Automated Imaging System for Quantitative Phenotype Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional visual phenotyping techniques for plants are labor-intensive, time-consuming, expensive, and prone to scorer biases and assay artifacts, lacking objective and rapid data generation.

Innovation Solution

An imaging system comprising a frame assembly, light sources, and an imaging device communicatively coupled to a processor for semi-automated quantitative image analysis, enabling rapid and objective data production through image capture and batch processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual visual phenotyping techniques are used, then assessment of plant phenotypes can be performed, but the process becomes labor intensive, time consuming, and prone to scorer biases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobjectivity of phenotype assessmentVSAvoidspeed of data generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual assessment with an automated imaging system that captures images of plant phenotypes and uses image analysis software to objectively quantify traits. This substitution eliminates human scorer bias while rapidly processing multiple samples, simultaneously improving measurement precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies (images) of the plant phenotypes instead of relying on direct human observation. These images can be stored, re-analyzed, and processed objectively by software algorithms, eliminating the need for repeated manual assessments and reducing scorer bias while maintaining detailed records.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If conventional techniques like qRT-PCR and QuantiGene are used, then phenotype assessment can be performed, but operational costs increase and assay artifacts are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of phenotype readoutVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive, non-consumable imaging resources (standard digital cameras, lights, and software) instead of expensive consumable reagents required by qRT-PCR and QuantiGene assays. The imaging system can be reused indefinitely without degradation, eliminating the need for costly reagents while providing accurate phenotype readouts without assay artifacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of information

If manual phenotype assessment is performed, then detailed observation can be made, but the process becomes expensive and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of phenotype dataVSAvoidtime required for analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system enables continuous, automated capture and analysis of phenotype data without interruption. Multiple plants can be imaged and analyzed in sequence without the breaks and manual transitions inherent in human assessment, maintaining continuous data collection while dramatically reducing total analysis time while preserving complete phenotype information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11982627B2Systems and methods for quantitative phenotype analysis

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

Semi-automated quantitative phenotype analysis of organisms, such as plant organisms, bacterial organisms, and the like. An imaging system, image capture specifications, a semi-automated quantitative image analysis process, and automated batch processing of acquired images that enables completely quantitative experimental readouts that produces data rapidly and objectively.