GB2552468A - System setup for automated analyser systems - Google Patents
System setup for automated analyser systems Download PDFInfo
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- GB2552468A GB2552468A GB1612555.1A GB201612555A GB2552468A GB 2552468 A GB2552468 A GB 2552468A GB 201612555 A GB201612555 A GB 201612555A GB 2552468 A GB2552468 A GB 2552468A
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F8/00—Arrangements for software engineering
- G06F8/60—Software deployment
- G06F8/65—Updates
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
- G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
- G06F9/44—Arrangements for executing specific programs
- G06F9/445—Program loading or initiating
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- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract
A method for a software based update and configuration process of automated analyser systems, comprising the steps of connecting a central operating processor 20 with at least one unit of the automated analyser system; resetting the system to register the at least one unit with its IP at the central operating processor to enter a setup mode; in-stalling a kernel update or firmware update on the at least one unit. The central operating processor may be connected to at least one unit or CAN modules 30, 40 via a CAN bus 50. Information about the at least one unit is read out by service commands comprising information about hardware configurations or running software releases of the at least one unit. Each unit may run a kernel. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated system setup process or automated analyser systems.
Description
(71) Applicant(s):
Stratec Biomedical AG
Gewerbestr 37, 75217 Birkenfeld, Germany (72) Inventor(s):
Oliver Burk Uwe Maschke
1612555.1 (51) [NT ci_:
G06F 9/455 (2018.01)
20.07.2016 (56) Documents Cited:
WO 2006/094388 A1 US 6504131 B1 US 20140201728 A1 (58) Field of Search:
INT CL G06F
Other: WPI, EPODOC, TXTE (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:
24IP Law Group Sonnenberg Fortmann CharlottenstraBe 80,10117, Berlin, Germany (54) Title of the Invention: System setup for automated analyser systems Abstract Title: Automatic updating of clinical analyser systems (57) A method for a software based update and configuration process of automated analyser systems, comprising the steps of connecting a central operating processor 20 with at least one unit of the automated analyser system; resetting the system to register the at least one unit with its IP at the central operating processor to enter a setup mode; in-stalling a kernel update or firmware update on the at least one unit. The central operating processor may be connected to at least one unit or CAN modules 30, 40 via a CAN bus 50. Information about the at least one unit is read out by service commands comprising information about hardware configurations or running software releases of the at least one unit. Each unit may run a kernel. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated system setup process or automated analyser systems.
Figure 1
1/1
Figure 1 s
Title: System Setup for Automated Analyser Systems
Field of the Invention [0001] The field of the invention relates to a system setup for automated analyzer system.
Background of the invention [0002] Automated analyser systems for use in clinical diagnostics and life sciences are produced by a number of companies. For example, the Stratec Biomedical AG, Birkenfeld, Germany, produces a number of devices for specimen handling and detection for use in automated analyser systems and other laboratory instrumentation.
[0003] Processes in the use of laboratory equipment such as automated analyser systems for clinical diagnostics are being increasingly automated. High-throughput technologies require management of resources in respect of components of the processed tests or samples as well as in respect of information. Some analyses may require a number of different hardware components, such as sensors or actuators, which have to communicate with each or have to be read-out. Several microcontroller are used within a multi-component system to coordinate the interaction between the respective components.
[0004] During production of an automated analyser system or in case of a service by a technician, each controller has to be updated with novel firmware and a predefined set of updated parameters has possibly to be programmed. Usually each controller has to be updated separately and a configuration for each controller has to be worked out separately. Service technicians have to identify the controller of a system with their individual setup and change parameter annually according to a provided checklist.
[0005] Such a manual process is time consuming and expensive. The risk of using wrong checklists or missing necessary updates is closely related to manual handling of controller identification, parameterisation and updating.
Object of the Invention [0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated system setup process for automated analyser systems.
Summary of the Invention [0007] The present disclosure relates to a method for a software based update and configuration process of automated analyzer systems, comprising the steps of connecting a central operating processor with at least one unit of the automated analyzer system; resetting the system to register the at least one unit with its IP at the central operating processor to enter a setup mode; installing a kernel update or firmware update on the at least one unit.
[0008] It is intended that a kernel update of the at least one unit can be performed comprising the steps of starting the central operating processor of the system in kernel mode; downloading a central operating processor update application and starting the at least one unit; downloading a kernel update firmware onto the at least one unit; starting the central operating processor in operation mode and initiating the application firmware on the at least one unit logging; updating kernel of the at least one unit by the kernel firmware update firmware; initiating time controlled restart of the central operating processor in kernel mode; exchange of update application on central operating processor with original firmware.
[0009] A firmware update of the at least one unit may be performed comprising the steps of starting the central operating processor of the system in kernel and mode; downloading of a new application firmware onto the at least one unit.
[0010] A CAN bus may be used for connecting the central operating processor and the at least one unit.
