Window Defogger for Sample Preparation Systems

Abstract

The sample preparation unit of the present invention discloses a system for acquiring image data of refrigerated materials. The system includes a material management unit with an imaging system. The material management unit further includes a refrigerated chamber in which material vials are stored. The imaging system includes a window positioned on a side of the material management unit, which separates an interior space of the refrigerated chamber from an exterior space of the material management unit. The imaging system further includes a camera positioned in the exterior space, which captures image data through the window. The window is heated along its side by a heating element that functions to prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the window.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application was filed as a PCT International Patent Application on December 2, 2022, and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 285,737, filed December 3, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 294,736, filed December 29, 2021, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. [Background technology]

[0002] (background) In some situations, when storing or preparing certain chemical or biological materials, the materials must be kept at specific temperatures. Depending on the material, these temperatures may be significantly colder than room temperature, in which case the materials must be kept refrigerated. Similarly, the materials may be light sensitive, in which case the materials must be shielded from harmful light sources. Refrigerated chambers are used to store these materials and shield them from external light sources. When materials are placed in the refrigerated chamber, it may be necessary to keep an accurate catalog or inventory of the materials stored therein. It is therefore desirable to have some way to quickly ascertain the identity of the materials stored within the refrigerated chamber. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] (Abstract) In general terms, the present disclosure refers to a material management unit and a method performed by the material management unit to obtain image data of the material stored therein. According to one possible configuration and non-limiting example, the material management unit stores a plurality of material storage vials at refrigerated temperatures. The material management unit includes a window through which a camera can capture image data of the interior space of the material management unit. A heating element is positioned along the edge of the window to heat the window and prevent condensation from forming on its exterior surface. Various embodiments are described in this disclosure, including but not limited to the following embodiments.

[0004] One aspect of the disclosure is a material management unit. The material management unit comprises a refrigerated chamber having an interior refrigerated space. The refrigerated space is maintained at a lower temperature than an exterior space outside the refrigerated chamber. The material management unit further comprises a window positioned on the material management unit, separating the exterior space from the refrigerated space. The window comprises a first surface exposed to the exterior space, a second surface exposed to the refrigerated space, and a third surface spanning between the first and second surfaces. The material management unit also includes a heating element configured to apply heat to the third surface of the window. The material management unit further includes a camera positioned in the exterior space and oriented to capture image data of the refrigerated space through the window.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a thermal window unit. The thermal window unit comprises a window having a first surface, a second surface, and an edge. The thermal window unit further comprises a heating element configured to apply heat to the edge of the window. The heating element is configured to heat at least one of the first surface and the second surface to at least 35 degrees Celsius.

[0006] A further aspect of the present disclosure is an imaging system comprising a window having a first surface, a second surface and an edge spanning between the first and second surfaces. The imaging system further comprises a camera having an imaging face oriented to capture image data through the first and second surfaces of the window. The imaging system also comprises a heating element configured to apply heat to the edge of the window.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosure is a sample preparation unit comprising a material management unit configured to store a plurality of material vials within a refrigerated interior space. The material management unit further comprises a material storage carousel configured to hold the plurality of material vials within the refrigerated interior space. The material management unit further comprises an imaging system. The imaging system comprises a window separating the refrigerated interior space from an exterior space of the material management unit and a camera positioned in the exterior space of the material management unit and configured to capture image data of the interior space through the window. The imaging system further comprises a heating element configured to apply heat to an edge of the window and a transfer station configured to access material stored within the plurality of material vials.

[0008] A further aspect of the present disclosure is a sample preparation unit comprising a refrigerated chamber having a window and a heating element coupled to the window.

[0009] Another aspect of the disclosure is a method of capturing an image, comprising positioning a camera outside a refrigerated chamber to capture an image of an interior space of the refrigerated chamber through a window. The refrigerated chamber comprises a window. The window further comprises a first surface of the window facing the exterior of the refrigerated chamber, a second surface of the window facing the interior of the refrigerated chamber, and a side surface of the window extending between the first surface of the window and the second surface of the window. The refrigerated chamber further comprises a heating element configured to apply heat to the side surface of the window. The method also includes operating the camera to capture the image.

[0010] A further aspect of the present disclosure is a method of reducing condensation accumulation on a window of a refrigerated chamber of a sample preparation unit, the window being positioned between an interior region and an exterior region of the refrigerated chamber, the method comprising applying heat to the window to reduce condensation accumulation on an exterior surface of the window.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of identifying a vial in a refrigerated chamber. The method includes applying heat to a window in the refrigerated chamber and capturing an image of at least a portion of the vial. The vial includes an identifier disposed on the vial, and the image is captured through the heated window. The method also includes identifying the vial using the identifier. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary sample preparation device.

[0013] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the exemplary sample preparation instrument of FIG. 1, depicting the hardware components of the sample preparation instrument.

[0014] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an exemplary temperature controlled material management unit in a closed configuration.

[0015] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary temperature controlled material management unit of FIG.

[0016] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is another front perspective view of the exemplary temperature controlled material management unit of FIG. 3 in an open configuration.

[0017] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary material storage carousel.

[0018] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary material storage carousel.

[0019] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary temperature controlled material management unit.

[0020] [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary temperature controlled material management unit of FIG.

[0021] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary carousel motor.

[0022] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary temperature controlled carousel housing module.

[0023] [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary temperature controlled carousel housing module of FIG.

[0024] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an example block diagram depicting connections between the controller, camera, light assembly and heating element.

[0025] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary window assembly.

[0026] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary thermal window.

