Diagnostic laboratory system and method of operation - Patents.com

Abstract

A method of operating a diagnostic laboratory system includes providing a module configured to perform a function on an item in the diagnostic laboratory system; providing a plurality of sensors each configured to monitor the function or item and generate sensor data in response to the monitoring; checking an operational status of a first sensor of the plurality of sensors; receiving sensor data from at least one of the plurality of sensors; and scaling the sensor data from the first sensor in response to the operational status and the sensor data to generate corrected sensor data. A system including a middleware server configured to perform this method is provided as well as other aspects.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 150,876, filed February 18, 2021, and entitled "DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF OPERATING," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to diagnostic imaging systems for diagnostic laboratory systems and methods of operating such diagnostic imaging systems. [Background technology]

[0003] Diagnostic laboratory systems include instruments that perform clinical chemistry tests or assays to identify analytes or other components in biological specimens (samples), such as serum, plasma, urine, interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and the like.

[0004] Improvements in diagnostic laboratory systems have been accompanied by corresponding advances in automated pre-analytical specimen processing, such as centrifugation of specimens to separate specimen components, detachment of caps (decapping) to facilitate access to the specimen, aliquot preparation, and pre-screening for hemolysis, icterus, and / or lipemia, or normal (HILN), and / or the presence of artifacts in the specimen, such as clots, bubbles, or foam. One or more sensors, such as imaging devices and pressure sensors, can monitor the analysis or other processes taking place within the diagnostic laboratory system. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect, a method of operating a diagnostic laboratory system is provided, the method including providing a module configured to perform a function on an item in the diagnostic laboratory system, providing a plurality of sensors each configured to monitor the function or the item and generate sensor data in response to the monitoring, checking an operational status of a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, receiving sensor data from at least one of the plurality of sensors, and scaling the sensor data from the first sensor in response to the operational status and the sensor data to generate corrected sensor data.

[0006] In a further aspect, a diagnostic laboratory system is provided that includes a module configured to perform a function on an item in the module; a plurality of sensors, each configured to monitor the function or the item and generate sensor data in response to the monitoring; and a computer, configured to: check an operational status of a first sensor; receive sensor data from at least one of the plurality of sensors; and scale the sensor data generated by the first sensor in response to the operational status and the sensor data to generate corrected sensor data.

[0007] In another aspect, a method of operating a diagnostic laboratory system is provided that includes providing a module configured to perform an analysis on a specimen in the diagnostic laboratory system, providing a plurality of sensors each configured to monitor the specimen during the analysis, checking an operational status of a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, receiving sensor data from at least one of the plurality of sensors, and scaling the sensor data from the first sensor in response to the operational status and the sensor data to generate corrected sensor data.

[0008] Further other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent from the following description and illustration of several exemplary embodiments, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present disclosure. The present disclosure is capable of other different embodiments, and its several details can be modified in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that come within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0009] The drawings described below are provided for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a diagnostic laboratory system including multiple modules and equipment according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a system block diagram illustrating the interaction of sensors, sensor checking programs, sensor scaling programs, and user configuration programs implemented in a diagnostic laboratory system in accordance with one or more embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a system block diagram illustrating the interaction of multiple sensors, a sensor checking program, a sensor scaling program, and a user configuration program implemented in a diagnostic laboratory system in accordance with one or more embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a module of a diagnostic laboratory system implemented as an imaging module including three imaging devices, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 3B] 3B illustrates the imaging module of FIG. 3A showing the imaging device in a malfunctioning state in accordance with one or more embodiments. [Figure 3C]3B illustrates the imaging module of FIG. 3A showing two imaging devices in a malfunction state in accordance with one or more embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a capped specimen container containing a specimen, the specimen container configured to be transported throughout a diagnostic laboratory system in accordance with one or more embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is a side view of an uncapped specimen container containing a specimen, the specimen container configured to be transported throughout a diagnostic laboratory system in accordance with one or more embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an aspirating and dispensing module implemented in a diagnostic laboratory system, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph showing pressure traces of a sample aspiration by a pipette assembly of an aspiration module aspirating a sample, showing a functioning pressure sensor trace and a malfunctioning pressure sensor trace (dotted line) in accordance with one or more embodiments. [Figure 7] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a diagnostic laboratory system in accordance with one or more embodiments. [Figure 8] 1 is a flow chart illustrating another method of operating a diagnostic laboratory system in accordance with one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] As discussed above, diagnostic laboratory systems, such as automated diagnostic laboratory systems, include instruments that perform clinical chemistry tests and / or assays to identify analytes or other components in biological specimens. The specimens are typically contained in specimen containers that are transported to particular instruments and / or modules within the diagnostic laboratory system for processing and / or testing.

[0012] Some diagnostic laboratory systems perform pre-analysis specimen and / or specimen container processing. For example, some modules of a diagnostic laboratory system may perform centrifugation of the specimen to separate specimen components. Some modules of a diagnostic laboratory system may perform cap removal from tube portions of specimen containers to allow access to the specimen within the specimen container. Some modules may perform aliquot preparation. Other modules may pre-screen the specimen for the presence of HILN and / or artifacts in the specimen, such as clots, air bubbles, foam, etc. Some modules may use one or more sensors, such as an imaging device coupled to a computer, to perform the processes described above. For example, the imaging device may capture images of the specimen and / or specimen container, and the computer may analyze image data generated by the imaging device to perform the processes described above.

[0013] In some embodiments, the diagnostic analyzer system includes modules that include clinical chemistry test and / or assay equipment configured to perform analytical testing of a specimen. The test may include a reaction that produces a change, such as fluorescence or luminescence, that can be read to determine the presence and / or concentration of an analyte or other component in the specimen. Some modules may include one or more sensors, such as one or more imaging devices coupled to a computer that analyzes image data produced by the one or more imaging devices to determine the concentration and / or presence of the analyte.

[0014] As mentioned above, diagnostic lab systems may include multiple sensors, which may include the imaging devices described above. Some diagnostic lab systems may include one or more pressure sensors configured to measure aspiration and / or dispensing pressures, such as the pressure in a pipette assembly, during the aspiration and / or dispensing process. Temperature sensors may measure temperatures of specimens, analytes, incubation devices, machinery, and other components. Voltage sensors may measure voltages of various machinery and / or specimens. Acoustic and vibration sensors may measure acoustic noise and vibrations, respectively, of machinery and other components in the diagnostic lab system.

[0015] Collision sensors may generate data indicative of the occurrence of collisions within the diagnostic lab system. For example, collision sensors may generate data indicative of collisions of robotic arms and other moving components within the diagnostic lab system. Distance and proximity sensors may determine the relative positions of moving components, including specimen containers, within the diagnostic lab system. Tactile sensors, which may be implemented as capacitive sensors, may generate data (e.g., signals) as moving components within the diagnostic lab system move.

[0016] As mentioned above, a diagnostic laboratory system may include a number of different sensors that can improve the ability to automate the diagnostic laboratory system and can improve the accuracy of analyte testing.

