Information transmission method, liquid handling device, and system

Abstract

To solve the problem of the existence of necessity to a method for performing communication between a pipette and a user, which can be executed without changing pipette hardware.SOLUTION: According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method for information transmission in a system including at least one liquid handling device and at least one external device is provided. The method includes: generating a machine readable code including information to be derived from a status or an attribute of each liquid handling device or information stored in each liquid handling device in the at least one liquid handling device or more; displaying each code in a display unified into the structure of each liquid handling device in the at least one liquid handling device or more; and reading the displayed code or the one displayed code or more by the external device.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to information transmission from a liquid handling device, and more particularly to information transmission by means of a machine-readable code.

Background Art

[0002] Communication between an electronic handheld pipette and a user has conventionally been carried out via buttons and a display of the pipette. The user inputs commands by pressing the buttons of the pipette and executes programming operations (such as selection of parameters for aspiration and dispensing events). As a response, the pipette displays information in the form of alphanumeric and graphic symbols on the pipette display. The user visually reads and interprets the characters and symbols.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The size, resolution and orientation of the pipette display, the pipette software, and the memory capacity of the pipette limit the type and amount of information that can be displayed, observed or read by the user. Therefore, there is a need to improve information transmission between the pipette and its user.

[0004] It is known to use wireless technologies such as RFID and NFC technologies to transfer data in a laboratory environment. NFC technology is applicable within a distance of several centimeters. Implementing such technology in laboratory equipment requires incorporating additional components into the structure of the equipment, thereby increasing costs. A further drawback of NFC-based solutions is that it is necessary to select the laboratory equipment to be detected and communicated with by using a dedicated frequency.

[0005] There is a need to improve the method of communication between a liquid handling device and an external system, or between a liquid handling device and its user, during the course of pipetting operations, and in particular in the environment and situation of manual pipetting operations or maintenance or servicing work.

[0006] There is a need for a method of communication between a pipette and a user that can be implemented without changing the pipette hardware.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] Summary of the Invention The present invention is defined by the features of the independent patent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent patent claims.

[0008] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of information transmission in a system including at least one liquid handling device and at least one external device, the method including: generating, in one or more of the at least one liquid handling device, a machine-readable code including information derived from the status or attributes of each liquid handling device, or information stored in each liquid handling device; displaying, in one or more of the at least one liquid handling device, each code on a display integrated into the structure of each liquid handling device; and reading, by the external device, the displayed code or one or more of the displayed codes.

[0009] Various embodiments of the first aspect may include at least one feature from the list set out in the following bullet points. · The code is a matrix barcode. · The liquid handling device is an electronic handheld pipette. · The liquid handling device is an automated liquid handling system. · At least two machine-readable codes are generated and displayed, at least one of the codes including real-time status data. · The external device is a handheld external smart device. · The code reading is performed by a camera of the handheld external smart device. · The external device includes a machine vision system preferably configured to read all the displayed codes simultaneously. · After the code reading, the information is displayed on a display integrated into the structure of the external device. · After the code reading, the information is transmitted to the user of the external device. · The method is executed during the maintenance or manufacture of the at least one liquid handling device. · The information includes one or more of the usage history of the pipette, usage instructions for the pipette, calibration status, calibration instructions, maintenance status, maintenance instructions, manufacturing status, errors occurring during calibration or maintenance or manufacturing, information about the type or availability of compatible tips or spare parts, the technical specifications of the pipette, the position of the pipette, and the usage restrictions of the pipette. · The information includes situation-specific usage instructions based on the usage history or current operating status of the pipette. · The steps of generating and displaying are triggered by a user, preferably by a command input via a button or touch screen of the liquid handling device. · The steps of generating and displaying are triggered by a command transmitted from an external control system to the liquid handling device via a wired or wireless communication method. · The steps of generating and displaying are automatically triggered by the liquid handling device itself when a predetermined status is reached.

