GB2470077A

GB2470077A - Test apparatus employing user input via a display to control operating mode

Info

Publication number: GB2470077A
Application number: GB0908015A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nick Green
Original assignee: Bibby Scientific Ltd
Current assignee: Bibby Scientific Ltd
Priority date: 2009-05-09
Filing date: 2009-05-09
Publication date: 2010-11-10
Also published as: GB0908015D0

Abstract

A test apparatus such as a spectrophotometer 10 has a housing 12, screen 16 and a plurality of user actuatable operating members 22 such as membrane switches adjacent to the screen. A plurality of symbols or icons (41-47, Fig 2) is displayed on the screen, each relating to a specific operational characteristic or mode of operation of the spectrophotometer 10. Each symbol or icon is associated with one or more of the switches 22. Actuation of one of the switches 22 effects operation of or alters its associated operational characteristic or mode of operation of the spectrophotometer 10. It is not necessary to provide words or phrases on the screen and so the apparatus can do without substantial programming and can be used world-wide without translation problems.

Description

Title: An apparatus for analysing a test sample and method of controlling such an apparatus

Description of Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus for analysing a test sample and also to a method of controlling such an apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to an apparatus which uses light to test a sample, e.g. a spectrophotometer, and to a method of controlling the same.

As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, a spectrophotometer is a device which is used to analyse characteristics of a test sample. A spectrophotometer typically comprises a spectrometer which is capable of producing light of a predetermined colour (i.e. wavelength), and a photometer which is capable of measuring the intensity of light. The spectrometer and photometer are arranged in the device generally opposite each other so that light emitted from the spectrometer is directed towards the photometer.

A test sample is then placed in between the spectrometer and the photometer.

The test sample is conventionally provided in the form of a liquid/solution in a container (e.g. a cuvette) which is substantially transparent to light, so that it does not affect or distort the test results. As light of a predetermined wavelength (which is user-selected) passes through the cuvette, some of the light is absorbed by the test sample. The light that reaches the photometer is analysed and from this the spectrophotometer is able to calculate "transmittance" or "absorbance" values, terms which are well known in the art.

Spectrophotometers are utilised world-wide, and in order to provide a device which can be used in multiple territories it is necessary to incorporate into the apparatus a number of language options. In other words, it is necessary to provide the spectrophotometer with the capability of being operated by persons for which English, for example, is not their mother tongue. To achieve this functionality, prior art spectrophotometers have had to incorporate a substantial amount of additional programming. This additional development step, which can only be attended to near the end of the development process, once it is known what word/phrases need to be translated, and procuring the relevant translations, increases the development costs significantly and will often give rise to an increased lead time to market. The present invention has therefore been devised to address these issues.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide an apparatus for analysing a test sample including:-a display device; and a plurality of user actuatable operating members; wherein the apparatus is configured to display on the display device one or more symbols each relating to an operational characteristic or mode of operation of the apparatus, each symbol being associated with one or more of the plurality of user actuatable operating members such that actuation of a user actuatable operating member effects operation of, or alters, its respective operational characteristic or mode of operation of the apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a device for controlling an apparatus for analysing a test sample including:-a display device; and a plurality of user actuatable operating members; wherein the apparatus is configured to display on the display device one or more symbols each relating to an operational characteristic or mode of operation of the apparatus, each symbol being associated with one or more of the plurality of user actuatable operating members such that actuation of a user actuatable operating member effects operation of, or alters, its respective operational characteristic or mode of operation of the apparatus.

Further features of the first and second aspects of the invention are set forth in claims 3 to 9 appended hereto.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a method of controlling an apparatus for analysing a test sample, the apparatus including a display device and a plurality of user actuatable operating members, including the steps of:-allocating to each user actuatable operating members an operational characteristic of the spectrophotometer; and providing one or more symbols on the display device, each symbol being indicative of an operational characteristic or mode of operation of the apparatus, and each symbol being associated with one or more of the plurality of user actuatable operating members, such that actuation of a user actuatable operating member effects operation of, or alters, its respective operational characteristic or mode of operation of the apparatus.