[0017] However, when one sensor malfunctions, the equipment or module that contains the malfunctioning sensor may also malfunction. In some embodiments, the entire diagnostic laboratory system may be rendered inoperable by a malfunction of a single module or component caused by a malfunction of a single sensor. Thus, the diagnostic laboratory system or its modules or equipment may then be disabled, or at least operate less efficiently. Thus, there is a need for improved diagnostic laboratory systems and methods of operating diagnostic laboratory systems having malfunctioning sensors.

[0018] The diagnostic laboratory systems, modules, components, and methods described herein provide for alternative sensor configurations and / or usage upon malfunction or degradation of one or more sensors. A sensor check program, for example, determines the health or status of a first sensor. If the status of the first sensor is degraded or if the first sensor is malfunctioning, a sensor scaling program may reduce or eliminate reliance on the first sensor. The diagnostic laboratory system may utilize one or more second sensors to supplement or replace the data of the first sensor. For example, sensor data generated by other sensors may be used in a process to supplement data that would normally be generated by the first sensor. In other embodiments, data that would normally be generated by the first sensor may be imputed with data generated by one or more other sensors. Thus, the diagnostic laboratory system and its modules and equipment may continue to operate when a sensor degrades or malfunctions.

[0019] In some embodiments, the diagnostic laboratory system may include a user-controllable user configuration program that allows a user to manually configure a sensor check program and / or a sensor scaling program. The user configuration program may allow a user of the diagnostic laboratory system to enable and / or disable certain sensors based on various operating factors, such as performance accuracy, energy consumption, operating time, cost, and budget. In some embodiments, disabling a sensor means ignoring data generated by the sensor. In some embodiments, scaling the sensor data includes ignoring at least a portion of the sensor data generated by the sensor in response to a user input. Thus, when one or more sensors degrade, a user may disable one or more sensors rather than immediately replacing the one or more sensors. For example, the degraded one or more sensors may be replaced at a time when the diagnostic laboratory system does not stop performing analyses or when there is a budget available to replace the one or more sensors.

[0020] These and other diagnostic laboratory systems, components, modules, equipment, methods, and programs are described herein with reference to Figures 1-8.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a diagnostic laboratory system 100 that performs tests and / or assays on biological specimens (e.g., biological fluids). The tests and assays may also be referred to as analyses performed on the specimens. The specimens may include serum, urine, and other fluids as described above, taken from a patient. The specimens are collected from the patient and contained in specimen containers 102 (some of which are labeled), which are configured for transport throughout the diagnostic laboratory system 100. Test orders, including the tests and assays to be performed on the specimens, may be received electronically by the diagnostic laboratory system 100 described herein.

[0022] The diagnostic laboratory system 100 may include a number of instruments 104 and modules 106 capable of processing specimen containers 102 and performing tests on specimens located within the specimen containers 102. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the diagnostic laboratory system 100 includes four instruments 104, which are individually referred to as a first instrument 104A, a second instrument 104B, a third instrument 104C, and a fourth instrument 104D. The diagnostic laboratory system 100 may include a number of modules 106, some of which are labeled as a first module 106A, a second module 106B, a third module 106C, and a fourth module 106D. Each of the instruments 104 may include two or more modules (e.g., sub-modules), some of which may perform the same or similar functions as those performed by one or more of the modules 106.

[0023] Referring to the fourth device 104D, the fourth device 104D may be similar or identical to the other devices. The fourth device 104D includes three sub-modules 108, which may include a processing module 108A and one or more analytical modules 108B. The processing module 108A may prepare the specimen for testing and may identify the specimen container received by the fourth device 108D. The analytical module 108B may perform tests on the specimen. The devices 104 and modules 106 may include multiple sensors (not shown in FIG. 1 ) as described herein.

[0024] The diagnostic laboratory system 100 may include a track 110 configured to transport or enable transport of specimen containers 102 in and out of the instruments 104 and / or modules 106 of the diagnostic laboratory system 100. The track 110 may include, for example, a railed track (e.g., monorail or multirail), a collection of conveyor belts, a conveyor chain, a moving platform, magnetic transport, or any other suitable type of transport mechanism. In some embodiments, the specimen containers 102 may be coupled to a self-propelled device, such as a linear motor, that moves the track 110.

[0025] In some embodiments, the diagnostic lab system 100 may include one or more position sensors 112 (some of which are labeled) positioned proximate the track 110. The position sensors 112 may be capable of reading identification indicia, such as bar codes or RFID labels, affixed to the specimen containers 102. Thus, the position sensors 112 may be capable of providing information identifying the specimen containers 102 (and the specimens therein) and the location of the specimen containers 102 in the diagnostic lab system 100. For example, the location of the specimen containers 102 may be determined by the position sensors 112 having identified a particular one of the specimen containers 102.

[0026] The diagnostic laboratory system 100 may include a computer 114 that may be in communication with the equipment 104, the modules 106, the position sensors 112, and other sensors and components described herein. In some embodiments, the computer 114 may be in proximity to the equipment 104 and the modules 106, while in other embodiments, the computer 114 may be remote from the equipment 104 and the modules 106. The computer 114 may include a processor 116 and a memory 118, where the processor 116 executes programs including executable code, which may be stored in the memory 118.

[0027] One of the programs stored in memory 118 may be a sensor check program 120A configured to check the status of one or more of the sensors in the diagnostic laboratory system 100 described herein. Another program may be a sensor scaling program 120B that may be configured to scale sensor data generated by one or more of the sensors in response to data generated by the sensor check program 120A. Another program may be a user configuration program 120C that may be configured to allow a user of the diagnostic laboratory system 100 to configure the scaling of the sensors. For example, the sensor data may be scaled based at least in part on user input. The above-mentioned programs are described in more detail herein. Memory 118 may also store one or more other programs.

[0028] 2A, which illustrates a block diagram of a system 224, such as a sensor monitoring and correction system, illustrating one embodiment of the interaction of a sensor check program 120A, a sensor scaling program 120B, and a user configuration program 120C. The system 224 receives data from a sensor 226, which may be a single sensor, and processes the sensor data as described herein. The sensor 226 may be any sensor in the diagnostic laboratory system 100 described herein. In some embodiments, the sensor check program 120A, the sensor scaling program 120B, and the user configuration program 120C may be implemented in a single program. For example, the above-mentioned programs may be modules implemented in a single program stored in the memory 118 and executed by the processor 116.

[0029] The system 224 includes an input 224I that receives sensor data generated by a sensor 226 in the diagnostic lab system 100 (FIG. 1). The sensor 226 shown in FIG. 2A may be a generic sensor and is intended to represent any sensor in the diagnostic lab system 100. In some embodiments, the sensor 226 may be, for example, an imaging device, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a position sensor, a vibration sensor, a voltage or current sensor, etc. The sensor 226 outputs sensor data indicative of a parameter being measured, such as an image, pressure, temperature, position, vibration, voltage, current, and / or other parameter generated by the sensor 226.

