Patent ID: 12253535

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used in the following, the terms “have”, “comprise” or “include” or any arbitrary grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive way. Thus, these terms may both refer to a situation in which, besides the feature introduced by these terms, no further features are present in the entity described in this context and to a situation in which one or more further features are present. As an example, the expressions “A has B”, “A comprises B” and “A includes B” may both refer to a situation in which, besides B, no other element is present in A (i.e., a situation in which A solely and exclusively consists of B) and to a situation in which, besides B, one or more further elements are present in entity A, such as element C, elements C and D or even further elements.

Further, it shall be noted that the terms “at least one”, “one or more” or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may be present once or more than once typically will be used only once when introducing the respective feature or element. In the following, in most cases, when referring to the respective feature or element, the expressions “at least one” or “one or more” will not be repeated, non-withstanding the fact that the respective feature or element may be present once or more than once.

Further, as used in the following, the terms “preferably”, “more preferably”, “particularly”, “more particularly”, “specifically”, “more specifically”, “typically”, “more typically”, or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features, without restricting alternative possibilities. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to restrict the scope of the claims in any way. The disclosure may, as the skilled person will recognize, be performed by using alternative features. Similarly, features introduced by “in an embodiment of the disclosure” or similar expressions are intended to be optional features, without any restriction regarding alternative embodiments of the disclosure, without any restrictions regarding the scope of the disclosure and without any restriction regarding the possibility of combining the features introduced in such way with other optional or non-optional features of the disclosure.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure a module for an automated laboratory system is provided. The module comprises a module connector configured to releasably connect to a component of the automated laboratory system. The module further comprises a detector at least configured to detect at least one component marker located at the component so as to obtain position data of the module indicating an actual position of the module. The module further comprises a processor configured to calculate a position deviation of the module from a target position defined by the component based on the position data and to calculate position alignment data based on the position deviation. The module further comprises an alignment device configured to align the module to the target position based on the position alignment data.

Thus, the module may be detachably connected to a component such as another module or a transport line of the automated laboratory system by means of the module connector. The module connector prevents an unintended separation of the module from the component. The detector allows to determine the position of the module relative of the component to which it is intended to be connected. Thus, the coupling process may be continuously and reliably observed. The processor compares the actual position of the module with the target position and outputs the result of this comparison to the alignment device. Thus, a correction and/or an adaption of the actual position of the module and/or the operation range of its functional component may be realized by means of the alignment device. For example, an orientation or position of the module or functional unit may be adjusted or varied until the actual position matches the target position. As a further example, the module may comprise a robotic arm, a two or three axis gantry or the like as a functional component, which is used for handling samples. In this case, the operation range of the robotic arm may be adjusted by means of the alignment device so as to allow a proper operability of the robotic arm.

The detector may be further configured to detect at least one module marker located at the module. With this arrangement, it is possible to go for a relative alignment of the module without precise alignment and calibration of the detector since an in-situ calibration can be realized. For calibration, either the module marker on the module on which the detector is installed or the component marker of the other component can be used.

A type, a size and/or a number of the module marker may be identical to or different from a type of the component marker. Thus, dependent on the intended application, same or different types of markers can be applied as well as the same type of marker but in different number. Thus, basically a broad range of markers can be used depending on the available space and the respective application.

The component marker and the module marker may be located such that the component marker and the module marker are concertedly detectable by the detector. Thus, both markers can be detected in a single field of view or detection range which increases the detection precision.

The component marker and the module marker may each have a predetermined dimension and orientation. Thus, the dimension and orientation may be adapted to the intended application and the available space.

The component marker may be configured to provide a component coordinate system and the module marker may be configured to provide a module coordinate system. The processor may be configured to calculate the position deviation of the module from the target position based on a relative distance between the component coordinate system and the module coordinate system. Thereby, a digital detection result such as an image of the coordinate systems may be obtained and the relative distance and alignment between the two coordinate systems of the module and the component may be calculated. This may be converted into a position correction which is input into the alignment device.

The component marker and the module marker may be configured to allow an in-situ calibration of the detector. Thus, the calculated results for position correction are independent of the detector position and alignment, since image distortion calculation and calibration can be done in situ. For example, using the combination of ArUco marker and calibration pattern, it is only required to determine the relative distance between landmarks and surface. No complex alignment of the detector is necessary, only landmarks and calibration pattern have to be in the detector's field of view.

The position data may include information on a horizontal and/or vertical position of the module. Thus, the orientation of the module may be determined within a three dimensional space.

The detector may be a camera. Thus, a rather cost efficient detection device may be used.

The module may further comprise a distance sensor configured to determine a relative vertical position with respect to the component.

The distance sensor may be configured to determine the relative vertical position based on a distance of reference points at the component from a predetermined module plane. The predetermined module plane may be a handling plane of the module. This detector determines the relative vertical position between reference points from the component to the module such as a handling plane of the module. The distance sensor can be of any kind of sensor suitable to detect a distance, e.g., an optical, capacitive resistive, electromechanical or mechanical distance sensor. Non-exhaustive examples are dial gauges, position sensors, displacement sensors, or any other sensor configured to provide a longitudinal dimension or an angular position as an electric signal. The signal may be analogue such as with a resistance or digital such as with an incremental encoder.

The processor may be configured to calculate the position deviation by means of an algorithm. Thus, an algorithm may be applied to analyze the image made by the detector and calculate the relative distance and alignment between the module and the component. This is converted into a position correction which is input into the fine alignment device of the module.

