System for evaluating a fluid substance, method for evaluating a fluid substance in a container and non-traient computer readable media

Description

[001] This application was filed on October 27, 2017, as an international PCT patent application and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 414,655, filed on October 28, 2016, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 525,948, filed on June 28, 2017, the descriptions of which are each incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention relates generally to the field of automatic preparation and evaluation of substances. In particular, the invention relates to methods and systems for evaluating a fluid substance, such as, for example, a sample with body fluid, contained in a container and / or a dispensing tip. Additionally, the invention relates to computer program elements for instructing a computing device and / or a processing device to execute the steps of any of the methods for evaluating a fluid substance. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer-readable medium that stores such computer program elements. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[003] It may be an object of the present invention to provide improved methods and systems for automatically evaluating fluid substances with improvements in reliability, quality, accuracy and processability.

[004] The objective of the present invention is solved by the subject matter of the invention, in which additional embodiments are incorporated into the embodiments and of the following description.

[005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for evaluating a fluid substance in a container. Among other things, the method according to the first aspect may refer to a method for operating Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 260 / 501 2 / 153 a dispensing edge assessment system, as described by way of example with reference to Figure 1, and / or a method for operating a sample quality detection device, as described by way of example with reference to Figures 42 to 55. Furthermore, the method according to the first aspect may refer to a method for operating a volume detection system, as described by way of example with reference to Figures 5 to 15 and / or Figures 9 to 21. Additionally, the method of the first aspect may refer to a method for operating a correlation data generation system, as described by way of example with reference to Figures 8 to 21.

[006] The method according to the first aspect comprises the following steps:

[007] - to capture, using an image capture device, an image of at least a portion of the container, wherein the image capture device may comprise an image capture unit;

[008] - obtain, using at least one computing device and / or at least one processing device, a plurality of color parameters of at least one portion of the image; and

[009] - generate a sample classification result for the fluid substance contained in the container based on a plurality of color parameters.

[0010] In this case, the sample classification result is representative and / or indicative of a concentration of at least one interferent in the fluid substance.

[0011] Here and hereafter, the image capture device and / or the image capture unit may refer, for example, to a dispensing edge image capture unit.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the first-aspect method, obtaining a plurality of color parameters includes:

[0013] - generate a histogram for at least a portion of the image, the histogram comprising a plurality of color channels; and

[0014] - obtain a plurality of average values ​​and / or averages for the plurality of color channels, where the plurality of color parameters includes the plurality of average values ​​for the plurality of color channels. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, p. 261 / 501 3 / 153

[0015] In this case, an average value and / or mean can be determined for each of the color channels or for a portion of the color channels.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the first-aspect method, obtaining a plurality of color parameters includes:

[0017] - generate a histogram for at least a portion of the image, the histogram comprising a plurality of color channels; and

[0018] - obtain and / or determine a plurality of Riemann sums for the plurality of color channels, where the plurality of color parameters includes the plurality of Riemann sums for the plurality of color channels.

[0019] In this case, a Riemann sum can be obtained and / or determined for each of the color channels or for a part of the color channels.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the first-aspect method, obtaining a plurality of color parameters includes:

[0021] - generate a histogram for at least a portion of the image, the histogram comprising a plurality of color channels;

[0022] - obtain a plurality of modes for the plurality of color channels;

[0023] - obtain a plurality of maxima for the plurality of color channels; and / or

[0024] - obtain a plurality of minima for the plurality of color channels, where the plurality of color parameters includes the plurality of modes, maxima and / or minima for the plurality of color channels.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the first-aspect method, obtaining a plurality of color parameters includes:

[0026] - generate a histogram for at least a portion of the image, the histogram comprising a plurality of color channels;

[0027] - obtain a plurality of histogram heads for the plurality of color channels;

[0028] - obtain a plurality of histogram tails for the plurality of color channels; Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, p. 262 / 501 4 / 153

[0029] - obtain a plurality of histogram head percentages for the plurality of color channels; and / or

[0030] - obtain a plurality of histogram tail percentages for the plurality of color channels, wherein the plurality of color parameters includes the plurality of histogram heads, histogram tails, histogram head percentages and / or histogram tail percentages for the plurality of color channels.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the first aspect method, the plurality of color parameters includes at least one of a plurality of means for the color channels, a plurality of Riemann sums for the color channels, a plurality of modes for the color channels, a plurality of maxima for the color channels, a plurality of minima for the color channels, a plurality of histogram heads for the color channels, a plurality of histogram tails for the color channels, a plurality of histogram head percentages for the color channels, a plurality of histogram tail percentages for the color channels, or any combination of the aforementioned items.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the first-aspect method, the plurality of color channels includes a red component, a green component, and a blue component, for example, in an RGB model. However, any other type of color model, such as a CMYK color model, can also be used.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the first aspect method, the sample classification result comprises at least one classification identifier, wherein the at least one classification identifier is correlated to at least one part of the plurality of color parameters and / or is correlated to a concentration of at least one interferent in the fluid substance.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the first aspect method, the method further comprises generating a marking result based on the sample classification result; wherein the marking result is indicative of a quality of the fluid substance. Alternatively or additionally, the quality of a fluid substance is based on the sample qualification result. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, p. 263 / 501 5 / 153

[0035] According to one embodiment of the first aspect method, at least one interferent is one or more selected from hemoglobin, jaundice, and lipemia.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the first aspect method, the container is a dispensing tip configured to aspirate the fluid substance and / or a sample.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the first aspect method, the image capture device is configured and / or arranged to capture the image of the portion of the fluid substance and / or the container from one side of the container.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the first-aspect method, the method additionally comprises the following steps:

[0039] - identify and / or determine, using at least one computing device, a reference point in the image, where such reference point is associated with the container;

[0040] - identify and / or determine, using at least one computing device, a surface level of the fluid substance within the container in the image;

[0041] - to determine and / or measure a distance between the reference point and the surface level; and

[0042] - convert distance into a volume of fluid substance based on correlation data that includes information about a correlation between volumes within the container and distances from the reference point to a plurality of surface levels within the container.

