Relationship of VWorks components

The VWorks software uses different components (files and databases) to run protocols. It is important to understand the way each of the components in the software relate. Changing settings or options in one component will affect one or more of the other components.

Component descriptions

The following table lists and describes the VWorks software components.

Note: The device, teachpoint, and protocol files are stored in locations you specify. Agilent Technologies recommends that you create folders within the c:\VWorks Workspace folder for storing these files.

 

Component	Description	Extension	Opening this component loads...
	A file that contains: • The list of devices the software will communicate with and control • Configuration information of each device • Communication settings (profile)	.dev	• Device profile • Teachpoint file (applicable to some devices such as the BenchCel device)
	A collection of settings, stored in the Windows registry, that the VWorks software uses to control a specific device.	None	Teachpoint file (applicable to some devices such as the BenchCel device)
	A device-dependent file that contains your teachpoint settings.	.xml	Teachpoint definitions
	A file that contains instructions for performing a run.	.pro	• VWorks software (if it is not already open) • Device file
	Labware properties stored in the Windows registry.	None	Labware definitions
	Pipetting settings, setup for different liquid types, stored in the Windows registry.	None	Liquid class information
	A file that specifies the x- and y-axis offset when pipetting.	.xml	Pipette x- and y-axis offset information
	A file used by the Hit Pick Replication task and specifies the dispense pattern in destination microplates.	.xml	Dispense information in destination microplates
	A file that contains information about a user, including the user name, password, and account privileges.	.xml	Account information of a specific user

The following diagram summarizes the relationship of the components. Notice the following:

•	Labware definitions and user information are used by all protocols. Liquid classes, pipetting techniques, and hit-pick formats are used by protocols containing liquid-handling tasks. In particular, hit-pick formats are used by the Hit Pick Replication task.

•	Each protocol references a single device file that contains one or more devices.

•	More than one protocol can reference the same device file.

•	Each device (or robot) references a single profile.

•	Some devices, such as the BenchCel device, reference a single teachpoint file.

 

Impact of changes to the components

The following table describes the consequences of making changes to one or more components.

 

If you...	Then...
Make a change to the teachpoint file	• All profiles that use that teachpoint file are affected • All device files that use those profiles are affected • All protocols that use those device files are affected
Create a new profile	You must specify the new profile in your device file
Want to use two different teachpoint files	You must create two: • Device files • Profiles • Teachpoint files • Protocol files
Want to copy a protocol to another system or computer	Use the File > Export command to export all components: • Protocol file • Device file • Device profiles • Labware definitions and classes • Liquid classes • Pipette techniques • Hit-pick format or input files • Plate map database The exported .vzp file can be imported in another computer.

Related information

 

For information about...	See...
VWorks software description	VWorks software description
VWorks software user interface	Overview of VWorks software user interface
Supported devices	Supported devices
Device setup, including creating profiles and setting teachpoints	Device user guide
VWorks software installation and setup	VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide
Defining labware and creating liquid classes	VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide
Managing and tracking labware in storage	VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide
Managing user accounts	VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide
Using VWorks ActiveX control	Device ActiveX control user guide
Exporting protocols and associated components	Exporting and importing protocols and associated components