Sample Rack Transport Automation via Position Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample processing apparatuses require users to manually set and manage transport destinations for racks, leading to a significant workload and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing apparatus with a transport device and controller that automatically directs racks to corresponding sample processing units based on pre-defined correlations between rack positions and unit locations, reducing user intervention and enabling intuitive identification of transport destinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user manually sets the transport destination of a rack via an operating section, then the rack can be transported to the designated sample processing unit, but the user workload increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically determining the transport destination of racks based on pre-stored correlation information between rack positions and sample processing units. The transport control section automatically directs racks to the correct units without requiring manual user input, thereby reducing user workload while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing the correlation information between rack positions and sample processing units in advance. This pre-established data structure enables the transport control section to quickly and accurately determine destinations without real-time user intervention, improving both ease of operation and productivity
2Productivity
If multiple racks are transported to multiple sample processing units, then processing capacity increases, but the complexity of managing transport destinations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport control section implements a universal control mechanism that handles multiple racks and sample processing units through a single integrated system. By using a standardized correlation information structure that works across all racks and units, the system manages increased processing capacity without proportionally increasing management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by changing the parameter organization from manual destination specification to automated correlation-based routing. The correlation information acts as a parameter mapping structure that automatically translates rack positions to appropriate sample processing units, enabling scalable multi-rack handling without increasing operational complexity
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
A sample processing apparatus, comprising: a plurality of sample processing units each configured to process a sample; at least one transport device configured to provide a transport path along which a rack is transported to or from one of the plurality of sample processing units, wherein a rack comprises a plurality of positions configured to hold containers thereat, and at least some of the positions are correlated to at least some of the sample processing units; a controller comprising at least one processor and at least one memory that stores computer programs executed by the at least one processor to: direct the at least one transport device to transport the rack to deliver a container held therein to a sample processing unit correlated to a position of the container at which the container is held in the rack.