[0043] It should be noted, however, that the term correlation data may also refer to an equation and / or a functional relationship between distance and volume.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the first-aspect method, distance is measured by a pixel distance.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the first aspect method, the container is a dispensing tip configured to aspirate the fluid substance, wherein the identification of a reference point includes identifying and / or determining a line of Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, p. 264 / 501 6 / 153 reference formed on the dispensing tip, for example, a reference line formed on the body of the dispensing tip.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the first-aspect method, the reference line is identified based on pattern correlation and / or segmentation of the captured image.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the first aspect method, identifying the reference line involves searching for a representative pattern of the reference line in the captured image.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the first-aspect method, identifying the reference line involves comparing at least part of the captured image with a reference image.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the first aspect method, the method further comprises determining a correlation ratio, a correlation score and / or a correlation value between the captured image portion and the reference image.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the first-aspect method, the method additionally comprises the following steps:

[0051] - to supply a liquid to an additional container;

[0052] - determine a volume of the given liquid;

[0053] - capture an additional image of the container;

[0054] - determine a pixel distance between a reference point in the image associated with the additional container; and

[0055] - correlate the determined volume with the determined pixel distance.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the first aspect method, the method further comprises generating correlation data based on the determined volume and the determined pixel distance.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the first-aspect method, correlation data are generated based on a plurality of correlations between a plurality of determined pixel distances and a plurality of determined liquid volumes supplied to the additional container. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 265 / 501 7 / 153

[0058] According to one embodiment of the first aspect method, the supplied liquid comprises a dye solution. Alternatively or additionally, the volume of the supplied liquid is determined using spectrophotometry.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the first aspect method, determining the volume of liquid supplied involves determining a mass of the liquid supplied.

[0060] It should be noted that any modality of the method according to the first aspect, as described above, can be combined with one or more additional modalities of the method according to the first aspect, as described above. This can allow for the provision of particularly advantageous synergistic effects.

[0061] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program element is provided which, when executed on a computing device of a fluid substance evaluation system, instructs the computing device and / or the system to execute the steps of the method according to the first aspect and / or according to any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0062] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transient, computer-readable medium is provided on which a computer program element according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is stored.

[0063] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid substance assessment system is provided. Among other things, the system according to the fourth aspect may refer to a dispensing tip assessment system, as described by way of example with reference, for example, to Figure 1, and / or to a sample quality detection device, as described by way of example with reference to Figures 42 to 55. Furthermore, the system according to the fourth aspect may refer to a volume detection system, as described by way of example with reference, for example, to Figure 1, Figures 6 to 15 and / or Figures 9 to 21. Additionally, the system according to the fourth aspect may refer to a correlation data generation system, as described by way of example with reference to Figures 8 to 21. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, p. 266 / 501 8 / 153

[0064] The system according to the fourth aspect comprises a sample pipetting device fitted with a dispensing tip. The sample pipetting device may refer to a substance pipetting device. In this case, the sample pipetting device is configured to engage, at least partially, the dispensing tip and aspirate a fluid substance into the dispensing tip. The system further comprises an image capture unit and at least one computing device, which may comprise and / or refer to a processing device.In this case, the image capture unit is configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the fluid substance at the dispensing tip, wherein the computing device is configured to obtain a plurality of color parameters from at least a portion of the image, and to generate a sample classification result for the fluid substance contained at the dispensing tip based on the plurality of color parameters, wherein the sample classification result is representative and / or indicative of a concentration of at least one interferent in the fluid substance.

[0065] In other words, the system may comprise a sample pipetting device fitted with a dispensing tip, wherein the sample pipetting device is configured to engage a dispensing tip and aspirate a fluid substance into the dispensing tip.The system may further comprise an image capture unit configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the fluid substance at the dispensing tip, at least one computing device, and at least one computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions which, when executed by at least one computing device, cause the system to capture, using the image capture unit, an image of at least a portion of the fluid substance at the dispensing tip, obtain a plurality of color parameters from at least a portion of the image, and generate a sample classification result for the fluid substance contained in the dispensing tip based on the plurality of color parameters, wherein the sample classification result is representative of a concentration of at least one interferent in the fluid substance. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 267 / 501 9 / 153

[0066] According to one embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the computing device is additionally configured for and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system to perform the following actions:

[0067] - generate a histogram for at least a portion of the image, the histogram comprising a plurality of color channels;

[0068] - obtain a plurality of average values ​​for the plurality of color channels; and / or

[0069] - obtain a plurality of Riemann sums for the plurality of color channels.

[0070] In this case, the plurality of color parameters includes the plurality of averages and / or the plurality of Riemann sums for the color channels.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the sample classification result comprises at least one classification identifier, wherein the at least one classification identifier is correlated to at least one part of the plurality of color parameters and / or is correlated to a concentration of at least one interferent in the fluid substance. In this case, the sample classification result may include at least one of a plurality of classification identifiers, wherein the plurality of classification identifiers is correlated to the plurality of color parameters.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the computing device is additionally configured for and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system to perform the following actions:

[0073] - identify a reference point in the image, where the reference point is associated with the dispensing tip;

[0074] - identify a surface level of the fluid substance within the dispensing tip in the image;

[0075] - to determine and / or measure a distance between the reference point and the surface level; and Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, p. 268 / 501 10 / 153

[0076] - convert distance into a volume of fluid substance based on correlation data that includes information about a correlation between volumes within the dispensing tip and distances from the reference point to a plurality of surface levels within the dispensing tip.

