EP2649571A1

EP2649571A1 - Method for operating a laboratory device

Info

Publication number: EP2649571A1
Application number: EP11784946.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gregor Pardon
Original assignee: Sartorius Weighing Technology GmbH
Current assignee: Minebea Intec Bovenden GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2010-12-08
Filing date: 2011-11-10
Publication date: 2013-10-16
Also published as: DE102010061106A1; WO2012076094A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a laboratory arrangement (2) having at least one working apparatus (8.1, 8.2) and to a corresponding laboratory arrangement (2). In order to enable the central control and documentation of a production process in a laboratory arrangement (2) in a simple manner, according to the invention one or more portable communication units (6) and a common central server (4) are provided, at least one first instruction for operating a working apparatus (8.1, 8.2) is transferred from a central server (4) to a portable communication unit (6) by means of a first communication channel (16.1, 16.2), wherein the first communication channel (16.1, 16.2) is wireless, the working apparatus (8.1, 8.2) is operated according to the first instruction, and at least one first work result of the working apparatus (8.1, 8.2) is transferred to the central server (4).

Description

Method for operating a laboratory device

The invention relates to a method for operating a

Laboratory arrangement with at least one working device and a corresponding laboratory arrangement.

In many industrial processes, especially in

Manufacturing processes, employees are supported in the production through optical interfaces at work. A workstation can therefore in addition to the actual work equipment, such as a laboratory balance, a centrifuge, etc. a

have corresponding interface. In particular, instructions may be transmitted to a user of the implement via a screen connected to a computer. For communication with the computer, an input field in the form of a keyboard, a touch screen, or the like is also provided as a rule.

During operation of the implement, the employee may receive further information and / or instructions from the screen. However, the employee can use the screen only to a limited extent, since its full concentration of

actual work process takes. Accordingly, communication with the connected computer is often not possible or only with considerable effort.

In a production process is usually a variety of different steps to produce a

Products required, each one different

Workplaces must be executed. It is one constant concern to document a production process completely and without errors.

After the employee has operated according to a first instruction a working device, so for example a

Weighed substance, a substance centrifuged, etc, a resulting work result can be documented.

A disadvantage of the known from the prior art

However, the procedure is that automatic detection of the

Work results is not possible. Rather, there are always gaps in the documentation of a production process. Thus, the documentation is usually done by the executing staff, for example

Must enter work results into the computer, whereby errors can easily occur.

Furthermore, the equipment of each working device with an additional computer with appropriate interface devices is complex and associated with corresponding costs.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a

Method for operating a laboratory arrangement and a

To provide appropriate laboratory arrangement available, which in particular in a simple manner a central control and documentation of a production process in one

Laboratory arrangement is made possible.

The previously derived and indicated object is achieved in a method for operating a laboratory arrangement with at least one working device, by providing one or more portable communication units and a common central server, at least one first instruction for operating a work device is transmitted from the central server to one of the portable communication units via a first communication channel, the first one communicating with one of the portable communication units

Communication channel is formed wirelessly, the implement is operated according to the first instruction, and

at least a first work result of the working device is transmitted to the central server.

The method according to the invention allows in a simple manner a central control of a laboratory arrangement and a central detection of work results for a complete one

Documentation. In particular, in contrast to the prior art associated with additional each implement

Computer be waived. According to the invention, at least one portable communication device is used, which

in particular via a first wireless communication channel, such as a radio channel, can communicate with the central server. The central server, which prefers the entire

Laboratory arrangement centrally controls, generates and transmits a first instruction for operating a working device.

For example, the central server can first determine which work step currently has the highest priority, ie must be processed next, and one

generate corresponding instruction.