[0027] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a thermal model of the exemplary thermal window of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] (Detailed Description) Various embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. Additionally, any examples described herein are not intended to be limiting, but merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

[0029] FIG. 1 is an exemplary sample preparation device. FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary sample preparation device 100. The sample preparation device 100 can be used to prepare a sample of a specimen for subsequent analysis, such as a flow cytometer panel. Exemplary specimens can include whole blood, bone marrow, dissociated tissue, peripheral mononuclear cells, fine needle aspirates, cerebrospinal fluid, and other single cell suspensions. As one example, a laboratory providing flow cytometer services receives a whole blood specimen to be prepared for a leukemia or lymphoma panel. Components of blood include plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. White blood cells or lymphoma affect white blood cells (e.g., causing abnormally high white blood cell counts), and therefore, subsets of white blood cells are the components of blood targeted for analysis in a leukemia or lymphoma panel. To prepare a sample of blood for a panel, a labeling reagent, such as an antibody reagent that attaches to white blood cells, is used to stain the blood. For example, about 100 μL of blood is stained with about 20 μL of antibody reagent and incubated for about 10 to 20 minutes. The antibody reagent can include a fluorescent dye, for example, which allows for analysis of white blood cells by a flow cytometer. In some examples, a cell wash is performed on the blood prior to adding the antibody reagent to remove plasma and associated proteins that interfere with the staining (e.g., leaving mainly red blood cells and white blood cells). A lytic reagent is then added to the sample and incubated to destroy the red blood cells. In some examples, other washes can be performed to slow the lytic activity to prevent destruction of white blood cells and / or to remove red blood cell debris. The sample can then be analyzed. For example, a leukemia or lymphoma panel can be performed by a flow cytometer.

[0030] Currently, to obtain the white blood cell concentration, the specimen is first sent to another laboratory, such as a hematology laboratory, prior to preparing the sample for the flow cytometer panel. Depending on how busy the hematology laboratory is and / or the method by which the hematology laboratory provides the results, it may take several hours to receive the concentration value. Alternatively, the concentration determination can be kept in-house if the laboratory has a separate hematology analyzer or uses microscopic techniques to determine the concentration. However, having a separate hematology analyzer can be costly as it is another piece of equipment that must be maintained that takes up valuable bench space, and using a microscope is time consuming and labor intensive. Additionally, in each of the methods described above, manual adjustments of the specimen volume for sample preparation are required based on the obtained white blood cell concentration, which is time consuming and prone to error.

[0031] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a more streamlined sample preparation process to overcome the above-discussed shortcomings of current systems and methods. For example, the sample preparation device 100 may include a cell concentration estimator integrated therein that estimates the white blood cell concentration in a specimen received for preparation. In one configuration, the amount of sample of the specimen to be prepared (e.g., also referred to as the "sample volume of the specimen") is determined based on the estimated white blood cell concentration. Then, a sample comprising the specimen and the determined sample volume of one or more other reagents, such as a labeling reagent, a lysis reagent, and / or a buffer, is automatically prepared or processed. By integrating the cell concentration estimator within the sample preparation device 100, an estimation of the white blood cell concentration can be made in a timely manner and without the need to maintain and make space for additional equipment. Additionally, the sample volume of the specimen is automatically adjusted within the sample preparation device 100, preventing unnecessary errors caused by manual adjustments.

[0032] Figure 2 depicts the hardware components of the exemplary sample preparation unit of Figure 1. In some embodiments, the sample preparation unit includes a cell concentration estimator, a reagent station, a reaction station, a lysis station, a transfer station 112 with one or more probes 114, a computing device with memory and at least one processing device, a touch display, an input station, a single tube loader, a cell washer, a temperature controlled material management unit 130 in the reagent station and a dry reagent carousel, a bead mixer, a plate mixer in the reaction station, a probe wash station, and an output station.

[0033] The probe 114 of the transfer station 112 can aspirate, transport, and dispense various materials between components of the sample preparation instrument 100. The materials can include specimens, labeling reagents, lysis reagents, dilution reagents, and buffers, among other examples. The probe 114 can penetrate and aspirate materials within capped or sealed tubes, vials, cartridges, bottles, or other similar containers, or can be inserted into open-top tubes, vials, cartridges, bottles, or other similar open-top containers. In some examples, the probe is inserted into a vial contained within the temperature-controlled material management unit 130.

[0034] 3 is a front perspective view of an exemplary temperature controlled material management unit 130 in a closed configuration. In some examples, the temperature controlled material management unit includes a temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 and a low refrigeration unit 134. The temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 is positioned on top of the low refrigeration unit 134. The low refrigeration unit 134 houses refrigeration components such as a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary temperature controlled material management unit 130 of FIG. 3. In the example of FIG. 4, the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 includes two fans 138a, 138b, which are energized to blow air into or out of the interior space 136 of the temperature controlled carousel housing module. Using the first fan 138a, cool air 140a is blown into the interior of the temperature controlled carousel housing module. At the same time, the second fan 138b acts to blow warm air 140b out of the interior of the temperature controlled carousel housing module. As noted above, the low refrigeration unit 134 houses the refrigeration components 135, which in some examples include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The refrigeration components 135 of the low refrigeration unit 134 operate to cool the warm air 140b and produce cooler cool air 140a.

[0036] 5 is another front perspective view of the exemplary temperature controlled material management unit of FIG. 3 in an open configuration. As shown, the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 of the temperature controlled material management unit 130 includes a lid 142, a housing 144, an electronic component housing 146, and a material storage carousel 148. The lid 142 of the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 can be opened by a user to provide access to the material storage carousel 148. The temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 further includes a base plate 150 and a pair of mounting handles 152. The base plate 150 serves as a support surface for the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 while simultaneously serving as a cover for the low refrigeration unit 134 when the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 is mounted on its upper side. The mounting handle 152 allows a user to remove the temperature control carousel housing module 132 from the low refrigeration unit 134 when installing or disassembling the sample preparation instrument 100 or when servicing components of the low refrigeration unit 134 or the temperature control carousel housing module 132.

