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About UNICORN
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Introduction
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This section is a general overview of the UNICORN system.
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What is UNICORN?
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UNICORN is a complete package for control and supervision
of chromatography systems. It consists of control
software and a controller card for interfacing the controlling PC
to the chromatography liquid handling
module.
Liquid chromatography is used in separation
processes, for analytical purposes or in the biochemical process
industry.
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Operating environment
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UNICORN runs on a PC under Microsoft® Windows® 2000 or Microsoft
Windows XP. It is designed to run under English keyboard settings.
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Windows functions
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Most Windows functions are also available in UNICORN, including:
Note: Drag and drop
is not available. File and folder handling in UNICORN also differs
from the general Windows file manager standard.
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Compatible chromatography systems
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UNICORN can be used with a number of systems including
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ÄKTA™ design systems
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BioProcess™ systems
Note: All
examples in this guide are based on an ÄKTAexplorer™ 100 system that
operates with the E100F400 strategy. If you use another system
you may find that the descriptions and instructions do not match
your system on every point. In that case you also need to refer
to the user documentation for your specific chromatography system.
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System networks
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UNICORN can be installed on a stand-alone computer to control
only a single, locally attached system. However, a stand-alone computer
can control up to a maximum of four separate systems. In a network
installation each computer workstation can operate many systems
regardless if they are locally connected or not. Each system can
only be operated by one workstation at a time, but several may view
the output data.
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Software modules
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The UNICORN control software consists of four integrated modules:
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Module
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Function
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UNICORN Manager
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File handling and administration, e.g. definition of
systems and user profiles etc.
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Method Editor
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To create and edit methods for pre-programmed control
of chromatography systems.
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System Control
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To control and monitor the separation processes
online, through method-based or manual control.
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Evaluation
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To evaluate and present stored results from separation processes.
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Note: All modules
are active when the program is operating, and are not closed when
they are minimized. A minimized System
Control unit may control a process.
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Work flow
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The work flow in UNICORN can be divided into four distinct
stages. Each stage is described in separate chapters in this manual.
The flow chart below shows the work flow stages.
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Help functions
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An online help utility is included in the UNICORN software.
The table below describes how to access the help utility.
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If you want to access...
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Then...
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the general help utility.
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open the Help menu
in any of the software modules.
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context-specific help topics.
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or
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Security
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The table below describes the main security functions in UNICORN:
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Feature
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Function
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Access Security
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Only authorized users can access UNICORN. Each user
is assigned an access level, which defines the functions that the
user is permitted to use.
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Connection Security
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A running system can only be controlled from one connection.
Systems may be locked with a password to prevent other, un-authorized
users from changing parameters.
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Data Security
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Result files from an ongoing separation run
can be saved automatically at preset intervals to minimize data
loss if the system fails. The results are saved locally if the network
communication fails.
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Electronic Signatures
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Method and result files can be signed electronically
for enhanced security and accountability.
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2005-06-15
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