Further features of the third aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 11 to 16 appended hereto.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, of which:-Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the display device of the apparatus of figure 1 in an operational mode; Figure 3 is a plan view of the display device of the apparatus of figure 1 in a further operational mode; Figure 4 is a plan view of the display device of the apparatus of figure 1 in a yet further operational mode; Figure 5 is a plan view of the display device of the apparatus of figure 1 in a yet further operational mode; Figure 6 is a plan view of the display device of the apparatus of figure 1 in a yet further operational mode; and Figure 7 is a plan view of the display device of the apparatus of figure 1 in a yet further operational mode.

Referring to figure 1, this shows a perspective view of an embodiment of apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The apparatus in this example is a spectrophotometer 10 having a housing 12 with an interior which contains its working components and into which a test sample is, in use, placed. Such internal components are well known in the art, and not relevant to the present invention, and will therefore not be discussed in any further detail. The spectrophotometer 10 is also provided with a printing device 30 which can be used to print out test results.

The spectrophotometer 10 has a display device in the form of a digital LCD screen 16 (which may or may not be colour), although, as will be discussed in detail later, the display device could be a touch screen. In this example the screen is 240 by 128 pixels, but it could be larger or smaller if desired.

The spectrophotometer 10 includes a plurality of user actuatable operating members 22, which in this example are positioned around and adjacent to a periphery of the screen 16. The user actuatable operating members 22 are provided in the form of membrane switches, which are well known in the art. A user can actuate the switch by pressing downwardly on the membrane towards the housing 12. One of the switches may be an on/off switch.

It should be appreciated, of course, that many other types of user actuatable operating members could be used so long as they are capable of effecting a desired operational characteristics or modes of operation of the spectrophotometer 10.

Referring to figures 2 to 7, these show plan views of the screen 16 and switches 22 of the spectrophotometer 10 of figure 1 in different operational modes.

Figure 2 shows the "home" screen display when the spectrophotometer 10 has been switched on by a user. It can be seen that a plurality of symbols or icons 41-47 are displayed on the screen 16. Each symbol or icon 41-47 relates to a specific operational characteristic or mode of operation of the spectrophotometer 10, and each symbol or icon 41-47 is associated with one or more of the switches 22 positioned around the periphery of the screen 16.

The symbols or icons 41-47 relate to the following operational characteristics or modes of operation of the spectrophotometer 10:-Symbol or icon 41 "Spectrum" mode. This mode is used to analyse a sample over a range of wavelengths.

Symbol or icon 42 = "Photometrics" mode. This mode is used to take a sample measurement at a single wavelength.

Symbol or icon 43 = "Time settings" mode. This mode is used to set time, date etc..

Symbol or icon 44 = "Quantitation" mode. This mode is used to compare an unknown sample to a range of known solutions or standards'.

Symbol or icon 45 = "Instrument settings" mode. This mode is used to adjust the instrument settings, such as contrast, user identification, etc..

Symbol or icon 46 = "Concentration" mode. This mode is used to compare an unknown sample to a single known solution (i.e. a Standard) or to a Factor derived from a previously measured sample.

Symbol or icon 47 = "Kinetics" mode. This mode is used to take multiple readings of a sample at a single wavelength over a preset time span.

The symbols or icons 41-47 have been designed to provide an indication to a user of the operational characteristic associated with that symbol or icon, without it being necessary to provide on the screen 16 any words or phrases.

This means that the spectrophotometer 10 can do without a substantial amount of programming, and can also be used world-wide without any translation problems. The meaning of the symbols or icons would be provided to a user in the form of an operational manual, either in paper form or electronic, e.g. on the manufacturer's website.

The spectrophotometer 10 is configured such that actuation of one of the switches 22 by a user effects operation of, or alters, its associated operational characteristic or mode of operation of the spectrophotometer 10.

In other words, if a user wishes to effect the operational characteristic or mode of operation of the spectrophotometer 10 designated by the symbol or icon 41 (the "Spectrum" mode), the user must depress one of the two switches adjacent the symbol or icon 41. Likewise, if a user wishes to effect the operational characteristic or mode of operation of the spectrophotometer 10 designated by the symbol or icon 47 (the "Kinetics" mode), the user must depress one of the two switches adjacent the symbol or icon 47. Likewise, if a user wishes to alter the operational characteristic or mode of operation of the spectrophotometer 10 he must depress the relevant switch (e.g. altering the contrast, brightness or wavelength etc.).