[0030] The input 224I is coupled to the sensor check program 120A and the sensor scaling program 120B. The input to the sensor check program 120A may be sensor data generated, for example, during a self-test of the sensor 226. In other embodiments, the input to the sensor check program 120A may be sensor data generated during operation of the diagnostic laboratory system 100. In some embodiments, the sensor check program 120A may store the status of various sensors. When a particular sensor outputs sensor data to the system 224, the sensor check program 120A may output the operational status (operational status data) of the particular sensor to the scaling program 120B, as described herein. The sensor scaling program 120B may process the sensor data in response to the operational status data generated by the sensor check program 120A, as described herein.

[0031] In some embodiments, the operational status data generated by the sensor check program 120A may be a binary value indicating whether the sensor 226 is functioning properly. For example, when the sensor 226 outputs sensor data to the system 224, the sensor check program 120A may output sensor status data having a value of 1, indicating that the sensor 226 is functioning properly, or a value of 0, indicating that the sensor 226 is not operating properly. In some embodiments, the sensor check program 120A may receive data that more specifically describes the status of the sensor 226. For example, the sensor check program 120A may receive data providing a percentage of the operability of the sensor 226 and / or data indicative of one or more specific problems with the sensor 226.

[0032] In some embodiments, the sensor check program 120A may perform one or more tests on the sensor 226 or may cause the sensor 226 to perform one or more self-tests or other sensor diagnostics. In other embodiments, the sensor check program 120A may analyze sensor data generated by the sensor 226 to determine the status of the sensor 226. These and other embodiments are described in more detail below.

[0033] The user configuration program 120C may allow a user to set certain parameters of one or more sensors, such as the sensor 226. Sensor data or operational status data that would normally be entered into or generated by the sensor check program 120A may be entered (e.g., manually entered) by a user of the diagnostic laboratory system 100 via the user configuration program 120C. For example, when a fault (malfunction) is detected in the sensor 226, the user may enter user data regarding the fault detected in the sensor 226 and / or other sensors via the user configuration program 120C. The user data may cause the system 224 to ignore the sensor data generated by the sensor 226, scale the sensor data per the user input, or provide sensor data in place of the sensor data generated by the sensor 226. An embodiment of the user configuration program 120C is described in more detail below.

[0034] The sensor scaling program 120B may receive sensor data generated by the sensor 226 and a sensor status generated by the sensor check program 120A. In response to the sensor data and the sensor status, the sensor scaling program 120B may generate modified sensor data, which is output via output 224O. The sensor scaling program 120B may perform a number of operations to generate scaled sensor data, such as processing or ignoring the sensor data, as described in more detail below.

[0035] In some embodiments, the system 224 may include a complementing program 220. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the complementing program 220 is shown implemented in the sensor scaling program 120B. However, the complementing program 220 may be a separate program or implemented elsewhere. The complementing program 220 may complement sensor data from a non-functioning sensor. For example, if a sensor 226 is malfunctioning, the complementing program 220 may, for example, complement sensor data that would normally be generated by the sensor 226 based at least in part on sensor data received from other sensors.

[0036] With further reference to FIG. 2B, FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of the system 224 coupled to multiple sensors 228. In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, the system 224 may be coupled to three sensors, which are individually represented as sensor 1, sensor 2, and sensor 3. Components within the system 224, such as the sensor check program 120A and the sensor scaling program 120B, may determine which sensors are sending sensor data to the system 224 and may perform functions described above that are specific to the sensor or sensor type sending the sensor data. Thus, the system 224 may interact with multiple sensors, which may be different types of sensors.

[0037] With further reference to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3A illustrates a module 330 that may include multiple sensors. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the module 330 is implemented as an imaging module, such as an imaging module for checking for the presence of HIL or artifacts. The sensor located in the module 330 may operate in the same or similar manner as the sensor 226 (FIG. 2A) and / or the sensor 228 (FIG. 2B). The module 330 may include multiple imaging devices 332 implemented as the sensor 226 and / or the sensor 228.

[0038] 3A embodiment, the module 330 includes three imaging devices 332, individually referred to as a first imaging device 332A, a second imaging device 332B, and a third imaging device 332C. The imaging devices 332 may be configured to capture images of a specimen container (e.g., specimen container 302) that is transported through the module 330, such as on a carrier (e.g., carrier 303). Other devices and methods may be used to transport the specimen container 302 to or through the module 330. The captured images are in the form of image data, which may be processed as sensor data as described herein.

[0039] The imaging devices 332 generate image data representative of the specimen container 302 and / or the specimen within the container when the specimen container 302 is positioned at the imaging position 334. The imaging position 334 is a position within the module 330 where one or more of the imaging devices 332 can capture images of the specimen container 302 and / or the specimen within the container. As shown in FIG. 3A, the imaging devices 332 are positioned around the imaging position 334 to capture images from multiple perspectives of the specimen container 302. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the configuration of the imaging devices 332 allows for a 360° field of view of the specimen container 302 to be captured. This imaging allows for a label affixed to the specimen container 302 to be captured by at least one of the imaging devices 332. This imaging can further allow for an image of an unobstructed specimen, such as an image of unobstructed serum or plasma.

[0040] The components of the module 330 may be controlled by a computer 333, which may also process sensor data (e.g., pixelated image data) generated by the module 330. The computer 333 may be local to the module 330 or remote from the module 330. In some embodiments, the computer 333 may be implemented in the computer 114 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the computer 333 may be in electronic communication with the computer 114 (FIG. 1). The computer 333 may process image data generated by the imaging device 332 and / or sensor data generated by other sensors of the module 330. In some embodiments, the computer 333 may facilitate transmitting image data generated by the imaging device 332 and / or other sensors to the computer 114 (FIG. 1).

[0041] With further reference to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a specimen container 302 containing a specimen 442. The specimen container 302 may include a tube 444 that is covered with a cap 446 configured to seal the tube 444. The specimen 442 illustrated in FIG. 4A is undergoing a centrifugation process to separate components of the specimen 442. In response to the centrifugation process, heavier components in the specimen 442 settle toward the bottom of the specimen container 302 and lighter components rise toward the top of the tube 444. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the specimen 442 may be a blood sample. During the centrifugation process, serum or plasma 442A may be separated from red blood cells 442B. A separator 442C (e.g., a gel separator) may separate the serum or plasma 442A from the red blood cells 442B.

[0042] The serum or plasma 442A is shown as having a height HSP, the separator 442C is shown as having a height HGS, and the red blood cells 442B are shown as having a height HC. In some embodiments, the serum or plasma 442A is analyzed (e.g., imaged) and thus the height HSP of the serum or plasma 442A is measured. The height HSP may enable a processor or the like to determine the volume of the serum or plasma 442A in the specimen container 302. The height HSP may also be used to provide other modules with information regarding the depth to which a probe (pipette) may need to extend into the specimen container 302 to enable, for example, aspiration of serum or plasma.

