Laboratory Data Management System with Format-Independent Adapter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory data management systems face challenges in managing data from diverse lab devices, including different communication formats, scalability, customization, data security, privacy, and accessibility, especially as lab configurations become more complex.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer laboratory data management system is introduced, comprising a data source layer, a data adapter layer that converts data into a format-independent format, a consumer layer for application software installation, and a data management layer that stores and processes data for efficient access and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lab devices from different manufacturers are integrated, then data diversity and functionality are improved, but data format compatibility and system complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data adapter layer as an intermediary component between lab devices and the data management system. This layer includes format converters that translate various manufacturer-specific data formats into a unified internal format, enabling diverse devices to be integrated without increasing core system complexity. The adapter handles protocol translation and data normalization, isolating format diversity from the central system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct functional layers: data source layer (lab devices), data adapter layer (format converters), data management layer (centralized processing), and consumer layer (application software). This segmentation allows each layer to handle specific concerns independently, with the adapter layer managing format diversity while the central system maintains a simplified, unified data representation model.
2Ease of operation
If centralized data management is implemented, then data accessibility and standardization are improved, but data security and privacy risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The data adapter layer acts as a secure intermediary between lab devices and the centralized management system. It establishes controlled data exchange points that authenticate devices and validate data before transmission to the central system, creating a security buffer that prevents direct access to sensitive data while maintaining centralized management capabilities.
3Productivity
If data storage and processing capabilities are enhanced, then data utilization and analytics are improved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts data processing and analytics functionality from the central management system and places it in the consumer layer through application-specific software. This allows customized processing capabilities to be added without affecting the core system architecture. The data management layer simply stores and provides access to raw data, while processing logic is isolated in application-specific modules that can be independently developed and maintained.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a laboratory data management system 100 comprising a data source layer 10 comprising at least one laboratory device 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 as a data source, a data adapter layer 20 comprising at least one data source agent 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 configured to obtain data from the at least one data source and to convert the data from a data source format to a data-source independent format, a consumer layer 30 configured for installation and/or execution of consumer application software 31, 32, 33, 34, and a data management layer 40 between the data adapter layer 20 and the consumer layer 30. The data management layer 40 comprises a data storage 50 configured to store data 1-n converted by the at least one data source agent 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, at least one data manager 41, 42, 43, 44 programmed to execute instructions from the consumer application software 31, 32, 33, 34, which when executed cause the at least one data manager 41, 42, 43, 44 to select application-specific data in the data storage 50 and to make them accessible to a consumer via the consumer application software 31, 32, 33, 34 in a consumer format.