Sample Analyzer Reagent Display with Bar Graph Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers struggle to intuitively display the necessary reagent refill amount, as they only provide textual information about reagent levels and estimated usage, making it difficult for users to discern when reagents are running low, and they cannot accurately predict reagent needs for future sample measurements.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer with a display unit that graphically illustrates the remaining reagent amount and estimated usage for a specific day using bar graphs, allowing users to visually compare and easily identify shortages or excesses, and a system that calculates and displays numerical values for remaining and estimated reagent amounts, enabling users to plan reagent refills effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reagent monitoring is performed using only character information display, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot intuitively discern the necessary refill amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy (bar graph) of the reagent quantity information that users can intuitively understand. Instead of merely displaying numerical values, the system generates a graphical representation that mirrors the actual reagent level, making it easy for users to grasp the refill needs at a glance without increasing hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms one-dimensional numerical data (reagent quantity) into a two-dimensional visual representation (bar graph with height proportional to quantity). This dimensional transformation allows users to intuitively comprehend reagent levels and refill requirements through visual comparison rather than numerical interpretation
2Reliability
If only current measurement order reagent needs are calculated, then the calculation speed is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because future reagent shortages cannot be predicted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of reagent requirements for future measurement orders, not just current ones. By projecting reagent consumption across multiple scheduled measurements, the system predicts future shortages in advance, allowing users to refill reagents proactively before depletion occurs, thus preventing analysis interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors reagent levels against predicted consumption rates. The system compares current reagent quantities with calculated future requirements and provides alerts when shortages are anticipated, enabling timely refilling decisions and ensuring continuous operation
3Ease of operation
If detailed numerical information is provided without graphical representation, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot quickly understand reagent status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two types of information presentation - precise numerical data and intuitive graphical display - into a unified interface. The bar graph visually represents reagent levels while accompanying numerical information provides exact quantities, allowing users to quickly grasp status at a glance while retaining access to detailed data when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A sample analyzer comprising: a measurement unit holds a reagent to be used in a sample measurement and measures a sample by using the reagent; a memory storing a usage amount of the reagent used by the measurement unit; a controller calculates an estimated usage amount of the reagent for a specific day, based on the usage amount of the reagent stored in the memory; and a display, wherein the controller controls the display to show a screen including graphic information illustrating a remaining amount of the reagent held by the measurement unit and the estimated usage amount of the reagent for the specific day, first numerical information indicating, by means of a numerical value, the remaining amount of the reagent, and second numerical information indicating an excess or shortage amount of the remaining amount of the reagent relative to the estimated usage amount of the reagent.