[0043] The shape and / or color of the cap 446 may provide an indication of the type of specimen container 302 and / or the chemicals within the specimen container 302. One or more imaging devices (e.g., imaging device 332 of FIG. 3A) may generate color pixelated image data representing the cap 446, which may be processed as sensor data as described herein. For example, software may analyze the image data to determine the color and / or shape of the cap 446. Other characteristics of the cap 446 may also be determined.

[0044] The specimen container 302 may have a label 447 affixed thereto. The label 447 may include information indicative of the specimen 442, the test to be performed on the specimen 442, and / or the type of specimen container 302. The information on the label 447 may be read by one or more imaging devices (e.g., imaging device 332 of FIG. 3A) to generate image data representative of the label 447. Software may analyze the image data to read the information on the label 447. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the label 442 is provided with a barcode 447A, which is imaged by one or more imaging devices and read by the software described above. With further reference to FIG. 4B, FIG. 4B illustrates the specimen container 302 with the cap 446 removed. As shown in FIG. 4B, the tube 444 has a height HT and a width W, both of which are measured by analyzing image data generated by one or more of the imaging devices 332.

[0045] In addition to other measurements made on the specimen container 302, the position of the specimen container 302 within the module 330 may also be measured by analyzing one or more images of the specimen container 302 within the module 330. In some embodiments, the orientation of the specimen container 302 may be measured by analyzing one or more images of the specimen container 302. In some embodiments, the position of the specimen container 302 within the carrier 303 is measured by analyzing one or more images of the specimen container 302 and the carrier 303.

[0046] In some embodiments, the position of the imaging device 332 must be known to accurately calculate the dimensions of the specimen container 302, specimen 442, tube 444, and other items imaged by the imaging device 332. For example, the imaging devices 332 are placed in specific or predetermined positions within the module 330 during a calibration process. If one or more of the imaging devices 332 moves, the computer 333 and / or other computers may not be able to accurately calculate the dimensions described above.

[0047] The module 330 may also include a track 336 that allows the specimen containers 302 and / or carriers 303 to move or to move throughout the module 330. In some embodiments, the track 336 may include a conveyor, such as a belt (not shown), that moves the specimen containers 302 and / or carriers 303. In some embodiments, a motor 338 is configured to move the conveyor or to move the carrier 303 on the track 336. The speed and / or direction of the motor is controlled by instructions generated by the computer 333. A current sensor 340 may measure a current drawn by the motor 338, and the measured current is received and / or processed by the computer 333. In some embodiments, the measured current is processed as sensor data as described herein. An abnormal or excessive current drawn by the motor 338 may be an indication of a problem or impending problem in the module 330. Optionally, a voltage sensor may also be used.

[0048] The module 330 may include one or more light reflectors and / or illumination sources that provide light to the imaging device 332. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C, the module 330 includes a first illumination source 342A, a second illumination source 342B, and a light reflector 344. The first illumination source 342A and the second illumination source 342B may emit light having a predetermined intensity and wavelength in response to instructions generated by the computer 333. The first illumination source 342A, the second illumination source 342B, and the light reflector 344 may be in predetermined and / or fixed positions within the module 330. For example, the positions of the first illumination source 342A, the second illumination source 342B, and the light reflector 344 are set during assembly and / or calibration of the module 330. In some cases, the light reflector 344 may be an illumination source.

[0049] With further reference to Figure 5, Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of an aspirate and dispense module 530, sometimes referred to herein as an aspiration module. The aspirate and dispense module 530 is implemented in at least one of the instruments 104 (Figure 1) and / or modules 120 (Figure 1) of the diagnostic laboratory system 100 (Figure 1). Other embodiments of the aspirate and dispense module 530 are used in the diagnostic laboratory system 100 (Figure 1).

[0050] The aspirating and dispensing module 530 aspirates and dispenses samples (e.g., sample 442), reagents, and the like, to enable the instrument 104 (FIG. 1) and module (FIG. 1) to perform chemical analysis on the sample 442, or simply aspirate and then redispense the sample into another container or vessel. The aspirating and dispensing module 530 may include a robot 532 configured to move a pipette assembly 534 within the aspirating and dispensing module 530. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, a probe (pipette) 536 of the pipette assembly 534 is shown ready to aspirate a reagent 538 from a reagent packet 540. In FIG. 5, the sample container 302 is shown with the cap 446 (FIG. 4) removed, which may have already been performed by a cap removal module (not shown). The pipette assembly 534 is configured to position the probe 536 to aspirate serum or plasma 442A from the sample container 302.

[0051] The reagent 538, other reagents, and a portion of the serum or plasma 442A are dispensed into a reaction vessel 542, such as a cuvette or other suitable container. The reaction vessel 542 is shown as having a rectangular cross section. However, the reaction vessel 542 may have other shapes depending on the analysis to be performed. In some embodiments, the reaction vessel 542 is configured to hold a few microliters of liquid 542A. The cuvette 542 is made of a material that is transparent to light for photometric analysis by one or more imaging devices as described herein. In some embodiments, the material is transparent to light having a spectrum (e.g., wavelength) of, for example, 180 nm to 2000 nm. It is noted that only a portion of the serum or plasma 442A is dispensed into the reaction vessel 542, while another portion of the serum or plasma 442A is dispensed into another reaction vessel (not shown). Additionally, other reagents may also be dispensed into the reaction vessel 542, possibly along with other liquids and / or magnetic particles.

[0052] Some components of the aspirating and dispensing module 530 are electrically coupled to a computer 546. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, computer 546 may include a processor 546A and a memory 546B. Program 546C is stored in memory 546B and executed by processor 546A. Computer 546 may also include a position controller 546E and an aspirating / dispensing controller 546D controlled by a program such as program 546C stored in memory 546B. In some embodiments, computer 546 and its components are implemented in computer 114 (FIG. 1). Position controller 546E and / or aspirating / dispensing controller 546D are implemented in separate devices (e.g., computers) in some embodiments.

[0053] Programs 546C may include algorithms that control and / or monitor components within aspirate and dispense module 530, such as position controller 546E and / or aspirate / dispense controller 546D. As described herein, one or more of the components may include one or more sensors that are monitored by one of programs 546C. Programs 546C may also perform self-test routines on the sensors. Results of the self-test routines are transmitted to system 224 (FIGS. 2A-2B). Sensor data generated by the one or more sensors is also transmitted to system 224 (FIGS. 2A-2B).

[0054] The robot 532 may include one or more arms and motors configured to move the pipette assembly 534 within the aspirating and dispensing module 530. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the robot 532 may include an arm 550 coupled between a first motor 552 and the pipette assembly 534. The first motor 552 may be electrically coupled to the computer 546 and receive instructions generated by the position controller 546E. The instructions may command the first motor 552 regarding a direction and a speed of the first motor 552. The first motor 552 is configured to move the arm 550 to enable the probe 536 to aspirate and / or dispense the sample and / or reagent as described herein. The first motor 552 may include or be associated with a current sensor configured to measure a current drawn by the first motor 552. Sensor data generated by the current sensor (e.g., a measured current) is transmitted to the computer 546.

