Modular Specimen Measurement Software to Avoid Recertification
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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 specimen measurement apparatus with a modular design that includes a measurement unit, control software, data management software, and an interface, allowing for the addition of application software that can expand system functions without modifying the control or data management software, and potentially without requiring recertification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new functions are added to the specimen measurement system by modifying the control software, then the system functionality is improved, but the software complexity and recertification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent functional modules: control software for core measurement operations, and separate application software for additional functions. This segmentation allows new functions to be added as independent application modules without modifying or complicating the core control software, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining software simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control software is designed with universal interfaces and data structures that can support multiple different application software modules. This multi-functionality approach allows the same control software to work with various application modules (e.g., different analysis algorithms, reporting tools, or integration interfaces) without requiring modifications, thus enhancing system versatility without increasing core software complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new functions are added by modifying the control software, then the system capabilities are enhanced, but the recertification process becomes necessary and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into certified core control software and non-certified application software layers, modifications to application software do not affect the certified portion. This allows new capabilities to be added through application modules without triggering recertification requirements for the core measurement functions, thereby enhancing system capabilities while avoiding time-consuming recertification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
An interface layer or adapter mechanism serves as an intermediary between the certified control software and new application software modules. This intermediary allows communication and data exchange while maintaining the integrity of the certified system boundary, enabling capability expansion without compromising certification status and eliminating the need for recertification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application software is added to expand system functions, then the system versatility is improved, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is designed with universal data structures, standardized communication protocols, and common access methods that work across all application software modules. This universality allows multiple different applications to interact with the core system through the same interface mechanisms, thereby improving system versatility while maintaining interface simplicity through consistent, reusable patterns rather than requiring unique interfaces for each application.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a specimen measurement apparatus including a measurement unit configured to measure a specimen, the specimen measurement apparatus including: control software configured to control the measurement unit; 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 a system including the specimen measurement apparatus, to utilize the data, wherein a function of the system is expanded by the application software added to the system.