Diagnostic laboratory automation system and method for distributing biological samples within a diagnostic laboratory automation system

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a diagnostic Laboratory Automation System, LAS, comprising: one or more docking stations, one or more self-propelled handlers, and a controller configured to: - coordinate, based on resources information indicative of scheduled resources within the diagnostic LAS, a transport of a target deck comprising one or more target biological samples by a target self-propelled handler of the one or more self-propelled to a target docking station of the one or more docking stations, - control a sequence in which sets of target biological samples of the one or more target biological samples are transferred to the target docking station, based on processing state information and availability information, wherein the processing state information is indicative of a processing state of the target docking station and the availability information is indicative of an availability of processing equipment of the respective sample processing device associated with the target docking station.

Description

DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY AUTOMATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES WITHIN A DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY AUTOMATION SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of diagnostic laboratory automation systems and of controlling workflows in diagnostic laboratory automation systems, such as distributing biological samples, e.g. body fluid samples like blood samples. Specifically, the present invention relates to a diagnostic laboratory automation system and a method for distributing biological samples within the diagnostic laboratory automation system by use of one or more self- propelled handlers.BACKGROUND

[0002] Various types of tests related to patient diagnosis and therapy can be performed by analysis of biological samples by lab, laboratory automation systems (LAS) or diagnostic LAS, which may handle pre-analytlcal and / or post-analytical stage processing of the samples. Also, the LAS may be connected to one or more analyzers for analytical stage processing of the samples.

[0003] The LAS may be understood as a biological-sample-handling system, which is a system configured to handle biological samples. The term “biological” is used herein to generally refer to human or animal subjects, independently from their health condition. A biological sample is a sample which may be obtained from a patient, i.e. a human or animal subject, and on which one or more clinical tests should be carried out.

[0004] The biological sample may be a sample of a bodily fluid of the human or animal subject. For example, the bodily fluid may be a physiological fluid, such as blood, saliva, urine, sweat, amniotic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, ascites fluid, or the like. The biological sample may comprise one or more components that may potentially comprise analytes of interest for performing the at least one clinical test. For instance, blood serum, blood cells and blood plasma are components of a blood sample.

[0005] A clinical test may comprise one or more procedures that, when carried out on the biological sample or on a component thereof, allow for estimating the value of a parameter, e.g. a clinical parameter. In particular, a clinical test may comprise physical, biological, optical, mechanical, immunological, and / or chemical procedures.

[0006] After the biological sample is collected from the patient, it may be put in a sample container. Generally, a sample container is configured to receive and hold a biological sample. Accordingly, the sample container may comprise an opening for receiving the sample and a bottom as well as one or more walls to hold the sample, wherein the opening may be configured to be releasably closed by a closing element, e.g. a cap. In particular, the sample container may have a substantially cylindrical shape (i.e. a cylindrical wall), with the opening at one base and the bottom at the opposite base. The sample container may also be referred to as “tube”.

[0007] A workflow of a biological sample through an LAS may comprise processing of the biological sample at several different workstations, since an LAS comprises laboratory instruments that are, for example, configured to automatically carry out one or more clinical tests on the biological sample. For example, blood analysis is one of the most performed medical tests for providing an overview of a patient's health status. A blood sample can be drawn from a patient’s body and stored in a container, e.g., a test tube, containing an anticoagulant to prevent clotting. For certain tests, an amount of a serum or plasma portion of the blood sample obtained from whole blood by fractionation (e.g., centrifugation) may be aspirated and used. A gel separator may be added to the blood sample inside the container to aid in the separation of a settled blood portion from the serum or plasma portion. After fractionation and after a subsequent de-capping process, the container may be transported to an appropriate analyzer that may extract, via aspiration, serum or plasma portion from the container and combine the serum or plasma portion with one or more reagents in a reaction vessel (e.g., cuvette). Analytical measurements may then be performed, e.g., using an interrogating radiation beam, or by using photometric and / or fluorometric absorption readings, or similar. Such analytical measurements allow for the determination of end-rate, point or other values, from which a concentration of constituent, analyte or other, may be determined.

[0008] Typically, several different biological samples associated with different workflows may be handled simultaneously throughout an LAS. Hence, there is a huge degree of complexity regarding the controlling and scheduling of the different workflows, since there are in general plenty of alternatives for scheduling the different workflows of the several different biological samples. The complexity even increases as a number of biological samples, a number of workstations and a size of the LAS increases. Even several LASs may be combined.

[0009] Typical solutions to address such problem comprise to optimize, for example, a processing order of preselected biological samples, for processing the preselected biological samples at a certain workstation or sample processing device, for example in order to optimize a throughput of the certain sample processing device. Such approach may provide an improved or optimized processing at the one certain sample processing device. However, this may most likely not result in an optimization of the several workflows throughout the LAS, since biological sample processing at one sample processing device may depend on and / or influence biological sample processing at several other sample processing devices. For example, when it comes to improving or optimizing a total throughput of biological samples throughout a LAS, the transports and transportation times for delivering biological samples to different sample processing devices and / or for exchanging biological samples between different sample processing devices further needs to be considered.

[0010] Currently, there are several options available in general for transporting and / or exchanging biological samples between different sample processing device. Thus, the degree of complexity regarding the controlling and scheduling of the different workflows even further increases and there is need for improvement in distribution of biological samples within an LAS.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The above problem is at least partially solved or alleviated by the subject matters of the independent claims of the present disclosure, wherein further examples are incorporated in the dependent claims.

[0012] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system, in particular a diagnostic Laboratory Automation System (LAS). The diagnostic LAS comprises one or more docking stations, one or more self-propelled handlers and a controller. In particular, the one or more docking stations are each associated with a respective sample processing device, wherein each docking station is configured to receive one or more decks from one or more self-propelled handlers and / or to deliver one or more decks to one or more self-propelled handlers. To receive a deck from a self-propelled handler may also be understood that a deck is transferred from a self-propelled handler. To deliver a deck to a self-propelled handler may also be understood that a deck is transferred to a self-propelled handler. The one or more self-propelled handlers are configured to transport the one or more decks to at least one docking station, wherein the one or more decks are configured to hold biological samples to be processed by the corresponding one or more sample processing devices. The controller is configured to coordinate, based on resources information indicative of scheduled resources within the diagnostic LAS, a transport of a target deck comprising one or more target biological samples by a target self-propelled handler of the one or more self- propelled handlers to a target docking station of the one or more docking stations. The controller is further configured to control a sequence in which sets of target biological samples of the one or more target biological samples are transferred to the target docking station, based on processing state information and availability information. The processing state information is indicative of a processing state of the target docking station and the availability information is indicative of an availability of processing equipment of the respective sample processing device associated with the target docking station. Wherein the processing state information may comprise information of the one or more docking stations. Wherein the availability information may be indicative of an availability of each sample processing device of the sample processing devices associated with the one or more docking stations.

[0013] It shall be noted that the diagnostic LAS represents one system according to several examples of the present disclosure. Generally, an LAS or diagnostic LAS is an assembly comprising a plurality of components and a computing device, wherein the computing device may be operatively connected to the plurality of components and may be configured to control each component. A component may be a biological sample supply device, a laboratory analyzer or an analytical processing device, a pre-analysis laboratory instrument or a pre-analytical processing device, a post analysis laboratory instrument or a post-analytical processing device, an input / output module and / or an automation component (e.g., track, belt, container carrier) configured to move a biological sample within the LAS. In particular, the LAS may comprise one or more subsystems, wherein a subsystem comprises one or more components of the LAS.

[0014] The computing device may comprise the controller according to the system of the first aspect.