[0055] A second motor 554 is coupled between the arm 550 and the pipette assembly 534 and configured to move the probe 536 in a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction) to aspirate and / or dispense liquid as described herein. The second motor 554 can move the probe 536 in response to instructions generated by the program 546C. For example, the second motor 554 can enable the probe 536 to move into and out of the specimen container 302, the reaction vessel 542, and / or the reagent packet 540. The liquid is then aspirated and / or dispensed as described herein. The second motor 554 can include or be associated with a current sensor configured to measure a current drawn by the second motor 554. Sensor data generated by the current sensor (e.g., the measured current) is transmitted to the computer 546.

[0056] The aspirating and dispensing module 530 may include a position sensor 556. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the position sensor 556 is mechanically coupled to the robot 532. In some embodiments, the position sensor 556 is coupled to other components of the aspirating and dispensing module 530. The position sensor 556 is configured to sense the position of one or more components of the robot 532 or other components within the aspirating and dispensing module 530, such as the pipette assembly 534. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the position sensor 556 may measure the position of the arm 550, the pipette assembly 534, and / or the probe 536 and may generate position data that may be processed as sensor data as described herein. The position data may be sensor data that is transmitted to the computer 546 and ultimately input to the system 224 (FIGS. 2A-2B).

[0057] Aspirate and dispense module 530 may also include a pump 560 mechanically coupled to a conduit 562 and electrically coupled to an aspirate / dispense controller 546D. Pump 560 may create a vacuum or negative pressure (e.g., aspiration pressure) in conduit 562 to aspirate liquid. Pump 560 may also create a positive pressure (e.g., dispense pressure) in conduit 562 to dispense liquid. In some embodiments, pump 560 may include both high speed and low speed pumps.

[0058] Pressure sensor 564 is configured to measure the pressure in conduit 562 and generate pressure data indicative of the pressure. In some embodiments, pressure sensor 564 is configured to measure an aspiration pressure and generate pressure data. In some embodiments, pressure sensor 564 is configured to measure a dispense pressure and generate pressure data. The pressure data may be in the form of a pressure trace as a function of time, as described with reference to FIG. 6 below. The pressure data is ultimately transmitted to computer 114 (FIG. 1) and input to system 224 as sensor data. For example, the sensor data is used by sensor check program 120A to determine the status of pressure sensor 564.

[0059] With further reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a graph 600 illustrating a pressure trace of the pipette assembly 534 measured by the pressure sensor 564. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the pressure trace shows the pipette assembly 534 aspirating liquid and is indicative of a functioning system and a malfunctioning system. The malfunction of the system may be due to a failure of the pressure sensor 564 and / or a failure of the pump 560. For purposes of illustration, the malfunction is described as being due to a faulty pressure sensor 564. Pressure trace 602 illustrates a trace of a functioning pressure sensor 564 showing a high vacuum measured during aspiration. Pressure trace 604 illustrates a trace of a faulty pressure sensor 564 where no high vacuum is measured during aspiration. For example, pressure trace 604 illustrates a low vacuum, which may indicate a faulty pressure sensor 564. During a dispense operation, a faulty pressure sensor 564 may generate poor pressure data. The pressure trace may be sensor data input to the system 224 (FIGS. 2A-2B).

[0060] Referring again to FIG. 5, the aspirating and dispensing module 530 may include an imaging device 566 configured to capture an image of the probe 536. For example, the probe 536 may be transparent and the imaging device 566 may capture an image of the liquid within the probe 536. The captured image may include image data that is transmitted to and analyzed by the computer 546. Program 546C may analyze the image data to determine the quality of the liquid within the probe 536. For example, program 546C may determine whether the liquid within the probe 536 contains air bubbles or blood clots. The image data, and / or the status of the imaging device 566, may be input to the system 224 (FIGS. 2A-2B) and processed as sensor data as described herein.

[0061] In some embodiments, the aspirating and dispensing module 530 may include one or more imaging devices implemented as one or more optical sensors configured to sense liquid in the probe 536. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the aspirating and dispensing module 530 may include a first optical sensor 570 and a second optical sensor 572. In some embodiments, the aspirating and dispensing module 530 may include at least one of the first optical sensor 570, the second optical sensor 572, or the imaging device 566.

[0062] The first light sensor 570 may include a first transmitter 570A and a first receiver 570B. The first transmitter 570A may include a light source, such as a laser or a light emitting diode (LED), configured to transmit light through the probe 536. The light passing through the probe 536 is received by the first receiver 570B. The first receiver 570B may be coupled to the computer 546 and may process image data generated by the first receiver 570B. The image data generated by the first receiver 570B may be data indicative of the intensity of the light received by the first receiver 570B. The second light sensor 572 may be the same or substantially similar to the first light sensor 572 and is positioned vertically spaced apart from the first light sensor 572.

[0063] The image data generated by the first receiver 570B and / or the second receiver 572B is generated as the probe 536 moves relative to the first receiver 570B and / or the second receiver 572B. A transition in the image data can indicate a transition between air and liquid in the probe 536, indicating the liquid level in the probe. For example, the probe 536 can transmit more light in areas where no liquid is present. By correlating the vertical position of the probe 536 with the transition in the image data, the height of the liquid in the probe 536 can be calculated.

[0064] During the aspiration process, the pressure in the conduit 562 can be measured by the pressure sensor 564 to determine the volume of the aspirated liquid. The imaging device 566 can be used to determine whether air bubbles are present in the aspirated liquid. The optical sensors 570, 572 can measure the height of the liquid in the probe 536. The pressure sensing and imaging methods are complementary because pressure sensing typically cannot detect air bubbles in the aspirated liquid and imaging using the imaging device 566 cannot obtain accurate volume measurements due to the meniscus at the surface of the aspirated liquid. When the pressure sensor 564, the optical sensors 570, 572, and the imaging device 566 are generating reliable data, the computer 546 and the diagnostic laboratory system 100 (FIG. 1) can be confident about the volume of the aspirated liquid.

[0065] When some of the pressure sensor 564, the optical sensors 570, 572, or the imaging device 566 are unavailable, the computer 546 and / or the diagnostic laboratory system 100 can detect significant deviation events in the aspiration volume using a system 224 (FIGS. 2A-2B) implemented in the computer 546. For example, the system 224 may rely on an assumption that the majority of pipettor operations are performed as expected.

[0066] 2A-2B, the sensor check program 120A determines the status of one or more sensors of the diagnostic laboratory system 100. In some embodiments, other programs may perform diagnostic tests, such as self-tests, on one or more sensors 226, 228 and generate diagnostic data. The sensor check program 120A may receive the diagnostic data and process the diagnostic data or send the diagnostic data to the sensor scaling program 120B as operational status data as described herein. Diagnostic tests may be performed, for example, during a calibration process.

