning. This term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, acknowledging the receipt of the solution-specific configuration and / or adapting and / or adjusting the device to be registered according to the received solution-specific configuration.

[0049] Steps i) and ii) may follow different levels depending on the device-specific information. For example, the first level may include registering the device-specific information in the laboratory communication management unit and the remote infrastructure. The second level may include collecting, installing and checking software updates for the device. The third level may include the device receiving communication protocol-specific information and incorporating them for daily use. The fourth level may include receiving at least one device-specific configuration parameter to enable the device to optimally utilize its own feature set in the laboratory system.

[0050] As used herein, the term "laboratory setup step" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of skill in the art and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. The term may specifically, but is not limited to, refer to the process of adapting and / or adjusting laboratory devices of a laboratory system for the presence of new devices.

[0051] The laboratory configuration step may include adapting the performance of the laboratory system and / or the performance of the laboratory devices according to the updated solution-specific configuration. The invention may propose devices added to the laboratory system via steps i) and ii) and the resulting ability within the solution to trigger a "reaction" of the entire solution, in particular an adaptation of the overall performance or performance of other laboratory devices. The overall performance or performance of the laboratory devices may be balanced in view of the new device. For example, if a second opening device is installed, the required sample throughput may be automatically shared between the two existing opening devices. For example, it may be possible to trigger, for example, a sleep mode to enhance greening and thus reduce the footprint.

[0052] The lab configuration step includes sending a prompt including the updated solution-specific settings from the lab communication management unit to the lab devices of the lab system via their respective communication interfaces. As used herein, the term "prompt to the lab devices" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and should not be limited to a special or special meaning. The term may specifically, but not be limited to, refer to a request to the lab devices to make an input. This input may result in adaptation and / or adjustment of the settings of the respective lab devices. The lab configuration step may further include confirmation of the updated solution-specific settings by the lab devices. After confirmation, the lab devices may operate and / or work with the updated solution-specific settings and / or operate and / or work based on the updated solution-specific settings.

[0053] As used herein, the term "updated solution-specific configuration" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person skilled in the art and should not be limited to a special or special meaning. The term may specifically, but not exclusively, refer to information about changes and / or adaptations of the previous solution-specific configuration taking into account the device registered via steps i) and ii). The laboratory communication management unit may update the previous solution-specific configuration of other laboratory devices taking into account the solution-specific configuration received from the remote infrastructure in step ii). The laboratory communication management unit, in particular the middleware, may send the updated solution-specific configuration to other laboratory devices in the solution, which takes into account the newly installed device and the changes this may have on other device or solution-level parameters. The updated solution-specific configuration includes information about the device to be registered and the changes resulting from the addition of this device to the laboratory system.

[0054] The lab configuration step may further include providing the updated solution-specific configuration to the remote infrastructure, ensuring that the remote infrastructure's database is up to date and allowing for the integration of additional devices in subsequent enrollments.

[0055] The invention goes in particular beyond a mere guarantee of communication between devices in a lab. It proposes in particular to communicate specific content between lab devices, allowing automatic configuration and location of the devices, and to prompt a configuration update at the solution level as a result of the installation of a new device. In contrast to, for example, US 7,535,854, the configuration of the new device depends on at least one parameter of the solution in the lab environment. More specific items can be considered and a standard naming can be applied. For example, ownership can be shared in case of different owners of the lab devices. The received information can be used and actions can be based on it. Similarly, with respect to US 2005 / 0149283, the invention goes in particular beyond a mere registration. It concerns configuration and performance improvement based on the components installed in the solution. The invention proposes in particular a workflow in which not only is a new device configured according to other devices present in the lab, but the addition of a device also affects the configuration of the other devices. The process of EP 3 451 253 A1 can be significantly improved since processing power is not simply added but optimized and sample processing information can be based on ideal solution-specific settings that take into account the interdependencies of the added devices and the solution-specific settings resulting in updated solution-specific settings. This can allow improved uptake of the technical capabilities of new devices considering and / or taking into account the entire installed laboratory system.

[0056] In a further aspect of the invention, a communication network for a laboratory system is proposed, the communication network being configured to carry out the method according to the invention, such as according to any one of the embodiments disclosed for the method above and / or according to any one of the embodiments disclosed in more detail below.

