VR Pipette Control for Script-Free Laboratory Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programming laboratory automation devices is complex and requires specialized skills, limiting laboratory assistants from automating tasks with multiple samples due to the need for manual programming and scripting.
Innovation Solution
A method using a virtual reality headset and motion sensing controller to generate a control program for laboratory automation devices by manipulating a virtual pipette within a three-dimensional model, allowing users to record and replicate tasks in reality, simplifying the programming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual programming with scripting language is used, then automation capability is achieved, but programming complexity and skill requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the laboratory automation device and its operational environment in a virtual reality space. Users interact with this virtual replica to program and test procedures without needing to write complex scripting code. The virtual model replicates all physical components, positions, and operational parameters, allowing intuitive programming through natural interactions that are then transferred to control the actual device.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual reality environment serves as an intermediary between the user and the actual laboratory automation device. Instead of directly programming the complex mechanical system, users program the virtual model through intuitive interactions, and the system automatically generates the necessary control code for the physical device, simplifying the programming process while maintaining full automation capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized programming skills are required, then precise control is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of writing and debugging scripting code with a virtual reality-based interactive system. Users manipulate virtual components and parameters through natural hand gestures and movements within the VR environment, eliminating the need for programming knowledge while maintaining precise control over the automation device through the virtual model's accurate representation of physical parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If laboratory assistants perform procedures manually, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables laboratory assistants to pre-program complex procedures in the virtual reality environment before executing them on the actual automation device. By working through procedures virtually first, users can optimize and validate protocols, ensuring flexibility and adaptability are maintained while the automated system handles multiple samples simultaneously, thereby increasing productivity without sacrificing operational versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating a control program (54) for a laboratory automation device (12) comprises: receiving configuration data (46) of the laboratory automation device (12), the configuration data (46) encoding positions of components (22) in the laboratory automation device (12); generating a three-dimensional model (58) of the components (22) of the laboratory automation device (12) from the configuration data (46), the three-dimensional model (22) additionally including a virtual pipette (60); displaying the three-dimensional model (58) with a virtual reality headset (14); receiving movement data (50) of a motion sensing controller (16) controlled by a user wearing the virtual reality headset (14), the movement data (50) indicating a three-dimensional movement of the motion sensing controller (16) in space; determining a movement of the virtual pipette (60) from the movement data (50) in the three-dimensional model (58) and updating the three-dimensional model (58) according to the movement of the virtual pipette (60); and generating a control program (54) for the laboratory automation device (12) from the movement data (50), wherein the control program (54) is adapted for moving a pipetting arm (30) with a pipette (32) of the laboratory automation device (12) with respect to the components (22) accordingly to the movement of the virtual pipette (60) in the three-dimensional model (58).