Lab Instrument Management via Data Format Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern laboratory instruments from different manufacturers and of varying ages pose a challenge for integrated management due to unique operating systems and data schemas, hindering efficient operation and cost control in pathology testing laboratories.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a user device, interface module, and instrument module that allows for customized management of instruments by converting data formats, enabling integrated inventory management, workflow optimization, maintenance scheduling, and reporting, with modules such as inventory management, instrument management, workflow, maintenance, and reporting, which can be configured and customized by users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments from different manufacturers and ages are used in a laboratory, then the laboratory can perform diverse diagnostic tests with advanced capabilities, but integrated management of these instruments becomes difficult due to unique operating systems and data schemas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary that receives data from multiple instruments through interface modules. The server acts as a mediator that standardizes and integrates data from instruments with different operating systems and data schemas, enabling unified management while preserving the diversity of instrument capabilities. The server consolidates instrument data, inventory information, and maintenance schedules into a single manageable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal interface modules that can connect to various instrument types from different manufacturers. These interface modules provide a standardized communication protocol that allows the central server to manage diverse instruments through a common platform, achieving multi-functionality in instrument management while maintaining adaptability to different instrument specifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each instrument uses its own unique operating system and data schema, then technological advancement is not limited by outdated standards, but integrated management and streamlined operation become inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The central server serves as an intermediary that translates between various instrument data schemas and a standardized management format. This allows instruments to maintain their unique operating systems and data structures for technological advancement while the server provides a unified interface for easy integrated management, effectively decoupling instrument diversity from management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the management architecture into two distinct layers: the instrument layer that maintains unique operating systems and data schemas, and the management layer that provides standardized access through interface modules and a central server. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently, preserving technological flexibility while enabling ease of operation at the management level.
3Productivity
If comprehensive monitoring and management systems are implemented for all instruments, then laboratory efficiency and cost control are improved, but system complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple management functions (instrument monitoring, inventory management, maintenance scheduling, and cost tracking) into a single integrated system centered around one server. This consolidation improves laboratory efficiency by providing comprehensive oversight while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems, as all functions operate through a unified platform with shared data structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The central server provides multi-functional capabilities, serving as a monitoring station, database manager, scheduling system, and reporting tool simultaneously. This universal approach improves productivity through comprehensive management while minimizing system complexity by eliminating the need for separate specialized systems for each management function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for customising management of one or more instruments in a laboratory includes a user device, an interface module and an instrument module. The user device is adapted to receive inputs from a user and has a device processor for processing the received inputs and instrument data from the one or more instruments, as well as a device display for displaying instrument information. The interface module is communicatively coupled with the user device and the one or more instruments and configured to convert instrument data in a first format generated by an instrument processor to a second format for processing by the device processor. The instrument module is configured to cause the device processor to provide customised instrument information on the device display. A method of deploying a platform for integrated management of instruments is also disclosed.