Automatic Instrument Software Installation via Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation and setup of instruments like chromatography systems, filter systems, and bioreactors, which require specific software and external computer devices for control and monitoring, are time-consuming and require significant user knowledge, and often necessitate dedicated infrastructure and frequent software updates.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for automatic installation and setup, where an instrument connects to a service software system via a communication interface, sends identification information, receives and installs low-level control software components, and integrates with high-level control software for monitoring and control, allowing for centralized updates and remote access through any device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specific control software is installed in a dedicated computer connected to the instrument, then the instrument can be controlled and monitored, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires significant user knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument control and monitoring capabilityVSAvoidinstallation and setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument performs self-configuration by automatically receiving and installing control software components from a server based on its identification information, eliminating the need for manual software installation and configuration by the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control software components are prepared and stored on a server in advance, allowing the instrument to automatically retrieve and install the appropriate software during initial setup, rather than requiring manual installation procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If specific control software is installed in a dedicated computer, then the instrument can be controlled and monitored, but the infrastructure required consumes lab space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument control and monitoring capabilityVSAvoidlab space required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control software is designed to run on various devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, PCs) through a web browser interface, eliminating the need for a dedicated computer and allowing users to control the instrument from any device with internet connectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control software is extracted from a dedicated computer requirement and delivered as downloadable components to the instrument, while the user interface is accessed remotely through web browsers on various devices, removing the need for physical dedicated computing infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If control software is installed locally on a dedicated computer, then the instrument can be controlled, but software updates require user intervention and are time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument control capabilityVSAvoidsoftware update process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument automatically checks for software updates by communicating with the server, and the server provides feedback about available updates, enabling automatic download and installation of new software versions without user intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Software updates are prepared and stored on the server in advance, allowing the instrument to automatically retrieve and install updates when connected, rather than requiring manual download and installation by the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11321065B2Method and a system for installation of an instrument

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 CYTIVA SWEDEN AB

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for automatic installation and setting up of an instrument (1), comprising the steps of: connecting (S1) the instrument (1) to a service software system (15) in a network (19) via a first communication interface (6); sending (S3) identification information (5) of the instrument (1) from the instrument to the service software system (15) via the first communication interface (6); recognizing (S5) in the service software system (15) at least one characteristic of the instrument (1) by analyzing the identification information (5); based on said at least one characteristic or identification information, creating (S7) by the service software system (15) dedicated high level control software (25) comprising parts of the control software needed for the instrument; based on said at least one characteristic or identification information, sending (S9) to the instrument (1) from the service software system (15) software to enable a second communication interface (16), and low level control software components needed for local control of the instrument, installing (S11) and configuring in the instrument the low level control software components received from the service software system; starting (S13) a built-in control software (9) in the instrument; using the (S15) the built-in control software in the instrument to access the high level control software dedicated for the instrument via the first, or a second communication interface (16), said built-in control software using the low level control software to monitor and control the instrument.