Sample Processing Control System Using Conversion Table Abstraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing sample processing systems require dedicated control boards for each device, leading to increased development costs, unnecessary circuit usage, complex wirings, and the need for frequent changes in sequence data when instrument arrangements change.

Innovation Solution

A layered structure is implemented with a center unit generating instruction strings based on sequence data and local units controlling instrument groups, using a conversion table to abstractly identify instruments, allowing for flexible reconfiguration without rewriting sequence data and simplifying wirings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated control boards are prepared for each device, then each device can be controlled independently, but development cost increases and hardware configurations become non-standardized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent device controlVSAvoiddevelopment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control board that can control multiple different devices through software configuration rather than requiring dedicated hardware for each device. The control board uses a standardized interface and communication protocol that can be adapted to various instruments, allowing one control board design to serve multiple purposes across different device types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is segmented into a centralized control board that manages multiple instrument groups. Each instrument group can be independently controlled through software modules, allowing independent device control functionality while using a single physical control board platform, thereby reducing hardware development costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If many functions are implemented on each control board from initial state, then device functionality is comprehensive, but many unused circuits exist and are not useful

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidunused circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control board implements dynamic function allocation where circuits and resources are activated only when needed for specific device operations. The system can dynamically configure which instrument groups are active and allocate control resources accordingly, rather than having all circuits permanently enabled from the initial state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the control board are configured with specific functionalities based on the actual device requirements. The system allows selective activation of control functions for different instrument groups, so that only the necessary circuits and resources are utilized for each specific device configuration, eliminating waste of unused circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If instrument arrangement is changed, then system flexibility is improved, but sequence data needs to be rewritten

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument reconfigurationVSAvoidsequence data modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses abstract interface definitions and communication protocols that serve as templates for instrument control. When instrument arrangements change, the system can copy and adapt existing control configurations rather than requiring complete rewriting of sequence data, maintaining flexibility while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary layer of standardized communication protocols and interface definitions is introduced between the control board and specific instruments. This intermediary allows instrument arrangements to be changed without modifying the core control logic, as the standardized interface handles the adaptation, thereby maintaining sequence data stability while improving reconfiguration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Extent of automation

If control board directly controls all instruments, then control integration is high, but wirings extending from control board to instruments are long and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol integrationVSAvoidwiring length

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the control architecture into a centralized control board and distributed instrument groups. Each instrument group can be physically located closer to the samples it processes, reducing wiring length. The control board communicates with instrument groups through standardized interfaces, maintaining control integration while allowing physical distribution that reduces wiring complexity and length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10914750B2Sample processing system and control method

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP

AI summary

A center processor generates multiple instruction strings from sequence data based on a conversion table. The multiple instruction strings are transmitted to multiple local units via an internal network. Each of the local units includes a local processor and an I/O board. Layers from an internal layer to an input/output layer form a common platform.