Laboratory Automation Monitoring via Simulation State Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory automation devices experience unexpected behavior due to multiple translation steps from assay definition data to firmware commands, leading to potential errors in executing assay protocols, which can compromise the reliability and security of the automation process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a simulation model of the laboratory automation device is created, where digital control commands are translated into virtual processing states, allowing for the comparison of desired and actual processing states to ensure correct execution of assay protocols, using a monitoring software module that updates the simulation model based on control commands and state messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple translation steps from assay definition data to firmware commands are used, then the automation capability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unexpected behavior and potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a simulation model that predicts the processing state before actual execution. The simulation model is updated with control commands in advance, allowing the system to forecast the intended processing state and compare it with the actual state, thereby detecting errors before they affect the final result.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system that acts as a mediator between the control commands and the actual device execution. This monitoring system includes a simulation model that translates control commands into expected processing states, serving as an intermediate verification layer to ensure reliability without reducing automation.
2Reliability
If a monitoring system is added to verify assay execution, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a virtual simulation model that replicates the processing states of the actual laboratory automation device. Instead of adding complex physical monitoring hardware, the system uses a software-based copy of the device's operational states to verify execution, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing physical device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring and comparison of processing states is implemented, then the error detection capability is improved, but the use of energy and computational resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively monitoring and comparing specific processing states that are critical for assay execution rather than all possible states. The simulation model updates and comparisons focus on key parameters where errors are most likely to occur, thereby maintaining high error detection capability while reducing unnecessary computational resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A laboratory automation device (10) includes a plurality of device components (14, 16), which are controlled by digital control commands (26). The digital control commands (26) are generated by a controller (20) of the laboratory automation device (10) from assay definition data (38) defining an assay procedure for the laboratory automation device (10).