Method for operating a laboratory automation system, laboratory automation system, and laboratory in vitro diagnostic system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a laboratory automation system (407) comprising a plurality of devices (401), a transport system (404), a plurality of transfer devices (402), a portable device, and a plurality of data communication modules, the method including: receiving device information for the plurality of devices (401) at the portable device, the device information indicating device identification; receiving a first user input at the portable device, the first user input indicating a selection of a first device (401) from the plurality of devices (401); in response to receiving the first user input, pairing the first device (401) with the transport system (404) for data communication during operation of the first device (401) for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis; and providing first pairing information at the portable device, the first pairing information indicating that the first device (401) and the distribution system have been successfully paired. Additionally, a laboratory automation system (407) and a laboratory in vitro diagnostic system are provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods for operating laboratory automation systems. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to laboratory automation systems and laboratory in vitro diagnostic systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Laboratory automation systems are particularly applied for essentially automatic determination of samples, for example samples of body fluids, which are typically received in sample containers or vessels that are processed through the laboratory automation system.

[0003] Such a laboratory automation system may include several units. Laboratory automation systems typically include several laboratory stations, such as pre-analysis, analysis, and / or post-analysis stations. Typically, containers are transported between different stations in the system via a sample distribution system. Sample containers can be moved along a processing line for processing, with sample containers and / or sample container carriers being moved by a transport device having one or more actuators and actuator drivers or drivers for driving the actuators. For example, a sample container can be moved or relocated from a first workstation to a second workstation in the processing line within the system. A workstation may also be referred to as a workspace.

[0004] For example, document WO 2011 / 138448 relates to a system for transporting containers between different stations, in which the containers are accommodated in container carriers, the system comprising a control unit for controlling the transport of the container carriers, a transport surface that is subdivided into sub-surfaces, on which the container carriers can be movably arranged, and drive means, the drive means being actuated by the control unit, one drive means in each case being assigned to one sub-surface in each case, the drive means in each case being designed to provide a drive force to the associated container carrier.

[0005] The laboratory automation system may also include at least one transport device for transporting sample items, which may be container carriers, sample containers, sample portions and / or complete samples between the transport plane and the laboratory station.

[0006] When installing a new laboratory system, a secure connection between the transport management system and several units of the system is required. After the new laboratory system is assembled, the transport management system may be provided with a trusted connection to several units of the system. However, the transport management system may not be aware of the interrelationships between the units. Therefore, for example, the devices of the system must be linked to the transport system and / or transport system interface, e.g., by the user. To establish the proper link between several units, identification of each unit is required. Typically, this is done manually or by taking a photo (identification) of each unit, which is neither efficient nor user-friendly and is prone to error, which can cause serious configuration problems due to incorrect identification and delays in the installation of the laboratory.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0321421 discloses a point-of-care (POC) testing system and a configuration method for the POC testing system that provide a workflow solution for configuration management of POC analyzers. The POC system and method provide a convenient, supported workflow that enables efficient replacement of POC analyzers and allows for trackable redeployment of POC analyzers, for example, within a hospital.

[0008] WO 2019 / 115465 discloses a system of medical devices, the system including a medical device data management system, a plurality of medical devices communicatively connected to the medical device data management system, each medical device operable to analyze one or more samples of biological material and communicate information relating to an operational status of the medical device to the medical device data management system, and a plurality of portable electronic devices, each operable to be carried by an operator, each communicatively connectable to the medical device data management system, and configured to receive information indicative of the operational status of its respective medical device from the medical device data management system and to display the received information relating to one or more selected ones of the medical devices.

[0009] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 233679 describes a system and method for initiating and maintaining secure wireless communication between a wireless analytical device and a target network (e.g., a hospital network connected to an LIS and / or HIS). The disclosure of this document provides a process and system for securely networking a wireless analytical device using a Wi-Fi network without requiring an operator or user to engage in manual initiation steps on or through the wireless analytical device.

[0010] The specification of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0123935 discloses an automatic analysis system. In the automatic analysis system, a tablet terminal has a terminal information management unit and a terminal display unit. The terminal information management unit acquires device information indicating the device status from the automatic analyzer and generates a status confirmation screen indicating the device status of the automatic analyzer. The terminal display unit displays the status confirmation screen. The status confirmation screen is provided with a status information screen indicating the device status of one automatic analyzer and a device switching button for switching to a status information screen corresponding to another automatic analyzer. When a switching button is selected, the terminal information management unit generates a status confirmation screen for the automatic analyzer corresponding to the selected switching button and displays it on the display unit.

[0011] International Publication No. 2014 / 189706 describes a method and system for configuring a computing device using a mobile workspace context based on proximity to a location. A mobile computing device determines that the device is in proximity to a location, another device, or an individual associated with an enterprise system. The mobile computing device can then receive mobile workspace context associated with the location, device, or individual, such as one or more specific wireless networks, enterprise applications, and / or documents, and configure the device based on the received mobile workspace context. Additional methods and systems are described for sending and receiving sets of device capabilities between multiple devices, establishing communication sessions, and sharing various capabilities between devices.

[0012] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 232425 discloses a computer-implemented method for providing access control to analytical device functions. User login data is received from a first data entry terminal. Information describing the location of the first data entry terminal is obtained. It is determined whether the location of the first data entry terminal is within a physical operation (PO) area of ​​the analytical device. If the location of the first data entry terminal is determined to be within the PO area, a user-activatable position-sensing (PS) GUI element is displayed on the first data entry terminal. The activatable PS GUI element triggers execution of a function when activated. Execution of the function includes the performance of a physical operation by the analytical device. Otherwise, display of the user-activatable PS GUI element is prohibited, or a non-activatable PS GUI element representing the function is displayed. Summary of the Invention

[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide improved techniques for operating laboratory automation systems. In particular, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide improved techniques for efficient and flexible installation of laboratory automation systems.