[0037] In some examples, the low refrigeration unit 134 includes a controller 154. The controller 154 functions to regulate the operation of the low refrigeration unit 134 such that the temperature of the temperature controlled material management unit 130 is maintained stable. In some examples, the controller 154 operates to maintain the temperature of the temperature controlled material management unit 130 between about 2° C. and about 8° C.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary material storage carousel 148. The material storage carousel 148 includes a frame 156 having a first material storage level 158 and a second material storage level 160, an alignment pinhole 161, and a bar code 163. In some embodiments, the frame 156 of the material storage carousel 148 is aluminum, but the frame 156 can also be made from a plastic material such as ABS or Delrin. The material storage levels 158, 160 include multiple material storage compartments 164 around their perimeter. In some examples, such as the example of FIG. 6, the material storage carousel includes 53 equally sized material storage compartments 164. The material storage compartments 164 are sized to allow material vials 162 to be inserted therein.

[0039] In some examples, the material vials 162 are filled with a liquid labeling reagent. Different types of material vials 162 can also be positioned in the material storage carousel 148. For example, a material vial 162 with a flat bottom needs to be positioned at an angle, next to a material vial 162 with a V-shaped bottom needs to be positioned vertically. In some examples, when the material vials 162 are stored at an angle in the material storage carousel 148, the bottom of the material vial 162 is oriented toward the outer edge of the material storage carousel 148, while the cap of the material vial 162 is oriented toward the center of the material storage carousel 148.

[0040] In some instances, the material stored in material vial 162 is a light-sensitive material, such as, for example, a liquid labeling reagent. In these cases, it may be desirable to use an opaque material vial that limits light transmission through the body of the vial.

[0041] In some examples, the material vials 162 have penetrable caps. The lid 142 of the temperature-controlled carousel housing module 132 includes two openings that align with the caps of the material vials 162 stored in the material storage levels 158, 160 of the material storage carousel 148. In this case, the probe 114 of the transfer station 112 can enter the temperature-controlled carousel housing module 132 through one of the openings to penetrate the cap of the material vial 162 positioned in the temperature-controlled carousel housing module 132 in alignment with the opening. The probe 114 can transfer liquid labeling reagent from the material vial 162 to other stations or components in the sample preparation device 100.

[0042] The material storage carousel 148 can be removed from or placed into the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 by a user. The user can access the material storage carousel 148, for example, by opening the lid 142 of the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132. In this manner, the sorting of material vials 162 contained within the interior space 136 of the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 can be replaced by the user.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary material storage carousel 148. As in the example of FIG. 6, the material storage carousel 148 includes 53 material storage compartments 164. However, in the example of FIG. 7, 10 of the 53 material storage compartments 164 on the second material storage level 160 are sized to accommodate alternative sized material vials 162. In other examples, a different number of material storage compartments 164 are included on the material storage carousel 148. In some examples, the material storage carousel barcode 163 provides identification information about what type of material storage carousel 148 is being used in the temperature controlled material management unit 130. For example, the barcode 163 can be scanned by the temperature controlled material management unit 130, allowing it to determine whether the material storage carousel 148 of FIG. 6 or the material storage carousel 148 of FIG. 7 is being used.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary temperature-controlled material management unit 130. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary temperature-controlled material management unit 130. As seen in the examples of FIGS. 8 and 9, the temperature-controlled material management unit 130 further includes a receiving hole 165 and an alignment block 167. As depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the alignment block 167 includes two probe holes 169a, 169b, each of which is intended to align with the cap of the material vial 162 to facilitate access to the cap by the probe 114 of the transfer station 112. The alignment block 167 is configured to be placed in the receiving hole 165 of the temperature-controlled material management unit 130, and its position in the receiving hole 165 is adjustable to account for variations in the position of the material storage carousel 148. To adjust the position of the alignment block 167, a user can insert an alignment probe 171 into one of the probe holes 169a, 169b. The user may then move the position of the alignment block 167 until the alignment probe 171 fits into the pinhole 161 in the material storage carousel 148. Once the user has aligned the alignment block 167 according to this process, the user may lock the alignment block 167 by tightening a pair of screws on the alignment block 167.

[0045] 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary carousel motor 159. In some embodiments, the drive shaft 166 of the carousel motor 159 is directly coupled to the material storage carousel 148 and operates to rotate the material storage carousel 148. A hub adapter 173 is positioned about the drive shaft 166 to facilitate coupling of the drive shaft 166 with a mating surface of the material storage carousel 148. In some embodiments, the carousel motor 159 is driven by a power source via a motor lead 168. The carousel motor 159 can also be coupled to a high resolution encoder 170. The encoder 170 sends a signal to a controller communicating the angular position of the motor drive shaft 166, which rotates the material storage carousel 148 a precise, predefined amount. In some embodiments, the carousel motor 159 is a NEMA 23 stepper motor.

[0046] 11 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary temperature control carousel housing module 132. As depicted in FIG.

[0047] The hinge assembly 174 includes a pair of springs 176 connected to a hinge pin 178, which is held at an offset distance from a surface of the lid 142. Because the hinge pin 178 is held at an offset distance from a surface of the lid 142, depending on its position, the lid 142 can be biased by the springs 176 into an open or closed position. For example, when the lid 142 is in a mostly open position, the springs 176 function to provide an opening force to the lid 142. Similarly, when the lid 142 is in a mostly closed position, the springs 176 function to provide a closing force to the lid 142.

[0048] The imaging system 200 functions to capture an image of the bar code affixed to the material vial 162 and is described in more detail in FIG.

[0049] 12 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 of FIG. 5. As previously mentioned, the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 includes a housing 144, a lid 142, an interior space 136, a material storage carousel 148, and a material vial 162. The temperature controlled carousel housing module further includes an access port 180 and an imaging system 200. In some examples, the housing 144 includes a layer of integral skin insulating foam that provides insulation to the housing 144. Similarly, in some examples, the lid 142 includes a layer of integral skin insulating foam that provides insulation to the lid 142. Due to the insulation provided by the housing 144 and the lid 142, the interior space 136 of the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 can be kept at a refrigerated temperature to ensure the quality of the materials stored in the material vials 162.

