CONTROL DEVICE FOR AUTOMATED PIPETTING SYSTEMS

A computer-implemented control device for controlling an automated pipetting system. The control device is designed to control at least one actuator for moving a pipetting apparatus between receptacle devices for liquids that are to be pipetted. The control device is designed, so as, before the execution of multiple specified transfer steps by the pipetting apparatus and the actuator, to analyze the specified order of execution of these transfer steps and the liquid to be pipetted in these transfer steps and, after the analysis, to alter the order of execution of these transfer steps and/or to combine multiple instances of these transfer steps automatically. Additionally, an automated pipetting system has such a control device, and a method for controlling the automated pipetting system are provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a computer-implemented control device for controlling an automated pipetting system, to an automated pipetting system having such a control device, to a method for controlling an automated pipetting system, to a computer program product, and to the use of a control device for controlling an automated pipetting system.

An automated pipetting system within the context of the present invention is preferably an apparatus designed for fully automatic liquid transfer. To this end, the automated pipetting system preferably has a pipetting apparatus that is movable in multiple spatial directions. In principle, however, the control device according to the present invention can also be used for other apparatus, in particular for other automated laboratory systems, in particular for repositioning substances or items.

An automated pipetting system of the type in question is preferably designed to move a pipetting apparatus, also called pipetting head or liquid end, between different operating positions. To this end, the automated pipetting system can have a positioning device, in particular an X/Y/Z moving device, by means of which the pipetting apparatus can be moved. The positioning device can also be or have a robot arm by means of which the pipetting apparatus is at least substantially freely movable in space.

A pipetting apparatus within the context of the present invention is preferably a movable head having one or more displacer units or other devices for generating overpressure or underpressure to aspirate or expel liquids. The pipetting apparatus preferably has one or more coupling points for installing or replacing one or more pipette tips or syringes. The respective pipette tips or coupling points have, preferably respective, displacer units. The syringe or the respective syringes is/are preferably in the form of a displacer unit or form such a displacer unit.

The pipetting apparatus can have one or more pipette tips or syringes at one or more coupling points, pipetting apparatus having just a single pipette tip or syringe being referred to as single-channel pipetting apparatus and a pipetting apparatus having multiple pipette tips or syringes being referred to as a multichannel pipetting apparatus.

The text below deals with the pipetting apparatus in the version with pipette tips. The displacer unit(s) thereof more often than not has/have one or more cylinder-piston arrangements, designed to aspirate or expel liquid through the orifice(s) of the pipette tip(s) into or from the latter. In principle, the aspiration and expulsion of liquid into or from the respective pipette tip can also take place in another way, however.

The automated pipetting system preferably has receptacle devices for liquids that are to be pipetted or is designed to receive or hold such receptacle devices, in particular what are known as wells or the like. A receptacle device within the context of the present invention is preferably a vessel, a recess, indentation, depression and/or predefined position, the receptacle device being designed to receive and provide liquid to be pipetted.

The automated pipetting system preferably has an actuator or multiple actuators by means of which the pipetting apparatus is moved or movable between different receptacle devices and/or by means of which an intake of liquid into and/or a delivery of liquid from one or more of the pipette tips of the pipetting apparatus can be achieved. These or further actuators of the automated pipetting system are preferably controllable by a control device.

An actuator within the context of the present invention is preferably a device for the controlled achievement of an effect for operating the automated pipetting system. In particular, the actuator is a motor or other drive for moving the pipetting apparatus and/or a drive for moving the piston of a cylinder-piston arrangement or other displacer unit in order to aspirate or expel liquid into or from a pipette tip through an orifice of the latter.

A well within the context of the present invention is preferably a graphical means for representing at least one receptacle device in a configuration interface displayable or displayed by the display device. The respective well corresponds to a specific receptacle device of the automated pipetting system, in particular in its shape and/or position or orientation with respect to other receptacle devices or wells. Particularly preferably, the receptacle devices of the automated pipetting system to be controlled are schematically presented, displayable or represented by means of the wells in the configuration interface.

The control device is designed so that, to specify at least one transfer volume to be received and at least one transfer volume to be delivered for at least one transfer step, a transfer parameter corresponding to the transfer volume to be received and/or to be delivered is stipulable in the configuration interface by means of the input device.

The transfer volume is preferably a specific volume of liquid that is supposed to be received from the respective receptacle device or is supposed to be delivered to the respective receptacle device. The transfer volume can be a volume of liquid to be received or to be taken, that is to say a volume of the liquid to be pipetted that needs to be taken from a receptacle device and/or needs to be received in, in particular needs to be aspirated into, a pipette tip or syringe. The terms transfer volume “to be received” and transfer volume “to be taken” are preferably synonymous and interchangeable. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer volume can be a volume to be delivered, that is to say a volume to be conveyed from a pipette tip or syringe and/or a volume of the liquid to be pipetted that needs to be delivered to the receptacle device. Transfer volumes to be received and to be delivered can be distinguished, for example by an arithmetic sign or another identification of the transfer parameter or transfer volume.

Multiple source wells and multiple destination wells are selectable in the configuration interface by means of the input device. The known control device is designed so that, to specify multiple transfer steps and the order of execution thereof by the pipetting apparatus and the actuator, multiple previously selected source wells are assignable in the configuration interface to at least one destination well by selecting this destination well. Preferably, the specifying of transfer steps also stipulates the order of execution thereof by the pipetting apparatus and the actuator.

In many transfer steps, the respective liquid in the receptacle devices must not be polluted by a different liquid. When liquid is taken from a receptacle device and, to this end, received in an interchangeable pipette tip or syringe and this liquid is delivered to a further receptacle device and, to this end, expelled from the pipette tip or syringe, the pipette tip or syringe is wetted on the outside and inside. If this pipette tip or syringe is dipped into a different liquid in a subsequent transfer step, this already causes pollution of this other liquid. To avoid this, the pipette tip or syringe is changed in principle before every transfer step in which a different liquid from in the immediately preceding transfer step needs to be pipetted. To this end, the pipetting apparatus is moved to a container by means of the actuator and the pipette tip or syringe used in the immediately preceding transfer step is detached from the pipetting apparatus and discarded into the container. Subsequently, the pipetting apparatus is moved to a magazine by means of the actuator and a new pipette tip or syringe is taken from the magazine and detachably mounted on the pipetting apparatus. The change of pipette tip or syringe thus costs time, consumes materials and creates refuse that needs to be disposed of.

Description of Related Art

European Patent Application EP 3 021 123 A1 and corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 10,449,534 B2, on which the present invention is based, show a computer-implemented control device for controlling an automated pipetting system of the type in question so that the features and explanations described below therefore also apply to the present invention.

The known control device, like the control device according to the invention, is designed to control at least one actuator for moving a pipetting apparatus between receptacle devices for liquids that are to be pipetted. The control device is designed to control the pipetting apparatus such that a specific transfer volume of liquid is receivable from at least one of the receptacle devices, and at least a portion of the transfer volume of liquid is deliverable to at least one other of the receptacle devices, by means of the pipetting apparatus in a transfer step.

In a transfer step, a specific transfer volume of liquid is thus received by the pipetting apparatus from one or more of the receptacle devices and at least a portion of the transfer volume of liquid is delivered by the pipetting apparatus to one or more other of the receptacle devices. If, after the delivery of a liquid, a liquid is again received by the pipetting apparatus, then this receiving of liquid is already part of a further (new, separate) transfer step. The moving of the pipetting apparatus from the receptacle device from which liquid was most recently delivered to the receptacle device from which liquid is taken next can be ascribed to the further transfer step.

The known control device has an input device and a display device. At least one configuration interface is displayable by the display device. An input device within the context of the present invention is preferably a keyboard, a computer mouse, a trackball, a touchscreen, a camera, a sensor or another device for controlling, or for data input into, a computer or the like. A display device is preferably a monitor, a display, a touchscreen, a projector or another device for displaying a graphical user interface, in particular one or more configuration interfaces.

The control device can have at least one memory device, in particular a main memory and/or a read-only memory such as a hard disk, and/or a processor. Further, the control device preferably has an interface designed to control the actuator(s) of the automated pipetting system.