[0077] In this case, the correlation data may also refer to an equation and / or a functional relationship between distance and volume.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the computing device is configured to determine a reference line formed on the dispensing tip body and to determine the reference point based on the determined reference line. In this case, the reference point in the image may include a reference line formed on the dispensing tip body.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the computing device is configured to determine the reference line based on pattern correlation and / or segmentation of the captured image.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the computing device is configured to search for and / or identify a representative reference line pattern in the captured image.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the computing device is configured to compare at least part of the captured image with a reference image.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the computing device is configured to determine a correlation ratio, a correlation score, and / or a correlation value between the captured image portion and the reference image.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the image capture unit is configured and / or arranged to capture the image of the fluid portion of the substance on one side of the dispensing tip.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the system further comprises a sample pipetting module, in which the image capture unit is attached to the sample pipetting module. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 269 / 501 11 / 153

[0085] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the system further comprises a light source positioned opposite the image capture unit and positioned on one side of the dispensing tip, wherein the light source is configured to illuminate the dispensing tip on the side of the dispensing tip.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the system further comprises a light source and a sample pipetting module, wherein the light source and the image capture unit are fixed to the sample pipetting module; and / or wherein the light source and the image capture unit are configured to move, for example horizontally, with the sample pipetting module, so that an image of the dispensing tip can be captured at any position of the sample pipetting module. In particular, an image can be captured at any position along a path and / or along a sample transfer guide of the sample pipetting module.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the sample pipetting device is configured to aspirate a liquid into an additional dispensing tip, wherein the system is configured to determine a volume of the aspirated liquid, wherein the image capture unit is configured to capture an additional image of the additional dispensing tip, and wherein the computing device is configured to determine a pixel distance between a reference point in the image associated with the additional dispensing tip and is configured to correlate the determined volume to the determined pixel distance.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the computing device is configured to generate correlation data based on the determined volume and the determined pixel distance.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the fourth aspect system, correlation data are generated based on a plurality of correlations between a plurality of determined pixel distances and a plurality of determined volumes of liquid aspirated into the interior of the additional dispensing tip. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 270 / 501 12 / 153

[0090] According to one embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the aspirated liquid comprises a dye solution. Alternatively or additionally, the system is configured to determine the volume of the aspirated liquid using spectrophotometry.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the fourth aspect system, the system is configured to determine a mass of the aspirated liquid and to determine the volume of the aspirated liquid based on the determined mass of the aspirated liquid.

[0092] It should be noted that any modality of the system according to the fourth aspect, as described above, can be combined with one or more additional modalities of the system according to the fourth aspect, as described above. This can allow for the provision of particularly advantageous synergistic effects.

[0093] Additionally, it should be noted that any resources, functions, characteristics and / or elements of the system according to the fourth aspect, as described above and below, may be resources, functions, characteristics, steps and / or elements of the method according to the first aspect, as described above and below. Similarly, any resources, functions, characteristics, steps and / or elements of the method according to the first aspect, as described above and below, may be resources, functions, characteristics and / or elements of the system according to the fourth aspect, as described above and below.

[0094] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid substance evaluation system is provided. Among other things, the system according to the fifth aspect may refer to a tip alignment detection device, as described by way of example with reference to Figures 56 to 58. The system according to the fifth aspect may further refer to a dispensing tip evaluation system and / or a volume detection system, as described by way of example with reference, for example, to Figure 1, Figures 5 to 15 and / or Figures 9 to 21. In addition, the system according to the fifth aspect may refer to a correlation data generation system, as described by way of example with reference to Figures 8 to 21. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, p. 271 / 501 13 / 153

[0095] The system according to the fifth aspect comprises a sample pipetting device configured to engage, at least partially, a dispensing tip, the sample pipetting device being configured to aspirate a fluid substance into the dispensing tip, and wherein the dispensing tip has at least one reference line. The sample pipetting device may refer to a substance pipetting device. The system further comprises an image capture unit configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the dispensing tip, and at least one computing device, which may comprise a processing device, configured to:

[0096] - identify at least one reference line of the dispensing tip in the portion of the dispensing tip image;

[0097] - determine at least one characteristic of at least one reference line; and

[0098] - compare at least one feature of at least one reference line with a limit value representative of a dispensing tip misalignment.

[0099] The computing device can be configured to determine whether the characteristic of at least one reference line is equal to a limit value representative of a dispensing tip misalignment. In this case, the misalignment may refer to a misalignment with respect to the image capture unit and / or with respect to a sample pipetting module.

[00100] The system may also comprise at least one computer-readable storage medium that stores software instructions which, when executed by at least one processing device and / or the computing device, cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00101] - identify at least one reference line of the dispensing tip in the image of the dispensing tip;

[00102] - obtain one or more characteristics from at least one reference line; and

[00103] - determine if the characteristic of at least one reference line is equal to a limit value representative of a dispensing tip misalignment. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, p. 272 / 501 14 / 153

[00104] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, at least one reference line comprises a first reference line and a second reference line formed at the dispensing tip.

[00105] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, at least one reference line comprises a first reference line and a second reference line formed at the dispensing tip, wherein at least one computing device is additionally configured for and / or software instructions additionally cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00106] - obtain at least one characteristic of at least one reference line based on:

[00107] - determine and / or calculate a length of the first reference line;

[00108] - determine and / or calculate a length of the second reference line; and

[00109] - to determine and / or calculate an angle of a line in relation to at least one of the first reference line and the second reference line, where the line connects a predetermined point of the first reference line and a predetermined point of the second reference line; and

[00110] - determine the misalignment, for example, the misalignment with respect to the image capture unit and / or with respect to a sample pipetting module, of the dispensing tip based on at least one of the length of the first reference line, the length of the second reference line and the angle of the line.