[0014] To solve this problem, there is provided a method for operating a laboratory automation system according to independent claim 1. Furthermore, there is provided a laboratory automation system according to independent claim 14. Furthermore, there is provided a laboratory in-vitro diagnostic system according to independent claim 15. Further embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0015] According to one aspect, a method is provided for operating a laboratory automation system comprising: a plurality of devices disposed in a laboratory area configured for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis; a transport system having a plurality of carriers configured to transport one or more sample containers and configured to transport the plurality of carriers to the plurality of devices; a plurality of transport devices, each assigned to at least one of the plurality of devices and configured to transport at least one of a carrier from the plurality of carriers and a sample container received in the at least one carrier between the transport system and the at least one device; a portable device having one or more data processors and a user interface including a display configured to output image data and an input device configured to accept user input; and a plurality of data communication modules configured for wireless data communication, each assigned to at least one of a device from the plurality of devices, the transport system, a transport device from the plurality of transport devices, and the portable device. The method includes receiving device information for a plurality of devices at a portable device, the device information indicating device identification; receiving a first user input at the portable device, the user input indicating selection of a first device from the plurality of devices; in response to receiving the first user input, pairing the first device with a transport system for data communication during operation of the first device for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis; and providing first pairing information at the portable device, the first pairing information indicating that the first device and the distribution system have been successfully paired.

[0016] According to another aspect, a laboratory automation system is provided, comprising: a plurality of devices provided in a laboratory area configured for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis; a transport system having a plurality of carriers configured to transport one or more sample containers and configured to transport the plurality of carriers to the plurality of devices; a plurality of transport devices, each assigned to at least one of the plurality of devices and configured to transport at least one of a carrier from the plurality of carriers and a sample container received in the at least one carrier between the transport system and the at least one device; a portable device having one or more data processors and a user interface including a display configured to output image data and an input device configured to accept user input; and a plurality of data communication modules configured for wireless data communication, each of the plurality of data communication modules assigned to at least one of a device from the plurality of devices, the transport system, a transport device from the plurality of transport devices, and the portable device. The laboratory automation system is configured to: receive device information for a plurality of devices at a portable device, the device information indicating device identification; receive a first user input at the portable device, the user input indicating selection of a first device from the plurality of devices; in response to receiving the first user input, pair the first device with a transport system for data communication during operation of the first device for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis; and provide first pairing information at the portable device, the first pairing information indicating that the first device and the distribution system have been successfully paired.

[0017] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a laboratory in vitro diagnostic system comprising the laboratory automation system.

[0018] The transport system may be provided with a plurality of transport modules, each having a module transport surface. The drive may be configured to move the (sample vessel) carrier on the (module) transport surface. The transport surface may be formed by the module transport surfaces of the transport modules of an arrangement of the transport modules. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the drive. Each transport module may be assigned a module ID. The transport system may be managed by a transport management system.

[0019] The display of the mobile device may be provided with an output device. The output device may further include a screen, in particular a touchscreen. The screen may be a display. Alternatively or additionally, the output device may include a speaker. The input device may include a touchscreen, a keyboard, a microphone (with voice recognition), a joystick, a button, and / or an adjustment wheel. The mobile device may be a portable computer. In particular, the mobile device may be a tablet or a smartphone. The first pairing information may be output for the user information. The first pairing information may be output via the output device.

[0020] Device pairing is a form of information registration to link or connect devices or modules for data communication. Therefore, device pairing is sometimes referred to as "allocation for data communication." By registering device information (pairing) between devices, the devices or modules can connect for data communication using at least one of wireless and wired data communication.

[0021] By such functional or operational assignment, the transfer device assigned to or associated with at least one of the plurality of devices provides for the transfer of at least one of carriers from the plurality of carriers and sample vessels received within the at least one carrier between the transport system and the at least one device.

[0022] The handheld device may be carried by a user or a robot. The handheld device may be remotely controlled.

[0023] The pairing may include pairing a first transport device assigned to or including the first device with the transport system for data communication during operation of the first device for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis. By such pairing, the first transport device may be assigned a first location in the transport system ("location assignment"). The first location in the transport system may be located opposite the first transport device / first device. The first location in the transport system may be the location of a first transport module in the transport system. The first transport module may have a first module ID or may be assigned a first module ID. The first pairing information may indicate a first transport device identification (transport-device ID) and a first transport module identification (module ID). The first pairing information may indicate a first device identification (device ID) and a first transport module identification (module ID).

[0024] A first device from the plurality of devices may comprise a first transfer device. The first transfer device may be an inherent component of the first device. In this case, the first transfer device identification (transfer device ID) and the first device identification (device ID) may be equal to each other or derivable from each other. The first device and the first transfer device may be inherently assigned to each other.

[0025] Pairing may include pairing the first device with a first transport system interface of the transport system, thereby assigning the first transport system interface to the first device.

[0026] The pairing may include pairing the first transport device with the first transport system interface for data communication during operation of the first device for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis.

[0027] Pairing may further include pairing the first transport system interface with the transport system, thereby, for example, assigning the first transport system interface to a first location of the transport system.

[0028] The method may further include assigning a first interface identification to the first transport system interface, wherein the first pairing information indicates the first device identification and the first interface identification assigned to the first device. By such assignment, the first device identification is provided for identifying the first device within the laboratory automation system. Also, by assigning the first interface identification to the first transport system interface, the first transport system interface may be identified in the laboratory automation system. For such or alternative embodiments, identification data indicating the one or more identities may be stored in a memory of the laboratory automation system.

[0029] The method may further include assigning a first interface identification to the first transport system interface and assigning a first transfer device identification to the first transfer device, wherein the first pairing information indicates the first interface identification and the first transfer device identification.