The module may further comprise an analytical instrument, wherein the alignment device may be configured to align the analytical instrument to the target position based on the position alignment data. Thus, the fine alignment may be realized by slightly adapting the orientation of the analytical instrument.

The alignment device may be configured to move the analytical instrument within a three dimensional space. Thus, the orientation of the analytical instrument may be varied within at least three directions perpendicular to one another.

The target position may be defined by a reference point of or within a reference plane of the component. The reference point of or within a reference plane may be a coordinate system, a plane within such a coordinate system or a known location such as a point in a reference plane. Further, if the orientation of a reference plane within a given three dimensional space is known, a determination of a position relative to the reference plane is allowed. Thus, the relative orientation may be defined according to a given plane facilitating the aligning of the module.

The component may be a transport line of the automated laboratory system or a further module of the automated laboratory system. Thus, the module may be connected to different components.

The target position may be defined by a known location of a point of or within a transport surface of the transport line or a handling plane of the further module. Thus, the target position may be defined by means of a known reference location located at this surface or plane. Further, if the orientation of the transport surface or handling plane within a given three dimensional space is known, a determination of a position relative to the transport surface or handling plane is possible.

The module connector may comprise an engaging member configured to engage a bearing, particularly, a beam or truss, of the component. Thus, the module may be reliably and safely connected to the component. Further, the engaging member provides a coarse alignment of the module.

The engaging member may comprise a hook-shaped protrusion configured to hook on the bearing of the component. Thus, an unintended detachment of the module from the component is reliably prevented.

The engaging member may be arranged at a position at the module such that a vertical position of the module in a state of being connected to the component is defined by the bearing. Thus, the module may be vertically positioned according to the component. Further, tilting of the module and/or pivoting of the module around a vertical axis is realized.

The module may further comprise an infeed configured to receive a component protrusion of the component. This allows a reliable and safe coupling of the module to the component and provides a coarse alignment of the module. Alternatively, the module may further comprise a module protrusion configured to be inserted into a component infeed of the component.

The infeed may be arranged at a position at the module such that a horizontal position of the module in a state of being connected to the component is defined by the component protrusion. Thus, the cooperation of the infeed and the component protrusion provides a coarse horizontal alignment of the module.

The component protrusion may be formed substantially wedge-shaped. Thus, the horizontal alignment is facilitated as even an inclined orientation of the module relative to the component is corrected when further moving the module along the component protrusion.

Alternatively or in addition, a pin or cone having a rounding, truncation or chamfer may be provided at the module or the component which is configured to vertically and laterally guide the module.

The module according to any of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the infeed comprises guiding surfaces configured to engage lateral outer surfaces of the component protrusion. Thus, the module is safely guided to the final position at the component protrusion.

The module may further comprise posts adjustable independent on one another and configured to define a vertical orientation of the module. Thus, a horizontal level of the module may be adjusted. Further, the module may be fixed at a lifted position so as to be decoupled from the floor. Thereby, the progression of vibrations to the analytical instrument are decreased or even prevented.

The module may further comprise casters, particularly swivel casters. Thus, the module may be easily moved.

The module may further comprise a lifting mechanism configured to at least partially lift the module. Thus, the module may be raised and lowered for the coupling and decoupling process. The module may also be lifted by means of an external lifting device such as a lifting stage.

The module may further comprise a frame configured to support an analytical instrument. Thus, the analytical instrument is carried by the frame.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an automated laboratory system is provided comprising a transport line and at least one module according to the above-described details.

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for aligning a module is provided according to the above-described details. The method comprises the following steps: releasably connecting the module to a component of the automated laboratory system; detecting at least one component marker located at the component so as to obtain position data of the module indicating an actual position of the module; calculating a position deviation of the module from a target position defined by the component based on the position data and position alignment data based on the position deviation; and aligning the module to the target position based on the position alignment data.

Thus, an automated fine alignment of the module relative to the component is provided.

Releasably connecting the module to the component of the automated laboratory system may provide a rough or coarse aligning of the module relative to the component. Thus, the method comprises an automated fine alignment based on at least one detector and predetermined marks which optionally can be combined with a coarse alignment such as a manual coarse alignment of the module concertedly occurring when coupling the module to the component. The method for fine alignment uses (mechanical) alignment means including planar (backward-forward and left-right) and vertical (upward-downward) position determination.

The described method of the automated alignment concept enables relative and absolute alignment of modular system components to a transport system. Serviceability and accessibility is ensured through quick connection and disconnection of modular system components within some minutes.

In addition, this method enables continuous monitoring of the alignment with the ability to compensate for drift and thermal expansion or other impact due to, e.g., push or pull or ground movements, e.g., due to thermal shifts within floor level or settling.

By using a point calibration pattern for in situ calibration, the calculated results for position correction are independent of the detector or camera position and alignment, since image distortion calculation and calibration can be done in situ. Using the combination of ArUco marker and calibration pattern it is only required to determine the relative distance between landmarks and surface.

No complex alignment of the detector or camera is necessary, only landmarks and calibration pattern have to be in the detection range or camera's field of view. The detector or camera can be attached to the modular system component and be a part of it or of the transport system if attached there. Furthermore, the detector or camera can also be portable and only be installed during the connection process.

The term “automated laboratory system” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a robotic system for processing a variety of samples in a random flow by different analytical instruments. Such a robotic system encompasses a method for processing the samples using labware such as microtiterplates, filterplates, pipette-tip boxes, sample tubes, caps and the like. The automated laboratory system has a modular architecture, consisting of a central backbone and an arrangement of detachable modules coupled to the backbone. The structure of the automated laboratory system may facilitate the attachment of the modules on both sides of the backbone, meaning that one-sided or double-sided robotic systems can be built.