[0050] In some examples, the access port 180 is formed through the lid 142. The access port 180 provides access to the interior space 136 of the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132. In some embodiments, the access port 180 is blocked by an insulating insert or lid when not in use. Blocking the access port 180 with insulating material further enhances the ability of the temperature controlled material management unit 130 to maintain the refrigerated temperature within the interior space 136 and ensure the quality of the material stored within the material vial 162.

[0051] As noted above, the material vial 162 can take different shapes and can be used with different types of caps. In some examples, the material vial 162 also includes a label 182. In some examples, the label 182 is affixed to the side of the material vial 162 by an adhesive. The label 182 includes various identifying information about the material stored in the material vial 162. In some examples, the label 182 includes a barcode that encodes the identifying information. In some examples, the barcode is a 1D barcode or a 2D barcode, such as a Data Matrix or QR Code. When placed in the material storage carousel 148, the material vial 162 is oriented such that the label 182 faces away from the center of the material storage carousel 148. In this orientation, the label 182 of the material vial 162 is visible when the material vial 162 is stored on the material storage carousel 148. In some examples, the material vial 162 is configured to store a light-sensitive material, such as a labeling reagent or an antibody reagent. In this configuration, the material vial 162 is made from an opaque material that serves to shield the photosensitive material from the light source on the outside of the material vial 162 .

[0052] In some examples, the imaging system 200 includes a camera assembly 202, a window assembly 204, a light assembly 206, and a controller 208 (not shown in FIG. 12 ). In some examples, the imaging system 200 functions to enable the temperature controlled material management unit 130 to capture and store images of barcode labels on material vials 162 stored within the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132. By capturing images of barcode labels 182 on the material vials, the temperature controlled material management unit 130 can initialize itself based on the material vials 162 stored within the material storage carousel 148. The images of the barcode labels 182 are captured, for example, after a user closes the lid 142 of the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 or before the probe 114 accesses the material stored within the material vial 162. By capturing images of the barcode labels 182 on the material vials, the temperature controlled material management unit 130 can verify the identity of the material stored therein.

[0053] Generally speaking, the controller 208 sends a signal to the camera assembly 202 to take an image of the bar code label 182 on the material vial 162. The camera assembly 202 captures an image of the interior space 136 of the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 through a window assembly 204. The controller 208 simultaneously activates a light assembly 206 that illuminates the interior space 136 of the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 to facilitate image acquisition by the camera assembly 202. The controller 208 is discussed in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0054] The camera assembly 202 includes a camera 210 and a mounting bracket 212. In some examples, the camera 210 includes electrical leads 214 that facilitate communication with the controller 208 or provide power to the camera 210. In other examples, the camera 210 is wirelessly connected or battery powered. In some examples, the camera 210 is a digital camera, while in other examples, the camera 210 is a barcode scanner. Generally, the camera 210 includes an imaging surface, which in this case is a camera lens, and in other examples includes a laser beam and photodiode barcode scanning system. Images are captured by the camera 210 generally at an orientation perpendicular to a plane defined by the imaging surface. In some examples, the camera is mounted with a mounting bracket 212. The mounting bracket 212 is connected to the temperature control carousel housing module 132 and in some examples is adjustable so that a user may adjust the orientation of the camera 210 so that the imaging surface points toward a desired imaging target. In some examples, the imaging target is a barcode label 182 on a material vial 162 in the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132. As described above with reference to FIG. 6, in some examples, the material vial 162 is held at an angle on the material storage carousel 148. The mounting bracket 212 allows a user to adjust the angle of the camera 210 so that the angle of the imaging plane approximates the angle at which the material vial 162 is held by the material storage carousel 148. By matching the angle of the material vial 162, the user can enhance the quality of the barcode label 182 captured by the camera 210.

[0055] The light assembly 206 functions to provide light to an image target to assist the imaging system 200 in capturing an image. In some examples, the light assembly 206 is positioned within the interior space 136 of the temperature control carousel housing module 132. In some examples, the light assembly 206 includes an electrical lead portion 216, a connector 218, a circuit board 220, a plurality of light sources 222, and a thermal insulation portion 224. The electrical lead portion 216 is configured to carry electrical signals from the controller 208 to the circuit board 220 and is connected to the circuit board 220 by the connector 218. In some embodiments, the controller 208 is located outside the interior space 136 of the temperature control carousel housing module 132, and the electrical lead portion 216 carries electrical signals from the controller 208 into the interior space 136 by passing through the access port 180 to deliver them to the circuit board 220 located within the interior space 136. The circuit board 220 transmits electrical signals to the light sources 222, which light up upon receiving the electrical signals. In some embodiments, the light source 222 includes one or more white LEDs. In some embodiments, the light source 222 is connected to the circuit board 220 and positioned above each material storage level 158, 160 to illuminate material vials 162 positioned below the light source.

[0056] In some examples, the light assembly illuminates the material vial for a short, predetermined period of time. This type of illumination may be desirable, for example, when storing light-sensitive material within the interior space of the temperature-controlled carousel housing module. When limiting illumination in this manner, the controller signals the light assembly to illuminate the material vial only when an image acquisition process is in progress. In this manner, the amount of light provided within the interior space is limited to reduce the amount of light exposure felt by the light-sensitive material.

