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5.3. Machine control
The HMI is used to control the system and is
connected to the main computer. The user can
initialize, start, pause and stop the machine
using the HMI. The HMI is used to start the
various operation modes that the software
offers such as normal operation, validation
routines, but also maintenance tasks. The user
gets feedback from the HMI in case actions are
required but also allows the user to follow the
progress of the machine. The HMI is also used
in case user input is required, such as the input
of barcodes. The HMI is based on an industrial
touch panel. Next to the panel, an emergency
stop is available as well as a button to reset the
safety network.
5.4. Destacking and scanning
The microtiter plates are fed into the system one
by one by the destacking module. When a plate
is destacked, the plate is located at the barcode
scanning position, where the integrated barcode
scanning camera scans the barcode of the plate.
When the barcode is correct it is coupled to the
box/sample LIMS ID.
5.5. Smart vision camera
The Autosampler III is equipped with a Cognex smart camera. The camera is used to detect the piercing
positions and the grid layout of a box.
A barcode camera is placed outside the pipetting cabin to read the barcodes on the boxes containing the
products. The barcodes provide the system with information on what product is being processed. Using this
information presets can be loaded for various functions of the system. The barcode of the box is matched
with the barcode of the microtiter plate.
