A biological sample liquid nitrogen tank storage management method and system based on a graphical model
By using a graphical model to display the internal structure of the liquid nitrogen tank and color-coding the status of the cryopreservation box, the problems of difficult positioning and inaccurate resource management in the existing system are solved, and efficient and visualized sample storage management is achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH HOSPITAL OF GUANGXI ZHUANG AUTONOMOUS REGION GUANGXI ZHUANG AUTONOMOUS REGION
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
Smart Images

Figure CN122177389A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of information management technology for biobanks, specifically relating to a method and system for storing and managing liquid nitrogen boxes for biological samples based on a graphical model. Background Technology
[0002] Biobanks, as crucial infrastructure for translational medicine and precision medicine, bear the core function of collecting, storing, and managing biological samples, which have irreplaceable value for scientific research and clinical treatment. To ensure the effective utilization of sample resources, biobanks must possess efficient storage and management capabilities. Liquid nitrogen tanks, as a novel storage medium, significantly increase sample storage capacity per unit area and drastically reduce long-term preservation costs by arranging multiple layers of baskets and cryopreservation boxes within a limited space. However, this high-density storage structure also brings new challenges: while dense sample storage is achieved within liquid nitrogen tanks, the complexity of inbound and outbound operations increases accordingly.
[0003] Currently, biobank management systems generally use tabular two-dimensional data models to record storage locations. This model has the following shortcomings in practical applications: First, tabular data cannot intuitively present the internal structure of liquid nitrogen tanks, such as their circular design and multi-layered basket layout, making it difficult for administrators to quickly locate target positions in physical space, resulting in poor spatial intuitiveness. Second, high-density storage makes the location numbering system complex, and errors in recording or human negligence can easily lead to discrepancies between the system-recorded locations and the actual storage locations, resulting in the loss or invalidation of valuable samples. Finally, existing systems cannot reflect the overall capacity occupancy of liquid nitrogen tanks and the usage status of each cryopreservation box in real time and visually, which not only affects the accuracy of inventory counting but also hinders subsequent space planning and resource optimization.
[0004] Therefore, to address the aforementioned technical issues, it is necessary to provide a method and system for storing and managing biological samples in liquid nitrogen boxes based on a graphical model.
[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and system for storing and managing biological samples in liquid nitrogen boxes based on a graphical model, which can solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, a specific embodiment of the present invention provides the following technical solution: A method for storing and managing biological samples in liquid nitrogen boxes based on a graphical model, comprising the following steps: S1. Obtain the configuration parameters of the liquid nitrogen tank, which include at least the internal structural specifications of the liquid nitrogen tank, the number of baskets, and the layout of the cryopreservation boxes in each basket; S2. Generate a graphical storage model of the liquid nitrogen tank according to the configuration parameters. The graphical storage model graphically displays the internal structure of the liquid nitrogen tank, including a circular tank, multiple baskets, and cryopreservation boxes in each basket. S3. Obtain the current sample storage status of each cryopreservation box, wherein the current sample storage status includes the number of samples stored or the occupancy rate; S4. Based on the current sample storage status, assign a corresponding color identifier to each cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model. The color identifier includes at least a first color indicating that no sample is stored, a second color indicating that the box is partially occupied, and a third color indicating that the box is fully occupied. S5. Receive the user's selection operation for a specific basket in the graphical storage model, and in response to the selection operation, display all cryopreservation boxes in the basket and their color codes. S6. Receive the user's selection operation for a specific cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model, and respond to the selection operation; S7. Based on the user's operation in the detailed interface, update the sample storage status of the corresponding cryopreservation box and simultaneously update the color identifier of the cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model.
[0008] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the step of obtaining the configuration parameters of the liquid nitrogen tank in S1 includes: reading the model information of the liquid nitrogen tank from the database, and querying a preset configuration table according to the model information to obtain the corresponding internal structure specifications, the number of baskets, and the layout of cryopreservation boxes in each basket.
[0009] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, obtaining the current sample storage status of each cryopreservation box in S3 is achieved by accessing the sample database in real time, querying the records of samples stored in each cryopreservation box, and calculating the occupancy rate.
[0010] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, in S4 the first color is gray, the second color is yellow, and the third color is red.
[0011] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, when displaying all cryopreservation boxes and their color markings in the basket as described in S5, the number and current occupancy rate of each cryopreservation box are also displayed simultaneously.