[0015] The plurality of components comprises the one or more docking stations, the one or more sample processing devices, and the one or more decks according to the system of the first aspect.

[0016] In particular, the automation component comprises the one or more self-propelled handlers according to the system of the first aspect.

[0017] The sample processing devices may be understood as representing and / or comprising laboratory instruments, which may comprise the above-mentioned laboratory analyzer or analytical processing device, the pre-analysis laboratory instrument or pre-analytical processing device and / or the post analysis laboratory instrument or post-analytical processing device.

[0018] In more detail, the sample processing devices may be understood as representing and / or comprising laboratory instruments for testing biological samples or biological sample material, e.g., sample tubes, sample containers or cups. Such sample processing devices are indispensable in the chemistry, clinical or medical fields, especially in clinical medicine and laboratory medicine. In particular, for processing a large number of biological samples per unit time, fully- or semiautomated laboratory instruments are widely used in clinical laboratories and have become an important part in modern laboratory testing.

[0019] Fully- or semi-automated laboratory instruments are usually employed in laboratories with high throughput like LASs. An LAS can be run around the clock at minimum operational pauses, as operational pauses may be detrimental to the workflow and / or speed of providing the analysis or testing results of a plurality of biological samples. It is therefore desirable to minimise pause times in the laboratory instruments.

[0020] Typically, laboratory instruments comprise a computing device, for example a controller, which typically runs a software or software application in order to control the laboratory instruments and / or their workflow. They may therefore be configured to perform computer-implemented methods.

[0021] In particular, the laboratory instrument may be used in a clinical laboratory to perform laboratory tests on biological samples for example. The laboratory instrument may be designed to measure clinical parameters, e.g., chemical substances, cellular components, or biomarkers. The laboratory instrument may be designed to assist in one or more of the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of medical conditions.

[0022] The laboratory instrument may be capable of communicating with other laboratory instruments and / or communicating with other devices (e.g., computers). The laboratory instrument may be a medical or clinical analyzer. The laboratory instrument may include one or more preanalysis, analysis and / or post analysis components, as already indicated above.

[0023] In more detail, a laboratory analyzer as mentioned above is, in particular, a laboratory instrument configured to carry out one or more analytic steps, such as measuring one or more characteristics of a biological sample, e.g., the concentration of an analyte. The laboratory analyzer may include an immunoassay analyzer, a chemistry analyzer, and identification and antibiotic susceptibility analyzer, a bacteriology analyzer, a molecular analyzer, a hematology analyzer or a urinalysis instrument.

[0024] In more detail, a pre-analysis laboratory instrument as mentioned above is configured to carry out one or more analytic steps on a biological sample to prepare the biological sample for theanalytic instrument(s). A pre-analysis laboratory instrument may include a centrifuge, a decapper, recapper (e.g., for putting caps back on containers) and / or aliquoter.

[0025] In more detail, a post-analysis laboratory instrument as mentioned above is configured to carry out one or more post-analytic steps on the biological sample after the biological sample has been processed by one or more laboratory analyzers. A post-analysis laboratory instrument may include one or more of a recapper, a storage device, a refrigerator, and an input / output device.

[0026] In general, a sample processing device or laboratory instrument may run a software application, for example a firmware, used to control the laboratory instrument. In particular, the sample processing device or laboratory instrument may comprise a computing device. According to the present disclosure, the computing device may comprise or be a cloud computing system or platform. It may comprise or be a distributed computer system. A computing device may comprise or be a network of connected desktop PCs and / or workstations and / or laptops and / or tablet PCs or the like. The network may be a LAN and / or a wireless LAN. In particular, according to the present disclosure, a computing device may be a desktop PC, a workstation, a laptop or a tablet PC or the like. As described herein, a computing device may comprise one or more processors, e.g., a CPU, a GPU, a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or the like, and a memory.

[0027] The computing device may, for example, be a server device or server network. For example, the computing device may be a web server and / or a cloud server. The computing device may provide a web service and / or a cloud service, wherein the service may be used for communication with the laboratory instrument, for instance via the Internet. The computing device may be configured to be connectable and / or communicatively couplable to the laboratory instrument for instance through loT connectivity, cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi connectivity, WLAN connectivity, LPWAN connectivity or Bluetooth connectivity. This is especially suitable if the method is directed to remote management. In an alternative embodiment, the computing device may also be a portable device, for example a portable computer, laptop, handheld, or smartphone, which may, for example, be used by a service technician servicing the laboratory instrument. Communication with the laboratory instrument may then be established through local wired or wireless communications, like LAN, WLAN, LPWAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any other suitable communications technique.

[0028] The computing device may be communicatively connected with the controller according to the system of the first aspect.

[0029] The one or more self-propelled handlers or self-propelled autonomous handlers may represent an example for an automation component for moving containers or decks from one docking station of a sample processing device to another docking station of the same or of a different sample processing device. Other examples for automation components may be, for example, a belt or conveyor belt configured to move biological samples and / or decks. It shall be noted that based on a configuration of the decks, i.e. whether or not the decks comprise functionalities to handle biological samples autonomously, the decks may be understood as components or automation components.

[0030] Containers may be labelled with one or more barcodes for handling by the LAS. The barcode label(s) may for example contain an accession number, test order, and / or other information, thatmay be correlated to demographic information that may be entered into a hospital's laboratory information system (LIS). For example, an operator may introduce the barcode-labeled containers into the LAS, such as in a rack, and the LAS may automatically transport the containers for pre- analytical stage processing such as centrifugation, decapping, and aliquot preparation, and / or similar. This pre-analytical stage processing may be carried out before the containers are clinically analysed or assayed by one or more analyzers, which may be part of the LAS or connected thereto.

[0031] A deck may be carriable by a self-propelled handler and may be transferrable to the self- propelled handler and / or from the self-propelled handler. The transferring may be an automatic transferring. The transferring may take place at a docking station of a respective sample processing device. The one or more docking stations may be configured to receive a transferrable deck from a self-propelled handler, for example by use of a deck lift mechanism. Such deck lift mechanism may detect inside or at the docking station a self-propelled handler carrying a deck and may lift the deck from the self-propelled handler, for example by use of a gripping or clamping device which may grip or clamp the deck and which may lift the gripped or clamped deck from the self-propelled handler, for example in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the deck, i.e. in a vertical direction. Instead of a deck lift mechanism, also a deck sliding mechanism may be used, according to which the deck may be drawn from the self-propelled handler for example. The present disclosure does not provide any limitations on how actually a deck may be delivered (like for example lifted or slid) from a self- propelled handler to a sample processing device, or on how actually a deck may be received at a self-propelled handler from a sample processing device. In general, a docking station comprises an interface, like a deck transfer location for example, for transferring a deck to a self-propelled handler and / or from a self-propelled handler.

[0032] However, such delivering and receiving, i.e. transferring for example, may be controlled based on the deck and the docking station communicating with each other. Additionally or alternatively, the communicating may be a communicating between the self-propelled handler and the docking station, a communicating between the self-propelled handler and the respective sample processing device, and / or a communicating between the deck and the respective sample processing device. The present disclosure does not provide any limitations on such communicating, as long as a deck delivering side exchanges information with a deck receiving side for transferring a deck from the deck delivering side to the deck receiving side.

