Bioprocess Automation Visualization for Anticipated Flow Path Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bioprocess automation systems lack intuitive graphical presentations during the design phase, making it difficult for users to visualize results and anticipate the flow path, leading to inefficiencies in managing and optimizing bioprocesses like chromatography, filtration, and bioreactor processes.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a processor and memory to generate graphical presentations of bioprocess automation scripts, allowing users to visualize anticipated results and flow paths, enabling modification of measurement parameters in real-time, and comparing actual versus anticipated outcomes post-execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If bioprocess automation is managed using traditional script-based systems, then automation capability is achieved, but user ability to visualize results and flow paths is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebioprocess automationVSAvoidvisualization of results and flow paths
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the bioprocess automation script through graphical presentations, flow path visualizations, and chart-based interfaces. This allows users to see a graphical replica of the automated process without losing the automation capability, resolving the contradiction between automation extent and information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary visual layer between the automation script and the user. This intermediary graphical interface translates the abstract script commands into visual representations of flow paths and expected results, maintaining automation while preventing loss of visual information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If detailed parameters are provided for bioprocess steps, then process control precision is improved, but user understanding and visualization capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess control precisionVSAvoiduser understanding and visualization
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex bioprocess parameters and automation scripts into discrete visual elements representing individual process steps, flow paths, and parameters. This segmentation allows detailed control precision to be maintained while making the information visually manageable and easier to understand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms one-dimensional textual parameter data into two-dimensional graphical representations with multiple visual dimensions. This dimensionality change allows detailed process control information to be presented in a visually intuitive format that improves user understanding without sacrificing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If bioprocess execution is automated without visual feedback, then execution speed is improved, but user ability to monitor and adjust process deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexecution speedVSAvoiduser ability to monitor and adjust
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements visual feedback mechanisms that continuously display the actual bioprocess execution against the anticipated flow path and results. This feedback system maintains fast automated execution while providing real-time visual monitoring capability, allowing users to see deviations and make adjustments without slowing down the core automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3289416B1System and method for user intuitive visual management of automation of bioprocess
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 CYTIVA SWEDEN AB
  • EP3289416B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3289416B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3289416B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A system for providing an improved way of user intuitive visual management of bioprocess automation is disclosed. The system includes a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to present a graphical presentation of the bioprocess automation script and results associated with execution of the bioprocess automation script of a bioprocess, wherein the graphical presentation comprises an anticipated result and an anticipated flow path associated with the bioprocess; and modify the graphical presentation by varying at least one of the anticipated result and the anticipated flow path.