[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the detailed interface in S6 includes a gridded sample slot layout of the cryopreservation box, each sample slot displays its storage status, and provides a sample deposit button and a sample retrieval button. The sample deposit button is used to add a sample to an empty sample slot, and the sample retrieval button is used to retrieve a sample from an occupied sample slot.
[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, after the sample storage button is clicked, a sample information entry window pops up. The sample information entry window includes at least a sample number input box, a sample type selection box, and a storage date input box. After the user confirms, the input sample information is associated with the selected sample position and stored in the database, and the occupancy rate and color code of the cryopreservation box are updated at the same time.
[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, after updating the sample storage status of the corresponding cryopreservation box in S7, the method further includes recalculating the occupancy rate of the cryopreservation box, adjusting its color label according to the new occupancy rate, and updating the corresponding record in the database.
[0015] To achieve the above objectives, a specific embodiment of the present invention provides the following technical solution: A biological sample liquid nitrogen box storage and management system based on a graphical model includes: The parameter acquisition module is used to acquire the configuration parameters of the liquid nitrogen tank. The configuration parameters include at least the internal structural specifications of the liquid nitrogen tank, the number of baskets, and the layout of the cryopreservation boxes in each basket. The model generation module is used to generate a graphical storage model of the liquid nitrogen tank according to the configuration parameters. The graphical storage model graphically displays the internal structure of the liquid nitrogen tank, including a circular tank, multiple baskets, and cryopreservation boxes in each basket. The status acquisition module is used to acquire the current sample storage status of each cryopreservation box, which includes the number of samples stored or the occupancy rate. The display control module is used to assign a corresponding color identifier to each cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model according to the current sample storage status. The color identifier includes at least a first color indicating that no sample is stored, a second color indicating that the sample is partially occupied, and a third color indicating that the sample is fully occupied, and the color is output and displayed. An interactive response module is used to receive a user's selection operation on a specific basket in the graphical storage model, and in response to the selection operation, display all cryopreservation boxes in the basket and their color codes; and to receive a user's selection operation on a specific cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model, and in response to the selection operation, expand the detailed interface of the cryopreservation box, the detailed interface providing sample viewing and / or storage operation functions. The update module is used to update the sample storage status of the corresponding cryopreservation box according to the user's operation in the detailed interface, and trigger the display control module to synchronously update the color label of the cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model.
[0016] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a database module is further included for storing configuration parameters of the liquid nitrogen chamber, sample storage status of each cryopreservation box, and sample information; the parameter acquisition module, status acquisition module, and update module communicate with the database module to read or write data.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention include: The actual layout of the circular box, multi-layer baskets and cryopreservation boxes is reproduced in a graphical way, replacing the traditional tabular abstract data records. This allows administrators to intuitively match the system model with the physical space, quickly locate the target basket or cryopreservation box, greatly reduce operational errors caused by spatial perception bias, and significantly improve the positioning efficiency of sample entry and exit. By transforming the complex location numbering system into visual information, administrators can directly check the sample storage status through color and graphics, effectively avoiding the problem of inconsistency between the system record location and the actual storage location caused by human error or negligence. This ensures the accuracy of sample storage from an operational perspective and prevents precious biological samples from being lost or invalidated due to incorrect location. By dynamically updating the graphical model with color-coded labels, administrators can intuitively grasp the overall capacity occupancy of the liquid nitrogen tank and the usage status of each cryopreservation box. This not only improves the efficiency and accuracy of inventory counting but also provides visualized data support for subsequent sample storage space planning and resource allocation, maximizing the utilization of the high-density storage advantages of the liquid nitrogen tank and further reducing the overall cost of long-term sample preservation. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0019] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a biological sample liquid nitrogen box storage and management method based on a graphical model, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a biological sample liquid nitrogen box storage and management method based on a graphical model, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 3This is a flowchart of a biological sample liquid nitrogen box storage management system based on a graphical model, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0020] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this disclosure, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.
[0021] like Figures 1-2 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for storing and managing liquid nitrogen boxes for biological samples based on a graphical model. Through the design of configuration parameter acquisition, graphical model generation, storage status awareness, color-coded assignment, hierarchical interactive response, sample operation execution, and data synchronization updates, the method achieves visualized and precise management of liquid nitrogen boxes for biological samples. The specific steps are as follows: S1. Obtain the configuration parameters of the liquid nitrogen tank: The triggering conditions for this step are system initialization and startup, adding liquid nitrogen tank equipment to the management system, replacing the basket of an existing liquid nitrogen tank, adjusting the layout of cryopreservation boxes, resetting parameters after equipment maintenance, and other physical configuration changes. Input data is divided into two categories depending on the scenario: in the case of system initialization or adding equipment, it is the unique model identifier of the liquid nitrogen tank; in the case of configuration changes, it is the configuration adjustment commands and parameters manually entered by the administrator.