The control device is designed so that the receptacle devices are represented in the configuration interface by graphically depicted wells. The receptacle devices from which liquid to be pipetted is supposed to be received by the pipetting apparatus correspond to source wells. The receptacle devices to which liquid to be pipetted is supposed to be delivered by the pipetting apparatus correspond to destination wells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the problem of improving the known automated pipetting system in respect of materials consumption, in particular the consumption of pipette tips or syringes, and/or the time required for carrying out the specified transfer steps.

The above problem is solved for a control device, by an automated pipetting system, and a method for controlling an automated pipetting system, by a computer program product, and by the manner of use thereof as described herein.

The control device according to the invention having the features described above in relation to said European Patent Application EP 3 021 123 A1 and corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 10,449,534 B2 have provision for the control device to be designed so as,to analyze the specified order of execution of these transfer steps and the liquid to be pipetted in these transfer steps before the execution of multiple specified transfer steps by the pipetting apparatus and the actuator, andafter the analysis, to alter the order of execution of these transfer steps and/or to combine multiple instances of these transfer steps automatically.

The analyzing can, e.g., have provision for the control device to look for transfer steps in accordance with which identical liquids need to be pipetted. Within the context of the present invention, liquids are identical if their chemical composition and/or possibly concentration is/are concordant. The volume to be pipetted is not critical. It is also possible for liquids to be able to be prescribed or defined as identical and/or miscible.

The analyzing involves transfer steps (e.g., those in accordance with which identical liquids need to be pipetted) being examined by the control device for whether these transfer steps are independent of other transfer steps, or these transfer steps can be executed in an order other than that specified. A transfer step may have become dependent as a result of a change, scheduled in the specified order, of the liquid to be pipetted itself or as a result of a specified mixing with a different liquid, for example.

The control device according to the invention is designed so as, after the analysis but before the execution of the specified transfer steps—typically, on the basis of the analysis results—to alter the order of execution of these transfer steps and/or to combine multiple instances of these transfer steps automatically. This allows the order of execution of these transfer steps to be altered and/or a combining of transfer steps to be performed automatically without differently arranging, or differently positioning, receptacle devices and/or liquid in the receptacle devices. As such, the time required for executing these transfer steps and/or the materials consumption, in particular the consumption of pipette tips or syringes, can be reduced.

The combining of transfer steps involves pipetting processes (receiving or delivering a specific transfer volume of liquid by means of the pipetting apparatus) that, before the combining, were specified as needing to be executed in multiple (separate) transfer steps being specified as needing to be performed in one transfer step.

If, e.g., three transfer steps are specified:according to the first transfer step, a specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be received from a first receptacle device and the transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be delivered to a second receptacle device,according to the second transfer step, a specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be received from the first receptacle device and the transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be delivered to a third receptacle device, andaccording to the third transfer step, a specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be received from the first receptacle device and the transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be delivered to a fourth receptacle device,
then the progressive execution of these transfer steps results in the pipetting apparatus being, among other things:moved to the first receptacle device, moved from the first to the second receptacle device,moved from the second to the first receptacle device, moved from the first to the third receptacle device, andmoved from the third to the first receptacle device and moved from the first to the fourth receptacle device.

Combining these three transfer steps means that, instead of them, one transfer step is specified, in accordance with which:the sum of the specific transfer volumes of liquid that is supposed to be received from the first receptacle device and a respective portion of the transfer volume of liquid that is supposed to be delivered to the second, third and fourth receptacle devices in succession.

As such, the execution of this transfer step results in the pipetting apparatus being moved to the first receptacle device, moved from the first to the second receptacle device, moved from the second to the third receptacle device and moved from the third to the fourth receptacle device, among other things.

The execution of this transfer step results in the pipetting apparatus being moved a significantly shorter distance, which saves energy and time. This applies all the more if the first receptacle device is further away from the third and fourth receptacle devices than the second receptacle device is from the third and fourth receptacle devices.

If, e.g., three transfer steps are specified, wherein:according to the first transfer step, a specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be received from a first receptacle device and the transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be delivered to a second receptacle device,according to the second transfer step, a specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be received from a third receptacle device and the transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be delivered to the second receptacle device, andaccording to the third transfer step, a specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be received from a fourth receptacle device and the transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be delivered to the second receptacle device,
then the progressive execution of these transfer steps results in the pipetting apparatus being, among other things,moved to the first receptacle device, moved from the first to the second receptacle device,moved from the second to the third receptacle device, moved from the third to the second receptacle device, andmoved from the second to the fourth receptacle device and moved from the fourth to the second receptacle device.

Combining these three transfer steps means that, instead of them, one transfer step is specified, in accordance with which a specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be received from the first, third and fourth receptacle devices in immediate succession and the whole of the received transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be delivered to the second receptacle device in precisely one pipetting process.

As such, the execution of this combined transfer step results in the pipetting apparatus being moved to the first receptacle device, moved from the first to the third receptacle device, moved from the third to the fourth receptacle device and moved from the fourth to the second receptacle device, among other things.

The execution of this combined transfer step results in the pipetting apparatus being moved a significantly shorter distance, which saves energy and time. This applies all the more if the second receptacle device is further away from the third and fourth receptacle devices than the first receptacle device is from the third and fourth receptacle devices.

Further Embodiments of the Combining of Transfer Steps

Preferably, the control device is designed to combine transfer steps by virtue of transfer steps in accordance with which a specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be received from the same receptacle device as source and delivered to specific receptacle devices as destinations being automatically replaced with a transfer step in accordance with which the sum of the specific transfer volumes of liquid is supposed to be received from the source on a single occasion and the respective specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be delivered to the respective destination.

Alternatively or additionally, the control device can be designed to combine transfer steps by virtue of transfer steps in accordance with which a specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be received from specific receptacle devices as sources and delivered to a further receptacle device as the same destination being automatically replaced with a transfer step in accordance with which the respective specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be received from the respective source in immediate succession and the sum of the specific transfer volumes of liquid is supposed to be delivered to the destination on a single occasion.

In all scenarios and embodiments, the analyzing can alternatively or additionally have provision for the control device to look for transfer steps in accordance with which liquids are supposed to be mixed, that is to say a first liquid from a first receptacle device is supposed to be delivered to a second receptacle device in which a second liquid or a mixture of liquids is already supposed to be because the second liquid or the mixture of liquids is supposed to be delivered to the second receptacle device in one or more preceding transfer steps. The analysis also involves the control device looking for these preceding transfer steps and for transfer steps in accordance with which mixed liquids are supposed to be transferred from the second receptacle device to a third receptacle device.

This analysis can also be used by the control device so as, before the execution of the specified transfer steps, to take the analysis results as a basis for altering the order of execution of these transfer steps and/or combining multiple instances of these transfer steps automatically. This allows the time required for executing these transfer steps and/or the materials consumption, in particular the consumption of pipette tips or syringes, to be reduced.

The control device can also be designed to determine transfer steps with compatible liquids during the analysis of the transfer steps. When liquids are compatible, mixing or combining or contact does not result in unwanted pollution. Compatible liquids can be combined e.g. in one or more transfer steps. Compatible liquids can each be present as a mixture, differing in their concentration.

Preferably, the display device is designed to present source and/or destination wells having compatible liquids in the configuration interface in a visually distinguishable manner.

It is preferred if the control device is designed to alter the order of execution of these transfer steps automatically such that transfer steps in accordance with which liquid is supposed to be received from the same receptacle device or delivered to the same receptacle device are immediately successive. Optionally, the then immediately successive transfer steps can also be automatically combined by the control device. It is particularly preferred if the control device is designed to prompt a change of tip of the pipetting apparatus immediately after the immediately successive transfer steps or the combined transfer steps.

In this way, the number of tip changes can be reduced. This allows the time required for executing the transfer steps and the number of tips consumed to be reduced.

