Timeline system for monitoring culture protocols

Abstract

To provide systems and methods for providing a timeline representing a culture media protocol for culture media.SOLUTION: Steps to provide a timeline representing a culture media protocol comprises: receiving the culture media protocol for culture media; generating a timeline on a user interface based on the culture media protocol; monitoring time on the timeline; receiving one or more culture media images related to the culture media protocol; associating each of the one or more culture media images with a position on the timeline that correlates to a time at which the culture media image was captured; and generating a selectable marker for each culture media image associated with the timeline, the selectable marker being aligned with the position on the timeline that correlates to the time at which the culture media image was captured.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [US related applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 420,466, filed November 10, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to media analysis, and in particular to software for presenting and reviewing media information. [Background technology]

[0003] Methods and systems for capturing and displaying images of culture media on a display are known, such as those described in WO 2013 / 147610 to Botma et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 147610 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Aspects of the present invention include systems, devices, and methods for presenting and manipulating cell culture protocol data elements of a culture medium using a timeline presented on a user interface.

[0006] One embodiment is a system for providing a timeline representing a medium protocol of a medium. The system includes a computer system. The computer system includes a user interface configured to display the timeline and a field for displaying an optional medium image, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive the medium protocol of the medium, generate a timeline on the user interface based on the medium protocol, monitor time on the timeline, receive one or more medium images associated with the medium protocol, associate each of the one or more medium images with a position on the timeline that correlates to the time the medium image was captured, and generate and display a selectable marker for each medium image associated with the timeline, arranged at a position on the timeline that correlates to the time the medium image was captured.

[0007] Another embodiment is a method of providing a timeline representing a media protocol for a media, the method including receiving a media protocol for the media, generating a timeline on a user interface based on the media protocol, monitoring time on the timeline, receiving one or more media images associated with the media protocol, associating each of the one or more media images with a position on the timeline that correlates to a time the media image was captured, and generating a selectable marker for each media image associated with the timeline aligned with the position on the timeline that correlates to a time the media image was captured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a timeline control system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of providing a timeline control system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment for capturing and processing a culture medium image, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment of directing which media images to display on a timeline, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment for generating a video of a culture medium, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a timeline in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a timeline in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A-10C illustrate embodiments of a timeline on a timeline display screen in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A-10C illustrate embodiments of a timeline on a timeline display screen in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A-10C illustrate embodiments of a timeline on a timeline display screen in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10A-10C illustrate embodiments of a timeline on a timeline display screen in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A-10C illustrate embodiments of a timeline on a timeline display screen in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A-10C illustrate embodiments of a timeline on a timeline display screen in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous ways to implement examples, improvements, and configurations for timeline control according to the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein. While reference is made to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings and the following description, these embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of the various alternative designs and embodiments encompassed by the disclosed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and combinations may be made without departing from the invention.

[0010] Embodiments relate to systems and methods for presenting and manipulating cell culture medium protocol data elements for a culture medium using a timeline presented on a user interface. In one embodiment, a system generates a timeline on a user interface based on a culture medium protocol for a particular culture medium. During execution of the culture medium protocol, the timeline can be continuously or semi-continuously updated to reflect the passage of time throughout the protocol and the occurrence of protocol-related events, such as the capture of culture medium images. The system can generate markers on the timeline representing protocol-related events expected to occur during execution of the protocol and / or protocol events that actually occurred during execution of the protocol. The user interface allows a user to select a marker and provides further data related to the marker in response to the selection of the marker.

[0011] In one embodiment, the system captures multiple media images throughout a culture protocol. Each media image is associated with a position on a timeline representing the time the media image was captured. A marker can be generated for each media image at the position on the timeline representing the time the media image was captured. The user interface allows selection of one of these markers, causing the associated media image to be displayed in the user interface. In some embodiments, image processing software analyzes each media image associated with the culture protocol and aligns the media images so that each image is presented in the same orientation when its associated marker is selected. This feature allows a user to navigate between media images to monitor growth on the media.

[0012] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a timeline control system 100. The timeline control system 100 includes a culture reading system 110 and an incubation system 120.

[0013] The incubation system 120 includes an incubator 122 and an imaging device 124. The incubator 122 can be configured to contain and culture one or more media containing microorganisms and a culture medium for culturing the growing microorganisms. The media can be culture plates such as Petri dishes. The imaging device 124 can be configured to capture and store images of the media contained within the incubator 122. In some embodiments, the incubation system 120 is a ReadA compact incubator.

[0014] The incubation system 120 may be configured to communicate with the culture reading system 110 via wired or wireless communication, cellular communication, Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, LAN, WLAN, RF, IR, or any other communication method or system known in the art. For example, the incubation system 120 may be configured to transmit images of a culture plate contained within the incubator 122 to the culture reading system 110.

[0015] Culture reading system 110 includes processor 102, memory 104, input 106, display 108, and clock or timer 114. Memory 104, which may include both read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), may be configured to provide instructions and data to processor 102. For example, memory 104 may store one or more modules that store data values ​​defining instructions that configure processor 102 to perform the functions of culture reading system 110. As shown in FIG. 1 , memory 104 includes a timeline control module 112 that includes instructions that configure processor 102 to perform the timeline control functions described herein. Memory 104 may also be configured to store media images received from incubation system 120.

[0016] The display 108 can be configured to display data from the memory 104 and data received from the input 106. The input 106 can include one or more devices that allow a user to input data into the culture reading system 110. For example, the input 106 can include a keyboard, a mouse, and / or a touch screen associated with the display 108. The input 106 and the display 108 can operate to form a user interface that is presented on the display 108. The user interface can include one or more interactive display screens that provide the user with culture data and allow selection and manipulation of the data.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments of the invention, culture reading system 110 can be configured to display an interactive timeline display screen on display 108. The timeline display screen can facilitate the presentation and manipulation of media protocol data elements associated with a media based on instructions stored in timeline control module 112. In some embodiments, the timeline display screen can be displayed in response to a timeline initiating event, such as a command from a user via input 106.

