Remote Biological Analyzer Interface with Duplicate Monitoring Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analysis systems for biological samples lack efficient remote monitoring and control capabilities, limiting user interaction and data entry to a single window, which can lead to accidental data entry into non-active windows and potential malfunctions or loss of samples.
Innovation Solution
An analysis system comprising an automatic analyzer coupled to an analyzer control computer and a remote computer, where the remote computer generates duplicate windows of the host screen image, allowing users to select which window is active for data entry while preventing accidental data entry into non-active windows, and enabling real-time monitoring and control without physical presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users can interact with multiple analyzer control computers simultaneously, then user productivity and monitoring efficiency are improved, but the risk of accidental data entry into wrong windows increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a duplicate window (second window) that displays a screenshot of the host screen image from the analyzer control computer. This copy allows users to monitor the analyzer remotely and identify which window they need to interact with, while the actual data entry is performed through the first window (data manager window), preventing accidental entries into the wrong application.
Solution Approach 2:
The second window acts as an intermediary between the user and the analyzer control computer. It provides visual feedback about the current state of the analyzer interface without allowing direct interaction, serving as a reference that guides users to the correct window for data entry while preventing mistakes through its non-interactive nature.
2Ease of operation
If users can remotely monitor analyzer operations, then ease of operation from distance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits a screenshot (visual copy) of the host screen image from the analyzer control computer to the remote first window. This allows users to monitor analyzer operations from a distance without requiring direct physical presence at the analyzer, while the complexity is managed through standard windowing and screenshot technologies already present in the operating system.
3Reliability
If only one window allows data entry, then data entry accuracy is improved, but user flexibility and monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the interface into two distinct windows with different functions: the first window (data manager window) is designed for data entry and interaction, while the second window (monitoring window) is designed for visual monitoring only. This segmentation allows users to have both windows visible simultaneously on their display, providing flexibility to monitor multiple analyzers while ensuring data entry accuracy by restricting interaction to the appropriate window.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments related to analysis system for analyzing biological samples, a data processing method and a computer program product are disclosed. An analyzer is coupled to an control computer and has a control application program which receives control data, sends analytical data, and generates a host screen image. A remote computer is coupled to the control computer, and provides a data manager application program which sends the control data to the control computer, receives the analytical data, and generates a first window. A remote application program interoperates with a host application program which generates a second window containing a duplicate of the host screen image. A user interface program displays a first display window and a second display window, the first display window being one of the first and second windows and the second display window containing a screen shot of the other one of the first and second windows.