[0022] Specifically, parameter acquisition is achieved through a pre-set configuration database, with two scenarios to ensure accuracy and standardization: First, during system initialization or when adding new equipment, the liquid nitrogen tank model information is read simultaneously. This model information is uniquely associated with a pre-set standardized configuration table in the configuration database. The system accurately queries the configuration table based on the model information, directly extracting the corresponding internal structural specifications, the number of baskets, and the layout of cryopreservation boxes within each basket, eliminating the need for manual input and reducing operational errors. Second, when configuration changes occur, the administrator enters the adjusted configuration parameters through the system's operating terminal. The entered parameters are then validated for reasonableness, ensuring that the number of baskets does not exceed the liquid nitrogen tank's load-bearing capacity and that the cryopreservation box layout conforms to the physical size limitations of the baskets. Once the validation passes, the parameters are confirmed; otherwise, an error message pops up, requiring the administrator to re-enter the parameters.
[0023] Step S1 outputs complete and validated liquid nitrogen tank configuration parameters, including at least the internal structural specifications such as the diameter and height of the circular tank body, the number of basket installation layers, the total number of baskets, and the number of cryopreservation boxes in each basket, their arrangement matrix, and the total number of sample positions per box. The output configuration parameters are synchronously written to the configuration database for archiving, forming a unique configuration file for this liquid nitrogen tank. This file also serves as input data for step S2, used for model generation to ensure that the subsequent graphical model is consistent with the physical device.
[0024] S2. Generate a graphical storage model of the liquid nitrogen tank based on the configuration parameters: The input data includes the liquid nitrogen tank configuration parameters output in step S1, preset graphic rendering rules including size ratio, identification rules, layout rendering logic, and hierarchical display rules.
[0025] Based on vector graphics rendering technology, a graphical storage model of the liquid nitrogen tank is generated at a 1:1 physical scale, strictly reproducing the actual internal structure of the liquid nitrogen tank: A circular tank graphic is rendered according to the diameter and height ratio in the configuration parameters, and a unique equipment number and key dimensional parameters are labeled on the tank to ensure consistency with the physical liquid nitrogen tank size; according to the number of baskets and installation layers in the configuration parameters, the baskets are rendered in a ring-shaped layered manner within the circular tank, with each basket assigned a unique code, and the coding rules are uniform and traceable; according to the layout of the cryopreservation boxes in each basket, the cryopreservation boxes are rendered in a matrix form within the corresponding basket, with each cryopreservation box assigned a unique identifier, and the graphic size of the cryopreservation boxes is consistent with the actual cryopreservation box size ratio, allowing administrators to intuitively correspond to the physical equipment.
[0026] The output data of S2 is a graphical storage model that perfectly matches the physical structure of the liquid nitrogen tank. The model data includes the graphical coordinates, unique identifiers, hierarchical relationships, and basic dimensional information of the tank body, basket, and cryopreservation box. This graphical storage model is synchronously stored in the model database for easy retrieval and updates, and also serves as input data for subsequent steps.
[0027] S3. Obtain the current sample storage status for each cryopreservation box: This step is typically triggered manually by the user to refresh the inventory, or by the system periodically after a sample entry or exit operation is completed. Input data includes sample storage records for all cryopreservation boxes in the sample storage database, the total number of sample locations per box output in step S1, and the unique identifier of each cryopreservation box.
[0028] This step obtains the storage status by accessing the sample database in real time, ensuring the real-time nature and accuracy of the status data: The sample storage database is accessed in real time, and the stored sample records for each cryopreservation box are queried in batches by its unique identifier, and the number of stored samples is counted. The real-time occupancy rate of each cryopreservation box is calculated using the formula "Occupancy Rate = (Number of Stored Samples ÷ Total Number of Sample Positions per Box) × 100%". The calculated number of stored samples and occupancy rate are validated to ensure that the occupancy rate is between 0% and 100%, and that the number of stored samples does not exceed the total number of sample positions per box. If the validation fails, an error log is generated to alert the administrator to investigate data anomalies.
[0029] The output data of this step is a dataset of the current sample storage status for each cryovial. This dataset includes the cryovial's unique identifier, the number of samples stored, and the real-time occupancy rate. The storage status dataset is synchronously updated to the sample storage database, overwriting the original historical status data. It also serves as input data for step S4, being passed to the display control module to provide data for assigning color labels.
