Laboratory Instrumentation Network for Data Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) lack the ability to effectively manage workflow with laboratory instrumentation, leading to inefficiencies, errors, and bottlenecks in data management, such as duplicate data entry and lack of connectivity, which affects the timeliness and accuracy of diagnostic processes.

Innovation Solution

A method is implemented to configure a host system to manage both local and global data elements, enabling communication between laboratory instruments and the LIS through an interface server, allowing for bidirectional data flow, automatic data synchronization, and the use of RFID labels for tracking and identification of samples and reagents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual data entry is replicated across multiple laboratory instruments, then data can be entered into each instrument, but time consumption increases and errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracyVSAvoiddata entry time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple data entry operations into a single centralized LIS system that automatically distributes data to all connected laboratory instruments. The LIS serves as a unified data repository that eliminates the need for separate manual data entry at each instrument, thereby reducing both time consumption and error rates associated with repetitive manual input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The LIS acts as an intermediary system between the laboratory information management and the various laboratory instruments. It receives data once, processes it, and automatically distributes it to all connected instruments through standardized interfaces, eliminating the need for direct manual data entry at each instrument while ensuring data consistency across the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If Laboratory Information Systems are made web-enabled for Internet access, then system accessibility is improved, but connectivity with laboratory instrumentation remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem accessibilityVSAvoidinstrumentation connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The LIS is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a web-enabled information management system accessible via Internet browsers and as a direct communication interface with laboratory instruments. It simultaneously provides remote access capabilities through web interfaces and direct instrument control through standardized connectivity protocols, making it adaptable to multiple operational modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system architecture segments functionality into distinct modules: web interface components for remote accessibility and instrument interface components for direct laboratory equipment connectivity. This segmentation allows the LIS to independently fulfill both web accessibility requirements and instrument connectivity requirements without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If data is manually transferred from LIS to laboratory instruments, then instruments can be operated, but workflow bottlenecks increase and processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample processing speedVSAvoiddata management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LIS implements self-service automation where data is automatically distributed from the central system to all connected laboratory instruments without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously manages data synchronization, instrument scheduling, and result collection, thereby eliminating workflow bottlenecks and increasing sample processing speed while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Quantity of substance

If multiple data entry points are used across laboratory instruments, then data can be collected from all sources, but data consistency decreases and errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata volumeVSAvoiddata consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple data entry points into a single centralized LIS system that serves as the authoritative data source. All laboratory instruments retrieve data from this single source rather than accepting separate manual inputs, ensuring that data consistency is maintained across the entire system while still collecting comprehensive data from all instruments through automated interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7860727B2Laboratory instrumentation information management and control network

Publication Date: 2010.12.28 VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

An interface point network (IPN) and a method for communication with a laboratory information system using an IPN, wherein the IPN includes at least one host computer in communication with at least one laboratory instrument, the laboratory information system and an interface point server in communication with the host computer and the laboratory information system, the interface point server being configured to function as a communication interface between the host computer and the laboratory information system in a manner responsive to a predetermined communication protocol. Use of bar code and RFID labels for tracking samples and in maintaining sample data is described.