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Tempo™ Automation Control Software 1

Quick Start Guide

TempoTM Automation Control Software Quick Start GuideVersion 1.6This guide describes the key features of Tempo™ Automation Control software including set up and protocol creation, running a protocol, and recovering from errors or an emergency stop.

The steps to creating a typical transfer protocol using Tempo Automation Control software are shown below:

1. Start Tempo software.

2. Initialize the system.

3. Load and identify the plates.

4. Create a Tempo run protocol.

5. Schedule a Tempo run protocol.

6. Start a run.

7. Pause or stop a run.

8. Open and close the safety doors, if needed.

9. Resume or restart a run.

10. Clean up after the run.

11. View report files.

12. Shut down Tempo software.

Starting Tempo SoftwareThere are multiple ways to start Tempo software.

• Double-click Tempo icon on the Windows® desktop.

• Open Tempo software from the Start menu (Start > All Programs > Labcyte > TempoTM > Tempo Software).

Figure 1 Start Menu


Quick Start Guide

Initializing the System

1. Ensure safety doors are closed and safety relays are reset.

2. Click Tempo icon (upper left corner of the software screen) to display the System Menu.

3. Select Initialize to open Tempo System Initialization screen.

4. Ensure that check boxes in the Initialize column of the screen are selected for each device to be initialized (click column heading to select or deselect all devices) and click Start.

As each device successfully initializes, the icon next to the device name cycles through different icons until a green

circle with check mark appears, signaling that initialization was successful.

Figure 2 Tempo System Initialization Dialog Box

Loading and Identifying the Plates

1. Load POD or Access system racks (or stacks) with source plates containing samples to be transferred, intermediate plates (if needed), and destination plates receiving the samples.

2. Go to the Plates tab and click the plate storage icon (usually Hotel or Deck) to display the plate storage screen.

3. Select individual plate locations or entire racks/stacks in the plate storage screen to assign plate parameters. The status button automatically turns green to indicate the presence of plates. All loaded plates must be assigned by plate type. Optionally, categories such as seal, lid, and category can be assigned. The default is no lid or seal. This step can be performed now, after an automated inventory (step 4), or during Tempo protocol creation.

4. Select plate locations or entire racks/stacks and click Inventory to read and import barcode information to the plate locations in the plate storage view. If this step is performed before assigning plate parameters (step 3), the software also checks for the presence of the plates (status button turns green).

Note: Use the left mouse-click to select multiple adjacent plate locations or right mouse-click to select non-adjacent

plate locations.


Quick Start Guide

Creating a Tempo Run ProtocolTempo software uses a Protocol Creation wizard to create protocols. The wizard guides users through importing existing Echo application protocols, mapping stored plates, and adding plate-handling tasks to complete an entire Tempo routine (sealing, dispensing, centrifugation, and more). The POD and Access systems can process multiple source and destination plates simultaneously in each run. Multiple runs can be started immediately, in a specified order, or can be scheduled to start at a specific time.

Two types of protocols can be created using the Protocol Creation wizard.

• Echo application protocols - Import an Echo application protocol (Dose-Response, Cherry Pick, Plate Reformat, Plate Audit, or Array Maker) and add plate handling actions like spinning, sealing, or detection.

• Plate storage protocols - Create a protocol composed of plate handling actions only. For more information, see Tempo Automation Control Software User Guide.

Note: It is recommended to enter plates in the plate storage system before creating the protocol to ensure successful

mapping of plates.

To create a new Tempo protocol using an Echo application protocol:

1. Verify that the plates to be used in the protocol are in the deck. If not, add the required plates.

2. Click the New Protocol icon in the Protocols tab of the Command ribbon.

3. Review the steps in the first screen of the Protocol Creation wizard and click Next.

4. Select Process an Echo Application Protocol.

5. Click the Select Protocol button to browse the computer for the Echo application protocol to be used.

Note: The default directory for saving protocols is C:\Labcyte\Echo\Protocols. To change the default directory,

use the Options command in the System Menu to change the directory.

6. In the Protocol Settings section, select Tempo protocol options that pertain to the Echo application being run.

Figure 3 Echo Plate Reformat Protocol Settings

Figure 4 Echo Cherry Pick Protocol Settings

7. Click Next.


Quick Start Guide

8. Drag and drop the plates from the plate map list to plate locations on the plate storage. For example, the Hotel or Deck tab.

