Tray Image Analysis for Reagent Dispense Spill Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biological sample analysis instruments face challenges in accurately detecting improper dispensation of reagents, leading to false positive or negative results due to reagents being dispensed onto the tray surface instead of reaction wells, which current detection methods fail to adequately distinguish between true and false patterns.

Innovation Solution

A system employing photometric analysis to evaluate fluidic substance dispensation by capturing and processing images of the tray, identifying surrounding portions, and determining the presence of substances based on color components to flag inappropriate dispensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are used to detect positions of dispensing probes or monitor inner pressure of probe tubing, then dispensation can be monitored, but true negative patterns cannot be completely separated from false negative patterns and true positive patterns from false positive patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensation detection accuracyVSAvoidpattern distinction reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/electrical sensing systems (pressure sensors, position sensors) with an optical imaging system. The imaging device captures visual information about the tray surface, and image processing algorithms analyze the patterns to detect dispensation errors. This substitution allows for more reliable distinction between true and false patterns by directly observing the physical state of the tray surface rather than inferring it from indirect signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes optical properties and color changes in the image analysis to detect dispensation errors. By capturing images of the tray surface and analyzing color components, the system can identify the presence of fluidic substances on the tray surface, which helps distinguish between proper and improper dispensation patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Productivity

If reagents are dispensed on reaction wells of a tray, then analysis can be performed, but the tray may not be accurately aligned with reagent pipettors causing reagents to be dispensed onto the surface of the tray instead of into the reaction wells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis throughputVSAvoiddispensation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary evaluation of the tray surface before analysis begins. The imaging device captures images of the tray surface after dispensation, and the evaluation system analyzes these images to detect misalignment or improper dispensation. This preliminary detection allows the system to identify and flag erroneous dispensation events before they lead to false analysis results, thereby maintaining both productivity and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If image capturing devices are used to capture images of the tray, then visual detection is possible, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual detection precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the imaging device into the existing automated analysis instrument, allowing the same device to serve multiple functions: capturing images for dispensation evaluation, documenting tray contents, and potentially guiding alignment adjustments. By making the imaging system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively distinguishes between proper and improper dispensation of fluidic substances, reducing false results in biological sample analysis by accurately identifying spills onto the tray surface.

Implementation Method 1

capturing, using an image capturing device, an image of at least a portion of the tray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

evaluating color components of the image corresponding to the surrounding portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotometric analysis: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS20260112021A1Substance dispense evaluation system

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 BECKMAN COULTER INC

AI summary

An automated analysis instrument operates to detect inadequate dispensation of a fluidic substance on a tray. The instrument includes an image capturing device to capture an image of at least a portion of the tray including a receptacle portion and a surrounding portion around the receptacle portion. The instrument then identifies the surrounding portion of the at least the portion of the tray in the image, evaluates color components of the image corresponding to the surrounding portion of the at least the portion of the tray, and determines whether the fluidic substance is present on the surrounding portion of the at least the portion of the tray based on at least one of the color components.