Method and system for determining the topology of a modular analysis system

Translation of description of equivalent WO 2004028081 A2

A method and system for determining the topology of the modular analytical system

The invention relates to a Nerfahren and a system by which the topology of a modular analytical system can be determined.

Using the method of the invention may provide the user a modular analysis system are shown graphically on a screen, for example the topology of the system. Under a modular analysis system according to the invention is understood to be a system that is composed of a plurality of devices that communicate with each other directly or indirectly related, composed. Further, to understand one another under the term topology of an analysis system according to the invention a relative spatial arrangement of the modules, however, no absolute geometric information includes.

The user is presented with the Nerfahren invention enables spatial allocation of modules without the need for this make-consuming operation steps. The user who is in the operation of the system even before the central unit, this is the relative arrangement of the modules to the central unit and thereby communicated to his own position. The user can see which modules are contacted in the analysis system available and with the Zenfraleinheit thus easy. The user is therefore a quick overview of the analysis system and can customize this to suit their needs by adding or removing modules. Based on his own position, the user is notified that such. As module 1, a blood glucose meter, to the right of him next to the central unit. This topological information about the respective modules, the operation of a modular analysis system is made considerably easier, so that during the operation in particular of complex systems analysis method of the invention offers significant advantages and frequently changing users a simple hand ensures handling. The Nerfahren and system according to the invention proves to be particularly in instrument systems, which include a plurality of modules, as useful because the user is in particular dependent on a transparent handling. Equipment systems that include a plurality of modules, often come with customized analysis systems are used, which are tuned to a respective area of ​​application. Some applications that require a customized requirement profile, are z. B. in the field of medicine and diagnostics. In these areas, often highly specialized analyzers are used which have to meet high demands. Because of the specific features that have analyzers which required numerous requirements for an analysis system often can not be resolved by one analyzer alone. Furthermore, in addition to the analyzers often additional devices are required, which are used for processing and output of data.

If a modular analytical system z. B. used to analyze different diseases, different parameters have to be determined depending on the disease, so that there are different requirements for the analysis system based on the application area. Furthermore shows that the production of special equipment, which are used in such analysis systems is complex and expensive, so that the maximum utilization of the equipment is intended. This has the consequence that the use of an analysis device can be provided for multiple systems vary uss and the number and type of analysis equipment in a modular analytical system. It is therefore desirable, each easy to optimize an analysis system with a view to an application and to put together on the basis of several analyzers. So there may be exemplified analyzers, which are not required for standard analysis, are the analysis system added or removed as needed. The flexible use of analyzers in a system not only allows a customized solution with respect to the respective area of ​​application, but also an improved utilization of equipment. Providing highly specialized analysis systems can be thus guaranteed cost-optimized. Furthermore, a central control of the analytical system additionally avoid costs because z. B. no longer must be available for each individual analyzer available UI elements (screens, speakers, printers, etc.). A central controller provides for this purpose a contact of the elements to the respective module ready.

In order to allow easy handling modular analysis systems for the user can be shown a number of methods and systems in the prior art. Here, methods are frequently with the aid of a central control unit provided, which allow a relative arrangement of the individual modules to the central control unit - as described-to determine. The user is thus exempt from the otherwise necessary action to arrange the modules as well as their connection to the central unit visually and to name this relative arrangement of the system. Especially in analysis systems in which frequently takes place an exchange of modules and which are served by different users, a visual ranking the relative arrangement of the modules as well as the relevant input in the control unit would mean a complex and time-consuming process. The condition, which is placed on modern modular analysis systems, light and flexible to be handled would be hampered significantly by a visual method.

In the prior art 5,404,460 a method for determining the relative arrangement of modules is described in the document US. Here, the document discloses a system in which multiple modules are connected in series so that each of the output of a module is connected to the input of the next module. The output of the last module is joined connected to a serial input of a central controller. The system comprises a common clock and a common reset line for all modules. Through a system-side reset and subsequent central clocking a time just specific reading and writing of the serial buses is made possible. Here, the first module in the system-side reset creates a data packet and has thereby even an address (0) to. In clock is now this data packet from the first to the last module and then passed on to the central controller, each module increases the packet contents to a data packet (+1) and allocates the appropriate address. As a result, the central controller receives information on the number and order of the modules in the overall system. With the data packet corresponding to a respective address, even more data to the central controller can be received, the z. B. includes a type designation of the module. By means of an indication of the order of the modules can thus be easier identification of modules z. B. over the type designation, so that the user is facilitated an assignment. A decisive disadvantage of this method is that the address assignment can only occur via a reset of the total system respectively. Furthermore, demands on the system, each line on a system-side reset and a clock line result to have. A serious drawback remains that the system relies on a very specific temporal clocking his serial bus. In the sense of the OSI layer model, which will be explained below, it meets specifications so that a Physical layer of its protocol. This is the user's freedom to utilize industrialized riestandardprotokolle, severely limited because particular industry-standard buses such procedures are incompatible. A common serial bus in the industry is for. B. GAN bus. These special serial buses contain small data packets and are thus particularly robust compared to conventional serial buses. Information transfer occurs at these buses at the protocol level of the OSI layer model. At this level, however, no address can be freely selected. The method can therefore not be used in modules that come standard with GAN buses, applied.