It has been found to be advantageous if the control device is designed to alter the order of execution of these transfer steps automatically such that transfer steps in accordance with which liquid is supposed to be delivered to the same receptacle device and the resultant liquid is supposed to be received from this receptacle device and delivered to a different receptacle device are immediately successive. It is particularly advantageous if the control device is designed to prompt a change of tip of the pipetting apparatus immediately after the immediately successive transfer steps.

In this way too, the number of tip changes can be reduced, this in turn allowing the time required for executing the transfer steps and the number of tips consumed to be reduced.

Preferably, the control device is designed to control the pipetting apparatus and the actuator such that a change of tip of the pipetting apparatus is performed:immediately after a combined transfer step and/orafter a transfer step with one liquid and before a subsequent transfer step with a different liquid.

Preferably, the display device is designed to display the altered order of the transfer steps and/or a changed transfer volume in the configuration interface and/or to display the sequence of the transfer steps in a further configuration interface.

Advantageously, before or after the analysis of the transfer steps, transfer steps are excludable from the analysis of the control device, or multiple different liquids are selectable as needing to be mixed for the analysis of the transfer steps, in the configuration interface by means of the input device.

The proposed control device affords the advantage of convenient, fast and reliable control of the automated pipetting system.

A further, also independently realizable, aspect of the present invention relates to an automated pipetting system having the control device described above, wherein the automated pipetting system has at least one actuator for moving the pipetting apparatus between the receptacle devices, the actuator being controllable by the control device.

A further, also independently realizable, aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the control device described above for controlling the illustrated automated pipetting system.

A further, also independently realizable, aspect of the present invention relates to a method for controlling an automated pipetting system by means of a control device to control at least one actuator for moving a pipetting apparatus between receptacle devices for liquids that are to be pipetted.

The control device is designed to control the pipetting apparatus such that a specific transfer volume of liquid is receivable from at least one of the receptacle devices, and at least a portion of the transfer volume of liquid is deliverable to at least one other of the receptacle devices, by means of the pipetting apparatus in a transfer step.

The control device has an input device and a display device. At least one configuration interface is displayed by the display device. The receptacle devices are represented in the configuration interface by graphically depicted wells.

The receptacle devices from which liquid to be pipetted is supposed to be received by the pipetting apparatus correspond to source wells, and the receptacle devices to which liquid to be pipetted is supposed to be delivered by the pipetting apparatus correspond to destination wells.

Multiple source wells and multiple destination wells are selectable in the configuration interface by means of the input device. To specify multiple transfer steps and the order of execution thereof by the pipetting apparatus and the actuator, multiple previously selected source wells are assigned in the configuration interface to at least one destination well by selecting this destination well.

According to the invention, there is provision for, before the execution of multiple specified transfer steps by the pipetting apparatus and the actuator, the control device to analyze the specified order of execution of these transfer steps and the liquid to be pipetted in these transfer steps. After the analysis, the control device alters the order of execution of these transfer steps and/or combines multiple instances of these transfer steps automatically.

Preferably, the control device determines transfer steps with compatible liquids during the analysis. It is particularly preferred if the display device presents source and/or destination wells having compatible liquids in the configuration interface in a visually distinguishable manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the control device alters the order of execution of these transfer steps automatically such that transfer steps in accordance with which liquid is supposed to be received from the same receptacle device or delivered to the same receptacle device are immediately successive. A change of tip of the pipetting apparatus is preferably performed immediately thereafter.

In a further preferred embodiment, the control device alters the order of execution of these transfer steps automatically such that transfer steps in accordance with which liquid is supposed to be delivered to the same receptacle device and the resultant liquid is supposed to be received from this receptacle device and delivered to a different receptacle device are immediately successive. A change of tip of the pipetting apparatus is preferably performed immediately thereafter.

In a further preferred embodiment, the control device combines transfer steps by virtue of transfer steps in accordance with which a specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be received from the same receptacle device as source and delivered to specific receptacle devices as destinations being automatically replaced with a transfer step in accordance with which the sum of the specific transfer volumes of liquid is supposed to be received from the source on a single occasion and the respective specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be delivered to the respective destination.

In a further preferred embodiment, the control device combines transfer steps by virtue of transfer steps in accordance with which a specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be received from specific receptacle devices as sources and delivered to a further receptacle device as the same destination being automatically replaced with a transfer step in accordance with which the respective specific transfer volume of liquid is supposed to be received from the respective source in immediate succession and the sum of the specific transfer volumes of liquid is supposed to be delivered to the destination on a single occasion.

In a further preferred embodiment, the control device controls the pipetting apparatus and the actuator such that a change of tip of the pipetting apparatus is performed:immediately after a combined transfer step and/orafter a transfer step with one liquid and before a subsequent transfer step with a different liquid.

It is preferred if, before or after the analysis of the transfer steps, transfer steps are excluded from the analysis of the control device, or multiple different liquids are selected as needing to be mixed for the analysis of the transfer steps, in the configuration interface by means of the input device.

Advantageously, a tip of the pipetting apparatus that has already been used and is contaminated by different types of liquid is reused, in particular for repeat use for at least one further transfer step.

Preferably, the display device displays the altered order of the transfer steps and/or a changed transfer volume in the configuration interface and/or displays the sequence of the transfer steps in a further configuration interface.

A further, also independently realizable, aspect of the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for carrying out the method according to the present invention. A computer-readable storage medium is in particular a memory stick, a memory card, a flash memory, a CD, a DVD, a Blu-Ray or another storage medium such as a hard disk of a server, from which the program for carrying out the method according to the present invention can be retrievable.

A further, also independently realizable, aspect of the present invention relates to a computer program product having program code means that are designed to carry out the method according to the present invention when the program code means are executed on a computer or by a processor. A computer program product is in particular a file or a data stream providable for retrieval and storage, in particular on online portals or via the Internet.

Further advantages, features, properties and aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description that follows with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the figures, the same reference signs are used for identical or similar parts or elements, with identical or similar properties being able to be achieved even if a repeat description is not provided.

FIG. 1shows a schematic depiction of a control device1according to the present invention for controlling an automated pipetting system2. The control device1is designed to control at least one actuator3A,3B or3C of the automated pipetting system2.

The control device1is designed to move one or more of the actuators3A,3B,3C of a pipetting apparatus4between receptacle devices5for liquids6that are to be pipetted. Alternatively or additionally, there is provision for the control device1to be able to control one or more of the actuators3A,3B,3C such that liquids6to be pipetted can be received or delivered by means of the pipetting apparatus4.

In the depicted example, the actuators3A,3B form a positioning device for changing the position of the pipetting apparatus4, preferably in all three spatial directions. The actuator3C is preferably in the form of a drive for a cylinder-piston unit for aspirating and delivering liquid. There are also alternative variants for this, however.

The pipetting apparatus4in the depicted example is a multichannel pipetting apparatus that preferably has multiple pipette tips7or is designed to take liquid6from multiple, adjoining receptacle devices5or to deliver liquid to adjoining receptacle devices5. The pipetting apparatus4can also be a single-channel pipetting apparatus4, however, for which there is provision for only one pipette tip7.

The automated pipetting system2can be designed so that the pipetting apparatus4is interchangeable, in particular for changing between a single-channel pipetting apparatus4and a multichannel pipetting apparatus4.

The pipetting apparatus4preferably has the actuator3C and is therefore, or by other means, designed to receive liquid6in the pipette tip(s)7or to deliver liquid therefrom. This is achieved in particular by the aforementioned cylinder-piston unit or another displacement mechanism, which can be drivable by the actuator3C.

The control device1is designed to control the pipetting apparatus4such that a specific transfer volume of liquid6is receivable in the pipette tip(s)7from at least one of the receptacle devices5, and at least a portion of the transfer volume of liquid6is deliverable to at least one other of the receptacle devices5from the pipette tip(s)7, by means of the pipetting apparatus4in a transfer step.

The automated pipetting system2preferably has one or more pipetting units8that each have multiple receptacle devices5. The pipetting units8are preferably arrangeable at prescribed positions in the automated pipetting system2. Preferably, receptacles, holders or position markers are provided for this purpose. Further, the pipetting units8can optionally be provided with, in particular different, spacers in order to adjust a distance of the receptacle devices5from the pipetting apparatus4or the pipette tip(s)7.

