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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.
UNICORN is a trademark of GE Healthcare.
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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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Bar code reader
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You can connect a bar code reader to the PC and use the reader
to enter information instead of using the keyboard. This can be
useful for example when entering information like batch IDs.
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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 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 profile 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. All modules will normally open when the program
is started. However, a user profile may be set up so that not all
modules are available. Only the available modules will be displayed.
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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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the online manuals.
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open the Help menu
in any of the software modules and select Manuals.
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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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