Sample Marking System for Precise Target Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample processing and analysis methods face challenges in determining sample location and orientation, especially when working across multiple magnifications, and in identifying and locating targets of interest within samples that may be deformed, damaged, or altered during processing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a marking system that associates a reference frame with a sample, using uniquely identifiable markers to create a virtual coordinate system independent of other coordinate systems, allowing for accurate location and orientation of targets of interest, even after deformation or disassembly, and enabling reconstruction and rectification of images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual or automated microscopy is used to examine samples, then observation and identification of objects of interest are enabled, but determining sample location and orientation across multiple magnifications becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces markers as intermediary elements that are placed on the sample to serve as reference points. These markers enable the establishment of a coordinate system that can be tracked across multiple magnifications and instruments, solving the problem of location determination without requiring complex coordinate transformations between different viewing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies markers to the sample before processing and analysis begins. This preliminary action ensures that the coordinate reference system is established in advance, allowing for consistent location tracking throughout subsequent processing steps, sectioning, mounting, and examination under different magnifications.
2Productivity
If samples are processed through multiple steps including sectioning and mounting, then analysis capability is improved, but samples may be deformed, damaged, or altered making target location difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Markers are applied to the sample before any processing steps are performed. This ensures that even if the sample undergoes deformation, sectioning, or mounting that alters its appearance or structure, the markers remain as stable reference points for locating targets of interest throughout the processing chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the markers as feedback references that allow for verification of sample location and orientation at each processing step. By continuously referencing the marker positions, the system can track and compensate for any deformations or shifts that occur during processing, maintaining reliable target location information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different instruments are used to identify and locate objects of interest, then analysis versatility is improved, but location consistency between instruments becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal coordinate reference system based on markers that can be recognized and used across different instruments and magnifications. The markers serve as a common language between instruments, allowing location information to be transferred and interpreted consistently regardless of which instrument is used for observation or analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent essentially creates a copied reference framework (the marker system) that exists independently of the sample's biological or structural features. This marker copy serves as a stable map that can be referenced by any instrument, preserving location information even when the sample itself undergoes changes or when different viewing systems are employed.
Data Source
AI summary
Sample handling, processing and analysis methods and apparatus are described. According to one aspect, a sample processing method includes providing a sample, providing a reference frame which comprises a plurality of markers arranged in a predefined pattern, wherein individual ones of the markers are uniquely identifiable from others of the markers, and associating the reference frame comprising the markers with the sample. The markers are amenable to human or machine reading and for computational manipulation in some examples.