Lab Device Workflow Management via Server Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers for biological samples lack efficient workflow management and communication between connected and unconnected lab devices, leading to inefficiencies in sample analysis and user workflow execution.
Innovation Solution
An analysis system comprising connected and unconnected lab devices, a server computer, and mobile devices that utilize user and device identifiers to determine and communicate workflow steps, allowing for seamless execution and tracking of tasks across devices, including unconnected devices like refrigerators, through a workflow management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a centralized server computer is introduced to manage workflows across multiple lab devices, then workflow coordination and task tracking improve, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized server computer acts as an intermediary between multiple lab devices (connected and unconnected), coordinating workflows, assigning tasks, and tracking progress. The server receives device identifiers from lab devices, determines appropriate workflow steps, and sends signaling information back to guide users in executing tasks at the correct devices, thereby improving overall workflow efficiency without requiring direct peer-to-peer communication between devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unconnected lab devices (e.g., refrigerators) are integrated into the workflow system, then device versatility and resource utilization improve, but communication infrastructure requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Unconnected lab devices such as refrigerators are equipped with simple identification components that automatically provide their device identifiers to the server computer when accessed or approached by users. This self-service approach allows these devices to be integrated into the workflow system without requiring complex communication infrastructure or active participation from the devices themselves, maintaining their simplicity while enabling system-wide coordination.
3Reliability
If real-time signaling and communication between server and lab devices are implemented, then workflow tracking and task coordination improve, but data transmission requirements and system resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements signaling on an as-needed basis rather than continuous communication. The server computer sends signaling information to lab devices only when workflow steps require user action, and lab devices transmit their identifiers to the server only when initiating or completing tasks. This periodic communication approach maintains reliable workflow tracking while minimizing energy consumption and data transmission requirements compared to continuous real-time monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis system for analyzing biological samples, such as body fluids, methods implemented by the analysis system, and a computer program product for implementing the analysis system are disclosed. The system may include first and second lab devices, at least one of the lab devices may have a user identification component for identifying a user, a device identification component for identifying the lab device, and an interface component for sending a user identifier of the identified user and a device identifier of the lab device. The system may include a server computer having a server interface component for receiving the user identifier and the device identifier, and a processing component for determining a step of a workflow to be executed by the identified user, wherein the server interface component is operable to send a signal being indicative of a determined workflow to the lab device identified by the device identifier.