Virtual Pod Instrument Control for Remote Laboratory Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory instrument control systems are isolated, lacking communication and data sharing between pods, requiring users to be physically present and independently connecting each system to Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) for control and operation.
Innovation Solution
A server computer system connected to a communications network that generates user-interface instances for client devices, enabling remote control of biological reagent instruments across different locations, forming virtual pods and integrating with LIS for patient data and test protocols, allowing dynamic grouping and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated computer system directly controls a small number of instruments in one location, then control reliability is improved, but system adaptability deteriorates due to isolation between pods and inability to share data or control across locations
Solution Approach 1:
A server computer system acts as an intermediary between multiple client devices and biological reagent instruments across different locations. The server receives control information from LIS, generates user interface instances for client devices, and manages instrument control requests, enabling centralized control while maintaining location independence and data sharing capabilities.
2Reliability
If users physically attend the laboratory location to control instruments, then operational reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement for physical presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement for physical presence at the instrument location with a network-based control system. Client devices access instrument control functions remotely through the server, substituting physical attendance with electronic communication and remote interface interaction, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining control reliability.
3Reliability
If each pod is independently connected to LIS, then control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple independent connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent pod connections to LIS into a single centralized server connection. The server consolidates control information reception from LIS and distributes it to multiple instruments, reducing the number of independent connections required while maintaining reliable control through centralized management and coordination.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are distributed across different locations, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information increases due to lack of communication between pods
Solution Approach 1:
The server computer system provides universal functionality by serving as a central hub for multiple instruments across different locations. It handles control information reception, user interface generation, instrument control, and data management for all connected instruments, enabling information sharing and coordination across distributed locations while maintaining location flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A server computer system connected to a first communications network and including: an instrument communications component configured to communicate with and control a plurality of biological reagent instruments using the first communications network; and a user interface component configured to cause user interface (UI) instances to be displayed by a client computer device connected by a second communications network to said server computer system; wherein said UI instances control respective virtual pods representing one or more of said biological reagent instruments.