Mass Spectrometry Control Interface for Simplified Parameter Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometry instruments require complex settings adjustments, intimidating users without specialized knowledge, as they need to configure various parameters like gas flows, temperatures, and voltages to achieve optimal results.
Innovation Solution
A simplified control interface for mass spectrometry systems that includes a processor and memory, allowing users to adjust results-effective and sample-descriptive parameters through intuitive elements like sliders and knobs, determining instrument control parameters such as nebulizing gas flow, desolvation gas temperature, and ion inlet temperature to analyze samples effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users directly adjust multiple instrument control parameters (gas flows, temperatures, voltages), then measurement precision can be optimized, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that translates simple user inputs (sample type, desired output) into complex instrument control parameters. This intermediary layer includes pre-configured methods and automatic parameter determination algorithms that mediate between user intent and instrument settings, eliminating the need for users to directly adjust multiple technical parameters while maintaining measurement precision
2Manufacturing precision
If users directly adjust multiple instrument control parameters, then manufacturing precision of results can be optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of parameter adjustment from the user interface, separating the simple user interaction layer from the complex parameter determination layer. By taking out the complicated parameter relationships and embedding them within pre-configured methods and automatic determination algorithms, the system maintains result optimization precision while presenting a simple control interface to users
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system provides comprehensive control over multiple parameters, then adaptability to different samples improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple methods with optimized parameter sets for different sample types and desired outputs. Before actual operation, the system prepares these method templates with all necessary parameter combinations, allowing users to simply select from pre-optimized options rather than adjusting parameters in real-time, thereby maintaining both adaptability and ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometry system having a simplified control interface includes a processor and a memory. The memory includes instructions that when executed cause the processor to perform the steps of providing a user interface including a plurality of adjustment elements for adjusting at least one results effective parameter and at least one sample descriptive parameter; determining a plurality of instrument control parameters based on the at least one results effective parameter and the at least one sample descriptive parameter; and analyzing a sample while operating according to the plurality of instrument control parameters.