Laboratory Measurement Control Using Device Selection Proposals

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of managing multiple measurement devices in laboratory environments requires users to have extensive expertise and familiarity with various devices, leading to inefficiencies in selecting the appropriate device for specific measurements, especially when multiple users are involved.

Innovation Solution

A control device that suggests the most suitable measuring device for determining a desired measured value based on a database containing information about material properties, measurement methods, and device capabilities, optimizing device utilization and simplifying the measurement process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measuring devices are used in a laboratory environment, then measurement capabilities and versatility are improved, but device complexity and user burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilitiesVSAvoidsystem management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A control unit is introduced as an intermediary between users and multiple measuring devices. The control unit receives measurement requests, queries a database for suitable devices, generates proposals, and coordinates device selection and operation. This mediator handles the complexity of managing multiple devices, while users only interact with the simplified control unit interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a user interface, a database management system, a proposal generator, and a coordinator for multiple measuring devices. By consolidating these functions in a single universal control unit, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining versatile measurement capabilities across multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If users manually select measuring devices based on expertise, then measurement accuracy is improved, but preparation time and user burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidpreparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing information about measuring devices, their capabilities, and suitable applications in a database. When a measurement request is received, the control unit quickly queries this pre-organized database and generates device proposals, eliminating the need for users to manually research and evaluate device suitability, thus reducing preparation time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If multiple users share measuring devices, then resource utilization is improved, but coordination complexity and device availability conflicts increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring the status and operating states of multiple measuring devices in real-time. This information is used to dynamically generate proposals that avoid scheduling conflicts and optimize device allocation among multiple users. The system continuously adapts its device recommendations based on current device availability and usage patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4435685A1Method for controlling a system and system
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 NETZSCH GERATEBAU GMBH
  • EP4435685A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4435685A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4435685A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a system (10) with a plurality of measuring devices (100), comprising receiving a request to determine a desired measured value by a control unit (200) of the system (10), generating a proposal by the control unit (200) for the plurality of measuring devices (100) suitable for determining the desired measured value, and outputting the generated proposal to a user of the system (10) by the control unit (200). The present invention further relates to a system (10) with a plurality of measuring devices (100).