[00111] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, the system is configured to and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system, in response to the determination of misalignment, to prevent the sample pipetting device from aspirating the fluid substance into the dispensing tip. By way of example, the computing device may be configured to generate and / or emit a cancellation signal in response to the determination of misalignment.

[00112] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, at least one computing device is additionally configured for and / or instructions Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 273 / 501 15 / 153 of the software additionally causes the system, in response to the determination of misalignment, to mark and / or initiate the aspiration of the fluid substance into the dispensing tip.

[00113] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, at least one computing device is additionally configured for and / or software instructions additionally cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00114] - identify at least one reference line of the dispensing tip in the portion of the dispensing tip image;

[00115] - identify a surface level of the fluid substance within the dispensing tip in the image;

[00116] - to determine and / or measure a distance between at least one reference line and the surface level; and

[00117] - determine a volume of fluid substance by converting distance into fluid substance volume based on correlation data that include information about a correlation between volumes within the dispensing tip and distances from at least one reference line to a plurality of surface levels within the dispensing tip.

[00118] In this case, the correlation may also refer to an equation and / or a functional relationship between distance and volume.

[00119] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, the computing device is configured to determine the reference line based on pattern correlation and / or segmentation of the captured image.

[00120] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, the computing device is configured to search for a representative pattern of the reference line in the captured image.

[00121] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, the computing device is configured to compare at least part of the captured image with a reference image.

[00122] According to one modality of the fifth aspect system, the computing device is configured to determine a correlation rate, a score of Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 274 / 501 16 / 153 correlation and / or a correlation value between the captured image portion and the reference image.

[00123] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, at least one reference line comprises a first reference line and a second reference line formed at the dispensing tip, wherein at least one computing device is additionally configured for and / or software instructions additionally cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00124] - determine and / or calculate the length of the first reference line in the image;

[00125] - determine and / or calculate the length of the second reference line in the image;

[00126] - determine and / or calculate an angle of a line in relation to at least one of the first reference line and the second reference line, where the line connects a predetermined point of the first reference line and a predetermined point of the second reference line;

[00127] - determine the misalignment, for example, the misalignment with respect to the image capture unit and / or with respect to a sample pipetting module, of the dispensing tip based on at least one of the length of the first reference line, the length of the second reference line and the angle of the line.

[00128] - adjust the volume of the fluid substance based on the determination of the misalignment.

[00129] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, dispensing tip misalignment includes lateral misalignment and depth misalignment. In this case, lateral misalignment may refer to a displacement of the dispensing tip relative to an optical axis of a camera and / or an image capture unit. Depth misalignment may refer to a displacement of the dispensing tip along an optical axis of a camera and / or an image capture unit.

[00130] According to one modality of the fifth aspect system, at least one reference line comprises a first reference line and a second Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 275 / 501 17 / 153 reference lines formed at the dispensing tip, where at least one computing device is additionally configured for and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00131] - identify a predetermined point on the first reference line in the image;

[00132] - identify a predetermined point on the second reference line in the image;

[00133] - define an alignment line that connects the predetermined point of the first reference line and the predetermined point of the second reference line;

[00134] - determine an angle of the alignment line in relation to at least one of the first reference line and the second reference line; and

[00135] - compare the angle with a limit angle value that is representative of a lateral misalignment of the dispensing tip.

[00136] In this case, it can be determined whether the alignment line angle is less than a limit angle value representative of the lateral misalignment of the dispensing tip.

[00137] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, the predetermined point of the first reference line is a central point of the first reference line in the image, and the predetermined point of the second reference line is a central point of the second reference line in the image.

[00138] According to an embodiment of the fifth aspect system, the system is configured to and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system, in response to the determination that the angle of the alignment line relative to at least one of the first and second reference lines is equal to and / or greater than the limit angle value, prevent the sample pipetting device from aspirating the fluid substance into the dispensing tip. The system and / or the computing device may be configured to generate and / or emit a cancellation signal in response to the determination that the angle of the alignment line relative to at least one of the first and second reference lines is equal to and / or greater than the limit angle value. Consequently, the system may be configured to, in response to Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 276 / 501 18 / 153 determination that the angle of the alignment line is not less than a limit angle value, preventing the substance pipetting device and / or the sample pipetting device from aspirating the fluid substance into the dispensing tip.

[00139] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, at least one computing device is additionally configured to and / or software instructions additionally cause the system, in response to the determination that the angle of the alignment line relative to at least one of the first reference lines and the second reference lines is equal to and / or greater than the limit angle value, to mark the aspiration of the fluid substance into the dispensing tip and / or initiate the aspiration of the fluid substance into the dispensing tip, for example by marking suction. Consequently, the system can be configured to, in response to the determination that the angle of the alignment line is not less than a limit angle value, mark the suction of the fluid substance into the dispensing tip.

[00140] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, at least one computing device is additionally configured for and / or software instructions additionally cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00141] - determine and / or identify a length of at least one reference line based on the captured image of the tip;

[00142] - obtain a real length of at least one reference line;

[00143] - calculate a ratio between the length of at least one reference line and the actual length of at least one reference line; and

[00144] - determine a dispensing tip depth misalignment based on the ratio.

[00145] Alternatively or additionally, the software instructions also cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00146] - identify a length of the first reference line from the captured image of the tip;

[00147] - obtain the actual length of the first reference line; Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 277 / 501 19 / 153

[00148] - calculate a ratio between the length of the first reference line and the actual length of the first reference line; and

[00149] - determine the depth misalignment of the dispensing tip based on the ratio.