[0030] S4. Based on the current sample storage status, assign a corresponding color identifier to each cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model: After step S3 is completed, and the output storage state dataset passes the validity check with no abnormal data, the input data includes the graphical storage model output in step S2, the storage state dataset output in step S3, and the preset color mapping rules.
[0031] In step S3, each cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model is assigned a unique color identifier to visually distinguish its storage status. The color mapping rules are as follows: the first color (gray) corresponds to an occupancy rate of 0%, meaning the cryopreservation box does not contain any samples; the second color (yellow) corresponds to 0% < occupancy rate < 100%, meaning the cryopreservation box is partially occupied; and the third color (red) corresponds to an occupancy rate of 100%, meaning the cryopreservation box is fully occupied. The display control module matches the corresponding color identifier to the real-time occupancy rate of each cryopreservation box and assigns the color attribute to the corresponding cryopreservation box graphic in the graphical storage model. Simultaneously, in a prominent area of the graphical storage model, the overall occupancy rate of the liquid nitrogen tank (total number of samples stored in all cryopreservation boxes ÷ total number of sample positions in all cryopreservation boxes × 100%) is rendered in real-time, allowing administrators to quickly grasp the overall inventory status.
[0032] The output data of this step is a visual graphical storage model with color-coded labels and overall occupancy indicators. The color of each cryopreservation box corresponds one-to-one with its current storage status. This visual graphical storage model is pushed to the administrator's terminal display interface for viewing; simultaneously, the color-coded data of each cryopreservation box is synchronously written to the sample storage database and archived in association with the storage status of the corresponding cryopreservation box.
[0033] S5. Receive the user's selection operation for a specific basket in the graphical storage model, and in response to the selection operation, display all cryogenic boxes in the basket and their color codes: The administrator performs a selection operation on a specific basket through the visual graphical storage model interface on the operating terminal, and the operation is successfully recognized. It supports three interaction methods: mouse click, touchscreen touch, and keyboard shortcut selection, adapting to different operating scenarios. Input data includes the administrator's basket selection operation signal, the visual graphical storage model output in step S4, and the storage status dataset output in step S3.
[0034] Furthermore, this step is used to respond to user selection operations and achieve focused display of basket status: real-time monitoring of user operation signals; when a user selects a specific basket, the unique code of that basket is immediately locked to avoid false responses; the graphic data and cryopreservation box layout data of the basket are extracted from the visualized graphical storage model, and an independent display interface for the basket is generated in a "magnified focus" form; all cryopreservation boxes in the basket are restored according to the original matrix layout, and the color identifier of each cryopreservation box is retained; below each cryopreservation box graphic, the unique cryopreservation box number and the current real-time occupancy rate value are simultaneously marked, so that the administrator can quickly understand the specific usage status of each cryopreservation box in the basket.
[0035] The output data of this step is a focused display interface for a specific basket, including graphics, color codes, numbers, and occupancy values of all cryopreservation boxes within that basket. This focused display interface is pushed to the operating terminal, replacing the original overall visual graphical storage model interface. If the administrator performs a "back" operation, the interface immediately switches back to the overall visual model interface, ensuring smooth interaction.
[0036] S6. Receive the user's selection operation for a specific cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model, and in response to the selection operation, expand the detailed interface of the cryopreservation box: The administrator selects a specific cryopreservation box from the overall visual graphical storage model interface or the basket-focused display interface, and the selection is successfully recognized. Input data includes the administrator's cryopreservation box selection signal, the unique identifier of the selected cryopreservation box, and the full data of that cryopreservation box in the sample storage database.
[0037] Generate a detailed interface for the cryopreservation box, providing an interactive platform for sample storage and retrieval operations: Based on the unique identifier of the selected cryopreservation box, extract all data of the cryopreservation box from the sample storage database, including the total number of sample slots in a single box, the number of samples already stored, the storage status of each sample slot (empty / occupied), and the sample information corresponding to the occupied sample slot.