Figure 3 shows the screen display when the user has selected the "Spectrum" mode by pressing either of the two switches 22 adjacent the upper left-hand side of the screen 16 adjacent the icon 41. Once in this operational mode the screen 16 displays different symbols or icons 41a thereon which relate to different operational characteristics or further modes of operation of the spectrophotometer 10. Each new symbol or icon 41a is, again, positioned adjacent with one or more of the switches 22. A user can select or alter a further operational characteristic or mode of operation of the spectrophotometer 10 by pressing the switch 22 adjacent the desired symbol or icon 41a now displayed on the screen 16. The results of any tests performed in this operational mode are displayed generally in the centre of the screen 16, and are saved to an optional external storage device for later viewing. Alternatively, the device could be provided with an on-board storage facility.

Figure 4 shows the screen display when the user has selected the "Photometric" mode by pressing either of the two switches 22 adjacent the lower left-hand side of the screen 16 adjacent the icon 42. Once in this operational mode the screen 16 displays different symbols or icons 42a thereon which relate to different operational characteristics or further modes of operation of the spectrophotometer 10. Each new symbol or icon 42a is, again, positioned adjacent with one or more of the switches 22. A user can select or alter a further operational characteristic or mode of operation of the spectrophotometer 10 by pressing the switch 22 adjacent the desired symbol or icon 42a now displayed on the screen 16. The results of any tests performed in this operational mode are displayed generally in the centre of the screen 16, and are saved to an optional external storage device for later viewing. Alternatively, the device could be provided with an on-board storage facility.

Figure 5 shows the screen display when the user has selected the "Quantitation" mode by pressing either of the three switches 22 adjacent the bottom edge side of the screen 16 adjacent the icon 44. Once in this operational mode the screen 16 displays different symbols or icons 44a thereon which relate to different operational characteristics or further modes of operation of the spectrophotometer 10. Each new symbol or icon 44a is, again, positioned adjacent with one or more of the switches 22. A user can select or alter a further operational characteristic or mode of operation of the spectrophotometer 10 by pressing the switch 22 adjacent the desired symbol or icon 44a now displayed on the screen 16. The results of any tests performed in this operational mode are displayed generally in the centre of the screen 16, and are saved to an optional external storage device for later viewing. Alternatively, the device could be provided with an on-board storage facility.

Figure 6 shows the screen display when the user has selected the "Concentration" mode by pressing either of the two switches 22 adjacent the lower right-hand side of the screen 16 adjacent the icon 46. Once in this operational mode the screen 16 displays different symbols or icons 46a thereon which relate to different operational characteristics or further modes of operation of the spectrophotometer 10. Each new symbol or icon 46a is, again, positioned adjacent with one or more of the switches 22. A user can select or alter a further operational characteristic or mode of operation of the spectrophotometer 10 by pressing the switch 22 adjacent the desired symbol or icon 46a now displayed on the screen 16. The results of any tests performed in this operational mode are displayed generally in the centre of the screen 16, and are saved to an optional external storage device for later viewing. Alternatively, the device could be provided with an on-board storage facility.

Figure 7 shows the screen display when the user has selected the "Kinetics" mode by pressing either of the two switches 22 adjacent the upper right-hand side of the screen 16 adjacent the icon 47. Once in this operational mode the screen 16 displays different symbols or icons 47a thereon which relate to different operational characteristics or further modes of operation of the spectrophotometer 10. Each new symbol or icon 47a is, again, positioned adjacent with one or more of the switches 22. A user can select or alter a further operational characteristic or mode of operation of the spectrophotometer 10 by pressing the switch 22 adjacent the desired symbol or icon 47a now displayed on the screen 16. The results of any tests performed in this operational mode are displayed generally in the centre of the screen 16, and are saved to an optional external storage device for later viewing. Alternatively, the device could be provided with an on-board storage facility.

When in any of the operational modes shown in figures 3 to 7 the user can return to the "home" screen as shown in figure 2 by pressing the "home" switch 22a. The user can then select or alter a different operation mode of the spectrophotometer by pressing the relevant switch 22.

