Touch-Sensitive Display Control Elements for Laboratory Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory apparatuses with traditional control devices, such as buttons and potentiometers, are not suitable for efficient or ergonomic operation, especially when complex settings are required, and capacitive touch screens are unreliable when using gloves, leading to laborious and error-prone operations.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory apparatus with a touch-sensitive display unit featuring multiple control elements assigned to the same function, allowing for alternative operation techniques like tapping, swiping, or pointing, and incorporating different control elements like slide, rotary, or key inputs, enabling intuitive and reliable operation even with moist gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If capacitive touch screens are used for control, then the interface is modern and visually appealing, but operation becomes unreliable when wearing gloves or with moist fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive display unit is segmented into multiple independent control elements (first control element, second control element, etc.), each capable of being operated independently. This segmentation allows the system to offer multiple operation modes (tapping, swiping, pointing) so that if one mode fails due to glove or moisture interference, another mode can be used successfully.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the control elements by providing different interaction methods (tapping, swiping, pointing) for the same control function. This parameter variation allows users to adapt to different conditions (gloves, moisture) by selecting the appropriate interaction mode that works under current conditions.
2Reliability
If resistive touch screens are used for control, then operation is possible with gloves, but the operation becomes extremely laborious and awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The control elements are designed to respond dynamically to different types of user interactions (tapping, swiping, pointing). This dynamic response allows the system to adapt to the user's needs and conditions, providing a more ergonomic experience compared to static resistive touch screen operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides multiple control elements that replicate the same control function through different interaction modes. Instead of relying on a single resistive touch interface, the system creates virtual copies of control functions that can be accessed through various gestures, reducing the laborious nature of resistive touch operation.
3Reliability
If traditional control elements (buttons, keys, potentiometers) are used, then the device is simple and reliable, but the operation is not suitable for efficient or ergonomic control, especially for complex settings
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive display unit serves multiple functions: it displays information, provides control elements for parameter setting, and supports multiple interaction modes (tapping, swiping, pointing). This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate components into a single integrated interface, improving efficiency while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical control elements (buttons, keys, potentiometers) with a touch-sensitive display interface. This substitution eliminates the need for physical mechanical components while providing equivalent or enhanced control capabilities, particularly for complex settings, thereby improving operational efficiency.
4Reliability
If multiple control elements are provided for the same function, then operational reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control elements providing the same control function are merged into a single touch-sensitive display unit. This consolidation presents a unified interface to the user while internally providing multiple operational pathways, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing perceived device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
For the simplified, intuitive and reliable operation of laboratory apparatuses, it is proposed that the laboratory apparatus be equipped with a control device comprising a touch-sensitive display unit (100), wherein the display unit (100) is configured to display a plurality of control elements (111, 112, 113 etc), which are assigned to different control functions of the laboratory apparatus, wherein the control elements are embodied (11 1, 112, 1 13 etc) to set parameters (121, 122, 123) of the control functions. At the same time, at least two of the control elements (111,112, 113, 114) are assigned to the same control function and embodied differently for setting the same parameter (121) of this control function. Therefore, the user is always offered a plurality of ways for setting a parameter or for operating the apparatus, such as, for example, for setting the rotational speed of a centrifuge. The touch-sensitive display unit is preferably embodied as a multi-touch screen, which is also able to recognize finger movements of the user, so-called gestures, as operator commands.