[0033] By such sets as defined according to the system of the first aspect, it may be meant individual sets of biological samples, which may be transferred to a sample processing device from a self-propelled handler, in particular from a deck (and / or transferred from a sample processing device to a self-propelled handler, in particular to a deck). In general, it shall be noted that individual sets of biological samples may be transferrable in any docking station. In general, individual sets of biological samples may be delivered from a deck to a docking station or to a sample processing device associated with the docking station. The delivering may be performed in a coordinated order, for example according to scheduled and / or to be scheduled sample processing at a receiving sample processing device. Le., a sequence in which individual sets of biological samples may be transferred to a docking station can be controlled based on a processing state at a correspondingsample processing device. Hence, when delivering individual sets of biological samples to a sample processing device, already an order in which biological samples may be processed at the sample processing device can be considered.

[0034] Further, it shall be noted that individual sets of biological samples may be received (at a deck or at a self-propelled handler associated with the deck) from a sample processing device (in particular from a docking station associated with the sample processing device) in a coordinated order. For example, according to one or more sample processing devices (or according to an order of one or more sample processing devices) to which the receiving self-propelled handler will then travel. I.e., a sequence in which individual sets of biological samples are received at a deck can be controlled based on processing states of one or more following or subsequent sample processing devices, which are scheduled to receive one or more of these individual sets of biological samples. Hence, when receiving individual sets of biological samples at a deck, already an order in which biological samples may be delivered from the deck to following or subsequent sample processing devices (their respective docking stations in particular) for further processing can be considered.

[0035] Individual sets of biological samples may be coordinated by the controller. In particular, the controller may determine which biological samples will be included in an individual set. Individual sets of biological samples may differ in size, i.e. in an amount of biological samples and / or In the types of biological samples.

[0036] The determining made by the controller may be based on processing states and / or resources and / or an availability of processing equipment of respective sample processing devices.

[0037] By processing states it may be meant that a sample processing device may operate in a certain operation mode, like half performance capability or full performance capability for example, or may be in a pause mode. By resources it may be meant for example the components of the LAS, such as a number of sample processing devices, the different types of such sample processing devices, a number of self-propelled handlers, the different types of such self-propelled handlers, a number of decks, and the different types of such decks for example. By resources it may further be meant processing capabilities of one or more sample processing devices, for example within one or more certain time periods, and / or carrying capabilities indicative of a capability of biological samples carriable on one or more decks within one or more certain time periods for example,

[0038] Thus, by scheduled resources it may be meant that usage or applicability of one or more of such resources is planned to a certain extent and for a certain time period, wherein several such resources may be planned in a certain order or temporally order. Hence, by schedulable resources it may be meant that usage or applicability of one or more of such resources is plannable to a certain extent and for a certain time period, wherein several such resources may be plannable in a certain order or temporally order.

[0039] Processing equipment are associated with a sample processing device and may be indicative of a number of biological samples that are able to be processed by the associated sample processing device within a predetermined time period for example. In more detail, processing equipment may be understood as a specific part of the resources, and by processing equipment it may be meant equipment, for example one or more analyzers and / or one or more laboratoryinstruments, provided in a sample processing device. An availability of processing equipment may thus comprise how many processing equipment and processing equipment of what type are available. Availability further comprises a degree of availability, for example a capacity utilization of one or more processing equipment for one or more time periods.

[0040] Accordingly, the system of the first aspect of this disclosure participates in solving the problem of distributing biological samples throughout the diagnostic LAS and the problem of controlling workflows throughout the diagnostic LAS so that a total throughput of biological samples throughout the diagnostic LAS is increased. Hence, desired throughputs and turn-around times regarding the processing of biological samples within the diagnostic LAS are met more reliably. Moreover, due to the one or more self-propelled handlers, it is enabled to move racks or decks of tubes comprising biological samples more reliably, more efficiently, more accurately, more predictable and continuously. Hence, the integration and consideration of the performances of the one or more self-propelled handlers as being an integral part of different workflows of different biological samples allows for further optimizing or increasing a total throughput of biological samples to be processed throughout the diagnostic LAS.

[0041] According to several examples of the present disclosure, the at least one docking station of the one or more docking stations maybe configured to participate in a biological sample workflow comprising a biological sample supply step, a pre-analytical processing step, an analytical processing step and / or a post-analytical processing step.

[0042] It shall be noted that the biological sample workflow may be understood as a collection of processing steps, for example temporally ordered, that have to be carried out to process the biological sample according to a desired or predefined test order, for example so that the test in the test order is carried out.

[0043] Hence, compatibility with the self-propelled handlers and the transferrable decks is provided for huge variety of different sample processing devices or laboratory instruments. Thus, a throughput of processed biological samples throughout an LAS may further be increased.

[0044] According to several examples of the present disclosure, a docking station of the one or more docking stations may further be configured to at least one of: lift a deck from a self-propelled handler, transfer a deck toa self-propelled handler, transfer a deck from a self-propelled handler, communicate with a deck via near field communication, transfer power to a deck, communicate with a deck about parameters of the deck, the parameters comprising at least one of a size of the deck, an information regarding the spatial arrangement of biological samples held on the deck, and an array of biological sample IDs regarding the biological samples held on the deck, and receive a deck, which comprises at least one calibration feature, and, by using the at least one calibration feature, position the deck such in relation to the docking station that the two- or three-dimensional location of one or more biological samples held on the deck can be determined in relation to the spatial coordinates of the docking station biological sample.

[0045] Hence, a more flexible application and utilization of different decks or different types of decks for specific workflows of specific biological samples is enabled. Thus, a throughput of processed biological samples throughout an LAS may further be increased.

[0046] According to several examples of the present disclosure, the one or more docking stations may provide a respective deck transfer location between at least one of the decks and at least one of a biological sample supply device, a pre-analytical processing device, an analytical processing device, and a post-analytical device.

[0047] It shall be noted that a deck transfer location is meant to work for such devices as a physical interface with the decks. A biological sample supply device may be a device that supplies biological samples to one or more predetermined locations in an LAS.

[0048] Hence, a more flexible application and utilization of different sample processing devices for specific workflows of specific biological samples is enabled. Thus, a throughput of processed biological samples throughout an LAS may further be increased.

[0040] According to several examples of the present disclosure, a docking station of the one or more docking stations may further be configured to move a deck perpendicular to a surface of the deck on which biological samples are arrangeable, for transferring the deck to a self-propelled handler and / or for transferring the deck from a self-propelled handler.

[0050] Hence, flexibility in the transfer of decks between a docking station / sample processing device and a self-propelled handler is further increased. Thus, a design and / or layout of sample processing devices may be further optimized for allowing for a further optimized design and / or layout of a LAS.

[0051] According to several examples of the present disclosure, a docking station of the one or more docking stations may further be configured to move a biological sample parallel to a surface of a deck on which the biological sample is arrangeable, for removing the biological sample from the deck, for transferring the biological sample to the deck, for transferring the biological sample from the respective sample processing device which is associated with the at least one docketing station and / or for transferring the biological sample to the respective sample processing device which is associated with the at least one docketing station.

[0052] Hence, flexibility in the transfer of decks between a docking station / sample processing device and a self-propelled handler is further increased. Thus, a design and / or layout of sample processing devices may be further optimized for allowing for a further optimized design and / or layout of a LAS.

[0053] According to several examples of the present disclosure, a docking station of the one or more docking stations may further comprise a conveyor belt and is further configured to transfer a deck from the conveyor belt to a self-propelled handler and / or to transfer a deck to the conveyor belt from a self-propelled handler, in communication with the respective sample processing device.

[0054] Hence, flexibility in the transfer of decks between a docking station / sample processing device and a self-propelled handler is further increased. Thus, a design and / or layout of sample processing devices may be further optimized for allowing for a further optimized design and / or layout of a LAS.

