RealTime PCR System(s)

The System:

DLS Solutions provided enormous value to a leading biotechnology company by completely managing and developing a software package to drive a new RealTime PCR Detection System. Released to the marketplace in the early 2000's, this product generated record sales and raised the bar on RT-PCR Software for the end user. The system included a multicolor CCD-based detection and 96 well-plate thermal cycling with standard curve quantitative analysis, allelic discrimination (SNP detection) and, eventually, pathogen detection. The software featured an easy to use MDI Windows application for setup, user level diagnostics and calibration, patented image processing, multiple instrument-assay plug-in design and RealTime results presentation.

The Projects:

The initial product version 1.0 was developed with the client in 18 months and shipped in 2002. Four subsequent versions were released to add new instruments and applications from 2002 through 2006. The initial software development was entirely staffed by DLS Solutions. Subsequent releases and derivative projects were staffed by DLS according to the client's workforce needs.

Implementation Details:

Before Agile process became commonplace in the software community, DLS Solutions practiced effective, demonstration-based, incremental development with solid RUP design practices. This project was no exception. Early devices were added to the framework to demonstrate hardware control, sort out performance issues with third party vendors and optimize in-house integration. Critical algorithms were developed with hooks for systems engineering to validate. A simulator was added early on to allow offsite convenience, support rigorous test cases and speed the overall development cycle. MFC was used with a few off-the-shelf libraries for the UI; domain models were developed and integrated in the form of flexible plug-ins. The plug-in architecture used supported modular-based incremental development and simplified unit testing. DLS was an early adopter of the new Windows Installer technology, supporting full maintenance resilience and major upgrades.

General Technology:

  • Visual Studio 6.0Visual Studio 6.0
  • Windows 2000/XPWindows 2000/XP
  • Visio-based UML Analysis and DesignVisio-based UML Analysis and Design
  • C++/MFC 6.0C++/MFC 6.0
  • Presentation Graphics Library/Rogue Wave Stingray GridPresentation Graphics Library/Rogue Wave Stingray Grid
  • Proprietary Image ProcessingProprietary Image Processing
  • CCD Camera with USB Communications to instrumentCCD Camera with USB Communications to instrument
  • 96 Well-plate thermal cycler96 Well-plate thermal cycler
  • MDI frameworkMDI framework