Biological sample imaging unit for incubator

Abstract

The imaging unit may be configured for biological sample sensing within the incubator. Such an imaging unit may include an imager in communication with one or more biological sample containers for generating corresponding sample images of a sample. Processing circuitry may control the imager to generate the sample image. This may include controlling at least one of the imager and a separate container to position the container in a field of view of the imager for obtaining the sample image. The sample image may be image-processed to determine an indication of a biological feature associated with the sample.

Description

[0001] Claim for Priority

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 476,323, filed December 20, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and the benefit of its priority is claimed herein. Background Art

[0003] The culturing of biological samples such as sputum, urine, feces, or blood can be used to help detect foreign bodies such as bacteria in a human patient. For example, a blood sample can be taken from a patient and cultured to determine if an infection is present. During the incubation period, certain microorganisms can multiply in the blood. Culturing can help enable several techniques for detecting infection. For example, observable changes in the performance of the sample may occur throughout the culture. The sample can be analyzed to help form a medical diagnosis of the patient.

[0004] The incubation period of a biological sample can range between about 4 hours to >24 hours, depending on the type of microorganism and the ambient temperature. The sample can be maintained at approximately body temperature (about 37°C), or the temperature of the sample can be established to enhance the growth of a particular target foreign body. Such culturing processes can involve combining the sample with a fluid such as a buffered saline solution (BSS) with added nutrients, or on a solid medium such as a Petri dish or a slant with nutrient agar. A blood sample can be separated into several components (e.g., plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, etc.) after collection. Such separated components can be similarly cultured, observed, and analyzed. In addition, other body fluids can be used for similar culturing and analysis, such as spinal fluid, synovial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, sweat, urine, and saliva. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Certain biological sample culturing techniques can involve one or more manual operations during or between incubation sessions. Manual intervention in the culturing of samples can pose challenges such as difficulty in obtaining reproducible results and possible operator-introduced errors. In addition, culturing techniques can involve visual inspection of biological samples, such as visual inspection for signs of infection. This can include observing one or more signs of change in the color, transparency, size, or other characteristics of the sample. Such visual inspection can introduce contamination or can result in operator-introduced errors when determining the presence of a target foreign body in a biological sample. Manual inspection of Petri dishes also limits the frequency with which the culturing status can be checked, delaying diagnosis. In addition, removing a sample from the culture can disrupt the growth process, delaying the growth of microorganisms. The inventors of the present invention have recognized the need for a more user-friendly, more reproducible, less operator-dependent, more sterile, and more cost-effective technique for culturing and analyzing biological samples.

[0006] This document describes a sample imaging unit that can be configured to perform biosample sensing within an incubator. Such a sample imaging unit can be inserted or retrofitted into an incubator. The sample imaging unit can include an imager. The imager can be arranged to be placed within the incubator and communicate with one or more biological specimen vessels. The imager can be configured to generate a corresponding sample image of a corresponding biological sample. The sample imaging unit can include or can use a plurality of receptacles. Individual receptacles can be sized and shaped to receive individual biological specimen vessels from the biological sample containers. The sample imaging unit can also include an illuminator that irradiates the individual biological specimen vessels with electromagnetic energy. For example, the illuminator can include a broadband electromagnetic energy source or a tunable wavelength electromagnetic energy source.

[0007] The sample imaging unit can include a processing circuit or can be communicatively coupled to a processing circuit. The processing circuit can be configured to control the imager for generating the sample image. For example, the processing circuit can control at least one of the imager or the individual container to position the container within the field of view of the imager for obtaining the sample image. Once the sample image is obtained, the sample image can be processed. Image processing can be performed to assist in determining an indication of a biometric associated with the biological sample. Once determined, the indication of the biometric can be transmitted, such as via a transceiver circuit, to an interface device located outside the incubator. The sample imaging unit can include a transporter communicatively coupled to the processing circuit to move at least one of the imager or the individual biological specimen container relative to the other. For example, the transporter can include a robotic manipulator for retrieving an individual container and placing the container within the field of view of the imager. Alternatively or additionally, the transporter can move the imager towards an individual receptacle among the plurality of receptacles. In one example, the sample imaging unit can include a plurality of imaging subunits arranged within a sealed chamber. The plurality of imaging subunits can be configured to simultaneously image corresponding containers therein. For example, each imaging subunit can include a corresponding transporter. Alternatively or additionally, the transporter can serve a plurality of imaging subunits, each imaging subunit containing a different corresponding plurality of sample containers.