[00150] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, the system is additionally configured to and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system to adjust the determined volume of the fluid substance based on the ratio.

[00151] According to an embodiment of the fifth aspect system, the system further comprises a light source and a sample pipetting module, wherein the light source and the image capture unit are fixed to the sample pipetting module, and / or wherein the light source and the image capture unit are configured to move, for example, horizontally, with the sample pipetting module so that an image of the dispensing tip can be captured at any position of the sample pipetting module. By way of example, an image can be captured at any position along a path and / or along a sample transfer guide of the sample pipetting module.

[00152] According to an embodiment of the fifth aspect system, the sample pipetting device is configured to aspirate a liquid into an additional dispensing tip, wherein the system is configured to determine a volume of the aspirated liquid. The image capture unit is configured to capture an additional image of the additional dispensing tip, wherein the computing device is configured to determine a pixel distance between a reference point in the image associated with the additional dispensing tip and is configured to correlate the determined volume with the determined pixel distance.

[00153] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, the computing device is configured to generate correlation data based on the determined volume and the determined pixel distance.

[00154] According to one modality of the fifth aspect system, correlation data are generated based on a plurality of correlations between a Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 278 / 501 20 / 153 plurality of determined pixel distances and a plurality of determined volumes of liquid aspirated into the interior of the additional dispensing tip.

[00155] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, the aspirated liquid comprises a dye solution, and / or the system is configured to determine the volume of the aspirated liquid using spectrophotometry.

[00156] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect system, the system is configured to determine a mass of the aspirated liquid and to determine the volume of the aspirated liquid based on the determined mass of the aspirated liquid.

[00157] It should be noted that any modality of the system according to the fifth aspect, as described above, can be combined with one or more additional modalities of the system according to the fifth aspect, as described above. This can allow for the provision of particularly advantageous synergistic effects.

[00158] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for evaluating a fluid substance in a container. Among other things, the method according to the sixth aspect may refer to a method for operating a tip alignment detection device, for operating a dispensing tip integrity evaluation device, for operating a volume detection system and / or for operating a dispensing tip evaluation system, as described by way of example with reference, for example, to Figure 1, Figures 5 to 15, Figures 9 to 21 and / or Figures 56 to 68.

[00159] The method according to the sixth aspect comprises the following steps:

[00160] - to capture, using an image capture unit, an image of at least a portion of the container, wherein the container may be a dispensing tip;

[00161] - determine and / or identify, using at least one computing device, a first reference line and a second reference line of the container from the image of the container;

[00162] - determine and / or obtain at least one characteristic from at least one of the first reference lines and the second reference lines. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, p. 279 / 501 21 / 153

[00163] In this case, at least one feature comprises at least one of a length of the first reference line; a length of the second reference line, and an angle of a line relative to at least one of the first reference line and the second reference line, wherein the line connects a predetermined point of the first reference line and a predetermined point of the second reference line. The method according to the sixth aspect further comprises the step of comparing at least one feature of at least one of the first reference line and the second reference line with a limit value representative of a dispensing tip misalignment.

[00164] In other words, the method according to the sixth aspect may comprise the following steps:

[00165] - to capture, using an image capture unit, an image of at least a portion of the container;

[00166] - identify, using at least one computing device, the first and second reference lines of the dispensing tip from the image of the dispensing tip;

[00167] - obtain one or more features of the first and second reference lines, wherein the features include at least one of a length of the first reference line; a length of the second reference line; and an angle of a line relative to a reference line, wherein the line connects a predetermined point of the first reference line and a predetermined point of the second reference line; and

[00168] - determine if the characteristics of at least one reference line are equal to a limit value representative of a dispensing tip misalignment.

[00169] According to one embodiment of the sixth aspect method, the first reference line and the second reference line are determined based on pattern correlation and / or segmentation of the captured image.

[00170] According to one embodiment of the sixth aspect method, the determination of the first reference line and the second reference line involves searching for a pattern representative of the first reference line and / or the second reference line in the captured image. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 280 / 501 22 / 153

[00171] According to one embodiment of the sixth aspect method, the determination of the first reference line and the second reference line involves comparing at least a portion of the captured image with a reference image.

[00172] According to one embodiment of the sixth aspect method, the method further comprises determining a correlation ratio, a correlation score and / or a correlation value between the captured image portion and the reference image.

[00173] According to one embodiment of the sixth aspect method, the container holds a fluid substance, wherein the method further comprises:

[00174] - identify a surface level of the fluid substance within the container in the captured image;

[00175] - determine a distance between at least one of the first reference lines and the second reference lines and the surface level; and

[00176] - determine a volume of fluid substance by converting distance into fluid substance volume based on correlation data that include information about a correlation between volumes within the container and distances from at least one of the first reference line and the second reference line to a plurality of surface levels within the container.

[00177] In this case, the correlation data may also refer to an equation and / or a functional relationship between distance and volume.

[00178] According to one modality of the sixth aspect method, the method additionally comprises:

[00179] - determine a length for the first reference line in the image;

[00180] - determine a length for the second reference line in the image;

[00181] - determine an angle of a line with respect to at least one of the first reference line and the second reference line, where the line connects a predetermined point on the first reference line and a predetermined point on the second reference line; Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 281 / 501 23 / 153

[00182] - determine the misalignment of the container based on at least one of the length of the first reference line, the length of the second reference line, and the angle of the line; and

[00183] - adjust the volume of the fluid substance based on the determination of the misalignment.

[00184] In this case, misalignment may refer to a misalignment with respect to the image capture unit and / or with respect to a sample pipetting module.