[0030] Generally, a laboratory automation system includes multiple system units or system elements. The units or elements may be, for example, at least one of a device, a transport device, a transport system interface, and a transport system (section / module). Each unit may be assigned an individual ID, thereby providing a unique identifier for the unit or element at least in the laboratory automation system. Pairing may include pairing a first unit with a second unit different from the first unit to establish a communication link between the first unit and the second unit.

[0031] The pairing may include pairing the first unit with a second unit different from the first unit to assign the first unit to the second unit for data communication. The first unit and the second unit may correspond to a first operational unit. The first operational unit may include a first device, a first transfer device, a first transport system interface, a first transport module, and / or a first section of the transport system. The first section of the transport system may be a transport system or a portion of a transport system located on the opposite side of the first device, the first transfer device, and / or the first transport system interface.

[0032] Receiving the device information may include receiving device information indicating a device location within a laboratory area. For example, the first device information may indicate a first location of a first device within a laboratory system. For example, the laboratory automation system may be assigned a coordinate system. The device location may be determined by coordinates of the coordinate system.

[0033] A device or some other unit / element of the laboratory automation system may determine its position by itself and broadcast location information indicating its location. Alternatively, the device or other unit / element of the laboratory automation system may transmit a predetermined signal. Through the predetermined signal and trilateration, the device's location may be determined externally or provided to a portable device. The calculation may be performed by a transport management system. In the case of trilateration, three receivers of the predetermined signal may be provided. Through the receivers, the distance between at least one unit and the receiver may be determined. However, more than three receivers may be provided.

[0034] Receiving the first user input may include determining a local location of the portable device within the examination room area; providing a device selection menu indicating one or more devices from a plurality of devices, where the one or more devices are located near the local location of the portable device; outputting the device selection menu via a display; and receiving a first user input at the portable device indicating selection of a first device from the one or more devices provided in the device selection menu.

[0035] The local location of the mobile device may be determined by trilateration (e.g., via GPS) and / or triangulation. Alternatively or additionally, receiving the first user input may include determining (predefined) signals broadcast from the plurality of devices, providing a device selection menu showing one or more devices from the plurality of devices, where the one or more devices have a determined signal strength greater than threshold A, outputting the device selection menu via a display, and receiving, at the mobile device, a first user input indicating selection of the first device from the one or more devices provided in the device selection menu.

[0036] The device selection menu may include only a single device from the plurality of devices. The single device may be the device closest to the mobile device. The single device may correspond to the strongest determined signal from multiple signals broadcast from the plurality of devices. The single device may be the device from the plurality of devices that is the smallest distance to the mobile device's location, i.e., the smallest absolute difference between the device position and the mobile device position.

[0037] The one or more devices located near the local location of the mobile device may be devices located in a limited area around the local location of the mobile device, for example, within a circle / sphere defined by a radius of the center where the mobile device is located.

[0038] The device selection menu may present devices (e.g., in the form of device ID) in an ordered manner, e.g., in a table. The order may correspond to one of the distance of the device to the mobile device (ascending or descending) and the signal strength of the broadcasted signal received at the mobile device. Devices that are already linked / paired may be marked or prevented from displaying in the device selection menu.

[0039] The local location of the portable device within the examination room area may be determined multiple times. The local location of the portable device within the examination room area may be determined periodically, for example at regular (time) intervals. In this way, the local location of the portable device may be tracked as it moves within the examination room area.

[0040] Receiving the first user input may include providing an interface selection menu indicating one or more transport system interfaces available for pairing with one or more devices from the device selection menu, outputting the interface selection menu via the display, and receiving, at the portable device, a first interface user input indicating a selection of a first transport system interface from the one or more transport system interfaces provided in the interface selection menu.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, receiving the first user input may include determining a local location of the portable device within the examination room area; providing an interface selection menu indicating one or more transport system interfaces from a plurality of transport system interfaces, where the one or more transport system interfaces are located near the local location of the portable device; outputting the interface selection menu via a display; and receiving a first user input at the portable device indicating a selection of a first transport system interface from the one or more transport system interfaces provided in the interface selection menu.

[0042] In another example, receiving the first user input may include determining signals broadcast from a plurality of transport system interfaces; providing an interface selection menu showing one or more transport system interfaces from the plurality of transport system interfaces, where the one or more transport system interfaces have a determined signal strength greater than threshold B; outputting the interface selection menu via a display; and receiving, at the portable device, a first user input indicating a selection of a first transport system interface from the one or more transport system interfaces provided in the interface selection menu.

[0043] The interface selection menu may, in examples, include or show only a single transport system interface, which may be the transport system interface determined to be closest to one or more devices. The single transport system interface may correspond to the strongest determined signal from multiple signals broadcast from multiple transport system interfaces. The single transport system interface may be the transport system interface from the multiple transport system interfaces that has the smallest distance to the mobile device location, i.e., the smallest absolute value of the difference between the transport system interface position and the mobile device position. The single transport system interface may be the transport system interface assigned to the device selected via the device selection menu.

[0044] The one or more transport system interfaces located near the local location of the mobile device may be transport system interfaces located in a limited area around the local location of the mobile device.

[0045] The interface selection menu may present one or more transport system interfaces in an ordered manner, for example, in a table. The order may correspond to the distance (ascending or descending) of the one or more transport system interfaces to the mobile device. Transport system interfaces that are already linked / paired may be marked or not displayed in the interface selection menu.

[0046] Receiving the first user input may include providing a transfer device selection menu indicating one or more transfer devices available for pairing with one or more devices from the device selection menu and / or one or more transport system interfaces from the interface selection menu, outputting the transfer device selection menu via the display, and receiving, at the portable device, a first transfer device user input indicating a selection of a first transfer device from the one or more transfer devices provided in the transfer device selection menu.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, receiving the first user input may include determining a local location of the portable device within the examination room area; providing a transport device selection menu showing one or more transport devices from a plurality of transport devices, where the one or more transport devices are located near the local location of the portable device; outputting the transport device selection menu via a display; and receiving, at the portable device, a first user input indicating a selection of a first transport device from the one or more transport devices provided in the transport device selection menu.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, receiving the first user input may include determining signals broadcast from the plurality of transport devices; providing a transport device selection menu showing one or more transport devices from the plurality of transport devices, where one or more transport devices have a determined signal strength greater than a threshold C; outputting the transport device selection menu via the display; and receiving, at the portable device, a first user input indicating a selection of a first transport device from the one or more transport devices provided in the transport device selection menu.