[0038] The detailed operation interface for generating cryopreservation boxes comprises three core areas: a gridded sample space area, an operation button area, and an information display area. The gridded sample space area renders a gridded graphic of all sample spaces according to the actual physical layout of the cryopreservation box. Each sample space is labeled with a unique location code; specifically, row labels are generally A~L, and column labels are generally 1~9, corresponding to a 9*9 cryopreservation box. The specifications of the cryopreservation box can be specifically set and are not uniformly defined. For example, "D / 7" represents the sample space in the 4th row and 7th column. Empty sample spaces are marked "empty," and occupied sample spaces are marked with the corresponding sample number, intuitively distinguishing the status of the sample spaces. The operation button area includes sample storage and sample retrieval buttons. The sample storage button is only clickable when there are empty sample spaces in the cryopreservation box, and the sample retrieval button is only clickable when there are occupied sample spaces in the cryopreservation box, avoiding invalid operations. The information display area shows the cryopreservation box's unique identifier, the total number of sample spaces in a single box, the number of samples stored, and the real-time occupancy rate, allowing administrators to quickly grasp the overall status of the cryopreservation box.
[0039] The output data of this step is a detailed operation interface for a specific cryopreservation box, including a gridded sample location layout, operation buttons, and basic information about the cryopreservation box. This detailed operation interface is pushed to the operation terminal, replacing the previous level interface; the status data of the operation buttons is synchronously cached, providing a basis for triggering operations in subsequent step S7.
[0040] S7. Based on the user's actions in the detailed interface, update the sample storage status of the corresponding cryopreservation box and simultaneously update the color identifier of the cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model: This step is triggered when the administrator completes the sample storage or retrieval operation in the cryopreservation box's detailed operation interface, clicks the "Confirm" button, and receives an operation confirmation instruction. Input data includes the administrator's operation type instruction, sample information, the unique code of the selected sample location, and the original storage status of the cryopreservation box in the sample storage database.
[0041] This process is divided into two core scenarios: sample storage and sample retrieval. Specifically, the sample storage operation is as follows: the administrator clicks the "Sample Storage" button on the detailed interface, and the system automatically pops up a sample information entry window; the administrator enters the sample information through the entry window, and after clicking "Confirm Storage," the system verifies the uniqueness of the sample number. If the verification passes, the entry window closes; if the verification fails, a prompt appears requesting correction. The update module associates the entered sample information with the selected empty sample location code and writes it to the sample storage database, establishing the association between sample information, sample location, and cryopreservation box.
[0042] The sample retrieval operation is as follows: The administrator selects the occupied sample slot in the detailed interface and clicks the sample retrieval button. The system pops up a retrieval confirmation window to remind the administrator to confirm the operation and avoid accidental operation. After the administrator clicks to confirm the retrieval, the update module deletes the sample information corresponding to the sample slot from the sample storage database, disconnects the association between the sample information, sample slot and cryopreservation box, and updates the number of samples stored in the cryopreservation box and the occupancy rate, and synchronously updates the corresponding record in the sample storage database.
[0043] Regardless of whether it's a sample storage or retrieval scenario, after updating the cryopreservation box's storage status, a graphical model synchronization update operation is immediately executed: based on the recalculated new occupancy rate, the color mapping rules from step S4 are matched, and the color identifier of the cryopreservation box is adjusted; the new storage status and the adjusted color identifier are synchronously written into the sample storage database, overwriting the original records to ensure data consistency; a model update command is sent to the display control module, triggering real-time rendering updates of the graphical storage model, including the overall visualization model, the focused display interface of the corresponding basket, and the detailed operation interface of the cryopreservation box, ensuring that the cryopreservation box status and color identifier in all interfaces are completely consistent with the actual storage status, forming a closed loop of operation, update, and visualization.
[0044] The output data of this step is the updated storage status of the cryopreservation box samples and a synchronously refreshed visual graphical storage model. The updated storage status data overwrites the original data in the sample storage database, and the refreshed graphical model is pushed to the operation terminal in real time. Administrators can intuitively see the status changes after the operation, ensuring that the operation is traceable and the status is monitorable.
[0045] The present invention provides a method for storing and managing biological samples in a liquid nitrogen box based on a graphical model, which has at least the following beneficial effects: By constructing a graphical storage model that matches the physical structure of the liquid nitrogen tank in a 1:1 ratio, the layout of the circular tank, multi-layer baskets, and cryopreservation boxes can be intuitively reproduced, replacing the traditional tabular data records. Administrators can quickly establish the correspondence between the virtual model and the physical equipment, greatly improving the efficiency of sample positioning and completely avoiding positioning errors caused by complex location coding. This solves the problem of poor spatial perception in existing technologies.
[0046] The system clearly defines the triggering conditions, input and output data, and data flow paths for the entire process from obtaining configuration parameters to updating the model. This transforms the ambiguous operation process into a standardized and traceable closed-loop system, solving the problems of data flow breaks and arbitrary operations in existing methods. It ensures that the system records are consistent with the actual sample storage status and avoids the loss or invalidation of valuable samples due to recording errors.
