System, method, and computer software product for specifying parameters associated with a biological probe array

Abstract

Systems, methods, and computer program products are described for specifying a scanning area of a substrate. In accordance with one method, steps include receiving location data corresponding to a plurality of probe-feature locations on the substrate, storing the location data, accessing the location data, and scanning the substrate based on the accessed location data. A scanning system is described that includes a computer, a scanner, and a computer program product. The product, when executed on the computer, accesses location data corresponding to a plurality of probe-feature locations on a substrate, and controls the scanner's scanning of the substrate based on the accessed location data.

1 - 36 . (Cancelled).  
     
     
         37 . A method for user specification of probe parameters associated with a biological probe array, comprising: 
 providing a first interface that enables at least one user specification a plurality of probe parameters;    receiving the plurality of probe array parameters associated with each user specification; and    generating an array content file that includes a record for each user specification, wherein each record includes a plurality of fields and each of the plurality of probe array parameters is associated with one of the fields.    
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein: 
 the first interface includes a graphical user interface.    
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein: 
 the plurality of fields includes fields selected from the group consisting of one or more probe identifiers, one or more probe x-coordinate identifiers, one or more probe y-coordinate identifiers, probe data, probe data links, pin identifier, well plate identifier, and user supplied data.    
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein: 
 the probe parameters includes a specification of probe position.    
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein: 
 the specification of probe position includes a specification selected form the group consisting of a reference coordinate, a spacing distance between probes, and a probe array pattern.    
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein: 
 each record is related to a probe.    
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising: 
 storing the array content file in system memory of a user computer.    
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising: 
 transferring the array content file over a network.    
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein: 
 the array content file is transferred to a computer.    
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising: 
 providing a second interface that enables a user initiation of production of one or more biological probe arrays, wherein the production of each of the biological probe arrays is based upon the array content file.    
     
     
         47 . A system for producing biological probe arrays, comprising: 
 (a) a computer;    (b) an arrayer; and    (c) a computer program product that, when executed on the computer, performs a method comprising:    providing a first interface that enables at least one user specification a plurality of probe parameters;    receiving the plurality of probe array parameters associated with each user specification;    generating an array content file that includes a record for each user specification, wherein each record includes a plurality of fields and each of the plurality of probe array parameters is associated with one of the fields; and    providing a second interface that enables a user initiation of production of one or more biological probe arrays, wherein the production of each of the biological probe arrays is based upon the array content file.    
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein: 
 the first and second interfaces includes a graphical user interface.    
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein: 
 the plurality of fields includes fields selected from the group consisting of one or more probe identifiers, one or more probe x-coordinate identifiers, one or more probe y-coordinate identifiers, probe data, probe data links, pin identifier, well plate identifier, and user supplied data.    
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein: 
 the probe parameters includes a specification of probe position.    
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein: 
 the specification of probe position includes a specification selected form the group consisting of a reference coordinate, a spacing distance between probes, and a probe array pattern.    
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein: 
 each record is related to a probe, wherein the probe is arrayed on to a substrate.