[0057] The window assembly 204 includes a window frame 226, a window mounting screw 228, and a thermal window 230. The thermal window includes a window 232 and a heating element 234. In some examples, the heating element 234 functions to provide heat to the window 232 and includes electrical leads that connect with the controller 208 and provide power to the heating element 234. In some embodiments, the heating element 234 is attached to the side of the window 232 and provides heat to the side of the window 232, as depicted in FIG. 12. The window 232 is held in place by the window frame 226. The window frame engages an opening in the housing 144 and is sized to receive the thermal window 230. The window frame 226 also includes two tapped holes into which the window mounting screws 228 are threaded. The tapped holes are positioned adjacent to the thermal window 230 such that the heads of the window mounting screws 228 overlap the edges of the thermal window 230 and hold the thermal window 230 in place. In some examples, the window frame 226 includes two tapped holes and two mounting screws 228, while in other embodiments the window frame 226 includes more or less tapped holes and mounting screws 228. The window assembly 204 is discussed in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0058] As noted above, when the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 is in use, the interior space 136 is maintained at a refrigerated temperature. In some instances, the interior space 136 is maintained at a temperature between about 2° C. and about 8° C. A temperature as low as that within the interior space 136 can cause performance issues for the camera 210. For this reason, it can be useful to remove the camera 210 from the interior space 136 and capture an image of the interior space 136 through the window 232. While this configuration preserves the functionality of the camera 210, problems can arise when attempting to obtain an image through the window 232. For example, a temperature difference between the interior space 136 and the ambient conditions outside the temperature controlled carousel housing module 132 can cause condensation to form on the exterior surface of the window 232. In some cases, the condensation can distort the captured image, preventing the imaging system 200 from reading the barcode label 182. Similarly, reflections from the surface of the window 232 during the image acquisition process can obscure the image of the barcode label 182. The adaptation of imaging system 200 to address these functional issues will be discussed in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0059] FIG. 13 is an exemplary block diagram depicting the connections between the controller 208, the camera 210, the light assembly 206, and the heating element 234. As depicted in the example of FIG. 10, the controller 208 is separately connected to each of the camera 210, the light assembly 206, and the heating element 234. However, in some examples, the controller 208 is connected to additional components within the temperature controlled material management unit 130, such as the refrigeration component 135 or the motor 159. Alternatively, in other examples, the controller 208 is connected to fewer components, in which case the components are not powered by the controller 208, but instead are directly connected to a power source. Although the controller 208 is referred to and depicted in a singular sense, in some embodiments the controller 208 includes multiple separate controllers 208, in which case various components within the temperature controlled material management unit 130 can be connected to separate controllers 208. Additionally, in other examples, the controller 208 may be a master system controller 208 of the sample preparation instrument 100, which controls the operation of many different components within the sample preparation instrument 100. Likewise, the controllers 208 connected to the individual system components may also be connected to the master system controller 208 of the sample preparation instrument 100, in which case the master system controller 208 operates to control the operation of the individual component controllers 208.

[0060] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example window assembly 204. As noted above, with reference to FIG. 12, the window assembly 204 includes a window frame 226, a window mounting screw 228 (not shown in FIG. 14), and a thermal window 230. The window frame 226 and the window mounting screw 228 hold the thermal window in position on the housing of the temperature control carousel housing module 132. The thermal window 230 includes a window 232 and a heating element 234. In some examples, the heating element 234 functions to provide heat to the window 232 and includes electrical leads 236 that connect with the controller 208 and provide power to the heating element 234.

[0061] In some examples, the window 232 is a glass window or more specifically a borosilicate glass made from H-K9L type material. The window 232 can be of various shapes and sizes. In some examples, the window 232 is rectangular and has a length of 76.2 mm, a width of 25.4 mm, and a thickness of 16.0 mm. In this example, the window 232 includes six surfaces. One surface having a length of 76.2 mm and a width of 25.4 mm is an interior surface, one surface having a length of 76.2 mm and a width of 25.4 mm is an exterior surface, one surface having a length of 76.2 mm and a width of 16.00 mm is a left surface, one surface having a length of 76.2 mm and a width of 16.00 mm is a right surface, one surface having a length of 25.4 mm and a width of 16.00 mm is a top surface, and one surface having a length of 25.4 mm and a width of 16.00 mm is a bottom surface. The window can be treated in a variety of different ways. In some instances, the side surfaces of the window are finely or coarsely polished to facilitate adhesion with the adhesive material. Similarly, in some instances, the edges of the window are beveled or chamfered.

[0062] As noted above, problems related to reflections at the window 232 may arise during the image acquisition process. In some examples, coatings are applied to the surfaces of the window 232 to mitigate these problems. A variety of coatings may be applied to the surfaces of the window 232. Exemplary coatings include anti-reflective coatings such as single layer anti-reflective coatings, multi-layer broadband anti-reflective coatings, V-coat anti-reflective coatings, and dual band anti-reflective coatings. In some examples, coatings are applied to multiple surfaces of the window 232, while in other examples, coatings are applied only to the interior or exterior surfaces of the window 232. In other examples, a separate opaque coating is applied to the window to limit light transmitted from outside the temperature control material management unit through the window. These coatings may be desirable, for example, when storing light-sensitive materials within the interior of the temperature control carousel housing module 132. Opaque coatings as well as anti-reflective coatings can be applied to various surfaces of the window 232. In some examples, opaque coatings are applied only to the interior or exterior surfaces of the window 232.

[0063] Similarly, as noted above, condensation may appear on the window 232 and distort the images captured by the imaging system 200. In some embodiments, condensation occurs due to temperature differences on each side of the window 232. For example, when the interior space 136 is kept at a temperature sufficiently low relative to the ambient laboratory temperature, the temperature of the window 232 decreases. In addition, the temperature of the space exterior to the window 232 may be at a lower temperature than the ambient laboratory temperature. If the temperature of the space exterior to the window 232 is sufficiently low relative to the ambient laboratory temperature, and if the laboratory has a sufficiently high humidity level, condensation will tend to appear on the exterior surface of the window 232. In some examples, a heating element 234 is used in conjunction with the window 232 to counteract these phenomena. Additional explanation of how the heating element functions to mitigate problems related to window condensation is provided with reference to FIG. 16.

