Shared Input Display for Sample Processing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample processing systems in laboratories face space utilization challenges due to underutilized input and display units in information processing and system control apparatuses, leading to inefficient use of laboratory space.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing system design where a single input unit and display unit are shared between multiple computers connected via a communication network, allowing one computer to control the display and receive input from the other, enabling screen switching and remote desktop functionality to manage operations without the need for separate input and display units for each computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate input units and display units are provided for each computer in the sample processing system, then each computer can operate independently, but the laboratory space becomes limited and underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the input units and display units into a shared resource that can be accessed by multiple computers. Specifically, one display unit and one input unit are shared among the information processing unit and the system control apparatus, allowing both computers to operate independently while using common hardware interfaces, thereby reducing the total space required in the laboratory.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared display unit and input unit serve multiple functions by being accessible to different computers for different operations. The display unit can show interfaces for both the information processing unit and the system control apparatus, while the input unit can receive commands for either computer, making the hardware universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated units for each computer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple computers are equipped with separate input and display units, then each computer has dedicated control capabilities, but the system complexity and hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the input and display hardware into shared resources that are logically allocated to different computers. The physical hardware is merged while maintaining logical separation through software control, allowing each computer to retain its control capabilities without requiring duplicate physical units, thus reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switching mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the shared input/display units and the multiple computers. This switching mechanism manages the allocation and routing of input signals and display output, enabling multiple computers to access the same hardware resources without conflict, thereby simplifying the overall hardware configuration while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample processing system comprising: a sample processing apparatus configured to process a sample in a sample container; a transporting apparatus configured to transport a sample container to the sample processing apparatus; a first computer configured to perform information processing for the sample processing apparatus; a second computer connected to the first computer through a communication network and configured to control a transporting operation performed by the transporting apparatus; an input unit and a display commonly used for the first and second computers, wherein the first computer configured to control the display to show a first computer screen image, and to control the display to show a second computer screen image upon receiving a switching instruction via the input unit, and the second computer receives an input from the input unit via the second computer screen image shown on the display.