[0049] The transport device selection menu may include only a single transport device. The single transport device may be the closest transport device. The single transport device may correspond to the strongest determined signal from multiple signals broadcast from multiple transport devices. The single transport device may be the transport device from the multiple transport devices that has the smallest distance to the mobile device location, i.e., the smallest absolute value of the difference between the transport device position and the mobile device position. The single transport device may be the transport device assigned to the device selected via the device selection menu and / or the transport system interface selected via the interface selection menu.

[0050] The one or more transport devices located near the local location of the mobile device may be transport devices located in a limited area around the local location of the mobile device.

[0051] The transfer device selection menu may provide one or more transfer devices in an ordered manner, for example, in a table. The order may correspond to the distance (ascending or descending) of the one or more transfer devices to the portable device. Transfer devices that are already linked / paired may be marked or not displayed in the transfer device selection menu.

[0052] The global selection menu may include at least one of a device selection menu, an interface selection menu, and a transfer device selection menu, and at least one of the selection menus may be provided to allow a user to select at least two units to pair.

[0053] The pairing information may indicate the thus selected first device, first transfer device, and / or first transport system interface.

[0054] Receiving the device information may include receiving device signals indicating the device information and broadcast by the plurality of devices while the portable device is moving through the examination room area. Receiving the device information may include receiving transport device signals and / or transport system interface signals.

[0055] Signals broadcast by elements such as system units or devices may be limited in range. By moving the portable device within the examination room area, system unit information, such as device information, may be received in stages (depending on whether the corresponding individual signals can be received).

[0056] The method may further include outputting a laboratory layout via a display, the laboratory layout showing an arrangement of a plurality of devices and a transport system within the laboratory area. The laboratory layout may correspond to a map of the laboratory. The laboratory layout may show an arrangement of a plurality of units within the laboratory area.

[0057] At least one of the selection menus may be coupled with a room layout. At least one of the selection menus and the room layout may be simultaneously displayed on the display. At least one unit ID may be (visually) presented in the room layout, for example, at the position of the corresponding unit. A user may (visually) select at least one unit ID presented on the display (e.g., by tapping the unit ID). By selecting two different units (e.g., by tapping), a user may choose to pair these two units.

[0058] The outputting may include outputting a laboratory layout having second marking information indicating one or more unpaired units (e.g., devices) from the plurality of devices. The second marking information may be visually overlaid on a display on the laboratory layout. The second marking information may include one or more second markers. Each second marker of the one or more second markers may correspond to one of the unpaired units in a corresponding menu, such as one unpaired device. A particular second marker may correspond to a particular unpaired system unit or element (e.g., device). A particular second marker may be positioned at the position of a corresponding particular unpaired system unit or element (e.g., device) in the output laboratory layout. The second marker may be an arrow. The second marker may have a two-dimensional form. The form of the second marker may correspond to the form of the corresponding unpaired unit (e.g., device) in the output laboratory layout. In particular, the form of the second marker may be equal to the form of the corresponding unpaired unit (e.g., device) in the output laboratory layout. The second marker may be colored. The second marker may be translucent. The second marker may include a symbol and / or a pictogram, particularly a check mark. The second marker may include a unit ID of the corresponding unpaired system unit or element (e.g., device). The color of the second marker may indicate the unit type (device, transport device, transport system interface, transport module, transport system). In particular, the second marker of the selected system unit or element (e.g., at least one unpaired unit of the menu) may include a symbol and / or a pictogram, particularly a check mark.

[0059] The outputting may include outputting the examination room layout with first marking information indicating that one or more paired devices from the plurality of devices have been successfully paired with the transport system.

[0060] The IDs of successfully paired system units or elements may not be output (e.g., may not be displayed on the display). The device IDs of one or more paired devices may not be output (e.g., may not be displayed on the display). The first marking information may be visually overlaid on the display above the examination room layout. The first marking information may include one or more first markers. Each first marker of the one or more first markers may correspond to one paired unit, particularly one paired device. A specific first marker may correspond to a specific paired unit (e.g., device). A specific first marker may be located at the position of a corresponding specific paired unit (e.g., device) in the output examination room layout. The first marker may be an arrow. The first marker may have a two-dimensional form. The form of the first marker may correspond to the form of the corresponding paired unit (e.g., device) in the output examination room layout. In particular, the form of the first marker may be equal to the form of the corresponding paired unit (e.g., device) in the output examination room layout. The first markers may be colored. The first markers may be translucent. The first markers may include symbols and / or pictograms, particularly check marks. Adjacent first markers may be combined into combined first markers. All or at least two of the first markers may have the same color.

[0061] The markers can help the user know what has already been done (paired) and what still needs to be done (similar to a progress bar).

[0062] The method may further include (i) providing protocol information to the mobile device indicating one or more paired devices; and (ii) transmitting the protocol information at the central backend device in response to user confirmation input received at the mobile device.

[0063] The central backend device may include or correspond to a transport management system. Transmission may be permitted only when all devices are paired. Alternatively, transmission may be permitted whenever a new device is paired. Transmission may be performed automatically or in response to user input. The protocol information may indicate device identification (Device ID), interface identification (Interface ID), transport device identification (Transfer Device ID), and / or transport module identification (Module ID). The protocol information may indicate which units are paired / linked to each other and / or which units are assigned to each other. The protocol information may indicate groups including device identification (Device ID), interface identification (Interface ID), transport device identification (Transfer Device ID), and / or transport module identification (Module ID). The ID of one group may correspond to units paired / linked / assigned to each other. Each group may correspond to one device. The protocol information may indicate the percentage of units already paired compared to the total number of paired units (progress in %).

