METHOD FOR OPERATING A LABORATORY SYSTEM AND LABORATORY SYSTEM - Patent application

Abstract

A method for operating a laboratory system is disclosed, the method comprising: providing a laboratory system having a plurality of sample containers (1) configured to contain samples to be processed for at least one of pre-analysis and analysis in the laboratory system, a plurality of laboratory devices (2;3;4;6) each configured to handle one or more sample containers from the plurality of sample containers (1), wherein one or more sample containers are assigned for handling to the target devices during operation of the laboratory system, and a control device (5) configured to at least control the assignment of the plurality of sample containers (1) to the plurality of target devices, and assigning the plurality of sample containers (1) to the plurality of target devices during operation of the laboratory system. The allocating includes determining a target device workload state for each of a plurality of target devices, the target device workload state being within a range between a first range limit value indicative of a first capacity for handling the sample containers and a second range limit value indicative of a second capacity for handling the sample containers, the second capacity being a higher capacity than the first capacity for handling the sample containers, and determined according to a resource target device state indicative of a current number of sample containers allocated to the target device and an output flow of the target device, the output flow being indicative of an output of sample containers per time by the target device, allocating the plurality of sample containers (1) to the plurality of target devices according to the target device workload state, and providing the plurality of sample containers (1) to the plurality of target devices for handling according to the allocation. Further provided is a laboratory system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a laboratory system and to a laboratory system. [Background technology]

[0002] The laboratory system may be provided with a plurality of laboratory devices configured to perform at least one of pre-analysis, analysis, and post-analysis on a plurality of sample containers that receive samples to be processed in the laboratory system.

[0003] Document US 2019 / 0072575 A1 refers to a method for operating a laboratory system comprising laboratory instruments and a laboratory information system. The method includes grouping laboratory instruments into an instrument cluster and providing the cluster with a cluster manager. A plurality of laboratory instruments publish their instrument resource descriptions. Each cluster manager maintains an inventory of cluster resources and publishes a list of processing capabilities of the instrument clusters. The laboratory information system assigns processing of test orders to the instrument clusters. Each cluster manager allocates laboratory equipment resources corresponding to test orders from the laboratory information system, taking into account the inventory of cluster resources. Each laboratory instrument performs processing steps on the biological samples as instructed by the cluster manager.

[0004] WO 2017 / 205748 discloses a system and method for distributing the load of specimen or sample containers among multiple automated detection devices. The method includes receiving a specimen container at a container pickup station of a first automated detection device, determining the load capacity, transfer status, and cell availability of the first automated detection device and one or more downstream automated detection devices, and transferring the specimen container from the first automated detection device to the downstream automated detection device when a first ratio of the number of active available cells to the effective capacity of the first automated detection device and one or more downstream automated detection devices is less than a second ratio of the sum of the number of active available cells to the sum of the effective capacity of the first automated detection device and one or more downstream automated detection devices.

[0005] Document EP 2 570 814 refers to an automated analysis system comprising devices for carrying out each step necessary for the testing of specimens or samples, the automated analysis system comprising a transport system providing transport paths for the specimens interconnecting the devices and operable to transport the specimens along a predefined transport path between the devices, one or more waiting areas in the devices in which the specimens can wait for testing or transport, a tracking unit for determining the current position of each specimen in the devices using the order of entry and exit of the specimens entered into the automated analysis system, information on the predefined transport paths of the specimens according to the content of the tests to be performed on the specimens and signals of specimen detection sensors arranged in each of the devices, and a tracking unit for determining the current position of each specimen in the devices according to an entry / exit schedule plan assuming an initial state in which each specimen is in its determined current position. a simulation unit for estimating a residence time of each specimen in one of the waiting areas in the device by simulating the operation of the device based on an operation model of each device, and an import / export scheduling unit for generating an initial import / export schedule plan for importing or exporting urgent specimens in priority to normal specimens, causing the simulation unit to execute a simulation according to the initial schedule plan, and creating a final import / export schedule by modifying the timing or order of import and export of at least one specimen other than the specimen whose residence time exceeds the allowable residence time in the initial import / export schedule plan when the residence time of the specimen in one of the waiting areas exceeds a preset allowable residence time in the relevant waiting area.Furthermore, the following is provided: the operation models are each defined by a corresponding one of the states and state transitions of the device, the states of the device are defined by the number of specimens in each waiting area of ​​the device, each state transition defines a transition condition, a required processing time, and a next state for a corresponding one of the states of the device, and the device includes an input device. The device includes a specimen storage device for collecting specimens so that processing can be completed, and an aliquoter.The operational model includes an operational model for the aliquoter, and the states of the device and state transitions that define the operational model of the aliquoter include definitions of operations for generating secondary samples according to the aliquot ratio.