[0008] In one example, a separate container may include an electrochemical transducer or may be communicatively coupled to an electrochemical transducer for converting an electrical property indicative of a target gas composition corresponding to a particular biological sample into an electrical response signal. Here, the presence of the particular biological sample may be determined by, for example, analyzing both the sample image and the electrical property simultaneously or otherwise. For example, the separate container may include a port that may be communicatively coupled to a reservoir of the electrochemical transducer.

[0009] Each non-limiting example described herein may exist independently or may be combined with one or more other examples in various arrangements or combinations.

[0010] This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of this patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, the same numbers may describe similar components in different views. The same numbers with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings generally illustrate, by way of example and not limitation, the various embodiments discussed in this document.

[0012] Figure 1A An example of a biological specimen incubator is depicted.

[0013] Figure 1B A biological sample imaging unit for placement within a sealed area of an incubator is depicted.

[0014] Figure 2 An example of a modular biological sample imaging unit for placement within a biological sample incubator is depicted.

[0015] Figure 3 is a block diagram depicting an example of a biological sample imaging system.

[0016] Figure 4A An example of a biological sample imaging system is depicted.

[0017] Figure 4B An example of a biological sample imaging system is depicted.

[0018] Figure 4C An example of a biological sample imaging system is depicted.

[0019] Figure 5 is a flowchart depicting a method of imaging a biological sample.

[0020] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the components of a machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Certain biological sample culturing techniques can be used to help determine the presence or other characteristics of a target substance (such as a target foreign object) in a biological sample. For example, multiple individual biological samples can be placed in an incubator, with each biological sample being placed for a corresponding culturing period. During the culturing period, the target foreign object in the individual biological sample may become increasingly detectable. After culturing, the biological sample can be removed and assayed using one or more specific detection techniques.

[0022] One method of culturing biological samples involves visually inspecting for signs of infection in the biological sample. This can include observing signs of changes in the color, transparency, size, or other characteristics of the specimen. Here, "visual" inspection can refer to the inspection of characteristics visible to a human observer at wavelengths visible to the human eye. Such visual inspection presents certain challenges. It may be difficult to inspect the entire surface of the sample, such as to determine the presence of an infectious agent or other foreign object. Additionally, and manual visual inspection may be subject to errors introduced by the operator. For example, such methods may involve manual intervention, such as manually agitating the sample during culturing or between culturing periods. Such manual intervention may pose challenges such as difficulty in obtaining reproducible results, temperature fluctuations within the incubator, and possible operator-introduced errors.

[0023] In another method of culturing biological samples, sensors can be used to obtain some of the information needed to determine the presence or other characteristics of a target foreign object in a biological sample. However, compared to some manual techniques, certain methods involving sensors may increase the time required for culturing. Additionally, using such sensors may require a relatively high level of expertise to configure and operate the system, and may be relatively expensive and difficult to scale up.

[0024] This document particularly describes an automated biological sample imaging unit (such as an automated biological sample imaging unit for retrofitting into an incubator), which can help address at least some of the challenges of other methods such as those discussed above. Additionally, the automated biological sample imaging unit can help provide monitoring of individual sample containers at more frequent intervals or more accurate times than would be feasible in the case of manually monitoring multiple sample containers.

[0025] Figure 1A An example of a biological specimen incubator 150 is depicted. Figure 1B Depicted for placement into Figure 1AThe biological sample imaging unit 100 in the sealed area of the incubator 150. The incubator 150 may include an incubator chamber 110, which may be accessed, for example, via a door 111. In one example, the imaging unit 100 may include or utilize at least one assemblage or stack 116, such as including one or more shelves 118. Individual shelves 118 may include one or more reservoirs for receiving respective biological sample containers. The biological sample imaging unit 100 may be placed into the chamber 110, such as to introduce the biological sample container 115 (as Figure 1B depicted in) into the incubator 150. For example, the sample imaging unit 100 may be secured within the incubator 150, such as via a coupler or docking mechanism. For example, the coupler may include fasteners, pins, or other mechanisms for attaching the imaging unit 100 to the incubator housing.

[0026] The shelves 118 or reservoirs may be sized and shaped to accommodate the respective biological sample containers 115. Examples of biological sample containers 115 may include, for example, petri dishes, multi-well plates, microtiter plates, chips, slides, tubes (such as tubes formed from heat-sealable plastics), strips, pads, or other suitable containers for holding samples of at least one biological material. Once the imaging unit 100 carrying the container 115 is introduced into the chamber 110, the incubator chamber 110 may be fluid-sealed from the surrounding environment, thereby enclosing the container 115 within the chamber 110.