[0057] The laboratory system comprises a plurality of laboratory devices each having at least one communication interface, and the communication network comprises at least one laboratory communication management unit. The laboratory communication management unit is configured to receive device specific information sent from the device to be registered via at least one first communication interface. The laboratory communication management unit is configured to request a solution specific setting from at least one remote infrastructure via at least one second communication interface based on the device specific information. The laboratory communication management unit is configured to receive the solution specific setting from the remote infrastructure via the second communication interface and to send the solution specific setting from the laboratory communication management unit to the device to be registered via the first communication interface. The solution specific setting is based on the device specific information and the setting information regarding the laboratory system. The laboratory communication management unit is configured to send at least one prompt including the updated solution specific setting to the laboratory device of the laboratory system via their respective communication interfaces. The updated solution specific setting includes information regarding the device to be registered and changes resulting from the addition of the device to the laboratory system. The laboratory communications management unit is configured to provide updated solution-specific settings to the remote infrastructure.

[0058] In a further aspect of the present invention, a laboratory system is proposed comprising a plurality of laboratory devices, each having at least one communication interface. The laboratory system further comprises a communication network according to the invention. With regard to the embodiments of the laboratory system, reference is made to the definitions and embodiments given for the method according to the invention, such as according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above for the method and / or according to any one of the embodiments disclosed in more detail below.

[0059] Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program comprising computer executable instructions for carrying out the method according to the invention in one or more of the embodiments attached hereto, which, when executed on a computer or a computer network, in particular by a communication network according to the invention, causes the communication network to carry out the method according to the invention. In particular, the computer program may be stored on a computer readable data carrier and / or a computer readable storage medium.

[0060] As used herein, the terms "computer-readable data carrier" and "computer-readable storage medium" may specifically refer to non-transitory data storage means such as hardware storage media that store computer-executable instructions. A computer-readable data carrier or storage medium may specifically be or include a storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM) and / or a read-only memory (ROM).

[0061] Thus, in particular, one, several or even all of the method steps i) to iii) set out above may be implemented using a computer or a computer network, preferably by using a computer program.

[0062] Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product, which comprises program code means for executing the method according to the invention in one or more of the embodiments contained herein when the program is executed on a computer or a computer network. In particular, the program code means may be stored on a computer readable data carrier and / or a computer readable storage medium.

[0063] Further disclosed and proposed herein is a data carrier having stored thereon a data structure capable of performing the methods according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein after being loaded into a computer or computer network, such as a working memory or main memory of the computer or computer network.

[0064] Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product having program code means stored on a machine-readable carrier for performing the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. As used herein, a computer program product refers to a program as a tradeable product. The product can generally be present in any format, such as a paper format, or on a computer-readable data carrier and / or a computer-readable storage medium. In particular, the computer program product may be distributed via a data network.

[0065] Finally, disclosed and proposed herein is a modulated data signal that includes instructions readable by a computer system or computer network for performing a method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0066] With respect to computer-implemented aspects of the present invention, one or more or all of the method steps of the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein can be performed by using a computer or a computer network.Thus, in general, any of the method steps including providing and / or manipulating data can be performed by using a computer or a computer network.In general, these method steps can include any method steps, except for the method steps that typically require manual operations, such as providing samples and / or performing actual measurements in certain aspects.

[0067] Specifically, the following is further disclosed herein: - a computer or a computer network comprising at least one processor, the processor being adapted to execute a method according to one of the embodiments described herein. - a computer-loadable data structure adapted to carry out a method according to one of the embodiments described in this specification when it is executed on a computer. - a computer program adapted to carry out the method according to one of the embodiments described herein when it is run on a computer. - a computer program comprising program means for carrying out the method according to one of the embodiments described herein when the computer program is run on a computer or on a computer network. A computer program comprising program means according to any of the preceding embodiments stored on a computer readable storage medium. - a storage medium storing a data structure, the data structure being adapted to perform a method according to one of the embodiments described herein after being loaded into a main memory and / or a working memory of a computer or a computer network. - a computer program product comprising program code means storable or stored on a storage medium, which program code means, when executed on a computer or a computer network, performs a method according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0068] In summary, without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments can be envisaged:

[0069] Embodiment 1. A computer-implemented method of automatic registration of at least one device in a laboratory system comprising a plurality of laboratory devices, comprising the steps of: i) at least one initialization step, the initialization step including transmitting device specific information from the device to be registered to at least one laboratory communication management unit via at least one first communication interface; ii) at least one device configuration step, the device configuration step including a laboratory communication management unit requesting a solution-specific configuration from at least one remote infrastructure via at least one second communication interface based on the device specific information, the device configuration step including receiving the solution-specific configuration from the remote infrastructure via the second communication interface by the laboratory communication management unit and transmitting the solution-specific configuration from the laboratory communication management unit to the device to be registered via the first communication interface, the solution-specific configuration being based on the device specific information and configuration information related to the laboratory system; iii) at least one laboratory configuration step, the laboratory configuration step including sending at least one prompt from the laboratory communication management unit including the updated solution-specific configuration to the laboratory devices of the laboratory system via their respective communication interfaces, the updated solution-specific configuration including information about the device to be registered and changes resulting from adding the device to the laboratory system, the laboratory configuration step further including providing the updated solution-specific configuration to the remote infrastructure; A method comprising:

[0070] Embodiment 2. The method of the preceding embodiment, wherein the device to be registered is a device selected from the group consisting of at least one opening device, at least one transport system, at least one analytical instrument, at least one resealing device, at least one fraction collection device, at least one centrifuge, at least one tube sorter, at least one storage unit, at least one bulk tube loader, at least one tube inspection station, at least one pre-analysis system.

[0071] Embodiment 3. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the device specific information includes one or more of version information, manufacturing information, ownership information, information regarding a software version, a device code, and a communication protocol version.

[0072] Embodiment 4. A method as described in any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein step i) includes the laboratory communication management unit determining whether an update of the software version present on the device is required, and updating the software version if determined to be necessary by the laboratory communication management unit.

[0073] Embodiment 5. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the solution-specific configuration includes one or more of configuration information, such as at least one device communication protocol, speed information, at least one device-specific configuration parameter, etc.

[0074] Embodiment 6. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein steps i) and ii) follow different levels depending on the device-specific information, the first level including registering the device-specific information in the laboratory communication management unit and the remote infrastructure, the second level including collecting, installing and checking software updates for the device, the third level including the device receiving and incorporating communication protocol-specific information for daily use, and the fourth level including receiving at least one device-specific setting parameter for enabling the device to optimally utilize its own feature set in the laboratory system.

[0075] Embodiment 7. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the laboratory configuration step includes adapting the performance of the laboratory system and / or the performance of the laboratory device according to the updated solution-specific configuration.

[0076] Embodiment 8. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the device configuration step further includes verifying solution-specific settings by the device to be registered.

[0077] Embodiment 9. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the laboratory setting step further includes verifying the updated solution-specific settings by the laboratory device.

[0078] Embodiment 10. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the laboratory communication management unit is configured to communicate with the laboratory device.

[0079] Embodiment 11. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the laboratory communication management unit is configured to communicate wirelessly with the laboratory device.

[0080] Embodiment 12. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the laboratory communication management unit is designed as middleware.

[0081] Embodiment 13. A communication network for a laboratory system, the communication network being configured to perform the method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, the laboratory system comprising a plurality of laboratory devices each having at least one communication interface, the communication network comprising at least one laboratory communication management unit, the laboratory communication management unit being configured to receive device-specific information from the device to be registered, the device-specific information being transmitted from the device via the at least one first communication interface, the laboratory communication management unit being configured to request a solution-specific setting from at least one remote infrastructure via the at least one second communication interface based on the device-specific information, the laboratory communication management unit being configured to request a solution-specific setting from at least one remote infrastructure via the at least one second communication interface, the laboratory communication management unit being configured to request a solution-specific setting from at least one remote infrastructure via the at least one second communication interface, the laboratory communication management unit being configured to request a solution-specific setting from at least one remote infrastructure via the at least one second communication interface, the laboratory communication management unit being configured to request a solution-specific setting from at least one remote infrastructure via the at least one second communication interface, the solution-specific setting being transmitted ... and configured to receive a solution-specific configuration from the remote infrastructure via a first communication interface and to transmit the solution-specific configuration from the laboratory communications management unit to the device to be registered, the solution-specific configuration being based on the device specific information and configuration information related to the laboratory system, the laboratory communications management unit being configured to transmit at least one request including an updated solution-specific configuration to the laboratory devices of the laboratory system via their respective communication interfaces, the updated solution-specific configuration including information about the device to be registered and changes resulting from adding the device to the laboratory system, and the laboratory communications management unit being configured to provide the updated solution-specific configuration to the remote infrastructure.

[0082] Embodiment 14. A laboratory system comprising a plurality of laboratory devices each having at least one communication interface, the laboratory system further comprising a communication network as described in the preceding embodiment.

