Lab Automation System Software - Agilent Technologies PlateLoc User Manual

14 Chapter 1: PlateLoc introduction
PlateLoc User Guide

Lab automation system software

About this topic
Lab automation
requirements
Lab automation
system software
PlateLoc Diagnostics
This topic describes the software you use to set up and control the
PlateLoc in a Velocity11 lab automation system. For information about
integrating the PlateLoc in a third-party lab automation system, see
"Integrating the PlateLoc into third-party systems" on page 99.
Note: You do not need to read this topic if you are using the PlateLoc as
a standalone device.
In a lab automation system, you can use a plate-loading robot to
automate the sealing of multiple plates. You use the lab automation
system software to set up the communication between the system and
the PlateLoc, set up the sealing parameters, and control the automation.
Velocity11 provides lab automation platforms, including the BenchCel
and the BioCel plate-handling systems. You can install the PlateLoc in
these systems to automate the multiple-plate sealing process.
You use the Velocity11 lab automation system software, such as
BenchWorks and VWorks, to control the PlateLoc in the system. The
software allows you to:
Create protocols. Protocols determine the sequence of tasks you
want to automate in a run. For example, you can use a protocol to
seal 10 plates in one protocol run.
Set PlateLoc task parameters. The task parameters specify the sealing
temperature and duration for a multiple-plate run.
Start and stop a run. You can start and stop the protocol run from the
controlling computer.
PlateLoc Diagnostics is a component of the supplied PlateLoc ActiveX
software that enables integration with a lab automation system.
Accessed through the Velocity11 lab automation system software, such
as BenchWorks and VWorks, PlateLoc Diagnostics allows you to:
Create profiles. Profiles allow you to set up communication with the
lab automation system software and set default sealing parameter
values.
Manually set up and run the PlateLoc. This is equivalent to setting up
and running the device from the touch screen. Use the manual
adjustments and controls to run a single plate for diagnostic use
only.
Check the odometer. The odometer indicates the number of sealing
cycles the device has performed. You can refer to this value for
preventive maintenance purposes.