[0010] In a second aspect of the present invention, means for generating a machine-readable code including information derived from the status or attributes of the liquid handling device or information stored in the liquid handling device; means for displaying the machine-readable code on a display integrated into the structure of the liquid handling device; and means for triggering the generating and displaying steps, either automatically or after receiving a trigger command received from a user or an external control system, are provided.

[0011] Various embodiments of the second aspect may include at least one feature from the list set out in the following bullet points. · The liquid handling device is an electronic hand-held pipette. · The external device is a hand-held external smart device.

[0012] In a third aspect of the present invention, a system including an external device and at least one liquid handling device according to the second aspect, wherein the external device is arranged to obtain information from each of the at least one liquid handling device, and the external device includes a code reader configured to read a code displayed on a display of the at least one liquid handling device, is provided.

[0013] Various embodiments of the third aspect may include at least one feature from the list set out in the following bullet points. · The at least one liquid handling device includes at least two hand-held electronic pipettes. · The code reader is a machine vision system.

[0014] The present invention provides a number of advantages.

[0015] In at least some embodiments of the present invention, a versatile and rapid method is provided for displaying and communicating information to the user of the pipette in a situation-specific manner at the time and location selected by the user during the course of pipette use.

[0016] In at least some embodiments of the present invention, a convenient method for obtaining status information from a plurality of pipettes is provided for manual maintenance work, quality inspection, or information acquisition.

[0017] According to the present invention, ad-hoc information acquisition from a liquid handling device or a plurality of liquid handling devices is possible regardless of its physical structure or hardware.

[0018] The present invention can be implemented in an electronic liquid handling device without any change to its physical structure or hardware. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]

Figure 1

[0020] Embodiment Definition

[0021] In this context, the term "smart device" refers to an electronic device that can be connected to other devices or networks via different wireless protocols. Examples of smart devices include smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers.

[0022] In this context, the term "pipetting event" includes a combination of one or more aspiration events and / or one or more dispensing events.

[0023] In this context, the term "pipetting cycle" includes a combination of at least two pipetting events.

[0024] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for communicating situation-specific information or instructions to a user of a liquid handling device via a display. This information is provided in the form of a machine-readable code. The display of the code may be triggered by the user.

[0025] In one embodiment, the machine-readable code is displayed on the display of a liquid handling device, such as a handheld pipette, in response to an external request or action. The request may include pressing a button on the pipette, touching the display screen of the pipette, or connecting the pipette to a charging dock.

[0026] The request may include a command received by the liquid handling device from an external management system, such as a laboratory management system.

[0027] The request, or trigger event, may be the completion of a specific pipette operation event or cycle. Upon completion of the event or cycle, the pipette may automatically display a code containing situation-specific information, or an overview of the previous pipette operation event and the current status. Also, when the pipette reaches a specific operation status or functional status, the generation and display of the code may be automatically triggered, and this code may include, for example, a status report.

[0028] The trigger event may be an error or malfunction that occurs during the operation of the liquid handling device. The code may, in this case, include detailed error information and also optionally instructions for correcting the error.

[0029] The liquid handling device may be an automated liquid handling system or a handheld liquid handling device (e.g., a handheld electronic pipette, etc.).

[0030] In one embodiment, the liquid handling device is an automated liquid handling system, and the display of the liquid handling system periodically or continuously shows a machine-readable code that includes error or status information derived from the operation of the liquid handling system. Preferably, the code is continuously displayed so that the user can read the code and obtain information at any time, and the code includes real-time error and status information.

[0031] Preferably, the machine-readable code is a linear barcode or a matrix barcode (e.g., a QR code (Registered Trademark) etc.). In some embodiments, multiple codes are generated and displayed on the display of the liquid handling device, where the codes may include the same or different information. For example, the same information may be simultaneously displayed by a linear barcode and a matrix barcode to enable reading of the code by various code reading techniques.