[0018] In some embodiments, the timeline control module 112 is configured to cause the culture reading system 110 to provide a timeline within a timeline display screen that represents events of a given media protocol for a medium. The timeline can provide a relative time scale for the media protocol, with the expected duration of the media protocol correlating to the length of the timeline, and each point on the timeline representing a specific time within the media protocol. The timeline can include one or more markers that represent media protocol events. In some embodiments, markers are provided that represent events that are expected to occur within the media protocol but have not yet occurred. Such markers can be arranged at positions on the timeline that correlate to the time within the media protocol at which the events are expected to occur. The timeline can also be updated to include markers that represent media protocol events that have occurred during or after the completion of the media protocol. Such markers can be arranged at positions on the timeline that correlate to the time within the media protocol at which the events occurred. Representative events in a media protocol may include, for example, starting a media protocol, ending a media protocol, capturing an image of the media, removing the media from the incubator 122 or incubation system 120, placing the media into the incubator 122 or incubation system 120, and collecting or processing data related to the media, such as processing the image of the media with a digital image analysis algorithm. In some embodiments, markers may be arranged at positions on the timeline that correlate to intermediate results provided by a data processing algorithm, such as a digital image analysis algorithm. In some embodiments, markers may be arranged at positions on the timeline that correlate to final results provided by a data processing algorithm, such as a digital image analysis algorithm.

[0019] The timeline display screen can provide various information related to the timing of media protocol events. For example, the timeline display screen can show the date and / or time of a media protocol event, the date and / or time of a predicted media protocol event, the relative time difference between a media protocol event and the current time, an indication that a media protocol event did not occur, the date and / or time that the media protocol started, the date and / or time that the media protocol is predicted to start, the date and / or time that the media protocol ended, the date and / or time that the media protocol is predicted to end, the relative time difference between the start of the media protocol and the current time, and the relative time difference between the current time and the predicted time that the media protocol is finished.

[0020] As described herein, a typical media protocol event can include capturing an image of the media in which the media protocol is being executed. The timeline display screen can be configured to display one or more media images captured as part of the media protocol. The media images can be retrieved from memory 104, received from incubation system 120, and / or received from another external device. In some embodiments, the timeline display screen can also be configured to provide additional information regarding the media images captured as part of the media protocol or expected to be captured as part of the media protocol. For example, in addition to timing information for media protocol events, the timeline display screen can show an indication of which media image is currently displayed on the timeline display screen when multiple media images have been captured, the number of media images currently captured within the media protocol, and whether no media images have currently been captured within the media protocol.

[0021] In some embodiments, the timeline display screen may allow for selection and / or manipulation of data presented on the timeline display screen, such as via input 106. In some embodiments, markers may be associated with links that, upon selection, provide further information about the media protocol event represented by the marker. For example, a culture plate image may be linked with a marker representing the capture of the corresponding culture plate image. The results of a data processing algorithm, such as an image analysis algorithm, may be linked with a marker representing the results of the corresponding algorithm. In some embodiments, selection of a marker may retrieve the corresponding media image from memory 104 and display the corresponding image on the timeline display screen on display 108.

[0022] In some embodiments, the timeline display screen may allow for modification of the media protocol, for example, via input 106. The timeline display screen may include one or more selectable options that, when selected, cause the culture reader system to modify the media protocol. For example, in some embodiments, the timeline display screen may include an option that, when selected, causes additional media images to be captured. In some embodiments, the timeline display screen may include an option that, when selected, causes the media protocol to terminate. In some embodiments, the timeline display screen may include an option that, when selected, causes the media protocol to extend. In some embodiments, an extension time for the media protocol may be entered into the timeline display screen.

[0023] The timeline display screen may also be configured to display instructions for modifying a media protocol. For example, the timeline display screen may be configured to provide an indication that media has been physically discarded, that a media protocol has ended, and / or that a media protocol has been extended.

[0024] In some embodiments, the timeline generated by the culture reading system 110 can follow a predetermined width. The timeline can provide a relative time scale between events in the culture protocol. In other words, the physical distance between markers representing events on the timeline correlates to the length of time between the events represented by the indicators.

[0025] In some embodiments, the timeline control module 112 is configured to cause the culture reading system 110 to update the timeline in real time or near real time. For example, in some embodiments, the culture reading system 110 can provide a visual indication of the amount of time elapsed from the start of the media protocol to the current time. This visual indication can be a change in the appearance of the timeline over a length of the timeline that correlates to the period between the start of the media protocol and the current time. The timeline can be updated in real time or near real time to change its appearance to indicate the passage of time since the start of the media protocol. The culture reading system 110 can also update the timeline in response to receiving data related to events in the media protocol, such as receiving a media image, removing media from the incubator 122 or incubation system 120, placing media in the incubator 122 or incubation system 120, or collecting or processing data related to the media. In response to receiving a media image, the timeline control module 112 can be configured to cause the culture reading system 110 to associate the media image with a position on the timeline that represents the time of capture of the media image. The culture reading system may also be configured to generate markers on the timeline associated with images of the medium. In some embodiments, the culture reading system may be configured to generate markers on the timeline associated with one or more of the removal of medium from the incubator 122 or incubation system 120, the placement of medium in the incubator 122 or incubation system 120, and the collection or processing of data related to the medium.

[0026] In some embodiments, the culture reading system 110 can provide a visual indication of the elapsed time between two events in the media protocol or the elapsed time after an event in the media protocol has occurred. For example, in some embodiments, this visual indication can be a change in appearance of the timeline over a length of the timeline that correlates to the period between the placement of media in the incubator 122 or incubation system 120 and the removal of media from the incubator 122 or incubation system 120. In some embodiments, this visual indication can be a change in appearance of the timeline over a length of the timeline that correlates to the period between the removal of media from the incubator 122 or incubation system 120 and the placement of media in the incubator 122 or incubation system 120. In some embodiments, this visual indication can be a change in appearance of the timeline over a length of the timeline that correlates to the period after the removal of media from the incubator 122 or incubation system 120. In some embodiments, this visual indication may be a change in the appearance of the timeline over the length of the timeline that correlates to a period of time after placing the medium in the incubator 122 or incubation system 120.