[0006] The document US 2014 / 0100139 discloses a method for scheduling the order of analysis of multiple samples in a combinational clinical analyzer that performs multiple different analytical tests, the method comprising the steps of loading the multiple samples into the combinational clinical analyzer in a random order, specifying the testing requirements for the multiple samples, transferring the testing requirements to a flexible scheduling algorithm, and generating a schedule specifying the start times of each required test for each of the multiple samples that minimizes or maximizes a predetermined objective function.

[0007] The document US 2020 / 0303066 A1 refers to an automated laboratory system for batch processing of biological samples. The system receives assay instructions for processing the biological samples among a plurality of devices. The devices include a pre-analytical instrument and one or more analytical systems. The system includes an orchestration core application for determining an order of performance of the ordered assays on the samples.

[0008] Document EP 1 248 170 discloses a method for managing a workcell system using an automation management system to control a number of resources designated to handle a number of samples along said workcell system to perform actions on said samples. The method comprises the following steps: associating a sample protocol with each sample, associating with each resource a resource driver capable of driving said resource, controlling each of said resource drivers by a process controller that communicates with other resource drivers by means of variables associated with each resource, said variables defining and modifying the state of said resources, and executing said sample protocols in parallel by said process controller to achieve multithreading, bottleneck avoidance, dynamic allocation of resources in mutual exclusion, sample priority handling, resource load balancing and automatic error recovery. Sample protocols are automatically controlled by rescheduling automated tasks on different resources according to the results of executing the sample protocols and the state of the resources as indicated by the state of the variables.

[0009] Document WO 2020 / 106 696 relates to a method for determining an optimal scheduling for analyzers in a laboratory environment, the method comprising determining a load for each diagnostic analyzer in a plurality of diagnostic analyzers, each diagnostic analyzer in the plurality of diagnostic analyzers may be configured to perform a task including performing a test corresponding to a specialization.

[0010] Document EP 3 843 104 A1 discloses a method for optimizing the use of analyzers in a laboratory with multiple analyzers based on laboratory workload. The method includes determining a current laboratory workload, calculating a workload capacity of the multiple analyzers minus one analyzer if the current laboratory workload is below a threshold criterion and if the multiple analyzers have more than one analyzer, masking one of the multiple analyzers if the current workload can be met by the multiple analyzers minus one analyzer, proceeding with the current workload, and repeating the above steps until the current laboratory workload is completed.

[0011] Document US 2014 / 129 172 A1 refers to a method comprising receiving instruction data relating to a sample in a sample container, the method comprising generating, by at least one processor using a workflow management layer, a process plan for the sample, and providing the process plan to a process control layer.

[0012] Document US 2017 / 343 993 discloses a method for load balancing of specimen containers among multiple automated detection devices. The method may include receiving a specimen container at a container pickup station in a first automated detection device, determining the load capacity, transfer status, and cell availability of the first automated detection device and one or more downstream automated detection devices, and transferring the specimen container from the first automated detection device to the downstream automated detection device when a first ratio of the number of active available cells to the effective capacity of the first automated detection device is smaller than a second ratio of the sum of the number of active available cells to the sum of the effective capacity of the first automated detection device and one or more downstream automated detection devices. Summary of the Invention

[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method for operating a laboratory system and a laboratory system that enables more efficient handling of multiple sample containers within a laboratory system configured for at least one of pre-analysis and analysis of samples or specimens.

[0014] To solve the object, a method for operating a laboratory system is provided according to independent claim 1. Furthermore, a laboratory system is provided according to independent claim 11. Further embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0015] According to one aspect, a method for operating a laboratory system is provided, the method including providing a laboratory system having a plurality of sample containers configured to contain samples to be processed for at least one of pre-analysis and analysis in the laboratory system, a plurality of target devices each configured to handle one or more sample containers from the plurality of sample containers, the one or more sample containers being assigned for handling to the target device during operation of the laboratory system, and a control device configured to at least control the assignment of the plurality of sample containers to the plurality of target devices. The method includes assigning the plurality of sample containers to the plurality of target devices during operation of the laboratory system, the assigning further including determining a target device workload state for each of the plurality of target devices. The target device workload state is within a range between a first range limit value indicative of a first capacity for handling the sample containers and a second range limit value indicative of a second capacity for handling the sample containers, the second capacity being a higher capacity than the first capacity for handling the sample containers. The target device workload state is determined according to a metric proportional to (i) a resource target device state indicating the current number of sample containers allocated to the target device, and (ii) a target device output flow, the output flow being a power indicating the output of sample containers per time by the target device (preferably the target device output flow raised to a power of a number). The sample containers are allocated to the target devices according to the target device workload states, and the sample containers are provided to the target devices for handling according to the allocation.