The term “module” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an individual modular system component of an automated laboratory system configured to carry an analytical instrument for effecting a specific operation on the samples processed by the automated laboratory system, typically in sequence. The analytical instrument can be mounted on a tabletop of the module, underneath the table, or on levels above the tabletop. Typically, the module represents a self-contained processing unit with an analytical instrument and is connectable to the central backbone of the automated laboratory system in a modular and interchangeable fashion.

The term “analytical instrument” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to any apparatus or apparatus component operable to execute one or more processing steps/workflow steps on one or more biological samples and/or reagents. The term “processing step” thereby refers to physically executed processing steps such as centrifugation, aliquotation, sample analysis and the like. The term “analytical instrument” covers pre-analytical sample work-cells, post-analytical sample work-cells and also analytical work-cells.

The term “component” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to any device to which a module is to be coupled. The term may specifically refer to an individual modular system component of an automated laboratory system or a transport line representing the backbone of the automated laboratory system.

The term “laboratory diagnostic vessel” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to any type of container suitable to store a sample or reagent in the field of analytics and more particularly medical analytics. Such vessels are usually designed as tubes.

The term “laboratory diagnostic vessel carrier” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to any device configured to hold one or more laboratory diagnostic vessels and to be supplied through a conveying or transport line. Thus, the vessel carrier may be configured as a single vessel carrier suitable to receive a single laboratory diagnostic vessel or a rack suitable to receive a plurality of vessels. Without any restriction, particular embodiments are described with reference to so called test tube holders. Such a test tube holder can hold one single test tube containing a sample or reagent and convey the test tube via a conveyor or transport line to different modules of an automated laboratory system such as an automated sample testing system. The test tube holder comprises a housing with a spring for fixing a test tube, a test tube holder body housing, and a bottom lid housing. The housing with a spring for fixing a test tube has a columnar structure whose center part is roundly bored so as to allow the insertion of the test tube, and is provided with spring parts inside projecting parts extending upward. It is to be noted that the housing with a spring usually has a columnar shape, but it may have any shape as long as the housing can vertically hold the test tube by the spring parts provided equidistantly or equiangularly, and an outer shape of the housing may be a polygonal column shape. The test tube holder body housing has a cylindrical shape, and desirably has a cavity part therein. In the cavity part, a tag with an unique ID number, a weight for stably conveying the test tube, and others are housed. Also, the test tube holder body housing and the bottom lid housing have an outer diameter larger than that of the test tube to be conveyed and smaller than the width of the conveyor line. Note that the shape of the test tube holder body housing and the bottom lid housing may be, for example, a polygonal shape. Even in that case, a maximum length in a cross-sectional direction is desirably smaller than the width of the conveyor or transport line. Particular test tube holder that may be used with the present disclosure are described in EP 2 902 790 A1, the contents thereof concerning the design or construction vessel carriers is incorporated by reference in this application.

The term “module connector” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to any device configured to allow a coupling of the module to another component of the automated laboratory system. Particularly, the module connector allows to release the coupling without any destruction of the coupled components either by using a tool or without a tool. Specifically the connector may be or comprise a hitch, latchet, hook, coupler or the like allowing to provide a releasable connection.

The term “releasably connect” or “releasably connecting” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a reversible type of connection. Thus, the connection may encompass a process of coupling or connecting and the releasing of the connection which may be repeated arbitrary times.

The term “detector” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a device, module, machine, or subsystem configured to detect events or changes in its environment and send the information to other electronics, frequently a computer processor. A detector is typically used with other electronics. Particularly, the detector is configured to detect or read information provided by the presence of an information carrier such as a marker. More particularly, the detector is configured to image the marker so as to provide a digital image.

The term “marker” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a machine-readable optical label that could contain information about the item to which it is attached. Particularly, the information may be the identity of the item to which it is attached so as to allow the detection of the presence or absence of the item. This may be realized by a certain pattern serving as marker. The information may be even more detailed on the item's identity such as the type, size, date of manufacturing or the like. Particularly, a target is fitted with a marker which forms a known pattern of known size. Sources of light such as visible or infrared light (active and passive), the visible markers like QR codes (or they can be circular) typically serve as markers for optical tracking. A camera or multiple cameras constantly seek the markers and then use various algorithms (for example, POSIT algorithm) to extract the position of the object from the markers. Such algorithms have to also contend with missing data in case one or more of the markers is outside the camera view or is temporarily obstructed. Markers can be active or passive. The former are typically infrared lights that periodically flash or glow all the time. By synchronizing the time that they are on with the camera, it is easier to block out other IR lights in the tracking area. The latter are retroreflector which reflect the IR light back towards the source almost without scattering.

The term “processor” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an electronic circuit which performs operations on some external data source, usually memory or some other data stream. The term is frequently used to refer to the central processor (central processing unit) in a system, but typical computer systems (especially SoCs) combine a number of specialized “processors”.

The term “calculate” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a deliberate process that transforms one or more inputs into one or more results. The term is used to describe a definite arithmetical calculation by using an algorithm.