[0067] In embodiments where the sensor 226, 228 includes an imaging device such as the imaging device 332 (FIGS. 3A-3C), the light sensor 570, 572, and / or the imaging device 566 (FIG. 5), the calibration and / or diagnostic test may include capturing an image of a known object under predetermined conditions, such as predetermined lighting conditions. Analysis of image data representative of the image may be performed by the sensor check program 120A or another program to generate diagnostic data. An operational status of the imaging device is determined in response to the analysis of the diagnostic data. In some embodiments, the imaging device may capture images of its surroundings over a period of time. The images may be compared to each other to determine if the imaging device is deteriorating or has already degraded. The images may also be compared to each other to determine if the imaging device has moved. This position data is used by the sensor check program 120A to generate operational status data that is sent to the sensor scaling program 120B.

[0068] The sensor check program 120A can analyze the diagnostic data to generate a status of the imaging device. In some embodiments, the sensor check program 120A can determine that the imaging device is not fully functional and can send such operational status data to the sensor scaling program 120B. For example, if no image data is received from the imaging device or if the image data are all the same value, the sensor check program 120A can send operational status data to the sensor scaling program 120B indicating that the imaging device has failed or is not functioning.

[0069] In some embodiments, the sensor check program 120A may determine that the imaging device is capable of capturing images, but that the quality of the captured images is not optimal. For example, if the images are degrading or have degraded over an extended period of time, the sensor check program 120A may send the status of the imaging device to the sensor scaling program 120B. In some embodiments, the sensor check program 120A may determine that the imaging device is producing blurry images and may send this data to the sensor scaling program 120B.

[0070] As described above, the sensor scaling program 120B receives the sensor status from the sensor check program 120A and the sensor data generated by the sensor. The sensor scaling program 120B can scale and / or complement the sensor data to generate corrected sensor data. In some embodiments, the sensor scaling program 120B can send one or more instructions to components within the diagnostic laboratory system 100 to process or modify the sensor data, as described in more detail herein.

[0071] Referring again to FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, the sensor scaling program 120B may disable one or more of the imaging devices 332. As described herein, in some embodiments, the sensor scaling program 120B may instruct the diagnostic lab system 100 to function with one or more of the imaging devices 332 disabled. Referring to FIG. 3B, FIG. 3B illustrates the module 330 with the second imaging device 332B disabled. Referring also to FIG. 3C, FIG. 3C illustrates the module 330 with the second imaging device 332B and the third imaging device 332C disabled. Thus, the sensor scaling program 120B, as described herein, allows the module 330 to operate or at least partially operate even when all of the imaging devices 332 are not enabled or functioning.

[0072] With reference to Figure 3B, the center offset of the specimen container 302 is estimated using two of the imaging devices 332. For example, the sensor scaling program 120B can receive image data from the first imaging device 332A and the third imaging device 332C and perform triangulation to estimate the center offset of the specimen container 302. The center offset and other data generated with two imaging devices active is output by the sensor scaling program 120B as corrected sensor data. With reference to Figure 3C, the offset perpendicular to the line of sight of the third imaging device 332C can be estimated and output by the scaling sensor program 120B as corrected sensor data.

[0073] In some embodiments, the sensor scaling program 120B may use the complementing program 220 to complement the sensor data and generate corrected sensor data based on the complemented sensor data. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor check program 120A may determine that an imaging device, such as the second imaging device 332B, is not functioning. In some embodiments, the complementing program 220 may execute an algorithm to generate image data that would normally be generated by one imaging device based on image data generated by another imaging device. For example, the complementing program 220 may include a trained image-to-image compositor using artificial intelligence, such as an autoencoder, to construct image data that would normally be generated by the second imaging device 332B based on image data generated by the first imaging device 332A and / or the third imaging device 332C. In some embodiments, the constructed image data may be incomplete and may not generate a complete image. The status of the constructed image may be sent to the computer 114 (FIG. 1), which may perform processing and / or analysis based on the incomplete image. In some embodiments, the autoencoder includes or is implemented with neural networks and / or conditional adversarial networks. Other artificial intelligence algorithms can also be used.

[0074] In some embodiments, the sensor check program 120A may determine that the imaging device captures a blurred image. The blurred image may be due to, for example, dirt and / or liquid on the lens of the imaging device. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor check program 120A may determine that the image data representing the image does not include a predetermined number of sharp transitions. In response to the sensor check program 120A detecting a blurred image, the sensor scaling program 120B may execute the complementation program 220 to process the image data generated by the imaging device to sharpen the image.

[0075] In some embodiments, super-resolution methods can be used to sharpen blurry images. These methods can be the same as or similar to the super-resolution methods used to increase the resolution of low-resolution images artificially generated by bilinear downsampling or by blurring caused by downsampling. The sharpened images can be processed as modified image data.

[0076] In some embodiments, the image sharpening method may include a two-stage process, first training a high-low generative adversarial network (GAN) to learn how to degrade and downsample a high-resolution image. After training, the output of the high-low GAN is used to train a low-high GAN for image super-resolution. The low-high GAN may be used to enhance the quality of a blurred image. Other methods and / or algorithms may also be used to reduce the blurring of an image. The resulting image (e.g., resulting image data) may be a modified sensor output of the system 224 and may replace the image data (sensor data) generated by the imaging device that is generating the blurred image.

[0077] In some embodiments, the complementing program 220 can instruct a module, such as module 330 (FIGS. 3A-3C) and / or the diagnostic lab system 100 to perform a particular operation so that the module and / or the diagnostic lab system 100 continues to operate regardless of the non-functioning imaging device. In some embodiments including several types of modules, in response to an imaging device not functioning, the complementing program 220 can generate instructions to rotate the specimen container 302 (FIGS. 4A-4B). For example, these instructions can cause a robot or the like to rotate the specimen container 302. In some embodiments, these instructions can cause the specimen container 302 to be transported to a module, which rotates the specimen container 302, and then returns the specimen container 302 to its module. One or more of the functioning imaging devices can then capture images of the portion of the specimen container 302 that could not be captured by the non-functioning imaging device. Here, the corrected sensor data output by the system 224 (FIGS. 2A-2B) can be image data generated by the functioning imaging device.

[0078] The operation of system 224 (FIGS. 2A-2B) will now be described in connection with aspirating and dispensing module 530 (FIG. 5). With further reference to FIG. 2B, sensors 228 may be sensors of aspirating and dispensing module 530. For example, sensor 1 may be imaging device 566, sensor 2 may be pressure sensor 564, and sensor 3 may be position sensor 556. Other sensors, such as optical sensors 570, 572, may also be used. Sensor checking program 120A may test each of sensors 228 and / or receive sensor data generated by sensors 228. The testing may determine a functional range of each sensor 228. In some embodiments, sensor scaling program 120B ignores sensor data from a first sensor (e.g., pressure sensor or imaging device) in response to the operational status of the first sensor not meeting a predetermined functional range. In some embodiments, the sensor data is at least partially ignored. In some embodiments, the sensor data is manipulated or supplemented as described herein.

