Sensor-Based Laboratory Process Documentation Through Object Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory documentation methods are time-consuming, prone to errors, and inflexible, requiring manual interruptions and delays that can lead to mistakes, especially in ensuring good manufacturing practice (GMP).
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using sensors, such as cameras and LIDAR/RADAR, to monitor and document the position of laboratory objects like pipettes and vials, with automated labeling and process step recognition, enabling real-time, flexible, and error-resistant documentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual documentation of process steps is performed, then flexibility in documenting different processes is maintained, but time consumption increases and errors occur due to delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-documentation by having sensors detect and record process steps without requiring manual intervention. The documentation system serves itself by automatically capturing position data, detecting process steps, and generating protocols, thereby eliminating the time loss and errors associated with manual documentation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical documentation processes with an automated sensor-based system. Sensors detect object positions and process steps, substituting the manual writing and recording process with electronic detection and digital documentation,ไป่ reducing time consumption and improving reliability.
2Reliability
If fully automated systems are used to supervise experiments, then documentation reliability improves, but flexibility towards different processes decreases due to exact predefinition requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic detection capabilities where sensors continuously monitor positions and the system adapts its detection logic based on observed patterns. This allows the automated system to handle different process types without requiring exact predefinition, as the system learns and adapts to the specific processes it observes, thereby maintaining both reliability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changeable detection parameters and configurable sensor settings that can be adjusted according to different process requirements. This allows the same automated system to adapt to various laboratory processes by modifying detection parameters rather than requiring complete reconfiguration, thus maintaining process adaptability while ensuring documentation reliability.
3Loss of information
If process steps are interrupted for documentation, then documentation completeness is ensured, but productivity decreases due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous monitoring and documentation without interrupting the experimental process. Sensors continuously capture position data and process step information in real-time, allowing documentation to be generated continuously alongside the experiment rather than requiring interruptions, thus maintaining both documentation completeness and experimental productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and documentation of process steps as they occur, rather than requiring post-process documentation. By detecting and recording information in advance and in real-time, the system ensures documentation completeness without needing to interrupt the experimental flow, thereby maintaining productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable, efficient, and adaptable documentation of laboratory processes, reducing errors and ensuring compliance with GMP by allowing real-time monitoring and step-by-step supervision.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is configured as a camera which is adapted to recognize and then monitor a position of at least one object. The object can be detected by recognizing the shape of the object
Implementation Method 2
a LIDAR or RADAR sensor can be used which can detect the shape of the object and its position within the room, especially its distance to the sensor
Implementation Method 3
a LIDAR or RADAR sensor can be used which can detect the shape of the object and its position within the room
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method (100) for monitoring and documenting process steps in a laboratory, which comprises monitoring (113) a position of at least one object within the laboratory and documenting (121) the position of the object.