[0064] The method may be performed via software on a mobile device. The software solution may be in the form of an app, a web interface, and / or any other type of software solution. The mobile device may include a navigation tool. A user may navigate within the examination room via the mobile device. The navigation may be based on the navigation tool and the examination room layout. Pairing the first device with the transport system may include providing information indicating where the carrier should be delivered to, for example, the transport device or the transport management system. Changes to the examination room layout may be performed via the mobile device.

[0065] Thus, the embodiments described above with respect to methods for operating a laboratory automation system may be provided for laboratory automation systems and / or laboratory in vitro diagnostic systems. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0066] In the following, embodiments are described by way of example with reference to the figures.

[0067] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart of an example of a method for operating a laboratory system. [Figure 2] 1 is a flow chart of an exemplary procedure for pre-installing a laboratory system. [Figure 3] 1 is a graphical representation of an exemplary menu for selecting several units. [Figure 4a] 1 is a graphical representation of a laboratory system. [Figure 4b] 10 is a graphical representation of pairing a first transport system interface with a first transfer device. [Figure 5a] 1 is a graphical representation of an examination room layout shown on the display of a mobile device. [Figure 5b] 1 is a graphical representation of one device broadcasting a corresponding signal. [Figure 6] 1 is a graphical representation of an examination room layout shown on a display of a portable device with marking information. [Figure 7] 10 is a step-by-step graphical representation of receiver information as the portable device is moved within the examination room area. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary procedure for selecting two units for pairing. [Figure 9a] 1 is a first graphical representation of marking information. [Figure 9b] 10 is a second graphical representation of the marking information. [Figure 10]10 is an exemplary procedure for pairing the remaining units. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0068] 1-5, a flow chart of an example method for operating laboratory automation system 407 (see FIG. 4) is shown in FIG.

[0069] According to this example, in step 101, a user 501 (see FIG. 5 ), e.g., a technician, may arrive at the laboratory automation system 407. The user 501 may carry a portable device 502. Upon arriving at the laboratory automation system 407, the user 501 may start an application on the portable device in step 102. In response, on the portable device 502, a map of the laboratory / laboratory layout 504 may be shown on the display 508 of the portable device 502. In step 103, the application on the portable device 502 may determine the location of the portable device 502 within the laboratory automation system 407 and present this location on the map of the laboratory 504 on the display 508, e.g., by means of a location marker 503. Each time the location of the device is determined, the location of the map 504 and / or the location marker 503 may be updated. In a fourth step 104, the user 501 may identify physically connected units within the laboratory automation system 407, in particular the devices 401 connected to the transport system 404. These units may not be installed, i.e., not paired. The mobile device may receive information of multiple units, particularly multiple devices 401. In response, the user 501 may identify a first unit, particularly the first device 401. The first unit may be the unit to be paired (with the system). The first unit may be a unit that has not yet been installed. The selection may be made via user input on the touchscreen 508 of the application on the mobile device 502.

[0070] In response, in step 105, a pairing partner may be selected. Thus, the transport system 404 may be (automatically) selected. Another unit may be selected, for example, the first transport device 402, the first transport system interface 403, and / or the first module 405. The pairing partner may already be installed and / or already paired (with the system). In a sixth step 106, the selected pairing partner may be paired. In step 107, pairing information may be provided in the mobile device 502 and optionally transmitted to the central backend device and / or transport management system 406.

[0071] Before the methods for operating the laboratory automation system 407 can be performed, it may be necessary to pre-install the laboratory automation system 407.

[0072] 2 shows a flow chart of an exemplary procedure for pre-installing a laboratory automation system 407. In a pre-installation step 201, the transport module 405 of the transport system 404 may be physically installed. In a pre-installation step 202, the transport device 402 and the device 401 may be physically installed. Thereafter, the laboratory automation system 407 may be physically installed, for example, according to a laboratory layout provided by a pre-configuration server. In a third pre-installation step 203, the transport management system 406 server may be physically installed. Further pre-installation steps 204 to 206 may relate to the installation of the transport management system 406.

[0073] In a pre-installation step 204, the transport management system 406 may be configured. In a pre-installation step 205, the transport management system 406 may be provided with a laboratory layout 504, for example by downloading the laboratory layout from a pre-configuration server. In the pre-installation step 206, the transport management system 406 may determine all (locations of) the transport system 404 of the loaded laboratory layout 504. The transport system interfaces 403 may be an inherent part of the transport system 404, and therefore the transport system interfaces 403 may be intrinsically linked to the transport system 404.

[0074] In a pre-installation step 207, power is supplied to the laboratory automation system 407. In a pre-installation step 208, the laboratory automation system 407 may be placed in service mode.

[0075] In a pre-installation step 209, a network node configuration may be selected by the user. In response, in a pre-installation step 210, the user may be provided with a list of connected network nodes and may attempt to establish a secure connection to the transport management system 406. The network nodes may correspond to units of the laboratory automation system 407. The user may then select the network nodes that he or she trusts in a pre-installation step 211, for example, based on the serial numbers corresponding to the nodes. In a pre-installation step 212, the trusted nodes, i.e., trusted units, may be indicated. However, although the transport management system 406 may know all units provided in the system 407, the transport management system 406 may not know the relationships between units after pre-installation. In particular, the transport management system 406 may not know which units should be assigned / paired to each other.

[0076] 3 shows a graphical representation of an exemplary menu for selecting several units. The menu shown may be a combined / global selection menu 301. The combined menu may include device selection menus 302, 304 and a transport device selection menu 306. The device selection menus 302, 304 may include a device ID selection menu 304 and a device name selection menu 302. At least one menu may be shown on the display 508 of the mobile device 502. At least one menu may be provided for assigning units to each other. Each menu may include / be a table column.

