Diagnostic Lab Sensor Data Scaling for Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic laboratory systems often become inoperable or operate at reduced efficiency due to the malfunction of a single sensor, leading to the disablement of entire modules or instruments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor check program and a sensor-scaling program that monitor the operational status of sensors, generate revised sensor data by supplementing or replacing data from malfunctioning sensors, and allow user configuration to enable or disable sensors based on performance, energy consumption, and budget considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sensor malfunctions, then the entire module or instrument becomes inoperable or operates at reduced efficiency, but implementing multiple sensors increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor check program and sensor-scaling program as intermediary software components that mediate between multiple sensors and the diagnostic system. These programs detect sensor malfunctions, evaluate operational status, and scale sensor data to maintain system functionality, thereby resolving the contradiction by enabling reliable operation without requiring excessive redundant sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of sensors by implementing dynamic scaling of sensor data based on operational status. The sensor-scaling program adjusts data from malfunctioning sensors through mathematical scaling operations, allowing the system to maintain reliability by modifying data parameters rather than requiring complete sensor redundancy
2Reliability
If sensors are continuously monitored and replaced, then system reliability improves, but productivity decreases due to maintenance interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor check program performs preliminary monitoring and detection of sensor operational status before complete failure occurs. By detecting degradation trends and potential malfunctions in advance, the system can schedule maintenance during planned downtime rather than experiencing unexpected interruptions, thus improving reliability while minimizing productivity impact
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor-scaling program enables the system to self-correct sensor data issues through automated scaling operations. When sensor malfunctions are detected, the program automatically scales the sensor data to maintain accurate readings, allowing the system to continue operating without immediate human intervention or replacement, thereby maintaining both reliability and productivity
3Measurement precision
If all sensors are operated simultaneously, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial sensor operation by activating only the necessary number of sensors based on diagnostic needs and operational conditions. The sensor check program evaluates which sensors are currently needed for accurate measurements and disables others when not required, achieving adequate measurement precision while reducing overall energy consumption of the sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of operating a diagnostic laboratory system include providing a module configured to perform a function on an item in the diagnostic laboratory system; providing a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors configured to monitor the function or the item and generate sensor data in response to the monitoring; checking an operational status of a first sensor of the plurality of sensors; receiving sensor data from at least one of the plurality of sensors; and scaling sensor data from the first sensor in response to the operational status and the sensor data to generate revised sensor data. Systems including a middleware server configured to carry out the methods are provided as are other aspects.