[0027] The imaging unit 100 may also include an imaging sensor or other sensor 120, which is arranged to be placed inside the incubator and communicate with one or more biological sample containers for generating corresponding sample images of corresponding biological samples. In one example, the imaging sensor 120 may include a camera. The camera can be used to generate a digital representation of an individual sample image. This digital representation can be processed to generate image data for further storage or display. The sample images can be processed and analyzed to provide quantitative information about the biological material in the container. For example, the processing and analysis may include determining one or more of cell and / or pathogen counts, cell or nuclear morphometry, cell size measurement, growth rate measurement, or other suitable sample monitoring techniques. Signals generated by the imaging sensor or other sensor 120 can be signal processed or analyzed, for example, based on electrochemical detection features or electro-optical detection features measured by the imaging sensor or other sensor 120 within the chamber 110. For example, the imaging sensor or other sensor 120 may include an imaging array of photosensitive elements configured to detect electromagnetic energy within a specified wavelength band (e.g., visible light or near-infrared spectrum). Additionally, for example, the imaging sensor or other sensor 120 may include a solid-state imaging array of detector pixels, which may be configured to detect specific scattering, fluorescence emission, or other optical signatures from a target biological sample. Other examples of the imaging sensor 120 may include an electrochemical sensing system configured to detect the presence of one or more gas components in a sample fluid. These can be used to sense the presence or other characteristics of a target gas component of interest or a gas component that affects the optical or electrochemical characteristics of a target biological sample. In one example, at least one imaging sensor or other sensor 120 may include a plurality of gas sensors, each gas sensor being separately positionable or locatable to communicate with a corresponding container 115 or reservoir in a plurality of reservoirs. The imaging sensor or other sensor 120 may also include an illuminator, such as a broadband electromagnetic energy source or a tunable wavelength electromagnetic energy source, arranged to irradiate individual biological sample containers with electromagnetic energy.

[0028] a) The separate biological sample container 115 or b) at least one of the imaging sensor or other sensors 120 may be movable relative to the other, such as via a manipulator or transporter 122 of the imaging unit 100 relative to the other. The manipulator 122 may place at least one of the following in the field of view in communication with the other: a) the separate biological sample container 115, or b) the imaging sensor or other sensors 120. This may help to allow imaging of the corresponding sample using the imaging sensor or other sensors 120. The manipulator 122 may include a robotic mechanism, such as a gantry, articulated arm, or articulated platform. The manipulator 122 may include at least one placement sensor for providing feedback when placing using the manipulator 122. For example, the at least one placement sensor may include an optical sensor, and the placement feedback may include one or more energy-emitting LEDs or other light sources and one or more photodetectors for detecting the emitted energy. The at least one placement sensor may also include one or more capacitive sensors, conductive sensors, IR sensors, or RF sensors, cameras, or combinations thereof.

[0029] At least one imaging sensor or other sensors 120 may generate and transmit a signal that may include information representing a measurement value of the concentration or other characteristics of a specified gas component or composition associated with a target biological sample in a separate sample container of the sample container 115. The measurement readings from the imaging sensor or other sensors 120 may be transmitted to and provided at a location external to the incubator 150, such as at the user interface (UI) 124. For example, the UI 124 may include a display for displaying the results of the measurement, such as the type or concentration of the target gas component detected by the imaging sensor or other sensors 120; or an interpretation of the measurement, such as an interpretation of the presence or concentration of the target substance in the container 115 represented by the sensor detection. Additionally, the UI 124 may include other output devices, such as speakers, speaker units, vibrators, buzzers, or other similar output devices. The imaging unit 100 may include a transceiver circuit 117 for transmitting an electrical response signal or the determined presence or other characteristics to a location external to the chamber 110 of the incubator 150. For example, the transceiver circuit 117 may include an external receiver and a wired or wireless communication link to a device external to the chamber 110, such as a wired or wireless communication link to a local or remote computer system that may be used to perform computational analysis. Additionally, for example, the transceiver circuit 117 may include a communication link to an external device that may be used to perform additional processing in addition to the processing performed by the on-board processing circuit, such as controlling the temperature or pressure of the gas environment contained within the chamber 110.

[0030] The imaging unit 100 may include a thermostat 129 to assist in regulating the temperature of the gas environment contained within the chamber 110. The thermostat 129 may include, for example, an analog, thermistor, or thermocouple type temperature sensor or an electronic temperature sensor configured to determine temperature. The temperature sensor may be communicatively coupled to the heating and cooling unit of the incubator 150 to assist in controlling the temperature of the gas environment within the chamber 110. In one example, the heating and cooling unit may include a plurality of heating elements configured to heat the gas environment to a desired temperature. In one example, the heating and cooling unit may include a cooling element, such as a Peltier cooling element, to cool the gas environment to a desired temperature. Thus, in one example, the imaging unit 100 may include a thermostat configured to communicate with the incubator 150 to maintain a desired temperature by activating one or more heating elements when the temperature of the chamber 110 is below a specified level and activating one or more cooling elements when the temperature of the chamber 110 is above the specified level.