In addition, the work result after a

in accordance with the instruction performed operating the

Work device can be detected centrally from the server. The implement may be a laboratory device,

in particular an electrically operated laboratory device. Furthermore, the work result may be an intermediate result or a

Be the end result of a work step. The central server can preferably record the work result automatically. A simple central control and documentation of a production process in a laboratory arrangement is

according to the invention allows. According to a first embodiment of the invention

At least the first work result can be transmitted via a second communication channel arranged between the implement and the central server. For example, a second communication channel

be formed wired or wirelessly. In particular, the work result of the implement can be automatically detected by the central server, for example, for documentation, evaluation or the like. So it is possible for the implement to be active after creating the first one

This results in a suitable data format to the central server transmits.

Alternatively or in addition to the transfer of the first

Work result over the second communication channel can according to a further embodiment of the invention

Method the portable communication unit the first one

Work result for the transfer over the first

Capture the communication channel to the central server via a visual interface. For example, a camera may be connectable to the portable communication unit. By means of the camera, a work result, which is displayed for example on the implement, recorded and transmitted to the central server. For example, the central server may request the first work result and a corresponding request instruction to the portable

Transfer communication unit. A transmission of

Work result is always preferred when the implement no direct communication link with the central server, such as a second

Koromunikationskanal having. In a simple way and with a high level of security, a work result can be recorded and transmitted to the central server.

For an improved and in particular central documentation of a production process can according to another

Design at least the first work result can be stored in the central server. In particular, all can

Work results of a production process in the central server, for example, stored in a corresponding database. Optionally, in addition to the

at least one work result further data that are required for at least almost bleak documentation, stored. For example, the corresponding implement, the name of the executing or

Save employee / s, etc.

For example, several employees / headsets may also be entrusted with a higher-level task

Completion of a subtask as signals from the

Communication units can be transmitted to the server. This can then hire one or more employees. Direct communication between employees is not required, allowing significant time savings.

In a further embodiment of the invention

Method may be at least a second instruction for operating a work device from the central server to the portable communication unit via the first communication channel in response to the first work result to be transmitted. So the central server can be configured that Evaluate work result. For example, the central server can be determined by default and in a database

stored parameters check whether the work result meets these requirements. For example, in the case of a negative result, a repetition or another

Necessary steps to achieve a desired result. A corresponding second instruction can then be transmitted to the portable communication unit. In the case of a positive result, a second instruction for

Carrying out a next work step. The second instruction can be used to operate the same

Working device or another working device may be provided. In particular, this allows a central control and coordination of the production process.

Furthermore, according to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, a remote monitoring of the condition of the implement at least during the operation of the

Working device may be provided. For example, the operation of the work device may be monitored by the central server. Alternatively or additionally, the operation of the

Working device of the portable communication unit

be monitored. For example, sensors may be provided. The sensors can detect the condition of the implement continuously or periodically. The sensed data can either be evaluated by the implement itself or transmitted for evaluation to the central server and / or the portable communication unit. An error can be detected in a timely manner in a simple manner. Also, the presence of an employee during operation of the implement is not required. If, for example, a specifiable inadmissible state or a predefinable

permissible condition, the employee can immediately be notified of the work device via the portable communication unit. Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding notification can be transmitted from the central server to the portable communication unit.

In order to convey instructions to an employee in a particularly simple manner, according to a further embodiment, it may be provided that an employee using the portable communication unit receives at least the first instruction of the central server via a mobile device

Communication unit connected acoustic interface is transmitted. For example, an acoustic source may be provided in the form of a loudspeaker. Thus, the portable communication unit may wirelessly communicate the instructions transmitted from the central server

for example, transmitted to a headset. Advantageously, the employee using such a

Interface at any time use his hands freely. In addition, his gaze can remain focused on the implement.

