Dispense Characterization with Optical Arrays for Real-Time Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated systems for analyzing biological samples lack real-time verification of liquid reagent dispensing events, leading to potential errors that are only detected after the staining process, wasting time and sample material.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a dispense detector with arrays of emitters and receivers between the dispenser and biological sample to characterize dispensing events, providing real-time volume estimation and error detection, applicable to various dispenser types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control samples are used to verify reagent dispensing, then quality control is maintained, but errors are only detected after the staining process is complete, wasting time and sample material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting dispensing errors in real-time during the staining process rather than waiting for post-processing control sample analysis. The system monitors reagent delivery to each sample compartment as it occurs, enabling immediate detection of dispensing errors before the staining process completes, thus preventing waste of time and sample material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring dispensing events and providing real-time information about reagent delivery status. The system uses sensors to detect whether reagents were properly dispensed to each sample compartment and feeds this information back to the control system, allowing for immediate identification and correction of dispensing errors during the staining process.
2Reliability
If control samples are placed on every patient sample slide, then accurate verification is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the verification function from the traditional control sample approach and implements it as a separate monitoring system. Instead of relying on control samples placed on slides, the system uses sensors and detection mechanisms to monitor dispensing events directly, separating the verification function from the sample processing workflow and reducing the need for additional control materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system between the dispenser and the samples. This intermediary system uses sensors to detect dispensing events and provides verification information without requiring control samples to be mixed with patient samples, thus simplifying the overall system while maintaining verification accuracy.
3Loss of information
If robotic pipetting devices with pressure monitoring are used, then dispensing events can be monitored, but the system becomes cost-prohibitive and not applicable to disposable dispensers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent is specifically designed to work with disposable dispensers rather than expensive robotic pipetting devices. The monitoring system uses simple, low-cost sensors that can detect dispensing events from disposable dispensers without requiring the complex pressure monitoring infrastructure of robotic systems, making the solution cost-effective and suitable for single-use dispensers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure monitoring system of robotic pipettors with an optical or electromagnetic sensing system. The monitoring mechanism detects dispensing events through non-contact means, substituting the complex mechanical pressure sensors with simpler detection technology that works with disposable dispensers.
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
Ensures accurate and timely correction of dispensing errors, improving the reliability of biological sample analysis by confirming reagent delivery and volume accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A dispense detector is provided between an outlet of the at least one dispenser and the biological sample. The dispense detector includes at least one array of emitters and corresponding receivers.
Implementation Method 2
The space between the emitters and corresponding receivers of the at least one array forming a first detection region of the at least one dispense detector.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for dispense characterization is disclosed. According to particular embodiments of the dispense characterization system and method, volumes of dispensed liquids can be determined. In more particular embodiments, additional characteristics, and combinations of characteristics of a liquid dispensing event can be determined. Examples of additional characteristics that can be determined include the shape of the dispensing event, the velocity of the dispensing event, and the trajectory of the dispensing event. The dispense characterization system and method can be employed in automated biological sample analysis systems, and are particularly suited for monitoring liquid reagent dispensing events that deliver liquid reagents to a surface of a microscope slide holding a biological sample.