[0064] The heating element 234 can be, for example, a resistive wire heating element, a ceramic or semiconductor heating element, a thick film heating element, a polymer PTC heating element, a composite heating element, or a combination heating element. In some examples, the heating element is a resistive heating strip. The resistive heating strip 234 includes one or more electrical leads 236 and an adhesive. The electrical leads 236 operate to transmit power from a power source to the resistive heating strip 234. In some examples, the electrical leads 236 are connected to the controller 208, which selectively applies power to the heating strip 234 through the electrical leads 236. When power is applied, resistors in the heating strip 234 generate heat, which causes the heating strip 234 to generate heat along its length. In some examples, 24 volts of electricity are provided to the heating strip 234 by the power source. In some examples, the heating strips 234 are constantly powered and each produces approximately 1.37 watts of heat. Adhesive is applied to one or more sides of the heating strip 234 to secure the heating strip 234 to, for example, the window 232. The heating strip 234 can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, in some examples, the heating strip 234 is rectangular and approximately the same size as the cross section of the window 232.

[0065] The heating strips 234 can be applied to the window 232 in different configurations. For example, multiple heating strips 234 can be applied to the window 232 to heat the window 232 at various locations. In some examples, the heating strips 234 are applied only to the sides of the window 232. In other examples, two heating strips 234 are applied to the window 232, such as the example of FIG. 10. In this example, a heating strip 234 is applied to each of the left and right surfaces of the window 232.

[0066] As noted above, the window frame 226 holds the thermal window 230 in place. The window frame 226 includes an engagement portion 238 that engages with an opening in the housing 144. In some examples, the engagement portion 238 of the window frame 226 is press-fit into an opening in the housing 144 of the temperature control carousel housing module 132, while in other examples, the window frame 226 is glued or fastened in place. The window frame 226 also includes an opening 240 into which the thermal window 230 is placed. In some examples, the opening 240 is sized to accommodate a press fit of the thermal window 230 into the opening 240, while in other examples, the thermal window 230 is held in place by a window mounting screw 228 that screws into a tapped hole. In some examples, the window 232 is held in place by a combination of a press fit and the window mounting screw 228. In some cases, a user may wish to remove the thermal window 230 from the window frame 226. This situation may arise, for example, when a part of the thermal window 230 breaks. In some embodiments, a user may remove the thermal window 230 as a unit from the window frame 226. To remove the thermal window 230, a user removes the window mounting screws 228 such that the window 232 loosens within the window frame 226. Thus, the thermal window 230, including the window 232 and the heating element 234, can be removed as a single unit.

[0067] In some examples, the opening in the window frame 226 is sized to closely match the dimensions of the window 232. However, in other examples, the opening 240 is sized to accommodate the heating element 234 of the thermal window 230. In the example of FIG. 10, the opening 240 is sized to match the length dimension of the window 232, but is oversized toward the width of the window 232 to accommodate the heating element 234 on the left and right sides of the window 232. Similarly, in some embodiments, the window frame 226 includes cutouts 242 to accommodate the routing of the electrical leads 236 of the heating element 234 outside of the window frame 226. In the example of FIG. 10, the cutouts 242 are located on the window frame 226 adjacent where the opening 240 contacts the upper surface of the window 232. In other embodiments, the cutouts 242 are placed elsewhere on the window frame 226 to accommodate various configurations of the electrical leads 236.

[0068] The window frame 226 can be made from a variety of materials. In some examples, the window frame 226 is made from aluminum or a composite material. In other examples, the window frame 226 is made from a plastic material, such as ABS, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, or Delrin.

[0069] As noted above, problems related to reflections at the window 232 may arise during the image acquisition process. In some examples, these problems are further mitigated by positioning the window 232 at an angle relative to the vertical wall of the housing 144 of the temperature control carousel housing module 132. In the example of FIG. 10, the window frame 226 is configured to position the window 232 at a downward angle such that the exterior surface of the window 232 faces downward, away from the temperature control carousel housing module 132, toward the low refrigeration unit 134. By varying the angle of the window 232, reflections created by the window 232 can be adjusted so as not to interfere with the image acquisition process. In some examples, the window is held at an angle between 1° and 45° from the vertical position. In other examples, the window is held at an angle of 17° + / - 5° from the vertical position. In some embodiments, both the camera and the window are held at an angle from the vertical position. In some examples, the camera is held at an angle between 1° and 45° from the vertical position. In other examples, the camera is held at an angle of 13° + / - 3° from the vertical. In some examples, the camera angle is held at a smaller angle from the vertical than the window. By adjusting the camera and window angles, the user can reduce the effect of window reflections on the quality of the captured image.

[0070] Figure 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary thermal window 230. As described above, in some examples, such as the example of Figure 14, the thermal window 230 includes a pair of heat generating strips 234 provided on the left and right surfaces of the window 232. As seen in the example of Figure 10, the heat generating strips 234 cover almost the entire surface of the left and right surfaces of the window 232.

[0071] 16A and 16B are representations of temperatures on and within the exemplary thermal window 230 of FIG. 15. FIG. 16A depicts a graphical representation of the temperature along the width of the exterior surface of the thermal window 230 between the heating strips 234 when used in conjunction with a temperature control material management unit 130. FIG. 16B provides an exemplary visual representation of the temperature distribution on the surface of the thermal window when used in conjunction with a temperature control material management unit 130. The exemplary visual representation of FIG. 16B corresponds to the same exemplary situation as the graphical representation of FIG. 16A. As noted by reference numeral 302 on FIGS. 16A and 16B, the edge 302 of the exterior surface of the thermal window 230 is maintained at a temperature of approximately 42.433° C. Moving from the edge 302 of the exterior surface of the thermal window to the middle 304 of the exterior surface, the temperature of the thermal window steadily decreases. In some examples, the middle 304 of the exterior surface of the thermal window 230 is the coldest point on the exterior surface of the thermal window 230, reaching approximately 35.2° C., as noted by reference number 304. The coldest point on the thermal window 230 is generally located on the interior surface of the thermal window. In some examples, the middle 306 of the interior surface of the thermal window 230 is the coldest point on the thermal window 230. In some examples, the middle 306 of the interior surface of the thermal window is approximately 25.656° C., as noted by reference number 306. As depicted in FIG. 16A, all points on the exterior surface of the thermal window 230 are kept at a temperature higher than 35° C. The interior surface of the thermal window 230 is subjected to the refrigerated temperature of the interior space 136, but the heating elements 234 provided on the left and right sides of the thermal window 230 neutralize the cooling effect of the interior space 136 on the window 232 by applying heat to the window 232. In some examples, such as the example of Figures 16A and 16B, the heating element 234 provides enough heat to the window 232 so that all points on the exterior surface of the thermal window 230 are kept at a high enough temperature to prevent condensation from forming thereon. In some examples, in laboratory conditions of 22°C and 60% relative humidity, the dew point temperature is about 13.9°C. In other examples, in laboratory conditions of 30°C and 90% relative humidity, the dew point temperature is about 28°C. In the example of Figures 16A and 16B, the exterior surface of the thermal window 230 is kept at a high enough temperature in either case so that it does not drop below the dew point temperature.