Furthermore, according to a further embodiment of the method, the current position of the portable communication unit can be determined. For determining the position, various methods such as a GPS method may be used. Preferably, the position of a portable communication unit can be determined on the basis of at least one signal transmitted by at least one base station of a communication network. For example, by means of

Triangulation techniques and / or intersection techniques the current position are determined. The determination of the position of the portable communication unit may be performed in the portable communication unit and the result transmitted to the central server. Alternatively, the portable communication unit the received

Send basic signal information for a position determination to the central server. Advantageously, the particular position of the portable communication unit may be used for central control. According to one embodiment, an instruction may be generated by the central server depending on the particular position of the portable communication unit. Especially with a multiplicity of coworkers can by a

Position determination of the one to be selected to carry out an instruction, for example, is in the immediate vicinity of the work equipment to be operated. According to yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least one message can be transmitted to the central server via another acoustic interface connected to the portable communication unit. The acoustic interface may be, for example, a microphone or the like. Preferably, the first acoustic interface and the further acoustic interface can be formed by a common device, such as a headset. In addition, the portable communication unit may prefer a

Include voice recognition function. With the

Speech recognition function, the acoustic message can be converted into digital signals. These can be evaluated by the portable communication unit and / or the central server.

The object is further achieved in a laboratory arrangement, in particular for carrying out the method, as described above, in that one with at least one transmission unit At least one provided via a first communication channel to the central server portable communication unit is provided, wherein the first communication channel is formed wirelessly, and at least one corresponding to a first

Instruction-operable device, wherein the central server is configured to transmit at least the first instruction to operate the work equipment, and wherein the central server is configured to receive at least a first work result from the work equipment.

There are now a variety of ways that

inventive method for operating a laboratory assembly and the laboratory arrangement to design and develop.

On the one hand, reference is made to the sibling

Claims subordinate claims, on the other hand to the description of embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawing: FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a

Embodiment of the laboratory arrangement according to the invention; and

2 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the

inventive method for operating a

Laboratory setting.

FIG. 1 shows a simplified representation of a

Embodiment of a laboratory arrangement according to the invention 2. The laboratory device 2 according to the invention comprises a

central server 4. The central server 4 can be configured as a central controller. In particular, the central server 4 can have at least one processor, volatile and non-volatile. have volatile memory modules and interface devices (not shown).

In addition, this server 4 may have a database 20 for storing work results and additional data of performed work processes. That's the way it is

for example, possible in the database 20 the

Complete documentation of the manufacturing process of an item or a substance and, in particular, additional documentation

Record intermediate results.

It is understood that the database 20 may also be formed by one or more database servers connectable to the central server 4.

The central server 4 can further via a second communication channel 14 with implements 8.1 and 8.2

in particular be directly connected.

The second communication channel 14 in the present embodiment is a wired communication channel, such as a LAN channel. It is understood that according to other variants others

wired communication channels can be used or the second communication channel can also be formed wirelessly.

The implements 8.1 and 8.2 can in principle be any implements that are in one

Laboratory arrangement may be required. As implements 8.1 and 8.2 may preferably be used electrical and / or mechanical equipment. Non-exhaustive examples of possible implements 8.1 or 8.2 are laboratory trucks, Centrifuges, mixers, heaters, vacuum pumps and the like. It is understood that even three or more

Working tools can be provided. In addition, it is understood that a working device only indirectly with the central server 4 and in particular not on the

Communication channel 14 may be linked to this.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the central server can be connected to transmitting / receiving devices 18.1 and 18.2. The transmitting / receiving devices 18.1 and 18.2 may, for example, be WLAN access points that provide a first wireless communication channel 16.1 and 16.2. It is understood that other transmitting / receiving devices and only one or more than two transceivers can be used.

Furthermore, one or more portable

Communication units 6 may be provided, which may be carried for example by an employee 10. A portable communication unit 6 is configured so that it can communicate with the corresponding transceivers at least via the communication channel 16.1 and 16.2. For this purpose, the communication unit may comprise appropriate appropriate means. Non-exhaustive examples of portable communication units are mobile phones,

Smartphones, PDAs, tablet computers, and the like.

In addition, a portable communication unit 6 may be configured to communicate with one of a co-worker via a third preferred wireless communication channel 20

portable interface device 12 to communicate.

