Microtiter Plate Touch Screen System for Accurate Well Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microtiter plate handling and data recording methods are prone to human error due to the close spacing of wells and difficulty in accurately locating specific wells, especially when plates are stored in cold conditions with frost-covered markings, and existing laser-based systems are costly and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a transparent planar touch screen with capacitive sensing points corresponding to each well, integrated with a central processing unit for data reception, storage, and processing, and a support structure allowing rotation and secure positioning of the microtiter plate, enabling accurate data recording and analysis without the need for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual methods are used to locate wells, then equipment cost is reduced, but accuracy and reliability of well identification deteriorates due to close spacing and frost-covered markings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical microtiter plate by capturing an image of the plate surface. This digital copy contains all well location information and can be processed by image recognition algorithms to automatically identify well positions and corresponding labels, eliminating the need for complex automated robotic systems while improving accuracy over manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification methods with an optical and computational system. Instead of relying on physical labels that can be covered by frost or difficult to read, the system uses image capture and digital processing to identify wells, substituting mechanical reading with optical detection and computational recognition.
2Measurement precision
If laser-based systems are used to mark wells, then well location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using physical laser marks that require additional hardware and alignment systems, the patent creates a digital copy of the plate through image capture. This digital representation can be processed to identify well locations with high precision without requiring complex laser alignment mechanisms or physical marking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical laser marking system with an optical imaging and digital processing system. Rather than using lasers to physically mark or highlight wells, the system captures images and uses computational methods to identify and mark well locations digitally, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining or improving precision.
3Productivity
If automated robotic systems are used to locate and process wells, then productivity and consistency are improved, but equipment cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital copy of the plate obtained through image capture to enable automated processing. The image data serves as a virtual map that robotic systems can reference to accurately locate and process specific wells, eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment systems or physical marking mechanisms while maintaining high processing efficiency and consistency.
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 system significantly reduces human error in microtiter plate operations by providing a precise and user-friendly method for data recording and analysis, allowing for efficient handling and processing of microtiter plate data, even in challenging storage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the predetermined regions comprise capacitive sensing points configured to generate an indicia upon contact by a user
Data Source
AI summary
A system for analyzing, manipulating, and recording data associated with a microtiter plate is provided. The system provides a touch screen element provided proximal to the microtiter plate such that data pertaining to events and conditions observed within one or more wells of the microtiter plate may be easily and accurately recorded. Data display, storage, and manipulation features are also provided.