[00185] According to one embodiment of the sixth aspect method, container misalignment includes lateral misalignment and depth misalignment. In this case, lateral misalignment may refer to a displacement of the dispensing tip relative to an optical axis of a camera and / or image capture unit, and depth misalignment may refer to a displacement of the dispensing tip along the optical axis of a camera and / or image capture unit.

[00186] According to one modality of the sixth aspect method, the method additionally comprises:

[00187] - identify a predetermined point on the first reference line in the image;

[00188] - identify a predetermined point on the second reference line in the image;

[00189] - define an alignment line that connects the predetermined point of the first reference line and the predetermined point of the second reference line;

[00190] - determine an angle of the alignment line in relation to at least one of the first reference line and the second reference line; and

[00191] - compare the angle with a limit angle value that is representative of a lateral misalignment of the container.

[00192] According to one modality of the sixth aspect method, the predetermined point of the first reference line is a central point of the first line. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 282 / 501 24 / 153 of reference in the image, and the predetermined point of the second reference line is a central point of the second reference line in the image.

[00193] According to an embodiment of the sixth aspect method, the method further comprises, in response to the determination that the angle of the alignment line with respect to at least one of the first reference lines and the second reference lines is equal to and / or greater than the limit angle value, preventing the aspiration of the fluid substance into the container. Consequently, a cancellation signal that prevents suction can be generated in response to the determination that the angle of the alignment line with respect to at least one of the first reference lines and the second reference lines is equal to and / or greater than the limit angle value.

[00194] According to an embodiment of the sixth aspect method, the method further comprises, in response to the determination that the angle of the alignment line with respect to at least one of the first reference lines and the second reference lines is equal to and / or greater than the limit angle value, marking the aspiration of the fluid substance into the container and / or initiating the aspiration of the fluid substance into the container.

[00195] According to one modality of the sixth aspect method, the method additionally comprises:

[00196] - determine a length of at least one of the first reference lines and the second reference lines based on the captured image of the container;

[00197] - obtain, for example, from a data storage device, an actual length of at least one of the first reference line and the second reference line;

[00198] - calculate a ratio between the length of at least one of the first reference lines and the second reference lines and the actual length of at least one of the first reference lines and the second reference lines; and

[00199] - determine a depth misalignment of the container based on the ratio. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 283 / 501 25 / 153

[00200] According to one embodiment of the sixth aspect method, the method further comprises adjusting a determined volume of the fluid substance based on the ratio.

[00201] It should be noted that any modality of the method according to the sixth aspect, as described above, can be combined with one or more additional modalities of the method according to the sixth aspect, as described above. This can allow for the provision of particularly advantageous synergistic effects.

[00202] Additionally, it should be noted that any resources, functions, characteristics and / or elements of the system according to the fifth aspect, as described above and below, may be resources, functions, characteristics, steps and / or elements of the method according to the sixth aspect, as described above and below. Similarly, any resources, functions, characteristics, steps and / or elements of the method according to the sixth aspect, as described above and below, may be resources, functions, characteristics and / or elements of the system according to the fifth aspect, as described above and below.

[00203] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program element is provided which, when executed on a computing device of a fluid substance evaluation system, instructs the computing device and / or the system to execute the steps of the method according to the sixth aspect.

[00204] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transient, computer-readable medium is provided on which a computer program element according to the seventh aspect is stored.

[00205] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid substance assessment system is provided. The system according to the ninth aspect may refer to a particle concentration verification system, as described by way of example with reference, for example, to Figures 69 to 79, to a volume detection system, as described by way of example with reference, for example, to Figures 5 to 15, to a correlation data generation system, as described by way of example with reference, for example, to Figures 8 to 21 and / or to a detection device of Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 284 / 501 26 / 153 residual volume of reaction vessel, as described by way of example with reference, for example, to Figures 32 to 34.

[00206] The system according to the ninth aspect comprises a container-carrying device configured to support and / or hold one or more containers, a sample pipetting device and / or a substance pipetting device configured to dispense a fluid substance into at least one of the containers in the container-carrying device, an image capture device configured to capture an image of at least one of the containers in the container-carrying device, and at least one processing device and / or at least one computing device. In this case, the system is configured to:

[00207] - to dispense, using the sample pipetting device, at least one fluid substance into a container;

[00208] - to capture, using the image capture device, an image of the container in the container-carrying device;

[00209] - analyze, using at least one processing device, the image of the container to determine the volume of at least one fluid substance dispensed into the container; and

[00210] - analyze, using at least one processing device, the image of the container to determine the concentration of particles in a total volume of fluid substances in the container.

[00211] The system may comprise at least one computer-readable storage medium that stores software instructions that, when executed by at least one processing device, cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00212] - dispensing one or more fluid substances into a container;

[00213] - obtain an image of the container on the container-carrying device;

[00214] - analyze the image of the container to determine the volume of fluid substances dispensed into the container; and

[00215] - analyze the image of the container to determine the concentration of particles in a total volume of fluid substances in the container. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 285 / 501 27 / 153

[00216] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the total volume of fluid substances comprises at least one body fluid and / or at least one reagent.

[00217] According to a system embodiment of the ninth aspect, the system is additionally configured for and / or additional software instructions cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00218] - to capture and / or obtain, using the image capture device, a first image of the container after dispensing a reagent in at least one fluid substance contained in a container, wherein the at least one fluid substance comprises at least one body fluid;

[00219] - to capture and / or obtain, using the image capture device, a second image of the container after mixing the added reagent with at least one fluid substance in the container;

[00220] - analyze, using at least one processing device, the first image of the container to determine the volume of reagent dispensed into the container; and

[00221] - analyze, using at least one processing device, the second image of the container to determine a particle concentration of the total volume of fluid substances in the container.