[0055] According to several examples of the present disclosure, the controller may comprise one or both of the following: a control unit external to the self-propelled handlers, several handler control units configured to coordinate the one or more self-propelled handlers, and wherein each handlercontrol unit among the several handler control units may be arranged in a respective self-propelled handler. The several handler control units may be communicatively connected with each other and / or with the control unit external to the self-propelled handlers. Thus, a control performed at a first self-propelled handler by a first handler control unit may be known by and / or considered by a second handler control unit, when the second handler control unit performs control at a second self- propelled handler. Hence, a control performed by the second handler control unit may be based on a control performed by the first handler control unit.

[0056] Hence, a transporting or delivering of biological samples may be coordinated for several self- propelled handlers from the control unit. Thus, traveling paths and / or biological samples to be transported by the self-propelled handlers can be coordinated or harmonized for potentially further optimizing a total throughput of processed biological samples throughout an LAS. Additionally or alternatively, for several or each self-propelled handler to be autonomous in the transporting or delivering of biological samples, the transporting or delivering may be optimized for such self- propelled handler individually / autonomously, for example to find a travelling path between different docking stations. Thus, further optimization of a total throughput of processed biological samples throughout an LAS may be achieved.

[0057] According to several examples of the present disclosure, at least one self-propelled handler of the one or more self-propelled handlers may further be configured to transfer the decks between at least one of the one or more docking stations of the diagnostic LAS and at least one docking station of a further diagnostic LAS, the further diagnostic LAS comprising one or more docking stations. The further diagnostic LAS represents one further system according to the present disclosure.

[0058] Hence, there is provided a solution for efficiently serving at the same time more than one LAS only. Thus, based on handling biological samples within two or more connected LASs simultaneously or jointly, a total throughput of processed biological samples throughout several LASs may be increased.

[0059] According to several examples of the present disclosure, the processing equipment may be indicative of numbers of biological samples that are able to be processed in a sample processing device within predetermined time periods.

[0060] Hence, a coordination for delivering of biological samples to certain sample processing devices may be further improved, in that a number of biological samples to be delivered to the certain sample processing devices may be adjusted to the processing equipment and / or processing equipment availability associated with the certain sample processing devices. Thus, a total throughput of processed biological samples throughout of an LAS may be increased.

[0061] According to several examples of the present disclosure, the controller may further be configured to coordinate a movement of the one or more self-propelled handlers based on at least one of: the processing state information, the availability information, the resources information, a processing priority of at least one biological sample, a speed of the target self-propelled handler, an amount of target biological samples on the target deck, a throughput and turnaround time of thesample processing device corresponding to the target docking station, an amount of time for the target docking station to receive at least part of the target biological samples from the target deck, an amount of time for the target docking station to deliver biological samples to the target deck, and an amount of time for the target docking station to exchange for the target self-propelled handler the target deck by another deck.

[0062] Hence, a coordination for delivering of biological samples may be further individualized for each of several sample processing devices. Hence, time periods in which a sample processing device is in a pause mode or a break mode due to the absence of biological samples to be processed may be reduced. Thus, a total throughput of processed biological samples throughout an LAS may be increased.

[0063] According to several examples of the present disclosure, the controller may further be configured to simultaneously coordinate and / or jointly coordinate one or more transports of one or more target decks comprising one or more target biological samples by one or more target self- propelled handlers to one or more target docking stations.

[0064] Hence, a coordination for delivering of biological samples may be optimized across several sample processing devices. Hence, time periods in which a sample processing device is in a pause mode or a break mode due to the absence of biological samples to be processed may be further reduced. Thus, a total throughput of processed biological samples throughout an LAS may be further increased.

[0065] According to several examples of the present disclosure, the controller may further be configured to further coordinate the one or more self-propelled handlers based on available processing equipment of the one or more sample processing devices associated with a respective docking station of the diagnostic LAS.

[0066] Hence, a coordination for delivering of biological samples may be further optimized for each of several sample processing devices. Hence, time periods in which a sample processing device is in a pause mode or a break mode due to the absence of biological samples to be processed and / or time periods in which a sample processing device does not use its full processing capacity may be reduced. Thus, a total throughput of processed biological samples throughout an LAS may be further increased.

[0067] According to several examples of the present disclosure, the controller may further be configured to obtain, from the target docking station, one or more of the processing state information and the availability information.

[0068] It shall be noted that to obtain may be understood as to receive or to take from the docking station.

[0069] Hence, the controller knowing these information may enable for a more comprehensive control, where, on the one hand, it is avoided that a target docking station is operated above its capacity and, on the other hand, where it is avoided that a target docking station may need to go into a break mode or pause mode. Thus, a total throughput of processed biological samples throughout an LAS may be further increased.

[0070] According to several examples of the present disclosure, the controller may further be configured to schedule resources within the diagnostic LAS.

[0071] Hence, the controller scheduling the resources may enable for a more comprehensive control, where, on the one hand, it is avoided that a docking station is operated above its capacity and, on the other hand, where it is avoided that a docking station may need to go into a break mode or pause mode. Thus, a total throughput of processed biological samples throughout an LAS may be further increased

[0072] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, there is provided method for distributing biological samples within a diagnostic LAS. The LAS comprises one or more docking stations and one or more self-propelled handlers. The one or more docking stations are each associated with a respective sample processing device, wherein each docking station is configured to receive one or more decks from one or more self-propelled handlers and / or to deliver one or more decks for transferring biological samples to one or more self-propelled handlers. The one or more self- propelled handlers are configured to transport the one or more decks to at least one of the docking stations: wherein the one or more decks are configured to hold biological samples to be processed by the corresponding one or more sample processing devices. The method comprises, by means of a controller of the diagnostic LAS, controlling, based on the resources information indicative of scheduled resources within the diagnostic LAS, a transport of a target deck comprising one or more target biological samples by a target self-propelled handler of the one or more self-propelled handlers to a target docking station of the one or more docking stations. The method further comprises controlling a sequence in which sets of target biological samples of the one or more target biological samples are transferred to the target docking station, based on processing state information and availability information, wherein the processing state information is indicative of a processing state of the target docking station and the availability information is indicative of an availability of processing equipment of the respective sample processing device associated with the target docking station.

[0073] Accordingly, the method of the second aspect of this disclosure participates in solving the problem of distributing biological samples throughout the diagnostic LAS and the problem of controlling workflows throughout the diagnostic LAS so that a total throughput of biological samples throughout the diagnostic LAS is increased. Hence, desired throughputs and turn-around times regarding the processing of biological samples within the diagnostic LAS are met more reliably. Moreover, due to the one or more self-propelled handlers, it is enabled to move racks or decks of tubes comprising biological samples more reliably, more efficiently, more accurately, more predictable and continuously. Hence, the integration and consideration of the performances of the one or more self-propelled handlers as being an integral part of different workflows of different biological samples allows for further optimizing or increasing a total throughput of biological samples to be processed throughout the diagnostic LAS.

[0074] The method of the second aspect may be at least in parts computer implemented.

[0075] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a data processing apparatus comprising a processor being configured to carry out one or more of the method steps of the method according to the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0076] Accordingly, the data processing apparatus of the third aspect of this disclosure participates in solving the problem of distributing biological samples throughout the diagnostic LAS and the problem of controlling workflows throughout the diagnostic LAS so that a total throughput of biological samples throughout the diagnostic LAS is increased. Hence, desired throughputs and turn-around times regarding the processing of biological samples within the diagnostic LAS are met more reliably. Moreover, due to the one or more self-propelled handlers, it is enabled to move racks or decks of tubes comprising biological samples more reliably, more efficiently, more accurately, more predictable and continuously. Hence, the integration and consideration of the performances of the one or more self-propelled handlers as being an integral part of different workflows of different biological samples allows for further optimizing or increasing a total throughput of biological samples to be processed throughout the diagnostic LAS.

