Wearable Workflow Automation for Laboratory Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory procedures involve manual reference to printed workflow sheets, leading to time-consuming and error-prone processes, as operators need to repeatedly refer to instructions and risk contamination.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device configured to automate workflows by providing hands-free access to workflow steps and instructions, using a head-mounted display that presents visual and audio cues, allowing operators to focus on tasks without manual reference to printed materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If operators refer to printed workflow sheets manually, then they can access workflow instructions, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a head-mounted display to create a digital copy of the workflow instructions that overlays on the operator's field of view. This digital copy replaces the need to physically refer to printed sheets, eliminating the time loss while maintaining instruction accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a 2D printed sheet that requires physical handling and visual relocation to a 3D spatial display that is always visible in the operator's field of view. This dimensional change allows continuous access without physical movement, reducing time loss.
2Reliability
If operators manually refer to printed workflow sheets, then they can follow procedure steps, but the process becomes error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The head-mounted display provides real-time visual feedback showing the current workflow step and guidance, allowing operators to verify their actions continuously without needing to physically check printed sheets. This feedback mechanism reduces errors while maintaining efficiency.
3Loss of information
If operators use printed workflow sheets, then they can access procedure information, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of workflow information displayed on a head-mounted device, eliminating the need for operators to handle and refer to physical printed sheets. This digital copy approach maintains information accessibility while removing the contamination risk associated with manual handling of physical materials.
4Productivity
If operators manually reference printed sheets, then they can perform workflows, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The head-mounted display system provides self-service by automatically presenting the current workflow step and guidance in the operator's field of view without requiring manual intervention to fetch or refer to printed sheets. This automation improves productivity while the system manages its own operation simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automating hands-free workflow of laboratory procedures. The system includes a wearable device with a display and a workflow controller in communication with the wearable device. The workflow controller can be configured to extract a workflow for a specified laboratory procedure from a workflow repository. The workflow can include a plurality of instructions arranged in a specified sequence. One or more instructions of the plurality of instructions can be sequential delivered to the wearable device for an operator to follow. The one or more instructions can include a visual indicator configured to be displayed within the display of the wearable device. The wearable device can be configured to receive voice commands and the workflow controller can be configured to navigate the workflow based on the voice commands. The wearable device can be used to scan codes and display additional information during workflow implementation.