Neural Network Liquid Handling Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laboratory automation systems face challenges in simplifying the configuration and control of liquid handling procedures due to the complexity of classifying pressure sensor measurement data, which is influenced by various parameters.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing an artificial neural network to classify liquid handling procedures by receiving measurement data, inputting it into the neural network, and calculating quality values to assess the correctness of the procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ideal pressure curves are established for every volume, sample, tip type combination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single neural network model is trained to handle multiple liquid handling procedures, volume ranges, sample types, and tip types simultaneously. The network learns universal patterns from diverse training data, eliminating the need to establish separate ideal pressure curves for each specific combination while maintaining high classification accuracy across all scenarios.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The approach transforms the problem from establishing static ideal curves for each parameter combination to using a neural network that dynamically adapts to different parameters. The network processes varying input parameters (volume, sample type, tip type) and automatically adjusts its classification based on learned patterns, rather than requiring pre-defined curves for each parameter set.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a theoretical pressure curve model is determined for the complete liquid handling system, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification accuracyVSAvoidmodel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex theoretical mechanical modeling of the liquid handling system with a data-driven neural network approach. Instead of deriving and fitting theoretical pressure curves based on physical models for each system configuration, the neural network learns directly from measured pressure data, automatically capturing system behavior without requiring explicit theoretical models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The neural network performs self-training by learning from labeled training data consisting of measured pressure curves and their corresponding quality labels. The system automatically identifies patterns and relationships without requiring manual model formulation or fitting for each specific configuration, reducing the need for expert intervention in model development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If fuzzy logic is used for quality control in liquid transfer operations, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fuzzy logic control systems with a neural network-based classification approach. The neural network directly processes pressure measurement data and outputs quality classifications, eliminating the need for fuzzy rule bases, membership functions, and defuzzification processes while achieving comparable or superior reliability in detecting liquid handling errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12306203B2Classifying liquid handling procedures with a neural network
Publication Date: 2025.05.20 TECAN TRADING AG
  • US12306203B2 patent drawing
  • US12306203B2 patent drawing
  • US12306203B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for classifying liquid handling procedures comprises includes receiving measurement data encoding a measurement curve of measurements over time during at least a part of a liquid handling procedure; inputting the measurement data into a neural network; and calculating at least one quality value for the liquid handling procedure with the neural network.