Flowchart-Based Autoverification Interface for Laboratory Test Results
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory information systems are difficult for laboratory technicians to use for creating and understanding autoverification rules, as they require text-based programming languages that are awkward and hard to follow, and do not adequately support the workflow associated with autoverification processes, such as rerunning tests or ordering additional testing.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system with a graphical user interface that allows users to create autoverification rules using flowcharts, comprising start, decision, and action nodes, facilitating the definition and execution of workflows for validating and managing laboratory test results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If text-based programming languages are used for creating autoverification rules, then the system can automatically evaluate and validate test results, but the system becomes difficult for laboratory technicians to use and understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces text-based programming languages with a graphical user interface featuring flowchart-based rule creation. Instead of requiring technicians to write and parse text code, the system uses visual drag-and-drop components, graphical nodes, and intuitive icons to represent autoverification logic. This substitution of mechanical/text-based interaction with graphical interaction resolves the contradiction by maintaining full automation capability while dramatically improving ease of use for non-programming users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of logical structures through flowchart diagrams that mirror the actual autoverification process flow. Each graphical element (decision nodes, action nodes, connectors) represents a copy of a logical operation in visual form, making the automated rules transparent and understandable to technicians without requiring them to interpret text-based code. This visual copying bridges the gap between automated functionality and user comprehension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If text-based programming languages are used for autoverification rules, then the system can execute complex validation logic, but the rules become awkward and hard to follow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional text-based rule representation to two-dimensional flowchart visualization. By arranging validation logic elements spatially in a graphical interface with nodes positioned in meaningful locations and connected through visual pathways, the system preserves complex validation capabilities while adding a visual dimension that enhances traceability and understanding. The flowchart layout allows technicians to see the entire validation logic structure at once rather than scrolling through text code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments complex autoverification rules into discrete, visually distinct components represented as separate nodes in the flowchart (decision nodes, action nodes, input nodes). Each node represents a specific validation step or logic operation, allowing technicians to understand and troubleshoot individual segments of the validation process independently. This segmentation maintains the complexity needed for versatile validation while improving understandability through modular visual representation.
3Reliability
If traditional laboratory information systems are used, then test results can be validated, but the workflow for rerunning tests and ordering additional testing is not adequately supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the graphical flowchart system to be universally applicable to multiple workflow scenarios beyond basic validation. The same visual node-based interface supports not only test result validation but also automated rerunning of tests, ordering of additional testing, and other laboratory workflow tasks. By making the graphical interface multi-functional, the system maintains reliable validation capabilities while seamlessly integrating additional workflow management functions that improve ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of autoverifying clinical test results comprises displaying an autoverification process as a flowchart on a graphical user interface. The autoverification process is defined by a plurality of nodes and a plurality of edges connecting the nodes. The autoverification process is configured to evaluate a result and determine if the test result meets a predetermined criteria. The method further comprises receiving the test result and automatically performing the autoverification process on the test result. A system for creating and implementing the autoverification processes comprises a graphical user interface configured to display the autoverification process as a flowchart. The system includes an input configured to receive the clinical test result from a laboratory analyzer. The system also includes a processor configured to analyze the clinical test result according to the defined autoverification process.