[0016] According to another aspect, a laboratory system is provided comprising a plurality of laboratory devices providing a plurality of sample containers configured to accommodate samples and a plurality of target devices each configured to handle one or more sample containers from the plurality of sample containers, where one or more sample containers are assigned to the target devices for handling during operation of the laboratory system, and a control device configured to at least control the assignment of the plurality of sample containers to the plurality of target devices. The laboratory system is configured to process the plurality of sample containers for at least one of pre-analysis and analysis of the samples and further assign the plurality of sample containers to the plurality of target devices in operation, where the assigning includes determining a target device workload state for each of the plurality of target devices. The target device workload state is in a range between a first range limit value indicative of a first capacity for handling the sample containers and a second range limit value indicative of a second capacity for handling the sample containers, the second capacity being a capacity higher than the first capacity for handling the sample containers. The target device workload state is determined according to (i) a resource target device state indicative of a number of pre-feeds of sample containers allocated to the target device, and (ii) a target device output flow, the metric being proportional to a power of the output flow indicative of the output of sample containers per time by the target device (preferably the target device output flow raised to a power of a number). The laboratory system is further configured to allocate the plurality of sample containers to the plurality of target devices according to the target device workload states, and to provide the plurality of sample containers to the plurality of target devices for handling according to the allocation.

[0017] According to the present technique, for each target device provided by a laboratory device in a laboratory system, a target device workload state is determined during operation of the laboratory system. The target device workload states assigned to each target device of the laboratory system indicate the target device capabilities for handling sample or specimen containers while operating the laboratory system. The target device workload states assigned to the target devices range between a first range limit value indicating a first capability and a second range limit value indicating a second capability, the second capability being a higher capability for handling sample containers than the first capability.

[0018] A metric is provided for determining a target device workload state that takes into account a resource target device state indicative of the current number of sample containers assigned to the target device. Such sample containers assigned to the target device may comprise sample containers currently handled by the target device. Additionally or alternatively, there may be one or more sample containers already assigned to the target device but not yet handled by the target device. Furthermore, the metric is proportional to a power or throughput of the target device output flow, the output flow being indicative of the output of sample containers leaving the target device per time (range or period). Thus, the output flow gives an indication regarding the sample containers output by the target device over time. Based on the individual target device workload states assigned to the target device, one or more sample containers can be assigned to the operating target device, thereby implementing an allocation of sample containers responsive to the individual workload of the target device of the laboratory system.

[0019] The target device workload state may be determined or provided as a numerical value that can be easily processed when the allocation of sample containers to the target devices is made. The numerical value may be within a numerical range between a first range limit value and a second range limit value that indicate a first capacity and a second capacity, respectively, for handling the sample containers. In one embodiment, the target device workload state may be assigned a value as a percentage between 0 and 100%, with 100% meaning a low target device workload state ("idle") and 0% meaning a high target device workload state ("busy"). This percentage may also be referred to as a workload state percentage.

[0020] The data or information regarding the target device workload state may be received and processed by different modules or functional components of a control system that controls the operation of the laboratory system, such modules or functional components being provided, for example, by different levels of software implementations or applications of the control system. For example, software applications allocated to some middleware of the control system may receive the data or information regarding the target device workload state. Such data may be processed to control different operations related to the handling of sample containers, such as the workflow in the laboratory system. For example, the data or information regarding the target device workload state may be provided and processed to a transfer device or system configured to transfer the sample containers from their original location to the target device. The transfer of the sample containers by the transfer system may be controlled in response to the target device workload state information.

[0021] The metric may be a number. Determining the target device workload state according to the metric may include setting the target device workload state equal to the metric (equalizing the target device workload state to the metric). In other words, the target device workload state may be determined according to the metric by equating the target device workload state with the metric.

[0022] The metric may be proportional to the output flow of the target device raised to a power of a weighting factor that weights the output flow of the target device to determine the target device workload state. In other words, the weighting factor may be an exponent by which the output flow is exponentiated. The weighting factor may be a positive or negative number. The weighting factor may be at least 1 or greater than 1.

[0023] The metric may be inversely proportional to an initial resource target device state, which indicates the starting number of sample containers assigned to the target device. When a current target device workload state is determined for a target device, in this embodiment, the starting number of sample containers assigned to the target device is considered as the initial resource target device state. The initial resource target device state may be an individual parameter or a common parameter applied to the target devices to initialize the resource target device state in multiple target devices. Then, starting from the initial resource target device state, the resource target device state may be determined or tracked individually for each target device. Starting from the initial resource target device state, the parameter "resource target device state" may be decreased when a sample container is assigned to a target device. Starting from the initial resource target device state, the resource target device state may be increased, for example, when a sample container is handed over at a pick location or processed by an in-situ device at the target device. Furthermore, if a sample container is rerouted from a first target device to a second target device on the transfer surface, the resource target device state of the first target device may be increased and the resource target device state of the second target device may be decreased accordingly.

[0024] In general, the resource target device state may be a number, the initial resource target device state may be a number, and the output flow may be a number.

