Flow Cell Nucleic Acid Site Templates for Real-Time Image Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The analysis of nucleic acid sequence data generated during sequencing processes is limited by speed and accuracy due to the vast size and quantity of information, necessitating methods and systems that improve data processing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing methods and systems that allow for image analysis to occur concurrently with data acquisition, utilizing time-division multiplexing or multiple processors to prioritize data storage over analysis, and employing real-time image processing to enhance data handling and reduce storage requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If real-time image analysis is performed during data acquisition, then analysis speed is improved, but processing accuracy deteriorates due to resource conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis speedVSAvoidprocessing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the processing system into multiple independent processors: one dedicated to data acquisition and storage, another to image analysis, and a third to template generation. This segmentation eliminates resource conflicts by assigning specific functions to separate processing units, allowing real-time analysis without compromising accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary template generation from a subset of images before completing the full data acquisition. This preliminary action provides a reference framework that guides subsequent analysis, enabling faster processing while maintaining accuracy through pre-established positional relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If all image data is stored before analysis, then analysis accuracy is improved, but data storage requirements and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system generates analysis templates from a preliminary subset of images before completing full data acquisition. This allows the analysis process to begin early using the pre-generated templates as references, significantly reducing the time required to process the complete dataset while maintaining accuracy through the established template framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates simplified template representations of the complete image set from a subset. These templates serve as lightweight copies that capture the essential positional and structural information, allowing rapid analysis without requiring the full original image data to be processed in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If multiple processing tasks are performed simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multiple specialized processors, each dedicated to a specific function: data acquisition, image analysis, and template generation. This functional segmentation enables simultaneous execution of multiple tasks without the complexity of coordinating a single general-purpose processor, as each unit operates independently with a defined role.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a coordinated multi-processor architecture where each processor, while specialized, contributes to the overall universal goal of complete nucleic acid sequencing analysis. The processors work in concert, with templates generated by one processor being utilized by the analysis processor, creating a unified multi-functional system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12380561B2Creating a template of nucleic acid site locations on a flow cell
Publication Date: 2025.08.05 ILLUMINA INC
  • US12380561B2 patent drawing
  • US12380561B2 patent drawing
  • US12380561B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for analysis of image data generated from various reference points. Particularly, the methods and systems provided are useful for real time analysis of image and sequence data generated during DNA sequencing methodologies.