Universal and mobile messaging framework M2A "Message to anywhere" for laboratory automation

Volltext: This paper presents a software prototype for an universal and mobile messaging framework M2A "Message to anywhere". Access on actual laboratory data is an essential necessity in laboratory automation. This is how today's laboratories are able to meet requirements as: - Faster changing processes wiht more reduced quantities - Access on various kinds of data - Configuration of laboratories distributed worldwide - Increase availability of laboratory equipment Mobility is an important factor in the cleanroom industry. Laboratory apparatus become much more flexible if they possess a mobile control (e.g., PDA, web-panel or cell phone). As a result, laboratory personnel need to coat less often due to the fact that an apparatus in a cleanroom can be controlled from any point. The time saved easily amounts to many hours per month. Furthermore, the risk of a probe becoming contaminated during its process is also reduced. In bio-engineering laboratories, the contamination hazard for laboratory personnel through life-threatening substances can also be limited considerably by using a mobile control. The M2A-Framework consists of a communication layer complying with current standards. By using the buy-and-run principle, no software needs to be installed on the mobile end-device. A generic adapter permits the rapid linking of devices, equipment and applications to the communication layer. A visualization component which is independent of the input/output device protrays directly the semantic model of the generic adapter. Therefore, client information as user manuals, ERP system order data or statistically performance data are on hand, besides actual process data.