The pipetting units8are in particular what are known as microtitre plates, PCR plates, deep-well plates and/or slides. The receptacle devices5are particularly preferably in the form of vessels, containers, cavities, recesses or the like, in particular for receiving liquids or with a volume in the microlitre range. Alternatively or additionally, however, the receptacle devices5can also be surface sections for depositing a drop that are preferably identified accordingly or have a surface coating or pattern that is different from the regions surrounding the respective receptacle device5.

The control device1is preferably connected to the automated pipetting system2via a data interface9. In this way, the control device1can communicate with the automated pipetting system2, can retrieve sensor data from the automated pipetting system2or receive sensor data from the automated pipetting system2and/or can transmit control signals, in particular for controlling one or more of the actuators3A,3B,3C, to the automated pipetting system2.

The control device1preferably has one or more input devices10, in particular a keyboard11and/or computer mouse12. Further, the control device1preferably has a display device13, in particular a display or touch display. The sensor of a touch display can act as input device10as an alternative or in addition to the keyboard11and the computer mouse12.

The control device1preferably has a computer readable storage medium14that can store a program for controlling the automated pipetting system2. The control device1can also be connected to a server, however, in particular via the Internet, wherein a computer program product having program code means designed to control the automated pipetting system2is retrievable or remotely executable, in particular as what is known as a client-server application. Further, the control device1preferably has a processor or controller in order to execute a program for controlling the automated pipetting system2.

The control device1is preferably designed to generate one or more configuration interfaces15and/or to present it/them by means of the display device13. The configuration interfaces15are preferably designed and set up to configure, or render configurable, control of the automated pipetting system2by means of the control device1. The control device1is particularly preferably designed to generate one or more different configuration interfaces15, which is discussed in detail in the figures that follow.

FIG. 2shows a schematic depiction of a first configuration interface15A of the control device1according to the present invention. Multiple wells16are graphically depicted in the configuration interface15A.

The wells16each represent and correspond to receptacle devices5that are arranged or arrangeable in the automated pipetting system2. In particular, there is provision for the wells16to reflect or represent the arrangement of the receptacle devices5in the automated pipetting system2. To this end, there can be provision for the wells16each to be schematic depictions of the receptacle devices5or to be otherwise suitable for representing or identifying a receptacle device5and, preferably, the position of the receptacle device5in relation to the other receptacle devices5.

There is preferably provision in the configuration interface15A for wells16to be selectable for different virtual positions17by means of control using the input device10, the position or orientation and/or property of the wells16corresponding to those of the receptacle devices5provided in the automated pipetting system2.

Particularly preferably, in a manner corresponding to pipetting units8, multiple wells16are each combined to produce graphical pipetting unit equivalents18, in particular in the form of a graphical representation of a plate, microtitre plate, PCR plate, deep-well plate and/or a plate with slides. The pipetting unit equivalents18preferably correspond to pipetting units8that are arranged or arrangeable in the automated pipetting system2. Preferably, pipetting unit equivalents18are selectable and/or arrangeable at one or more of the virtual positions17in the first configuration interface15A.

There can be provision for positioning of receptacle devices5or pipetting units8in the automated pipetting system2to result in applicable wells16or pipetting unit equivalents18being automatically provided or arranged at the applicable virtual positions17. To this end, the automated pipetting system2can have one or more sensors and use the data interface9to transmit applicable information or to provide applicable information for retrieval, so that the control device1adapts the configuration interface15A fully automatically. Pipetting unit equivalents18or wells16can also be positioned at virtual positions17on the configuration interface15A manually or in another way, however.

FIG. 2also graphically depicts a waste bin32for pipette tips7by means of a waste bin equivalent33, pipette tip holders34by means of pipette tip holder equivalents35and pipette tips7intended for installation on the pipetting apparatus4by means of pipette tip equivalents36.

The configuration interface15A is preferably designed to be switchable between different functions, by virtue of changeover means19. In particular, there is provision for the control device1to respond to an input using the input device10by activating one of the changeover means19in order to change or adapt the configuration interface15A such that the wells16and/or pipetting unit equivalents18arranged at the virtual positions17are preselectable or selectable in order to subsequently allow a configuration in detail, also called configuration or setup mode. Such a configuration or setup mode is depicted inFIG. 3, for example.

Alternatively or additionally, the configuration interface15A can be switched to a programming mode, a simulation mode and/or an execution mode, wherein basic functions or pipetting apparatus4that are used can be adjustable in the programming mode, the configuration interface15A is designed to present the sequence and/or the result of control of the automated pipetting system2in the simulation mode and/or wherein the automated pipetting system2is controlled in a previously configured manner using the control device1in the execution mode.

The configuration interface15A is preferably furthermore designed to use configuration displays20to display envisaged occupancies of the virtual positions17and optionally additional information in this regard. This advantageously allows transparent configuration and monitoring.

The first configuration interface15A preferably has multiple display sections21A,21B and21C. In a first display section21A, there is preferably provision for the pipetting unit equivalents18and/or the wells16. The first display section21A is preferably provided centrally and/or is not altered by operation of the changeover means19, which can be provided at the upper edge.

A second display section21B, in particular arranged on one side of the display section21A, can have the configuration displays20. These are schematic depictions of the display section21A with highlighted virtual positions17and/or descriptions of the wells16or pipetting unit equivalents18arranged at the respective highlighted virtual position17.

Furthermore, there can be provision in a third display section21C, which can be provided on a side of the display section21A that is remote from the display section21B, in particular, for a configuration menu for adjusting various parameters, functions and/or for selecting one or more of the wells16or pipetting unit equivalents18. Various pipetting unit equivalents18and/or wells16are preferably selectable in the display section21C in the setup mode, which allows them to be assigned to the virtual positions17.

There can alternatively or additionally also be provision for separate configuration interfaces15A for the individual modes of the configuration interface15A, the changeover means19and/or the display section21A each preferably being adopted at least substantially identically in the respective configuration interfaces15A.

In a programming mode of the first configuration interface15A, which programming mode can be activable via the changeover means19, it is possible for already chosen or configured method steps or configurations to be displayable, in particular in a chronological order, in the second display section21B. In the third display section21C, commands, method steps or instructions are preferably selectable.

In an optional simulation mode of the first configuration interface15A, which simulation mode can be activable via the changeover means19, it is possible for a configured sequence to be simulated in the configuration interface15A and/or with the automated pipetting system2, in particular by means of appropriate movements of the pipetting apparatus4.

In an execution mode, which can be activable via the changeover means19, there is preferably provision in the second display section21B or third display section21C for a control panel by means of which the control device1is controllable such that the automated pipetting system2is controllable by the control device1in the previously set-up or configured manner.

FIGS. 3 to 13are used to explain various further configuration interfaces15B to15E or a configuration interface15D to15E in different variants or states or with different operating concepts in more detail below.

Preferably, the control device1is designed to select one or more of the wells16or pipetting unit equivalents18in the configuration interface15A in order to allow one or more of the configuration interfaces15B to15E to be opened or generated. In particular, one or more of the wells16or pipetting unit equivalents18is/are selected or marked in the display section21A, and operation, in particular operation of a soft switch, of the configuration interface15A then results in one or more of the configuration interfaces15B to15E being generated or displayed. Other solutions are also possible for this, however.

The variants or configuration interfaces15B to15E and the associated operation or operability of the control device1or of the automated pipetting system2can also represent or be separate, combinable, also independently realizable, aspects of the invention.

Configuration interfaces15B to15E are presented below in association withFIGS. 3 to 13, the configuration interfaces being designed to configure or specify one or more transfer steps or being used to describe transfer steps, in particular by means of a chronological sequence of the steps, which are described later on in association with the side denoted by 1st and the side denoted by 2nd. These steps, approaches and the like are alternatively or additionally also individually realizable and combinable, however.