The term “algorithm” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a finite sequence of well-defined, computer-implementable instructions, typically to solve a class of problems or to perform a computation. Algorithms are always unambiguous and are used as specifications for performing calculations, data processing, automated reasoning, and other tasks. As an effective method, an algorithm can be expressed within a finite amount of space and time, and in a well-defined formal language for calculating a function. Starting from an initial state and initial input (perhaps empty), the instructions describe a computation that, when executed, proceeds through a finite number of well-defined successive states, eventually producing “output” and terminating at a final ending state. The transition from one state to the next is not necessarily deterministic; some algorithms, known as randomized algorithms, incorporate random input.

The term “align” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a process of arranging a constructional member or device according to a pre-defined orientation within a three dimensional space. The pre-defined orientation may be given by another device serving as a reference. Thus, the device is arranged according to a reference defining the target position for the device to be aligned.

Further, this term also refers to an adjustment of the operation range of the module as well as its functional components such as a potential robotic arm or any other handling device. As such, the functional component of the module may be adjusted in its operation range so as to operate without any obstruction or to operate with minimizing the size or number of any obstacles.

The term “alignment device” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to any device configured to provide or carry out the aligning as described above. Thus, the alignment device may be a mechanical and/or electric alignment device.

The term “coordinate system” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a system that uses one or more numbers, or coordinates, to uniquely determine the position of the points or other geometric elements on a manifold such as Euclidean space. The order of the coordinates is significant, and they are sometimes identified by their position in an ordered tuple and sometimes by a letter, as in “the x-coordinate”. The coordinates are taken to be real numbers in elementary mathematics, but may be complex numbers or elements of a more abstract system such as a commutative ring. The use of a coordinate system allows problems in geometry to be translated into problems about numbers and vice versa. The term may specifically refer to a Cartesian coordinate system such as a three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system which is a coordinate system that specifies each point uniquely in a plane by a set of numerical coordinates, which are the signed distances to the point from two fixed perpendicular oriented lines, measured in the same unit of length. Each reference line is called a coordinate axis or just axis (plural axes) of the system, and the point where they meet is its origin, at ordered pair (0, 0). The coordinates can also be defined as the positions of the perpendicular projections of the point onto the two axes, expressed as signed distances from the origin.

The term “vertical” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an orientation parallel to a direction of gravity.

The term “horizontal” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an orientation perpendicular to a direction of gravity.

The term “distance sensor” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a sensor that facilitates measurement of a distance of an object from a reference point or a variation of a length. The result may be output as a mechanical position. A distance sensor may indicate absolute position (location) or relative position (displacement), in terms of linear travel, rotational angle, or three-dimensional space. Common types of distance sensor s include capacitive displacement sensor, eddy-current sensor, hall effect sensor, inductive sensor, laser Doppler vibrometer (optical), linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), photodiode array, piezo-electric transducer (piezo-electric), absolute encoder, incremental encoder, linear encoder, rotary encoder, potentiometer, proximity sensor (optical), string potentiometer (also known as string potentiometer, string encoder, cable position transducer), ultrasonic sensor and optical sensors such as a camera based distance sensor.

The term “handling plane” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a plane of the module where the handling of the samples takes place. The handling plane may be intended to provide a stepless transition to a reference plane of the component to which the module is coupled such as a transport surface of a transport line.

The term “engaging member” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to any constructional member that is configured to make one part of a device fit into or onto a part of another device so as to be integrally coupled thereto. The engaging may be realized as a positive locking fit. The engaging may be realized as a releasable coupling.

The term “infeed” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to any part of a device configured to receive another part of another device when both devices are moved towards one another and coupled. Particularly, the other part of the other device may be inserted into the infeed so as to provide a guided movement for the device having the infeed.

The term “wedge-shaped” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a shape like a wedge. The term “wedge” may refer to an object having a tapered shape. More particularly, the object may have a substantially triangular shape such as an object with one pointed edge and one thick edge.

The term “adjustable post” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a column that may vary its length. Particularly, the post may be designed to be able to mechanically telescope to about twice its shortest length. The post may use removable pins for coarse adjustment and a jack screw for fine adjustments, but many variations exist.

The term “caster” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an undriven, single, double, or compound wheel that is designed to be attached to the bottom of a larger object (the “vehicle”) to enable that object to be moved. They are available in various sizes, and are commonly made of rubber, plastic, nylon, aluminum, or stainless steel. Casters may be fixed to roll along a straight line path, or mounted on a pivot or pintle such that the wheel will automatically align itself to the direction of travel. A basic, rigid caster consists of a wheel mounted to a stationary fork. The orientation of the fork, which is fixed relative to the vehicle, is determined when the caster is mounted to the vehicle. Rigid casters tend to restrict vehicle motion so that the vehicle travels along a straight line. Like the simpler rigid caster, a swivel caster incorporates a wheel mounted to a fork, but an additional swivel joint above the fork allows the fork to freely rotate about 360°, thus enabling the wheel to roll in any direction. This makes it possible to easily move the vehicle in any direction without changing its orientation.

Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program including computer-executable instructions for performing the method according to the present disclosure in one or more of the embodiments enclosed herein when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. Specifically, the computer program may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and/or on a computer-readable storage medium.

As used herein, the terms “computer-readable data carrier” and “computer-readable storage medium” specifically may refer to non-transitory data storage means, such as a hardware storage medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions. The computer-readable data carrier or storage medium specifically may be or may comprise a storage medium such as a random-access memory (RAM) and/or a read-only memory (ROM).

Thus, specifically, one, more than one or even all of method steps a) to d) as indicated above may be performed by using a computer or a computer network, typically by using a computer program.

Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product having program code means, in order to perform the method according to the present disclosure in one or more of the embodiments enclosed herein when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. Specifically, the program code means may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and/or on a computer-readable storage medium.

Further disclosed and proposed herein is a data carrier having a data structure stored thereon, which, after loading into a computer or computer network, such as into a working memory or main memory of the computer or computer network, may execute the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product with program code means stored on a machine-readable carrier, in order to perform the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. As used herein, a computer program product refers to the program as a tradable product. The product may generally exist in an arbitrary format, such as in a paper format, or on a computer-readable data carrier and/or on a computer-readable storage medium. Specifically, the computer program product may be distributed over a data network.

Finally, disclosed and proposed herein is a modulated data signal which contains instructions readable by a computer system or computer network, for performing the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Referring to the computer-implemented embodiments of the disclosure, one or more of the method steps or even all of the method steps of the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein may be performed by using a computer or computer network. Thus, generally, any of the method steps including provision and/or manipulation of data may be performed by using a computer or computer network. Generally, these method steps may include any of the method steps, typically except for method steps requiring manual work, such as providing the samples and/or certain aspects of performing the actual measurements.

Specifically, further disclosed herein are:a computer or computer network comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description,a computer loadable data structure that is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the data structure is being executed on a computer,a computer program, wherein the computer program is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the program is being executed on a computer,a computer program comprising program means for performing the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the computer program is being executed on a computer or on a computer network,a computer program comprising program means according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the program means are stored on a storage medium readable to a computer,a storage medium, wherein a data structure is stored on the storage medium and wherein the data structure is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description after having been loaded into a main and/or working storage of a computer or of a computer network, anda computer program product having program code means, wherein the program code means can be stored or are stored on a storage medium, for performing the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description, if the program code means are executed on a computer or on a computer network.

Summarizing and without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments may be envisaged:

Embodiment 1: A module for an automated laboratory system, comprisinga module connector configured to releasably connect to a component of the automated laboratory system,a detector at least configured to detect at least one component marker located at the component so as to obtain position data of the module indicating an actual position of the module,a processor configured to calculate a position deviation of the module from a target position defined by the component based on the position data and to calculate position alignment data based on the position deviation, andan alignment device configured to align the module or its functional unit to the target position based on the position alignment data.

Embodiment 2: The module according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the detector is further configured to detect at least one module marker located at the module.

Embodiment 3: The module according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a type, a size and/or a number of the module marker are identical to or different from a type of the component marker.

Embodiment 4: The module according to any of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the component marker and the module marker are located such that the component marker and the module marker are concertedly detectable by the detector.

Embodiment 5: The module according to any of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the component marker and the module marker each have a predetermined dimension and orientation.

Embodiment 6: The module according to any of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the component marker is configured to provide a component coordinate system and the module marker is configured to provide a module coordinate system, wherein the processor is configured to calculate the position deviation of the module from the target position based on a relative distance between the component coordinate system and the module coordinate system.

Embodiment 7: The module according to any of the five preceding embodiments, wherein the component marker and the module marker are configured to allow an in-situ calibration of the detector.

Embodiment 8: The module according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the position data include information on a horizontal and/or vertical position of the module.

Embodiment 9: The module according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the detector is a camera.

Embodiment 10: The module according to any preceding embodiment, further comprising a distance sensor configured to determine a relative vertical position with respect to the component.

Embodiment 11: The module according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the distance sensor is configured to determine the relative vertical position based on a distance of reference points at the component from a predetermined module plane.

Embodiment 12: The module according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the predetermined module plane is a handling plane of the module.

Embodiment 13: The module according to any of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the distance sensor is an optical, capacitive resistive, electromechanical or mechanical distance sensor.

Embodiment 14: The module according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the processor is configured to calculate the position deviation by means of an algorithm.

Embodiment 15: The module according to any preceding embodiment, further comprising an analytical instrument, wherein the alignment device is configured to align the analytical instrument to the target position based on the position alignment data.

Embodiment 16: The module according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the alignment device is configured to move the analytical instrument within a three dimensional space.

Embodiment 17: The module according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the target position is defined by a reference point of or within a reference plane of the component.

Embodiment 18: The module according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the component is a transport line of the automated laboratory system or a further module of the automated laboratory system.

Embodiment 19: The module according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the target position is defined by a point of or within a transport surface of the transport line or a handling plane of the further module.

Embodiment 20: The module according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the module connector comprises an engaging member configured to engage a bearing, particularly, a beam or truss, of the component.

Embodiment 21: The module according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the engaging member comprises a hook-shaped protrusion configured to hook on the bearing of the component.

Embodiment 22: The module according to any of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the engaging member is arranged at a position at the module such that a vertical position of the module in a state of being connected to the component is defined by the bearing.

Embodiment 23: The module according to any preceding embodiment, further comprising an infeed configured to receive a component protrusion of the component or further comprising a module protrusion configured to be inserted into a component infeed of the component.

Embodiment 24: The module according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the infeed is arranged at a position at the module such that a horizontal position of the module in a state of being connected to the component is defined by the component protrusion.

Embodiment 25: The module according to any of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the component protrusion is formed substantially wedge-shaped.

Embodiment 26: The module according to any of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the infeed comprises guiding surfaces configured to engage lateral outer surfaces of the component protrusion.

Embodiment 27: The module according to any preceding embodiment, further comprising posts adjustable independent on one another and configured to define a vertical orientation of the module.

Embodiment 28: The module according to any preceding embodiment, further comprising casters, particularly, swivel casters.

