Genetic Testing Sample Scheduling for Priority PCR Throughput
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Genetic testing devices face challenges in prioritizing high-priority samples and maintaining efficiency when samples arrive at different times with varying priorities, leading to potential sample deterioration and decreased operating efficiency due to batch processing and long PCR measurement times.
Innovation Solution
A genetic testing method and device that includes a feeding step, pretreatment, measurement, and analysis data processing, with a control unit calculating target times for aliquoting based on sample priority, ensuring high-priority samples are processed promptly while minimizing delays for low-priority samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If batch processing method is used to process multiple biological samples, then the number of measurements per unit time is increased, but the processing time for individual urgent samples is extended and sample deterioration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling that adjusts processing priorities based on sample urgency levels. The system continuously monitors sample arrival times and priority designations, then dynamically reconfigures the processing sequence to interleave urgent samples between batch operations, allowing the system to adapt its behavior in real-time rather than following a fixed batch processing schedule
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of samples upon arrival, assigning priority levels and calculating target completion times before processing begins. This advance preparation allows the scheduling algorithm to pre-plan the processing sequence, identifying which urgent samples need to be extracted and processed first, and preparing the appropriate reaction vessels and reagents in advance to minimize waiting time
2Speed
If high-priority samples are processed first without considering low-priority samples, then urgent sample measurement speed is improved, but low-priority sample processing is continuously delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous utilization of the reaction vessel through intelligent scheduling that prevents idle time. By calculating target completion times and arranging processing sequences to minimize gaps, the system maintains continuous useful action - either processing the next urgent sample or transitioning to a low-priority sample, thereby improving urgent sample speed without causing excessive delays to lower-priority samples
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the processing parameter of sample priority dynamically based on arrival time and urgency designation. Rather than maintaining a static processing order, the scheduler adjusts processing parameters (which samples to process, in what order, and with what timing) to balance the needs of both high-priority and low-priority samples, optimizing overall system throughput while meeting urgent deadlines
3Ease of operation
If samples are fed into the device at any time after arrival at the laboratory, then operational flexibility is improved, but device control over processing timing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the scheduler continuously monitors sample arrival times, priority designations, and current processing status. Based on this feedback, the scheduler automatically adjusts the processing plan, recalculating target completion times and resequencing operations as needed. This closed-loop control allows the device to maintain simplicity in operation while internally managing the complexity of coordinating multiple samples with different priorities and deadlines
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
The method and device enable prioritized processing of high-priority samples, reduce sample deterioration, and maintain overall efficiency by managing sample processing based on priority, thereby enhancing the speed and accuracy of genetic testing.
Implementation Method 1
The PCR method is a technique that uses a heat-resistant polymerase and primers to amplify a target nucleic acid by increasing or decreasing the temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A genetic testing device 1 further comprises a calculation unit 2d that adds, to the time at which an analyte is put, an available standby time depending on the priority of the analyte and calculates a target time by which dispensation to the analyte is to be completed. A control unit 2c executes dispensation of analytes in the order of target time. Consequently, in the genetic testing method and genetic testing device provided by the present invention, priority is given to measurement of an analyte with high priority, and measurement of an analyte with low priority is prevented from being overly delayed when analytes with high priority are introduced in succession.