FIG. 3shows a schematic depiction of a second configuration interface15B of the control device1according to the present invention, in which there is provision, in exemplary fashion, for two pipetting unit equivalents18having a multiplicity of wells16. The wells16are arranged inside the pipetting unit equivalents18at least substantially in the manner of a grid or systematically in another way. Preferably, the wells16are each arranged in the manner of a grid in rows and columns, the rows and columns each being denoted such that each individual well16is addressable or identifiable in the manner of coordinates by indicating a row and a column.

In the configuration interface15B fromFIG. 3, two different or identical pipetting unit equivalents18are arranged next to one another. As a departure from this, however, it is also possible for there to be provision for just one pipetting unit equivalent18, more than two pipetting unit equivalents18or one or more wells16independently of pipetting unit equivalents18too, preferably corresponding to the occupancy of one or more virtual positions17.

It is in particular possible for there to be provision for a specific pipetting unit equivalent18two or more times in the configuration interface15B, in particular next to one another, in order to configure transfer steps between receptacle devices16of the same pipetting unit8in a transparent manner.

One or more wells16is or are selectable in the configuration interface15B, in particular using a selection tool22, for example a cursor.

By selecting the well(s)16, it/they can preferably be assigned at least one transfer parameter23, indicated by the arrow24inFIG. 3. The arrow24is used merely for explanation and is not part of the configuration interface15B.

The control device1can have a database that can be used to file or store an associated transfer parameter23for the different wells16, in particular by means of the selection or assignment. The database can be a table or other data structure.

Preferably, each well16alternatively or additionally has an assigned actual volume parameter25representing a liquid volume that is already contained in the respective receptacle device5that corresponds to the respective well16and/or is ultimately supposed to be present after performance of one or more transfer step(s). The actual volume parameter25can be assigned to the respective well16in the configuration interface15B, in particular depicted or depictable in association therewith or within the respective well16.

The transfer parameter23preferably corresponds to a transfer volume, that is to say to a volume of liquid6that is supposed to be taken from or delivered to the respective receptacle device5.

The control device1is preferably designed to generate control commands corresponding to the transfer parameters23, in particular taking into consideration or in the order of their allocation, for controlling the automated pipetting system2and, preferably, to transmit them to the automated pipetting system2via the data interface9. As a result, the control device1achieves control of the automated pipetting system2such that reception of the transfer volume from or delivery of the transfer volume to the respective receptacle device5is achieved. This is effected in particular by actuating one or more of the actuators3A,3B,3C of the automated pipetting system2.

According to an, also independently realizable, aspect of the present invention, there is provision for the control device1or the configuration interface15B to be designed such that the transfer parameter23is adjustable or prescribable in or using the configuration interface15B. In particular, the configuration interface15B has an input mask26or a menu, a selection box or the like in which the transfer parameter23can be input, selected, changed or otherwise prescribed, in particular by means of the keyboard11.

The transfer parameter23is preferably adjustable on the same configuration interface15B on which individual wells16are also selectable and the transfer parameter23is assignable thereto. This has been found to be particularly advantageous for fast configuration and transparent operation of the automated pipetting system2using the control device1.

The transfer parameter23is or particularly preferably corresponds to the transfer volume, that is to say to a liquid volume of liquid6that is supposed to be received or delivered by the pipetting apparatus4with the pipette tip(s)7.

Alternatively or additionally, the transfer parameter23can also have or correspond to a quantity of transfer material, in particular in mol, a transfer tool, in particular a single-channel or multi-channel pipetting apparatus4, a transfer pattern and/or a transfer or target concentration. Particularly preferably, however, the transfer parameter23corresponds to a respective transfer volume that can be determinable or calculable from the amount of transfer material, the transfer or target concentration.

FIG. 4shows a schematic depiction of a third configuration interface15C of the control device1according to the present invention.

For fundamental aspects, in particular relating to the assignment of the transfer parameter23, explicit reference is made at this juncture to the explanations in association withFIG. 3. Only further special features of more complex control procedures are therefore discussed below, the properties and features described in association withFIG. 3preferably being fundamental or applicable as appropriate. The same applies to the further configuration interfaces15D to15E, which are explained in association withFIGS. 5 to 13.

The configuration interface15C fromFIG. 4is divided into a first and a second section by a dashed line for reasons of better comprehension, this dashed line and the numbers 1st and 2nd not being part of the configuration interface15C but rather merely being supposed to depict a preferred chronological order. Accordingly, the arrows24are likewise merely depicted for explanatory purposes, but are preferably not shown in the respective configuration interface15and not part thereof.

In the configuration interface15C, a well16or a first group27of wells16A to16F, highlighted here by a dashed border, is preferably selected on the 1st side. By selecting the wells16A to16F, these wells16A to16F are preferably assigned the transfer parameter(s)23, as indicated by the arrows24.

The respective transfer parameter23respectively assigned in this first step is preferably a transfer parameter23that corresponds to one or more transfer volumes to be taken, as indicated by the minus symbol28in the configuration interface15C, this being used merely for explanatory purposes and preferably not being part of the configuration interface15C or being displayable by means of the control device1.

Following selection of a first well16A to16F or multiple first wells16A to16F as a first group27on the 1st side, a second selection of a second well16′A to16′F or a selection of a second group29of second wells16′A to16′F can subsequently be made on the 2nd side. This selection preferably results in transfer parameters23corresponding to one or more transfer volumes to be delivered being assigned to the respective second wells16′A to16′F. In the configuration interface15C, this time sequence is symbolized by the central dashed line and the denotation by 1st and 2nd.

It is preferred for a first selection of a first well16A to16F or of a first group27of first wells16A to16F made on the 1st side to result in every selected first well16A to16F being automatically assigned a transfer parameter23corresponding to a transfer volume to be taken. If this first selection is followed by a second selection, made on the 2nd side, of a second well16′A to16′F or a group29of second wells16′A to16′F, it is preferred if every selected second well16′A to16′F is automatically assigned a transfer parameter23corresponding to a transfer volume to be delivered.

The first wells16A to16F, which are assigned a transfer parameter23corresponding to a transfer volume to be taken, as also indicated by the minus symbol28, are also called source wells. Second wells16′A to16′F, which are assigned a transfer parameter23corresponding to a transfer volume to be delivered, are preferably also referred to as destination wells. A selection of wells16on the 1st side thus preferably automatically results in the definition of source wells16A to16F, while a selection of wells16on the 2nd side results in the definition of destination wells16′A to16′F.

The receptacle devices5from which liquid6to be pipetted is supposed to be received by the pipetting apparatus4correspond to the source wells16A to16F. The receptacle devices5to which liquid6to be pipetted is supposed to be delivered by the pipetting apparatus4correspond to the destination wells16′A to16′F.

Multiple source wells16A to16F and multiple destination wells16′A to16′F are selectable in the configuration interface15C by means of the input device10. The control device1is designed such that, to specify multiple transfer steps and the order of execution thereof by the pipetting apparatus4and the actuator3, multiple previously selected source wells16A to16F are assignable to multiple destination wells16′A to16′F in the configuration interface15C by selecting these destination wells16′A to16′F.

When a group27of first wells16A to16F is selected on the 1st side and a group29of second wells16′A to16′F is subsequently selected on the 2nd side, a paired1:1association is preferably automatically made. When using a multichannel pipetting apparatus4corresponding to the groups27,29, this 1:1 association is automatically achieved or made possible by separate pipette tips7. When groups27,29that do not correspond to a multichannel pipetting apparatus4are selected, selection of the groups27,29is followed by associations or transfer processes being automatically split, so that the control results in single transfers taking place or individual selections, which each change between the group27of first wells16A to16F and the group29of second wells16′A to16′F, being fabricated or the effect of a respective paired association being made being achieved otherwise.

In the depicted example, the control device1is designed and set up to take the number of pipette tips7of the respectively chosen pipetting apparatus4as a basis for controlling the automated pipetting system2following selection of two groups27,29such that liquid6is gradually transferred in successive processes from the receptacle devices5corresponding to the first wells16A to16F to each of the receptacle devices5corresponding to the second wells16′A to16′F.

