Instrument Manipulation Terminal with Range-Based Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrument manipulation systems lack convenience in operating instruments within designated ranges and fail to prevent unintended operations by other users or due to communication failures.
Innovation Solution
An instrument manipulation system with a first manipulation terminal that displays instrument positions and functions, allows input of designation ranges and identification information, and controls target instruments within those ranges, including features to prevent unintended operations and synchronize manipulation histories across multiple terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If instruments are operated by manually selecting each instrument individually, then precise control over each instrument is achieved, but the operation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments instruments into distinct ranges (first range and second range) that can be independently selected and operated. This allows users to group instruments by location or function, enabling batch operations within each range rather than individually controlling every instrument, thus reducing operation time while maintaining precise control over selected groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: it can select instruments by individual position, by range, or by combination thereof. The terminal can also execute different operations (start, stop, pause) on selected instruments. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate control systems into a single universal interface, improving ease of operation without sacrificing control precision.
2Device complexity
If a single manipulation terminal controls all instruments, then the system structure is simplified, but the reliability decreases due to potential single points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides instruments into multiple ranges that can be independently controlled. While a single manipulation terminal provides the unified interface, the underlying control is segmented so that communication failures affecting one range do not necessarily impact other ranges. This segmentation provides fault isolation, maintaining reliability while keeping the user interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares control structures in advance that can withstand communication failures. By organizing instruments into independent ranges with dedicated control pathways, the system cushions against potential failures before they occur. If communication with one range fails, the terminal and other ranges remain operational, preventing complete system failure.
3Productivity
If instruments in a designated range are operated without checking existing operations, then operation speed is improved, but unintended operations by different users occur
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation terminal incorporates feedback mechanisms that check the current operational state of instruments before executing new operations. When a user selects a range for operation, the terminal queries the current status of instruments in that range and provides this information back to the user. This feedback loop allows users to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with operations, preventing unintended actions while maintaining efficient workflow through clear status display and confirmation protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument manipulation system includes instruments disposed in a predetermined area, and a first manipulation terminal including: a first display unit that displays at least one of disposition positions of the instruments and a range covered by functions of the instruments; a first designation range input unit that receives an input of a designation range for designating at least one target instrument to be manipulated; a first identification information input unit that receives an input of identification information set in the designation range; and a first instrument control unit that causes the target instrument to perform a predetermined operation.