[0079] As described above, pressure sensor 564 may measure the pressure within conduit 562 during aspirating and / or dispensing operations. Imaging device 566 and optical sensors 570, 572 may capture images of probe 536 and / or the liquid within probe 536 and may generate image data representative of probe 536 and / or the liquid.

[0080] Diagnostic data related to the status of the pressure sensor 564 is generated during calibration. For example, a pressure trace, such as the pressure trace in FIG. 6, is generated by aspirating and / or dispensing a liquid having a predetermined viscosity. The resulting pressure trace may be diagnostic data and is sent to the sensor check program 120A. The status of the pressure sensor generating the pressure trace is determined in response to an analysis of the diagnostic data. In some embodiments, the pressure trace may be analyzed over time to determine if the measured pressure is decreasing, which is interpreted by the sensor check program 120A as a failure of the pressure sensor 564 or a leak in the conduit 562.

[0081] Diagnostic data related to the operation of the imaging device 566 is also generated as described above with reference to the imaging device 332 (FIGS. 3A-3C). In some embodiments, the diagnostic data or additional diagnostic data is generated by imaging the probe 536 when the probe is in a predetermined position. For example, the second motor 554 can move the probe 536 to a predetermined position, which is verified by the position sensor 556. The image data generated by the imaging device 566 should show the probe 536 in the predetermined position. If the probe 536 is not in the predetermined position, the imaging device 566 may have moved or the position sensor 556 may have failed. This diagnostic data is transmitted to the system 224 (FIGS. 2A-2B) and processed by the system 224 as described herein.

[0082] Diagnostic data related to the operation of the optical sensors 570, 572 is generated, for example, by moving the probe 536 out of the optical path between the transmitters 570A, 572A and the receivers 570B, 572B. The resulting image data has a predetermined value or is within predetermined limits. The data is communicated to the sensor check program 120A and / or the sensor scaling program 120B.

[0083] In some embodiments, the operational status of the imaging device 566 and / or the optical sensors 570, 572 are tested as described above. In some embodiments, calibration of the imaging device 566 is used to determine the operational status of the imaging device 566 and may include capturing an image of a background. In some embodiments, the imaging device 566 may capture an image of a target at a fixed location within the aspirating and dispensing module 530. The imaging device 566 may continuously capture images and analyze the image data to determine if there has been any change in the image. The images are communicated to the sensor check program 120A to generate an operational status of the imaging device 566. If there is no change in the image, the imaging device 566 remains at a fixed location within the aspirating and dispensing module 530. The sensor check program 120A may indicate that the operational status of the imaging device 566 is functional. If there is a change between images, the amount of change may be analyzed by the sensor check program 120A to determine the operational status of the imaging device 566.

[0084] In some embodiments, the imaging device 566 may capture images of other portions of the probe 536 and / or pipette assembly 534 over a period of time, with the probe 536 and / or pipette assembly 534 remaining in the same position as each image is captured. If the images of the probe 536 and / or pipette assembly 534 are moving relative to the imaging device 566 over time, the imaging device 566 may be moving within the aspirating and dispensing module 530. In other cases, the position sensor 556 may not be functioning properly. As described above, the different images can be analyzed to determine the operational status of at least the imaging device 566 or the position sensor 556.

[0085] The position sensor 556 is tested and associated diagnostic data is generated by the sensor check program 120A. For example, the computer 546 may generate instructions to move the pipette assembly 534 to a predetermined position. The imaging device 566 and / or one or more of the optical sensors 570, 572 may generate image data of the probe 536 and / or the pipette assembly 534 to determine whether the probe 536 and / or the pipette assembly 534 are in a predetermined position. It should be noted that if the imaging device 566 and the optical sensors 570, 572 are not functioning or have moved within the aspirating and dispensing module 530, the aforementioned testing of the position sensor 556 may not be accomplished. This movement is communicated to the sensor check module 120A as diagnostic data and used to determine the operational status of the imaging device 566, the optical sensors 570, 572, and / or the position sensor 556.

[0086] Pressure sensor 564 is tested as described above to determine the operational status of pressure sensor 564. For example, pipette assembly 534 may aspirate and / or dispense a liquid having a known viscosity and measure the pressure within conduit 562. The pressure data generated by pressure sensor 564 is communicated to sensor check program 120A to determine the operational status of pressure sensor 564.

[0087] The sensor check program 120A can receive and analyze diagnostic data of the sensor 228. In response to the analysis, the sensor check program 120A can generate operational status data of the sensor as described herein and can forward the operational status data to the sensor scaling program 120B. The sensor scaling program 120B can scale the sensor data as described herein. For example, if the imaging device 566 is faulty (e.g., not functioning), the sensor scaling program 120B may ignore, or at least partially ignore, the image data generated by the imaging device 566. If the position sensor 556 and the pressure sensor 564 are functioning, the system 224 may output modified sensor data indicating that the image data should be ignored. The sensor scaling program 120B may use the pressure sensor data to determine whether air bubbles are present in the aspirated liquid.

[0088] If pressure sensor 564 is broken or not functioning, sensor scaling program 120B may ignore the pressure sensor data. In some embodiments, sensor scaling program 120B may use image data representing probe 536 to calculate the volume of liquid in probe 536. This calculated volume is output as corrected sensor data for pressure sensor 564 and is noted as not being accurate.

[0089] If the position sensor 556 has failed or is not functioning, the sensor scaling program 120B can use image data generated by the imaging device 566 and / or the optical sensors 570, 572 to determine the position of the probe 536. For example, the optical sensors 570, 572 can identify the position of the bottom of the probe 536 or other areas of the probe 536. The sensor scaling program 120B can output this probe position as corrected sensor data and indicate that the corrected sensor data may not be accurate.

[0090] As mentioned above, the system 224 may include a user configuration program 120C that may allow a user to input data regarding sensor status. For example, a user, such as an operator or technician of the diagnostic laboratory system 100, may be able to manually change the sensor status. Such status changes include ignoring (e.g., uninstalling a sensor), installing a sensor, and setting scaling for a particular sensor. In some embodiments, a user may manually change the status of a sensor based on operational factors such as performance accuracy, energy consumption, operating time, cost, and budget. For example, a user may decide to invalidate sensor data for a malfunctioning sensor rather than replacing the malfunctioning sensor. In some embodiments, a user may scale the sensor data by at least partially ignoring the sensor data in response to user input.

[0091] By using the corrected sensor data described herein, the module from which the corrected sensor data was generated can continue to operate. Thus, a failure of the sensor does not cause a catastrophic failure of the module or the entire diagnostic laboratory system. Rather, the module and / or diagnostic laboratory system can continue to operate at a limited capacity until the failed sensor is repaired.

[0092] In some embodiments, the sensor scaling program 120B can determine the particular sensor data to use to supplement, replace, or complement the sensor data of the non-functioning sensor. In some embodiments, a table or the like can be used to determine which sensor data can be used to supplement, replace, or complement the sensor data of the non-functioning sensor.