[0047] The interaction logic between users and the system is clearly defined, reducing the operational complexity for administrators and avoiding manual input errors. At the same time, the visual design of color-coded labels allows administrators to quickly distinguish the occupancy status of cryopreservation boxes, which is especially suitable for large-scale sample management scenarios in high-density liquid nitrogen boxes.
[0048] By acquiring and displaying the occupancy rate and color indicators of cryopreservation boxes in real time, administrators can quickly grasp the overall inventory status of liquid nitrogen tanks and individual boxes, providing accurate data support for sample storage planning, cryopreservation box allocation, and space expansion, thereby improving the resource utilization efficiency of the biobank and solving the deficiency of existing systems that cannot visualize inventory status in real time.
[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a biological sample liquid nitrogen box storage and management system based on a graphical model, comprising: Parameter Acquisition Module: This module acquires the configuration parameters of the liquid nitrogen tank, ensuring their accuracy, completeness, and standardization, providing a reliable basis for generating the graphical storage model. Triggering conditions for this module include system initialization, adding a new liquid nitrogen tank, replacing baskets in an existing liquid nitrogen tank, adjusting the cryopreservation box layout, and resetting parameters after equipment maintenance. During system initialization or adding a new device, the module automatically reads the unique model identifier of the liquid nitrogen tank. Through communication with the database module, it queries a pre-set standardized configuration table to accurately extract the internal structural specifications, number of baskets, and the layout of cryopreservation boxes within each basket of the corresponding liquid nitrogen tank. This eliminates the need for manual input, significantly reducing operational errors. In configuration change scenarios, the administrator manually enters the adjusted parameters through the operating terminal. The module verifies the reasonableness of the entered parameters, focusing on whether the number of baskets exceeds the tank's load-bearing capacity and whether the cryopreservation box layout conforms to the physical size limitations of the baskets. If the verification passes, the acquired parameters are confirmed and synchronously stored in the database module. If the verification fails, an error message pops up, reminding the administrator to re-enter the parameters to ensure compliance.
[0050] Model Generation Module: Based on the configuration parameters output by the parameter acquisition module, this module generates a graphical storage model that matches the physical structure of the liquid nitrogen tank at a 1:1 scale, providing a platform for subsequent visualization and user interaction. This module utilizes vector graphics rendering technology to strictly adhere to the dimensions specified in the configuration parameters, recreating the circular tank body, multi-layered baskets, and cryogenic container matrix layout of the liquid nitrogen tank. Each basket and cryogenic container is assigned a unique and traceable code and identifier to ensure accurate correspondence between the virtual model and the physical equipment. After model generation, the module synchronously stores the complete model data in the model storage unit of the database module for easy retrieval and updates. Simultaneously, it pushes the model data to the display control module, preparing for color label assignment.
[0051] Status Acquisition Module: This module acquires the current sample storage status of each cryopreservation box in real time, providing data support for the display control module to assign color identifiers and for the update module to update status. Triggering conditions for this module include user-manual inventory refresh, completion of sample inbound or outbound operations, and system-timed triggering. During operation, the module accesses the sample storage units in the database module in real time, batch queries stored sample records by cryopreservation box's unique identifier, counts the number of stored samples, and then calculates the real-time occupancy rate for each cryopreservation box using the formula: Occupancy Rate = (Number of Stored Samples ÷ Total Number of Sample Positions per Box) × 100%. Simultaneously, the module verifies the validity of the calculation results, ensuring the occupancy rate is between 0% and 100% and the number of stored samples does not exceed the total number of sample positions per box. If the verification fails, an error log is generated and pushed to the administrator terminal, prompting an investigation into data issues. Upon successful verification, a storage status dataset is generated, synchronously updated in the database, and transmitted to the display control module.
[0052] The display control module assigns color labels to cryovials based on their storage status, enabling visualization of the storage status and synchronously refreshing the model in response to update commands. After receiving the storage status dataset from the status acquisition module, this module assigns a corresponding color label to each cryovial in the graphical model according to a preset color mapping rule: gray corresponds to 0% occupancy (no samples stored), yellow corresponds to 0% < occupancy < 100% (partially occupied), and red corresponds to 100% occupancy (fully occupied). Simultaneously, the module renders the overall liquid nitrogen tank occupancy rate in a prominent area of the graphical model in real time, allowing administrators to quickly grasp the overall inventory status. The visualized model with color labels and overall occupancy rate annotations is then pushed to the operating terminal. Upon receiving a model update command from the update module, the module readjusts the color labels of the corresponding cryovials according to the updated storage status, synchronously refreshing the visualized model to ensure consistency between the model and the actual storage status.
