Virtual IVD Instrumentation for Software Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation and configuration of in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) laboratory control software modules are time-consuming and require significant downtime for IVD laboratory systems, leading to commercial losses and capacity shortages, as they need to be adapted to individual systems, which is a complex and inefficient process.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for simulating IVD laboratory systems using virtual instrumentation, allowing the control software to operate as if it were in a real system, exchanging data with virtual instruments to simulate sample processing, including test orders, processing queries, and results, enabling real-time simulation and reducing the need for physical installation and adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If IVD laboratory control software modules are installed and configured at the site of installation, then the software can be adapted to the individual IVD laboratory system, but the installation process requires significant time (multiple months) during which the IVD laboratory instrumentation cannot be used, leading to commercial losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware adaptation to individual systemVSAvoidinstallation downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing software installation, configuration, and adaptation in advance at the manufacturer's location before shipping the fully configured system to the customer site. This eliminates on-site installation downtime while maintaining full system adaptability, as the software is pre-adapted to match the specific instrumentation configuration before deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating virtual replicas of the IVD laboratory instrumentation through software modeling. These virtual instruments allow the control software to be tested and adapted against accurate digital copies of the physical system, enabling thorough customization without requiring physical hardware presence at the installation site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If IVD laboratory control software modules require complex adaptation to individual systems, then the software can meet specific system requirements, but the complexity of adaptation increases installation time and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware customizationVSAvoidsystem deployment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Complex software adaptation and customization are performed in advance during the manufacturing phase rather than during installation. The control software is pre-configured and tested against virtual representations of the specific instrumentation, allowing full customization without impacting deployment speed at the customer site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces virtual instruments as an intermediary between the control software and physical instrumentation. These software-based virtual models serve as a testing and adaptation medium, allowing complex software customization to be validated without direct interaction with physical hardware, thereby accelerating the deployment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If virtual instrumentation is used for simulation and testing, then installation time is reduced and downtime is minimized, but the system requires development and maintenance of virtual instrument models

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware configuration timeVSAvoidvirtual system development

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies or replicas of the physical IVD laboratory instrumentation through software modeling. These virtual instruments replicate the functional behavior and interface characteristics of the physical system, enabling realistic simulation and testing environments without requiring physical hardware, thereby reducing installation time while managing development complexity through standardized modeling approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4167238A1Method for operating an in-vitro diagnostics laboratory control software module with a simulated in-vitro diagnostics laboratory instrumentation

Publication Date: 2023.04.19 F HOFFMANN LA ROCHE & CO AG

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AI summary

A method for simulating an in-vitro diagnostic IVD laboratory system (10) comprising an IVD laboratory instrumentation (2) and an IVD laboratory control software module (3) is proposed, together with a respective system (1) and various application thereof. The proposed method comprises the steps of: - simulating sample processing within the IVD laboratory instrumentation (2) using a virtual IVD laboratory instrumentation (5) using sample processing data (SPD) provided by the IVD laboratory control software module (3), - operating the IVD laboratory control software module (3) as if it was operating within the IVD laboratory system (10) but wherein sample processing data (SPD) intended for being exchanged between the IVD laboratory control software module (3) and the IVD laboratory instrumentation (2) is instead exchanged between the IVD laboratory control software module (3) and the virtual IVD laboratory instrumentation (5).