[0077] In the device name selection menu 302, e.g., in the first column of a table, all names 303 of trusted devices 401 may be provided. Alternatively, only devices 401 in the vicinity of the portable device 502 may be provided. For example, devices 401 that are less than 4 m (2 m, 5 m, 6 m, 10 m) away from the portable device 502 may be provided. The devices 401 may be provided in order (e.g., according to the distance to the portable device 502). The closest device may be provided at the top of the device name selection menu 302. Immediately after the closest device, the second closest device may be provided in the menu device name selection menu 302, and so on.

[0078] In the device ID selection menu 304, e.g., in the second column of a table, all IDs 305 of trusted devices 401 may be provided. Alternatively, only the device IDs of devices 401 in the vicinity of the mobile device 502 may be provided. The device IDs, like the device names, may be provided in order. The device IDs may be inherently assigned to the corresponding device 401. In particular, each device 401 may broadcast a signal 507 indicating its name and device ID. The device name and device ID may be included in the device information received by the mobile device 502. Thus, each provided device 401 in the device name selection menu 302 may be automatically linked to the corresponding device ID. In the device selection menus 302, 304, corresponding device IDs and device names may be provided adjacent to each other, e.g., in the same row of a table. Alternatively, the device IDs and device names may not be uniquely assigned to each other. In this case, the user may select the corresponding device ID for each device name in the device selection menus 302, 304. The device ID selection menu 304 may include a drop-down menu. Each device 401 in the device name selection menu 302 may be provided with a drop-down menu in the device ID selection menu 304. The drop-down menu may provide device IDs that can be assigned to the corresponding device name.

[0079] In the transport device selection menu 306, for example, in the third column of the table, all trusted transport devices 402 may be provided. Alternatively, only transport devices 402 in the vicinity of the portable device 502 may be provided. For example, transport devices 402 that are less than 4 m (2 m, 5 m, 6 m, 10 m) away from the portable device 502 may be provided. As with the device names, the transport devices 402 may be provided in order. The user may select a transport device 402 in the transport device selection menu 306. This allows the user to link the selected transport device 402 to the selected device 401 (device ID and / or device name). The transport device selection menu 306 may include a drop-down menu. Each device 401 in the device name selection menu 302 may be provided with a drop-down menu in the transport device selection menu 306. The drop-down menu may provide transport devices (transport device IDs 307) that can be assigned to the corresponding device names.

[0080] The ID of the unit may be determined by taking a photograph of the corresponding unit or by manually obtaining the ID printed on the corresponding unit. The photograph may include the ID printed on the corresponding unit.

[0081] FIG. 4a shows a graphical representation of a laboratory automation system 407. The laboratory system 407 comprises a plurality of devices 401 configured for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis. Furthermore, the laboratory automation system 407 comprises a transport system 404. The transport system 404 has a plurality of carriers configured to transport one or more sample containers and is configured to transport the plurality of carriers to the plurality of devices 401. The transport system 404 may further include a transport system interface 403, each of which may correspond to a different device 401. The transport system 404 may comprise or be formed by a plurality of transport modules 405. A transfer device 402 may be provided to deliver samples from the transport system 404 to the devices 401. FIG. 4 further shows an example of a first operation unit 408. 4 includes a first device 401, a first transfer device 402, a first transport system interface 403, a first section of a transport system 404, and a first transport module 405. Pairing may include pairing any two different devices of the first operation unit 408.

[0082] FIG. 4b shows a graphical representation of pairing the first transport system interface 403 with the first transport device 402. The pairing may be performed by the user 501 via the portable device 502. The first device 401 and the first transport device 402 may already be linked / assigned (e.g., by prior pairing). Thus, pairing the first transport system interface 403 with the first transport device 402 may be understood as pairing the first transport system interface 403 with the first device 401. Furthermore, the first transport system interface 403 may be inherently linked / assigned to the transport system 404 (e.g., by prior pairing). Thus, pairing the first transport system interface 403 with the first transport device 402 may be understood as pairing the transport system 404 with the first device 401. The pairing step shown in FIG. 4b may correspond to assigning the first transport system interface 403 to the first transport device 402. The portable device 502 may transmit information corresponding to this pairing step to the transport management system 406. The transport management system 406 may store the interrelationship between the units thus paired. After this pairing, the transport system 404 and the transport management system 406 may each know where to deliver the carrier.

[0083] FIG. 5a shows a graphical representation of a laboratory layout 504 shown on a display 508 of a portable device 502. For a user 501 orientation in the laboratory automation system 407, the display 508 may show a map 504 of the laboratory automation system 407. The display 508 may show a map 504 of a section of the laboratory automation system 407. The portable device 502 may identify its location within the laboratory automation system 407. The location may be indicated on the map of the laboratory 504 on the display 508, for example, by a location marker 503. Each time the device's location is determined, the location of the map 504 and / or the location marker 503 may be updated. Thus, the laboratory layout 504 may aid in navigation through the laboratory automation system 407.

[0084] FIG. 5b shows a graphical representation of one device 401 broadcasting a corresponding signal 507. The device may include a transmitter 506. The transmitter 506 may be the device's communication module 506. The signal 507 may broadcast information associated with the one device 401. The information may include the device's name, device ID, device location, and / or information indicating whether the device is already paired. The signal 507 may include a predetermined signal having a predetermined amplitude. The location of the one device 401 may be determined by receiving the predetermined signal through at least three signal receivers. Depending on the received signal strength, the distance between each of the receivers and the device 401 may be determined. In response, the location of the one device 401 may be determined. The above procedure works in reverse, with the receiver being the transmitter and the transmitter being the receiver. The locations of additional units and / or mobile devices 502 may be determined similarly.