In the configuration interface15C, mutually assigned or mutually corresponding wells16are preferably denoted as associated or identical with one another. In the depicted example, mutually associated or corresponding wells16have the same shading. Alternatively or additionally, the same or identical colors or other markings can also be used, however.

Preferably, a context menu is generable or activable in the configuration interface15C, in particular by selecting or alternatively selecting the first group27or the source wells16A to16F. The context menu preferably has one or more options for virtually modifying the structure or arrangement and/or number of selected source wells16A to16F of the group27for a subsequent or further selection of destination wells16′A to16′F. The modification is virtual insofar as the selected source wells16A to16F themselves are not modified but rather a transfer pattern (that is to say a graphical representation) is generated and this is modified.

Selection of the source wells16A to16F results in a graphical representation of the selected source wells16A to16F being presented. The graphical representation can then be altered in respect of number and arrangement of the wells by means of the options of the context menu. Finally, the graphical representation can be used to simultaneously (that is to say synchronously, all at once) select multiple destination wells16′A to16′F as a second group29on the 2nd side. The selection results in the selected source wells16A to16F being simultaneously assigned to the destination wells16′A to16′F.

The selected source wells16A to16F are therefore simultaneously (all at once) assignable to multiple destination wells16′A to16′F such that the arrangement and/or number of assigned destination wells16′A to16′F differs from the arrangement and/or number of selected source wells16A to16F. This results in the selected source wells16A to16F and their assigned destination wells16′A to16′F being assigned transfer parameters23such that the respective corresponding transfer volume is transferable from the receptacle devices5corresponding to the selected source wells16′A to16′C to the receptacle devices5corresponding to the assigned destination wells16′A to16′F.

As can be seen inFIG. 4, the assigned destination wells16′A to16′F are displayable in the same configuration interface15C as the selected source wells16A to16F.

The control device1is preferably designed to control the automated pipetting system2such that either a multichannel pipetting apparatus4or, in a manner broken down into multiple transfer processes, a single-channel pipetting apparatus4is used to effect a 1:1 volume transfer between the individual receptacle devices5that correspond firstly to the group27or the source wells16A to16F and secondly to the group29or the destination wells16′A to16′F. In particular, liquid6is thus received from the receptacle device5corresponding to the source well16A and, following appropriate movement of the pipetting apparatus4, delivered to the receptacle device5corresponding to the destination well16′A. This is then followed by the same in association with the source well16B and the destination well16′B, and so on. In this way, liquid6is transferable by means of the control device1and the automated pipetting system2such that neighborhood conditions and orientations of liquids6in the respective receptacle devices5are systematically changeable.

FIG. 5shows a schematic depiction of a first state of a fourth configuration interface15D of the control device1according to the present invention. Multiple unbundled source wells16A to16G are selected and presented on the 1st side in the configuration interface15D. In this context, the term “unbundled” is supposed to be understood to mean that there is at least one unselected well on one of the shortest journeys (oriented to rows and columns) between at least two wells, that is to say that the selection relates to noncontinuously adjoining wells.

Using the context menu or else another method, for which there is preferably provision in the configuration interface15D, there is the option of it preferably being selectable or selected that the selected, unbundled source wells16A to16G are simultaneously assignable to destination wells16′A to16′G on the 2nd side such that the destination wells16′A to16′G, are arranged in bundled fashion, preferably in columns. Preferably, it is possible to specify in how many columns situated next to one another the destination wells16′A to16′G are supposed to be arranged.

In the example depicted inFIG. 5, the unbundled source wells16A to16G selected on the 1st side are assigned to the destination wells16′A to16′G arranged beneath one another in column1on the 2nd side. Here, the column number chosen was thus “1”.

This assignment now results in transfer steps being specified. In accordance with a first transfer step, liquid6needs to be taken from the receptacle device5corresponding to the source well16A (column3, row B) and delivered to the receptacle device5corresponding to the destination well16′A (column1, row A). In accordance with a second transfer step, liquid6needs to be taken from the receptacle device5corresponding to the source well16B (column6, row C) and delivered to the receptacle device5corresponding to the destination well16′B (column1, row B). The same applies to the remainder of the transfer steps.

The numbers “1” to “7” depicted in the destination wells16′A to16′G indicate the order of execution of the transfer steps by the pipetting apparatus4and the actuator3. First, the first specified transfer step is thus executed, followed by the second transfer step, etc.

FIG. 6shows a schematic depiction of a second state of the fourth configuration interface15D fromFIG. 5. In addition to the first to seventh transfer steps shown inFIG. 5, seven further transfer steps are specified for the state depicted inFIG. 6. In comparison with the first to seventh transfer steps, the destination wells are different, the reason being that they are situated not in the first but rather in the second column on the 2nd side. In accordance with the eighth transfer step, liquid6thus again needs to be taken from the receptacle device5corresponding to the source well16A (column3, row B) but delivered to the receptacle device5corresponding to the destination well16′H (column2, row A). In accordance with the ninth transfer step, liquid6needs to be taken from the receptacle device5corresponding to the source well16B (column6, row C) and delivered to the receptacle device5corresponding to the destination well16′I (column2, row B). The same applies to the remainder of the transfer steps.

FIG. 7shows a schematic depiction of a third state of the fourth configuration interface15D fromFIG. 5. In addition to the first to 14th transfer steps shown inFIG. 6, seven further transfer steps are specified for the state depicted inFIG. 7. In comparison with the first to seventh transfer steps, the destination wells are different, the reason being that they are situated not in the first but rather in the third column on the 2nd side. In accordance with the 15th transfer step, liquid6thus again needs to be taken from the receptacle device5corresponding to the source well16A (column3, row B) but delivered to the receptacle device5corresponding to the destination well16′O (column3, row A). In accordance with the 16th transfer step, liquid6needs to be taken from the receptacle device5corresponding to the source well16B (column6, row C) and delivered to the receptacle device5corresponding to the destination well16′P (column3, row B). The same applies to the remainder of the transfer steps.

In the preferred exemplary embodiment depicted, the control device1is designed to control the pipetting apparatus4and the actuator3such that a change of pipette tip7of the pipetting apparatus4is performed after a transfer step with one liquid6and before a subsequent transfer step with a different liquid6.

In the example depicted inFIG. 7, a change of pipette tips7would therefore be performed after or upon every transfer step. Overall, there would be 21 changes of pipette tips7.

The execution of these transfer steps specified in this manner would result in the following sequence: first, the pipetting apparatus4is moved to a pipette tip holder34. There, a pipette tip7is mounted on the pipetting apparatus4. The pipetting apparatus4is then moved to the receptacle device5that corresponds to the source well16A. There, the pipetting apparatus4will receive the transfer volume defined by means of the transfer parameter23from this receptacle device5. The pipetting apparatus4is then moved to the receptacle device5that corresponds to the destination well16′A. There, the pipetting apparatus4will deliver the transfer volume defined by means of the transfer parameter23to this receptacle device5. The pipetting apparatus4is then moved to the waste bin32. The used pipette tip7is discarded therein. The other transfer steps follow analogously.

It should be taken into consideration that the journeys between a receptacle device5that corresponds to source wells and a receptacle device5that corresponds to destination wells and also the journeys to the waste bin32are longer by a multiple than the journeys between two receptacle devices5that correspond to source wells or between two receptacle devices5that correspond to destination wells.

FIG. 8shows a schematic depiction of a fourth state of the fourth configuration interface15D fromFIG. 5. Using the context menu or else another method, for which there is preferably provision in the configuration interface15D, there is the option of it preferably being selectable or selected that the order of execution of the selected destination wells16′A to16′U is automatically altered by the control device1such that transfer steps in accordance with which liquid6is supposed to be received from the same receptacle device5are immediately successive.

The control device1is now designed so as, before the execution of the specified transfer steps by the pipetting apparatus4and the actuator3, to analyze the specified order of execution of these transfer steps and the liquid6to be pipetted in these transfer steps. In the present exemplary embodiment, the control device1looks, during the analyzing, for transfer steps in accordance with which compatible, in particular identical, liquids6need to be pipetted. During the analyzing of the transfer steps as shown inFIG. 7, the control device1will find that, in accordance with transfer steps1,8and15, identical liquids6need to be pipetted, because the liquids6to be pipetted all need to be taken from the receptacle device5that corresponds to the source well16A. This also applies to transfer steps2,9,16and3,10,17etc. These transfer steps with identical liquids6are depicted using the same shading inFIGS. 7 and 8.