[0032] Preferably, the code reader is any code reader suitable for reading the generated machine-readable code, such as a camera, a barcode reader, or a machine vision system. Preferably, the code reader is integrated into the structure of an external device.

[0033] Preferably, the display of the liquid handling device has a resolution sufficient to display a machine-readable code such as a matrix barcode (e.g., a QR code).

[0034] In one embodiment, the code is a three-dimensional code such as a matrix barcode where the third dimension is color. Advantageously, the display of the pipette is a color display such as an RGB display. The advantage of this embodiment is that more information can be included in the code.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, after the code is read, the information is transmitted to the user of the external device, and for example, the external device may display the information contained in the code or a part of the information on the display of the device itself.

[0036] In one embodiment, the pipette generates a machine-readable code containing information derived from the status of the pipette. This status may be the operating status or the structural status of the pipette.

[0037] In one embodiment, the information includes one or more of the following groups: the usage history of the pipette, usage instructions, calibration status, calibration instructions, information about compatible tips or spare parts, and the technical specifications of the pipette.

[0038] The information may include a link to a website that provides usage instructions or a collection of instructional videos for the liquid handling device.

[0039] In some embodiments, the matrix barcode includes information about the structural status of the pipette, such as the physical structure of the pipette itself, the tip currently attached to the tip cone, compatible tips, compatible spare parts, or related matters derived therefrom. Examples of such information include the type of pipette, the volume of the tip, the type of tip, the type of spare part, price, technical specifications, availability of spare parts and tips, recommendations for other pipette types with similar or improved characteristics, and recommendations for laboratory equipment or software compatible with the pipette or its software.

[0040] In some embodiments, the matrix barcode includes information about the operating status of the pipette, such as the usage method of the pipette or related matters derived therefrom. Examples of such information include the last calibration, the recommended next calibration, the pipette operation history, the charging status and history, and the information of the previous user.

[0041] In some embodiments, the liquid handling device may automatically generate usage pattern information from tracked usage history such as user history and executed pipetting operation cycle history, and incorporate the usage pattern information into the code. Such usage patterns may reflect or explain the user's behavior patterns.

[0042] In some embodiments, the matrix barcode includes information about the previous or next (programmed) pipetting operation cycle or event or related matters derived therefrom. Examples of such information include information about the most recent pipetting operation event, information about the operation of the next pipetting operation in the currently executed pipetting operation cycle, recommendations for improving aspiration or dispensing accuracy, a link to the user manual, usage instructions related to the current or previous operation status of the pipette, and instructions for resolving problems or errors detected during the course of the previous pipetting operation event.

[0043] The pipetting usage data may include information about pipetting operation events such as the volume dispensed, the type of tip used, the number of doses dispensed, the ambient conditions observed by the pipette, and the errors detected.

[0044] In one embodiment, the pipette generates and displays a matrix barcode that includes a link to an online store where the user can order a tip or other replacement parts that are compatible with the pipette. In one embodiment, the pipette generates and displays a matrix barcode that includes a link to an online store where the user can order a tip similar to the tip attached to the pipette.

[0045] In one embodiment, in response to a user request, the pipette generates and displays a matrix barcode that includes calibration and / or maintenance instructions (e.g., when to perform the next calibration or maintenance and where to send the pipette for calibration or maintenance). In one embodiment, the pipette generates and displays a matrix barcode that includes a link to a calibration and maintenance provider's web page where the user can order calibration and maintenance.

[0046] In one embodiment, when the next calibration or maintenance date is due or when a malfunction is observed in the operation of the pipette, the pipette automatically displays a code that includes calibration or maintenance information or instructions. This information is accessible by reading the code with a smartphone. For example, this information may include a link to the service provider's website or detailed instructions on which parts of the pipette need maintenance or replacement or what caused the error message.

[0047] In one embodiment, if an error is detected during a pipette operation cycle, the pipette displays a code that includes a detailed error report. This report is accessible by reading the code with a smartphone, which then displays the report on its own display.

