Chromatography Workflow Setup With Visual Task Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chromatography workflows are complex and require significant user experience to set up due to modular representation of device settings, difficult inter-module scheduling, and lack of optimization tools, especially in sophisticated applications like tandem or 2D chromatography, leading to inefficient cycle times and throughput.
Innovation Solution
A method for setting up chromatography workflows using subroutines with defined start times and durations, displayed in a visual format to facilitate understanding and synchronization, allowing automated synchronization and optimization of instrument tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modular representation of device settings is used in method editors, then individual module configuration is simplified, but overall system complexity and synchronization difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the chromatography system into modular device settings (pump, autosampler, detector, etc.), each configurable on dedicated method editor pages. This allows users to simplify individual module configuration while the system automatically handles the complexity of inter-module synchronization through a workflow engine that manages task dependencies and timing across modules.
2Device complexity
If tabular representation of workflow operations is used, then scheduling commands are structured, but inter-module scheduling dependencies become difficult to visualize and manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional tabular workflow representation to a visual timeline-based Gantt chart view. This dimensional change allows users to see inter-module scheduling dependencies in time-space relationships, making it easier to understand and manage parallel and sequential operations across different chromatography modules while maintaining structured workflow control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual composition of task execution scripts is required for tandem workflows, then workflow flexibility is high, but user experience requirement and setup time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through an automated workflow engine that generates and optimizes task execution scripts based on user-defined workflow parameters and boundary conditions. The system automatically handles the complex scripting required for tandem workflows, including parallel task coordination and synchronization, while maintaining high flexibility. Users simply configure their desired workflow using the visual editor, and the system generates the appropriate execution scripts without requiring manual programming expertise.
4Ease of operation
If traditional method editors are used without optimization tools, then setup process is straightforward, but workflow efficiency and detector uptime cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through automated workflow optimization tools that analyze workflow configurations and provide recommendations for improving efficiency and detector uptime. The system calculates optimal timing parameters, identifies bottlenecks in the chromatography workflow, and suggests adjustments to maximize productivity while maintaining ease of setup through the visual editor interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for setting up a workflow for a chromatography system, wherein the workflow comprises a plurality of workflow parameters, the method comprising providing subroutines of the workflow; providing at least one boundary condition for at least one workflow parameter; assigning a duration and a start time to each of the subroutines; and generating the workflow by combining the subroutines. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a chromatography system and a computer program product.