Automated Single Molecule Imaging System Illumination Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems face challenges in accurately processing and analyzing large datasets of single molecule images, particularly in optical mapping, due to issues with uneven illumination and manual focusing, which hinders the extraction of meaningful data from single molecule studies.

Innovation Solution

An automated system for collecting and processing single molecule images that maintains focus, reduces uneven illumination through flattening, and automatically merges overlapping images, using techniques like Laplacian filters and Cross-Correlation Functions to ensure precise alignment and data quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated image collection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage collection throughputVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automated focusing, illumination flattening, and image merging without continuous human intervention. The computer executes algorithms that autonomously process images, adjust parameters, and generate corrected outputs, enabling the system to serve itself in complex processing tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical focusing and image processing are replaced with computer-based automated focusing algorithms and digital image processing software. The system uses computational methods to perform tasks that would otherwise require manual mechanical adjustment and analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual focusing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus accuracyVSAvoidfocusing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical focusing is replaced with automated focusing algorithms executed by a computer. The system uses software-based focus determination and adjustment mechanisms that provide more precise and consistent focusing compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where image quality metrics are continuously monitored and used to adjust focusing parameters. The computer analyzes image data and automatically adjusts focus settings to optimize image quality, creating a closed-loop control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If uneven illumination is not corrected, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage data accuracyVSAvoidimage processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Physical illumination correction hardware is replaced with computational flattening algorithms. The computer processes image data to correct uneven illumination patterns through software-based image processing techniques, eliminating the need for additional optical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of image processing through automated parameter adjustment. The computer analyzes illumination patterns and automatically modifies processing parameters to correct uneven illumination, adapting the processing approach based on the specific characteristics of each image set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of information

If overlapping images are not merged, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata completenessVSAvoidimage merging complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges overlapping images to create a comprehensive data set. Adjacent images that overlap are combined through automated processes that integrate information from multiple images, ensuring complete coverage and eliminating gaps in the data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates and uses copies of image data during the merging process. Original images are copied and processed to generate corrected versions, with overlapping regions being copied from multiple sources and integrated to produce a complete merged result.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8271251B2Automated imaging system for single molecules

Publication Date: 2012.09.18 WISCONSIN ALUMNI RES FOUND

AI summary

There is provided a high throughput automated single molecule image collection and processing system that requires minimal initial user input. The unique features embodied in the present disclosure allow automated collection and initial processing of optical images of single molecules and their assemblies. Correct focus may be automatically maintained while images are collected. Uneven illumination in fluorescence microscopy is accounted for, and an overall robust imaging operation is provided yielding individual images prepared for further processing in external systems. Embodiments described herein are useful in studies of any macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, peptides and proteins. The automated image collection and processing system and method of same may be implemented and deployed over a computer network, and may be ergonomically optimized to facilitate user interaction.