Probe Array Calibration Drift Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for calibrating optical readers or scanners used for detecting emissions from biological probe arrays face challenges in accurately correcting X-axis errors, which affect the precision of data analysis from high-density arrays like Affymetrix GeneChip probe arrays.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that perform X-axis translations of an excitation beam over a probe array, measuring light from positional reference elements, calculating distance values, and determining drift values to correct X-axis errors in the image by applying these drift values to the pixels of the probe features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used for optical readers, then the system is simpler to operate, but X-axis measurement precision deteriorates due to drift errors in high-density probe arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions by translating the excitation beam along the X-axis before actual data collection and calculating drift values based on positional reference elements. This preliminary calibration establishes correction factors that are applied during subsequent imaging operations, improving measurement precision without adding complexity to the main data collection process
Solution Approach 2:
Positional reference elements serve as intermediaries between the excitation beam and the probe array features. These reference elements provide known positional relationships that enable the system to calculate drift values and correct X-axis errors, acting as a mediator that facilitates precise measurement without requiring direct complex interactions between the beam and target features
2Manufacturing precision
If drift correction is applied to all pixels, then image accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies drift correction selectively rather than uniformly to all pixels. By focusing correction efforts on regions where positional accuracy is most critical and using the calculated drift values to adjust only necessary image portions, the system achieves high image accuracy while minimizing the time required for processing
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of probe array imaging by effectively correcting X-axis errors, improving the precision of data analysis and ensuring reliable detection of biological data from high-density arrays.
Implementation Method 1
provides an excitation beam that provides a wavelength that corresponds to an excitation wavelength range of a fluorescent label associated with a target molecule hybridized to a probe feature
Implementation Method 2
detects emissions from the biological materials
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method of determining a drift value is described that includes performing one or more X-axis translations of an excitation beam over a probe array; measuring light responsive to the excitation beam from at least two positional reference elements associated with the probe array for the X-axis translations; calculating a distance value for the X-axis translation using a positional relationship of a known location associated with each of the positional reference elements and positions of the positional reference elements from the measured light; and determining a drift value using a difference between the calculated distance value and an expected distance value.