[0048] In one embodiment, to establish a Bluetooth connection, the pipette may pair with an external smart device simply by the external smart device reading the matrix barcode from the pipette's display. Generation of the code that includes the pairing data may be triggered by the pipette user, for example, via the pipette's user interface or menu. The advantage of this embodiment is that the pairing method is simple to execute and does not require input such as a security code.

[0049] The machine-readable code on the display of the pipette is readable by a camera of a handheld or portable external smart device (e.g., a camera of a mobile phone, a tablet, or a laptop computer).

[0050] In other embodiments, the machine-readable code(s) on the display(s) of the pipette(s) is / are readable by an external device connected to an external control system by a wired or wireless connection. After the code is read, the information contained in the code is transmitted to the external control system and is, for example, displayed to the user of the external control system or stored. The user of the external device and the user of the external control system may be the same or different.

[0051] In one embodiment, a machine vision system may be utilized to read individual codes or multiple codes simultaneously or sequentially. In some embodiments, the reading of the code(s) displayed by a liquid handling device or multiple codes displayed by a number of liquid handling devices is performed by a machine vision system that is part of an external control system that monitors the liquid handling device(s) or is connected to the external control system. The external control system obtains the information contained in the code(s) by examining the display of the liquid handling device via the machine vision system.

Example

[0052] 〔Example 1〕 In this example, the handheld electronic pipette 1 displays a QR code 3 on the display 2 of the pipette when the pipette is connected to a charging dock. The QR code includes a link to the pipette manufacturer's web page (e.g., www.sartorius.com). The camera of the mobile phone is used to read the QR code. After the code is read, the browser of the mobile phone opens and displays the web page. Figure 1 illustrates the implementation of this example. Figure 1 shows a screenshot 4 taken when reading the code using the mobile phone camera.

[0053] [Example 2] In this present example, during the maintenance and servicing of the pipette, after the technician runs the diagnostic software or tool in the pipette, the technician triggers the display of a QR code on the display of the pipette. The QR code contains the diagnostic results. The code is read by the camera of a handheld or portable smart device used by the technician, and the results are shown to the technician on the display of the smart device.

[0054] [Example 3] During pipette manufacturing, the present invention may be used in connection with a plurality of pipettes and an external control system that interacts with and monitors them. To trigger the display of a two-dimensional code on the display of each pipette, the control system may send a command to each pipette at a specific manufacturing stage. The code may include information derived from the status of each pipette. For example, the code may include information about errors or anomalies that occurred as a result during the previous manufacturing and assembly steps.

[0055] The codes displayed on the pipette's display can be read simultaneously or sequentially by a machine vision system. Any combination of the codes may be read. Such a system may be placed in front of a set of pipettes so that simultaneous reading of all desired codes is possible. The machine vision system transmits the information contained in the codes to the external control system for further evaluation and processing.

[0056] [Example 4] During pipette manufacturing or maintenance, instead of automatic and centralized machine vision systems, the user or technician may perform code reading using a manually operated machine vision system or any handheld barcode reader suitable for the task. The technician may use a smartphone or any other handheld smart device and its camera (e.g., an HD camera) to read individual codes or multiple codes. In this way, the technician can quickly manually check the status of multiple pipettes, for example, for quality control purposes or to detect errors resulting during an automated manufacturing or calibration step.

[0057] [Example 5] The pipette may automatically display a code after each completed stage during manufacturing, assembly, and programming. In this way, information about the status of the pipette and any abnormalities thereof is always available via the code shown on the pipette's display.

[0058] [Example 6] In one embodiment, the code may include position data generated by a GPS chip. The GPS chip included in an external device may be used to generate position data for the liquid handling device. Based on the observed position data of the pipette, certain functions or applications of the smartphone may be activated or deactivated. For example, if the pipette is outside a predetermined area to impede pipetting operations, the pipette control software on the smartphone may be deactivated.