[0031] The imaging unit 100 may include a stirrer 128, which is, for example, coupled to the assembly or stack 116 to move the stack 116 and agitate the biological sample containers carried thereon. For example, the stirrer 128 may be used to move the liquid contained within the container, thereby causing movement within the biological sample. The stirrer 128 may include, for example, one or more of a vibratory stirrer, a rocking stirrer, a reciprocating linear stirrer, a reciprocating linear agitator, or a reciprocating rotary stirrer, any of which may be operated by a motor or manually. For example, a reciprocating linear stirrer may include a motor for rotating a cam of the reciprocating linear stirrer, such as a motor having an elongate rod with an eccentric weight at its end. In another example, a motor may be used to cause the linear stirrer to reciprocate along its length. Alternatively or additionally, the manipulator 122 may be used to agitate in order to agitate individual sample containers 115.

[0032] may include or use processing circuitry 126, such as may be included or used on the imaging unit 100. The processing circuitry 126 may be configured to assist in controlling or positioning at least one imaging sensor or other sensor 120 relative to a target biological sample in the sample container 115, or to adjust the position of at least one manipulator 122. The processing circuitry 126 may include processor circuitry and memory circuitry that may store a program or a series of programs for instructing the processor to perform processing steps. For example, programmed steps may be used to establish or adjust selected temperature and pressure conditions within the chamber 110, or to detect the presence or other characteristics of a target gas component in a biological sample. The processing circuitry 126 may also be used to perform or coordinate other steps, such as, for example, for transmitting the resulting measurements to the UI 124, controlling agitation via the agitator 128, regulating temperature via the thermostat 129, operating the manipulator 122, or communicating via the transceiver circuitry 117. The processing circuitry 126 may include multiple processors and memory circuitry for separately executing and storing programs. The processing circuitry 126 may include an external interface that allows communication with devices, computers, and other programs external to the biological sample incubator 150. In one example, the external interface may be coupled to a device external to the incubator 150 via a wired connection (such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection). Here, the wired connection may be fed through an access port of the incubator 150, and the access port may form a seal around the wired connection, such as via a gasket or an O-ring.

[0033] Figure 2 An example of a modular biological sample imaging unit for placement within a biological sample incubator is depicted. A separate imaging unit 200, such as imaging unit 200A or imaging unit 200B, may be substantially similar to Figure 1B the example imaging unit 100. Thus, the components, structure, configuration, functionality, etc. of imaging unit 200A or imaging unit 200b may be the same as or substantially similar to those described in detail above with reference to imaging unit 100. In one example, a separate biological sample stack 216 may include a cannister or other assembly including multiple biological sample containers. Here, the biological sample containers may be loaded or assembled into the biological sample stack, for example, by a technician before the stack is inserted into the imaging unit 200 or the incubator.

[0034] In one example, a separate imaging unit 200A may be arranged such that multiple biological sample stacks 216 may enter the field of view of a single imaging sensor or other sensor 220. For example, a turntable 230 may be included to cycle multiple biological sample stacks 216 toward or away from the manipulator 222 of the imaging unit 200A. As Figure 2As depicted, the turntable 230 can be arranged to present individual sample stacks 216 to the manipulator 222, and the manipulator 222 can select or obtain individual sample containers from the stack 216. In one example, the manipulator 222 can select an entire sample stack 216 from among multiple sample stacks 216 without the need for a turntable 230 or a similar supplementary mechanism.

[0035] In one example, one or more additional imaging units, such as the second imaging unit 200B, can be used in conjunction with or coupled to the imaging unit 200A. As depicted, the two imaging units 200A and 200B can share a common single imaging sensor or other sensor 220. For example, each of the imaging units 200A and 200B can include a respective plurality of stacks 216 and respective manipulators. Additionally, the two imaging units 200A and 200B can share a common single manipulator 222, such as accessing a common track 223 between them.

