Specimen Measurement Data Interface for Add-On Software Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen measurement systems face challenges in expanding functions due to the need for software modifications and recertification when adding new features, which complicates the addition of new functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A data management system that includes a measurement unit, control software, and an interface allowing application software to be added without modifying the control or data management software, enabling easy expansion of functions and avoiding recertification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If application software is added to expand functions, then system functionality is improved, but software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent components: control software for core measurement functions, data management software for data handling, and separate application software for extended functionality. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, certified, and maintained independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling functional expansion through add-on applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The control software and data management software are designed as universal platforms that can support multiple different application software programs. The interface between these components follows standardized protocols, allowing various applications to interact with the core system without requiring modifications to the underlying control or data management software, thus enabling multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control software is modified to add new functions, then system functionality is improved, but certification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
New functions are extracted from the core control software and implemented as separate application software programs. This extraction allows the certified control software to remain unchanged, while new functionalities are added through uncertified application layers that interface with the existing system through standardized data management interfaces, thereby avoiding the need for recertification.
Solution Approach 2:
A data management software layer acts as an intermediary between the certified control software and new application software. This intermediary handles data exchange using standardized interfaces, allowing new functions to be added through applications that communicate via this layer without requiring modifications to the certified control software, thus maintaining certification compliance while enabling functional expansion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data management software is modified to support new applications, then system adaptability is improved, but software reliability risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data management software is designed with dynamic capabilities to accommodate different application software programs through configurable interfaces and standardized data exchange protocols. This dynamic architecture allows the system to adapt to various applications without requiring core modifications, maintaining stability while enabling flexibility through parameter adjustments and interface configurations rather than structural changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a data management system configured to manage data regarding a specimen measurement system including a measurement unit configured to measure a specimen and control software configured to control the measurement unit, the data management system including: data management software configured to manage data regarding the measurement unit that operates under control by the control software; and an interface configured to allow application software capable of being added to the specimen measurement system, to utilize the data, wherein a function of the specimen measurement system is expanded by the application software added to the specimen measurement system.