• An entire plate category, such as Source can be dragged to plate locations or individual plates can be dragged.

• The green indicator button signifies the presence of the plate.

• The check mark in the plate map list indicates that the plates are assigned to the plate storage.

Figure 5 Plate Map for Mapping Source Plates on a POD System

Note: If the plates are not currently in the storage system, the protocol can be added to the pending list.

Note: If the Associate existing plates only option is selected, the software ignores the empty plate locations indicated

by the gray circle in the Status column and only allows assignment to the occupied plate locations indicated by the

green circle in the Status column.

Note: If a rack contains insufficient space to accommodate all the plates, go to the next rack and click the available

plate locations. If the plus cursor is shown, it indicates that more plate locations are needed and the user should

select the next rack to locate additional available plate locations.

9. Optionally, click Autoassign Barcoded Plates to instruct the software to map plates to the corresponding barcoded plates in the storage system. Only plates with matching barcodes with be mapped.

10. Optionally, click Autoassign Plates to map intermediate and destination plates to plates that have matching plate types in the storage system.

11. Optionally, click Plate Barcodes to map the plate barcodes to a chosen .csv file containing plate barcodes.

12. Click Next.

13. Map protocol plates to plates in plate storage by dragging plates or plate groups from the left panel onto plates in racks displayed in the right panel.

14. The assigned plate location fills in the Name with the plate name as shown in the protocol. To change the plate location assignment, right-click the protocol plates and select Unmap Plate.

15. Click Next.

16. Select pre-run (if available) and post-run actions. Pre-run and post-run actions can be assigned to individual plates and a group of plates. For Echo Dose-Response application, a user can also assign mid-run actions.


Quick Start Guide

• Pre-run actions - Performed before the plates enter the Echo liquid handler for liquid transfer.

• Post-run actions - Performed after the plates return from the Echo liquid handler. For example, select Destination to select all the destination plates listed.

To set Pre-run actions:

• Select the protocol plates in the Protocol Plates tree.

• Click and drag an Action from the Action toolbox to the Action Set column. To remove an action, drag it from the Action Set column to the trash can.

• In the Action Property box, enter the necessary parameters.

Figure 6 Assigning Pre-Run Actions

Note: In the example shown above, by not choosing a specific device in the Action property, the pooling feature will

be used. The pooling feature is available when two identical devices are available and the user does not specify a

particular device to be used.

To set Post-run actions:

• Select the protocol plates in the Protocol Plates tree.

• Drag an Action from the Action toolbox to the Action Set column. To remove an action, drag it from the Action Set column to the trash can.


Quick Start Guide

• In the Action Property box, enter the necessary parameters.

Figure 7 Assigning Post-Run Actions

Note: In the example shown above, the post-condition does not use the pooling feature because the user chose the

CombiStd-1 device for Device for Action Property. If no device was selected, pooling would have been used.


Quick Start Guide

17. Map plate resources to final locations. The following options are available.

• Move the plates to a different location after the run. Drag the plate or group of plates to empty locations on the plate storage tab.

• Click Map to Original Locations to return the plates to the original location.

18. Optionally, click Assign Stacks at Runtime to allow the software to optimize stack use at runtime. This only applies to Echo Application Protocols. Using this option removes the final location from the stacked plates so that they can be assigned at runtime.

19. Optionally, select Associate existing plates only to have the software ignore the empty plate locations indicated by the gray circle in the Status column and only allow assignment to the occupied plate locations indicated by the green circle in the Status column.

Figure 8 Final Plate Location

20. Verify the hardware resources required to run the protocol via the Protocol Creation Wizard screens shown.

21. Review the protocol summary by scrolling through the protocol settings in the Protocol Summary screen. Use the Edit Plate Location, Back, and First buttons to make changes to the protocol. Click Print to print the protocol summary.

The following items should be reviewed in the protocol summary.

• Bulk-filler bottles contain the correct fluid and sufficient volume to complete the protocol. This is only applicable if bulk-filler bottles are present on the Access system.

• PlateLoc contains the insert required for plates that need to be sealed. If multiple incompatible plate types need to be sealed, change the Post-Run actions to limit the plate sealing to only one plate, and seal the second plate type as a second process.

• Required Echo plate inserts are present and in the correct rack positions. If multiple source plate types will be handled, then list all the plate inserts that need to be present.