[0072] The present disclosure should be understood to include, by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, the subject matter set forth in the following numbered passages:

[0073] Clause 1: A material management unit, said material management unit comprising: a refrigerated chamber having an interior refrigerated space, the interior refrigerated space being maintained at a lower temperature than an exterior space outside the refrigerated chamber; a window positioned on the material management unit separating the exterior space from the refrigerated space, a first surface of the window exposed to the exterior space, a second surface of the window exposed to the refrigerated space, and a third surface of the window spanning between the first surface and the second surface; a heating element configured to apply heat to the third surface of the window; and a camera positioned in the exterior space and oriented to capture image data of the refrigerated space through the window; A material management unit comprising:

[0074] Clause 2: The material management unit of clause 1, wherein the first surface of the window defines a first plane, the first plane being oriented obliquely relative to a vertical plane defined by a wall of the material management unit.

[0075] Clause 3: The material management unit of clause 2, wherein the camera includes an imaging surface that defines a second plane, an angle between the first plane and the vertical plane defines a first angle, an angle between the second plane and the vertical plane defines a second angle, and the first angle is greater than the second angle.

[0076] Clause 4: The material management unit of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the refrigerated chamber stores a plurality of vials and the camera is configured to capture an image of a barcode affixed to the vial.

[0077] Clause 5: The material management unit of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the window is coated with an anti-reflective coating.

[0078] Clause 6: A thermal window unit, comprising: a window having a first surface, a second surface and an edge; a heating element configured to apply heat to the edge of the window, the heating element configured to heat at least one of the first surface and the second surface to at least 35 degrees Celsius; A heat-insulating window unit.

[0079] Clause 7: The thermal window unit of clause 6, wherein the heating element comprises a plurality of heating strips.

[0080] Clause 8: The thermal window unit of clause 7, wherein the edge of the window comprises four surfaces, and the heating strips are attached to at least two opposing surfaces of the edge.

[0081] Clause 9. The thermal window unit according to any one of clauses 7-8, wherein the heating strip is an adhesive-backed resistive heating strip.

[0082] Clause 10: The thermal window unit of any one of clauses 6-9, wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface is coated with an anti-reflective coating.

[0083] Clause 11: An imaging system, comprising: a window having a first surface, a second surface, and an edge spanning between the first surface and the second surface; a camera having an imaging surface oriented to capture image data through the first surface and the second surface of the window; a heating element configured to apply heat to the edge of the window; and An imaging system comprising:

[0084] Clause 12: The imaging system of clause 11, further comprising a light assembly positioned opposite the window from the camera, the light assembly configured to illuminate a subject of the image data.

[0085] Clause 13: The imaging system of any one of clauses 11-12, wherein the imaging surface of the camera and the first surface and second surface of the window are positioned obliquely relative to one another.

[0086] Clause 14: The imaging system of any one of clauses 11-13, wherein the heating element is one or more resistive heating strips.

[0087] Clause 15: The imaging system of clause 14, wherein the resistive heating strip is attached to the edge of the window with an adhesive.

[0088] Clause 16: The imaging system of any one of clauses 11 to 15, wherein the window is borosilicate glass.

[0089] Clause 17: The imaging system of any one of clauses 11-16, wherein the first and second surfaces of the window are rectangular in shape and have a length dimension and a width dimension, the length dimension being greater than the width dimension, and the heating element applies heat to the two edges of the window adjacent the length dimension.

[0090] Clause 18: A sample preparation unit, said sample preparation unit comprising: 1. A material management unit configured to store a plurality of material vials within a refrigerated interior space, the material management unit comprising: a material storage carousel configured to hold the plurality of material vials within the refrigerated interior space; 1. An imaging system, comprising: a window separating the refrigerated space from an exterior space of the material management unit; a camera positioned in the exterior space of the material management unit and configured to capture image data of the interior space through the window; a heating element configured to apply heat to an edge of the window; An imaging system comprising: A material management unit further comprising: a transfer station configured to access the material stored in the plurality of material vials; A sample preparation unit comprising:

[0091] Clause 19: The sample preparation unit of clause 18, wherein the camera is configured to capture image data of a barcode affixed to the material vial.

[0092] Clause 20: The sample preparation unit of any one of clauses 18-19, wherein the heating element is a resistive heating strip.

[0093] Clause 21: The sample preparation unit of any one of clauses 18 to 20, wherein the window is coated with an anti-reflective coating.

[0094] Clause 22: The sample preparation unit of any one of clauses 18 to 21, wherein a first surface of the window is exposed to the exterior space, a second surface of the window is exposed to the refrigerated space, and a third surface of the window spans the first surface and the second surface.

[0095] Clause 23: The sample preparation unit of clause 22, wherein the first surface of the window defines a first plane, the first plane being positioned obliquely relative to a vertical plane defined by a wall of the sample preparation unit.

[0096] Clause 24: The sample preparation unit of clause 23, wherein the camera includes an imaging surface defining a second plane, an angle between the first plane and the vertical plane defining a first angle, an angle between the second plane and the vertical plane defining a second angle, and the first angle is greater than the second angle.

