Methods and apparatus for generating physical layouts of automated laboratory diagnostic systems

A system for generating a physical layout of an automated laboratory diagnostic system, comprising:

• a computer including a processor, a memory, and a user interface, the memory storing layout generator software, wherein the processor executing the layout generator software is operative to:
• receive laboratory requirements including sample tests to be performed, physical space constraints, and anticipated sample workload;
• receive one or more laboratory objectives;
• identify particular types of modules and redundancy thereof to be included in a tentative physical layout based on the laboratory requirements;
• place the particular modules in the tentative physical layout based on the laboratory requirements;
• connect the particular modules placed in the tentative physical layout using a sample transport system based on the laboratory requirements to complete the tentative physical layout;
• simulate sample testing using the tentative physical layout;
• repeat the identify, the place, and the connect in response to a simulation of a subset of the tests executed on the tentative physical layout not meeting the one or more laboratory objectives;
• and
• output via the user interface a final physical layout in response to a simulation meeting the one or more laboratory objectives.

A method of generating a physical layout of an automated laboratory diagnostic system, comprising:

• receiving, at a processor executing layout generator software, a set of pre-defined physical layouts for the automated laboratory diagnostic system;
• receiving, at the processor executing layout generator software, laboratory requirements including sample tests to be performed, physical space constraints, and anticipated sample workload;
• receiving, at the processor executing layout generator software, one or more laboratory objectives;
• simulating sample testing using a physical layout of the set of the pre-defined physical layouts that includes all modules needed for performing the sample tests;
• repeating the simulating of the sample testing using a different physical layout of the set of the pre-defined physical layouts that includes all modules needed for performing the sample tests in response to a previous simulation not meeting the laboratory requirements and the one or more laboratory objectives;
• and
• outputting, via a user interface coupled to the processor, one of the pre-defined physical layouts in response to a simulation of the one pre-defined physical layout meeting the laboratory requirements and the one or more laboratory objectives.

A method of generating a physical layout of an automated laboratory diagnostic system, comprising:

• receiving, at a processor executing layout generator software, a set of pre-defined physical layouts for the automated laboratory diagnostic system;
• receiving, at the processor executing layout generator software, laboratory requirements including sample tests to be performed, physical space constraints, and anticipated sample workload;
• receiving, at the processor executing layout generator software, one or more laboratory objectives;
• selecting a physical layout of the set of predefined physical layouts that includes all modules needed for performing the sample tests;
• simulating sample testing using the selected physical layout;
• if the laboratory requirements and the one or more laboratory objectives are not met, employing reinforcement learning or an evolutionary algorithm to select a different physical layout of the set of pre-defined physical layouts that includes all the modules needed for performing the sample tests and repeating the simulating;
• and
• if the laboratory requirements and the one or more laboratory objectives are met with one of the pre-defined physical layouts, outputting, via a user interface coupled to the processor, the one pre-defined physical layout.