[0085] FIG. 6 shows a graphical representation of a laboratory layout 504 displayed on the display 508 of a portable device 502 with marking information. In FIG. 6, the laboratory layout 504 also includes a selection menu 301. The menu 301 includes information indicating the transport device 402 and transport system interface 403 located closest to the portable device 502. Specifically, the menu 301 in FIG. 6 includes a transport device ID and an interface ID corresponding to the transport device 402 and transport system interface 403 located closest to the portable device 502. The location of the portable device is indicated by a location marker 503. FIG. 6 also shows marker-attached marking information 601 and 602. The markers 603 and 604 may include menu information indicating units included in the menu 301. In the displayed laboratory layout 504, each marker may be located near the corresponding unit. Additionally or alternatively, units near the portable device 502 may be highlighted with highlighting markers 605 and 606. The nearest transfer device 402 and transport system interface 403 may be highlighted by highlight markers 605, 606. The first highlight marker 605 may have the shape of the transfer device 402. The second highlight marker 606 may have the shape of the transport system interface 403. The first highlight marker 605 and the second highlight marker 606 may have different colors. Markers corresponding to the same unit may have the same color. The highlight markers 605, 606 may be semi-transparent.

[0086] FIG. 7 shows a step-by-step graphical representation of receiving device information 701 by moving a portable device 502 within the examination room area. FIG. 7 shows multiple devices 401. A user 501 may be located closest to a first device 401. Therefore, the user 501 / portable device 502 may simply receive the signal 507 broadcast by the transmitter 506 of the first device 401. Thus, the portable device 502 may simply receive information 701 from the first device 401. Signals from other devices may not be received by the portable device 502 at this position of the user 501 / portable device 502. However, as the user 501 carrying the portable device 502 moves from device 401 to device 401, the portable device 502 may also receive information 701 from additional devices 401. Thus, by moving the portable device 502 within the examination area, device information 701 of several devices 502 may be received by the portable device 502 step-by-step.

[0087] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an example procedure for selecting two units to pair. In a first selection step 801, a user may select a first unit. The selection may be made via the selection menu 301. The selection may be performed via the selection menu 301 overlaid with a displayed map of the system 504. In this example, information indicating the nearest units, specifically the nearest transport device 402 and transport system interface 403, may be overlaid with the map of the system 504. Specifically, the transport device ID and interface ID corresponding to the transport device 402 and transport system interface 403 located closest to the portable device 502 may be overlaid with the map of the system 504. The locations of these IDs in the map 504 may correspond to the locations of the corresponding units in the laboratory automation system 407. The IDs shown on the map 504 on the display 508 may be included in markers. The user may select the first unit, for example, by tapping a first marker on the display corresponding to the first unit. In response to the tap, a tap symbol 805 may be momentarily shown on the display to indicate the location of the tap and that the tap has been captured. If the selection is successful, in a second selection step 802, the (first) marker of the corresponding unit may change. For example, a symbol or pictogram, particularly a check mark 806, may be added to this marker. In a third selection step 803, the user 501 may select a second unit in a manner similar to the way the first unit was selected in the first selection step 801. If the second selection is successful, in a fourth selection step 804, the (second) marker of the corresponding unit may change. For example, a symbol or pictogram, particularly a check mark 806, may be added to this marker. In response to the selection of two different units, such as the first transport device 402 and the first transport system interface 403, these two units may be paired.

[0088] 9a and 9b show graphical representations of marking information. The marking information may include a first label 901. In FIG. 9, the first unit is overlaid with the first label 901 (on the map 504 shown on the display 508 of the mobile device 502). The first label 901 may be included in the marker. Only successfully paired units may be overlaid with such a first label 901. The first label 901 may include information indicating the paired unit. The first label 901 may include information indicating whether the pairing was successful or not. The first label 901 may include an ID of the unit being / to be paired. The label 901 may be located on the corresponding unit (in the displayed map 504). The corresponding unit may be the first unit. The first label 901 may simply overlay the first unit.

[0089] FIG. 9b shows a combined first marker 902. The combined first marker 902 may indicate that the paired first unit, particularly the first transport device 402 and the first transport system interface 403, has been successfully paired. The first marker 902 may have a specific color (e.g., green or blue). The shape of the combined first marker 902 may correspond to the corresponding unit. The shape of the combined first marker 902 may be equal to the (successfully paired) corresponding unit. The position of the combined first marker 902 may correspond to / be the position of the corresponding unit. The combined first marker 902 may include a symbol or pictogram, particularly a check mark. Additionally or alternatively, a pairing list 903 may be provided. The pairing list 903 may indicate successfully paired units. The list may include information indicating the paired units. The list may group paired units; for example, a first unit may be included in the first group 904. Two units that are generally linked but not linked to each other may not be included in the same group. The first group may include information indicative of the first unit. The first group may include information indicative of the first device 401, the first transfer device 402, the first transport system interface 403, the first section of the transport system 404, and / or the first transport module 405. The first group may include the name of the first device 401, the device ID of the first device 401, the transfer device ID of the first transfer device 402, the interface ID of the first transport system interface 403, the section ID of the first section of the transport system 404, and / or the module ID of the first transport module 405.

[0090] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary procedure for pairing the remaining units 1001. According to the map 504 displayed in the first step of FIG. 10, all units except one are successfully paired. The paired units are marked with a first marker. The paired units are marked with a check mark. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, pairing information can be sent to the central backend device and / or the transportation management system 406 only if all units are paired. Therefore, in the first step of FIG. 10, pairing information cannot be sent to the central backend device and / or the transportation management system 406. In the case shown in the first step of FIG. 10, the user 501 cannot pair the remaining units 1001. This is because the user 501 is at a first location 503.1 that is too far from the unpaired units 1001. Therefore, the unpaired units 1001 are not included in the selection menu. Because the user is too far from the unpaired units 1001, the unpaired units 1001 cannot be selected on the displayed map 504. 10 , the user 501 with the portable device 502 moves to a second location 503.2 near the remaining unpaired units 1001. In response, the user 501 may pair the remaining units 1001 via the portable device 502. This is because the unpaired units 1001 may be included in the selection menu because the portable device 502 is near the remaining units 1001. The unpaired units 1001 may be selected on the displayed map 504 because the portable device 502 is near the remaining units 1001. In response to the selection of the unpaired units 1001, the unpaired units 1001 may be paired. After (and only after) the remaining units 1001 are paired, pairing information may be transmitted to the central backend device and / or the transport management system 406.