[0077] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to carry out one or more of the method steps of the method according to the second aspect of this disclosure. The computer program product may comprise a computer-readable medium comprising instructions of the computer program product.

[0078] The computer program product may be a computer program as such, meaning a computer program consisting of or comprising a program code to be executed by the computer. Alternatively, the computer program product may be a product such as a data storage, in particular a computer- readable data storage medium, on which the computer program may be temporarily or permanently stored.

[0079] Accordingly, the computer program product of the fourth aspect of this disclosure participates in solving the problem of distributing biological samples throughout the diagnostic LAS and the problem of controlling workflows throughout the diagnostic LAS so that a total throughput of biological samples throughout the diagnostic LAS is Increased. Hence, desired throughputs and turn-around times regarding the processing of biological samples within the diagnostic LAS are met more reliably. Moreover, due to the one or more self-propelled handlers, it is enabled to move racks or decks of tubes comprising biological samples more reliably, more efficiently, more accurately, more predictable and continuously. Hence, the integration and consideration of the performances of the one or more self-propelled handlers as being an integral part of different workflows of different biological samples allows for further optimizing or increasing a total throughput of biological samples to be processed throughout the diagnostic LAS.

[0080] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to carry out one or more of the method steps of the method according to the second aspect of this disclosure. The computer-readable medium may be transitory or non-transitory, volatile or non-volatile. The computer-readable medium may have stored thereon the computer program product of the fourth aspect.

[0081] Accordingly, the computer-readable medium of the fifth aspect of this disclosure participates in solving the problem of distributing biological samples throughout the diagnostic LAS and the problem of controlling workflows throughout the diagnostic LAS so that a total throughput of biological samples throughout the diagnostic LAS is increased. Hence, desired throughputs and turn-around times regarding the processing of biological samples within the diagnostic LAS are met more reliably. Moreover, due to the one or more self-propelled handlers, it is enabled to move racks or decks of tubes comprising biological samples more reliably, more efficiently, more accurately, more predictable and continuously. Hence, the integration and consideration of the performances of the one or more self-propelled handlers as being an integral part of different workflows of different biological samples allows for further optimizing or increasing a total throughout of biological samples to be processed throughout the diagnostic LAS.

[0082] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a use of at least one of the diagnostic LAS of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect, the data processing apparatus of the third aspect, the computer program product of the fourth aspect, and the computer-readable medium of the fifth aspect.

[0083] Accordingly, the use according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure participates in solving the problem of distributing biological samples throughout the diagnostic LAS and the problem of controlling workflows throughout the diagnostic LAS so that a total throughput of biological samples throughout the diagnostic LAS is increased. Hence, desired throughputs and turn-around times regarding the processing of biological samples within the diagnostic LAS are met more reliably. Moreover, due to the one or more self-propelled handlers, it is enabled to move racks or decks of tubes comprising biological samples more reliably, more efficiently, more accurately, more predictable and continuously. Hence, the integration and consideration of the performances of the one or more self-propelled handlers as being an integral part of different workflows of different biological samples allows for further optimizing or increasing a total throughput of biological samples to be processed throughout the diagnostic LAS.

[0084] It is noted that the above aspects, examples and features may be combined with each other irrespective of the aspect involved.

[0085] Optional features of the first aspect may form part of any of the second to sixth aspects, mutatis mutandis.

[0086] The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from and elucidated with reference to the examples described hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] Exemplary embodiments will be further described with reference to Figures, wherein;

[0088] Figure 1 shows an illustrative example for a system according to several examples of the present disclosure;

[0089] Figure 2 shows a flow chart indicative of a method according to several examples of the present disclosure; and

[0090] Figure 3 shows a block diagram schematically illustrating a data processing apparatus according to several examples of the present disclosure.

[0091] The Figures are schematic only and not true to scale. In principle, identical or like parts, elements and / or steps are provided with identical or like reference numerals in the Figures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0092] Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] Exemplary embodiments are provided such that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Examples of many specific details such as specific components, devices and methods are described to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms without specific details and should not be construed as limitation to the scope of the present disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, the well-known methods, well-known device structures, and well- known techniques will not be described in detail.

[0094] Figure 1 shows an illustrative example for a system, in particular for a diagnostic LAS 100 according to several examples of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 1 shows several sample processing devices 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 and 160 each comprising a respective docking station 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 and 161 . At least one docking station 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 and 161 may be configured to participate in a biological sample workflow comprising a biological sample supply step, a pre-analytical processing step, an analytical processing step, and / or a post-analytical processing step. Each docking station 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 and 161 may comprise an interface, for example a deck transfer location, for transferring (i.e. receiving from or delivering to, for example) one or more decks, which may thus be transferrable decks, from one or more self-propelled handlers. Figure 1 further shows several self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174, wherein the three self-propelled handlers 171 , 172 and 173 are illustrated to carry a deck 181 , 182 and 183, respectively. The decks 181 , 182 and 183 are configured to hold biological samples to be processed by the sample processing devices 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 and 160. The decks 181 , 182 and 183 may be transferrable from a self-propelled handler to a docking station and / or from a docking station to a self-propelled handler. For illustrative purposes, the self-propelled handlers in Figure 1 are further indicated with “AH” (for autonomous handler) and the decks are further indicated with “AH Deck” (for autonomous handler deck). The self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174 may use the interface or deck transfer location to transfer biological samples or decks to a docking station of the docking stations 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 and 161 for example. Figure 1 further shows a controller 190, which may be communicatively connected (by wire and / or wirelessly) with one or more of the sample processing devices 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 and 160, as indicated in Figure 1 by the dashed lines. The controller 190 may further be communicatively connected (by wire and / orideally wirelessly) with one or more of the several self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 190 may be realized by individual handler control units 191 , 192, 193 and 194 provided in each of the self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174, respectively.

[0095] According to several examples of the present disclosure, a sample processing device of the sample processing devices 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 and 160 may be a (full- or semi-) automated laboratory instrument or system (such system comprising several instruments for example), or may be a standalone laboratory instrument, like a laboratory analyzer, a pre-analysis laboratory instrument or a post-analysis laboratory instrument for example.

[0096] It shall be understood that a diagnostic LAS 100 may comprise more or less than the illustrated sample processing devices, docking stations, self-propelled handlers and decks.

[0097] The arrows as shown in Figure 1 illustrate potential travel paths or routes of the self- propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174. However, in general, the self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174 may travel on any arbitrary travel path or route through the diagnostic LAS 100.

[0098] The self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174 may enter the docking stations 111 , 121 , 131 and 141 for delivering a deck to and / or for receiving a deck from the respective sample processing device 110, 120, 130 and 140. However, docking stations may also be designed so that a deck transfer between the docking station and a self-propelled handler takes places at a side of a corresponding sample processing device. In these docking stations 111 , 121 , 131 and 141 , biological samples may be moved parallel to a surface of a deck on which the biological samples are arrangeable, for exchanging the biological samples with the deck. Additionally or alternatively, a deck lift mechanism and / or a deck sliding mechanism may be applied. I.e. these docking stations 111 , 121 , 131 and 141 may be configured to move the deck perpendicular to a surface of the deck on which biological samples are arrangeable, for exchanging the deck with a self-propelled handler. This may be realized for example by use of a gripping or clamping device which may grip or clamp the deck and which may lift the gripped or clamped deck from the self-propelled handler, for example in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the deck, i.e. in a vertical direction. The docking stations 151 and 161 illustrate examples for docking stations comprising a conveyor belt, i.e. the docking stations 151 and 161 may comprise a conveyor belt and may further be configured to transfer the deck between the conveyor belt and a self-propelled handler in communication with the respective sample processing devices 150 and 160.

