Testing System Startup Selection Screen Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional testing systems require complex start-up procedures, increasing the likelihood of forgotten manipulations, especially for apparatuses like the smear preparing apparatus that need staining solution arrangement and cleaning, leading to inefficient setup and potential waste of expendables.

Innovation Solution

A testing system with a controller that displays a selection screen allowing users to choose which apparatuses to start, enabling each apparatus to set up its start-up operation independently, reducing the chance of forgotten steps and optimizing the use of expendables by only initiating necessary preparations when used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If each apparatus is started by operating respective start buttons, then each apparatus can be controlled independently, but the start-up procedure becomes complicated and increases the likelihood of forgotten manipulations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestart-up operationVSAvoidstart-up procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent start buttons into a single start button that triggers a integrated start-up sequence for all apparatuses. The controller coordinates the start-up of the smear preparing apparatus, smear transporting apparatus, and smear image capturing apparatus through a unified control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate start buttons and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary arrangement of staining solutions and cleaning of the smearing part and fluid circuit automatically as part of the start-up sequence triggered by a single start button. This preliminary action ensures all necessary preparations are completed before actual operation begins, preventing forgotten manipulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If staining solution arrangement and cleaning are performed as part of start-up, then the apparatus is ready for use, but time is lost if these steps are forgotten after other apparatuses are started

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness for useVSAvoidwait time for setup
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs staining solution arrangement and cleaning operations as preliminary actions during the initial start-up sequence, before any sample processing begins. By completing these preparatory steps automatically when the system is first started, the invention ensures the smear preparing apparatus is fully ready for use without requiring additional wait time later in the operation sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically arranging staining solutions and cleaning the smearing part and fluid circuit without requiring separate manual intervention. This self-service capability ensures reliable readiness while minimizing time loss, as the apparatus prepares itself as part of the automated start-up sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If all apparatuses are started simultaneously, then the system is ready for complete operation, but expendables like staining solutions are wasted if not all apparatuses are used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem readinessVSAvoidstaining solution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control where the start-up sequence and resource allocation are adjusted based on actual usage requirements. The system can be started with selective activation of different apparatuses, and staining solutions are only arranged and prepared for the specific apparatuses that are actually used, preventing waste while maintaining system readiness for complete operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3441770B1Testing system and method of starting testing system
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP3441770B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3441770B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3441770B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A testing system according to one or more embodiments may include: a smear preparing apparatus that prepares a smear slide by smearing a sample on a glass slide; a smear transporting apparatus that transports the smear slide; a controller; and a display part. The controller may cause the display part to display a selection screen on which one or more of the smear preparing apparatus and the smear transporting apparatus can be selected. Based on a selection on the selection screen, the one or more of the smear preparing apparatus and the smear transporting apparatus selected on the selection screen may run respective start operations.