[0036] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a portion of a biological sample imaging system. The biological sample imaging system 300 can include an incubator 350, at least one imaging unit 360A, and a plurality of biological sample containers 315. As depicted by Figure 3 the figure including the ellipse, a number of imaging units 360A–360N can be included in a single incubator 350. The imaging units 360A–360N can be substantially similar to Figure 1B the imaging unit 100 of the example of Figure 2 the imaging unit 200A or 200B of the example of

[0037] The components, structures, configurations, functions, etc. of the imaging units 360A–360N can be the same as or substantially similar to those described in detail above with reference to the imaging unit 100, the imaging unit 200A, or the imaging unit 200B. The individual biological sample containers 315 can also include an electrochemical transducer 340 or be communicatively coupled to the electrochemical transducer for converting an electrical property indicative of a target gas composition corresponding to a particular biological sample into an electrical response signal. Figure 3As depicted, the biological sample imaging system 300 can include an electrochemical transducer 340 that is arranged to dock with at least one of the individual sample containers 315, such as via a port 323 of the individual container 315. For example, the individual sample container 315 can include a corresponding port 323 that is sized and shaped to communicatively couple with a corresponding reservoir of the electrochemical transducer 340. Once connected to the port 323, the electrochemical transducer 340 can convert an electrical property indicative of a target gas composition corresponding to a particular biological sample into an electrical response signal. The individual sample container 315 can also be connected to an optical sensor, such as via the corresponding port 323, to obtain an optical property indicative of a target gas composition corresponding to a particular biological sample in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the connection to the electrochemical transducer 340.

[0038] As Figure 3 depicted, the biological sample imaging system can include a processing circuit 326, such as at a location external to the incubator 350, for processing an image obtained by the imaging sensor or other sensor 320, for processing an electrical response signal obtained by the electrochemical transducer, or both. For example, the processing circuit 326 can receive an image from the transceiver circuit 317 while receiving an electrical response signal from the electrochemical transducer 340. Such simultaneous or synchronous imaging and image conversion of a biological sample, as opposed to separately converting and imaging biological samples in multiple individual containers in separate sequential experiments, for example, can help provide improved time efficiency. Additionally, the processing circuit 326 can help facilitate conditional imaging via the imaging sensor or other sensor 320 and based on the electrical response signal. For example, the processing circuit 326 can facilitate the retrieval and processing of a sample image after detecting an electrical response signal indicative of a target gas composition. The processing circuit 326 can also help facilitate conditional electrochemical conversion of image processing based on the sample image in a similar manner.

[0039] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C depicts an example of a biological sample imaging system. As Figure 4A shown, a plurality of imaging units 460 can be arranged within a cabinet 470. The imaging units 460 can be similar to the imaging unit 100 of the example of Figure 1B , the imaging unit 200A or 200B of the example of Figure 2 or Figure 3The imaging units 360A–360N of the examples are substantially similar. Accordingly, the components, structure, configuration, functions, etc. of the imaging unit 460 may be the same as or substantially similar to those described in detail above with reference to the imaging unit 100, the imaging unit 200A, the imaging unit 200B, or the imaging units 360A–360N. Here, the individual imaging unit 460 may serve as a micro-incubator for each individual biological sample container 415 (e.g., a petri dish). As Figure 4B shown, the imaging unit 460 may include temperature control independent of other imaging units 460 via a controllable heating element 450 within the chamber of the imaging unit 460. At least one of the sample container 415 or the imaging unit 460 may include an electrochemical transducer 440, such as for gas sensing. As Figure 4B shown, the individual imaging unit 460 may include an indicator 462, such as an LED, for indicating the detection or presence of a target gas via a visual marker. The individual imaging unit 460 may also include an imaging sensor or other sensor 420. Alternatively or additionally, the cabinet 470 may include an imaging sensor or other sensor, such as an imaging sensor or other sensor movable relative to the imaging unit 460 via a manipulator. Here, the movable imaging sensor or other sensor may be navigated, e.g., on a track system, to dock with the individual imaging unit 460 in order to image the biological sample contained therein. In one example, the individual imaging unit 460 may include a port sized and shaped to mate with a corresponding reservoir of the cabinet 470 in order to enable direct docking with components (e.g., an electronic or colorimetric gas sensor, a temperature controller, or a heating element) contained within the individual imaging unit.

[0040] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example of a portion that describes a method for imaging a biological sample.

[0041] At 510, the method may include retrieving an individual biological sample container from an arrangement that defines a plurality of container reservoirs. The biological sample container may carry a particular biological sample. The arrangement may be positioned in a culture environment and isolated from the surrounding environment. Additionally, the culturing of the individual biological sample may occur concurrently with generating a sample image.

