Specimen Measurement Software Interface for Add-On Functionality
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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 system architecture that includes a measurement unit, control software, data management software, and an interface, allowing application software to be added without modifying the control or data management software, and enabling communication through a predefined interface, thereby facilitating the expansion of system functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new functions are added by modifying the control software, then the system functionality is improved, but the software complexity and recertification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent software components: control software that manages the measurement unit, and application software that provides additional functions. This segmentation allows application software to be added without modifying or recertifying the control software, thus improving system functionality while avoiding increased software complexity and recertification requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control software is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate multiple different application softwares. The measurement unit can be controlled and managed by a single control software while supporting various application softwares (e.g., reagent management, quality control, maintenance management) through standardized data access interfaces, enabling multi-functionality without increasing core software complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new functions are added by modifying the control software, then the system functionality is improved, but the recertification process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the software into control software and application software, the patent enables independent deployment of application software without triggering recertification of the control software. This significantly reduces recertification time when adding new functions, as only the application software needs to be validated, not the entire system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application software is allowed to access measurement data, then the system versatility is improved, but the data security and system reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary interface layer between the measurement unit and application software. This interface acts as a mediator that controls and regulates data access, allowing application software to utilize measurement data for various purposes while maintaining data security and system reliability through controlled access mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control software provides universal data access interfaces that can serve multiple application softwares while maintaining consistent security protocols. This enables broad data utilization across different applications without compromising reliability, as the same controlled access mechanisms apply to all application software.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system including a measurement unit configured to measure a specimen, the system including: control software configured to control the measurement unit; 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 system, to utilize the data, wherein a function of the system is expanded by the application software added to the system.