Fluorescence Data Correction for Real-Time PCR

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for data correction in fluorescence data, particularly in real-time PCR, are not accurate or flexible, and often integrated within measurement systems, limiting their standalone use and flexibility in detecting target molecules and infections.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for data correction that includes time shift, colour compensation, subtraction of background signals, and moving average processing, allowing for standalone operation and integration with measurement equipment, with customizable options for data formats and calibration parameters to enhance detection of target molecules and infections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If data correction methods are integrated within measurement systems, then ease of operation is improved, but flexibility and accuracy are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data correction process into distinct modular components that can be independently selected and applied. The system separates the measurement function from the correction function, allowing correction algorithms to be independently optimized and chosen based on specific application requirements rather than being fixed within the measurement device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary data processing layer between the measurement system and the final analysis. This intermediary layer provides standardized data interfaces while allowing flexible application of various correction methods, enabling the system to maintain ease of operation while achieving high flexibility through the intermediary correction module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple correction steps are applied to fluorescence data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccuracyVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The correction process is divided into distinct sequential steps: background signal subtraction, time shift correction, and color compensation. Each step addresses a specific source of error independently, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision while maintaining manageable complexity through modular processing stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies corrections in a predetermined sequence where preliminary steps (background subtraction) prepare the data for subsequent corrections (time shift, color compensation). This preliminary action approach ensures that each correction step builds on properly prepared data, maximizing precision while avoiding the complexity of simultaneous multi-parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If time shift correction is applied to fluorescence measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies time shift correction selectively based on the specific measurement conditions and requirements. Rather than universally applying complex time correction algorithms to all data, the system determines when correction is necessary and applies appropriate levels of correction, reducing unnecessary processing time while maintaining precision where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3129500B1Methods for fluorescence data correction
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 UGENTEC NV
  • EP3129500B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3129500B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3129500B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention concerns (computer implemented) methods for data correction, in particular, fluorescence data, related systems, software, graphic user interfaces and the use thereof, more in particular, the invention describes a method for adjusting a part of measurements taken from a plurality of measurements, under the same time-dependent area, at different time points in which said adjustments are performed in order to obtain calculated measurements which can be compared as if they were taken at the same time point (and hence, under the same environment).