Automated Chemical Array Image Processing System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated solutions for feature extraction processing of array images lack the capability to split image processing and feature extraction into pre-processing and post-processing steps, and they cannot perform inter-array analysis efficiently, particularly for multiple arrays or subarrays on a single substrate.

Innovation Solution

The system and methods enable automated batch processing for feature extraction, allowing for sequential image processing of multiple arrays and separate post-processing of outputs using different protocols, enabling inter-array analysis and efficient handling of images with multiple arrays on a single substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated solutions process multiple arrays on a single substrate as a unified image, then processing efficiency is improved, but the ability to apply different post-processing protocols to individual arrays is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidprotocol flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the processing workflow into two independent stages: image processing (applied to the entire multi-array image) and post-processing (applied separately to each individual array). This segmentation allows the system to maintain both high processing efficiency through batch image processing and protocol flexibility through individual array post-processing with different protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs image processing as a preliminary step on the complete multi-array image to extract feature data, then uses this pre-processed data as input for subsequent individual array post-processing. This preliminary action enables efficient batch processing while preserving the ability to apply different protocols later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If previous solutions split images into component sub-images for feature extraction, then individual array processing is enabled, but user intervention and file management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual array processing capabilityVSAvoiduser intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs the image splitting and feature extraction process without requiring user intervention. The software autonomously divides the multi-array image into individual array data structures and applies appropriate processing protocols, eliminating the need for users to manually save multiple files or perform complex file management tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary software layer that automatically manages the transition from raw multi-array images to processed individual array data. This intermediary handles the complex operations of image segmentation, feature extraction, and protocol application, shielding users from technical complexity while enabling individual array processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual processing methods are used for array images, then protocol flexibility is maintained, but processing time and user effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol selection freedomVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of automated processing and manual protocol selection by combining batch image processing automation with flexible post-processing protocol selection. The system automatically processes multiple arrays while allowing users to select different post-processing protocols for different arrays, achieving both time efficiency and protocol flexibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7877213B2System and methods for automated processing of multiple chemical arrays

Publication Date: 2011.01.25 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A system and method of operating a data processing system to provide feature extraction from an image obtained from a plurality of chemical arrays is disclosed. The method includes bifurcating processing of the image by performing image processing and post-processing. The image processing includes processing parts of the image, each part corresponding to a different one of the arrays, in an automated batch process, to produce image-processed outputs that are different from the image and contain information extracted from the image. The post-processing includes processing the image-processed outputs according to different post-processing protocols with respect to different ones of those parts of the image corresponding to at least two of the arrays, to produce post-processed outputs. The method includes outputting at least one of the image-processed outputs and/or at least one of the post-processed outputs.