Quick Start Guide

22. Click Finish after reviewing the protocol summary and making any required changes. This action closes the Protocol Creation Wizard. To view the Protocol Summary again, go to the main window.

Figure 9 Protocol Summary Dialog Box

Scheduling a Tempo Run Protocol

1. Go to the Protocol tab and click the Run Setup Wizard icon .

2. Follow the Run Setup Wizard to verify and edit (if needed) the displayed protocol, review the protocol summary, save and schedule the run.

Starting a Run

• Pending runs must be started by clicking the Start icon from the Runs tab.

• Scheduled runs will begin automatically at the scheduled time. Ensure that the Run Scheduler is turned on . If it is off , the run will not begin at the scheduled time.

Note: To load plates or perform any other actions during a run, do the following:

1. Pause the run by clicking Pause in the Runs tab.

2. Open the deck door.

3. Load the plates or perform other tasks.

4. Close the deck door and reset the safety relays in the software.

5. Click Continue to resume the run.


Quick Start Guide

Pausing or Stopping a RunThere are several ways to stop a run that is in progress, depending on your purpose:

• Run Controls (located at the top of the Runs window)

• Pause: The software completes jobs already in progress before the run is paused. The run can be resumed by clicking Continue.

• Stop: The software completes the current jobs and archives the plates to their original locations. You must restart the run.

• Abort: The software stops current jobs and leaves all plates in their current location. You must manually archive the plates before restarting the run or starting a different run.

• Control Panel (located to the left of Run Controls)

The software opens the Tempo Control Panel. From this window you can click Suspend (bottom of the window). The

software will complete jobs that are in progress for the current run and then prevent any new jobs from starting. You

can resume the run by clicking Resume.

• Emergency Stop (Red buttons located near expected areas of interaction with the system)

The software stops all device motion in the system to prevent injury to operators and damage to devices. It also

aborts the run and displays an emergency stop alert screen. You must follow the instructions displayed on the

screen to reset the emergency stop button, reset door safety relays (Access system) resolve the emergency issue,

manually archive the plates, and restart the run.

Opening and Closing the Safety DoorsPOD SystemThe safety doors on the POD system are automatically locked during a run and cannot be opened unless the run is paused, stopped, or aborted. For more information, see “Pausing or Stopping a Run” on page 9.

To resume a run, go to “Resuming or Restarting a Run” on page 10.

Access WorkstationThe safety doors on the Access workstation are not locked during a run; however, they do have safety relays that detect when the doors are opened.

To ensure operator safety, the software initiates a series of actions when the safety door is open during a run:

• Stops robot motion and turns off the robot motor.

• Engages z-brake on the robot to prevent the arm from dropping.

• Displays the Doors Open status screen.

The operator must follow the steps in the Instructions tab of the Doors Open status screen to reset the safety relays.

To resume a run, go to “Resuming or Restarting a Run” on page 10.


Quick Start Guide

Resuming or Restarting a RunThe run can be stopped for a variety of reasons. Listed below are types of stops and ways to resume the run.

Cleaning Up After a RunAfter completing a run, remove the used plates from the racks/stacks, and then clear the plate data from the software as follows:

1. Remove the racks (or used plates) from the Hotel or Deck.

2. Clear the plate data from the plate storage view.

• Go to the Plates tab.

• Select the rack or plate locations of the plates that have been removed.

• Click Empty Location to clear the plate data.

Run Action Cause Resuming Run

Run paused

Operator clicked Pause in Run Controls or

Suspend (Job Scheduler) in the Control Panel.

Software:

• Completes the current jobs

• Pauses the run

1. Complete tasks that required the pause.

2. Go to the Run tab and click Continue in the run controls ribbon.

Run stopped Operator clicked Stop.

Software:

• Completes the current jobs

• Archives the plates

• Ends the run

1. Once the operator clicks Stop, there is no way to resume the run.

Operator opens a door (Access only).

Software:

• Stops robot motion

• Performs stop tasks above

• Displays alert screen with instructions

1. Follow instructions to reset the door safety relays, reset the robot, and log the error.

2. Return to the Run tab and click Run Setup Wizard.

3. Edit and reschedule the run.

Run aborted Operator clicked Abort.

Software:

• Stops the current jobs

• Leaves plates in current location

• Ends the run

1. Open the Tempo Control Panel and click the Plates tab.

2. Archive the plates on the deck.

3. Start next run or reschedule aborted run.

Operator pushed EMO button.