Another method for Topologiebestirnniung is in the document

WO 02/04675 described. This method is similar to the method already described, since a data packet with an address information from module to module is forwarded over a serial bus. The required synchronization takes place via a separate control line. This results in, as already described disadvantages of the prior art because the method is not compatible with industry standards, in order to achieve a specification of the protocol. Furthermore, an additional line is necessary here.

The invention has the object of providing a method and a system which enables automatic determination of a topology of modules in an analysis system, wherein the drawbacks of the described prior art are to be avoided.

The invention includes a method for Bestimmimg the topology of modules in a modular analytical system comprising the steps of. First, a consolidated takes place clocking several modules which store data in a memory unit having a central, at least two of the modules are connected in series. Here, z. B. is a linear arrangement of modules for Zenfrdeinheit conceivable. However, it is, for. example, a star topology with a central unit as a center is also possible. After con- modules clocking to the central unit, the data of the modules that are contacted directly or indirectly with the central processing unit, transmitted to the Central Unit and recorded advantageously there. Initially targeted contact between a module and the central unit is interrupted. It is again a transfer of the module data to the central unit. The Zenfraleinheit registered now again all module data. The interrupted contact is then restored. By Comparing the registered data of the modules before and after the interruption of the contact, the topology of the modules are determined. In this case, there is the possibility to interrupt the contact to another module and to repeat the corresponding method steps until by comparing the registered data before and after the interruption of a respective contact, sufficient information is available to make a calculation of the topology.

The invention further includes a modular analytical system comprising a central unit, which is in contact with a plurality of modules. Here, at least two of the modules are connected in series. The modules each have a memory for storage of data of brass. The analysis system further includes a switch, which is contacted with a computer unit and can be controlled by this in such a way that the contact between a module and the central unit can be interrupted and restored. The computer unit includes for this purpose a control unit for controlling the switch and a memory for registering data module. By means of a calculation unit calculating the topology of the analytical system. Here, before the registered data and compared after an interrupted contact between the central unit and a module.

The invention solves the above object by means of the illustrated system with appropriate electronic circuit and a corresponding method, wherein the central processing unit may include a relative arrangement of the individual modules. The system and the method is compatible with industry standards such. B. GAN buses, and can thus be easily used in commercial systems. Due to the method used no address assignment via serial buses is necessary, in which a reset of the system is required. The user can thus easily integrate the process with commercially available systems without resulting costly additional measures.

The system and method of the invention offers the advantages that provide a modular analytical system with high flexibility, so removed or added that, for. Example, at any time individual modules of the analysis system can be the. As implementation of the method does not require a system reset, the method can therefore also be used during normal operation and not only during a specific initialization sequence. The system and Nerfahren invention thus allows to calculate the relative positions of individual modules and automatically this advantageously to visualize in a suitable form a user. It thereby supporting the request for. Example of modular medical devices seeking a "plug and play" operation. The term "plug and ρlay^κ here means, among other things, that after Hinzu- or removal of a module no reset of the overall system is required.

The data stored in a module data may include any information, so that the Nerfahren is not limited to any type of data or information. Norway geous enough, the data contains information that permits identification of a module, eg. As a glucose meter.

According to the invention various possibilities are also conceivable, which a

affect data averaging between module and central unit. For example, this is done by the power supply or a communication path is interrupted to form a module so that the module or the communication unit of a module is no longer in operation. A transmission of data to the central unit is then only possible to the modules in which the communication unit is still on. In a series connection of modules no communication with the central processing unit would then be, for example, in all the modules, which are connected from the central unit on the other side of the module to which the contact is interrupted, in series, longer present. However, it is also conceivable that all modules are still on the other side of the interrupted contact in the described example, and a communication to the Zenfrdeinheit is possible. To identify and distinguish the modules that are contacted by the other side of the interrupted contact, of the other modules such. B. are at a breaking of the contact generates additional data by which the modules are characterized in the further course of the proceedings. Based on the generated data, which are advantageously stored in each module, then the central processing unit when communicating with the module to detect that the module is switched by the central unit, starting beyond the discontinuous contacting in series.

