Electrophoresis Data Analyzer Automated Peak Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electrophoresis analysis, variations in separation data between different migration paths lead to difficulties in identifying components, and conventional fingerprinting analysis relies on subjective visual determination, which is time-consuming and prone to human error.

Innovation Solution

An analyzer is developed to automatically perform fingerprinting analysis by comparing separation data using a component peak determination part that identifies identical peaks based on predetermined criteria, with optional waveform correction to align peak waveforms and reduce variations, and user-inputtable criteria for analysis target ranges and correction allowances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If visual determination by user is used for fingerprinting analysis, then the analysis can be performed with simple equipment, but the results vary depending on user subjectivity and human error occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of analysis systemVSAvoidconsistency of analysis results

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual determination process with an automated computer-based image processing system. The analyzer automatically detects component peaks, performs waveform correction, and compares separation data using algorithms, eliminating subjective human judgment while maintaining system simplicity through software-based automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-correction and self-comparison of separation data. The waveform correction unit automatically adjusts peak waveforms based on reference data, and the comparison unit independently identifies matching components without requiring continuous human intervention, enabling reliable automated fingerprinting analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If visual determination by user is used for fingerprinting analysis, then the system structure remains simple, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of system structureVSAvoidanalysis speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes manual visual inspection with automated image processing algorithms that rapidly analyze separation data. The computer automatically detects peaks, corrects waveforms, and compares components, reducing analysis time from minutes to seconds while keeping the physical system structure simple through software automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system continuously processes separation data without interruption. The image processing unit continuously scans for component peaks, the waveform correction unit continuously adjusts peak shapes, and the comparison unit continuously identifies matching components, enabling high-speed automated fingerprinting analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If waveform correction is performed to reduce variation between separation data, then the accuracy of component identification improves, but the complexity of the analysis process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of component identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of analysis process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs waveform correction as a preliminary step before component comparison. The correction unit pre-processes the separation data by detecting component peaks and adjusting their waveforms based on reference data, ensuring accurate alignment and reducing variation before the final identification step, thereby improving precision while maintaining process clarity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If automatic fingerprinting analysis is implemented, then objectivity and accuracy of component identification improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobjectivity of analysis resultsVSAvoidcomplexity of analyzer system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective manual analysis with objective automated image processing algorithms. The system uses computer-based peak detection, waveform correction, and pattern recognition algorithms to objectively identify components, eliminating human subjectivity while managing complexity through integrated software modules that automate previously manual tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11791015B2Electrophoresis separation data analyzer

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

An analyzer includes a separation data holding part, a determination criterion holding part, and a component peak determination part. The separation data holding part retains, as reference data, separation data obtained by an electrophoresis analysis for a reference sample including a reference component which is a known component and retains, as data to be analyzed, separation data obtained by an electrophoresis analysis for a sample to be analyzed. The determination criterion holding part retains a determination criterion for determining whether a component peak in the reference data and a component peak in the data to be analyzed are identical. The component peak determination part is configured to determine whether the component peak in the reference data and the component peak in the data to be analyzed are identical to each other, using the determination criterion.