[0053] Interactive Response Module: This module receives and responds to user selection operations, providing an interactive platform for sample storage and retrieval. It monitors administrator operations on the terminal in real time, supporting three interaction methods: mouse click, touchscreen, and keyboard shortcuts. Adapting to different operating scenarios, it accurately identifies basket and cryopreservation box selection operations, locking the unique identifier of the selected object to avoid false responses. When a basket selection operation is detected, the module extracts the graphic data of the basket and the layout data of the cryopreservation boxes, generating a magnified focused display interface that restores all cryopreservation boxes and color markings within the basket, and labels the cryopreservation box number and occupancy rate. When a cryopreservation box selection operation is detected, the module extracts all data for that cryopreservation box from the database, generating a detailed operation interface including a gridded sample location layout, sample operation buttons, and basic cryopreservation box information. The operation buttons have clickability settings based on the cryopreservation box status to avoid invalid operations, and the user's operation instructions are simultaneously transmitted to the update module.
[0054] Update Module: This module updates the sample storage status based on user actions and triggers model synchronization refresh to ensure data consistency with the model. Upon receiving sample storage or retrieval instructions from the interaction response module, this module executes the corresponding update operation: When storing a sample, it verifies the uniqueness of the sample number, associates the sample information with the selected sample position and writes it to the database, recalculates the cryopreservation box occupancy rate, and updates it; when retrieving a sample, it deletes the corresponding sample information, removes the association, recalculates the occupancy rate, and updates it. After the update is complete, the module sends a model update instruction to the display control module, transmitting the updated storage status data, triggering model synchronization refresh, and simultaneously triggering the status acquisition module to re-acquire the cryopreservation box status, forming a closed loop to ensure complete consistency between system records, database data, and the graphical model.
[0055] Database Module: As the system's data hub, its core function is to centrally store various types of data, supporting the collaborative work of all modules. This module is divided into configuration parameter storage units, sample storage units, model storage units, and log storage units. These respectively store the standardized configuration table and dedicated configuration files for the liquid nitrogen tank, sample information and storage status, graphical model data, and system operation and error logs. The module provides standardized data read / write interfaces for all functional modules, enabling correlated data storage and real-time synchronization. It also features data backup and recovery functions, regularly backing up data to prevent loss and ensuring the consistency, integrity, and traceability of system data, providing robust data support for the collaborative work of all modules.
[0056] Compared to existing biological sample liquid nitrogen box storage management systems, this system possesses significant technical advantages and practical value. Its core benefits are summarized as follows: Through modular and precise division and standardized interface design, the system clarifies the responsibilities of each module and forms a complete data flow loop, effectively solving the pain points of disorganized modules and broken data flow in existing systems, ensuring efficient collaborative operation of each module. Relying on a graphical storage model and color-coded visualization design, the system intuitively presents the internal structure of the liquid nitrogen box and the sample storage status, significantly improving sample location efficiency, reducing the complexity of administrator operations, and avoiding human error.
[0057] The database module enables centralized storage, synchronization, and secure backup of various types of data, ensuring the uniformity, integrity, and traceability of configuration parameters, sample information, storage status, and other data, thus preventing the loss of valuable samples due to data dispersion or asynchrony. Simultaneously, the system is adaptable to various operating scenarios, exhibiting strong versatility and flexibility to accommodate different models and configurations of liquid nitrogen boxes. It is particularly suitable for high-density sample storage management scenarios, providing precise data support for sample entry planning and cryopreservation box allocation, significantly improving the management efficiency and standardization of biobanks.
[0058] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this disclosure. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
[0059] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A method for storing and managing biological samples in a liquid nitrogen box based on a graphical model, characterized in that, Including the following steps: S1. Obtain the configuration parameters of the liquid nitrogen tank, which include at least the internal structural specifications of the liquid nitrogen tank, the number of baskets, and the layout of the cryopreservation boxes in each basket; S2. Generate a graphical storage model of the liquid nitrogen tank according to the configuration parameters. The graphical storage model graphically displays the internal structure of the liquid nitrogen tank, including a circular tank, multiple baskets, and cryopreservation boxes in each basket. S3. Obtain the current sample storage status of each cryopreservation box, wherein the current sample storage status includes the number of samples stored or the occupancy rate; S4. Based on the current sample storage status, assign a corresponding color identifier to each cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model. The color identifier includes at least a first color indicating that no sample is stored, a second color indicating that the box is partially occupied, and a third color indicating that the box is fully occupied. S5. Receive the user's selection operation for a specific basket in the graphical storage model, and in response to the selection operation, display all cryopreservation boxes in the basket and their color codes. S6. Receive the user's selection operation for a specific cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model, and respond to the selection operation; S7. Based on the user's operation in the detailed interface, update the sample storage status of the corresponding cryopreservation box and simultaneously update the color identifier of the cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model.