[0027] In some embodiments, the timeline control module 112 can be configured to have the culture reading system 110 align each medium image associated with a medium protocol so that the medium is shown in the same orientation. The culture reading system 110 can be configured to determine the orientation of each image using image processing software, for example, to detect and analyze indicators on the medium. The culture reading system 110 can then orient each image so that the indicators on the medium are shown in the same position in each image. For example, in a medium protocol that includes a culture plate with a divider, the culture reading system 110 can be configured to orient the medium images so that the medium on each side of the divider is shown on the same side of each medium image.

[0028] The clock 114 may enable association of a date and / or time with events in a media protocol. For example, the clock may be configured to associate a date and / or time with a media image. In some embodiments, the imager 124 may be configured to record the date and / or time that an image was captured and provide this date and / or time to the culture reading system 110. The clock 114 may also enable determination of the duration between events in a media protocol and / or the current time within a media protocol.

[0029] The timeline control module 112 can also be configured to cause the culture reading system 110 to initiate an animation mode, in which a series of captured images are used to generate a video or animation that displays, in chronological order, every culture image captured during a culture protocol. These videos or animations can show the progression of bacterial growth on the culture medium over time.

[0030] In some embodiments, the timeline display screen can display multiple timelines, each representing a different media protocol. The timeline display screen can also display multiple media images for the same media protocol.

[0031] 2 is a flowchart of a process 200 of an exemplary embodiment of a method for providing a timeline control system using a culture reading system, such as reading system 110. Process 200 begins with step 210, in which a media protocol for a culture medium is received. The media protocol may include the planned length of the media protocol, the planned number of media images to be captured during the protocol, the planned date and / or time for capturing each media image, the identification of one or more organisms on the media, and the identification of one or more media types on the culture plate. The media protocol may be received as an entry or selection from a user via an input, such as input 106. The media protocol may also be received from a database or a memory, such as memory 104. The media protocol may be a custom protocol or a protocol retrieved from a list of common protocols or previously received protocols.

[0032] After receiving the media protocol, process 200 proceeds to step 220 to generate a timeline. The timeline can be generated by a processor, such as processor 102, executing a software application. The timeline can include information about the media protocol. For example, the timeline can include an expected start time, an expected end time, one or more times when one or more images are expected to be captured according to the media protocol, and / or one or more times when any other media protocol event is expected to occur. In some embodiments, a media protocol event can include collecting or processing data related to the media, such as removing the media from an incubator or incubation system, placing the media in an incubator or incubation system, and processing a media image with a digital image analysis algorithm. Markers can also be used on the timeline to indicate the expected dates and / or times of one or more protocol events, such as capturing a media image. Markers can be positioned on the timeline according to a relative time scale, such that the physical distance between markers on the timeline represents the length of time between the events represented by the markers.

[0033] After generating the timeline, process 200 proceeds to step 230 and begins monitoring the incubation time of the plate on the timeline. A clock or timer, such as clock 114, can be used to monitor time on the timeline. For example, a processor, such as processor 102, executing a software application, can receive time data from the clock and use this time data to monitor time on the timeline. While monitoring time, the culture reading system can be configured to update the visual timeline in real time or near real time to indicate the elapsed time since the start of the protocol. In some embodiments, a graphical or numerical indication is provided to indicate the elapsed time since the start of the protocol. In some embodiments, a graphical or numerical indication is provided to indicate the expected time remaining in the protocol. In some embodiments, a graphical or numerical indication can be provided to indicate the expected time remaining until the next event in the protocol. In some embodiments, a graphical or numerical indication can be provided to indicate the time since the previous event in the protocol. In some embodiments, the appearance of the timeline is configured to change to indicate the elapsed time since the start of the media protocol. For example, the portion of the timeline representing the period between the start of the media protocol and the current time within the media protocol can be indicated using a different color and / or size than the remainder of the timeline. In some embodiments, the appearance of the timeline is configured to change to indicate the time elapsed between events in the media protocol or the time elapsed after an event in the media protocol occurs.

[0034] After initiating time monitoring, process 200 proceeds to processing step 240 where media images are captured and processed. The processed media images may be associated with markers that are added to the timeline, as described with respect to FIG.

[0035] After the media images have been captured and processed, process 200 proceeds to decision step 250 to determine whether the capture of media images according to the media protocol has ended. A processor, such as processor 102 executing the software application, can determine that the capture of media images has ended when no further images are scheduled as part of the media protocol. Media images can be scheduled in the initially received protocol or can be added at a later time, such as via user input. If media images are added after the initial timeline generation, the timeline can be modified to include markers representing the expected capture times of the images. If the capture of images has not ended, process 200 returns to step 240.

[0036] If image capture is terminated, process 200 proceeds to decision step 260, where it is determined whether the culture reading system has terminated time tracking. The culture reading system may terminate time tracking when it reaches an estimated end time of the media protocol. In some embodiments, the protocol end time may be modified in response to one or more events. The media protocol may also be terminated early, for example, in response to user input or an error. The media protocol may also be extended, for example, in response to user input. The timeline may be modified to add additional timeline length representing the extended duration of the protocol. In some embodiments, rather than changing the length of the timeline, the timeline scale is adjusted to correspond to the adjusted total length of time represented by the timeline. The media protocol may be extended at any time throughout process 200. The culture reading system may be configured to modify the protocol end time and determine whether it can stop tracking time at this modified end time. A processor, such as processor 102, may be configured to determine that the incubation system has terminated time tracking. If it is determined that the culture reading system has not terminated time tracking, process 200 returns to step 250. If it is determined that time tracking has ended, the process 200 ends at an end step.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of process 240 for capturing and processing a culture medium image. The process begins with step 310 of capturing a culture medium image. The culture medium image may be captured by an imaging device, such as imaging device 124. In some embodiments, the culture reading system is configured to capture the culture medium image at an estimated capture time for the culture medium image indicated by the culture medium protocol received in step 210 of process 200. A processor, such as processor 102 executing a software application, can cause the culture reading system to instruct the imaging device to capture the image at the estimated time. The culture reading system can also instruct the imaging device to transmit the captured image to the culture reading system for further processing. In some embodiments, the imaging device can capture an image in response to an instruction from the processor executing a software program, regardless of the estimated capture time of the image. In some embodiments, a user can also modify the scheduled image capture time. In some embodiments, a user can instruct the imaging device to capture a culture medium image at any time during the culture medium protocol. In some embodiments, a user can manually capture an image using the imaging device.