During the analyzing, the specified transfer steps are additionally examined by the control device1for whether these transfer steps are independent of other transfer steps or the execution of these transfer steps can take place in a different order from that specified. In the present example, there are no dependencies.

The control device1is now designed so as, after the analysis, to automatically alter the order of execution of these analyzed transfer steps, specifically such that transfer steps in accordance with which liquid6is supposed to be taken from the same receptacle device5are immediately successive. The resultant changed order is depicted inFIG. 8and discernible from the respective number in the destination wells16′A to16′U. E.g. the transfer step previously specified as eighth transfer step now needs to be executed as the second transfer step.

The execution of these transfer steps specified in this manner would result in the following sequence: first, the pipetting apparatus4is moved to a pipette tip holder34. There, a pipette tip7is mounted on the pipetting apparatus4. The pipetting apparatus4is then moved to the receptacle device5that corresponds to the source well16A. There, the pipetting apparatus4will receive the transfer volume defined by means of the transfer parameter23from this receptacle device5. The pipetting apparatus4is then moved to the receptacle device5that corresponds to the destination well16′A. There, the pipetting apparatus4will deliver the transfer volume defined by means of the transfer parameter23to this receptacle device5. The pipette tip7is now not changed, but rather the pipetting apparatus4is moved to the receptacle device5that corresponds to the source well16A. There, the pipetting apparatus4will receive the transfer volume defined by means of the transfer parameter23from this receptacle device5. The pipetting apparatus4is then moved to the receptacle device5that corresponds to the destination well16′H. There, the pipetting apparatus4will deliver the transfer volume defined by means of the transfer parameter23to this receptacle device5. The pipette tip7is now again not changed, but rather the pipetting apparatus4is again moved to the receptacle device5that corresponds to the source well16A. There, the pipetting apparatus4will receive the transfer volume defined by means of the transfer parameter23from this receptacle device5. The pipetting apparatus4is then moved to the receptacle device5that corresponds to the destination well16′O. There, the pipetting apparatus4will deliver the transfer volume defined by means of the transfer parameter23to this receptacle device5. The pipetting apparatus4is then moved to the waste bin32. The used pipette tip7is discarded therein. The other transfer steps4to21follow analogously.

All in all, only seven instead of 21 changes of pipette tips7are performed here, namely after transfer steps3,6,9,12,15,18and21. This saves materials (pipette tips7) and time (for the journeys to the waste bin and back).

The control device1here is also designed to automatically alter the order of execution of these transfer steps such that transfer steps in accordance with which liquid6is supposed to be delivered to the same receptacle device5are immediately successive. Such transfer steps are not specified in the present example, however.

FIG. 9shows a schematic depiction of a fifth state of the fourth configuration interface15D fromFIG. 5. Automatically after the previously explained change of order of the specified transfer steps or using the context menu or else another method, for which there is preferably provision in the configuration interface15D, there may be provision or a prompt for transfer steps to be combined by the control device1by virtue of transfer steps in accordance with which a specific transfer volume of liquid6is supposed to be received from the same receptacle device5as source and delivered to specific receptacle devices5as destinations being automatically replaced with a transfer step in accordance with which the sum of the specific transfer volumes of liquid6is supposed to be received from the source5on a single occasion and the respective specific transfer volume of liquid6is supposed to be delivered to the respective destination5.

As such, in accordance with transfer steps1to3fromFIG. 8, a specific transfer volume of liquid6needs to be received from the receptacle device5that corresponds to the source well16A as source and delivered to the receptacle devices5that correspond to the destination wells16′A,16′H,16′O as destinations. The control device1automatically replaces these transfer steps1to3with a new transfer step1in accordance with which the sum of the specific transfer volumes of liquid6is supposed to be received from the source5on a single occasion and the respective specific transfer volume of liquid6is supposed to be delivered to the respective destination5. The same applies to transfer steps4,5,6and7,8,9etc.

The execution of these transfer steps combined in this manner would now result in the following sequence: first, the pipetting apparatus4is moved to a pipette tip holder34. There, a pipette tip7is mounted on the pipetting apparatus4. The pipetting apparatus4is then moved to the receptacle device5that corresponds to the source well16A. There, the pipetting apparatus4will receive the sum of the specific transfer volumes of liquid6from this receptacle device5on a single occasion. The pipetting apparatus4is then moved to the receptacle device5that corresponds to the destination well16′A. There, the pipetting apparatus4will deliver the transfer volume defined by means of the transfer parameter23to this receptacle device5. The pipette tip7is now not changed, but rather the pipetting apparatus4is moved to the receptacle device5that corresponds to the destination well16′H. There, the pipetting apparatus4will deliver the transfer volume defined by means of the transfer parameter23to this receptacle device5. The pipette tip7is now again not changed, but rather the pipetting apparatus4is moved to the receptacle device5that corresponds to the destination well16′O. There, the pipetting apparatus4will deliver the transfer volume defined by means of the transfer parameter23to this receptacle device5. The pipetting apparatus4is then moved to the waste bin32. The used pipette tip7is discarded therein. The other transfer steps2to7follow analogously.

All in all, only seven changes of pipette tips7are performed here too, namely after transfer steps1to7. Additionally, the pipetting apparatus4is moved to each source5only exactly once. This saves materials (pipette tips7) and time (for the journeys to the waste bin32and back and for the journeys between sources5and destinations5).

The control device1here is also designed to automatically combine transfer steps by virtue of transfer steps in accordance with which a specific transfer volume of liquid6is supposed to be received from specific receptacle devices5as sources and delivered to a further receptacle device5as the same destination being automatically replaced with a transfer step in accordance with which the respective specific transfer volume of liquid6is supposed to be received from the respective source in immediate succession and the sum of the specific transfer volumes of liquid6is supposed to be delivered to the destination on a single occasion. Such transfer steps are not specified in the present example, however.

Preferably, there is provision for, before or after the analysis of the transfer steps, transfer steps to be excludable from the analysis of the control device1, or multiple different liquids6to be selectable as needing to be mixed for the analysis of the transfer steps, in the configuration interface15D by means of the input device10.

FIG. 10shows a schematic depiction of a first state of a fifth configuration interface15E of the control device1according to the present invention. There is provision in the configuration interface15E for a multichannel pipetting apparatus for the pipetting apparatus4, which has eight pipette tips7and is designed to take liquid6from eight adjoining receptacle devices5and to deliver liquid to eight adjoining receptacle devices5.

In the configuration interface15E, multiple source wells16A to16DDD are selected and presented on the pipetting unit equivalent18A (as first source plate) on the 1st side and multiple destination wells16′A to16′DDD are selected and presented on the pipetting unit equivalent18C (as first destination plate) on the 2nd side. The same shadings in a column (1to7) indicate that in a (first) transfer step the multichannel pipetting apparatus4is supposed to be used to simultaneously receive liquids6from the receptacle devices5that correspond to the source wells16A to16H of the pipetting unit equivalent18A. In this transfer step, the liquids6are supposed to be delivered to the receptacle devices5that correspond to the destination wells16′A to16′H of the pipetting unit equivalent18C. In a further (second) transfer step, the multichannel pipetting apparatus4is supposed to be used to simultaneously receive liquids6from the receptacle devices5that correspond to the source wells16I to16P of the pipetting unit equivalent18A. In this second transfer step, the liquids6are supposed to be delivered to the receptacle devices5that correspond to the destination wells16′I to16′P of the pipetting unit equivalent18C. The same applies to the remainder of the transfer steps. The numbers “1” to “7” in the destination wells16′A to16′DDD indicate the order of execution of the specified transfer steps.

