Instrumentation systems and methods
A device ( 600 ) for performing at least part of an analytical process comprises a communicator ( 605 ) to facilitate communication with the device, and a data handler ( 610 ) to handle data of the analytical process and/or the device. In an embodiment, the device ( 600 ) is a consumable device and/or a microfluidic device. A method for performing at least part of an analytical process using a device comprises the steps of: (a) introducing a sample into the device; (b) handling data associated with the test using a data handler of the device; and (c) facilitating communications about the test using a communicator of the device. In another embodiment, the method is performed using a consumable device and/or a microfluidic device.
1. A consumable device for performing at least part of an analytical process comprising: a communicator configured to facilitate communication with the device; at least one sensor or actuator pertaining to the analytical process on the device connected within the device directly to a data handler;
wherein the device is a microfluidic device;
wherein the data handler includes a Smart Card module with an integrated circuit;
wherein the data handler provides independent control of the at least one actuator component, or the data handler provides measurement of the at least one sensor component;
wherein the data handler is configured to operate in accordance with a protocol for providing a software or firmware upgrade to the device or to an instrument upon communication with the device.
2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor or actuator is configured as part of an on-board verification or calibration procedure.
3. A device according to claim 1 , comprising a data storage means for storing data of the analytical process and/or the device.
4. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to perform internal quality control monitoring.
5. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the Smart card module is configured to perform a security access function.
6. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the communicator is capable of communicating with a communications network where the device forms part of a distributed network.
7. A consumable device for performing at least part of an analytical process comprising: a communicator configured to facilitate communication with the device; at least one sensor or actuator pertaining to the analytical process on the device connected within the device directly to a data handler;
wherein the device is a microfluidic device;
wherein the data handler includes a Smart Card module;
wherein the data handler provides independent control of the at least one actuator component, or the data handler provides measurement of the at least one sensor component;
wherein the device includes a user interface having elements that can display operational information to the user.
8. A consumable device for performing at least part of an analytical process comprising: a communicator configured to facilitate communication with the device connected within the device directly to a data handler;
wherein the device is a microfluidic device;
wherein the data handler includes a Smart Card module with an integrated circuit;
wherein the data handler provides processing and decision-making relating to the analytical process;
wherein the data handler provides control of other devices through the communicator.
9. A device according to claim 8 , wherein at least one sensor or actuator is configured as part of an on-board verification or calibration procedure.
10. A device according to claim 8 , comprising a data storage means for storing data of the analytical process and/or the device.
11. A device according to claim 8 , wherein the device is configured to perform internal quality control monitoring.
12. A device according to claim 8 , wherein the Smart card module is configured to perform a security access function.
13. A device according to claim 8 , wherein the data handler is configured to operate in accordance with a protocol for providing a software or firmware upgrade to the device or to an instrument upon communication with the device.
14. A device according to claim 8 , wherein the device includes a user interface having elements that can display operational information to the user.
15. A device according to claim 8 , wherein the communicator is capable of communicating with a communications network where the device forms part of a distributed network.