Dynamic routing algorithms for modular analyzer systems
AssigneeSiemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
InventorsRayal Prasad, Yao-Jen Chang, Ankur Kapoor, Mark Edwards
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for dynamic route planning for use with modular liquid handler systems. A route planning algorithm can be utilized to plan routes for the vessel movers of the liquid handler systems in a dynamic manner, without the need for hardcoded routes, so that a route planning system can efficiently transport samples between modules of the liquid handler systems while minimizing risks of collisions and jams. The route planning algorithm can be configured to receive a representation of the liquid handler system configuration and plan routes for the vessel movers accordingly.
Claims16
A liquid handler system for processing a liquid sample, the liquid handler system comprising:
- one or more modules configured to process the liquid sample;
- a track system interconnecting the one or more modules, the track system configured to support one or more vessel movers thereon, the one or more vessel movers comprising a magnet and configured to receive the liquid sample;
- and
- a routing control system configured to:
- receive a representation corresponding to a configuration of the one or more modules and the one or more vessel movers associated with the liquid handler system,
- determine, using the routing algorithm, a route for each of the one or more vessel movers based on the representation, and
- cause the one or more vessel movers to move along the track system between the one or more modules according to the determined route for each of the one or more vessel movers.
A method of routing one or more vessel carriers associated with a liquid handler system configured to process a liquid sample, the liquid handler system comprising one or more modules configured to process the liquid sample and a track system interconnecting the one or more modules and configured to support the one or more vessel movers thereon, the one or more vessel movers comprising a magnet and configured to receive the liquid sample, the method comprising:
- receiving, by a routing control system, a representation corresponding to a configuration of the one or more modules and the one or more vessel movers associated with the liquid handler system,
- determining, by the routing control system using the routing algorithm, a route for each of the one or more vessel movers based on the representation, and
- causing, by the routing control system, the one or more vessel movers to move along the track system between the one or more modules according to the determined route for each of the one or more vessel movers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.