Graphical Control Device for Automated Pipetting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control devices for automatic pipetting machines are not user-friendly, prone to errors, and inefficient in operation, lacking a streamlined method for assigning transfer parameters across multiple receiving devices.
Innovation Solution
A control device with an input and display system that allows for the graphical selection and simultaneous assignment of transfer parameters to multiple receiving devices, enabling efficient liquid transfer between source and target receptacles through a configuration interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional control interfaces are used for assigning transfer parameters to receiving devices, then the control process becomes complex and error-prone, but implementing a graphical selection system increases device complexity and requires more advanced interface hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses graphical representations (pictograms) that copy and represent the physical arrangement of receiving devices on the work surface. This visual copying allows operators to select and assign transfer parameters by interacting with simplified graphical interfaces rather than complex menus or coordinate systems, dramatically improving ease of operation while the computational complexity is handled automatically by the control device
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex control systems. The pictograms and visual selection mechanisms mediate the interaction, translating simple graphical selections into complex transfer parameter assignments and robot control commands, thereby improving usability without requiring the operator to understand the underlying system complexity
2Productivity
If transfer parameters are assigned individually to each receiving device, then the control process is simple to implement, but the operation time and productivity are reduced due to sequential configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows operators to select multiple receiving devices simultaneously through graphical interaction and assign transfer parameters to all selected devices in a single operation. This merging of multiple assignment operations into one action dramatically increases productivity and eliminates the time loss associated with sequential configuration, while the system automatically handles the individual parameter assignment for each device
3Measurement precision
If the control interface provides detailed configuration options for each receiving device, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the complexity of the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing detailed configuration options only when and where needed. The graphical interface presents simplified selection mechanisms for routine operations, while allowing access to detailed configuration parameters for specific receiving devices or transfer operations when precision is required. This contextual provision of detail maintains ease of operation for common tasks while preserving measurement precision when needed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (1) for controlling an automated pipetting system (2), wherein the control device (1) is configured to control at least one actuator (3A-3C) for moving a pipetting device (4) between receiving devices (5) for liquids (6) to be pipetted and for receiving or dispensing liquids (6) to be pipetted. The control device (1) is configured to assign at least one transfer parameter (23) to the receiving device equivalents (16) by selecting one or more graphic receiving device equivalents (16) that correspond to receiving devices (5). The transfer parameter (23) corresponds to a transfer volume that is to be received from or dispensed to the receiving device (5) corresponding to the respective receiving device equivalent (16).The control device (1) is further configured such that selected source-receiving device equivalents (16A-16K) can be simultaneously assigned to several target-receiving device equivalents (16'A-16'K). The invention further relates to a pipetting robot, the use of a control device, a method for controlling a pipetting robot, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product.