Sample Analyzer Reagent Holder Display for Collective Reagent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers require complex and burdensome manual operations for managing reagents, including checking residual amounts and expiration dates, which increases operator workload and can lead to analysis interruptions if not managed properly.
Innovation Solution
A display method for a sample analyzer that uses icons associated with reagent containers, allowing operators to perform operations such as residual amount measurement, editing, and information acquisition collectively through a single input, with icons arranged to match the physical layout of reagent holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator performs manual management of reagents (checking residual amounts, expiration dates, etc.) one by one, then the management is thorough and accurate, but the operator burden increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reagent management operations (checking residual amounts, expiration dates, and performing measurements) into a single collective operation. When the operator selects a holder on the display screen, all reagents in that holder are managed simultaneously through one button press, eliminating the need to process each reagent individually while maintaining comprehensive management accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen and control system are designed to perform multiple reagent management functions universally. A single interface allows the operator to view holder arrangements, check reagent information, perform measurements, and manage expiration dates all through unified operations, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate procedures for each management task.
2Reliability
If the operator performs predetermined operations for each reagent individually, then the operation is precise and controlled, but the number of operations increases and the burden on the operator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple predetermined operations that would normally be performed individually into a single collective operation. When reagents are selected by holder, operations such as residual amount measurement and expiration date checking are executed for all selected reagents simultaneously through one button press, maintaining operational control while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary selection and grouping of reagents by holder before executing operations. The display screen pre-organizes reagent information by holder arrangement, allowing the operator to select entire groups of reagents in advance before performing measurements or other operations, thereby reducing the number of individual operation steps required.
3Loss of information
If detailed information for each reagent is displayed separately, then the information is complete and accurate, but the display complexity increases and the interface becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments reagent information display by organizational unit (holder) rather than by individual reagent. The display screen divides the interface into holder-based sections, where each holder contains multiple reagents. This segmentation approach presents complete reagent information within each holder while avoiding the complexity of displaying all reagents as separate top-level items, thereby reducing overall display complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the display interface. Instead of a flat list of all reagents, the system organizes information in two dimensions: holders as the first level and reagents within holders as the second level. This dimensional organization allows complete information to be presented while maintaining a simplified, structured interface that reduces perceived complexity.
4Productivity
If the sample analyzer is furnished with sufficient expendables before analysis, then continuous analysis can be maintained, but the initial preparation time and resource allocation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the display screen that continuously monitors and shows the operator the remaining quantities and expiration dates of reagents in each holder. This real-time feedback allows the operator to track expendable levels during analysis and perform timely replenishment operations, enabling continuous analysis without requiring excessive initial preparation of all expendables.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary organization of reagents by holder arrangement before analysis begins. The display screen pre-configures the holder layout and reagent assignments, allowing the operator to verify proper setup in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when analysis starts, all necessary reagents are properly positioned and tracked, facilitating continuous operation without interruptions while minimizing initial preparation time through efficient pre-organization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A display method according to one or more aspects may be a method used in a sample analyzer comprising holders configured to hold reagent containers of reagents used for an analysis of a sample. The display method may include: displaying, on a display unit, icons respectively associated with the holders; receiving selection of icons from the icons displayed on the display unit; and receiving an instruction for a predetermined operation relevant to the selected icons.