Mass Spectrometer Plate Mapping Using Image-Based Well Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of preparing a plate information sheet for mass spectrometry, which associates position information of wells on a sample plate with sample information, is complicated and time-consuming, especially with increased well numbers and the need to manage multiple samples on multiple wells.
Innovation Solution
An information management device for mass spectrometers equipped with an imager, plate information storage, a retriever, a sample presence identifier, and an input assistant to automate the association of well positions with sample IDs, using image recognition and barcode decoding to streamline the input process and reduce manual errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual preparation of plate information sheets is used to associate well positions with sample IDs, then flexibility and simplicity of the system are maintained, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming especially with increased well numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-service by using the imager to capture sample plate images, automatically recognizing well positions and sample IDs through image processing, and generating plate information sheets without requiring manual data entry. This eliminates the time-consuming manual preparation process while maintaining system simplicity through automated functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of writing sample IDs in template cells with an automated optical recognition system. The imager captures images of the sample plate, image processing algorithms automatically identify well positions and sample IDs, and the system automatically associates this information, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated optical and computational processes.
2Productivity
If the number of wells on sample plates is increased to improve measurement efficiency, then productivity of mass spectrometry measurement is improved, but the task of preparing plate information sheets becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically processes sample plates with any number of wells through self-service functionality. The imager captures the entire plate, image processing algorithms automatically identify all well positions and sample IDs regardless of plate size, and the system generates complete plate information sheets without requiring additional manual effort, thus maintaining constant preparation time even as well numbers increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image copying and recognition to handle plates with increased well numbers. By capturing an image of the entire sample plate and automatically processing it through image recognition algorithms, the system can handle any plate configuration without requiring proportional increases in manual data entry time, effectively copying the manual process into an automated optical recognition process.
3Reliability
If manual input of sample IDs into template cells is performed, then accuracy of data entry can be controlled, but input errors are liable to occur and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data entry with automated optical recognition. The imager captures images of sample plates, image processing algorithms automatically identify well positions and sample IDs, and the system automatically associates this information with corresponding wells. This substitution eliminates manual input errors while maintaining high accuracy through automated recognition, and reduces time consumption by removing the manual data entry step entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the imager captures images, image processing algorithms analyze the captured images to identify well positions and sample IDs, and the results are automatically verified and associated with the correct wells. This closed-loop feedback process ensures high accuracy in sample ID association while eliminating the time-consuming nature of manual verification and correction of input errors.
Data Source
AI summary
An imager 13 takes an image of a sample-placement surface of a sample plate 5. A plate identifier 103 decodes a barcode on the image to acquire a plate ID, recognizes the well arrangement, and retrieves a template having a cell arrangement corresponding to the well arrangement from a plate information storage section 101. A sample presence identifier 104 identifies, from the image, a well on which a sample is placed. A plate correspondence information input assistant 105 creates a template image in which the background color of the cells is changed depending on the presence of the sample, and displays it on a display unit 12. An analysis operator inputs information into each cell by a direct character-input operation or a drag-and-drop operation from a previously created sample list. The inputted information is associated with the corresponding well number and stored in a registration information storage section 107.