Analytical Operation Guidance for Correct Sample Placement Order
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry require strict adherence to specific protocols and sample placement procedures, which can be error-prone for users unfamiliar with the process, leading to incorrect protocol order or sample placement.
Innovation Solution
An analytical operation assisting device and program that communicate with the analyzing device to guide users in correctly arranging samples and implementing protocols in the correct order, featuring a storage section for protocol conditions, a display unit, protocol-selection-input receiver, sample-position displayer, protocol-implementation-information collector, determiner, and batch-file creator to ensure proper sample placement and protocol execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strict adherence to specific protocols and sample placement procedures is required, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically arranging sample information and calibrant information in the storage section before analysis begins. The sample information arrangement unit pre-arranges sample information corresponding to each individual area, and the calibrant information arrangement unit pre-arranges calibrant information for mass calibration, eliminating the need for manual protocol adherence during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The mass spectrometer performs self-service through automated information arrangement and protocol execution. The control unit automatically arranges sample and calibrant information, manages protocol sequences, and performs mass calibration without requiring user intervention in the complex procedural steps, thereby maintaining precision while simplifying operation
2Reliability
If multiple protocols with specific sample placement requirements are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple protocol management functions into a single integrated control unit. The control unit combines sample information arrangement, calibrant information arrangement, protocol sequence management, and mass calibration execution into one unified system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable multi-protocol operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it arranges sample information, arranges calibrant information, manages protocol sequences, and performs mass calibration. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable execution of multiple protocols
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively assists users in correctly placing samples and implementing protocols, preventing errors in sample placement and protocol order, thereby ensuring accurate and efficient diagnostic processes for Alzheimer's disease detection.
Implementation Method 1
a sample to which a matrix has been added is placed in a well of a sample plate and irradiated with laser light to ionize the sample (MALDI)
Implementation Method 2
The various kinds of ions introduced into the mass separation unit fly in the TOF space for different periods of time depending on their respective mass-to-charge ratios until they are ultimately detected
Data Source
AI summary
In a device (4) for assisting in analytical operations for correctly arranging samples in a plurality of sample-placement portions and implementing multiple protocols in the correct order, a storage section (41) holds sample information and analysis parameters for each protocol as well as the order of implementation. A protocol-selection-input receiver (42) receives an input of the selection of a protocol. A sample-position displayer (43) displays, on a display unit (6), sample information in the selected protocol along with the positions of the sample-placement portions. A protocol-implementation-information collector (45) collects information concerning the state of implementation of the protocols. A determiner (46) determines whether a protocol which must be implemented earlier was already implemented, based on the state of implementation and order of implementation of the protocols. A batch-file creator (47) creates a batch file when it is confirmed that the protocol which must be implemented earlier was already implemented.