Differenciating method from instrument from algorithm

[thomasexner]

For ACEnano and later NanoCommons, we started to annotate protocols. But I am running directly in a problem with the basic parameters like method, technique and instrument. We use the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method for size measurement as an example. I find "BET equation" as an ontology term, which is fine and useful. However, the partners have specified the technique as well as the instrument as "BET". None of these can be annotated with the term available but is it enough to generate one term "BET" and use it for both annotations or should we create a term "BET assay" and "BET instrument"? I thing the second is better since this can then be included in the correct ontology hierarchy. However, the first would also be possible since we also annotate the field as describing a technique or a instrument and by the two annotations (e.g. "technique" and "BET") it would be clear what is meant.