Transparent Display Door with Eye Tracking for Lab Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory automation devices require improved supervision methods to enhance user understanding of workspace operations and error identification, as current systems rely on monitoring a PC screen for information display, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a transparent display with a tracking sensor to directly display information within the workspace, allowing users to view notifications and error messages near specific components, utilizing augmented reality and eye-tracking technology to project information from the user's perspective, thereby simplifying the identification of procedural and error-related information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If information is displayed on a PC monitor, then information can be shown to the user, but the user must look away from the workspace to check the monitor, making supervision cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent display as an intermediary between the workspace and the user. This transparent display is positioned within the workspace enclosure, allowing information to be projected or displayed directly in the user's field of view without requiring the user to look away at a separate PC monitor. The transparent nature of the display maintains visibility of the workspace while providing information overlay, thus resolving the contradiction between information accessibility and supervision convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional PC monitor display to a three-dimensional spatial display within the workspace environment. By positioning the transparent display within the workspace enclosure and using eye-tracking to determine viewing angles, information is presented in the user's natural line of sight rather than requiring physical movement to a separate monitor. This dimensional change eliminates the need to look away from the workspace, resolving the supervision convenience issue while maintaining full information accessibility
2Illumination intensity
If a transparent door is used to view the workspace, then visibility is improved, but the door may shield unintentional access and requires additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs eye-tracking technology to enable the door to automatically respond to user intent. When the system detects that a user is looking at or approaching the door, it automatically unlocks or opens the door without requiring manual input. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual control systems while maintaining security, as the door only opens when the system detects genuine user interest through eye-tracking signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the eye-tracking sensor continuously monitors user gaze direction and provides real-time feedback to the door control system. When the user's eyes are directed toward the door or workspace, the system receives feedback and automatically adjusts the door state accordingly. This feedback mechanism simplifies the control system by replacing complex manual interfaces with automatic sensor-based control, while still providing the visibility benefits of a transparent door
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables users to receive clear, contextually relevant information directly within their line of sight, improving operational efficiency and reducing errors by providing immediate feedback on component status and workflow within the laboratory automation device.
Implementation Method 1
the door comprises a transparent display for displaying information and for allowing a person to view into the workspace
Implementation Method 2
a tracking sensor for tracking an eye position of the person
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A laboratory automation device (10) comprises a workspace (26) with liquid containers (16) and a pipetting arm (20) for moving liquids (18) between the liquid containers (16); a housing (28) enclosing the workspace (26); a door (30) of the housing (28) for accessing the workspace (26), wherein the door (30) comprises a transparent display (32) for displaying information (34) and for allowing a person to view into the workspace (26); and a tracking sensor (36) for tracking an eye position (46) of the person (42). The laboratory automation device (10) is adapted for determining the eye position (46) of the person (42) from sensor data acquired with the tracking sensor (36); and for displaying information (34b) for a notification area (48) in the workspace (26) on the transparent display (32), such that the information (34b) is displayed from a perspective of the person (42) in front of the notification area (48).