[0025] Target Device Workload State (WLS TD i ) may be determined as follows:

number

[0026] Resource Target Device State R i may be determined for a target device that is reachable by one or more sample containers. A target device is reachable if there is a path physically available to transport the sample container from its origin to its destination (the target device) by the transport system. If the target device is unreachable, a target device workload state of 0 may be assigned, thereby preventing any sample containers from being sent to the target device.

[0027] Output flows k of target devices commonly applied to (different) weighting factors w SC i There may be.

[0028] The output flow factor k, which may also be called the throughput factor SC i denotes the sample container output or throughput at each target device of the multiple target devices. The output flow coefficient k weighted by the weighting coefficient w SC i weights faster target devices over slower target devices to detect slow or even failed target devices. Without considering the output flow, the target device workload state would purely depend on the assigned sample containers or the target device queue length, resulting in a target device reporting that it is very attractive when it has actually failed and all sample containers have been rerouted.

[0029] The method may determine an updated target device workload state at the target device in response to at least one of updating the resource target device state of the target device and recalculating the output flow of the target device. For example, the resource target device state may be redetermined (updated) each time a sample container is added to and removed from a target device queue. When a sample container is added to the target device queue, the resource target device state R i may be decreased by 1 and when the sample container is removed (processed) the resource target device state may be increased by 1. The work flow may be calculated at time intervals, for example every minute, and the aforementioned ratio between what was actually processed and what was expected to be processed may be calculated.

[0030] The method includes providing a plurality of sub-ranges for a first range of target device workload states of a first target device, where for adjacent sub-ranges from the plurality of sub-ranges, an overlapping range is provided where the adjacent sub-ranges overlap; determining a first target device workload state at the first target device, where the first target device workload state is within a non-overlapping range of the first sub-range, where the first sub-range does not overlap with a second sub-range adjacent to the first sub-range, allocating a plurality of sample containers to the first target device according to the first target device workload state; and determining a second target device workload state at the first target device, where the second target device workload state is within a non-overlapping range of the first sub-range, where the first target device workload state does not overlap with a second sub-range adjacent to the first sub-range. The method may further include determining a second target device workload state, the load state of which is different from the first target device workload state and is within an overlapping range where the first sub-range and the second sub-range overlap; continuing to assign the multiple sample containers to the first target device according to the first target device workload state; determining a third target device workload state at the first target device, the third target device workload state being different from both the first target device workload state and the second target device workload state and being within a non-overlapping range of the second sub-range where the first sub-range and the second sub-range do not overlap; and assigning the multiple sample containers to the first target device according to the second target device workload state.

[0031] For one or more target devices, the total range of target device workload conditions that may be assigned to the target device is divided into a plurality of sub-ranges, with adjacent or adjacent sub-ranges overlapping in an overlap range. If the first target device workload state is determined to be within a non-overlapping range of the first sub-range, the assignment of the plurality of sample containers to the first target device is performed according to the first target device workload state. If later, the second target device workload state is determined to be within an overlap range where the first sub-range and the second sub-range overlap, the assignment of the plurality of sample containers to the first target device continues according to the first target device workload state. For example, such a change in the first target device workload state may not be provided to or received by the control mechanism configured to assign the sample containers to the first target device. Thus, a control mechanism that does not receive information or data regarding the second target device workload state does not change the procedure for assigning the plurality of sample containers to the first target device. However, if it is determined or found that the first target device workload state of the first target device is no longer in the overlapping range but is in the non-overlapping range of the second subrange, the procedure for allocating the multiple sample containers to the first target device changes by taking into account the (value of) the third target device workload state. By implementing such an overlapping design of the subranges, frequent changes in the (procedure) of the allocation of sample containers due to the modified or changed target device workload state can be avoided. Only if any change in the target device workload state goes beyond the overlapping range and into another subrange, the newly determined target device workload state is taken into account. The subrange may also be referred to as a bucket representing a given or predetermined interval of the (value of) the target device workload state. The overlapping design of the subranges can provide a hysteresis behavior.

[0032] The method may further include providing a first priority data indicating a first priority for handling a first sample container from the plurality of sample containers, providing a second priority data indicating a second priority for handling the first sample container, the second priority indicating a lower urgency for handling the first sample container during operation than the first priority, determining a first priority target device workload state on the first sample container according to the first priority, determining a second priority target device workload state on the first sample container according to the second priority, selecting one of the first priority target device workload state and the second priority target device workload state, and assigning the selected target device workload state to the first sample container. The target device workload state is determined with respect to different priorities assigned to the first sample container. Depending on the priorities, there are different target device workload states. The different priorities may refer, for example, to "normal priority" and "urgent priority", which respectively indicate normal procedures and urgent handling for handling sample containers in a laboratory system. If the analysis of the sample is urgently required by the physician, urgent handling (high priority) may be given. Conversely, if there is no such urgency, the sample container may be assigned a "normal or routine priority." In one embodiment, different priorities assigned to some sample containers may indicate different time limits for handling or processing of the sample container by the laboratory system.