[00222] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the particle concentration comprises a concentration of paramagnetic particles.

[00223] According to an embodiment of the ninth aspect system, at least one reagent comprises a chemiluminescent substrate.

[00224] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the first image is captured approximately 0.2 seconds after the reagent is dispensed into the container, where the second image is captured after approximately 6.5 seconds of mixing.

[00225] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the image capture device is mounted on the container carrier device, and the device Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 286 / 501 Image capture 28 / 153 is configured and / or arranged to capture an image of the container from one side of the container.

[00226] According to an embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the system further comprises a light source, wherein the light source and the image capture device are mounted on the container-carrying device such that the light source is positioned opposite the image capture device.

[00227] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the container-carrying device is a wash wheel comprising a turntable that is configured to rotate the container to the image capture device.

[00228] According to an embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the system is additionally configured to and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system to detect whether the container is present in the container-carrying device, for example, by means of suitable hardware and / or software.

[00229] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, at least one processing device is configured to and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00230] - determine and / or identify a reference point in the image, where the reference point is associated with the container;

[00231] - determine and / or identify a surface level of at least one fluid substance within the container in the image;

[00232] - to determine and / or measure a distance between the reference point and the surface level; and

[00233] - convert the distance into a volume of at least one dispensed fluid substance and / or reagent based on correlation data that includes information about a correlation between volumes within the container and distances from the reference point to a plurality of surface levels within the container. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 287 / 501 29 / 153

[00234] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the determination and / or identification of a reference point includes determining and / or identifying a lower portion of the container.

[00235] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, distance is measured by a pixel distance.

[00236] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the processing device is configured to determine the reference point based on pattern correlation and / or segmentation of the captured image.

[00237] According to a version of the ninth aspect system, the processing device is configured to search for a representative pattern of the reference point in the captured image.

[00238] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the processing device is configured to compare at least part of the captured image with a reference image.

[00239] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the processing device is configured to determine a correlation ratio, a correlation score, and / or a correlation value between the captured image portion and the reference image.

[00240] According to an embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the sample pipetting device is configured to aspirate a liquid into an additional container, wherein the system is configured to determine a volume of the aspirated liquid, wherein the image capture unit is configured to capture an additional image of the additional container, and wherein the processing device is configured to determine a pixel distance between a reference point in the image associated with the additional container and is configured to correlate the determined volume to the determined pixel distance.

[00241] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the processing device is configured to generate correlation data based on the determined volume and the determined pixel distance.

[00242] According to a modality of the ninth aspect system, correlation data are generated based on a plurality of correlations between a Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 288 / 501 30 / 153 plurality of determined pixel distances and a plurality of determined volumes of liquid aspirated into the additional container.

[00243] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the aspirated liquid comprises a dye solution. Alternatively or additionally, the system is configured to determine the volume of the aspirated liquid using spectrophotometry.

[00244] According to an embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the system is configured to determine a mass of the aspirated liquid and to determine the volume of the aspirated liquid based on the determined mass of the aspirated liquid.

[00245] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, at least one processing device is additionally configured for and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00246] - to obtain and / or determine a brightness of the total volume of fluid substances from the image of the container based, for example, on a brightness value received from a sensor and / or based, for example, on image processing;

[00247] - determine a particle concentration of the total volume of fluid substances based on the brightness of the fluid substance and calibration data;

[00248] - compare the determined particle concentration with a limit value; and

[00249] - In response to the determination that the determined particle concentration is below the limit value, mark the container containing the total volume of fluid substances.

[00250] According to a system embodiment of the ninth aspect, the system is additionally configured for and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00251] - to aspirate, using the sample pipetting device, at least a portion of the fluid substance out of the container;

[00252] - to capture, using the image capture device, a third image of at least a portion of the container; Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 289 / 501 31 / 153

[00253] - compare, using at least one processing device, the third image with a reference image;

[00254] - determine, using at least one processing device, a correlation score based on a similarity between the third image and the reference image; and

[00255] - compare the generated correlation score with a threshold.

[00256] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the system is additionally configured to and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system to determine, using at least one processing device, an area of ​​interest in the third image, wherein the comparison of the third image includes comparing the area of ​​interest in the third image with at least a part of the reference image.

[00257] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the area of ​​interest comprises a region adjacent to the bottom of the container.

[00258] According to a system embodiment of the ninth aspect, the system is additionally configured for and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00259] - when the correlation score is equal to and / or less than the threshold, mark a result of aspiration out of the container, and / or

[00260] - when the correlation score is not greater than the threshold, mark a result of aspiration out of the container.

[00261] According to an embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the container-bearing device comprises a plurality of container compartments, wherein each container compartment is configured to support one container, and wherein the system is additionally configured to and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system to perform the following actions:

[00262] - to capture, using the image capture device, a fourth image of one of the plurality of container compartments in a first position of the container-carrying device; Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 290 / 501 32 / 153

[00263] - compare, using at least one processing device, the fourth image with a reference image;

[00264] - generate, using at least one processing device, a correlation score based on a similarity between the fourth image and the reference image; and

[00265] - compare the correlation score with a threshold.

[00266] According to one modality of the ninth aspect system, the fact that the correlation score is equal to and / or greater than the threshold represents the absence of the container in the specific compartment of the plurality of container compartments.

[00267] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the system is configured to remove the container from the specific compartment of the plurality of container compartments when the correlation score is less than the threshold, and / or the software instructions additionally cause the system, when the correlation score is not equal to the threshold, to remove the container from the specific compartment of the plurality of container compartments.

