Graphical Batch Table Creation for Automatic Analyzer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for automatic analyzers are inflexible and complex, making it difficult for operators to set sample orders and designate vial numbers accurately, especially when non-standard orders or multi-channel pipettes are used, leading to potential temperature control issues and errors in sample placement.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus with a display processor showing sample plate images, selectors for one-dimensional or two-dimensional designation, analysis direction selection, and a sample-number calculator to create batch tables with intuitive graphical user interface operations, allowing operators to select regions and calculate sample numbers for serial analyses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conventional GUI-using method is used for setting vial numbers in ascending order, then the operation is simple and user-friendly for standard cases, but significantly complicated operations are required for special orders or situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the batch table creation process based on the selected analysis direction. When vertical direction is selected, vial numbers are assigned in ascending order (1, 2, 3...); when horizontal direction is selected, vial numbers are assigned in descending order (N, N-1, N-2...). This dynamic adaptation allows the same GUI interface to handle both standard and special analysis orders without complicating the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of analysis direction (vertical or horizontal) to transform the batch table creation process. By selecting different analysis directions, the system automatically adjusts the vial number assignment pattern, enabling operators to handle both standard ascending order cases and special order cases through a single unified interface without complex operations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sample plates are loaded and the operator manually designates vial numbers, then specific samples can be selected, but it becomes difficult to intuitively grasp which vial-mounting position of which sample plate is designated
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy (image) of the selected sample plate and displays it on the screen. This plate image shows the arrangement of vials and their numbers, allowing the operator to intuitively grasp which vial-mounting positions are designated without confusion. The visual copy serves as a reference that eliminates the difficulty of tracking multiple sample plates manually.
3Quantity of substance
If the peripheral region of the sample plate is used for mounting samples, then more samples can be analyzed, but the temperature of the sample plate is not adequately controlled flat over the entire area
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows operators to select specific regions on the sample plate for analysis based on temperature uniformity requirements. By displaying the plate image and enabling region selection, operators can choose to analyze samples from the central region where temperature is more uniform, or from the peripheral region where more samples are available, depending on their specific needs. This local quality approach allows flexible adaptation to temperature control characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
Vials (samples) as analysis targets to be set in a batch table for serial analyses are allowed to be designated simply and highly flexibly. On a batch table setting screen 100, a sample region designation method selecting button 120, an analysis direction selecting button 121, a plate image display area 125 and other components are arranged. A sample region designation method and an analysis direction are selected simply by clicking the buttons. The start position and the end position of analyses are designated by a drag-and-drop operation using a mouse on a plate image displayed in the plate image display area 125. The vials selected during a process of the drag-and-drop operation are displayed in a color discriminable from other vials. Accordingly, a simple, graphical operation can create a batch table in which the multiple vials mounted on the sample plate are set as analysis targets in a desired order.