For example, the communication between the corresponding devices 6 and 12 are performed by Bluetooth, infrared or the like.

The interface device 12 may be an acoustic interface device 12 comprising a first acoustic

Interface and at least one more acoustic

Interface, such as a headset. An employee 10 may, for example, via a headphone

Receive messages and / or send messages via a microphone to the portable communication unit 6, which implemented the messages, for example by means of one

Voice recognition function can handle.

The method for operating the laboratory arrangement 2 according to FIG. 1 will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for operating a

Laboratory arrangement 2.

Firstly, an employee 10 can register with the central server 4 in a first step 101, for example, at the start of service via a portable communication unit 6 assigned to the employee 10. For example, an authentication can be performed for a registration. It is understood that it may initially be necessary for the employee 10 to unlock the mobile communication device 6, for example by entering a password or the like.

In a next step 102, at least a first

Instruction for operating a working device 8.1 or 8.2 from the central server 4 to a portable communication unit 6 via a first communication channel 16.1 or 16.2 be transmitted. The central server 4, in particular as a higher-level control of the in the laboratory arrangement. 2

be performed to be performed, can generate a corresponding instruction and transmitted to the portable communication unit 6, for example via transmitting devices 18 and the wireless communication channel 16.1 and 16.2.

For example, an instruction to execute a

certain tasks, such as the implementation of a weighing process. This instruction may be preferred to the employee 10 acoustically via a with the portable

Communication unit 6 communicating headset 12 are communicated. For example, an instruction may be sent, after which the employee should weigh 10 25.3 kg of sugar on the balance 8.1.

After receiving the instruction, the employee 10 can go to the scale 8.1 and the scale 8.1 according to the

operate instruction received (step 103).

Should the employee 10 need assistance in executing the instruction, since, for example, the position of the balance 8.1 in the laboratory arrangement 2 is not known to the employee 10, optionally additional information from the central server 4 can be requested in a step 104.

For this purpose, the employee 10, for example, via a microphone 12 arranged in the headset 12 and using a

Voice recognition function to transmit a corresponding request to the server 4. It is understood that an input via a keyboard or the like is possible. The central server 4 can the employee 10 a

provide appropriate directions. Preferably, for this purpose, first the position of the portable

Communication unit 6 are determined. For example, from the two signals 16.1 and 16.2, which a

may have different identifier and signal strength, the current location are determined by triangulation techniques. After determining the current location of the employee 10 and the location of the implement 8.1, for example, by reading a database 20, the central server 4 corresponding navigation instructions to the portable

Communication unit 6 transmitted. After reaching the scale 8.1 then the scale 8.1 can be operated according to the first instruction.

During operation of the scale 8.1 in step 105, the state of the scale 8.1 can be monitored. You can do this

be arranged suitable sensors. For example, continuous or discrete monitoring may be provided.

Preferably, the state data of the balance 8.1 can be transmitted to the server 4 and / or the portable communication unit 6. For example, the balance 8.1 via the second communication network 14 data to the central server. 4

preferably transmit automatically, which can evaluate the data accordingly and, for example, can detect errors. Then, the server 4 may instruct the employee 10 to correct the error via the portable

Communication unit 6 transmit.

Also, the scale 8.1 can report an error to the employee 10 directly via the portable communication unit 6. Of the Employee 10 can remedy the error immediately or first request help from the central server 4 as described above. In particular, such a monitoring allows the employee 10 automatically, especially for longer

running processes not in close proximity to

Work implement must be 8.1. In other words, remote monitoring is possible. An employee 10 may therefore perform additional instructions during operation of the implement 8.1.

Also, the completion of an operation may be transmitted to the server 4 and the portable communication unit 6. Then the employee can be informed as described above.

In a step 106, the first work result, which in principle may also be an intermediate result, can be detected by the server 4. For example, that can

Work result is automatically transmitted to the central server 4 via the second communication channel 14. Additionally or alternatively, the work result can be detected and transmitted by the portable communication unit 6.