[0033] The weighting factor w helps balance how important the flow of sample vessels at the target device is. For high priority sample vessels, it is important that the interface from the transport system to the target device is not blocked. It is important that high priority (urgent) sample vessels end up in front of the target device. High priority sample vessels do not benefit from overtaking low priority sample vessels if there is no sample vessel flow at the target device. Therefore, all sample vessels must wait to be processed. The target device workload state applies a higher value of w for high priority sample vessels compared to routine sample vessels (low priority) that are less affected by waiting in front of a target device that currently has low or no flow.

[0034] Different priority prio k For (k=1,2,…), the target device workload state (WLS TD i,prio k ) may be determined as follows:

number

[0035] Weighting factor w prio k will be different for different priorities. The weighting coefficients are used to weight the output or throughput flow of the sample containers along with the priorities assigned to the sample containers. To weight TIFF2025504858000004.tif824, it can be set individually for different priorities. Some higher weight coefficients indicate higher priorities. The output flow k of the target device commonly applied to different priorities SC i There may be.

[0036] R prio k,i For example, R is a universal parameter for each target device (TD) and all priorities (prio).init When a sample container with priority k is assigned to a target device i, the R prio k,i and the priority k may be lowered. For example, when a sample container with priority k is delivered at the pick location or processed by an in-situ device at the target device, R prio k,i and the priority k may be increased. Furthermore, if the sample container is rerouted from target device 1 to target device 2 on the transport surface of the transport system, R prio k,1 may be increased accordingly, and R prio k,2 may be decreased.

[0037] The method may comprise: (i) allocating the plurality of sample containers to the plurality of target devices further comprises providing target device queue state data by processing target device workload conditions at at least some of the target devices from the plurality of target devices, the target device queue state data providing an indirect performance indicator at the target device and indicating at least a device identification indication of the target device and the target device workload condition; and (ii) providing the plurality of sample containers to the plurality of target devices further comprises controlling a workflow at at least some of the target devices in the laboratory system in response to the target device queue state data.

[0038] The target device workload state is determined depending on or in response to the current number of sample containers assigned to the target device (resource target device state) and the output of sample containers per time by the target device (output flow). Thus, the target device workload state may be provided with indirect information on the performance of the target device, which in this embodiment is represented by the queue state or state of the target device, and the state of the queue of sample containers assigned to the target device is (indirectly) related to the target device workload state (i.e., the parameter processed to determine the target device workload state). Multiple sample containers and target device workflows can be controlled and managed by taking into account the target device queue state. For example, a target device workload state indicating a high capacity for processing sample containers may indicate a target device queue state having (only) a small number of queued sample containers. In contrast, a target device workload state indicating a low capacity for processing sample containers may (indirectly) indicate that the target device currently has a larger queue of sample containers.

[0039] Controlling the workflow may further include at least one of (i) preventing allocation of sample containers to a target device disabled in a first workflow state of the laboratory system by disabling one target device from the number of target devices, and (ii) enabling allocation of sample containers to a target device enabled in a second workflow state of the laboratory system by enabling one target device from the number of target devices. Based on the target device queue status data and / or the target device workload status, target device statuses, e.g., referring to "disable" and "enable", may be defined and controlled in the operation of the laboratory system. In the case of target device workload status and / or target device queue status data indicating low capacity for handling sample containers, the target device may be disabled. If the target device has been previously disabled, the target device may be enabled in response to target device workload status and / or target device queue status data indicating high capacity and low queue status for handling sample containers, respectively.

[0040] Controlling the workflow may further include providing a target device workload state value indicative of a target device workload state, and providing a workload state threshold. Further, at least one of the following is provided: (i) disabling the target device when the target device workload state value is above the workload state threshold, and (ii) enabling the target device when the target device workload state value is equal to or less than the workload state threshold. In this embodiment, disabling / enabling the target device is performed according to the workload state threshold.

[0041] The multiple laboratory devices providing the multiple target devices may include one or more laboratory devices from the following group of laboratory devices: pre-analytical laboratory devices configured to perform pre-analytical tasks, analytical laboratory devices configured to perform analytical tasks of samples, post-analytical laboratory devices configured to perform post-analytical tasks, sample transfer devices or systems configured for sample container transfer, sorting devices configured for sample container sorting, storage devices configured to store one or more sample containers.

[0042] With respect to the laboratory system, the different embodiments disclosed with respect to the method for operating the laboratory system above may be applied mutatis mutandis.