[0083] Embodiment 15. A computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by a communications network as described in embodiment 13, cause the communications network to perform a method as described in any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method.

[0084] Embodiment 16. A computer-readable storage medium containing instructions, the instructions, when executed by a communication network as described in embodiment 13, causing the communication network to perform a method as described in any one of the preceding embodiments relating to the method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0085] Further optional features and embodiments are disclosed in more detail in the following description of the embodiments, preferably in conjunction with the dependent claims, where each optional feature may be realized in an independent manner or in any possible combination, as understood by a person skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention is not limited by the preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrated diagrammatically in the drawings, where the same reference numbers in these figures refer to the same or functionally equivalent elements.

[0086] [Figure 1] 2 shows a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention; [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a communication network according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0087] 1 shows a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a computer-implemented method according to the present invention for automatically registering at least one device 110 in a laboratory system 112. FIG 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a communication network 114 of a laboratory system 112 according to the present invention. The laboratory system 112 comprises a plurality of laboratory devices 116.

[0088] The method includes, inter alia, the following steps, which may be performed in a given order. However, it should be noted that different orders are also possible. Furthermore, it is also possible to perform one or more of the method steps once or repeatedly. Furthermore, it is also possible to perform two or more of the method steps simultaneously or with overlapping times. The method may include further method steps not described.

[0089] The method comprises the steps of: i) at least one initialization step (indicated by reference number 118) which comprises transmitting device specific information from the device 110 to be registered to at least one laboratory communication management unit 120 via at least one first communication interface (indicated by arrow 122); ii) at least one device configuration step (indicated by reference number 124), which comprises the laboratory communication management unit 120 requesting a solution-specific configuration from at least one remote infrastructure 126 via at least one second communication interface based on the device-specific information (indicated by arrow 128), which comprises receiving the solution-specific configuration from the remote infrastructure 126 via the second communication interface by the laboratory communication management unit 120 (indicated by arrow 130) and sending the solution-specific configuration from the laboratory communication management unit 120 to the device 110 to be registered via the first communication interface (indicated by arrow 132), which solution-specific configuration is based on the device-specific information and on configuration information relating to the laboratory system 112; iii) at least one lab setup step (indicated by reference number 134), which comprises sending at least one prompt from the lab communications management unit 120 including the updated solution-specific configuration to the lab devices 116 of the lab system 112 via their respective communications interfaces (indicated by arrow 136), the updated solution-specific configuration including information about the device 110 to be registered and changes resulting from adding this device 110 to the lab system 112, the lab setup step further comprising providing the updated solution-specific configuration to the remote infrastructure 126 (indicated by arrow 138); Includes.

[0090] The laboratory devices 116 may be devices or device components or device parts or modules that are part of the laboratory system 112. At least some of the laboratory devices 116 may be operable to perform one or more processing or workflow steps on one or more samples. The processing steps may include the physical execution of processing steps, such as centrifugation, sorting, sample analysis, etc. The laboratory system 112 may comprise a number of laboratory instruments 140, such as at least one analyzer and / or at least one instrument configured to analyze at least one sample, in particular at least one biological sample. The laboratory instruments 140 may be pre-analytical, post-analytical and / or analytical instruments. The laboratory system 112 may be a place configured to work in the field of natural sciences and / or engineering, in the sense that it provides the opportunity to perform corresponding measurements and controls. The laboratory system 112 may in particular be or comprise an automated laboratory system configured to automatically or semi-automatically process a number of samples, in particular a large number of samples. By way of example, the laboratory system 112 may be or may comprise an automated laboratory analyzer. The laboratory system 112 may be used in particular in the field of medical laboratories, such as clinical or forensic laboratories, and / or in the field of chemical laboratories, such as analytical laboratories.

[0091] The sample may be an aliquot of a substance, such as a chemical or biological compound. In particular, the sample may be or include at least one biological sample, such as one or more of blood, serum, plasma, urine, saliva. Additionally or alternatively, the sample may be or include chemicals or compounds and / or reagents. The analysis of the sample may include the execution of at least one workflow by the laboratory devices 116. The workflow, in particular the laboratory devices 116 involved in the workflow, and / or the order of the laboratory devices 116 in the workflow, and / or the optimal route through the laboratory system 112, and / or the actions to be performed by each laboratory device 116 may be defined by at least one room configuration and layout manager 142 of the laboratory system, such as by a management software, also referred to as solution management software.