[0093] Referring now to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method 700 of operating a diagnostic laboratory system (e.g., diagnostic laboratory system 100). Method 700 includes, at 702, providing a module (e.g., module 330, module 530) configured to perform a function on an item (e.g., specimen 442, specimen container 302) in the diagnostic laboratory system. The method includes, at 704, providing a plurality of sensors (e.g., sensor 226, sensor 228), each of the plurality of sensors configured to monitor a function or item and generate sensor data in response to the monitoring. Method 700 includes, at 706, checking an operational status of a first sensor of the plurality of sensors. Method 700 includes, at 708, receiving sensor data from at least one of the plurality of sensors. Method 700 includes, at 710, scaling the sensor data from the first sensor in response to the operational status and the sensor data to generate corrected sensor data.

[0094] Referring now to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method 800 of operating a diagnostic laboratory system (e.g., diagnostic laboratory system 100). Method 800 includes, at 802, providing a module (e.g., module 330, module 530) configured to perform an analysis on a specimen (e.g., specimen 442) in the diagnostic laboratory system. Method 800 includes, at 804, providing a plurality of sensors (e.g., sensor 226, sensor 228), each of the plurality of sensors configured to monitor a sample during the analysis. Method 800 includes, at 806, checking an operational status of a first sensor of the plurality of sensors. Method 800 includes, at 808, receiving sensor data from at least one of the plurality of sensors. Method 800 includes, at 810, scaling the sensor data from the first sensor in response to the operational status and the sensor data to generate corrected sensor data.

[0095] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific method and apparatus embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. It is to be understood, however, that the specific methods and apparatus disclosed herein are not intended to limit the disclosure, but on the contrary, are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method of operating a diagnostic laboratory system, comprising: providing a module configured to perform a function on an item in a diagnostic laboratory system; providing a plurality of sensors each configured to monitor a function or item and generate sensor data in response to the monitoring; checking an operational status of a first sensor of the plurality of sensors; receiving sensor data from at least one of the plurality of sensors different from the first sensor; scaling the sensor data from the first sensor in response to the operational status and the sensor data to generate modified sensor data; The method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising performing at least a portion of a function using the modified sensor data.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising monitoring the item using the modified sensor data.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein scaling comprises complementing the sensor data from the first sensor in response to the operational status of the first sensor not meeting a predetermined functional range.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein scaling comprises interpolating the sensor data of a first sensor of the plurality of sensors in response to an operational status of the first sensor being non-functional.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein complementing comprises complementing the first sensor data with data from one or more second sensors.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein scaling comprises disregarding sensor data from the first sensor in response to an operational status of the first sensor not meeting a predetermined functional range.

8. Providing the module includes providing a module configured to analyze the analyte; Providing the plurality of sensors includes providing at least one imaging device configured to capture an image including the image data; generating the sensor data includes capturing one or more images using at least one imaging device; The method of claim 1.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein checking the operational status of at least one of the plurality of sensors comprises analyzing image data generated by the at least one imaging device.

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein scaling the sensor data comprises disregarding image data generated by the at least one imaging device in response to checking an operational status of the at least one imaging device.

11. Checking the operational status of the at least one imaging device includes determining whether image data generated by at least one of the at least one imaging device represents a blurred image; Scaling the sensor data includes processing the image data to sharpen blurry images. The method according to claim 8.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing a module comprises providing a suction module configured to aspirate liquid.

13. Providing the plurality of sensors includes providing a pressure sensor configured to generate sensor data indicative of an aspiration pressure in response to the aspiration module aspirating the liquid; generating the sensor data includes generating pressure data using a pressure sensor in response to the aspiration module aspirating the liquid; The method of claim 12.

14. The method of claim 13 , comprising generating a pressure trace using a pressure sensor, and wherein checking the operational status of at least one of the plurality of sensors comprises analyzing the pressure trace.

15. The method of claim 13 , wherein scaling the sensor data includes ignoring pressure data produced by a pressure sensor.

16. Providing the plurality of sensors further includes providing at least one imaging device configured to capture an image of the aspirated liquid, the image including image data; generating the sensor data includes generating image data representative of an image of the aspirated liquid; The method of claim 12.

17. The method of claim 16 , wherein checking the operational status of at least one of the plurality of sensors comprises analyzing image data generated by the at least one imaging device.

18. The method of claim 16 , wherein providing at least one imaging device comprises providing at least one optical sensor.

19. The method of claim 16 , wherein scaling the sensor data includes ignoring pressure data produced by a pressure sensor.

20. The method of claim 16 , wherein scaling the sensor data includes ignoring image data generated by an imaging device.

21. Scaling the sensor data: Ignoring image data generated by the first imaging device; generating first image data of the item using a second imaging device; Moving the item; generating second image data of the item using a second imaging device; 17. The method of claim 16, comprising:

22. The method of claim 1 , wherein scaling the sensor data comprises scaling the sensor data based at least in part on user input.

23. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a user input regarding an operational status of a first sensor, and wherein scaling the sensor data comprises at least partially ignoring sensor data generated by the first sensor in response to the user input.

24. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising receiving user input regarding an operational status of the first sensor, and wherein scaling the sensor data comprises at least partially scaling the sensor data generated by the first sensor based on the user input.

25. The method of claim 1 , wherein the article is a specimen or a specimen container.

26. 1. A diagnostic laboratory system comprising: a module configured to perform a function on an item in the module; a plurality of sensors each configured to monitor a function or an item and generate sensor data in response to the monitoring; and a computer, the computer comprising: Checking the operational status of the first sensor; receiving sensor data from at least one of the plurality of sensors different from the first sensor; scaling the sensor data generated by the first sensor in response to the operational status and the sensor data to generate modified sensor data; It is configured as follows: The diagnostic laboratory system.

27. 27. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 26, wherein the computer is further configured to supplement the sensor data of the first sensor in response to the operational status and the sensor data.

28. 30. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 26, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the liquid during an aspiration or dispensing process.

29. 30. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 26, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is an imaging device configured to capture an image of the item, the image comprising image data.

30. 27. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 26, wherein the computer is configured to receive user input, and the computer is configured to scale the sensor data in response to the user input.

31. The computer: receiving a user input related to an operational status of the first sensor; Scaling the sensor data by at least partially ignoring the sensor data generated by the first sensor in response to the user input; 27. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 26 configured to:

32. The computer: receiving a user input related to an operational status of the first sensor; Scaling the sensor data generated by the first sensor based on user input; 27. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 26, configured to:

33. 1. A method of operating a diagnostic laboratory system, comprising: providing a module configured to perform an analysis on the specimen in the diagnostic laboratory system; providing a plurality of sensors each configured to monitor an analyte during an analysis; checking an operational status of a first sensor of the plurality of sensors; receiving sensor data from at least one of the plurality of sensors different from the first sensor; scaling the sensor data from the first sensor in response to the operational status and the sensor data to generate modified sensor data; The method comprising:

Images