Software Agent Automates Data Transfer to Electronic Laboratory Notebook

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing workflow for recording measurement data in test and measurement instruments is inefficient due to the tedious nature of manual data entry and inadequate interoperability between instruments and Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs), leading to a cumbersome process for users.

Innovation Solution

A software agent, 'Note This' (NTA), is embedded in test and measurement instruments to automatically aggregate and store relevant data directly onto an ELN server, simplifying the data collection process by providing a streamlined workflow and enabling seamless data transfer without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual data entry is used to record measurement data in ELN, then data can be stored in ELN, but the workflow becomes tedious and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata recording efficiencyVSAvoiduser burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement instrument automatically performs data aggregation and transmission to the ELN server without requiring user intervention. The instrument identifies, selects, formats, and sends measurement data autonomously, making the system self-sufficient in the data recording process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A software interface layer is introduced between the measurement instrument and the ELN server to automate data exchange. This intermediary handles the complex communication protocols and data formatting, shielding the user from the complexity while enabling seamless data flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated data transfer is implemented, then data collection efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidsoftware agent complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The software agent embedded in the measurement instrument serves multiple functions: it monitors measurement operations, aggregates relevant data, formats it according to ELN requirements, and transmits it to the server. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual selection and formatting of measurement data is required, then data accuracy can be ensured, but the workflow becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidworkflow simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The software agent pre-configures data selection criteria and formatting rules before measurements are taken. It automatically identifies which measurement parameters are relevant and formats them according to ELN requirements in advance, eliminating the need for manual selection and formatting while ensuring consistency and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8984083B2System and method to integrate measurement information within an electronic laboratory notebook environment

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

Capability to record relevant aggregated data via a test and measurement instrument interface through a software agent. The agent resides within the test and measurement instrument and gathers the information when activated. The information can be measurement data; measurement setup parameters; test system topology; user notes, brief descriptions, audio recordings or pen input; pictures; or attached documents. The agent can communicate directly to an electronic laboratory notebook server or can store the information on a portable computer readable media (CRM). A user can upload the information from the portable CRM to the server. The user can access the information via a PC workstation.