Lab Instrument Dashboard Interface for Faster Error Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern lab instruments require users to perform numerous steps to diagnose and address errors or issues, increasing task completion time and risk of errors due to complex interfaces and distractions.
Innovation Solution
A dashboard interface that aggregates status data and allows direct navigation to destination interfaces for material resupply, control test re-run, task review, and error correction, using biometric authentication and pre-configured screensavers to minimize user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the instrument interface provides detailed error diagnosis and control features, then the instrument's functionality and reliability are improved, but the interface complexity and number of steps required to complete tasks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into multiple functional screens (dashboard, materials, controls, events, worklist) that can be accessed independently. Each screen presents specific information and controls relevant to its function, breaking down the complex overall system into manageable, focused segments that reduce cognitive load while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by implementing a dashboard that provides a high-level aggregate view of instrument status across multiple dimensions (materials, controls, events, worklist) simultaneously. This allows users to navigate from an overview perspective down to specific detailed screens, adding a hierarchical dimension to the interface structure that simplifies task navigation.
2Reliability
If the instrument requires multiple navigation steps to diagnose and address errors, then comprehensive error handling is achieved, but the time required to complete tasks and the risk of user errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dashboard pre-identifies and displays aggregate status information across all instrument functions (materials, controls, events, worklist) before the user begins troubleshooting. This preliminary presentation of status data allows users to quickly identify which area requires attention without having to navigate through multiple screens to discover the problem, thereby reducing task completion time while maintaining comprehensive error handling capability.
3Reliability
If the interface requires users to navigate through multiple screens to address instrument issues, then detailed control and monitoring are provided, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dashboard serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides an aggregate overview of instrument status, serves as a navigation hub to all other interface screens, displays alerts and notifications, and allows direct interaction with certain controls. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate interfaces into a single universal screen, improving ease of operation while maintaining detailed control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A dashboard interface may be displayed on a lab instrument to provide aggregate status information from a plurality of other interfaces organized into a single interface. The aggregate status information may be viewed by a nearby user of the lab instrument, and selecting portions of the information via a touchscreen display will navigate directly to a subsequent interface that may be used to view additional information or make configuration changes relating to the selected information. The dashboard may be used as a screensaver on a lab instrument when the instrument is not in use, or may be navigated to by an active user of a lab instrument, or both.