[0011] Information about the at least one unit can be read out by service commands comprising information about hardware configurations or running software releases of the at least one unit.
[0012] Each of the at least one units may run a kernel.
[0013] The update firmware can be used to monitor whether an actual kernel is running to ensure that only older versions will be updated.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is an automated analyzer systems comprising for a software based update and configuration process a data processing unit that is connected to a central operating processor of the automated analyser system, wherein the central operating processor is connected via a CAN-bus to at least one module of the automated analyser system, wherein the at least one module runs a kernel
Summary of the Figures [0015] The invention will be described on the basis of figures. It will be understood that the embodiments and aspects of the invention described are only examples and do not limit the protective scope of the claims in any way. The invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents. It will be understood that features of one aspect or embodiment of the invention can be combined with a feature of a different aspect or aspects and/or embodiments of the invention. It shows:
[0016] Figure 1 Scheme of an automated analyser system connected to a personal computer (PC)
Detailed Description of the Invention and the Figures [0017] A method according to the instant disclosure combines a software based update and configuration process that needs no manual interaction with automated firmware updates or upgrades of all microcontroller of a device like an automated analyser system. Different hardware variants are further automatically identified and considered. Log files are also created automatically to keep records of the system status including all microcontroller before and after updating the device. Finally, the configuration of the device comprising hardware firmware versions and parameterisation will be archived.
[0018] The term “unit of the automated analyser system” refers to component, module or apparatus of the automated analyser system that is connected to or an integral part of the system. Such a component may have its own central processing unit for operating and connection to the system. The words “unit” or “module” are used synonymously.
[0019] The subject matter of the instant disclosure is based on the interaction of the following components:
1) a bus structure with appropriate communication protocol;
2) a firmware kernel for each controller;
3) a software providing update features; and
4) a software for instrument setup.
[0020] The instrument setup coordinates the whole process and has to meet the following criteria:
1) Detection of Hardware configuration to define the required firmware update
2) Firmware update of all microcontroller to a predefined status;
3) Update of firmware kernel to a predefined status;
4) Parameterisation of components.
[0021] Figure 1 shows exemplary an embodiment of the subject matter of the present disclosure. A data processing unit (personal computer) 10 is via USB, Ethernet or another interface like RS232 connected to a central operating processor (COP) 20 of the automated analyser system 5. The central operating processor 20 is connected via CAN bus 50 to CAN modules 30, 40. It is possible that a further module 70 is connected via appropriate interfaces with a CAN module 30 as well as CAN modules 30, 40 may be connected to each other. A module that is not directly connected to the CAN bus to a CAN module can also be operated by the data processing unit.
[0022] The COP 20 is thus used to connect the automated analyser system 5 to a data processing unit 10 and to manage all data necessary for establishing a logical net structure. In addition COP 20 is responsible for coordinating internal processes of the automated analyser system 5.
[0023] It is intended that each module has to register after a reset with its module IP at the COP to enter a so called setup mode. This mode enables to enter service commands like installing a firmware update or to start the application firmware.
[0024] Service commands may be used to read out information about the hardware like serial number etc. as well as currently installed software release numbers. This setup enables script driven selective updates of a complete automated analyser system.
[0025] Each CAN module runs an operation system, a so-called kernel. Such a kernel has to be written initially during production of the automated analyser system via a separate interface. Such an interface is controller-dependent and will usually only be used once. The kernel manages communication parameter and the module specific parameter like article or serial number and enables thus a clear identification of each module.
[0026] The kernel is able to receive service commands from the COP, which will be used among other things to install application firmware or exchange it to another version and to start firmware. After a reset the kernel of each module registers with the COP. The COP will start in normal mode the application firmware of each module using a service command.
[0027] It will be no longer possible to access the hardware so that another option is necessary to enable kernel updates if the automated analyser system is finished. A specific application update firmware of each module in combination with a specific COP firmware allows updating a kernel. Updating a kernel requires to load the specific update firmware onto the respective module. The update firmware comprises a new kernel in object code and serves only to overwrite the existing kernel after restart. It is possible to overwrite the existing kernel, because after launching the application firmware or in this case the update firmware, the existing kernel will no longer be executed and can thus be exchanged.
[0028] The update firmware monitors in addition whether old and new kernel are different or identical and will only overwrite the existing kernel if differences are determined. As a result the memory will be kept free from unnecessary operations.
[0029] The COP firmware will only launch by default application firmware of a module, if the same requirements to the communication infrastructure are requested than known by the COP. If a firmware with differing requirements is detected in a module, the firmware will not be started. The update firmware is not known by the COP-firmware so that it will not be started. Thus, a specific COP application is necessary to start the kernel update initiating all modules connected to the bus, independent from whether they are known or not. Such a specific COP application will have to be installed onto the COP in case of a kernel update.