[0038] After the medium image is captured, process 240 proceeds to step 320, where the medium image is associated with a position on the timeline representing the time the medium image was captured. In some embodiments, the imaging device is configured to record the date and time the medium image was captured and transmit this date and time to the culture reading system. In some embodiments, a processor, such as processor 102 executing a software application in conjunction with a clock or timer, such as clock 114, can correlate the date and time the image was captured with a position on the timeline representing this time. In some embodiments, each point on the timeline can be assigned the date and / or time the timeline was generated according to the start time of the medium protocol and the expected duration of the medium protocol. The corresponding date and / or time assigned to a point on the timeline can be correlated with an image taken on a particular date and / or time. Alternatively, the culture reading system can be configured to determine the time difference between the start time of the medium protocol and the time the medium image was captured. The culture reading system can then determine a physical length of the timeline starting at the beginning of the timeline that corresponds to the time difference between the start time of the media protocol and the time the media image was captured, and associate the end point of the determined physical length of the timeline with the image.

[0039] After associating the image with a location on the timeline, process 240 proceeds to step 330, where it generates a marker on the timeline associated with the image. A processor, such as processor 102 executing a software application, can cause the culture reading system to generate the marker. The marker can be positioned on the timeline at a location associated with the captured image. In some embodiments, the marker can provide a link to the captured image. For example, in response to selecting a marker on the timeline display, the associated image can be displayed.

[0040] After associating the image with the indicator on the timeline, process 240 proceeds to step 340, where the image is aligned with the previously captured medium image. The medium image can be aligned by a processor, such as processor 102, executing image processing software. The culture reading system can be configured to determine the orientation of each image using the image processing software, for example, to detect and analyze reference points on the culture plate. The culture reading system can then orient each image so that all reference points on the culture plate are presented in the same position in each image, for example, by rotating the medium image according to the alignment of the previously captured medium image. Process 240 ends after the culture plate images are aligned.

[0041] 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a process 400 for displaying a media image on a timeline display screen. Process 400 begins at step 410, where a selection of a marker on the timeline associated with the media image is received. This selection may be received from an input, such as, for example, a user-operated input 106.

[0042] After receiving a marker selection, process 400 proceeds to step 420, where it displays an image associated with the marker on a timeline display screen of a display, such as display 108. In some embodiments, the associated image may also be displayed on a separate screen of the user interface.

[0043] After the medium image is displayed, the process proceeds to step 430, where an indication of which image is being displayed can be provided on the timeline. For example, the appearance of a marker associated with the image can be modified to distinguish it from markers associated with other medium images. The process ends after the indication of which image is being displayed has been provided.

[0044] 5 is a flowchart of a process 500 of an exemplary embodiment of a method for providing a video of a culture protocol associated with a timeline using a culture reading system, such as culture reading system 110. Process 500 begins with step 510 of initiating an animation mode. The animation mode may be part of a timeline display screen on the culture reading system's user interface or may be displayed on a separate display screen. The animation mode may be initiated, for example, in response to receiving a selection on the timeline display screen. In some embodiments, the selection may be made using an input, such as input 106.

[0045] After the animation mode is initiated, process 500 proceeds to step 520 to retrieve a media image associated with the timeline associated with the media protocol. The media image may be retrieved from a memory, such as memory 104, or an imaging device, such as imaging device 124.

[0046] After retrieving the images associated with the timeline, process 500 proceeds to step 530, where time data for each image is retrieved. The time data may be retrieved from a memory, such as memory 104, or from an image capture device.

[0047] After retrieving the time data for each image, process 500 proceeds to step 540 to generate a video or animation. The video may include each image associated with a timeline. In some embodiments, the images may be included in the video based on the time data associated with each image. For example, in some embodiments, the video may include each image in chronological order. The video may show the progression of bacterial growth on a medium over time.

[0048] In some embodiments, the video or animation may be generated by an external image processor service that can receive data from the culture reading system, generate the video or animation, and transmit the generated video or animation to the culture reading system. In some embodiments, the external video processor service may generate the video in response to a user command using a process similar to that described with respect to FIG.

[0049] In some embodiments, a video or animation can be generated each time an image is captured by including each image associated with a timeline in a new video or adding the latest image to a previously generated video. The video or animation generated each time an image is captured can be stored on the culture reading system or, in embodiments where an external video processor service generates the animation or video, can be stored in an external video processor service. The video or animation can be accessed on the culture reading system or sent to the culture reading system from the external video processor service in response to a command from a user.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a timeline 600 representing a media protocol and associated data. The timeline 600 can be displayed on a timeline display screen. The timeline 600 includes a line 604. The line 604 provides a relative time scale in which the expected length of time from the start of a media protocol to the end of the media protocol is directly proportional to the physical length of the line 604, such that the distance between points on the line is proportional to the length of time between the times represented by those points. The timeline 600 includes a field 603 that displays the date and time the media protocol began. The timeline 600 also illustrates one or more markers, including marker 605, that represent the times when media images are expected to be captured according to the media protocol. As illustrated by marker 605, the markers representing the times when media images are expected to be captured can be circular or other shapes located on the line 604. The markers representing the times when media images are expected to be captured can include a numerical indication of the length of time from the start of the protocol that the images are expected to be taken. 6, the times at which images are expected to be captured include 24 hours, 48 ​​hours, and 72 hours. Timeline 600 also includes one or more markers, including markers 606 and 607, that indicate the times at which media images were captured. Each marker representing the time at which a media image was captured can be located below the timeline in alignment with the position on the timeline that represents the time at which the media image was captured.