[0097] Clause 25: A sample preparation unit according to any one of clauses 18 to 24, wherein the edge of the window has four surfaces and the heating element is attached to at least two opposing surfaces of the edge.

[0098] Clause 26: The sample preparation unit of any one of clauses 18-25, wherein the heating element is one or more adhesive-backed resistive heating strips.

[0099] Clause 27: A sample preparation unit described in any one of clauses 17 to 26, further comprising a light assembly positioned opposite the window from the camera, the light assembly configured to illuminate a subject of the image data.

[0100] Clause 28: The sample preparation unit of any one of clauses 18 to 27, wherein the window is borosilicate glass.

[0101] Clause 29: The sample preparation unit of any of clauses 22-23, wherein the first and second surfaces of the window are rectangular in shape and have a length dimension and a width dimension, the length dimension being greater than the width dimension, and the heating element applies heat to two edges of the window adjacent the length dimension.

[0102] Clause 30: The sample preparation unit of any one of clauses 18 to 29, further comprising a power source configured to supply power to the heating element.

[0103] Clause 31: A sample preparation unit as described in any of clauses 18 to 30, wherein the window provides visibility from the exterior space into the refrigerated interior space and the heating element is positioned so as not to obscure visibility into the refrigerated interior space.

[0104] Clause 32: The sample preparation unit of clause 27, wherein the light assembly is configured to selectively illuminate a subject of the image data while the camera captures the image data.

[0105] Clause 33: A refrigerated chamber having a window; a heating element coupled to the window; A sample preparation unit comprising:

[0106] Clause 34: The sample preparation unit of clause 33, further comprising a power source configured to provide power to the heating element.

[0107] Clause 35: A sample preparation unit according to any one of clauses 33-34, wherein the window comprises first and second opposing surfaces and at least one edge surface extending between the first and second surfaces, and the heating element is coupled to the at least one edge surface.

[0108] Clause 36: The sample preparation unit of any one of clauses 33 to 35, wherein the window provides visibility into the refrigerated chamber from outside the refrigerated chamber and the heating element is positioned so as not to obscure visibility into the refrigerated chamber.

[0109] Clause 37: A method for capturing an image, the method comprising: positioning a camera outside the refrigeration chamber to capture an image of the interior space of the refrigeration chamber through a window; The refrigeration chamber comprises: The window, comprising: a first surface of a window facing an exterior of the refrigeration chamber and a second surface of a window facing an interior of the refrigeration chamber; a window side surface extending between the window first surface and the window second surface; a window; a heating element configured to apply heat to a side surface of the window; Including, operating the camera to capture the image; A method comprising:

[0110] Clause 38: The method of clause 37, wherein the window further comprises a plurality of window side surfaces, and the heating element applies heat to at least two of the plurality of window side surfaces.

[0111] Clause 39: A method of reducing condensation accumulation on a window of a refrigerated chamber of a sample preparation unit, the window being positioned between an interior region and an exterior region of the refrigerated chamber, the method comprising applying heat to the window to reduce condensation accumulation on an exterior surface of the window.

[0112] Clause 40: The method of clause 39, wherein the heat is applied to the window edge surface using a heating element coupled thereto.

[0113] Item 41: A method for identifying a vial in a refrigerated chamber, the method comprising: applying heat to a window of the refrigeration chamber; capturing an image of at least a portion of the vial, the vial including an identifier disposed thereon, the image being captured through the heated window; identifying the vial using the identifier; and A method comprising:

[0114] The various embodiments described above are provided for illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the exemplary embodiments and applications shown and described herein and departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A sample preparation unit, comprising:

1. A material management unit configured to store a plurality of material vials within a refrigerated interior space, the material management unit comprising: a material storage carousel configured to store a plurality of material vials within the refrigerated interior space; 1. An imaging system, comprising: a window separating the refrigerated interior space from an exterior space of the material management unit; a camera positioned in the exterior space of the material management unit and configured to capture image data of the interior space through the window; a heating element configured to apply heat to an edge of the window; An imaging system comprising: A material management unit further comprising: a transfer station configured to access material stored within the plurality of material vials; A sample preparation unit comprising:

2. The sample preparation unit of claim 1 , wherein the camera is configured to capture image data of a barcode affixed to the material vial.

3. The sample preparation unit of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the heating element is a resistive heating strip.

4. The sample preparation unit of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the window is coated with an anti-reflective coating.

5. 3. A sample preparation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein a first surface of the window is exposed to the exterior space, a second surface of the window is exposed to the refrigerated space, and a third surface of the window spans the first surface and the second surface.

6. The sample preparation unit of claim 5 , wherein the first surface of the window defines a first plane, the first plane being oriented obliquely relative to a vertical plane defined by a wall of the sample preparation unit.

7. 7. The sample preparation unit of claim 6, wherein the camera includes an imaging surface that defines a second plane, an angle between the first plane and the vertical plane defining a first angle, an angle between the second plane and the vertical plane defining a second angle, and the first angle is greater than the second angle.

8. A sample preparation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the edge of the window comprises four surfaces, and the heating element is attached to at least two opposite surfaces of the edge.

9. The sample preparation unit of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the heating element is one or more adhesive-backed resistive heating strips.

10. The sample preparation unit of any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a light assembly positioned opposite the window from the camera, the light assembly configured to illuminate a subject of the image data.

11. The sample preparation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the window is borosilicate glass.

12. 6. The sample preparation unit of claim 5, wherein the first and second surfaces of the window are rectangular in shape and have a length and a width dimension, the length dimension being greater than the width dimension, and the heating element is configured to apply heat to two edges of the window adjacent the length dimension.

13. The sample preparation unit of any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a power source configured to supply power to the heating element.

14. A sample preparation unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the window provides visibility from the exterior space into the refrigerated interior space and the heating element is positioned so as not to obscure visibility into the refrigerated interior space.

15. The sample conditioning unit of claim 10 , wherein the light assembly is configured to selectively illuminate a subject of the image data while the camera captures the image data.

Images