[0092] The registered laboratory devices 116 may be at least partially controllable via at least one communication network 114. The communication network 116 may comprise a plurality of nodes. The communication network 116 preferably comprises three or more such nodes, such as, for example, three, four or even more such network nodes. The laboratory devices 116 may be nodes of the communication network. The laboratory communication management unit 120 may be a further node of the communication network 116. The communication network may comprise further nodes, such as a remote infrastructure 126. The communication network 116 may comprise a plurality of communication interfaces for communication between the nodes of the communication network 116. The control may include providing one or more parameters to the laboratory devices 116 for communication and / or configuration, etc.

[0093] The communication network 116 may be configured to provide at least one specific setting parameter to the registered laboratory devices 116, such as speed, activity, and torque, that allows each laboratory device 116 to optimally utilize its own set of characteristics in an integrated laboratory environment. The specific setting parameter may be tailored to or dependent on the conditions of the laboratory system 112, such as the number of laboratory devices 116 and / or the number of laboratory devices 116 designed to perform a specific task, and in this case may be referred to as a solution-specific setting parameter. To enable the provision of the solution-specific setting parameter, all laboratory devices 116 of the laboratory system need to be registered in a database 144 or the like that includes one or more information of device type, ownership, device version information, manufacturing information, device code, communication protocol version, and functions of interaction, for example.

[0094] The database 144 may be or may include an organized collection of data that is typically stored and accessed electronically from a computer or computer system. The database 144 may comprise or be constituted by a data storage device. The database 144 may comprise at least one database management system that comprises software running on a computer or computer system, the software enabling interaction with one or more of a user, an application, or the database itself, for example to capture and analyze the data contained in the database. The database management system may further include facilities for managing the database. Thus, the database 144 containing the data may be constituted by a database system that includes the data as well as one or more associated applications. The database 144 may be a remote database (as shown in FIG. 2) and / or may be part of the laboratory system 112.

[0095] Registration of a device 110 may be a process of including the device 110 in the laboratory system 112. Registration may include configuration of the device 110 to be registered and performance improvements of the laboratory system 112. Registration may include one or more of generating a new database entry, providing a solution-specific setting to the device 110 to be registered, and verifying the solution-specific setting by the device 110. Registration further includes lab settings where the solution-specific setting included in the registered device 116 is updated due to the presence of the new device 110 in the laboratory system 112.

[0096] The device 110 to be registered may be a device selected from the group consisting of at least one opening device, at least one transport system, at least one analytical instrument, at least one resealing device, at least one fractionator, at least one centrifuge, at least one tube sorter, at least one storage unit, at least one bulk tube loader, at least one tube inspection station, and at least one pre-analysis system.

[0097] The initialization in step i) may include a process of indicating that the new device 110 is available to the laboratory system 112. The initialization may include a so-called "handshake" of the new device 110 with the communication network 114.

[0098] The laboratory communication management unit 120 may be configured to provide communication between the laboratory devices 116 and / or with at least one remote infrastructure 126. The laboratory communication management unit 120 may be configured to manage the laboratory system 112, such as to determine and / or define the roles of the laboratory devices 116. The laboratory communication management unit 120 may be designed as a middleware 146. The laboratory communication management unit 120 may be configured to communicate with the laboratory devices 116, such as for exchanging data and / or commands. The laboratory communication management unit 120 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the laboratory devices 116, such as by WLAN, Bluetooth, and NFC. The laboratory communication management unit 120 may be located between the laboratory device side and back-end resources owned, for example, by the remote infrastructure 126. The laboratory communication management unit 120 may comprise a room configuration and layout manager 142. The room configuration and layout manager 142 may be embodied as a solution management software. For example, the room setup and layout manager 142 may be implemented by Roche's COBAS INFINITY® solution.

[0099] The device specific information may be information for identifying the device 110 to be registered and / or characteristics of the device 110 to be registered, such as one or more of functional characteristics, entity characteristics, and the like. The device specific information may relate to a feature set of the device 110, such as a range of possible operating parameters. The device specific information may include one or more of version information, manufacturing information, ownership information, information about a software version, a device code, a communication protocol version, and functions of interaction, for example. The device code may relate to an intended use. For example, the device specific information may relate to functions of the device 110. The device specific information may be preloaded on the device 110 to be registered. For example, the device specific information may be preloaded at a manufacturer's site. Additionally or alternatively, the device specific information may be obtained during at least one installation step of the device 110 to be registered, such as during an initial setup of the device 110 to be registered.

