Automated Sample Loading System with Imaging Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Molecular diagnostic assays face complexity in sample loading and tracking due to variability in assays, sample types, and container sizes and shapes, which complicates automated processing in clinical laboratories.
Innovation Solution
An automated sample loading system that uses a camera and computing device to identify and process sample containers by determining their type, size, and cap status, and includes a conveyor and barcode reader for efficient loading and processing without interrupting ongoing assays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated sample processing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to variability in assays, sample types, and container sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with an imaging system. Instead of using multiple sensors and mechanical measurement devices to detect container characteristics, the system uses a camera to capture images of sample containers and racks, then processes these images computationally to identify container type, size, and position. This substitution of mechanical detection with optical imaging and software analysis simplifies the physical device while maintaining high detection accuracy across diverse container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters from direct physical measurements to image-based visual characteristics. By capturing images and analyzing visual parameters such as container shape, size, color, and positioning, the system can adapt to various container types without requiring specialized mechanical detectors for each type. This parameter transformation enables a single imaging system to handle diversity in sample containers.
2Measurement precision
If imaging system is added to identify sample containers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies container type, measures container dimensions, detects container position, and can recognize sample rack configurations. A single camera-based imaging system replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors and measurement devices, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy (image) of the sample container and rack configuration, then analyzes this digital representation to extract all necessary identification and measurement information. This copying approach allows the system to obtain multiple measurement parameters from a single imaging event, improving precision while avoiding the need for multiple physical measurement apparatus.
3Ease of operation
If sample loading is automated, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time occurs during imaging and identification processes
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed to capture images during the sample rack transport process rather than requiring separate imaging steps. The camera captures images as the rack moves through the loading position, allowing identification to occur concurrently with the loading operation. This integration of imaging into the existing transport workflow maintains continuous productive action and minimizes additional time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs container identification and characterization in advance during the rack transport phase, before the actual sample processing begins. By pre-identifying all containers and their specifications during the movement phase, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming identification steps during or after the loading process, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining automation.
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
Enables efficient and automated loading and processing of diverse sample types and sizes, ensuring accurate identification and processing without interrupting ongoing assays, improving laboratory efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a camera connected to a conveyor that conveys the camera to an imaging position adjacent to each track such that the camera generates an image of the sample container when present in the slot
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods for the automated loading and/or automatic processing of one or more samples in an automated sample processing device. Also provided are automated sample loading systems and devices that include automated sample loading systems or devices that are utilized in such systems.