Sample Holder Alignment With Fiducial Imaging Quality Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems for spatial analyte data are variable in resolution and sensitivity due to manufacturing inconsistencies and user-dependent image acquisition, lacking efficient methods to verify image quality and alignment before analyzing biological samples, and face challenges in uniform heating and condensation issues during sample preparation.
Innovation Solution
Control slides and substrates with fiducial markers and fluorescent probes are used to assess imaging system quality and alignment, ensuring even heating and reducing condensation, while support devices facilitate uniform sample alignment and heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If imaging systems are used for spatial analyte data, then analyte detection capability is improved, but image quality and resolution become variable due to manufacturing inconsistencies and user-dependent acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated image quality assessment that provides feedback on imaging system performance metrics. The system evaluates captured images against quality criteria and adjusts acquisition parameters accordingly, enabling continuous optimization and consistent image quality despite manufacturing variations in imaging components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts imaging parameters such as exposure time, gain, and focus based on real-time assessment of image quality metrics. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system compensates for manufacturing inconsistencies and maintains reliable image quality across different imaging conditions and user operations.
2Temperature
If traditional heating devices are used for sample preparation, then temperature control is improved, but condensation forms on samples causing artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from traditional closed heating devices and implements open heating using LED illumination. By separating the heating function from the illumination function and using LED light sources that generate minimal heat, the system achieves temperature control without the condensation problems associated with traditional heating devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary approach by using LED illumination as a dual-purpose element that provides both lighting for imaging and gentle heating for sample preparation. This intermediary solution avoids the extreme temperatures of traditional heaters while still providing beneficial thermal effects, preventing condensation artifacts.
3Ease of operation
If manual sample alignment is performed, then flexibility is improved, but alignment precision and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated alignment systems that perform sample positioning and orientation without manual intervention. The system uses image processing algorithms to automatically identify sample features and adjust positioning, eliminating the variability introduced by manual alignment while maintaining operational simplicity through automated workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with automated image-based alignment algorithms. By using computational methods to determine sample position and orientation from captured images, the system achieves superior alignment precision and reproducibility while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.
4Measurement precision
If control slides with fiducial markers are used, then alignment verification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiducial markers with distinct color properties that enable automatic detection and verification of alignment. The colored markers provide high-contrast visual cues that are easily distinguished by imaging systems, allowing precise alignment verification without requiring complex marker structures or additional processing steps.
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
Enhances imaging system calibration, reduces user error, and ensures consistent sample preparation outcomes by providing efficient verification of image quality and alignment, and uniform heating without condensation.
Implementation Method 1
Control slides and substrates with fiducial markers and fluorescent probes are used to assess imaging system quality and alignment
Implementation Method 2
support devices facilitate uniform sample alignment and heating
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.