[0042] At 520, the method can include placing a separate container in the field of view of an imager. For example, a separate biological sample container can be retrieved, for example, by a biological sample container manipulator. Then, the separate container can be aligned with the imager using a biological sample container manipulator (e.g., a turntable). Once the container is properly aligned, the imager can be used to capture an image of the contents of the container. Then, the turntable can be used to rotate the container, allowing the imager to capture images of the container from multiple angles. Finally, the turntable can be used to remove the container from the field of view of the imager.

[0043] At 530, the method can include generating a sample image via the imager, the sample image including an image-readable feature that indicates a biological characteristic associated with a particular biological sample carried by the container. Additionally, the method can include electrochemically converting an electrical property indicative of a target gas composition of the particular biological sample into an electrical response signal while generating the sample image.

[0044] At 540, the method can include determining a biological characteristic associated with the particular biological sample using the image-readable feature. This can include, for example, measuring enzyme activity, analyzing cell morphology, counting cells, assessing cell viability, or other methods. Additionally, this can include techniques such as colorimetry or AI-based image processing to determine the growth of a target substance during cultivation. Additionally, the method can include comparing the biological characteristic to a predetermined threshold or the biological characteristic of a control sample. Doing so can help determine the efficiency of the sample or identify any potential anomalies.

[0045] At 550, the method can include transmitting a notification of the determined presence or growth, such as via a transceiver circuit, to a location external to the incubator.

[0046] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing components of a machine 600 according to some exemplary embodiments, the machine being capable of reading instructions 624 from a machine storage medium 622 (e.g., a non-transitory machine storage medium, a machine storage medium, a computer storage medium, or any suitable combination thereof) and performing any one or more of the methods discussed herein, in whole or in part. Specifically, Figure 6 shows an example form of the machine 600 as a computer system (e.g., a computer) in which instructions 624 (e.g., software, a program, an application, an applet, an app, or other executable code) for causing the machine 600 to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein can be executed, in whole or in part. For example, the instructions 624 can be processor-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of the machine 600, cause the machine 600 to perform the operations described above.

[0047] In various embodiments, machine 600 operates as a stand-alone device or may be communicatively coupled (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, machine 600 may operate as a server machine or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a distributed (e.g., peer-to-peer) network environment. Machine 600 may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a netbook, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a network appliance, a network router, a network switch, a bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions 624, in sequence or otherwise, that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, although only a single machine is shown, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute instructions 624 to perform all or part of any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

[0048] Machine 600 includes a processor 602 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), or any suitable combination thereof), a main memory 604, and a static memory 606, which are configured to communicate with each other via a bus 608. Processor 602 may include microcircuits that may be temporarily or permanently configured by some or all of instructions 624 such that processor 602 may be configured to perform all or part of any one or more of the methods described herein. For example, a set of one or more microcircuits of processor 602 may be configured to perform one or more modules (e.g., software modules) described herein.

[0049] Machine 600 may further include a graphical display 610 (e.g., a plasma display panel (PDP), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a projector, a cathode ray tube (CRT), or any other display capable of displaying graphics or video). Machine 600 may also include an alphanumeric input device 612 (e.g., a keyboard or keypad), a cursor control device 614 (e.g., a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a joystick, a motion sensor, an eye tracking device, or other pointing device), a storage unit 616, an audio generation device 618 (e.g., a sound card, an amplifier, speakers, a headphone jack, any suitable combination thereof, or any other suitable signal generation device), and a network interface device 620.

[0050] The storage unit 616 includes a machine storage medium 622 (e.g., a tangible and non-transitory machine storage medium) on which instructions 624 are stored, and the instructions embody any one or more of the methods or functions described herein. Before or during the execution of the instructions by the machine 600, the instructions 624 may also reside, in whole or at least in part, within the main memory 604, within the processor 602 (e.g., within the cache memory of the processor), or within both. Thus, the main memory 604 and the processor 602 may be considered machine storage media (e.g., tangible and non-transitory machine storage media). The instructions 624 may be transmitted or received via the network interface device 620 over the network 626. For example, the network interface device 620 may use any one or more transport protocols (e.g., the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)) to transmit the instructions 624.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the machine 600 may be a portable computing device, such as a smartphone or a tablet computer, and may have one or more additional input components (e.g., sensors 628 or gauges). Examples of additional input components include image input components (e.g., one or more cameras), audio input components (e.g., microphones), orientation input components (e.g., compasses), position input components (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers), orientation components (e.g., gyroscopes), motion detection components (e.g., one or more accelerometers), altitude detection components (e.g., altimeters), and gas detection components (e.g., gas sensors). Inputs obtained by any one or more of these input components may be accessed and used by any of the modules described herein.