According to the invention therefore is an interruption of the contact between module and central unit designed in such a way that a differentiation between

Modules, which are connected by the central unit, starting beyond the interrupted contact in series, and the remaining modules is possible. This can, for. Example, be verwirkhcht by a deactivation of the power supply or a communication path as described, or such. As by generating additional data, which are used to identify the modules. It is irrelevant for the invention whether z. B. a marking or z. B. there is a deactivation of the modules that are connected in series across the interrupted contact, or on the CPU side facing, on this side of the interrupted contact.

To clarify the invention some examples of processes are illustrated in more detail below.

In a realized system in electronics and software communication protocol is defined. By means of this communication protocol, it is the CPU possible to exchange with each module commands and data. Modules and central unit are logical addresses, Aj_,Addressed. Because of this addresses only a finite number are present in the system, it is the central unit possible to ren iterie- all addresses. Each module, Mi, in this case has an ID, Ij. The ID can contain different information. It may be, for. Instance as sufficiently that the type designation of a module reproduces the identification. Such identification could then called z. B. blood glucose or Koagulationsmessgerät etc. If several devices of the same type in an analysis system available, zusätzUche identification features are necessary for accurate identification of a device. In principle, a wide range of MögHchkeiten a data transfer operation are conceivable that can be used to identify a module. Here may permit direct or indirect identification of a module data. It is such. As conceivable that allow the data transmitted by means of a program of the central processing unit, an identification of a module. According to the invention, the term identification of a module includes therefore such data from which can be directly or indirectly derive a provision of a module. The identification data of a module is stored in non-volatile memory of the module, so that the information on the identification of a module exists in the memory of the module even after an interruption of the power supply.

Communication and power supply of the modular system can be wired guaranteed by the central unit based on the modules. It is however also conceivable, that either only the communication or only the voltage Supply is wired. If only the communication by wire, the power supply can be made possible by way of example via respective network connections of the individual modules. If the voltage to the other hand, a pipe via the central processing unit, a wireless communication with the modules is conceivable. This can be ensured by way of example via infrared transmitter and receiver systems. The individual modules can exchange then both among themselves and with the Central Unit advantageously line unbound.

The method permits in a preferred embodiment due to the fact that the communication or the power supply are wired, the

Topology of a system is particularly easy to determine. Here, at least a part of the modules connected in series. This has the consequence that an interruption of contact between a module and the central unit all modules that cherish the view of the central unit beyond the break point, be uncoupled unit of the Central. The interruption may be effected thus characterized, that the power supply is interrupted and / or the communication line. Of course there are also the use of line unbound means for contacting the modules conceivable if this may prove to be useful. Under these circumstances, then both the power supply and the communication line unbound. However, it should be ensured that a series circuit of at least a portion of the modules takes place in the manner by suitable means, so that thereby a relative arrangement of the modules to each other is predetermined.

After switching on the analysis system, all modules are initially active and ready to communicate. By means of Zentialeinheit all addresses that are known and given the system checks whether these are indeed in the analytical system. The central unit therefore registers the absolute number of modules, which is present in an analysis system, since the user in the off state of the analysis system may be removed or added under modules circumstances. The central processing unit thus has the registration of all existing systems in the analysis module to the current time as well as their identification and, optionally, other information, which are transmitted with the identification. The central processing unit then outputs to the module Mi ordered to break contact from the module Mi in the chain, so that z. B. lower the power supply from the module Mi interrupted. Subsequently, a query of the central unit to all will be performed with the central unit related modules again. The modules that are still connected to lose contact with the Zenfrdeinheit be reregistered. The module, Mi, to which the power supply was interrupted, is at this time no longer in operation, which makes the communication with the central unit can be carried out more. All modules that were above the module Mi, with the central unit in connection are also disabled. However, for example, are still not all modules in the system, except for the module to which the contact was broken, so it must be in this module be an end module. The term end module is within the meaning of the invention a module that is contacted only with another device (module or central unit) directly. The central unit can thus directly calculate the relative arrangement of the module, Mi, in the analysis system by means of such registration. Subsequently, the contact with all modules is restored.

in the example given there are more than two modules contacted with the central unit, the relative arrangement of the second module is not yet clearly determined. To further determine the topology a contact to one of the other modules is interrupted again and again made a registration of the still present in the system modules. If after an interruption of this contact, for example, no more contact with the remaining modules möghch, it is in this module is an initial modulus, with the remaining modules are connected in series beyond this module.

