Track System Priority Sample Routing Without Queue Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lab automation systems face inefficiencies due to bottlenecks and latency issues, particularly in handling samples of differing priorities, as they often require physical queues and flushing of entire queues to prioritize STAT samples, leading to increased latency and disruption in the automation process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a track system with multiple stopping positions and internal track portions allows for separate processing of priority samples on a main track portion, enabling priority samples to be processed without waiting in a queue or requiring the flushing of queues, while lower priority samples are handled on internal sidecars or local queues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional friction track systems are used with single-direction movement and centralized queues, then sample routing control is simplified, but latency increases and productivity decreases due to traffic jams and waiting at singulation points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized queue into multiple distributed local queues positioned at different locations along the track. Each local queue serves a specific module or group of modules, eliminating the single bottleneck. Samples are routed to nearest available local queue, reducing travel distance and waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple track portions (main track and side tracks) creating a two-dimensional routing space. Instead of all samples converging at one point, samples can traverse parallel paths, reducing traffic congestion and latency on any single track segment.
2Ease of operation
If entire queues are flushed to prioritize STAT samples, then priority handling is achieved, but system disruption increases and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the queue system into multiple independent local queues. When a STAT sample arrives, only the specific local queue where the sample will be processed is accessed, rather than flushing all queues. This localized access maintains priority handling while preserving overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local queues can be optimized for different priorities and sample types. STAT samples are routed to designated high-priority local queues that can be accessed without disrupting normal queues, allowing priority handling with minimal system-wide impact.
3Loss of time
If multiple stopping positions and internal track portions are implemented, then priority sample processing is improved without queue flushing, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track system incorporates dynamic routing capabilities where the control system can adaptively direct samples to different local queues based on real-time conditions. Multiple stopping positions allow flexible pausing and routing decisions without requiring complex mechanical structures, as the dynamics are managed through intelligent control.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for processing samples in an analyzer utilizes a track system with a plurality of track portions. A queue of samples for processing can be handled on a first portion, while priority samples may be handled on another portion. An instrument in a module may process samples in queues and priority samples. The instrument may process priority samples while a queue of samples remains on the first portion and resumes processing the queue of samples along the first portion upon completion of processing the priority sample.