In some of the operational modes the spectrophotometer 10 disables some of the switches 22. This can be seen in figures 3 and 7 where some of the switches 22 on the right-hand side do not have an associated symbol or icon next to them on the screen 16. If a user presses these switches 22 in these particular operational modes, nothing will happen.

As an alternative, the screen 16 may be a touch screen which is programmed to provide thereon a plurality of user actuatable operating members 22 which are associated with different operational characteristics of the spectrophotometer 10. In other words, each user actuatable operating member 22 may be provided as an area of the touch screen 16, and that area (or an adjacent area) of the touch screen may be provided with the relevant symbol or icon 41-47. A user can then press his finger downwardly on that symbol or icon 41-47 (or the relevant area adjacent that symbol or icon) to effect or alter the desired operational characteristic or mode of operation of the spectrophotometer 10.

In the present example, the screen 16 and switches 22 are integral components of the spectrophotometer 10 and function in harmony with the working (i.e. testing) components of the spectrophotometer 10. It should be appreciated, however, that the functionality provided by the screen 16 and switches 22 could be provided in the form of a separate device which is removably connectable to a spectrophotometer. In such an embodiment, the device would be connectable to an apparatus for analysing a test sample, e.g. a spectrophotometer, and would control the operation of the spectrophotometer. In other words, the spectrophotometer may be provided as one unit, with the screen and switches being provided as a separate unit.

The connection between the device and spectrophotometer may be by means of a physical connection or by a wireless connection, so that signals from the device can be transmitted to and from the spectrophotometer 10.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for analysing a test sample including:-a display device; and a plurality of user actuatable operating members; wherein the apparatus is configured to display on the display device one or more symbols each relating to an operational characteristic or mode of operation of the apparatus, each symbol being associated with one or more of the plurality of user actuatable operating members such that actuation of a user actuatable operating member effects operation of, or alters, its respective operational characteristic or mode of operation of the apparatus.
2. A device for controlling an apparatus for analysing a test sample including:-a display device; and a plurality of user actuatable operating members; wherein the apparatus is configured to display on the display device one or more symbols each relating to an operational characteristic or mode of operation of the apparatus, each symbol being associated with one or more of the plurality of user actuatable operating members such that actuation of a user actuatable operating member effects operation of, or alters, its respective operational characteristic or mode of operation of the apparatus.
3. A device or apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein apparatus is a spectrophotometer.
4. A device or apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the user actuatable operating members are positioned adjacent a periphery of the display screen.
5. A device or apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more symbols are positioned adjacent their respective user actuatable operating members.
6. A device or apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more symbols displayed on the display device are dependent on an operational mode of the apparatus.
7. A device or apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the display device is a touch screen and the one or more symbols are displayed on an area of the touch screen.
8. A device or apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the display device is a touch screen and each user actuatable operating member is an area of the touch screen.
9. A device or apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein one of said symbols is associated with at least two user actuatable operating members such that actuation of either of said two user actuatable operating members effects operation of the respective operational characteristic or mode of operation of the apparatus.
10. A method of controlling an apparatus for analysing a test sample, the apparatus including a display device and a plurality of user actuatable operating members, including the steps of:-allocating to each user actuatable operating member an operational characteristic of the spectrophotometer; and providing one or more symbols on the display device, each symbol being indicative of an operational characteristic or mode of operation of the apparatus and each symbol being associated with one or more of the plurality of user actuatable operating members, such that actuation of a user actuatable operating member effects operation of, or alters, its respective operational characteristic or mode of operation of the apparatus.
11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the apparatus is a spectrophotometer.
12. A method according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the one or more symbols are positioned adjacent their respective user actuatable operating members.
13. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the one or more symbols displayed on the display device are dependent on an operational mode of the apparatus.
14. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 13 including the step of disabling one or more of the user actuatable operating members depending on an operational mode of the apparatus.
15. A method according to claim 14 including the step of disabling all of the user actuatable operating members which are not associated with a symbol on the display device.
16. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
17. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
18. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein with reference to and/or in the accompanying drawings.