Specimen Measurement Data Management for Recertification-Free 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 integration of additional 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
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If functions are expanded by embedding new programs in control software, then system functionality is improved, but software complexity and recertification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into control software (for certified functions) and application software (for additional functions). The control unit executes both types of software independently, allowing functionality expansion without modifying or recertifying the core control software. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating complexity into separate, manageable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with universal capability to execute both control software and various application software programs. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware platform to support diverse functions through software loading, avoiding the need for hardware modifications and recertification while expanding system capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control software is modified to add new functions, then system capabilities are enhanced, but recertification time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating control software from application software, the patent enables independent deployment of new functions via application software without touching the certified control software. This eliminates recertification time entirely for new functions, as only the application layer is modified while the certified core remains unchanged.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application software is added to expand functions, then system versatility is improved, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces data management software as an intermediary layer between application software and the control unit. This mediator handles data storage, retrieval, and management uniformly, allowing application software to focus on specific functions while the intermediary manages the complexity of data operations, thus preventing data management complexity from increasing proportionally with added functions.
Data Source
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.