Cloud Liquid-Handler Protocol Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handling liquids in a laboratory is typically error-prone and inefficient due to mistakes in implementing liquid-handler protocols, leading to inefficiencies and potential waste of samples.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that stores laboratory applications on a cloud server, allowing for selection and execution of protocols on scientific devices, with admin configurations and user interfaces to manage batches and samples, reducing human error and increasing efficiency through automated data handling and sample tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual liquid-handler protocols are used, then flexibility in protocol implementation is maintained, but human error increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements digital copies of liquid-handler protocols that can be automatically executed by the system. These digital protocol copies replace manual procedures, ensuring consistent and accurate execution without human intervention, thereby improving reliability while reducing manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated digital control systems. The liquid-handler system uses computer-controlled mechanisms to execute protocols, substituting human hands and actions with automated mechanical and digital systems, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining protocol flexibility.
2Productivity
If automated liquid-handler protocols are implemented, then efficiency increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the liquid-handler system into modular components with distinct functions. The system is divided into protocol management modules, execution modules, and monitoring modules, each handling specific tasks independently. This segmentation allows for efficient automation while keeping individual components manageable and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal liquid-handler system that can execute multiple protocol types through a single integrated platform. The system uses a standardized interface and control mechanism that works across different applications, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems for each function, thereby improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If manual sample tracking is performed, then flexibility in sample management is maintained, but error rate increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms that automatically track sample location, status, and processing history. The system continuously monitors and records sample information, providing immediate feedback on tracking status. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual tracking errors and time consumption while maintaining flexibility in sample management through configurable tracking parameters.
4Adaptability or versatility
If archived samples are stored indefinitely, then sample availability is maintained, but waste increases due to inability to reintroduce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static archived sample storage system into a dynamic system that allows samples to be reintroduced based on changing research needs. The system uses configurable storage conditions and retrieval mechanisms that can be activated or deactivated as required, enabling flexible sample management that prevents waste by allowing reintroduction of archived samples when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A server stores a set of laboratory applications to process batches of samples. The server receives, from a first lab administrator, a selection of a subset of the laboratory applications to process the batches of samples and an admin configuration for a laboratory application in the subset. The server receives configuration(s) of batch(es) to be used for running at least a portion of the subset of laboratory applications configured according to the admin configuration. The server receives, from a first scientific device, a request to run a laboratory application form the first subset to process a batch. The server provides the laboratory application(s) that are capable of being executed using the first scientific device. The server receives, from the first scientific device, a selected laboratory application. The server transmits, to the first scientific device, a signal for executing a first part of the selected laboratory application.