[0043] Description of Further Embodiments Further embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a laboratory system having multiple laboratory devices serving several target devices. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a number of sub-ranges assigned to a full range of target device workload conditions, with the sub-ranges provided with non-overlapping and overlapping ranges; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a laboratory system comprising a plurality of sample containers 1 configured to accommodate samples to be processed or handled for at least one of pre-analysis, analysis, and post-analysis in the laboratory system. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of sample containers 1 are provided in an arrival station or device 2. The plurality of sample containers 1 are transferred to a plurality of analytical devices 3 by a transfer device or system 4. The transfer of the plurality of sample containers 1 to the plurality of laboratory devices 3 may be performed according to a workflow management implemented by a control device 5 and the transfer device 4 operatively connected at least to the arrival device 2. Optionally, the control device 5 may also be operatively connected to at least some of the analytical devices from the plurality of analytical devices 3. The control device 5 may be implemented, at least in part, by one or more software applications running on one or more processors connectable with a data storage device.

[0046] After processing by one or more analytical devices 3 , the sample containers may be provided to an output station 6 which may be operatively connected to a control device 5 .

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the arrival station 2, the output station, the transfer device 4, and the plurality of analytical apparatus 3 may comprise a plurality of laboratory devices, which may also be referred to as target devices, each configured to handle or process one or more of the sample containers 1 during operation of the laboratory system. In alternative embodiments, one or more of such devices or stations may not be part of a plurality of target devices.

[0048] For example, the arrival device 2 is configured to receive a plurality of sample containers 1 and provide the sample containers 1 to a transfer device 4. The transfer device 4 is configured to perform an operation of transferring the sample containers 1 to a different analytical device 3. The operation performed by the transfer device 3 is therefore transfer. The analytical device 3 is configured to perform one or more tasks, such as at least one of pre-analysis, analysis and post-analysis, on the samples contained in the plurality of sample containers 1.

[0049] The control device 5 is configured to control the allocation of the sample containers 1 to the different target devices, which after receiving the sample containers, accomplish tasks related to the sample containers and / or the samples received in the sample containers. In one embodiment, the control device 5 may be configured to only control the allocation of the sample containers 1 to the multiple analytical devices 3, but to control the operation of the arrival station 2 and the transport device 4 for providing the sample containers 1 according to the determined allocation to the multiple analytical devices 3. For example, allocating a sample container to one of the analytical devices means that such sample container is transported from the analytical device by the transport device 4 in the laboratory system. Furthermore, the analytical device receiving the allocated sample container performs one of pre-analysis and analysis of the sample received in the allocated sample container.

[0050] Next, an embodiment for operating the laboratory system shown in Fig. 1 will be described. In operation of the laboratory system, the multiple sample containers 1 are assigned to the target devices (individually) according to the target device workload state, which is determined once or multiple times during operation for some or all of the target devices, in particular for the multiple analytical instruments 3.

[0051] For the plurality of target devices, a target device workload state is determined. The target device workload state can be determined, for example, by the control device 5 or some data processing device (not shown) connectable to the control device 5 for data transmission, and can be, for example, a numerical value in a range between a first range limit value indicating a first capacity for handling sample containers and a second range limit value indicating a second capacity for handling sample containers. The second capacity is a capacity higher than the first capacity for handling sample containers. Thus, a target device whose determined target device workload state indicates a high capacity for handling sample containers is most likely to be able to perform some tasks provided by such target device faster than another target device assigned a target device workload state indicating a lower capacity.

[0052] In one embodiment, the target device workload state (WLS TD i ) (i=1,2,…) is determined as follows:

number

[0053] In one embodiment, the throughput or output flow factor k SC i may be defined by the number of sample vessels that have actually exited the system in the target device (after processing the sample vessels containing the sample) divided by the number of sample vessels that are expected to exit.

number

[0054] Considering the application of different weighting factors w for different priorities, the throughput or output flow factor k SC i Changes in will have different impact on target device workload state for different priorities.

[0055] If the target device processes as many sample vessels as possible, i.e., behaves as expected, the above formula approaches 1. This refers to summation over time, so some past performance of the target device is taken into account, for example the last 10 minute period. If there are no sample vessels available for processing, the target device's queue is empty. In such a case, the value is set to 1, since it is assumed that the target device would have been able to process a sample vessel if such a sample vessel were offered to the target device.

[0056] Number SC i and S.C. exp,i With respect to, one or more of the following rules may apply:

[0057] SCi may be incremented when the sample container is passed to a connected device component or processed by an in situ device at the target device i.

[0058] SC exp,i To increase SC, one or more of the following rules may be applied: (i) When a sample container enters the static sample container output queue, SC exp,i is decremented (e.g., to a minimum of 0) when a sample container entering the static sample container output queue is rerouted to reach an already static sample container output queue. (ii) If the sample container is assigned to target device i, then SC exp,i is decremented (e.g., to a minimum of 0) when a sample container assigned to target device i is rerouted. (iii) If a sample container reaches its first location in the TSIF, which is the first location after the cache field, SC exp,i is not reduced. Applying rules (ii) and / or (iii), SC exp,i It leads to being independent of static queues, especially their design or layout.