[0100] The device specific information may include or may be transmitted in the form of at least one message. For example, when a new device or module is first plugged into the communication network, it may send a message for a handshake with the communication network 114. For example, if the new device 110 is an opening device, the device 110 to be registered may send a handshake stating, for example, "I am a device from company X and I have this device code," and the device code may correspond to the purpose of functioning as an opening device.

[0101] The initialization step 118 may include the laboratory communication management unit 120 determining whether the software version present on the device 110 to be registered needs to be updated and updating the software version if it is determined to be necessary by the laboratory communication management unit 120. The initialization step 118 may include collecting, installing and checking required software updates for the device 110. In addition to the software, the firmware of the device 110 may be checked for required updates and updated if necessary. For example, in case of an opening device, the available software and / or firmware versions for this opening device and the need for updates are checked.

[0102] In particular, after any updates to the software and firmware of the device 110 have been completed, a device configuration step 124 is performed.

[0103] The device configuration step 124 may include a process of adapting and / or tuning the device 110 to be registered to an existing laboratory system 112 .

[0104] The remote infrastructure 126 may be or may comprise at least one remote system configured to store data and / or process data and / or manage data. The remote infrastructure 126 may comprise back-end resources such as databases and file servers. The remote infrastructure 126 may be configured for further tasks, such as to provide service tasks. The remote infrastructure 126 may comprise one or more of at least one processing unit, at least one database, such as at least one library, at least one database management system, such as software enabling interaction with one or more of a user, an application, or the database itself, for example, to capture and analyze data contained in the database. The database management system may further comprise facilities for managing the database.

[0105] The device configuration step 124 includes the laboratory communication management unit 120, in particular the middleware 146, requesting a solution-specific configuration from the remote infrastructure 126 via a second communication interface based on the device-specific information (indicated by arrow 128). The communication between the laboratory communication management unit 120 and the remote infrastructure 126 may be performed via the Internet. The remote infrastructure 126 may be configured to receive the device-specific information. The device configuration step 124 may include accessing a database 144 of the remote infrastructure 126. The database 126 may include configuration information regarding the laboratory system 112. For example, the database 144 may include information about all laboratory devices 116 already present in the laboratory system 112, in particular their actual settings and / or possible settings such as ranges of possible operating parameters. The database 144 may include other configuration information regarding the laboratory system 112, such as sample throughput, workflow, environmental conditions, communication protocols, etc. The remote infrastructure 126 may be configured to generate a solution-specific configuration taking into account the device-specific information and the configuration information regarding the laboratory system 112. For example, the remote infrastructure 126 may be configured to determine the solution-specific configuration by solving at least one optimization problem having as input the device-specific information and configuration information for the lab system 112. For example, the device configuration step 124 may include accessing a database 144 of the remote infrastructure 126 taking into account the configuration information for the lab system 112 and retrieving information of a communication protocol from the database 144.

[0106] The solution-specific settings may be or may include a set of parameters for the feature set of the device 110 in view of the device-specific information and the configuration information for the laboratory system 112. The solution-specific settings may be provided in the form of at least one instruction and / or at least one prompt for registering the device 110. The solution-specific settings may include one or more of the following configuration information: at least one device communication protocol, speed information, at least one device-specific configuration parameter. The device-specific configuration parameter may enable the device 110 to optimally utilize its feature set in the laboratory system. For example, the solution-specific settings may include one or more of the following: required speed information, such as pushing to the limit or staying within 60% performance, settings of how to handle the opening of the sample, for example, rotating the sample twice with a specific torque, and / or settings of how to define the device communication protocol used in this laboratory type or country to meet compliance. A laboratory communications management unit 120, such as middleware 146, may provide and share solution-specific settings (indicated by arrow 132) with devices 110 to be registered to enable the best performance and operation set for this entire laboratory type.

[0107] The device configuration step 124 may further include validating the solution-specific configuration by the device to be registered, which may include acknowledging receipt of the solution-specific configuration and / or adapting and / or adjusting the device to be registered 110 according to the received solution-specific configuration.

[0108] Step i) 118 and step ii) 124 may follow different levels depending on the device-specific information. For example, the first level may include registering the device-specific information in the laboratory communication management unit 120 and the remote infrastructure 126. The second level may include collecting, installing and checking software updates for the device. The third level may include the device 110 receiving communication protocol-specific information and incorporating these for daily use. The fourth level may include receiving at least one device-specific configuration parameter to enable the device 110 to optimally utilize its own feature set in the laboratory system 112.