[0099] As illustrated in Figure 1 , individual sets of biological samples 101 , 102, 103 and 104 may be transferred between the sample processing devices 150,160 and the self-propelled handlers 172, 173, in particular the decks 182, 183. In general, according to several examples of the present disclosure, it shall be noted that Individual sets of biological samples may be transferred in any docking station, i.e. also in each of the docking stations 111 , 121 , 131 and 141. In general, according to several examples of the present disclosure, individual sets of biological samples may be delivered from a deck to a docking station, i.e. to a target docking station or a target sample processing device associated with the target docking station, in a coordinated order, for example according to scheduled and / or to be scheduled sample processing at the target sample processingdevice. I.e., a sequence in which individual sets of biological samples are transferred to a target docking station can be controlled based on a processing state at the associated target sample processing device. Hence, when delivering individual sets of biological samples to a sample processing device, already an order in which biological samples may be processed at the sample processing device can be considered.

[0100] Further, individual sets of biological samples may be received from a sample processing device and at a deck, i.e. at a target deck or target self-propelled handler carrying the target deck, in a coordinated order, for example according to one or more sample processing devices or according to an order of one or more sample processing devices, to which the target self-propelled handler will then travel for transferring biological samples. I.e., a sequence in which individual sets of biological samples are received at a target deck can be controlled based on processing states and / or available resources and / or an availability of processing equipment of one or more following or subsequent sample processing devices, i.e. next sample processing devices in a biological sample workflow. Hence, when receiving individual sets of biological samples at a deck, already an order in which biological samples may be delivered from the deck to following or subsequent sample processing devices for further processing in the biological sample workflow can be considered.

[0101] The individual sets of biological samples 101 , 102, 103 and 104 may be coordinated by the controller 190. In particular, the controller 190 may determine which biological samples will be included in an individual set. Individual sets of biological samples may differ in size, i.e. in an amount of biological samples and / or in the types of biological samples. It shall be noted for reasons of understandability that how particularly, i.e. by use of which specific algorithms for example, a determination of biological samples into several sets is performed, does not form part of the present disclosure.

[0102] The controller 190 may coordinate individual sets of biological samples based on, for example, processing equipment associated with a sample processing device. In particular, processing equipment are indicative of numbers of biological samples that are able to be processed within predetermined time periods at a certain sample processing device. For example, the controller 190 may control a number of biological samples within one individual set based on the processing equipment and / or the processing state of the sample processing device.

[0103] The controller 190 may further be configured to schedule resources within the diagnostic LAS 100 and to coordinate, based on the scheduled resources, a transport of the decks 181 , 182 and 183 comprising one or more (not shown) biological samples to one or more of the docking stations of the docking stations 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 and 161 .

[0104] The controller 190 may further be configured to obtain, from the target docking station, one or more of processing state information indicative of the processing state and availability information indicative of an availability of processing equipment of a respective sample processing device.

[0105] The controller 190 may further be configured to coordinate the self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174 further based on at least one of a priority of the biological samples, a speed of the self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174, an amount of biological samples on the deck 181 , 182 and 183, a throughput and turnaround time of the sample processing devices 110, 120, 130,140, 150 and 160, an amount of time for the docking stations 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 and 161 to receive at least part of the biological samples from the decks 181 , 182 and 183, an amount of time for the docking stations 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 and 161 to deliver biological samples to the decks 181 , 182 and 183, and an amount of time for the docking stations 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 and 161 to transfer a deck to / from a self-propelled handler.

[0106] The controller 190 may further be configured to simultaneously coordinate and / or jointly coordinate one or more transports of one or more decks 181 , 182 and 183 comprising one or more biological samples by one or more self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174 to one or more docking stations 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 and 161 .

[0107] Illustrated in Figure 1 as an example, the sample processing devices 110 and 120 may represent automated laboratory systems for pre / post analytics, priority testing, and routine testing (device 110 for priority testing and device 120 for routine testing for example). The sample processing device 130 as another example for an automated laboratory system may, in the following, be referred to as sample banking device, which may provide pre / post analytics and building and managing a sample bank, and may comprise a bulk loader, tube robot, and AH Docking for example. The sample processing device 140 may represent a standalone laboratory instrument and may be referred to as a sample storage device for offline storage and post analytics, which allows processed samples to be placed in remote storage locations where they may be recalled, brought back to LAS Analytics, if add-on testing is ordered for example. The sample processing devices 150 and 160 may represent further examples for automated laboratory systems and may be referred to in the following as workcells, which may comprise a Rack Handler, an ISE Module, Chemistry Module(s), and an Immunoassay Module for example. However, it shall further be noted that the components of the diagnostic LAS 100 according to Figure 1 are not limited to these example devices.

[0108] The diagnostic LAS 100 may be connected to another LAS and the self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174 may also transfer biological samples at docking stations in the another LAS.

[0109] Referring to the sample processing devices as illustrated in Figure 1 in more detail, according to several examples of the present disclosure, the following specific examples are to be considered.

[0110] Namely, a deck carried by a self-propelled handler may engage with a deck lift mechanism or a deck lift and locate mechanism of a docking station. Then, the deck may be lifted from the self- propelled handler within the docking station or at a side of the corresponding sample processing device by use of electromagnetic actuators for example, which form part of the deck lift mechanism. The deck may be located by the lifting action. Moreover, a deck may house different types of racks, depending on an application of the deck. Further, a deck may have a hot-swap port for identification of the deck, for example at a self-propelled handler or at a docking station, for communications, for example with a self-propelled handler or with a docking station, for calibration of the deck, and / or for active components, like a rack locate / release mechanism with RFID identification capabilities, and / or a rack handling and conveyors to facilitate rack loading to a rack based analyzer for example.

[0111] Furthermore, a deck may have a capability of transporting about 400 tubes.

[0112] A deck transferred to a docking station may remain or may be stored at the docking station for a predetermined time period, so a self-propelled handler previously provided the now stored deck may carry another deck.

[0113] A deck may be suitable for racks used in the diagnostic LAS 100, in particular for racks used in the devices 110 to 160 as shown in Figure 1 for example. A deck may be of a substantial rectangular shape and may approximately be of a size of about 450mm x 450mm. Furthermore, a deck may be an active deck for workcell rack transfers. Such deck may transfer racks to / from workcells, wherein a size of such deck may be about 405mm x 390mm. A deck may further transfer racks from one or more of the devices 110 to 140 as shown in Figure 1 to / from workcells 150 and 160 as shown in Figure 1 for example, and / or third-party racks to / from the devices 110 to 160 as shown in Figure 1 for example.

[0114] Moreover, a self-propelled handler may be of a size of about 500mm in width, 500mm in depth and 700mm in height.

[0115] According to several examples of the present disclosure, one sample banking device 130, as an example for an automated laboratory system, may process (pre / post-analytics processes) 1200 biological samples per hour, hence up to three fully loaded decks per hour, by assuming a deck capability of about 400 biological samples. An estimated deck swap time for a self-propelled handler may be 40s (i.e. two times 20s), if this is done three times an hour, the reduction in throughput may be about 40 biological samples (or tubes). An estimated velocity of a self-propelled handler may be about 1 .2m / s, wherein the self-propelled handler may transfer 400 biological samples on a deck from one sample processing device to another sample processing device at that velocity. A distance of about 50m would then be traversed in less than two minutes. In particular, 20 seconds for the self- propelled handler to undock from a docking station, plus 42 seconds to travel to the another docking station, plus 20 seconds to dock to the another docking station, equals 82 seconds. Hence, the sample banking device input with such self-propelled handler may have a cumulative throughput like: For one sample banking device input with such self-propelled handler of about 1200 biological samples (tubes) per hour, about 2400 biological samples (tubes) per hour for two sample banking device input, and about 3600 biological samples (tubes) per hour for three sample banking device input.

