Methods and systems for tracking biological material
Inventors
Paradise, Charles • Gerbush, Michael • Ivosevic, Milan • Costello, Brian • DiCesare, Paul • Ferreira, Danial • Green, Ronald
Assignees
Brian Costello Design LLC • Start LLC USA • CooperSurgical Inc
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Publication Number
US-12530910-B2
Publication Date
2026-01-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a method performed by one or more computers for tracking a biological material of a subject during an in-vitro fertilization process. The method includes receiving, from a camera, an image of a dish having a visual characteristic and a drop disposed on the dish, the dish holding the biological material at a drop location. The method then includes processing the image of the dish, using a drop identification model, to identify the drop according to the visual characteristic. Further, the method includes assigning an identifier to the drop associated with the drop location, and recording the identifier of the drop associated with the drop location.
Core Innovation
The invention concerns computer-based tracking of biological material during an in-vitro fertilization process. Images of dishes from a microscope and wide-view camera are processed to identify drops according to visual characteristics, assign identifiers associated with drop locations, and record those identifiers. The system also classifies dish type from drop patterns and maintains a transfer history for biological material.
The disclosure further covers monitoring pipette status and checking intended destinations and transfer sequences against stored standard operating protocols, signaling real-time correct or error alerts. Disclosed implementations encompass computer-performed tracking methods, non-transitory computer storage media, and an imaging system comprising a microscope, a camera, computers, and storage devices. The system provides automated witnessing to streamline in-vitro fertilization workflows.
Claims Coverage
The provided relevant claims identify four independent claims—claims 1, 23, 35, and 38—encompassing four inventive features that cover a computer-performed tracking method, non-transitory computer storage media, a tracking system, and a method comprising pipette monitoring and protocol checks.
Image-based drop identification and dish classification
Claim 1 covers receiving an image of a dish holding biological material, identifying a drop according to a visual characteristic using a drop identification model, assigning and recording an identifier associated with the drop location, and classifying a type of dish from its drop pattern.
Computer storage media for tracking across dishes
Claim 23 covers non-transitory computer storage media storing instructions for identifying drops in images of an initial dish and a second dish according to visual characteristics, assigning identifiers, and recording the identifiers associated with drop locations.
Microscope- and camera-based tracking system
Claim 35 covers a system comprising a microscope, a camera, computers, and storage devices with instructions to identify drops in images of an initial dish and a second dish according to visual characteristics, assign identifiers, and record identifiers associated with drop locations.
Pipette monitoring and protocol-based destination check
Claim 38 covers identifying and recording a drop and its location, recording pipette status or condition while holding biological material, checking before delivery whether a second location correlates with stored standard operating protocols, and signaling an error message or a correct message based on the check.
Together, the independent claims cover image-based identification and recording of drops and drop locations across dishes in method, storage-media, and system forms, as well as pipette-status monitoring with pre-delivery destination checks against stored standard operating protocols.
Stated Advantages
Automated witnessing can reduce transfer errors.
The system can eliminate the need for a second embryologist at each transfer.
The system can lower costs and streamline IVF workflows.
Documented Applications
Tracking biological material during an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) process, including identifying and recording drop locations and monitoring transfers between locations.
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