Methods, systems, and devices for real time execution and optimization of concurrent test protocols on a single device

Abstract

Provided herein are medical testing devices, systems, and methods that integrate multiplex, multi-technology, multi-configuration, multisample, or multi-threading capabilities. These capabilities are achieved using one or more of a level operations and communications architecture, a protocol exection engine, and a machine vision and processing system, method, or device in order to make testing of biologic or other samples more efficient in terms of cost, time, energy, or by prioritizing at least one other objective.

1 . A computer-assisted method for scheduling biological or chemical assays comprising:
 a) providing a set of input processes defining the biological or chemical assays to be performed by one or more devices, wherein an individual device comprises a plurality of stations, wherein said stations are selected from the group containing sample preparation stations, detection stations, and assay stations that provide consumable reagents and wherein at least one of said stations is a detection station;   b) generating a list of one or more subtasks for each of the input processes, wherein each subtask is to be performed by a single station of the one or more devices;   c) using a flexible scheduling algorithm to generate an ordered schedule of subtasks for the plurality of stations of the one or more devices such that when the subtasks are performed by the one or more devices, the input processes are completed in a manner more efficiently than if the input processes were performed sequentially by the plurality of stations;   d) instructing the stations to perform the associated subtasks according to the generated schedule of subtasks; and, optionally   e) using at least one detection station to collect information regarding the status of an individual biological or chemical assay and utilizing said information to maintain or modify the schedule of subtasks.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the set of input processes are completed in less than the time required if the set of input processes were performed sequentially. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein, on average, the set of input processes are performed in less than 80% of the time required if the set of input processes were performed sequentially. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the set of input processes are completed with one or more devices consuming less than the total amount of energy required by the one or more devices if the set of input processes were performed sequentially. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the set of input processes are completed with a total cost less than that required if the set of input processes were performed sequentially. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said subtasks are all performed on a sample with a total volume of 250 μL or less. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a station is able to perform a subtask that cannot be performed by another station. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 g) providing at least one additional input process after the one or more devices have begun to perform the subtasks generated from the set of input processes;   h) generating an additional list of one or more subtasks for each of the at least one additional input processes, wherein each subtask is to be performed by a single station of the one or more devices;   i) using a flexible scheduling algorithm to generate an additional ordered schedule of subtasks for the plurality of stations of the one or more devices comprising the additional list of subtasks and the subtasks not yet performed by the one or more devices such that when the subtasks are performed by the one or more devices, the input processes are completed in a manner more efficiently than if the input processes were performed sequentially by the plurality of stations and   j) instructing the stations to perform their associated subtask according to the additional generated schedule of subtasks.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising repeating steps g)—j) at least one time. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one devices comprises a computing station that performs the scheduling algorithm. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing a computing station separate from the one or more devices that performs the scheduling algorithm and a network that communicated the schedules of subtasks to the one or more devices. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the biological or chemical assays are selected from the group comprising immunoassays, nucleic acid assays, receptor-based assays, cytometry, colorimetric assays, enzymatic assays, mass spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrophoresis, nucleic acid sequencing, agglutination, chromatography, coagulation, electrochemical measurements, microscopy, live cell analysis, and histology. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 f) collecting data from at least one of the input processes,   g) utilizing said data to determine a set of one or more processes to be performed in addition to the input processes,   h) generating a list of one or more subtasks for each of the one or more additional processes, wherein each subtask can be performed by a single station of the one or more devices;   i) using said flexible scheduling algorithm to generate an additional ordered schedule of subtasks; and   j) instructing the stations to perform their associated subtasks according to the additional generated schedule of subtasks.   
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A computer-assisted method for scheduling a plurality of processes on one or more devices, comprising:
 a) providing a set of input processes defining biological or chemical assays to be performed by the one or more devices, wherein an individual device comprises a plurality of stations, wherein said stations are selected from the group containing sample preparation stations, detection stations, and assay stations that provide consumable reagents;   b) generating a list of one or more subtasks for each of the input processes, wherein each subtask is to be performed by a single station of the one or more devices;   c) for each of the one or more subtasks, determining specified constraints selected from the group consisting of subtask resource requirements, the duration of time required, and subtask ordering requirements; and   d) determining at least one schedule of subtasks and assignment of resources to each subtask in order to complete the entire set of processes consistent with all the specified constraints.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising:
 from the at least one schedule of subtasks, selecting a preferred schedule to be performed based on the efficiency of performing the set of input processes according to said schedule. 
 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A computer-assisted method for scheduling biological or chemical assays comprising:
 providing a system comprising one or more stations, an individual station configured to accept a sample and perform at least one subtask for a biological or chemical assay with said sample;   receiving, at said system, at least one sample, upon which at least one station is configured to perform at least one subtask;
 generating a schedule for said plurality of subtasks formed by said one or more stations based on the efficiency of said schedule and anticipated availability of said one or more stations; 
 receiving, at said system, at least one additional sample, upon which at least one station is configured to perform at least one subtask; and 
 maintaining or modifying said schedule based on the efficiency of said schedule, anticipated availability of said one or more stations, and subtasks to be performed on said at least one additional sample. 
   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein said at least one additional sample is provided after at least one station begins performing a subtask in accordance with said schedule. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising collecting information from at least one station; and maintaining or modifying said schedule based on the efficiency of said schedule, anticipated availability of the one or more stations, and said information collected. 
     
     
         23 - 34 . (canceled)