Standardized Protocol Chart Creation for Biochemistry Experiments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protocols in biochemistry and biotechnology lack standardization, leading to variability in format and information, making it difficult for researchers to understand and reproduce experiments reliably and reproducibly.
Innovation Solution
A protocol chart creation device and method that standardizes the representation of experimental processes using initial symbols, procedure lines, process symbols, and transfer lines, with features like process determination, arrangement position setting, and highlighting to clearly depict process changes and transfers, allowing for easy understanding and reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protocols are described in individual unique formats by researchers and institutions, then each can express their specific procedures, but the reliability and reproducibility of experiments cannot be ensured due to lack of standardization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming protocol descriptions from unstandardized textual formats into a standardized visual chart format with defined parameters. The protocol chart uses standardized symbols, lines, and arrangements to represent experimental procedures, converting variable textual descriptions into consistent visual parameters that ensure reliability and reproducibility across different researchers and institutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protocol description into distinct visual components: initial symbols representing starting states, procedure lines showing process flow, process symbols depicting specific operations, and separation lines dividing different containers. This segmentation creates a standardized structure that maintains experimental detail while ensuring consistency through defined visual elements.
2Reliability
If a standardized protocol chart format is implemented, then reliability and reproducibility improve, but the ease of understanding may be reduced due to the need to learn new notation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating visual representations that mirror the actual experimental procedures. The protocol chart copies the experimental workflow into a visual format where symbols and lines directly represent physical actions and processes, making the standardized format intuitive through visual analogy rather than abstract notation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional textual protocol descriptions to two-dimensional visual charts. This dimensional change allows simultaneous representation of multiple protocol elements (containers, processes, transfers, conditions) in a spatial layout that is easier to comprehend than linear text, improving ease of understanding while maintaining standardization.
3Reliability
If detailed information about each experimental step is provided, then reproducibility improves, but the complexity of the protocol description increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pieces of protocol information into single visual elements. Process symbols can represent multiple operations, procedure lines can indicate both sequence and conditional logic, and the spatial arrangement can convey container relationships. This merging reduces the number of discrete elements needed while preserving detailed experimental information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal visual elements that serve multiple functions. For example, procedure lines not only show process sequence but can also indicate material transfers, conditional branches, and temporal relationships. This multi-functionality allows detailed protocol information to be conveyed with fewer visual elements, reducing overall chart complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a protocol chart creation device, including: an initial symbol arrangement unit (12) configured to arrange an initial symbol representing an initial state of a container for containing a specimen; a procedure line arrangement unit (13) configured to arrange a procedure line representing a process order for the container in a direction along a first axis from the initial symbol; a process symbol arrangement unit (15) configured to arrange a process symbol representing a process to be carried out on the container along the procedure line, and to arrange, when there are a plurality of processes to be carried out on one container, the process symbols representing the processes along the procedure line; and a separation unit (22) configured to separate arrangements of the initial symbols, the procedure lines, and the process symbols for different containers in a direction along a second axis intersecting the first axis.