[0051] In some embodiments, markers such as markers 606 and 607 representing the time a medium image was captured can be configured to provide a link to the associated medium image. For example, the associated medium image can be displayed in response to selection of a marker representing the time a medium image was captured via an input unit such as input unit 106. Timeline 600 can also provide a visual indication of which medium image is currently being displayed on the timeline, for example, by modifying the appearance of the marker associated with the displayed medium image. FIG. 6 illustrates timeline 600 configured to indicate that a medium image associated with marker 607 is being displayed, but not the associated medium image. As shown in FIG. 6, marker 607 has a different appearance from the other markers representing the time a medium image was captured. For example, marker 607 is a different color than the other markers. A circular border is also displayed around marker 607 to indicate that a medium image associated with marker 607 is being displayed.

[0052] Timeline 600 also includes a field 601 that displays the date and time the displayed image was captured. Timeline 600 also includes a field 602 that displays the relative time between the time the displayed image was taken and the current time. In some embodiments, for example, when no image is currently being displayed, field 602 can provide the relative time between the time the most recent image was captured and the current time.

[0053] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a timeline 700 representing a media protocol and associated data. The timeline 700 can be displayed on a timeline display screen. The timeline 700 includes a line 704. The line 704 provides a relative time scale in which the expected length of time from the start of a media protocol to the end of the media protocol is directly proportional to the physical length of the line 704, such that the distance between points on the line is proportional to the length of time between the times represented by those points. The timeline 700 also illustrates one or more markers, including marker 705, representing the times when media images are expected to be captured according to the media protocol. As illustrated by marker 705, the markers representing the expected times when media images are captured can be circular or other shapes located on the line 704. The timeline 700 also includes a field 702 that displays the relative time between the time the most recent image was captured and the current time. In some embodiments, the field 702 can provide the relative time between the time the displayed image was captured and the current time. The timeline 700 includes a visual indication 708 on the line 704 of the time that has elapsed since the start of the protocol. Thus, the visual indication 708 also indicates the current time within the media protocol. As shown in FIG. 7 , the visual indication 708 can be a change in the color and / or width of the line 704 from the start of the line 704 to a position on the timeline associated with the current time. In some embodiments, the visual indication 708 can include a change in the size and / or shape of the line 704. The timeline 700 can also include a visual indicator 709 that indicates media discard and / or the end of the media protocol. As shown in FIG. 7 , the indicator 709 is in the shape of a trash can or other graphical representation. In FIG. 7 , the indicator 709 is shown beyond the end of the timeline. However, in some embodiments, the indicator 709 can also be positioned on the timeline at a point that represents the time for media discard or the end of the protocol.

[0054] Timeline 700 further includes a visual indicator 712 that indicates the number of media images actually captured by the imaging device. In some embodiments, indicator 712 can be selectable to display related media images or to display a different display screen on a user interface that allows navigation between and / or selection of one of the media images indicated by indicator 712. In some embodiments, the display screen that displays timeline 700 can allow navigation to a second display screen having a timeline, such as timeline 600 of FIG. 6, that contains different or more detailed information.

[0055] 8 to 10 show examples of timeline display screens, each of which is at a different stage of the culture protocol.

[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a timeline display screen having a timeline 800 representing a media protocol and associated data for stages of the media protocol for which images have not yet been captured. Timeline 800 includes line 804. Line 804 provides a relative time scale in which the expected length of time from the start of the media protocol to the end of the media protocol is directly proportional to the physical length of line 804, such that the distance between points on the line is proportional to the length of time between the times represented by those points. Timeline 800 also illustrates one or more markers, including marker 805, that represent times when media images are expected to be captured according to the media protocol. As illustrated by marker 805, markers representing times when media images are expected to be captured can be circular or other shapes located on line 804. The timeline display screen also includes a media image field 814. Media image field 814 can be configured to display media images captured during the media protocol. In some embodiments, media image field 814 can be configured to display the most recent media image captured during the protocol. In the timeline of Figure 8, a media image field 814 displays a graphical indicator 816 indicating that a media image is unavailable. The indicator 816 includes a symbol with a diagonal line through it. The timeline 800 also includes a field 802 that displays the relative time between the time the most recent image was captured and the current time. In the example of Figure 8, no images have been taken, so the indicator 802 displays a text message indicating that an image is unavailable.

[0057] The timeline 800 also includes a visual indication 808 on the line 804 of the time that has elapsed since the start of the protocol. Thus, the visual indication 808 also indicates the current time within the media protocol. As shown in Figure 8, the visual indication 808 can be a change in color and / or width of the line 804 from the start of the line 804 to a position on the timeline associated with the current time. The timeline 800 further includes a visual indicator 812 that indicates the number of media images that have actually been captured by the imaging device. In the example of Figure 8, no images have been captured, so the indicator 812 indicates that zero images have been captured.

[0058] The timeline 800 includes graphical representations of an image capture button 818, a medium transfer button 819, and an end button 820. Selecting the image capture button 818 can cause the culture reading system to command the imaging device to capture an image at the current time. In some embodiments, an automated facility can be provided, such as an automated tracking system that moves medium to various locations within a laboratory environment. The medium transfer button 819 can be configured to cause the medium associated with a medium protocol to be removed from the incubator instrument and sent to a specific location on the incubator instrument or to a destination on an associated work bench. Selecting the end button 820 can cause the culture reading system to end the protocol. When the protocol ends, the culture reading system can command the imaging device to stop capturing images. In some embodiments, when the protocol ends, the culture reading system can stop tracking time.