Embodiment 29: The module according to any preceding embodiment, further comprising a lifting mechanism configured to at least partially lift the module.

Embodiment 30: The module according to any preceding embodiment, further comprising a frame configured to support an analytical instrument.

Embodiment 31: An automated laboratory system comprising a transport line and at least one module according to any preceding embodiment.

Embodiment 32: A method for aligning a module according to any one of embodiments 1 to 30, comprisingreleasably connecting the module to a component of the automated laboratory system,detecting at least one component marker located at the component so as to obtain position data of the module indicating an actual position of the module,calculating a position deviation of the module from a target position defined by the component based on the position data and position alignment data based on the position deviation, andaligning the module to the target position based on the position alignment data.

Embodiment 33: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein releasably connecting the module to the component of the automated laboratory system provides a rough aligning of the module relative to the component.

In order that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be more readily understood, reference is made to the following examples, which are intended to illustrate the disclosure, but shall not be construed, whatsoever, to limit the scope thereof.

FIG.1shows a perspective view of an automated laboratory system100. The automated laboratory system100is configured to process a plurality or variety of samples102in a random flow by different process or analytical instruments104. The automated laboratory system100encompasses a method for processing the samples102using labware such as microtiterplates, filterplates, pipette-tip boxes and the like (not shown). The automated laboratory system100has a modular architecture, consisting of several components106,108. Particularly, the automated laboratory system100has a central backbone108and an arrangement of detachable modules106coupled to the backbone108. The central backbone108may be a transport line for conveying the samples102to and away from the modules106. The transport line can be of conveyor type, mechanically driven carrier, magnetic transport, self-propelled carrier, individual single sample transport, rack transport or any other kind of sample transport.

The modules106carry the analytical instruments104for effecting a specific operation on the samples102, such as in sequence. The analytical instruments104can be mounted on a tabletop110of the modules106, underneath the tabletop110, or on levels above the tabletop110as further described below. The structure of the automated laboratory system100facilitates the attachment of the modules106on both sides of the backbone108, meaning that one-sided or double-sided automated laboratory system100can be built. Typically, the modules106represent self-contained processing units with analytical instruments104, and are connectable to the central backbone108in a modular and interchangeable fashion. The analytical instruments104may be housed by a housing112of the module106, which at least partially encloses the tabletop110.

FIG.2shows a perspective view of a portion of a module106. The module106comprises a frame114supporting the tabletop110. The frame114comprises vertical frame members116and horizontal frame members118. For example, four vertical frame members116and six horizontal frame members118are arranged so as to provide a substantially rectangular or cuboid shape for the frame114. The number of vertical and horizontal frame members116,118may vary depending on the respective application. The vertical and horizontal frame members116,118may be beams having a rectangular or square-shaped cross-section. The frame114is configured to support the housing112. For example, the housing may be releasably mounted to the frame114. The frame114may designed in any other way such as depending on the respective application of the module106.

FIG.3shows an enlarged lateral view of a portion of the module106in a coupled state.FIG.4shows an enlarged rear view of a portion of the module106in a coupled state. The module106further comprises a module connector120configured to releasably connect to a component106,108of the automated laboratory system110. The module connector120comprises an engaging member122configured to engage a bearing124such as a beam or truss of the component106,108such as the backbone108. The engaging member122comprises a hook-shaped protrusion126configured to hook on the bearing124of the component106,108. The engaging member122is arranged at a position at the module106such that a vertical position of the module106in a state of being connected to the component106,108is defined by the bearing124. In the present embodiment, the module connector120and the engaging member122, respectively, are arranged adjacent a lower end128of the frame114at a rear side130of the module106. The module connector120protrudes from the frame114. The bearing124is referenced to the transport plane of the transport line108for vertical alignment and tilting of the module106. Optionally, the bearing124can be mechanically decoupled from the transport line108to prevent vibration coupling.

FIG.5shows an enlarged view of a portion of the module106in a coupled state. The module106further comprises an infeed132configured to receive a component protrusion134of the component106,108. The infeed132is arranged at a position at the module106such that a horizontal position of the module106in a state of being connected to the component106,108is defined by the component protrusion134. In the present embodiment, the infeed132is horizontally arranged in a central horizontal portion of the frame114. Further, the infeed132is vertically arranged between the engaging member122and the lower end128of the frame114. As shown inFIG.5, the component protrusion134is formed substantially wedge-shaped which facilitates a sliding movement of the infeed132onto the component protrusion134. For this purpose, the infeed132comprises guiding surfaces136configured to engage lateral outer surfaces138of the component protrusion134. The wedge-shaped protrusion134is formed with a predefined play to the infeed132, is positioned at the bearing124and referenced to the target position of the module106at the transport line108regarding left right orientation. The module106may optionally further comprise a tapered pin in horizontal or vertical orientation engaging into a bearing hole and locked against each other.

FIG.6shows an enlarged lateral view of a portion of the module106in a coupled state. The module106further comprises posts140adjustable independent on one another and configured to define a vertical orientation of the module106. The adjustable posts140also allow tilting of the module when connected to the backbone108. For this reason, the module106comprises at least two adjustable posts140. For example, four adjustable posts140are present. The adjustable posts140are slidably received within the vertical frame members116. The module106further comprises casters142. For example, four casters142are present. At least some of the casters142may be swivel casters. For example, two casters142at a front side144of the frame114are swivel casters.