[0059] Where the target device workload state is determined by the controlling device 5, the controlling device 5 may receive data indicative of the above parameters directly from the target devices, e.g. the analyzers 3 and the arrival station 2. At least some of the software applications of the controlling device 5 may be allocated to a piece of middleware. The term "middleware" may be used for software that enables communication and management of data in a distributed application system of a laboratory system.

[0060] Based on the target device workload states determined individually for some or all target devices from the plurality of target devices, the plurality of sample containers 1 are assigned to the plurality of target devices, e.g., analytical devices 3, during operation of the laboratory system. In one example, a sample container to which some specific tasks have to be applied (such specific tasks being made available by at least two of the plurality of analytical devices 3) may be assigned to an analytical device from at least two analytical devices whose target device workload states indicate a higher capacity for handling the sample container. Thus, based on the target device workload states, load balancing may be performed for the plurality of sample containers 1 handled in the laboratory system.

[0061] The handling of the sample containers 1 in the laboratory system may be performed with different priorities. For example, a first priority may be referred to as "normal priority". A second level of priority may be referred to as "urgent priority". The latter gives an indication of the urgency for performing the handling of the sample containers in the laboratory system. For some or all of the plurality of analyzers 3, target device workload states may be determined for both "normal priority" and "urgent priority". Thus, at least two target device workload states are assigned to the analyzers 3.

[0062] The target device workload states determined for the different priority levels may be equal or different. If the sample containers are to be processed according to the level of the priority "normal priority", the allocation of the sample containers to the multiple analysis devices 3 is controlled based on the target device workload states determined for the level of the priority "normal priority". Conversely, if different sample containers need to be processed in the laboratory system according to the level of the priority "urgent priority", the allocation of the different sample containers for performing the tasks required for the analysis is controlled based on the target device workload states determined for the level of the priority "urgent priority". In conclusion, the actual allocation to several sample containers may depend on the level of priority of the processing of the sample containers.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of a number of subranges 30.1, ..., 30.4 is shown. The multiple subranges 30.1, ..., 30.4 together constitute a total range 31 of 0 to 100 (rel.units) that is allowed for target device workload states of a number of target devices. From the multiple subranges 30.1, ..., 30.4 there is an overlap range 32 where adjacent or neighboring subranges overlap. In the non-overlapping range 33, there is no overlap between adjacent or neighboring subranges. In one example, the multiple subranges 30.1, ..., 30.4 may be assigned the following target device workload states (percentages): 0 to 30% (30.1), 20 to 55% (30.2), 45 to 80% (30.3), and 70 to 100% (30.4).

[0064] If the current target device workload state ((percentage) value) is determined to be within the overlap range 32 after previously being determined to be within the overlap range 33 (previous target device workload state), the allocation of sample containers to the target devices is controlled (transition 34) taking into account the current target device workload state (value) instead of the previous target device workload state previously applied. A similar control of the allocation of sample containers to the target devices based on the target device workload state applies in case of the opposite transition 35. The target device workload state (value) may be updated more frequently, for example every time a resource state changes or every time the throughput coefficients of the sample containers are recalculated, but the actual allocation of sample containers to the target devices changes (only a partial range change) if the target device workload state is determined to move from the overlap range to the non-overlapping range. It keeps the number of changes in the allocation of sample containers due to changes in the target device workload state to a reasonable low level.

Claims

1. 1. A method for operating a laboratory system, comprising: A laboratory system is provided, the laboratory system comprising: a plurality of sample containers (1) configured to contain samples to be processed for at least one of pre-analysis and analysis in the laboratory system; a plurality of laboratory devices (2; 3; 4; 6) each providing a plurality of target devices configured to handle one or more sample containers from the plurality of sample containers (1), the one or more sample containers being assigned for handling to the target devices during operation of the laboratory system; a control device (5) configured to at least control the allocation of the plurality of sample vessels (1) to the plurality of target devices; and providing a laboratory system having: assigning said plurality of sample containers (1) to said plurality of target devices during operation of said laboratory system; and said allocating comprises: determining a target device workload state for each of the plurality of target devices, the target device workload state comprising: a first range limit value indicative of a first capacity for handling the sample container and a second range limit value indicative of a second capacity for handling the sample container, the second capacity being a higher capacity for handling the sample container than the first capacity; a resource target device status indicating the current number of sample vessels assigned to the target device; the output flow of the target device, the power of the output flow indicating the output of sample containers per time by the target device; determined according to a metric proportional to determining a target device workload state; allocating the plurality of sample containers (1) to the plurality of target devices according to the target device workload status; providing said plurality of sample vessels (1) to said plurality of target devices for handling according to said allocation; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the metric is proportional to the output flow of the target device raised to a power of a weighting factor, the weighting factor weighting the output flow of the target device to determine the target device workload state.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the metric is inversely proportional to an initial resource target device state that indicates a starting number of sample vessels that will be allocated to the target device.

