Automated Lab Error Recovery via Custom Routines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated laboratory systems face challenges in error handling due to increased complexity and diversity, leading to mechanical and software failures, sample loss, and downtime, with existing error recovery methods being inadequate for complex systems.
Innovation Solution
The system allows operators to select, create, and share customized error recovery routines through a graphical user interface, enabling tailored responses to specific errors, reducing human intervention, and facilitating the sharing of error handling information across systems and with manufacturers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated laboratory systems are used to increase sample throughput and reduce human intervention, then productivity and accuracy are improved, but the risk of mechanical and software failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary error detection and recovery actions before failures can propagate through the automated workflow. Error detection logic continuously monitors system state and triggers recovery routines proactively, preventing mechanical and software failures from disrupting sample throughput and maintaining system reliability.
2Reliability
If complex error recovery methods are implemented to handle diverse errors, then error handling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The error recovery system is segmented into modular components: error detection logic, error classification mechanisms, and multiple specialized recovery routines. Each component handles specific error types independently, allowing the system to manage diverse errors effectively without creating an monolithic complex system. This modular architecture maintains reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically based on error type and system state. Different recovery routines are selected and executed based on detected error conditions, allowing the system to adapt its complexity level to match the actual error scenario rather than maintaining maximum complexity for all situations.
3Reliability
If the system stops to correct errors, then error handling accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The error recovery system maintains continuous operation by executing recovery routines that correct errors without stopping the automated workflow. Sample processing continues uninterrupted while error correction actions are performed, ensuring both accurate error handling and minimal downtime. The system recovers from errors while maintaining the continuous flow of sample throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated laboratory device that comprises a mechanism that performs operations on laboratory samples, a scheduler that causes the mechanism to process laboratory samples in accordance with programmed processes, logic that detects an error occurring in a process controlled by the scheduler, logic that accepts a user-defined error handling routine for the error, and logic that executes the error handling routine when the error is encountered. Also described is an embodiment of the invention directed to a laboratory automation system, a method of laboratory automation, a computer implemented software program product, a method of doing business, and a laboratory automation network.