Specimen Testing Device Management Server Priority Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample test systems cannot update priorities for samples being processed in parallel with the update of priority and process progress, leading to unnecessary delays and inefficiencies, particularly in communicating priority updates to doctors, which decreases operator efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A sample-test-device management server and system that manages sample priorities and process progress, allowing for real-time updates and prioritization of specific samples through a networked system involving a sample-test-device management server, local terminals, and analysis devices, enabling efficient prioritization and processing without delaying parallel samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the priority of a specific sample is updated in the preprocess device, then the specific sample can be processed with higher priority, but the process for samples being parallely processed is unnecessarily delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speed of specific sampleVSAvoiddelay of parallel samples
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the sample processing control into independent priority management units. Each sample's priority is managed separately through individual priority flags and control signals, allowing the preprocess device to adjust the priority of a specific sample without affecting the processing sequence of other parallel samples. This segmentation enables selective priority adjustment while maintaining overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic priority adjustment capability where the priority of samples can be changed in real-time during processing. The preprocess device receives priority update signals and dynamically reconfigures the processing sequence based on current priorities, allowing flexible response to changing requirements without system restart or interruption of parallel operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If priority update mechanism is not provided to doctors, then system complexity is reduced, but operator efficiency decreases due to phone inquiries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where priority update requests from doctors are automatically received, processed, and confirmed through the networked management system. The preprocess device sends status information back to the management server, which then provides confirmation to the doctor's terminal, creating a closed-loop feedback system that eliminates the need for phone inquiries while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The sample test system management server acts as an intermediary between doctors and the preprocess device. It receives priority update requests from doctors through the network, processes these requests, and communicates with the preprocess device to implement the changes. This intermediary layer simplifies the interface for doctors while automating the complex communication and control operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If real-time priority updates are implemented through networked system, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management server implements universal control functionality that handles multiple operations through a single integrated system. It manages priority updates, processes sample information, controls the preprocess device, and communicates with various terminals using standardized protocols. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into one unified platform.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual phone communication and operator intervention with an automated electronic networked system. Priority updates that previously required verbal communication and manual system adjustment are now automatically transmitted through the network, processed by the management server, and implemented by the preprocess device without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2437068B1Specimen testing device management server, specimen testing device, specimen testing system, and specimen testing method
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • EP2437068B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2437068B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2437068B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a sample test system which can execute a prior process for a specific sample in consideration of priorities and process progresses of a plurality of samples processed in the sample test system. The sample test system includes a sample-test-device management server 101, when a specific-sample prior process request containing a specific sample ID and a prior-process-request level identification code is accepted from a sample access system 108, which selects a specific-sample prior-process-policy determination table based on the prior-process-request level identification code attached to the specific-sample prior process request, which determines a specific-sample prior process policy based on the specific-sample prior-process-policy determination table and a process state of the sample, which specifies a sample ID regarding the specific sample ID, and which transmits the specific-sample prior process policy to a sample-test-device group 119.