[0052] Executable Instructions and Machine Storage Media

[0053] Various memories (i.e., 604, 606, and / or the memory of the processor 602) and / or the storage unit 616 may store one or more sets of instructions and data structures (e.g., software) 624 that embody any one or more of the methods or functions described herein or are utilized thereby. When executed by the processor 602, these instructions cause various operations to implement the disclosed embodiments.

[0054] As used herein, the terms "machine storage medium", "device storage medium", "computer storage medium" (collectively "machine storage medium 622") mean the same thing and may be used interchangeably in this disclosure. The term refers to a single or multiple storage devices and / or media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) that store executable instructions and / or data, as well as a cloud-based storage system or storage network that includes multiple storage devices or devices. Accordingly, the term should be considered to include, but not be limited to, solid state memories as well as optical and magnetic media, including memories internal or external to the processor. Specific examples of machine storage medium, computer storage medium, and / or device storage medium 622 include non-volatile memories, including by way of example semiconductor storage devices such as erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), FPGA, and flash devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The terms one or more machine storage media, one or more computer storage media, and one or more device storage media 622 specifically exclude carrier waves, modulated data signals, and other such media, at least some of which are covered by the term "signal medium" discussed below. In this case, the machine storage medium is non-transitory.

[0055] Signal medium

[0056] The term "signal medium" or "transmission medium" should be understood to include any form of modulated data signal, carrier wave, etc. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal.

[0057] Computer-readable medium

[0058] The terms "machine-readable medium", "computer-readable medium", and "device-readable medium" mean the same thing and may be used interchangeably in this disclosure. The term is defined to include both machine storage medium and signal medium. Accordingly, the term includes both storage devices / media and carrier waves / modulated data signals.

[0059] The following non-limiting examples detail certain aspects of the subject matter to address challenges and provide benefits and the like as discussed herein. The above detailed description may include references to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof. The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Such embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples". Such examples may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Further, the inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or arrangement of those elements (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof) or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0060] If there is an inconsistency in the usage between this document and any document incorporated by reference as such, the usage in this document shall prevail. In this document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein". Also, in the following aspects, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, i.e., a system, apparatus, article, composition, formulation, or process that may include elements other than those listed after such terms in an aspect is still considered to be within the scope of that aspect.

[0061] In this document, as is common in patent documents, the term "a" or "an" is used to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or uses of "at least one" or "one or more". In this document, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" is used to refer to non-exclusive, such that "A or B" may include "A but not B", "B but not A", and "A and B". In this document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein". Also, in the following aspects, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, i.e., a system, apparatus, article, composition, formulation, or process that may include elements other than those listed after such terms in an aspect is still considered to be within the scope of that aspect. Additionally, in the following aspects, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0062] The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may be utilized by those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the foregoing description. The abstract of the specification is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It should be understood that at the time of filing, it is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the aspects. Additionally, in the foregoing detailed description, various features may be combined to simplify the disclosure. This should not be construed as intending that the disclosed features that are not claimed are essential to any aspect. On the contrary, the inventive subject matter may lie in less than all of the features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the following aspects are hereby incorporated into the detailed description as examples or embodiments, where each aspect exists independently as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments may be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the appended aspects and the full scope of equivalents to such aspects.

Claims

1. An apparatus for modifying a biological sample sensing within a separate incubator, the apparatus comprising: An imager, which is arranged to be placed within an incubator having one or more biological sample containers, for generating corresponding sample images of corresponding biological samples; A plurality of reservoirs, which are arranged to be placed within the incubator, and individual reservoirs are sized and shaped to receive individual ones of the containers; A processing circuit, which is configured to control the imager to generate the sample images, comprising: Controlling at least one of the imager and the individual container to position the container within the field of view of the imager for obtaining the sample image; and Performing image processing on the sample image to determine an indication of a biological characteristic associated with the biological sample; and A transceiver circuit, which is configured to transmit the indication of the biological characteristic to an interface device located outside the incubator.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, which comprises at least one of a container transporter or an imager transporter, the container transporter or the imager transporter being communicatively coupled to the processing circuit to move at least one of the imager or an individual biological sample container relative to the other.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, which comprises the container transporter, the container transporter comprising a robotic manipulator for retrieving the individual container and placing the container within the field of view of the imager.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2-3, which comprises the imager transporter, the imager transporter being configured to move the imager towards an individual one of the plurality of reservoirs.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, which comprises an illuminator, the illuminator comprising at least one of a broadband electromagnetic energy source or a tunable wavelength electromagnetic energy source, arranged to irradiate the individual biological sample container with electromagnetic energy.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein: The processing circuit is configured to generate a sequence of sample images captured at different times for the individual container; and The transceiver circuit is configured to transmit the sequence of sample images to a location outside the incubator for monitoring the individual biological sample.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the transceiver circuit comprises a wired connection circuit between the apparatus and a location outside the incubator for providing wired communication between the imager and a remote receiver.