It turns out that the method of linear complexity, that is, that the number of necessary steps to the number of existing modules is proportional to fully calculate a relative arrangement of the modules in the system.

The process is carried out by the communication protocol is off schheßhch performed at the level of the Session and Application Protocol. This means that in terms of an OSI layer model an application is performed only in the upper layers. The OSI model describes a protocol on the following seven levels, which is called the lowest level, the tier 1.

The first level is a physical layer that specifies what manner "raw" bits are transmitted. At this level are electrical and physical Gege- benheiten such. as cable lengths, resistors, pinouts and frequencies set.

At the second level, the conversion of raw bits in data, for. Example of the structure of data packets takes place. This second level is referred to as data link layer.

Furthermore is a network layer to control as well as a transport layer for the separation of larger amounts of data into individual data packets and to enable identification of data packets and FeMerhandling for incorrect reception of data packets.

The fifth layer is called the session layer and defines the structure, implementation and termination of communication.

In the presentation layer is then carried out the presentation and interpretation of the data before the application layer, the functionality and control of the applications that make use of the protocol is set.

For the purposes of the above-described OSI model implementing the method exclusively on levels 5 (session layer) to 7 (application layer) takes place. At the levels 1-4 no conditions are placed.

In contrast, should a transfer to the lowest level of the seven OSI layer model done (physical layer) to perform the Nerfahren described in the prior art. The Nerfahren invention is therefore different from the Nerfahren described in the prior art, with current industry standard protocol types, especially CAΝ bus or TCP-IP, as they are well known in the art and z. B. "Basic Networking" and ". Medical procedures, systems and information processing", Berlin ua: Springer 1997 (S. 601 ff), are described, in any combination. If a series connection of at least some of the modules in such a way that in this way a relative arrangement of the modules is predetermined to each other, and is advantageously wired communication or the power supply, process and system of the invention is easy to use, without any further requirements on the system be provided.

Based on the FIGS method and system of the invention is explained in detail. The performances are exemplary selected without having a restrictive meaning. Figure 1: Schematic representation of a modular analysis system

Figure 2: Schematic representation of the contacting of modules with the

Central unit in the nearby assembly

Figure 3: Schematic diagram of a communications pro tokohs (structure chart)

Figure 4: Screen display after calculation of the topology of an analysis system for the user

1 shows a erfindungsgemäJßes analysis system having a central processing unit (10), the three modules (1, 2, 3) are connected in series. All three modules are equipped with a communication unit (4, 5, 6) and a power supply (7, 8, 9). The commun & ationseinheiten and the power supply are connected via a line (13, 14) with the communication unit (11) and the power supply (12) of the central unit interconnected. The power supply (12) is connected via a line (16) to an external power supply. By means of the wired connection (13) between the communication units, the respective modules share information or forward information directly to the communication unit, in the processing of data takes place. It is exemplified möghch tune analysis processes successively. Standing here the analyzers advantageously via a plug connection, as in the prior art from the document (DE 10134885.1) is known, in conjunction, can be successively abgestimrnt successive advantageously in analytical processes. Here, the connector contains lines that allow a sample exchange between the individual modules. By means of the communication unit can thus z. B. module (1) at the termination of an analysis module (2) communicate. The in module (1) is used sample is then forwarded to the module (2), wherein on the

Communication unit, the module (2) receives the command to start the analysis. With such a connection of the modules to the user saves a plurality of operation steps. After a single sample input successively carried out several analytical methods by means of the available modules. After termination of the respective analysis methods, the analysis results are displayed directly to the user on a screen (15) of the central unit. However, it is also conceivable that by means of the central unit, an automatic processing of the results. In computing this diverse Möghchkeiten are conceivable the user facilitate comfortable menus a data processing. In such a system analysis module for determining blood gas concentration, the clotting ability of the blood, the blood glucose or for the determination of proteins is by way of example suitable as myocardial infarction markers.