[0059] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a timeline display screen having a timeline 900 representing a media protocol and associated data for the stage of the protocol at which the media protocol was completed and three images were captured. Timeline 900 includes line 904. Line 904 provides a relative time scale in which the expected length of time from the start of the media protocol to the end of the media protocol is directly proportional to the physical length of line 904, such that the distance between points on the line is proportional to the length of time between the times represented by those points. Timeline 900 also illustrates one or more markers, including marker 905, that represent the times at which media images are expected to be captured according to the media protocol. As illustrated by marker 905, markers representing the times at which media images are expected to be captured can be circular or other shapes located on line 904. The timeline display screen also includes a media image field 914. Media image field 914 can be configured to display media images captured during the media protocol. In some embodiments, media image field 914 can be configured to display the most recent media image captured during the protocol. 9, the timeline displays medium image 922 in medium image field 914. Timeline 900 also includes a field 902 that displays the relative time between the time the most recent image was captured and the current time. Field 902 indicates that the most recent image was captured 4 hours and 32 minutes ago.

[0060] The timeline 900 also includes a visual indication 908 on the line 904 of the time that has elapsed since the start of the protocol. Thus, the visual indication 908 also indicates the current time within the media protocol. As shown in Figure 9, the visual indication 908 may be a change in color and / or width of the line 904 from the start of the line 904 to a position on the timeline associated with the current time. As shown in Figure 9, the entire protocol has been completed. The timeline 900 further includes a visual indicator 912 that indicates the number of media images that have actually been captured by the imaging device. As shown in Figure 9, the indicator 912 indicates that three images have been captured.

[0061] The timeline 900 includes a capture image button 918, a media transfer button 919, and an end button 920. Selecting the capture image button 918 can cause the culture reading system to command the imaging device to capture an image at the current time. In embodiments with an automatic tracking system, the media transfer button 919 can be configured to cause the media associated with the media protocol to be removed from the incubator instrument and sent to a specific location on the incubator instrument or to a destination on the associated work surface. Selecting the end button 920 can cause the culture reading system to end the protocol. When the protocol ends, the culture reading system can command the imaging device to stop capturing images. In some embodiments, when the protocol ends, the culture reading system can stop tracking time.

[0062] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a timeline display screen having a timeline 1000 representing a media protocol and associated data for a stage of the media protocol after three media images have been captured and before the expected end time of the media protocol. As shown in FIG. 10, the media protocol represented by timeline 1000 has ended. The end of the protocol is indicated by indicator 1009. Timeline 1000 includes line 1004. Line 1004 provides a relative time scale in which the expected length of time from the start of the media protocol to the end of the media protocol is directly proportional to the physical length of line 1004, such that the distance between points on the line is proportional to the length of time between the times represented by those points. Timeline 1000 also illustrates one or more markers, including marker 1005, representing times when media images are expected to be captured according to the media protocol. As illustrated by marker 1005, the markers representing the expected times when media images are captured can be circular or other shapes located on line 1004. The timeline includes a media image field 1014. The media image field 1014 can be configured to display media images captured during a media protocol. In some embodiments, the media image field 1014 can be configured to display the most recent media image captured during the protocol.

[0063] 10, the timeline displays medium image 1022 in medium image field 1014. Timeline 1000 includes field 1002, which displays the relative time between the time the most recent image was captured and the current time. Field 1002 indicates that the most recent image was captured 4 hours and 36 minutes ago.

[0064] The timeline 1000 also includes a visual indication 1008 on the line 1004 of the time that has elapsed since the start of the protocol. Thus, the visual indication 1008 also indicates the current time within the media protocol. As shown in Figure 10, the visual indication 1008 can be a change in color and / or width of the line 1004 from the start of the line 1004 to a position on the timeline associated with the current time. The timeline 1000 further includes a visual indicator 1012 that indicates the number of media images that have actually been captured by the imaging device. As shown in Figure 10, the indicator 1012 indicates that three images have been captured.

[0065] The timeline 1000 includes a capture image button 1018, a transfer media button 1019, and an end button 1020. Selecting the capture image button 1018 can cause the culture reading system to command the imaging device to capture an image at the current time. In embodiments with an automatic tracking system, the transfer media button 1019 can be configured to cause the media associated with the media protocol to be removed from the incubator instrument and sent to a specific location on the incubator instrument or to a destination on the associated work surface. Selecting the end button 1020 can cause the culture reading system to end the protocol. When the protocol ends, the culture reading system can command the imaging device to stop capturing images. In some embodiments, when the protocol ends, the culture reading system stops tracking time and makes the capture image button 1018 and the end button 1020 unselectable by removing them from view, modifying their selectability by disabling their functionality, or changing their appearance to indicate their unavailable status.

[0066] 11-13 show an example of a timeline display screen displaying a timeline 1100 and an image field 1114. Timeline 1100 includes a line 1104. Line 1104 provides a relative time scale in which the expected length of time from the start of a media protocol to the end of the media protocol is directly proportional to the physical length of line 1104, just as the distance between points on the line is proportional to the length of time between the times represented by those points. Timeline 1100 includes a field 1103 that displays the date and time the media protocol began. Timeline 1100 also includes one or more markers, including markers 1132, 1134, and 1136, that represent the times when media images are expected to be captured according to the media protocol. Markers 1132, 1134, and 1136 can be circular or other shapes located on line 1104. Markers 1132, 1134, and 1136 can also include a numerical indication of the length of time from the start of the protocol when the images are expected to be taken. As shown in Figures 11-13, the expected times at which images are captured include 24 hours, 48 ​​hours, and 72 hours. Timeline 1100 also includes one or more markers, including markers 1138, 1140, and 1142, that indicate the times at which media images were captured. Each marker representing the time at which a media image was captured can be located below the timeline in alignment with the position on the timeline that represents the time at which the media image was captured. As shown in Figures 11-13, the images corresponding to markers 1138, 1140, and 1142 were captured at the expected times represented by markers 1132, 1134, and 1136.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 11-13 , one of markers 1138, 1140, and 1142 on timeline 1100 can be selected to display the associated medium image in image field 1114. Timeline 1100 can also provide a visual indication of which medium image is currently being displayed on the timeline, for example, by modifying the appearance of marker 1138, 1140, or 1142 associated with the medium image. FIG. 11 shows the timeline display screen when marker 1138 is selected to display image 1144 associated with marker 1138. Medium images can be selected via an input operated by a user. In some embodiments, a cursor 1150 on the display screen can be manipulated to select a marker associated with a medium image. As shown in FIG. 11 , marker 1138 has a different appearance than markers 1140 and 1142. The markers can change appearance in response to selection to indicate the image currently being displayed in the timeline display screen. For example, the color of marker 1138 is different from the colors of markers 1140 and 1142. A circular border is shown around marker 1138 to indicate that a media image associated with marker 1138 is being displayed. Figure 12 shows the timeline display screen when marker 1140 is selected to display image 1146 associated with marker 1140. Figure 13 shows the timeline display screen when marker 1142 is selected to display image 1148 associated with marker 1142.

