Sample Processing Apparatus Shared Display Region Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample processing apparatuses require users to cancel the shared list/summary table screen to display maintenance screens for analyzers, making maintenance operations cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing apparatus that allows independent switching of the shared display region, enabling simultaneous display of information and operation control for multiple sample processing units, including error handling, mode setting, and processing start screens, within the same interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the shared list/summary table screen is displayed, then information about multiple samples can be monitored, but maintenance screens for analyzers cannot be displayed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is divided into a shared region and independent operation regions. The shared region displays the list/summary table, while independent operation regions display maintenance screens for each analyzer. This segmentation allows multiple types of information to be displayed simultaneously without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between maintaining information display continuity and enabling convenient maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional display mode (either shared screen or maintenance screen) to a multi-dimensional display mode where the shared region and operation regions coexist in different spatial dimensions of the same screen. This allows users to access maintenance functions without canceling the shared information display, effectively resolving the contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If maintenance screens are displayed, then analyzer maintenance can be performed, but the shared list/summary table screen must be canceled
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance screens are prepared and displayed in advance within the independent operation regions, alongside the shared list/summary table screen. When users need to perform maintenance, they can directly access the pre-positioned maintenance interface without time-consuming screen switching or cancellation operations, thus reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared list/summary table display continues uninterrupted while maintenance screens are simultaneously displayed in independent regions. This allows users to maintain awareness of overall sample status while performing maintenance operations, eliminating the need to cancel or switch screens and thereby preventing time loss.
3Ease of operation
If separate display regions are used for each analyzer, then maintenance can be performed, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The independent operation regions use a standardized, universal interface design that can display various types of screens (maintenance screens, error handling screens, mode setting screens) for different analyzers. This universal design allows simultaneous operation of multiple analyzers while keeping the interface structure relatively simple and consistent across different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Each independent operation region is designed with specific local quality tailored to its function (e.g., maintenance operations, error handling), while the overall layout maintains a consistent global structure. This allows the interface to be functionally complex without being visually or structurally overwhelming, balancing simultaneous operation capability with interface simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample processing apparatus includes: a first sample processing unit; a second sample processing unit; and a data processing unit connected to the first and the second sample processing units. The data processing unit includes: a display device; an input device; and a controller configured to show a screen image on the display device, wherein the screen image comprises a shared region which is shared for displaying information of each of the first and the second sample processing units, a first operation section operable by a user to control the first sample processing unit and a second operation section operable by the user to control the second sample processing unit, and control the first sample processing unit in response to an operation of the first operation section, and control the second sample processing unit in response to an operation of the second operation section.