FIG.7shows a perspective view of a portion of the module106.FIG.8shows a top view of a portion of the module106. The module106further comprises a detector146. The detector146is at least configured to detect at least one component marker148located at the component106,108so as to obtain position data of the module106indicating an actual position of the module106. The position data include information on a horizontal and/or vertical position of the module106. The detector146may be a camera. The camera may be provided with visible or invisible illumination if required and is attached to the module106and directed towards the transport line108. The detector146is further configured to detect at least one module marker150located at the module106. The component marker148and the module marker150are located such that the component marker148and the module marker150are concertedly detectable by the detector146. With other words, the component marker148and the module marker150are both located to be in the detection range or field of view of the detector146. The component marker148and the module marker150each have a predetermined dimension and orientation. The predetermined dimension and orientation of the component marker148and the module marker150may be identical but do not need to be identical. The component marker148is configured to provide a component coordinate system152and the module marker150is configured to provide a module coordinate system154. In the present embodiment, the module markers150are located at a transition of the lower vertical frame members116and horizontal frame members118at the rear side130of the module106. The component marker148may provide a calibration pattern such as a point or dot pattern. The calibration pattern is not limited to dot pattern, it can also be realized as cross pattern, checkerboard or any kind of point pattern which could be analyzed by image processing.

The size and type of the used markers148,150depend on the available space on the object on which they are placed and on the required quality and capabilities of compensation. The markers148can be of ArUco type or of other kind of patterns, e.g., point or checkerboard patterns with known dimensions and orientations. These types of marker can offer 2d-calibration and position determination with a camera as well as cross checks. For example, dot patterns a minimum number of well arranged dots needs to be given. In addition, ArUco marker provides identification. ArUco markers are binary square fiducial markers that can be used for camera pose estimation. Their main benefit is that their detection is robust, fast and simple.

The module106further comprises a processor156configured to calculate a position deviation of the module106from a target position defined by the component106,108based on the position data and to calculate position alignment data based on the position deviation. Particularly, the processor156is configured to calculate the position deviation of the module from the target position based on a relative distance between the component coordinate system152and the module coordinate system154. The processor156is configured to calculate the position deviation by means of an algorithm. The target position is defined by a reference point of or within a reference plane158of the component106,108. As the component106,108may be the transport line108of the automated laboratory system100or a further module106of the automated laboratory system100, the target position may be defined by a point of or within a transport surface160of the transport line108or a handling plane162of the further module106. Thus, the reference plane158may be the transport surface160or the tabletop110used as handling plane162of such a module106.

The module106further comprises an alignment device164configured to align the module106to the target position based on the position alignment data. More particularly, the alignment device164is configured to align the analytical instrument104to the target position based on the position alignment data. Particularly, the alignment device164is configured to move the analytical instrument104within a three dimensional space. For example, the alignment device164is a mechanical alignment device such as a so-called xyz-stage. It is explicitly stated that the alignment device164may align itself or any other functional component of the module106according to the target position so as to increase or maximize the operation range thereof.

FIG.9shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the module106. The module106further comprises an optional distance sensor166configured to determine a relative vertical position with respect to the component106,108. The distance sensor166may be an optical or capacitive distance sensor. Particularly, the distance sensor166is configured to determine the relative vertical position based on a distance of reference points168at the component106,108from a predetermined module plane168. The predetermined module plane168may be the handling plane162of the module106. Basically, in order to determine the vertical position, the camera setup of the detector146with appropriate markers148,150can be used as well.FIG.9also shows an example of the detection range or field of view170of the detector146on the predetermined module plane168.

FIGS.10A and10Bshow different arrangements of markers applicable with the present disclosure. As will be explained in further detail, a type, a size and/or a number of the module marker150may be identical to or different from a type of the component marker148. InFIGS.10A and10B, the detection range or field of view170of the detector146is shown. Further,FIGS.10A and10Bshow portions of the module106and the transport line108to which the module marker150and the component marker148are attached.FIG.10Ashows one large component marker148attached to the transport line108and two module markers150attached to the module106.FIG.10Bshows one component marker148, which is formed by four dots arranged in a square-shaped pattern and which is attached to the transport line108, and one module marker150attached to the module106.

There are multiple options to arrange the markers148,150. If a camera with factory calibration is used, only the component marker148on the component such as the transport line108is sufficient. This means, no module marker150or on any other component, on which the camera is installed, is needed. For example, the module106is not provided with a module marker148but there is a component marker150on the other component106,108, e.g., the transport line. Consequence is that the camera has to be mounted rugged and has to be precisely aligned and calibrated, e.g., factory calibration, to the component on which it is installed. With this arrangement, relative and absolute alignment is possible by imaging and analyzing the component marker150on the other component106,108with the knowledge of the exact position and calibration of the camera. However, any minor changes in the cameras alignment versus the other component106,108may result in a calibration update procedure.

For this reason, it may be advantageous to provide markers on both components. For example, as described above, there is arranged at least one module marker150on the module106and there is arranged at least one component marker148on the transport line108. Basically, the type of marker can be of same or different kind but must consist of at least three points. The number of points in the marker determines the quality and capabilities of calibration and alignment. With this arrangement and an appropriate set of markers, it is possible to go for a relative alignment to the module106without precise alignment and calibration of the camera since an in-situ calibration can be realized. For calibration, either the marker150on the component on which the camera is installed can be used or the component marker148of the other component.

