Sample Separation Network Plug-and-Play Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Connecting a new sample separation device to an existing sample separation network is cumbersome due to the need for significant adaptation of the existing network, requiring extensive software updates and revalidation of existing nodes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a server node and client nodes with generic control software, while loading device-specific control software from the new device upon connection, allowing for plug-and-play integration without updating the existing software configuration on the server or client nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a new sample separation device is connected to an existing sample separation network, then the network capacity and functionality are improved, but significant adaptation and software updates are required on existing nodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidsoftware adaptation effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control software is segmented into device-specific modules stored locally on each sample separation device and generic control software on the server/client nodes. This segmentation allows new devices to be added without requiring updates to the generic control software on existing nodes, as only the device-specific software on the new device needs to be loaded.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A communication protocol acts as an intermediary between the device-specific control software and the generic network control software. This protocol enables seamless integration of new devices with different specific functionalities without requiring changes to the existing network infrastructure or software on server and client nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If device-specific control software is loaded to server or client nodes upon device connection, then plug-and-play integration is achieved, but software loading and management processes are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice integrationVSAvoidsoftware loading process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The sample separation device automatically performs self-service by loading its own device-specific control software to the server or client nodes upon connection to the network. This self-service mechanism enables plug-and-play integration without requiring manual software installation or configuration by users, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining automated processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing network software is updated to support new devices, then device compatibility is improved, but revalidation of existing nodes is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidnetwork validation status

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device-specific control software is prepared and stored locally on the sample separation device before connection to the network. Upon connection, this pre-prepared software is automatically loaded to the server or client nodes, eliminating the need for preliminary updates or revalidation of the existing network software infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If multiple sample separation devices are connected to a network, then system functionality is improved, but connection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The generic control software on server and client nodes is designed with universal functionality to communicate with multiple different types of sample separation devices through a standard communication protocol. This universality allows multiple devices with different specific functionalities to be connected to the network without increasing connection complexity, as the same generic software handles all device types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230131152A1Sample separation network with simply connectable sample separation device

Publication Date: 2023.04.27 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A sample separation network includes a server node, a plurality of client nodes coupled with the server node, a plurality of sample separation devices coupled with the server node, wherein each of the sample separation devices includes device-specific control software configured for controlling specifically the respectively assigned sample separation device, wherein at least one of the server node and the client nodes includes generic control software configured for generically controlling sample separation devices in a non-device-specific way, and wherein at least one of the server node and the client nodes and the sample separation devices is configured for loading device-specific control software from a sample separation device to at least one of the server node and the client nodes upon connection of said sample separation device to the sample separation network.