4. Target device workload state (WLS) of target device i TD i ) is determined as follows: [Equation 1] R i is the resource target device state of the target device, and R init is the initial resource target device state of the target device, 【number】 3. The method of claim 1, wherein: ∑ i = ...

5. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining an updated target device workload state at the target device in response to at least one of updating the resource target device state of the target device and recalculating an output flow of the target device.

6. providing a plurality of sub-ranges for a first range of the target device workload state for a first target device, wherein for adjacent sub-ranges from the plurality of sub-ranges, an overlapping range is provided where the adjacent sub-ranges overlap; determining a first target device workload state at the first target device, the first target device workload state being within a non-overlapping range of a first subrange, where the first subrange does not overlap with a second subrange adjacent to the first subrange; Allocating the plurality of sample containers (1) to the first target device according to the first target device workload state; determining a second target device workload state at the first target device, the second target device workload state being different from the first target device workload state and within the overlap range where the first subrange and the second subrange overlap; Continuing to allocate the plurality of sample containers (1) to the first target device according to the first target device workload status; determining a third target device workload state at the first target device, the third target device workload state being different from both the first target device workload state and the second target device workload state and being within a non-overlapping range of the second sub-range where the first sub-range and the second sub-range do not overlap; allocating the plurality of sample containers (1) to the first target device according to the second target device workload state; 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

7. providing first priority data indicating a first priority for handling a first sample container from the plurality of sample containers (1); providing second priority data indicating a second priority for handling the first sample container, the second priority indicating a lower urgency for handling the first sample container during operation than the first priority; determining a first priority target device workload state for the first sample container according to the first priority; determining a second priority target device workload state for the first sample container according to the second priority; selecting one of the first priority target device workload state and the second priority target device workload state; assigning the selected target device workload state to the first sample container; 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

8. Allocating the plurality of sample containers (1) to the plurality of target devices further comprises providing target device queue status data by processing the target device workload status at at least some of the target devices from the plurality of target devices, the target device queue status data providing an indirect performance indicator at the target devices and indicating at least a device identification of the target devices and the target device workload status; providing the plurality of sample containers (1) to the plurality of target devices further comprises controlling a workflow in at least some of the target devices in the laboratory system in response to the target device queue status data; 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

9. Controlling the workflow includes: Disabling a target device from the plurality of target devices to prevent allocation of sample containers to the disabled target device in a first workflow state of the laboratory system; and enabling a target device from the plurality of target devices to allow allocation of a sample container to the enabled target device in a second workflow state of the laboratory system; The method of claim 8 , further comprising at least one of:

10. Controlling the workflow includes: providing a target device workload status value indicative of the target device workload status; providing a workload state threshold; Disabling the target device if the target device workload state value is above the workload state threshold; and enabling the target device if the target device workload state value is less than or equal to the workload state threshold; and 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

11. 1. A laboratory system comprising: a plurality of sample vessels (1) configured to contain samples; a plurality of laboratory devices (2; 3; 4; 6) each providing a plurality of target devices configured to handle one or more sample containers from the plurality of sample containers (1), the one or more sample containers being assigned for handling to the target devices during operation of the laboratory system; a control device (5) configured to at least control the allocation of the plurality of sample vessels (1) to the plurality of target devices; Equipped with The laboratory system is configured to process the plurality of sample containers (1) for at least one of pre-analysis and analysis of the samples, and further The method is configured to allocate the plurality of sample containers (1) to the plurality of target devices during operation, the allocation comprising: determining a target device workload state for each of the plurality of target devices, the target device workload state comprising: a first range limit value indicative of a first capacity for handling the sample container and a second range limit value indicative of a second capacity for handling the sample container, the second capacity being a higher capacity for handling the sample container than the first capacity; a resource target device status indicating the current number of sample vessels assigned to the target device; the output flow of the target device, the power of the output flow indicating the output of sample containers per time by the target device; determined according to a metric proportional to determining a target device workload state; allocating the plurality of sample containers (1) to the plurality of target devices according to the target device workload status; providing said plurality of sample vessels (1) to said plurality of target devices for handling according to said allocation; 1. A laboratory system, including:

12. The plurality of laboratory devices (2; 3; 4; 6) providing the plurality of target devices may be selected from the following groups of laboratory devices: a pre-analytical laboratory device configured to perform a pre-analytical task; an analytical laboratory device configured to perform analytical tasks for said sample; a post-analysis laboratory device configured to perform post-analysis tasks; a sample transfer device configured for transferring a sample container; a sorting device configured for sorting sample containers; and a storage device configured to store one or more sample vessels; 12. The system of claim 11, comprising one or more laboratory devices from

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