[0109] The laboratory configuration step 134 may include adapting and / or adjusting the laboratory devices 116 of the laboratory system 112 with respect to the presence of the new device 110. The laboratory configuration step 134 may include adapting the performance of the laboratory system 112 and / or the performance of the laboratory devices 116 according to the updated solution-specific settings. The present invention may propose a device 110 added to the laboratory system 112 via steps i) 118 and ii) 124 and the resulting ability within the solution to trigger a "reaction" of the entire solution, in particular an adaptation of the overall performance or performance of the other laboratory devices 116. The overall performance or performance of the laboratory devices 116 may be balanced in view of the new device 110. For example, if a second opening device is installed, the required sample throughput may be automatically shared between the two existing opening devices. For example, it may be possible to trigger, for example, a sleep mode to enhance greening and thus reduce the footprint.

[0110] The lab setting step 134 includes sending a prompt including the updated solution-specific settings from the lab communication management unit 120 to the lab devices 116 of the lab system 112 via their respective communication interfaces (indicated by arrow 136). The prompt to the lab devices 116 may be or may include a request to the lab devices 116 to make an input. This input may result in an adaptation and / or adjustment of the settings of the respective lab devices 116. The lab setting step 134 may further include a confirmation of the updated solution-specific settings by the lab devices 116. After confirmation, the lab devices 116 may operate and / or work with and / or based on the updated solution-specific settings.

[0111] The updated solution-specific configuration may be or may include information regarding changes and / or adaptations of the previous solution-specific configuration taking into account the device registered via steps i) 118 and ii) 124. The laboratory communication management unit 120 may update the previous solution-specific configuration of the other laboratory devices 116 taking into account the solution-specific configuration received from the remote infrastructure 126 in step ii) 124. The laboratory communication management unit 120, in particular the middleware 146, may send the updated solution-specific configuration to the other laboratory devices 116 in the solution, which takes into account the newly installed device 110 and the changes this may have on the other devices 116 or on the solution level parameters. The updated solution-specific configuration includes information regarding the device 110 to be registered and the changes resulting from the addition of this device 110 to the laboratory system 112.

[0112] The lab configuration step 134 further includes providing (indicated by arrow 138) the updated solution-specific configuration to the remote infrastructure 126. This may ensure that the database 144 of the remote infrastructure 126 is up to date to enable integration of additional devices 110 upon subsequent registration.

[0113] As shown in Fig. 2, the communication network 114 comprises a laboratory communication management unit 120 configured to receive device specific information sent from the device 110 to be registered via at least one first communication interface. The laboratory communication management unit 120 is configured to request a solution specific setting from the remote infrastructure 126 via at least one second communication interface based on the device specific information. The laboratory communication management unit 120 is configured to receive the solution specific setting from the remote infrastructure 126 via the second communication interface and to send the solution specific setting from the laboratory communication management unit 120 to the device 110 to be registered via the first communication interface. The solution specific setting is based on the device specific information and the setting information regarding the laboratory system 112. The laboratory communication management unit 120 is configured to send at least one prompt including the updated solution specific setting to the laboratory device 116 of the laboratory system 112 via the respective communication interface. The updated solution-specific configuration includes information about the device 110 to be registered and changes resulting from the addition of the device 110 to the laboratory system 112. The laboratory communications management unit 120 is configured to provide the updated solution-specific configuration to the remote infrastructure 126. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 110 Devices 112 Laboratory Systems 114 Communication Networks 116 Laboratory Devices 118 Initialization Step 120 Laboratory Communication Control Unit 122 Sending device specific information 124 Transmit device specific information from the device 110 to be registered 126 Remote Infrastructure 128 Solution-specific configuration required 130 Receive solution-specific settings 132 Sending solution-specific settings from the Laboratory Communication Management Unit to the device 134 Examination Room Setup Steps 136 Sending updated solution-specific settings to laboratory devices 138 Providing solution-specific configuration to remote infrastructure after update 140 Laboratory Equipment 142 Room Setup and Layout Manager 144 Database 146 Middleware

