Automated Biological Sample Processing and Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for processing and imaging biological samples are time-consuming and prone to errors due to manual techniques, leading to significant idle time for both sample processing and image acquisition units, which increases the overall processing time and costs.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that simultaneously processes and images biological samples using a sample processing unit, an image acquisition unit, and a sample conveyance unit, allowing for concurrent processing and imaging of multiple samples, thereby reducing idle time and manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual staining and imaging techniques are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but processing time increases significantly and error susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sample processing unit and image acquisition unit into an integrated automated system where multiple samples can be processed and imaged concurrently. The sample conveyance unit coordinates the movement of samples between processing and imaging stations, enabling parallel operations that increase throughput while maintaining controlled complexity through systematic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning multiple samples on the conveyance unit and pre-configuring the processing and imaging parameters before actual processing begins. This allows the system to execute automated sequences without real-time manual intervention, improving productivity while keeping the automation architecture manageable.
2Loss of time
If sequential processing and imaging is performed, then resource requirements are reduced, but idle time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by ensuring that while one sample is being processed, another sample is being imaged, and vice versa. The sample conveyance unit continuously moves samples between the processing and imaging units, eliminating idle time for both units and maximizing resource utilization without requiring overly complex coordination mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic operation where the sample conveyance unit adaptively adjusts the timing and movement of samples based on the processing and imaging cycles. This dynamic coordination allows concurrent operations to proceed efficiently, reducing idle time while maintaining manageable complexity through flexible rather than rigid control.
3Reliability
If manual techniques are used for staining and imaging, then system complexity is kept low, but error susceptibility increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs self-service by executing the complete workflow of sample processing and imaging without manual intervention. The system automatically applies stains, controls incubation times, performs rinsing, and captures images according to pre-programmed protocols. This self-service capability eliminates human errors while keeping the system complexity contained through standardized automated procedures rather than complex manual operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing and imaging a first and second plurality of samples, comprising processing at least one sample from the first plurality of samples, imaging the at least one sample from the first plurality of samples, while being capable of simultaneously processing at least one sample from the second plurality of samples; and imaging the at least one processed sample from the second plurality of samples.