[0116] According to several examples of the present disclosure, a deck having active functionalities, i.e. an active deck, may engage with a rack conveyor mechanism at (a docking station of) a workcell. An active deck may in general be understood as representing a deck with elements available at the deck, which the deck (or the self-propelled handler carrying the deck) can actively control. The active functionalities of the deck may be powered by hot-swap or near-field power on a rack conveyor for example (or any suitable power source available at a docking station for example). A communication of the active deck may be facilitated by the hot-swap or near-field power on a rack conveyor for example. In more detail, an active deck may house different types of workcell racks and may have a hot-swap port for identification, communication, calibration and / or active components. An active deck may have rack locate and / or rack release mechanisms with rack bar code scanning capabilities forexample. An active deck may have rack handling and / or conveyors to facilitate rack loading to a rack-based analyzer.

[0117] Referring now to Figure 2, Figure 2 shows a flow chart indicative of a method according to several examples of the present disclosure.

[0118] The method is for distributing biological samples within a diagnostic LAS 100, wherein the diagnostic LAS 100 comprises one or more docking stations 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 and 161 each associated a respective sample processing device 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 and 160. Each docking station 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 and 161 is configured to receive one or more decks 181 , 182 and 183 from one or more self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174 and / or to deliver one or more decks 181 , 182 and 183 for transferring biological samples to one or more self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174. The diagnostic LAS 100 further comprises one or more self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174 configured to transport the one or more decks 181 , 182 and 183 to at least one of the docking stationl 11 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 and 161 : wherein the one or more decks 181 , 182 and 183 are configured to hold biological samples to be processed by the corresponding one or more sample processing devices 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 and 160.

[0119] The method starts in S200.

[0120] In S210, the method comprises controlling, based on the resources information indicative of scheduled resources within the diagnostic LAS 100, a transport of a target deck comprising one or more target biological samples by a target self-propelled handler of the one or more self-propelled handlers 171 , 172, 173 and 174 to a target docking station of the one or more docking stations 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 and 161.

[0121] In S220, the method comprises controlling a sequence in which sets 101 , 102, 103 and 104 of target biological samples of the one or more target biological samples are transferred to the target docking station, based on processing state information and availability information, wherein the processing state information is indicative of a processing state of the target docking station and the availability information is indicative of an availability of processing equipment of the respective sample processing device associated with the target docking station.

[0122]

[0123] The steps S210 and S220 may be performed in parallel, or step S210 before step S220, or step S220 before step S210.

[0124] The method ends in S230.

[0125] The steps S210 and S220 may be computer implemented.

[0126] Referring now to Figure 3, Figure 3 shows a block diagram schematically illustrating a data processing apparatus 300 according to several examples of the present disclosure. In particular, according to several examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a data processing apparatus 300 for participating in distributing biological samples within a diagnostic LAS, for example such diagnostic LAS 100 as outlined above with reference to Figure 1 . The data processing apparatus 300 comprises a processor 301 being configured to carry out the method or method steps according to Figure 2 for example.

[0127] In more detail, according to various examples, a data processing apparatus 300 being configured to carry out the method of Figure 2 may comprise a processing circuitry, a processing function, a processing means, a processing unit or a processor 301 , which enables the data processing apparatus 300 to participating in distributing biological samples within a diagnostic LAS. The processor 301 may comprise one or more processing portions or functions, wherein the processing portions or functions may be provided as one or more physical or virtual entities. The data processing apparatus 300 may comprise one or more communication interfaces 302. The data processing apparatus 300 may further comprise a memory or memory unit 303 for storing data, programs and / or instructions to be executed by the processor. The memory 303 may be a memory internal to the data processing apparatus 300 or may be a memory external to the data processing apparatus 300, for example at a cloud server. The processor 301 may comprise one or more portions, which enable the data processing apparatus 300 to execute the method of Figure 2, for example. According to several examples of the present disclosure, a controlling portion 310 may be configured to perform such controlling according to S210 of Figure 2, and a controlling portion 320 may be configured to perform such controlling according to S220 of Figure 2.

[0128] The data processing apparatus 300 may represent and / or function as such controller 190 as outlined above with reference to Figure 1 .

[0129] According to various examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to carry out one or more of the method steps of the method according to Figure 2. The computer program product may comprise a computer-readable medium comprising instructions of the computer program product.

[0130] According to various examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer- readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to carry out one or more of the method steps of the method according to Figure 2. The computer-readable medium may be transitory or non-transitory, volatile or non-volatile. The computer-readable medium may have stored thereon the above-mentioned computer program product.

[0131] According to various examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a use of at least one of the diagnostic LAS 100 according to Figure 1 , the method according to Figure 2, the data processing apparatus according to Figure 3, the above-mentioned computer program product, and the above-mentioned computer-readable medium.

[0132] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the claims.

[0133] As used herein, the word ‘‘comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a" or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of thesemeasures cannot be used to advantage. Further, as used herein, the phrase “at least one” or similar, e.g., “one or more of, in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entities in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that such entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase “at least one” or similar refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B” or, equivalently "at least one of A and / or B” or, equivalently “one or more of A and B”, “one or more of A or B”, or “one or more of A and / or B”) may refer, in one example, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another example, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another example, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In otherwords, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and / or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.

[0134] As used herein, the phrase “being indicative of’ may for example mean “reflecting” and / or “comprising”. Accordingly, an entity, element and / or step referred to herein as “being indicative of [...]” can be synonymously or interchangeably used herein with one, two or all of said entity, element and / or step “comprising [...]” and said entity, element and / or step “reflecting [...]”.

[0135] Further, as used herein, phrases such as “based on”, “related” or “relating”, “associated” and similar are not to be seen exclusively in terms of the entities, elements and / or steps to which they are referring, unless otherwise stated. Instead, these phrases are to be understood inclusively, unless otherwise stated, in that, for example, an entity, element or step referring by any of these phrases or similar, e.g., being “based on”, an or another entity, element or step, does not exclude that the respective entity, element or step may be further or also “based on” any other entity, element or step than the one to which it refers.

[0136] Any designation of methods and steps as first, second, etc. as provided herein is merely intended to make the methods and their steps referenceable and distinguishable from one another. By no means does the designation of methods and steps constitute a limitation of the scope of this disclosure. For example, when this disclosure describes a third step of a method, a first or second step of the method do not need to be present yet alone be performed before the third step unless they are explicitly referred to as being required per se or before the third step. Moreover, the presentation of methods or steps in a certain order is merely intended to facilitate one example of this disclosure and by no means constitutes a limitation of the scope of this disclosure. Generally, unless no explicitly required order is being mentioned, the methods and steps may be carried out inany feasible order. Specifically, the terms first, second, third or (a), (b), (c) and the like in the description and in the claims are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0137] In the context of the present invention any numerical value indicated is typically associated with an interval of accuracy that the person skilled in the art will understand to still ensure the technical effect of the feature in question. As used herein, the deviation from the indicated numerical value is in the range of ± 10%, and preferably of ± 5%. The aforementioned deviation from the indicated numerical interval of ± 10%, and preferably of ± 5% is also indicated by the terms “about” and “approximately” used herein with respect to a numerical value.