Claims

1. 1. A method for operating a laboratory automation system (407), said laboratory automation system (407) comprising: a plurality of devices (401) provided in the laboratory area, configured for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis; a transport system (404) having a plurality of carriers configured to transport one or more sample vessels, the transport system (404) being configured to transport the plurality of carriers to the plurality of devices (401); a plurality of transfer devices (402), each assigned to at least one of the plurality of devices (401), configured to transfer at least one of carriers from the plurality of carriers and sample containers received in the at least one carrier between the transport system (404) and the at least one device (401); a portable device (502) having one or more data processors and a user interface comprising a display (508) configured to output image data and an input device configured to receive user input; a plurality of data communication modules (506) configured for wireless data communication, each of the plurality of data communication modules (506) assigned to at least one of a device (401) from the plurality of devices (401), the transport system (404), a transport device (402) from the plurality of transport devices (402), and the portable device (502); Equipped with The method comprises: receiving device information for the plurality of devices (401) at the mobile device (502), the device information (701) indicating device identification; receiving a first user input at the mobile device (502), the first user input indicating a selection of a first device (401) from the plurality of devices (401); In response to receiving the first user input, pairing the first device (401) with the transport system (404) for data communication during operation of the first device (401) for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis; providing first pairing information in the portable device (502), the first pairing information indicating that the first device (401) and the transportation system have been successfully paired; Including, the pairing includes pairing a first transport device (402) assigned to the first device (401) with the transport system (404) for data communication during operation of the first device (401) for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis; The method, wherein the pairing includes pairing the first device (401) with a first transport system interface (403), thereby assigning the first transport system interface (403) to the first device (401).

2. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising assigning a first interface identification to the first transport system interface (403), wherein the first pairing information indicates the first device identification and the first interface identification assigned to the first device (401).

3. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising assigning the first interface identification to the first transport system interface (403) and assigning a first transport device identification to the first transport device (402), wherein the first pairing information indicates the first interface identification and the first transport device identification.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving device information comprises receiving device information indicating a device location within the examination room area.

5. Receiving the first user input comprises: determining a local location of the portable device (502) within the examination room area; providing a device selection menu (302, 304) showing one or more devices (401) from the plurality of devices (401), the one or more devices (401) being located near the local location of the mobile device (502); outputting the device selection menu (302, 304) via the display (508); receiving, at the portable device (502), a first user input indicating a selection of the first device (401) from the one or more devices (401) provided in the device selection menu (302, 304); The method of claim 4, comprising:

6. Receiving the first user input comprises: providing an interface selection menu indicating one or more transport system interfaces (403) available for pairing with the one or more devices (401) from the device selection menu (302, 304); outputting the interface selection menu via the display (508); receiving, at the portable device (502), a first interface user input indicating a selection of the first transport system interface (403) from the one or more transport system interfaces (403) provided in the interface selection menu; The method of claim 5 , comprising:

7. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the device information comprises receiving a device signal (507) indicating device information and broadcast by the plurality of devices (401) while the portable device (502) is moving through the examination room area.

8. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising outputting a laboratory layout (504) via the display (508), the laboratory layout (504) showing an arrangement of the plurality of devices (401) and the transport system (404) within the laboratory area.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the outputting step includes outputting the examination room layout (504) having first marking information (601, 602) indicating that one or more paired devices (401) from the plurality of devices (401) have been successfully paired with the transport system (404).

10. providing protocol information at the mobile device (502), the protocol information indicating the one or more paired devices (401); transmitting said protocol information to a central back-end device in response to a user verification input received at said mobile device (502); 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

11. A laboratory automation system (407), comprising: a plurality of devices (401) provided in the laboratory area, configured for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis; a transport system (404) having a plurality of carriers configured to transport one or more sample vessels, the transport system (404) being configured to transport the plurality of carriers to the plurality of devices (401); a plurality of transfer devices (402), each assigned to at least one of the plurality of devices (401), configured to transfer at least one of carriers from the plurality of carriers and sample containers received in the at least one carrier between the transport system (404) and the at least one device; a portable device (502) having one or more data processors and a user interface comprising a display (508) configured to output image data and an input device configured to receive user input; a plurality of data communication modules (506) configured for wireless data communication, each of the plurality of data communication modules (506) assigned to at least one of a device (401) from the plurality of devices (401), the transport system (404), a transport device (402) from the plurality of transport devices (402), and the portable device (502); Equipped with The laboratory automation system (407) receiving device information for the plurality of devices (401) at the mobile device (502), the device information (701) indicating device identification; receiving a first user input at the portable device (502), the user input indicating a selection of a first device (401) from the plurality of devices (401); In response to receiving the first user input, pairing the first device (401) with the transport system (404) for data communication during operation of the first device (401) for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis; providing first pairing information in the portable device (502), the first pairing information indicating that the first device (401) and the transportation system have been successfully paired; configured to: the pairing includes pairing a first transport device (402) assigned to the first device (401) with the transport system (404) for data communication during operation of the first device (401) for at least one of sample pre-analysis and sample analysis; The laboratory automation system, wherein the pairing includes pairing the first device (401) with a first transport system interface (403), thereby assigning the first transport system interface (403) to the first device (401).

12. A laboratory in vitro diagnostic system comprising a laboratory automation system (407) according to claim 11.

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