Specimen Measurement Data Interface for Software Function Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing specimen measurement systems face challenges in easily 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 data management system that includes a measurement unit, control software, and an interface allowing application software to be added without modifying the control or data management software, enabling easy expansion of functions and avoiding the need for recertification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If new functions are added by modifying the control software, then the system capabilities are improved, but the software complexity and recertification requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem function expansionVSAvoidsoftware modification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the software into two independent segments: control software that manages the measurement unit, and application software that provides additional functions. This segmentation allows application software to be added without modifying the control software, resolving the contradiction between function expansion and software complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An interface acts as an intermediary between the control software and application software, allowing application software to access measurement data and control functions without direct modification of the control software. This mediator enables function expansion while maintaining control software integrity and avoiding recertification requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If application software is added to expand functions, then the adaptability is improved, but the integration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction expansion capabilityVSAvoidsoftware integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is designed with universal functions that allow any application software to access the measurement unit through standardized methods. This universality enables multiple different application software to be integrated without increasing complexity, as they all interact through the same interface mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface serves as a standardized mediator that simplifies integration by providing uniform access methods for all application software. Rather than each application requiring custom integration code, the interface handles all communication protocols and data formats, reducing integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4614512A1Data management system
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP4614512A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4614512A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4614512A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a data management system configured to manage data regarding a specimen measurement system including a measurement unit configured to measure a specimen and control software configured to control the measurement unit, the data management system including: 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 the specimen measurement system, to utilize the data, wherein a function of the specimen measurement system is expanded by the application software added to the specimen measurement system.