For example, the portable communication unit 6 may include a camera or be connectable to a camera. Thus, the employee 10, for example, after request by the central server 4 perform appropriate recordings of the work result, which can be displayed by the working device 8.1. The result or the recordings can then preferably be transmitted automatically to the central server 4. Then the work result can be stored by the server 4 in a step 107. Optionally, further data can be stored. For example, the name of the executing employee 10, a

Identification number of the working device 8.1, the duration and / or the time of the process, errors occurring during operation, etc. are stored in the database 20. By being able to record and store all work results of a production process in a central server 4, the production process can essentially be documented completely.

In addition, the central server 4, the first

Evaluate the work result (step 108) and transmit a second instruction to the portable communication unit 6 as a function of the first work result. For example, upon detection of an incorrect result, a repeat instruction may be sent to the portable

Communication unit 6 are sent. Alternatively, an instruction subsequent to the result of the work can be used for

Further processing or a new order.

In addition, the central server 4 can generate instructions depending on the current location of the employee 10. As already described, the position of the portable communication unit can be detected. For example, if the central server 4 determines that

can be performed highly prioritized and executed as directly as possible, can the

appropriate implement 8.1 or 8.2 nearest employees are used for this purpose. It is understood that a large number of other criteria are the choice of the

Employee 10 who is to execute an instruction affected. However, since all criteria are stored centrally in the server 4 and / or detected, optimal control of the laboratory arrangement can be ensured. It is understood that the employee 10 in a last step 109, for example at the end of his shift, the central server 4 on the portable

Communication unit 6 can deregister.

Claims

claims

Method for operating a laboratory arrangement (2) with at least one working device (8.1, 8.2), characterized

marked that

providing one or more portable communication units (6) and a common central server (4),

at least a first instruction for operating a

Working device (8.1, 8.2) from the central server (4) to one of the portable communication units (6) via a first communication channel (16.2, 16.2)

is transmitted, wherein the first communication channel (16.1, 16.2) is formed wireless,

- The implement (8.1, 8.2) according to the first

Instruction is operated, and

- At least a first work result of the working device (8.1, 8.2) is transmitted to the central server (4).

A method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the first work result via a between the working device (8.1, 8.2) and the central server (4) arranged second communication channel (14) is transmitted.

A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the portable communication unit (6) the first work result for the transmission over the first

Communication channel (16.1, 16.2) to the central server (4) via a visual interface detected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the first work result in the central server (4) is stored.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one second instruction for operating a working device (8.1, 8.2) of the

central server (4) to the portable

Communication unit (6) over the first

Communication channel (16.1, 16.2) is transmitted depending on the first work result.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operation of the working device (8.1, 8.2) is monitored by the central server (4), and / or monitoring the operation of the working device (8.1, 8.2) of the portable communication unit (6) becomes.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a portable

Communication unit (6) having staff (10) at least the first instruction of the central server (4) via a with the portable communication unit (6) connected first acoustic interface (12) is transmitted.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the current position of the portable communication unit (6) is determined.

A method according to claim 8, characterized in that an instruction from the central server (4) in Dependence of the specific position of the portable

Communication unit (6) is generated.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one message is transmitted to the central server (4) via another acoustic interface (12) connected to the portable communication unit (6).

Laboratory arrangement (2), in particular for the execution of the

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

a central server (4) connected to at least one transmitting / receiving unit (18.1, 18.2) is provided,

- At least one via a first communication channel (16.1, 16.2) to the central server (4) connected portable communication unit (6) is provided, wherein the first communication channel (16.1, 16.2) is formed wireless, and

- at least one according to a first instruction

operable working device (8.1, 8.2) is provided,

- wherein the central server (4) is configured for

Transmitting at least the first instruction to operate the implement (8.1, 8.2), and

- wherein the central server (4) is configured for

Receiving at least a first work result from the implement (8.1, 8.2).