[0138] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

Claims1 . A diagnostic Laboratory Automation System, LAS, (100), comprising: a. one or more docking stations (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161 ) each associated with a respective sample processing device (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160), wherein each docking station (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161 ) is configured to receive one or more decks (181 , 182, 183) from one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174) and / or to deliver one or more decks (181 , 182, 183) to one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174); b. one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174) configured to transport the one or more decks (181 , 182, 183) to at least one of the docking stations (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161): wherein the one or more decks (181 , 182, 183) are configured to hold biological samples to be processed by the corresponding one or more sample processing devices (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160); and c. a controller (190; 191 , 192, 193, 194) configured to: i. coordinate, based on resources information indicative of scheduled resources within the diagnostic LAS (100), a transport of a target deck comprising one or more target biological samples by a target self-propelled handler of the one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174) to a target docking station of the one or more docking stations (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161 ), ii. control a sequence in which sets (101 , 102, 103, 104) of target biological samples of the one or more target biological samples are transferred to the target docking station, based on processing state information and availability information, wherein the processing state information is indicative of a processing state of the target docking station and the availability information is indicative of an availability of processing equipment of the respective sample processing device associated with the target docking station.

2. The diagnostic LAS (100) according to claim 1 , wherein at least one docking station of the one or more docking stations (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161 ) is configured to participate in a biological sample workflow comprising a biological sample supply step, a pre-analytical processing step, an analytical processing step, and / or a post-analytical processing step.

3. The diagnostic LAS (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a docking station of the one or more docking stations (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161 ) is further configured to at least one of lift a deck (181 , 182, 183) from a self-propelled handler (171 , 172, 173, 174), transfer a deck (181 , 182, 183) to a self-propelled handler (171 , 172, 173, 174), transfer a deck (181 , 182, 183) from a self-propelled handler (171 , 172, 173, 174), communicate with a deck (181 , 182, 183) via near field communication, transfer power to a deck (181 , 182, 183),communicate with a deck (181 , 182, 183) about parameters of the deck (181 , 182, 183), the parameters comprising at least one of a size of the deck (181 , 182, 183), an information regarding the spatial arrangement of biological samples held on the deck (181 , 182, 183), and an array of biological sample IDs regarding the biological samples held on the deck (181 , 182, 183), and receive a deck (181 , 182, 183), which comprises at least one calibration feature, and, by using the at least one calibration feature, position the deck (181 , 182, 183) such in relation to the docking station that the two- or three-dimensional location of one or more biological samples held on the deck (181 , 182, 183) can be determined in relation to the spatial coordinates of the docking station.

4. The diagnostic LAS (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more docking stations (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161 ) provide a respective deck transfer location between at least one of the decks (181 , 182, 183) and at least one of a biological sample supply device, a pre-analytical processing device, an analytical processing device, and a post-analytical processing device.

5. The diagnostic LAS (100) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein a docking station of the one or more docking stations (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161) is further configured to move a deck(181 , 182, 183) perpendicular to a surface of the deck (181 , 182, 183) on which biological samples are arrangeable, for transferring the deck (181 , 182, 183) to a self-propelled handler (171 , 172, 173, 174) and / or for transferring the deck (181 , 182, 183) from a self-propelled handler (171 , 172, 173, 174).

6. The diagnostic LAS (100) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein a docking station of the one or more docking stations (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161) is further configured to move a biological sample parallel to a surface of a deck (181 , 182, 183) on which the biological sample is arrangeable, for removing the biological sample from the deck (181 , 182, 183), for transferring the biological sample to the deck (181 , 182, 183), for transferring the biological sample from the respective sample processing device (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160), which is associated with the at least one docketing station and / or for transferring the biological sample to the respective sample processing device (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160), which is associated with the at least one docketing station.

7. The diagnostic LAS (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein a docking station of the one or more docking stations (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161 ) further comprises a conveyor belt and is further configured to transfer a deck (181 , 182, 183) from the conveyor belt to a self-propelled handler (171 , 172, 173, 174) and / or to transfer a deck (181 , 182, 183) to the conveyor belt from a self-propelled handler (171 , 172, 173, 174) in communication with the respective sample processing device.

8. The diagnostic LAS (100) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller (190; 191 , 192, 193, 194) comprises one or both of the following:- a control unit (190) external to the one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174),- several handler control units (191 , 192, 193, 194) configured to coordinate the one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174), and wherein each handler control unit of the several handler control units (191 , 192, 193, 194) is arranged in a respective self-propelled handler of the one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174), and wherein the several handler control units (191 , 192, 193, 194) are communicatively connected with each other.

9. The diagnostic LAS (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one self-propelled handler of the one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174) is further configured to transfer the decks (181 , 182, 183) between at least one of the one or more docking stations (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161 ) of the diagnostic LAS (100) and at least one docking station of a further diagnostic LAS, the further diagnostic LAS comprising one or more docking stations.

10. The diagnostic LAS (100) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processing equipment is indicative of numbers of biological samples that are able to be processed within predetermined time periods.

11. The diagnostic LAS (100) according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the controller (190; 191 , 192, 193, 194) is further configured to coordinate a movement of the one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174) based on at least one of: the processing state information, the availability information, the resources information, a processing priority of at least one biological sample, a speed of the target self-propelled handler, an amount of target biological samples on the target deck, a throughput and turnaround time of the sample processing device corresponding to the target docking station, an amount of time for the target docking station to receive at least part of the target biological samples from the target deck, an amount of time for the target docking station to deliver biological samples to the target deck, and an amount of time for the target docking station to exchange for the target self-propelled handler the target deck by another deck.

12. The diagnostic LAS (100) according to any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the controller (190;191 , 192, 193, 194) is further configured to simultaneously coordinate and / or jointly coordinate one or more transports of one or more target decks comprising one or more target biological samples by one or more target self-propelled handlers to one or more target docking stations.

13. The diagnostic LAS (100) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the controller (190; 191 , 192, 193, 194) is further configured to further coordinate the one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174) based on available processing equipment of the one or more sample processing devices (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) associated with a respective docking station (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161 ) of the diagnostic LAS (100).

14. The diagnostic LAS (100) of claim 1 , wherein the controller (190; 191 , 192, 193, 194) is further configured to obtain, from the target docking station, one or more of the processing state information and the availability information.

15. The diagnostic LAS (100) of claim 1 , wherein the controller (190; 191 , 192, 193, 194) is further configured to schedule resources within the diagnostic LAS (100).

16. A method for distributing biological samples within a diagnostic Laboratory Automation System, LAS, (100) wherein the diagnostic LAS (100) comprises: a) one or more docking stations (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161 ) each associated with a respective sample processing device (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160), wherein each docking station (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161) is configured to receive one or more decks (181 , 182, 183) from one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174) and / or to deliver one or more decks (181 , 182, 183) for transferring biological samples to one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174) ; and b) one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174) configured to transport the one or more decks (181 , 182, 183) to at least one of the docking stations (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161): wherein the one or more decks (181 , 182, 183) are configured to hold biological samples to be processed by the corresponding one or more sample processing devices (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160); the method comprising: c) by means of a controller of the diagnostic LAS (100), i. controlling, based on the resources information indicative of scheduled resources within the diagnostic LAS (100), a transport of a target deck comprising one or more target biological samples by a target self-propelled handler of the one or more self-propelled handlers (171 , 172, 173, 174) to a target docking station of the one or more docking stations (111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161 ), ii. controlling a sequence in which sets (101 , 102, 103, 104) of target biological samples of the one or more target biological samples are transferred to the target docking station, based on processing state information and availabilityinformation, wherein the processing state information is indicative of a processing state of the target docking station and the availability information is indicative of an availability of processing equipment of the respective sample processing device associated with the target docking station.

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