Updatable Context Supplements for Automated Analyzer Results
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analyzers in laboratory environments can produce measurement results that are subject to interpretation errors, leading to potential grave consequences for patients, and existing systems lack effective methods for supplementing these results with context-specific information or updating algorithms regularly.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that obtains measurement results from automated analyzers within a privileged network, processes them using context-related algorithms from outside networks, and generates context-specific supplements, allowing for continuous algorithm updates and integration of private data to enhance result interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated analyzers are used to produce measurement results, then productivity and measurement speed are improved, but the risk of interpretation errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of context-related algorithms and external computer devices that mediate between the automated analyzer and the final interpretation. These algorithms act as a buffer, processing measurement results through multiple layers of validation and context enrichment before reaching the user, thereby reducing direct interpretation errors while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where measurement results are fed back into context-related algorithms for continuous processing. The algorithms generate context-specific supplements that provide feedback on potential errors, anomalies, or additional considerations, allowing the system to self-correct and improve interpretation accuracy without slowing down the measurement process.
2Device complexity
If algorithms are included in instrument software delivered with the instrument, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and update capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the algorithm functionality from the core instrument software. Instead of embedding all algorithms within the instrument's built-in software, the system separates context-related algorithms into external, independently updatable components. This segmentation allows the instrument to maintain simple, stable core software while enabling flexible, continuous updates of algorithms through external sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed algorithms embedded in instrument software to dynamic, updatable algorithms that can be continuously modified. The context-related algorithms are designed to be replaceable and updatable, allowing the system to adapt to changing medical guidelines, patient populations, and analytical requirements without requiring instrument hardware changes or complex software reinstallation.
3Measurement precision
If context-specific supplements are added to measurement results, then measurement precision and interpretability are improved, but device complexity and information overload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by generating context-specific supplements only where needed, rather than uniformly adding information to all measurement results. The context-related algorithms analyze each measurement result and generate targeted supplements based on specific conditions, patient characteristics, or analytical parameters, providing high-value information only when it adds interpretive value and avoiding unnecessary complexity in routine cases.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for supplementing measurement results of automated analyzers is presented, the method including obtaining, at a computer device, a result of a measurement performed by an automated analyzer, the computer device and the automated analyzer being located within a privileged computer network, obtaining a context related algorithm associated with the result of the measurement defining one or more triggering conditions and context related information from a computer device residing outside of the privileged computer network at the computer device and processing the result of the measurement by using the context related algorithm to generate a context specific supplement to the result of the measurement at the computer device.