Takes place between the modules no specimen exchange instead of by way of example includes the module (1) a measuring device for determination of blood glucose, such as module (2) for the measurement of cartridges in the determination of the coagulation capability of the blood. Module (3) comprises a blood gas analyzer. The analysis system described as an example then the blood has to be given separately either strips or Cartridges. The test elements are in the respective encoder either introduced or incorporated by special pliers syringe. It is also conceivable that the measuring instruments independently effect an analysis of the raw data and this worked up through to the lab result. The worked-up results are communicated to the central unit and placed on the screen (15) the user contiguous shown.

To determine the topology of an analysis system of the contact between the Zenfrdeinheit and a module, as shown in Figure 2, active interrupted. The overall system consists, as shown in Figure 2, of four modules (1 to 4). These modules are also, as already shown in Figure 1, wired with the voltage supply of Zenfraleinheit contacted. The communication between the modules as well as to the central unit via the communication path 2 illustrated by dashed lines in FIG. This can be both wired as well, for example via an infrared transmitter or other non-wired communication units held. As shown in Figure 2, is interrupted the power supply to module (1) by means module (2) via an active electronics. For this purpose, a switch of the power supply line is opened in module (2). The central unit can thus communicate to (4) only with the modules (2), as module (1) is disabled. Due to the fact that only module (1) can not be registered by the central unit, on the relative position of module (1) is closed to Zenfraleinheit, which is an end module in the example shown. Analogous to this, in case of power supply to module (4), that it also is an end module in module (4). A communication module (1) to (3) is further möghch even after the deactivation of the module (4). An interruption of the power supply to module (2) by means of a switch in module (3) would, however disable both module (2) and module (1), so that the central unit receives the information therefrom that module (2) and module (1) must be connected in series beyond module (3). hence sufficient information is given to the central unit in order to determine the topology of the illustrated in Figure 2 analysis system can through the process described. It can be seen that the topology of the four modules can be determined by the interruption and restoration of three contacts.

Figure 3 again illustrates the steps of the communication protocol, which are suitable for determining the topology of the analytical system. If the analysis sesystem activated by the user, the first Zenfr has unit (1) on the information which modules possible maximum in an analysis system may be present. Since the number of existing modules change depending on requirements and user, is first by the central unit in the loop (40) the query (41) admits to initially determine the actually existing in the system modules, even without taking into account the topology. Here, it is checked by the interrogator (41) the respective address Ai of a module, whether it is present in the system. The tatsächhch existing modules respond in step (42), so that the address A of the respective module Mi is registered. The queries of the loop (40) are repeated until all maximum possible addresses Ai have been checked. In the subsequent loop (43) are all connected modules by their identification L asked (step 44), so that z. B. a characterization of an analysis system is möghch as blood glucose meter. Now knows the central unit all connected modules Mi, their addresses Ai and their identification Ii. To determine the topology of the individual modules of the modules is iterated in a second large loop (45) of all the addresses. The central unit calls the modules over the step (46) on each, to interrupt the connection contacted on its side facing away from the CPU side module. The central processing unit then determines by means of a query (47), which modules are still responsive, and compares the registered IDs before and after interruption of a contact. Based on these data, the central unit can successively determine the relative spatial position of all existing modules with the step (48).

If the central unit is arranged for example in the middle of a series modular system that Zentrdeinheit assigns a final step (49) to which branch is positioned by their left or right. Figure 4 shows an example of a möghche Büdschirmanzeige that shows the user the calculated topology of the analytical system. Figure 4a shows the user relative to the central processing unit (30), before the user is located, the position of the individual analyzers at. The user thus knows that a Koagulationsmessgerät (32) disposed on its right side a blood gas analyzer (31) and beyond. Links from the central unit is a blood glucose meter (33). The user handling of the analysis system is thus simplified and quick operation ermöghcht. In Figure 4b and 4c further zusätzUche application be möghchkeiten exemplified dargesteUt that can be easily integrated due to the method and system of the invention. So as it is for. Möghch, by means of

Zenfraleinheit the user to provide instructions for operating the analysis system, wherein the device to be operated is pointed directly. In Figure 4b, the user is alerted by the color highlighting or Aufbhcken a module (32) that a measurement is performed in the analysis device. The user is thus informed not only about the topology of the modules, but also zusätzhch on the status in which the modules are at the time. 4c shows a prompt to the user will also depicts. Here, the user is prompted for further action by an arrow (34). Such instructions may of course also take the form of a schrifthchen or acoustic message. In the example shown, the user is instructed for sampling or -introduction after termination of a measurement.

The system ermöghcht folghch even for inexperienced user an easy handling. The system and method of the invention is particularly useful for analyzing systems, are where often different analyzers used by different users, since the determination of the topology particularly easily done without a reset of the system is necessary.