Through sample tracking chain, system and method

Definition and structure of sample tracking chain:

Definition: The sample tracking chain is a digital data structure instantiated according to the intrinsic properties of the sample, and each link in the chain represents an observed state of the sample.

Structure: Each state object is linked to the previous state object through a hash value to form a chain structure, which may be stored in a private or public distributed ledger in the form of a blockchain.

System components:

Sample database: Stores sample tracking chains and sample state objects.

Sample tracking engine: Executes software instructions, processes observed sample states, generates new state objects, and updates sample tracking chains.

User interface: Allows users to access and query sample tracking chains.

Method flow:

Generate genesis block: Contains the initial state of the sample and possible external data (such as patient information).

Access sample tracking chain: Obtain the tracking chain of the target biological sample.

Retrieve previous state object: Retrieve an object representing the previous state of the sample from the tracking chain.

Generate current state object: Generate a new state object based on the observed current state and the hash value of the previous state object.

Link and update tracking chain: link the newly generated state object to the previous state object and update the sample tracking chain.

Index and retrieval: index the tracking chain according to the intrinsic characteristics of the sample for quick retrieval.

Application scenarios:

Biological sample processing: such as staining, microdissection and mass spectrometry analysis of tumor tissue samples.

Clinical trials and medical research: long-term tracking of biological samples to ensure data integrity and traceability.

Other fields: such as artwork tracking, environmental monitoring, supply chain management, etc., scenarios that require tracking of object life cycle and state changes.

Technical advantages:

Reduce human errors: track through the intrinsic attributes of the sample rather than external labels to reduce tracking problems caused by label errors or damage.

Improve data integrity: each state object is linked by a hash value to ensure data integrity and immutability.

Support verification and audit: provide full life cycle audit tracking to support external stakeholders to verify the validity of sample status and data.

Technical implementation:

Use image processing and feature extraction algorithms to generate the intrinsic characteristics of the sample.

Use hash functions to generate hash values of state objects to ensure the uniqueness of the link and the integrity of the data.

Possible blockchain implementations, including public or private distributed ledgers, and integration with other blockchain infrastructures.

Short answer questions:

What is the main purpose of the sample tracking chain?

The main purpose of the sample tracking chain is to track the status of the sample throughout its life cycle through intrinsic attributes, provide a full life cycle audit trail, and ensure data integrity and traceability.

How are the state objects in the sample tracking chain linked?

The state objects in the sample tracking chain are linked by hash values. Each newly generated state object contains the hash value of the previous state object and the data of the current state, forming a chain structure.

In what types of systems can the sample tracking chain be stored?

The sample tracking chain can be stored in a private or public distributed ledger, such as a blockchain. In addition, it can also be stored in a traditional database.

What steps are required to generate a new sample state object?

Generating a new sample state object usually requires the following steps: obtain the observed current sample state, retrieve the previous state object, generate a new state object based on the hash value of the current state and the previous state, and then link the new state object to the tracking chain and update the database.

How does the sample tracking chain technology reduce human errors?

Sample tracking chain technology tracks samples by relying on the intrinsic properties of samples rather than external labels (such as barcodes), thereby reducing human errors caused by incorrect, damaged or mislabeled labels.

What role does the hash value play in the sample tracking chain?

Hash values play two main roles in the sample tracking chain: one is to ensure the uniqueness of each state object, and generate a unique hash value as the identity of the state object through a hash function; the other is to serve as a bridge to link different state objects to ensure the integrity and immutability of data.

In which fields does the sample tracking chain technology have application prospects?

Sample tracking chain technology has application prospects in many fields, including biological sample processing, clinical trials and medical research, art tracking, environmental monitoring, supply chain management and other scenarios that require tracking the life cycle and state changes of objects.