Laboratory Automation Device Pairing via Portable Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory automation systems face inefficiencies and user-unfriendliness during installation, particularly in establishing secure connections between transport management systems and various units, often requiring manual identification methods that are error-prone and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a portable device with data processors and wireless communication modules to automatically pair devices and transport systems, using device identification and user input to establish data communication links, thereby streamlining the installation process and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual identification methods are used to establish links between units, then device complexity is reduced, but installation time increases and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic identification and pairing of units without requiring manual user input. The transport management system automatically detects available units, retrieves their identification data, and establishes connections autonomously, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Unit identification data is prepared and stored in advance within the transport management system. Before installation, the system pre-loads necessary identification information and pairing protocols, enabling rapid automatic connection establishment without requiring manual retrieval or configuration during installation
2Loss of time
If manual pairing of devices is required, then system complexity is reduced, but configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pairing operations with automated electronic communication. The transport management system uses wireless data communication modules to automatically transmit pairing requests and confirmations between units, substituting manual physical configuration with automated electronic processes
Solution Approach 2:
The transport management system acts as an intermediary that facilitates automatic pairing between units. It receives identification data from units, processes pairing requests, and coordinates the connection establishment, serving as a mediating software layer that simplifies the pairing mechanism while reducing configuration time
3Measurement precision
If automatic device identification is implemented, then installation accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses identification data copies stored in the transport management system's memory. Instead of requiring complex real-time verification mechanisms, the system stores pre-retrieved identification information (such as unit IDs, locations, and pairing data) in memory buffers, enabling rapid accurate matching without complex verification processes
Solution Approach 2:
The transport management system's identification module serves multiple functions: it stores identification data, retrieves unit information, processes pairing requests, and validates connections. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single universal module rather than requiring separate specialized systems for each identification task
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a laboratory automation system, comprising, a transport system, a plurality of transfer devices; a portable device; and a plurality of data communication modules. The method comprises: receiving device information for the devices in the portable device, the device information being indicative a device identification; receiving a first user input in the portable device, the user input being indicative of a selection of a first device from the plurality of devices; in response to receiving the first user input, pairing the first device with the transport system for data communication in operation of the first device for at least one of sample pre-analytics and sample analysis; and providing first pairing information in the portable device, the first paring information being indicative of the first device and the distribution system being paired successfully. Further, a laboratory automation system and a laboratory in-vitro diagnostics system are provided.