Sample Holder Alignment Mechanism for Spatial Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for spatial analysis of biological samples face challenges in accurately aligning samples with barcoded areas, leading to user error, increased costs, and imaging imperfections.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder device with a first and second member, each equipped with a retaining mechanism, and an alignment mechanism that ensures precise alignment of the sample with barcoded probes, reducing user error and improving analysis efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment of samples with barcoded areas is performed, then user flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but alignment accuracy and measurement precision deteriorate due to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment mechanism with fiducial markers as an intermediary between the user and the sample alignment process. The fiducial markers serve as reference points that guide the automated alignment system, mediating between manual sample placement and precise positional alignment with barcoded areas, thereby reducing user error while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated alignment mechanism that uses fiducial markers and computational algorithms. This substitution eliminates the need for users to manually align samples with barcoded areas, replacing human judgment with an automated system that achieves consistent, high-precision alignment
2Measurement precision
If automated alignment mechanism is implemented, then alignment precision and measurement accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment system into distinct functional components: fiducial markers on the substrate, detection system for locating markers, calculation module for determining transformation parameters, and execution module for applying alignment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing perceived complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment mechanism is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple sample types, substrate formats, and barcoded area configurations through a single integrated platform. The fiducial marker-based approach provides a通用 solution that works across different experimental conditions, reducing the need for multiple specialized alignment systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging systems with different manufacturers and configurations are used, then system versatility and adaptability are improved, but image quality consistency and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through fiducial markers that provide reference information to the imaging system. By detecting the positions of known fiducial markers, the system can calculate transformation parameters and apply corrections to ensure consistent image quality and accurate spatial relationships across different imaging systems and sessions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the form of transformation parameters (translation, rotation, scaling) that are calculated based on fiducial marker positions. These parameters dynamically adjust the imaging and analysis process to compensate for variations between different imaging systems, maintaining consistency despite hardware differences
Data Source
AI summary
A sample holder includes a first member featuring a first retaining mechanism configured to retain a first substrate that includes a sample, a second member featuring a second retaining mechanism configured to retain a second substrate that includes a reagent medium, and an alignment mechanism connected to at least one of the first and second members, and configured to align the first and second members such that the sample contacts at least a portion of the reagent medium when the first and second members are aligned.