[0059] The disclosed embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but extend to their equivalents as would be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0060] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0061] In this specification, for convenience, a plurality of items, structural elements, components, and / or materials may be presented together in a list. However, these lists should be construed as though each member thereof is independently identified as a separate and unique element. Any individual member of such a list should not be construed as a de facto equivalent of other members in the same list merely based on being presented in the same group, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, various embodiments and examples of the invention may be referenced herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives should not be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but should be considered as separate and independent manifestations of the invention.

[0062] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In this description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations have not been shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0063] The foregoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more specific applications, but numerous modifications in embodiments, uses, and details can be made without exercising inventive faculty and without departing from the principles and concepts of the present invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited except as by the claims.

[0064] In this specification, the verbs "to comprise" and "to include" are used as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the presence of features not recited. The features recited in the dependent claims can be freely combined with one another unless otherwise explicitly specified. Further, throughout this specification, the use of "a" or "an", i.e., the singular form, is to be understood not to exclude a plurality.

Industrial Applicability

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, it is industrially applicable at least in an e-liquid handling device.

Explanation of Signs

[0066] QR code Quick Response code NFC Near Field Communication

Claims

1. A method for information transmission in a system including at least one electronic handheld pipette and at least one external device, comprising: generating, in one or more of the at least one electronic handheld pipette, a machine-readable code including information that is real-time information of each electronic handheld pipette; displaying, in one or more of the at least one electronic handheld pipette, the generated code on a display integrated into the structure of each electronic handheld pipette; reading, by the external device, the displayed code or one or more of the displayed codes, wherein the code includes - information about the usage history of the pipette, and / or - information about the structural status of the pipette or related matters derived from the structural status, The method.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the code is a matrix barcode.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least two machine-readable codes are generated and displayed, and at least one of the codes includes real-time status data.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the external device is a handheld external smart device; and the reading of the code is performed by a camera of the handheld external smart device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the external device includes a machine vision system.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising, after reading the code, displaying the information on a display integrated into the structure of the external device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising, after reading the code, transmitting the information to a user of the external device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method is performed during maintenance or manufacture of the at least one electronic handheld pipette.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the information includes one or more of the usage history of the pipette, the usage instruction of the pipette, the calibration status, the calibration instruction, the maintenance status, the maintenance instruction, the manufacturing status, an error occurring during calibration or maintenance or manufacturing, information about the type or availability of compatible tips or spare parts, the technical specifications of the pipette, the position of the pipette, and the usage restrictions of the pipette.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the information includes situation-specific usage instructions based on the usage history or current operating status of the pipette.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the steps of generating and displaying are triggered by a user.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the steps of generating and displaying are triggered by a command input via a button or touch screen of the electronic handheld pipette.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the steps of generating and displaying are triggered by a command transmitted from an external control system to the electronic handheld pipette via a wired or wireless communication method.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the steps of generating and displaying are automatically triggered by the electronic handheld pipette itself when a predetermined status is reached.

15. Means for generating a machine-readable code including information that is real-time information of an electronic handheld pipette; Means for displaying the generated machine-readable code on a display integrated into the structure of the electronic handheld pipette; Means for triggering the steps of generating and displaying, either automatically or after receiving a trigger command received from a user or an external control system, The code is - information about the usage history of the pipette, and / or - information about the structural status of the pipette or related matters derived from the structural status, An electronic handheld pipette including.

16. The electronic handheld pipette according to claim 15, wherein the external device for acquiring information from the electronic handheld pipette is a handheld external smart device.

17. A system comprising an external device and at least one electronic handheld pipette according to any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the external device is arranged to obtain information from each of the at least one electronic handheld pipette, the system, wherein the external device includes a code reader configured to read the code displayed on the display of the at least one electronic handheld pipette. **Claim 18** The system according to claim 17, wherein the system includes at least two electronic handheld pipettes. **Claim 19** The system according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the code reader is a machine vision system.

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