GUI Workflow Guidance for Laboratory Step Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user interfaces in laboratory and industrial processes are inefficient, lack visibility of the path taken, require extensive software integration, and are complex, especially in regulated environments, leading to time-consuming and error-prone workflows.
Innovation Solution
A methodical user interface (MUI) that guides users through processes by displaying a subset of steps on a graphical user interface (GUI), allowing users to navigate efficiently by minimizing visible content, emphasizing relevant options, and providing a direct workflow mode with historical context, reducing resource usage and improving integration with instrumentation and consumables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a menu-driven interface is used to receive user input, then the system can perform functions based on selected options, but the path of menu items taken and unselected options are not visible on the user interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays the menu path in a hierarchical tree structure that adds a visual dimension to the interface. The selected path is shown through nested indentation levels, while unselected options are displayed as sibling nodes at the same hierarchical level, making the complete menu structure visible simultaneously rather than sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The menu interface is segmented into distinct visual components: the current selection path is highlighted and indented to show hierarchy, while unselected options are displayed as separate, non-highlighted elements. This segmentation allows users to distinguish between selected and unselected paths while maintaining visibility of all options.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive software integration is implemented to integrate instrumentation data with LIMS and support post-processing, then data integration capability is improved, but the system becomes complex and time-consuming to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data integration architecture that can handle multiple data sources (instrumentation, consumables, samples) and destinations (LIMS, reporting systems) through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional system eliminates the need for separate integration implementations for each data type or destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data integration layer that sits between the instrumentation/software and the LIMS system. This intermediary handles data normalization, transformation, and routing, simplifying the integration process by providing a single point of connection rather than requiring direct integration between multiple systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive user interface displays all options and menu items, then users have access to all functions, but the interface becomes overwhelming and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic menu system that adapts its display based on the user's current context and selection state. As users navigate through the menu hierarchy, the interface dynamically updates to show only relevant sub-options and maintains visibility of the parent menu structure, allowing users to access all functions while reducing cognitive load at each step.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing guidance through a graphical user interface (GUI) to assist with the completion of one or more steps of an experimental process may include the following. At least one processor may receive a first command to select an experiment comprising one or more steps to be performed on an instrument or other equipment. The at least one processor may further provide a second command to display at least a subset of the one or more steps of the experiment on a UI display. The at least one processor may further provide a third command, to instruct the instrument or other equipment to at least partially carry out the one or more steps of the experiment.