[0068] The timeline 1100 also includes a field 1101 that can display the date and time that the display image was captured. The timeline 1100 also includes a field 1102 that indicates the relative time between the time that the display image was captured and the current time.

[0069] 6-13 illustrate various embodiments of a timeline including markers representing the times when media images are expected to be captured according to a media protocol and markers indicating the times when the media images were captured. As described with respect to FIG. 1, it is contemplated that similar markers can be used for other events related to a media protocol that are expected to occur or have occurred. Examples of representative events include the removal of media from an incubator or incubation system, the placement of media in an incubator or incubation system, and the collection or processing of data related to the media, such as processing media images with a digital image analysis algorithm. In some embodiments, a position on the timeline can be populated with markers that correlate to intermediate results provided by a data processing algorithm, such as a digital image analysis algorithm. In some embodiments, a position on the timeline can be populated with markers that correlate to final results provided by a data processing algorithm, such as a digital image analysis algorithm. Each marker can be associated with data related to the media protocol event it represents. In some embodiments, a display field can be configured to display data related to the most recent event in the media protocol or data related to a selected marker on the timeline.

[0070] In some embodiments, a timeline can include markers associated with multiple different types of media protocol events, such as the start of a media protocol, the end of a media protocol, the capture of a media image, the removal of media from an incubator or incubation system, the placement of media into an incubator or incubation system, and the collection or processing of data related to the media, such as processing media images with a digital image analysis algorithm. In some embodiments, the timelines described herein can also be used for media protocols in which the media is not digitally imaged. For example, timelines according to embodiments described herein can also be used for blood culture bottle protocols or broth culture protocols in which digital imaging is not always performed. As described herein, a timeline can also include one or more markers associated with one or more imaging events of a media protocol.

[0071] The implementations disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and apparatus for timeline control. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these embodiments may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.

[0072] The functions described herein may be stored as one or more instructions on a processor-readable or computer-readable medium. The term "computer-readable medium" refers to any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or processor. By way of example and not limitation, such media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. As used herein, "disk" and "disc" include compact discs ("CDs"), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs ("DVDs"), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where a disk typically reproduces data magnetically and a disc reproduces data optically using a laser. Note that computer-readable media may also be tangible and non-transitory. The term "computer program product" refers to a combination of a computing device or processor and code or instructions (e.g., a "program") that can be executed, processed, or computed by the computing device or processor. As used herein, the term "code" means software, instructions, code or data that can be executed by a computing device or processor.

[0073] Software or instructions may also be transmitted over a transmission medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line ("DSL"), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, these coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are all included in the definition of transmission media.

[0074] The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. Method steps and / or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for the proper operation of the described method, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0075] It should be noted that, as used herein, the terms "couple," "coupling," and other conjugations of these words can refer to either an indirect or direct connection. For example, when a first component is "coupled" to a second component, the first component can be indirectly connected to the second component or directly connected to the second component. The term "plurality," as used herein, refers to two or more than two. For example, a plurality of components refers to two or more than two components.

[0076] The term "determining" encompasses various actions and thus can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, database, or another data structure), and ascertaining, etc. "Determining" can also include receiving (e.g., receiving information) and accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), etc. "Determining" can also include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0077] The phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0078] In the above description, specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, electrical components / devices may be shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, such components, other structures, and techniques may be shown in detail to further explain the embodiments.

[0079] This specification includes headings for reference and to help locate the various sections. These headings do not limit the scope of the concepts described therein. Such concepts may have application throughout the entire specification.

[0080] The embodiments may also be described as a process, which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a finite state diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. While a flowchart may depict operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or simultaneously, and the process may be repeated. The order of operations may also be rearranged. A process terminates upon completion of the operation. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a software function, the termination of the process corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

[0081] The above description of the disclosed implementations is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these implementations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 900 Timeline 902 Field 904 Line 905 Marker 908 Visual Instructions 912 Visual Indicators 914 Medium Image Field 918 Image capture button 919 Medium transfer button 920 Exit button 922 Culture medium images

Claims

1. 1. A system for displaying a modified timeline representing a culture medium protocol of a culture medium, the system comprising: a user interface configured to display a timeline of media images; a processor; Including, The processor: receiving a media protocol for the media, the media protocol including one or more predicted media protocol events; generating the timeline on the user interface based on the culture medium protocol; modifying the timeline in response to one or more unexpected media protocol events; displaying the modified timeline to the user on the user interface; It is configured as follows: A system characterized by:

2. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more predicted media protocol events include one or more of a predicted start time, a predicted end time, and one or more predicted times for a media image to be captured.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to generate a marker on the timeline for each anticipated media protocol event.

4. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more expected media protocol events include one or more expected times for the media images to be captured, and the one or more unexpected media protocol events include additional times for the media images to be captured.

5. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more unexpected media protocol events include an extension of the media protocol.

6. the timeline provides a relative time scale for the media protocol, with the expected duration of the media protocol correlating to the length of the timeline; 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the processor is configured to modify the timeline in response to an extension of the media protocol by adding additional length to the timeline representing the amount of time of the extension of the media protocol.

7. the timeline provides a relative time scale for the media protocol, with the expected duration of the media protocol correlating to the length of the timeline; 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the processor is configured to modify the timeline in response to an extension of the media protocol by adjusting a relative time scale of the timeline to correspond to an adjusted timeline representing a total duration of the media protocol.

8. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more unexpected media protocol events include an unexpected termination of the media protocol.

9. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured to generate a visual indicator on the modified timeline at a position representing the time at which the media protocol ends.

10. The processor: monitoring the time on the timeline during the media protocol; 10. The system of claim 8, further configured to stop monitoring time on the timeline in response to the unexpected termination of the media protocol.

11. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured to display one or more selectable options, and the one or more unexpected media protocol events include selection of one of the one or more selectable options on the user interface.

12. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more predicted media protocol events include one or more predicted times at which the media images will be captured, and the one or more selectable options include an option that, when selected, will capture additional media images.

13. an incubator containing at least one culture medium having a plurality of microorganisms; an imaging device configured to capture an image of the at least one culture medium; 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising an incubation system comprising:

14. 1. A method of modifying a timeline representing a culture medium protocol of a culture medium, the method comprising: receiving a media protocol for the media, the media protocol including one or more anticipated media protocol events; generating, on a user interface, the timeline based on the culture medium protocol; modifying the timeline in response to one or more unexpected media protocol events; A method comprising:

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more expected media protocol events include one or more of an expected start time, an expected end time, and one or more expected times for a media image to be captured.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising generating a marker on the timeline for each anticipated media protocol event.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more expected media protocol events include one or more expected times for the media images to be captured, and the one or more unexpected media protocol events include additional times for the media images to be captured.

18. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more unexpected media protocol events comprise an extension of the media protocol.

19. the timeline provides a relative time scale for the media protocol, with the expected duration of the media protocol correlating to the length of the timeline; 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises modifying the timeline in response to the extension of the media protocol by adding additional length to the timeline representing the amount of time of the extension of the media protocol.

20. the timeline provides a relative time scale for the media protocol, with the expected duration of the media protocol correlating to the length of the timeline; 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises modifying the timeline in response to extending the media protocol by adjusting a relative time scale of the timeline to correspond to an adjusted timeline representing a total length of the media protocol.

21. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more unexpected media protocol events comprise an unexpected termination of the media protocol.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising generating a visual indicator on the modified timeline at a position representing the time at which the media protocol will end.

23. monitoring the time on the timeline during the media protocol; ceasing to monitor time on the timeline in response to the unexpected termination of the media protocol; and 22. The method of claim 21 further comprising:

24. further comprising displaying one or more selectable options on the user interface; 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more unexpected media protocol events include a selection of one of the one or more selectable options on the user interface.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the one or more predicted media protocol events include one or more predicted times at which media images will be captured, and the one or more selectable options include an option that, when selected, will capture additional media images.

26. 1. A system for displaying a modified timeline, the system comprising: a user interface configured to display a timeline of media images; a processor; Including, The processor: generating, on the user interface, the timeline including one or more time points at which one or more predicted events associated with a media protocol for at least one media are predicted to occur; modifying the timeline in response to one or more unexpected events associated with a media protocol for the at least one media; displaying the modified timeline to the user on the user interface; It is configured as follows: A system characterized by:

27. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the generated timeline correlates expected duration to a length of the timeline, with each point on the timeline providing a relative time scale representing a particular time.

28. 28. The system of claim 27, wherein the processor is configured to modify the timeline by adding an additional length to the timeline that represents an amount of time that the expected duration has been extended.

29. 28. The system of claim 27, wherein the processor is configured to modify the timeline in response to an increase in the expected duration by adjusting a relative time scale of the timeline to correspond to the adjusted expected duration.

30. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the one or more predicted events relate to the placement of the at least one culture medium into an incubation system or the removal of the at least one culture medium from an incubation system.

31. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the one or more unexpected events comprise additional incubation time for the at least one culture medium or an unexpected end of incubation time for the at least one culture medium.

32. The processor: monitoring the times indicated on the timeline; 32. The system of claim 31, further configured to stop monitoring time on the timeline in response to the unexpected termination of the culture.

33. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the one or more expected events include one or more expected times for a medium image to be captured, and the one or more unexpected events include additional times for a medium image to be captured.

34. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the processor is configured to generate a marker on the timeline for each expected event.

35. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the user interface is configured to display one or more selectable options, and the one or more unexpected events include a selection of one of the one or more selectable options on the user interface.

36. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the one or more expected events include one or more expected times at which the medium image will be captured, and the one or more selectable options include an option that, when selected, will capture additional medium images.

37. 1. A method of modifying a timeline, the method comprising: generating, on a user interface, said timeline including one or more time points at which one or more predicted events associated with a media protocol for at least one media are predicted to occur; modifying the timeline in response to one or more unexpected events associated with a media protocol for the at least one media; A method characterized by:

38. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the generated timeline provides a relative time scale in which expected duration correlates to the length of the timeline, with each point on the timeline representing a particular time.

39. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein modifying the timeline includes adding an additional length to the timeline representing an amount of time that the expected duration is extended.

40. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein modifying the timeline comprises adjusting a relative time scale of the timeline in response to an increase in the expected duration to correspond to the adjusted expected duration.

41. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the one or more predicted events relate to the placement of the at least one medium into an incubation system or the removal of the at least one medium from the incubation system.

42. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the one or more unexpected events comprise additional incubation time of the at least one culture medium or an unexpected end of incubation time of the at least one culture medium.

43. monitoring time on the timeline; 43. The method of claim 42, comprising ceasing monitoring time on the timeline in response to the unexpected termination of incubation time of the at least one culture medium.

44. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the one or more expected events include one or more expected times for a medium image to be captured, and the one or more unexpected events include additional times for a medium image to be captured.

45. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising generating one or more markers on the timeline associated with one or more events of the at least one medium.

46. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising displaying one or more selectable options on the user interface, wherein the one or more unexpected events comprise a selection of one of the one or more selectable options on the user interface.

47. 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the one or more expected events include one or more expected times at which media images will be captured, and the one or more selectable options include an option that, when selected, will capture additional media images.

Images