FIG. 11shows a schematic depiction of a second state of the fifth configuration interface15E fromFIG. 10. The configuration interface15E presents the pipetting unit equivalent18A in the state fromFIG. 10. Additionally, multiple source wells16A to16DDD are presented on the pipetting unit equivalent18B (as second source plate) on the 1st side. The higher numbers “8” to “14” in the destination wells16′A to16′DDD of the pipetting unit equivalent18C in comparison withFIG. 10indicate that additional transfer steps are specified in regard to these destination wells.

Specifically, in an eighth transfer step, the multichannel pipetting apparatus4is supposed to be used to simultaneously receive liquids6from the receptacle devices5that correspond to the source wells16A to16H of the pipetting unit equivalent18B (as second source plate). In this transfer step, the liquids6are supposed to be delivered to the receptacle devices5that correspond to the destination wells16′A to16′H of the pipetting unit equivalent18C. In the ninth transfer step, the multichannel pipetting apparatus4is supposed to be used to simultaneously receive liquids6from the receptacle devices5that correspond to the source wells16I to16P of the pipetting unit equivalent18B. In this second transfer step, the liquids6are supposed to be delivered to the receptacle devices5that correspond to the destination wells16′I to16′P of the pipetting unit equivalent18C. The same applies to the remainder of the transfer steps.

Considered overall, the liquids6of the receptacle devices5that correspond to the source wells16A to16H of the pipetting unit equivalent18A are mixed with the liquids6of the receptacle devices5that correspond to the source wells16A to16H of the pipetting unit equivalent18B, specifically in the receptacle devices5that correspond to the destination wells16′A to16′H of the pipetting unit equivalent18C.

FIG. 12shows a schematic depiction of a third state of the fifth configuration interface15E fromFIG. 10. The configuration interface15E presents the pipetting unit equivalents18A and18B in the state fromFIG. 11.

In this example, the liquids6available as mixtures in the receptacle devices5that correspond to the destination wells16′A to16′H of the pipetting unit equivalent18C are supposed to be transferred to receptacle devices5that correspond to destination wells16′A to16′H of a pipetting unit equivalent18D (as second destination plate). The pipetting unit that corresponds to the pipetting unit equivalent18C previously acting as destination plate now serves as source (of the liquids6available as mixtures) and hence the pipetting unit equivalent18C now serves as source plate.

Multiple source wells16A to16DDD are thus selected and presented on the pipetting unit equivalent18C (now as third source plate) on the 1st side. Multiple destination wells16′A to16′DDD are selected and presented on the pipetting unit equivalent18D (as second destination plate) on the 2nd side. The numbers “15” to “21” in the destination wells16′A to16′DDD of the pipetting unit equivalent18D indicate the order of the transfer steps additionally specified in this state.

In a 15th transfer step, the multichannel pipetting apparatus4is supposed to be used to simultaneously receive the mixed liquids6from the receptacle devices5that correspond to the source wells16A to16H of the pipetting unit equivalent18C. In this transfer step, the mixed liquids6are supposed to be delivered to the receptacle devices5that correspond to the destination wells16′A to16′H of the pipetting unit equivalent18D. In the 16th transfer step, the multichannel pipetting apparatus4is supposed to be used to simultaneously receive the mixed liquids6from the receptacle devices5that correspond to the source wells16I to16P of the pipetting unit equivalent18C. In this second transfer step, the mixed liquids6are supposed to be delivered to the receptacle devices5that correspond to the destination wells16′I to16′P of the pipetting unit equivalent18D. The same applies to the remainder of the transfer steps.

In the preferred exemplary embodiment depicted, the control device1is designed to control the multichannel pipetting apparatus4and the actuator3such that, after a transfer step with one liquid6and before a subsequent transfer step with a different liquid6, a change of all pipette tips7of the multichannel pipetting apparatus4is performed.

Therefore, in the example depicted inFIG. 12, all eight pipette tips7of the multichannel pipetting apparatus4would be replaced after every transfer step. All in all, there would be 21 changes of eight pipette tips7each time. Thus, 168 pipette tips would be thrown away. The journeys to the waste bin32, to the pipette tip holders34and back from each are time-consuming.

FIG. 13shows a schematic depiction of a fourth state of the fifth configuration interface15E fromFIG. 10. Using the context menu or else another method, preferably provided for in the configuration interface15E, there is the option of it preferably being selectable or selected that the control device1automatically alters the order of execution of these transfer steps such that transfer steps in accordance with which liquid6is supposed to be delivered to the same receptacle device5and the resultant liquid6is supposed to be received from this receptacle device5and delivered to a different receptacle device5are immediately successive.

In this exemplary embodiment too, the control device1is designed so as, before the execution of the specified transfer steps by the multichannel pipetting apparatus4and the actuator3, to analyze the specified order of execution of these transfer steps and the liquids6to be pipetted in these transfer steps. In the present exemplary embodiment, during the analyzing, the control device1looks for transfer steps in accordance with which compatible liquids6need to be pipetted. During the analyzing of the transfer steps in accordance withFIG. 12, the control device1will find that liquids6to be mixed need to be pipetted in accordance with transfer steps1and8and the thus mixed liquids6need to be pipetted in accordance with transfer step15. This also applies accordingly to transfer steps2,9,16and3,10,17etc. These transfer steps with compatible liquids6are depicted using the same shading inFIG. 12.

During the analyzing, the specified transfer steps are additionally examined by the control device1to ascertain whether these transfer steps are independent of other transfer steps or whether the execution of these transfer steps can take place in an order other than that specified. In the example shown inFIG. 12, the transfer steps1and8need to take place before transfer step15. Accordingly, the transfer steps2and9need to take place before transfer step16, etc.

The control device1is now designed such that, after the analysis, it automatically alters the order of execution of these analyzed transfer steps, specifically such that transfer steps in accordance with which liquid6is supposed to be delivered to the same receptacle device5and the resultant liquid6is supposed to be received from this receptacle device5and delivered to a different receptacle device5are immediately successive. The resultant changed order is depicted inFIG. 13and discernible from the respective number in the destination wells16′A to16′DDD in the pipetting unit equivalents18C and18D.

For example, the transfer step previously specified as eighth transfer step now needs to be executed as second transfer step. The transfer step previously specified as 15th transfer step now needs to be executed as third transfer step. The transfer step previously specified as seventh transfer step now needs to be executed as 19th transfer step. The transfer step previously specified as 14th transfer step now needs to be executed as 20th transfer step. The transfer step previously specified as 21st transfer step still needs to be executed as 21st transfer step.

As a result of the changed order of execution of the transfer steps, only seven instead of 21 changes of eight pipette tips7each time are performed here, namely after transfer steps3,6,9,12,15,18and21. This saves materials (pipette tips7) and time (for the journeys to the waste bin32and back). As such, instead of 168 pipette tips7, only 56 pipette tips7are changed and thrown away here.

The aspects described above are preferably combinable. Further, there can be provision for the principles explained in association with the configuration interfaces15B to15L to be selectable as different options and/or by means of one or more context menus in the same configuration interface. To this end, there can be provision in particular for virtual switches, checkboxes, drop-down menus, soft buttons or the like. Further, it is preferred both for wells16A to16F to be selectable and for the context menu to be generable and, in this way or in another way, one or more options to be selectable or configurable in the same configuration interface15B to15L, preferably with one or more volume difference(s), volumes, target volumes and/or the combination, splitting or a changed arrangement being stipulable, settable or activable.

The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the automated pipetting system2using the control device1, wherein the principles described above are performed on their own or in combination. Preferably, this involves an input by means of the input device10being interpreted by the control device1such that selectable wells16,16′ are selected in part, individually or in groups, in particular by moving the selection tool22and inputting during this and/or subsequently to this, for example by means of a switch or button. The control device1preferably interprets this as selection of the respective well16,16′ or of an applicable first or second group27,29and preferably executes individual or a combination of steps for which the control device1has been described as suitable above.

Further, it is preferred for the method to comprise control of the automated pipetting system2. To this end, there can be provision for the control device1to control the different selections of wells16,16′, particularly preferably in the respective chronological order of the selection and taking into consideration the respective options active during the selection, by virtue of the control device1generating machine commands and transmitting them to the automated pipetting system2.