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for automatic registration of at least one device (110) in a laboratory system (112) comprising a plurality of laboratory devices (116) implementing solution-specific configurations, the method comprising the steps of: i) at least one initialization step (118) comprising transmitting device specific information from the device (110) to be registered to at least one laboratory communication management unit (120) via at least one first communication interface; ii) at least one device configuration step (124), comprising the laboratory communication management unit (126) requesting a solution-specific configuration from at least one remote infrastructure (126) via at least one second communication interface based on the device specific information, the device configuration step (124) comprising receiving the solution-specific configuration from the remote infrastructure (126) via the second communication interface by the laboratory communication management unit (120) and transmitting the solution-specific configuration from the laboratory communication management unit (120) to the device (110) to be registered via the first communication interface, the solution-specific configuration being based on the device specific information and configuration information relating to the laboratory system (112); iii) at least one laboratory configuration step (134), comprising sending at least one request from the laboratory communication management unit (120) including an updated solution-specific configuration to the laboratory devices (116) of the laboratory system (112) via their respective communication interfaces, the updated solution-specific configuration including information about the device (110) to be registered and changes resulting from adding the device (110) to the laboratory system (112), the laboratory configuration step (134) further comprising providing the updated solution-specific configuration to the remote infrastructure (126); A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the device (110) to be registered is a device selected from the group consisting of at least one opening device, at least one transport system, at least one analytical instrument, at least one resealing device, at least one fraction collection device, at least one centrifuge, at least one tube sorter, at least one storage unit, at least one bulk tube loader, at least one tube inspection station, and at least one pre-analysis system.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the device specific information includes one or more of the following: version information, manufacturing information, ownership information, information regarding a software version, a device code, and a communication protocol version.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein step i) (118) includes the laboratory communication management unit (120) determining whether a software version present on the device (110) needs to be updated and updating the software version if determined necessary by the laboratory communication management unit (120).

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solution-specific configuration includes one or more of at least one of a device communication protocol, speed information, and configuration information.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the solution-specific configuration includes at least one device-specific configuration parameter.

7. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein steps i) (118) and ii) (124) follow different levels depending on the device specific information, a first level including registering the device specific information with the laboratory communication management unit (120) and the remote infrastructure (126), a second level including collecting, installing and checking software updates for the device (110), a third level including the device (110) receiving and incorporating communication protocol specific information for daily use, and a fourth level including the device (110) receiving at least one device specific configuration parameter for enabling the device (110) to optimally utilize its own feature set in the laboratory system (112).

8. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of configuring the laboratory comprises adjusting performance of the laboratory system (112) and / or performance of the laboratory device (116) in response to the updated solution-specific settings.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the device configuration step (124) further comprises verifying the solution-specific configuration by the device (100) to be registered.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lab configuration step (134) further comprises validating the updated solution-specific configuration by the lab device (116).

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the laboratory communications management unit (120) is configured to communicate with the laboratory device (116).

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the laboratory communications management unit (120) is configured to communicate wirelessly with the laboratory devices (116).

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the laboratory communication management unit (120) is designed as middleware (146).

14. A communications network (114) for a laboratory system (112), comprising: The communication network (114) is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the laboratory system (112) comprises a plurality of laboratory devices (116) each having at least one communication interface, the communication network (114) comprises at least one laboratory communication management unit (120), the laboratory communication management unit (120) is configured to receive device specific information from the device (110) to be registered, the device specific information being transmitted from the device (110) via at least one first communication interface, the laboratory communication management unit (120) is configured to request solution specific settings from at least one remote infrastructure (126) via at least one second communication interface based on the device specific information, the laboratory communication management unit (120) transmits the solution specific settings from the remote infrastructure (126) via the second communication interface, and the laboratory communication management unit (120) transmits the solution specific settings from the remote infrastructure (126) via the second communication interface. a laboratory communication management unit (120) configured to receive a solution-specific configuration from the laboratory communication management unit (120) via the first communication interface to the device (110) to be registered, the solution-specific configuration being based on the device specific information and configuration information related to the laboratory system (112); the laboratory communication management unit (120) configured to send at least one request including an updated solution-specific configuration to the laboratory device (116) of the laboratory system (112) via their respective communication interfaces, the updated solution-specific configuration including information about the device (110) to be registered and changes resulting from adding the device to the laboratory system (112); and the laboratory communication management unit (120) configured to provide the updated solution-specific configuration to the remote infrastructure (126).

15. 15. A laboratory system (112) comprising a plurality of laboratory devices (116) each having at least one communication interface, said laboratory system (112) further comprising a communication network (114) according to claim 14.

16. A computer program comprising instructions, A computer program comprising instructions, when the computer program is executed by a communications network according to claim 14, that cause the communications network (114) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program including instructions, The instructions, when executed by the communication network of claim 14, cause the communication network (114) to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

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