8. A system for biological sample sensing within an incubator, the system comprising: An incubator, which comprises a sealed chamber isolated from the surrounding environment; And At least one imaging unit, which is arranged within the sealed chamber, and an individual imaging unit comprises: An imager, which is arranged to be placed within an incubator having one or more biological sample containers, for generating corresponding sample images of corresponding biological samples; A plurality of reservoirs, which are arranged to be placed within the incubator, and individual reservoirs are sized and shaped to receive individual ones of the containers; A processing circuit configured to control the imager to generate the sample image, comprising: Controlling at least one of the imager and the separate container to position the container in the field of view of the imager for obtaining the sample image; and Performing image processing on the sample image to determine an indication of a biological characteristic associated with the biological sample; and A transceiver circuit for transmitting the indication of the biological characteristic to an interface device located outside the incubator.

9. The system according to claim 8, comprising the separate container, wherein the separate container includes an electrochemical transducer for converting an electrical property indicative of a target gas composition corresponding to the biological sample into an electrical response signal.

10. The system according to any one of claims 8-9, comprising: An electrochemical transducer for converting an electrical property indicative of a target gas composition corresponding to the biological sample into an electrical response signal; and The separate container, wherein the separate container includes a port configured to communicatively couple with a reservoir of the electrochemical transducer.

11. The system according to any one of claims 8-10, comprising: An optical sensor for indicating an optical property of a target gas composition corresponding to the biological sample; and The separate container, wherein the separate container includes a port sized and shaped to fluidly connect with the optical sensor.

12. The system according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein the at least one imaging unit includes a plurality of imaging units arranged in the sealed chamber, the plurality of imaging units being configured to image each other simultaneously.

13. A device for biological sample sensing within an incubator, the device comprising: An imager arranged to be placed within an incubator having one or more biological sample containers for generating corresponding sample images of corresponding biological samples; A first sample stack defining a first plurality of reservoirs arranged to be placed within the incubator, individual reservoirs being sized and shaped to receive individual ones of the containers; A second sample stack defining a second plurality of reservoirs arranged to be placed within the incubator, individual reservoirs being sized and shaped to receive individual ones of the containers; and A processing circuit configured to: Place the imager and a first container received from the first plurality of reservoirs in communication with each other, the first container being configured to carry a first specific biological sample; and Place the imager and a second container received from the second plurality of reservoirs in communication with each other, the second container being configured to carry a second specific biological sample; and Use a sample image corresponding to at least one of the first container or the second container to determine an indication of a biological characteristic associated with the corresponding first specific biological sample or second specific biological sample; and A transceiver circuit for transmitting the indication of the biological characteristic to an interface device located outside the incubator.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, comprising at least one of a container transporter or an imager transporter, the container transporter or the imager transporter being communicatively coupled to the processing circuitry to move at least one of the imager or a separate biological sample container relative to the other.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, comprising the container transporter, the container transporter including a robotic manipulator for retrieving the separate container and placing the container in the field of view of the imager.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14-15, comprising the imager transporter, the imager transporter being configured to move the imager towards a separate reservoir of the plurality of reservoirs.

17. A method for performing biological sample sensing within an incubator, the method comprising: retrieving a separate biological sample container from a device defining a plurality of container reservoirs, the container being configured to carry a specific biological sample; placing the separate container in the field of view of an imager; generating a sample image via the imager, the sample image including image-readable features indicative of a biological characteristic associated with the specific biological sample carried by the container; analyzing the image-readable features using a processor to determine the biological characteristic associated with the specific biological sample; and transmitting a notification of the determined presence or growth to a location external to the incubator.

18. The method according to claim 17, comprising isolating the device within a culture environment and isolating it from the surrounding environment.

19. The method according to any one of claims 17-18, comprising culturing the separate biological sample while generating the sample image.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17-19, comprising electrochemically converting an electrical property indicative of a target gas composition of the specific biological sample into an electrical response signal while generating the sample image.

21. A system, comprising: a base; one or more biological sample chambers, the separate biological sample chambers being attachable to the base and individually controllable in temperature, and including at least one of the following: an intake port and an outlet port; a sensor for detecting the growth of a biological sample; an internal imager or an imaging port through which an external imager images within the separate sample chamber; an internal lighting device or a lighting port through which an external illuminator provides illumination; and processing circuitry for supplying ambient gas to the separate biological sample chambers.

Images