2. The method for storing and managing biological samples in a liquid nitrogen box based on a graphical model according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps in S1 to obtain the configuration parameters of the liquid nitrogen tank include: reading the model information of the liquid nitrogen tank from the database, and querying the preset configuration table according to the model information to obtain the corresponding internal structure specifications, number of baskets, and layout of cryopreservation boxes in each basket.
3. The method for storing and managing biological samples in a liquid nitrogen box based on a graphical model according to claim 1, characterized in that, The current sample storage status of each cryopreservation box described in S3 is obtained by accessing the sample database in real time, querying the records of samples stored in each cryopreservation box, and calculating the occupancy rate.
4. The method for storing and managing biological samples in a liquid nitrogen box based on a graphical model according to claim 1, characterized in that, In S4, the first color is gray, the second color is yellow, and the third color is red.
5. The method for storing and managing biological samples in a liquid nitrogen box based on a graphical model according to claim 1, characterized in that, When displaying all cryopreservation boxes and their color codes in the basket as described in S5, the number of each cryopreservation box and its current occupancy rate are also displayed simultaneously.
6. The method for storing and managing biological samples in a liquid nitrogen box based on a graphical model according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detailed interface described in S6 includes a gridded sample slot layout for the cryopreservation box. Each sample slot displays its storage status and provides a sample deposit button and a sample retrieval button. The sample deposit button is used to add a sample to an empty sample slot, and the sample retrieval button is used to retrieve a sample from an occupied sample slot.
7. The method for storing and managing biological samples in a liquid nitrogen box based on a graphical model according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the sample storage button is clicked, a sample information entry window pops up. The sample information entry window includes at least a sample number input box, a sample type selection box, and a storage date input box. After the user confirms, the entered sample information is associated with the selected sample location and stored in the database. At the same time, the occupancy rate and color code of the cryopreservation box are updated.
8. The method for storing and managing biological samples in a liquid nitrogen box based on a graphical model according to claim 1, characterized in that, After updating the sample storage status of the corresponding cryopreservation box as described in S7, the occupancy rate of the cryopreservation box is recalculated, its color label is adjusted according to the new occupancy rate, and the corresponding record in the database is updated.
9. A biological sample liquid nitrogen box storage and management system based on a graphical model, characterized in that, include: The parameter acquisition module is used to acquire the configuration parameters of the liquid nitrogen tank. The configuration parameters include at least the internal structural specifications of the liquid nitrogen tank, the number of baskets, and the layout of the cryopreservation boxes in each basket. The model generation module is used to generate a graphical storage model of the liquid nitrogen tank according to the configuration parameters. The graphical storage model graphically displays the internal structure of the liquid nitrogen tank, including a circular tank, multiple baskets, and cryopreservation boxes in each basket. The status acquisition module is used to acquire the current sample storage status of each cryopreservation box, which includes the number of samples stored or the occupancy rate. The display control module is used to assign a corresponding color identifier to each cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model according to the current sample storage status. The color identifier includes at least a first color indicating that no sample is stored, a second color indicating that the sample is partially occupied, and a third color indicating that the sample is fully occupied, and the color is output and displayed. An interactive response module is used to receive a user's selection operation on a specific basket in the graphical storage model, and in response to the selection operation, display all cryopreservation boxes in the basket and their color codes; and to receive a user's selection operation on a specific cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model, and in response to the selection operation, expand the detailed interface of the cryopreservation box, the detailed interface providing sample viewing and / or storage operation functions. The update module is used to update the sample storage status of the corresponding cryopreservation box according to the user's operation in the detailed interface, and trigger the display control module to synchronously update the color label of the cryopreservation box in the graphical storage model.
10. A biological sample liquid nitrogen storage and management system based on a graphical model according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a database module for storing configuration parameters of the liquid nitrogen chamber, sample storage status of each cryopreservation box, and sample information; the parameter acquisition module, status acquisition module, and update module communicate with the database module to read or write data.