[0030] The following sequence of steps is related to a kernel update:
1) Power-up of device with COP in kernel-mode
2) Download of specific COP application, starting all modules via the PC software
3) Download of kernel update firmware onto the respective module by the PC software
4) Power-up of COP in operation mode. The specific COP application starts and initiates the application firmware on all modules logging.
5) The kernel update firmware updates kernel
6) PC software initiates time controlled further power-up with COP in kernel mode
7) Exchange of specific COP application with the originally firmware
8) Device is ready to use after further power-up with COP in operation mode [0031] A firmware update requires the following sequence of steps:
1) Power-up of device with COP in kernel mode
2) Download of new application firmware onto the modules by PC software
3) Device is ready to use after further power-up with COP in operation mode [0032] As regards parameter setting, administration of the module parameter is the responsibility of the application firmware of the modules. All modules will be set to operation mode for reading and writing of parameters.
[0033] The instrument setup software runs on a PC and thus constitutes the top level. It brings the device to unambiguously verifiable firmware status, i.e. the software updates firmware of all modules within the device and writes all parameters with pre-defined values. Firmware and kernel updates will be performed in consideration of the hardware configuration. An exchange between kernel and application firmware will only be done if it is necessary, i.e. if the actual state differs from the target state.
[0034] The automatic update process of the instant invention comprising determination of the actual state avoids mistakes related to manual processes. The manufacturer of the device verifies the software driven process, ensuring functionality for the customer. There is no need for manual intervention by a service technician. The tasks of a service technician are reduced to initiating the software based process and working on progress reports.
Reference Number List automated analyzer system data processing unit central operating processor
30, 40 CAN units 50 CAN bus unit
Claims (8)
1. A method for a software based update and configuration process of automated analyzer systems, comprising the steps of connecting a central operating processor with at least one unit of the automated analyzer system; resetting the system to register the at least one unit with its IP at the central operating processor to enter a setup mode; installing a kernel update or firmware update on the at least one unit.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein a kernel update of the at least one unit is performed comprising the steps of starting the central operating processor of the system in kernel mode; downloading a central operating processor update application and starting the at least one unit; downloading a kernel update firmware onto the at least one unit; starting the central operating processor in operation mode and initiating the application firmware on the at least one unit logging; updating kernel of the at least one unit by the kernel firmware update firmware; initiating time controlled restart of the central operating processor in kernel mode; exchange of update application on central operating processor with original firmware.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein a firmware update of the at least one unit is performed comprising the steps of starting the central operating processor of the system in kernel and mode; downloading of a new application firmware onto the at least one unit.
4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a CAN bus is used for connecting the central operating processor and the at least one unit.
5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein information about the at least one unit is read out by service commands comprising information about hardware configurations or running software releases of the at least one unit.
6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the at least one units runs a kernel.
The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the update firmware monitors whether an actual kernel is running to ensure that only older versions will be updated.
8. An automated analyzer systems comprising for a software based update and configuration process a data processing unit that is connected to a central operating processor of the automated analyser system, wherein the central operating processor is connected via a CAN-bus to at least one module of the automated analyser system, wherein the at least one module runs a kernel.
Intellectual
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Application No: GB1612555.1 Examiner: Mr Aaron Saddington
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1612555.1A GB2552468A (en) | 2016-07-20 | 2016-07-20 | System setup for automated analyser systems |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1612555.1A GB2552468A (en) | 2016-07-20 | 2016-07-20 | System setup for automated analyser systems |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201612555D0 GB201612555D0 (en) | 2016-08-31 |
| GB2552468A true GB2552468A (en) | 2018-01-31 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1612555.1A Withdrawn GB2552468A (en) | 2016-07-20 | 2016-07-20 | System setup for automated analyser systems |
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| GB (1) | GB2552468A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2024026111A1 (en) * | 2022-07-29 | 2024-02-01 | Apple Inc. | Hardware pairing communication for streaming service |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6504131B1 (en) * | 2001-09-19 | 2003-01-07 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Welding-type power supply with boot loader |
| WO2006094388A1 (en) * | 2005-03-07 | 2006-09-14 | Novx Systems Inc. | Automated analyzer |
| US20140201728A1 (en) * | 2013-01-14 | 2014-07-17 | Netronome Systems, Inc. | Software update methodology |
-
2016
- 2016-07-20 GB GB1612555.1A patent/GB2552468A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6504131B1 (en) * | 2001-09-19 | 2003-01-07 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Welding-type power supply with boot loader |
| WO2006094388A1 (en) * | 2005-03-07 | 2006-09-14 | Novx Systems Inc. | Automated analyzer |
| US20140201728A1 (en) * | 2013-01-14 | 2014-07-17 | Netronome Systems, Inc. | Software update methodology |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2024026111A1 (en) * | 2022-07-29 | 2024-02-01 | Apple Inc. | Hardware pairing communication for streaming service |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201612555D0 (en) | 2016-08-31 |
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