Workcell Controller Pc; Sorter Main Pcb - Aim Lab PathFinder 350S Service Manual

3.3.1

Workcell Controller PC

The Workcell Controller is an embedded PC mounted in the tombstone. It runs the
Workcell Controller software, interfaces to the LIS and hosts the GUI.
The Workcell Controller runs Windows XP Professional and besides being mounted in
the Sorter robot, can be treated like any other desktop PC.
The Workcell Controller controls the Workcell hardware via the Sorter Main PCB.
3.3.1.1 Workcell Controller Application
The software that coordinates information between the Workcell, the LIS, and the
GUI is the Workcell Controller application software. The program is started when
windows starts.
3.3.1.2 Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The GUI is started when the Workcell Controller is booted. It is displayed on the LCD
monitor mounted on the front of the Sorter.
The GUI is web based. Essentially it is an interactive website viewed with Mozilla
Firefox in Full-Screen mode. The Workcell Controller runs a web server (Apache
Tomcat) to host the GUI website.
3.3.1.3 Apache Tomcat
Tomcat hosts the GUI web site. It is hosted in such a way that other computers on
the network can connect to the web server and view the website. This is how the
remote GUI is implemented.
This means any number of computers can view the status of the PathFinder 350S
without custom software or interfaces.
3.3.1.4 Database
The Workcell configuration and operational logs are stored in a relational database
(PostgreSQL) on the Workcell Controller. This can be backed up, restored or
otherwise manipulated via the GUI or through service tools included with the
Workcell Controller.
3.3.2

Sorter Main PCB

The Sorter Main PCB implements all the real time control tasks for the Workcell. It
contains the motor drives for the gripper arm axes, I/O for the grippers and sensors,
as well as communications to the Carousel and Specimen Tray modules.
Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd
PathFinder 350S Service Manual
Page 25