Software:

• Stops all device motion

• Performs abort tasks above

• Displays the EMO alert screen

1. Follow instructions to reset the EMO button, reset the robot, and log the error.

2. Open the Tempo Control Panel and click the Plates tab.

3. Archive the plates on the deck.

4. Start next run or reschedule aborted run.

5. Return to the Run tab and click Run Setup Wizard.

6. Edit and reschedule the run.


Quick Start Guide

Viewing Report FilesThe Run Log command displays completed run reports. Log files for all errors, run tasks, and device actions are generated and updated during the run. The Run Log stores all data related to a run. This data includes activity logs (recorded to 1/10th of a second) of all device activities, scheduler events, error messages, run actions and run status as they occur. At the end of the run, the Run Log stores all plate data during Echo survey and print (transfer) activities. The logs are provided primarily in CSV format and the reports are provided in CSV, XML, and TXT format depending on user selected options.

To view logs or reports:

1. Click on the Runs tab and select the Run Log command.

2. Click the Run Status (In-Process) command for logs on the run in progress, or click the Completed or Archived commands for logs and reports on the completed run.

3. Select the run to be viewed.

Figure 10 Completed Runs Tab

4. Click the Run Log command to display the logs and reports screen.

Figure 11 Run Reports Dialog Box

The Run Reports dialog box is used to display the logs and reports screen.

The following options are available in the Run Reports dialog box:

• Expand run report: Used to view individual logs or reports.

• Click the + in front of to the selected run to show the logs and reports for a single run, or click the Expand All button at the bottom of the screen to show the logs and reports for all the selected runs.

• Display details of individual log or report: Used to display the details of an individual log or report.


Quick Start Guide

• Double-click the log or report name. The file will open in the application that is associated with the file type. For example, clicking the .CSV file can open Microsoft Excel or another spreadsheet program.

• Display the folder location of the log or report: Used to display the location for the log or report folder.

• Select a log or report and click the Open Folder button to display the folder location and other files previously saved to that folder.

Figure 12 Directory Location for Run Reports Dialog Box

• The user can change the folder location for the log or report by selecting the System Menu and clicking the Options button. In the Options dialog box, select the Output tab and change the folder locations as needed.

• Export Reports: Used to compress and export reports.

• Click the Export Reports button to compress all of the files listed in the Reports screen. A dialog box is opened to save the compressed zip file.

Note: When reporting problems to Labcyte Technical Support, be sure to export Tempo reports and the Echo

application protocol.

Figure 13 Exporting Reports from the Run Reports Dialog Box

Shutting Down Tempo Software

1. Click the Tempo icon to display the System Menu.

2. Click Exit to close the software.


Quick Start Guide

Published June 2015 Part Number: 001-9467 Revision 1.6 Documentation for Tempo™ Automation Control Software, Version 1.6 The information contained in this guide is subject to change without notice. Any unauthorized changes or modifications to the Tempo™ Automation Control Software will void its warranty. Contact Labcyte, Inc. prior to making any change or modification. Copyright © 2015 Labcyte Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Microsoft, Windows, Windows 7, ActiveX, and Microsoft SQL Server are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/ or other countries. Pentium III and Pentium 4 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. All other registered or unregistered trademarks used herein are the exclusive property of their respective holders. For research purposes only; not for use in diagnostics.

The Echo liquid handler is covered by one or more of the following patents: United States: 6,416,164; 6,548,308; 6,603,118; 6,612,686; 6,642,061; 6,666,541; 6,707,038; 6,710,335; 6,746,104; 6,802,593; 6,808,934; 6,809,315; 6,849,423; 6,855,925; 6,869,551; 6,893,836; 6,893,115;6,916,083; 6,932,097; 6,938,987; 6,938,995; 6,991,917; 7,070,260; 7,090,333; 7,185,969; 7,270,986; 7,354,141; 7,405,072; 7,405,395; 7,439,048; 7,454,958; 7,481,511; 7,717,544; 7,899,645; 7,900,505; 7,901,039; 8,107,319. European Patent EP: 1322430; 1324823; 1337325; 1352112; 1366356; 1534526; 1585636. Japan: 4189964; 4309131; 4434581; 4559218; 4624644; 4955901; 4990476. Additional patents are approved and pending in the United States and other countries. Labcyte Inc.

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