FIGS.11A to11Hshow an operation of coupling the module106to a component106,108. Particularly, the operation is explained with reference to a coupling to a transport line108. As shown inFIG.11A, the coupling process begins with the module106being moved on the casters142to connection position close to the transport line108. For example, the module106is manually moved. Subsequently, as shown inFIG.11B, which shows a top view, the module106is pushed onto the component protrusion134such that the component protrusion134is inserted into the infeed132. Thereby, the module is roughly aligned to the left and right. Subsequently, as shown inFIG.11C, the module106is pushed to the bearing124such that it is parallel to the bearing124and the engaging member122is in contact with the bearing124. Subsequently, as shown inFIG.11D, a lifting mechanism (not shown in detail) is used to lift the module106at the rear side130close the bearing124as indicated by arrow172. Thereby, the casters142at the rear side130are released from the floor. Subsequently, as shown inFIG.11E, the module106is pushed over the bearing124as indicated by arrow174such that it is still parallel to the bearing124and the engaging member122is in contact to the bearing124. Subsequently, as shown inFIG.11F, the module106is softly lowered with the engaging member122onto the bearing124. Thereby, the engaging member122engages the bearing124while the casters142at the rear side130are still spatially separated from the floor. Subsequently, as shown inFIG.11G, the lifting mechanism is used to lift the module106at the front side144until it is horizontally oriented as indicated by arrow176. The horizontal orientation meaning that the edges of the tabletop110are at identical vertical positions may be checked by means of a bubble level or the like. Subsequently, as shown inFIG.11H, the module106is fixed in this vertical position by means of the adjustable posts140at the front side144. Further, the lifting mechanism is removed. Optionally, the module106may be plugged into connectors (not shown in detail).

The process of coupling as described with reference toFIGS.11A to11Hrepresents a rough or coarse alignment of the module106. Hereinafter, a process of fine alignment of the module106or the analytical instrument104will be described which may be carried out subsequent or in parallel to the coarse alignment.

As described above, the detector146is attached to the module106in such a way that all of the component markers148and module markers150are within the detection range or field of view.FIG.8illustrates the detection range or field of view of the detector146. It covers the surface of the interface area of the transport line108and two module markers150which area attached to both sides of the module106close to the interface area of the transport line108. The module markers150of ArUco type are used to determine the relative position of the module106, indicated by the module coordinate system154. The module marker150can also be used to identify the module106. The component marker148formed as a point or dot calibration pattern, which is printed on or incorporated into the surface of the interface section of the transport line108, is used to determine the relative position of the transport line108, indicated by the component coordinate system152. In addition, it allows to calculate an image distortion and allows an in situ calibration of the detector146since the distances between the points are well defined.

The processor156calculates a position deviation of the module106from the target position defined by the transport line108based on the position data acquired by the image made by the detector146and calculates position alignment data based on the position deviation. Particularly, an algorithm is applied by the processor156to analyze the image made by the detector146and calculate the relative distance and alignment between the component coordinate system152of the transport line108and the module coordinate system154of the module106. This is converted into a position correction that is input into the alignment device164of the module106so as to provide a fine alignment of the module106and the analytical instrument104, respectively, relative to the transport line108.

In summary, the detailed process for determining the position correction for fine alignment and the position correction comprises the following details. The detector146such as a camera acquires an image of the module markers150such as ArUco landmarks and the component marker148such as a point calibration pattern of the interface region of the transport line108. An algorithm is used for image processing to analyze the module markers150to calculate the lateral coordinate system of module106. The algorithm is used for image processing to analyze the component marker148. Analyzing the component marker148may provide that calibration parameter for camera calibration are extracted, image distortion is calculated and subtracted, and lateral coordinate system of transport line108is calculated. Further, a vertical distance deviation of the module106from the target position is determined by the distance sensor166. The algorithm is used to calculate the relative distance between and alignment of the module106and the transport line108and convert it into a position correction for the analytical instrument104of the module106. The thus calculated results for position correction are transferred into the alignment device164to correct the position deviation between the module106and the transport line108. The fine alignment can be supported by the mechanical coarse alignment as described above but does not have to.

FIGS.12A to12Gshow an operation of decoupling the module106from the component106,108. Particularly, the operation is explained with reference to a decoupling from a transport line108. As shown inFIG.12A, the decoupling process begins with the module106being coupled to the transport line108. The optional connectors are unplugged. Subsequently, as shown inFIG.12B, the lifting mechanism is used to lift the module106at the front side144. Further, the adjustable posts140are turned and lifted into the vertical frame members116as indicated by arrow178.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG.12C, the module106is softly lowered onto the casters142at the front side144. Subsequently, as shown inFIG.12D, the lifting mechanism is used to lift the module106at the rear side130close to the bearing124as indicated by arrow180. Subsequently, as shown inFIG.12E, the module106is pulled slightly over the bearing124and in front of the bearing124as indicated by arrow182. Subsequently, as shown inFIG.12F, the module106is softly lowered onto the casters142at the rear side130. Further, the module106is pulled out of the component protrusion134and out of the connection position. Subsequently, as shown inFIG.12G, the module106is moved on the casters142to a desired position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100automated laboratory system102sample104analytical instrument106module108transport line110tabletop112housing114frame116vertical frame member118horizontal frame member120module connector122engaging member124bearing126hook-shaped protrusion128lower end130rear side132infeed134component protrusion136guiding surface138lateral outer surface140adjustable post142caster144front side146detector148component marker150module marker152component coordinate system154module coordinate system156processor158reference plane160transport surface162handling plane164alignment device166distance sensor168predetermined module plane170detection range or field of view172arrow174arrow176arrow178arrow180arrow182arrow