[00268] According to one embodiment of the ninth aspect system, the system is configured to move the container-carrying device to a second position after and / or in response to the determination that the correlation score is equal to and / or greater than a threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the software instructions further cause the system, after the determination that the correlation score is greater than a threshold, to move the container-carrying device to a second position.

[00269] It should be noted that any modality of the system according to the ninth aspect, as described above, can be combined with one or more additional modalities of the system according to the ninth aspect, as described above. This can allow for the provision of particularly advantageous synergistic effects.

[00270] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for evaluating a fluid substance in a container. The method according to the tenth aspect may refer to a method for operating a system of Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 291 / 501 33 / 153 particle concentration verification, as described by way of example with reference, for example, to Figures 69 to 79, and / or a method for operating a volume detection system, as described by way of example with reference, for example, to Figures 5 to 15.

[00271] The method according to the tenth aspect comprises the following steps:

[00272] - dispensing, using a sample pipetting device, at least one fluid substance into a container;

[00273] - to capture and / or obtain, using an image capture device, an image of at least a part of the container placed in a container-carrying device, wherein the container-carrying device is configured to support and / or hold one or more containers;

[00274] - analyze, using at least one computing device, the image of the container to determine the volume of at least one fluid substance dispensed into the container; and

[00275] - analyze, using at least one computing device, the image of the container to determine the concentration of particles in a total volume of fluid substances in the container.

[00276] In this case, the term total volume of fluid substances may refer to at least one fluid substance dispensed, and optionally to at least one reagent added.

[00277] According to one embodiment of the tenth aspect method, capturing and / or obtaining an image of the container includes:

[00278] - to capture and / or obtain, using the image capture device, a first image of the container after dispensing a reagent in at least one fluid substance contained in a container, wherein the at least one fluid substance includes at least one body fluid;

[00279] - to capture and / or obtain, using the image capture device, a second image of the container after the addition and / or mixing of a reagent, for example, a reagent added, with at least one fluid substance in the container. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 292 / 501 34 / 153

[00280] In this case, the analysis of the container image to determine the volume of at least one dispensed fluid substance includes analyzing the first image of the container to determine the volume of the dispensed reagent contained in the container, wherein the analysis of the container image to determine the particle concentration of the total volume of fluid substances includes analyzing the second image of the container to determine a particle concentration of the total volume of fluid substances in the container.

[00281] It should be noted that any modality of the method according to the tenth aspect, as described above, can be combined with one or more additional modalities of the method according to the tenth aspect, as described above. This can allow for the provision of particularly advantageous synergistic effects.

[00282] Additionally, it should be noted that any resources, functions, characteristics and / or elements of the system according to the ninth aspect, as described above and below, may be resources, functions, characteristics, steps and / or elements of the method according to the tenth aspect, as described above and below. Similarly, any resources, functions, characteristics, steps and / or elements of the method according to the tenth aspect, as described above and below, may be resources, functions, characteristics and / or elements of the system according to the ninth aspect, as described above and below.

[00283] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program element is provided which, when executed on a computing device of a fluid substance evaluation system, instructs the computing device and / or the system to execute the steps of the method according to the tenth aspect.

[00284] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transient, computer-readable medium is provided on which a computer program element according to the eleventh aspect is stored.

[00285] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for evaluating a fluid substance in a container. The thirteenth aspect method may refer to a method for operating a volume detection system, as described by way of example with Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 293 / 501 35 / 153 reference, for example, to Figures 5 to 15, a method for operating a dispensing adjustment system, as described by way of example with reference, for example, to Figures 35 and 36, a method for operating a correlation data generation system, as described by way of example with reference, for example, to Figures 8 to 21, and / or a method for operating a residual volume detection device, as described by way of example with reference, for example, to Figures 32 to 34.

[00286] The method according to the thirteenth aspect comprises the following steps:

[00287] - to dispense, using a dispensing device, a fluid substance into a container;

[00288] - to determine and / or measure, using at least one computing device, a volume of the fluid substance in the container;

[00289] - receive operational information from the substance dispensing device, operational information that includes operational parameters of the fluid substance dispensing device;

[00290] - receive a target dispensing volume of the fluid substance;

[00291] - compare the determined volume of the fluid substance with the target dispensing volume;

[00292] - generate calibration information for the substance dispensing device; and

[00293] - Adjust the operating parameters of the substance dispensing device based on calibration information.

[00294] According to one embodiment of the thirteenth aspect method, the determination and / or measurement of the volume of the fluid substance includes:

[00295] - to capture, using an image capture device, an image of at least a portion of the container;

[00296] - identify, using at least one computing device, a reference point in the image, where such a reference point is associated with the container; Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 294 / 501 36 / 153

[00297] - identify, using at least one computing device, a surface level of the fluid substance within the container in the image;

[00298] - determine a distance between the reference point and the surface level; and

[00299] - convert distance into a volume of fluid substance based on correlation data that includes information about a correlation between volumes within the container and distances from the reference point to a plurality of surface levels within the container.

[00300] According to one version of the thirteenth aspect method, the method additionally comprises:

[00301] - to supply a liquid to an additional container;

[00302] - determine a volume of the given liquid;

[00303] - capture an additional image of the container;

[00304] - determine a pixel distance between a reference point in the image associated with the additional container; and

[00305] - correlate the determined volume with the determined pixel distance.

[00306] According to one embodiment of the thirteenth aspect method, the method further comprises generating correlation data based on the determined volume and the determined pixel distance.

[00307] According to one embodiment of the thirteenth aspect method, correlation data are generated based on a plurality of correlations between a plurality of determined pixel distances and a plurality of determined liquid volumes supplied to the additional container.

[00308] According to one embodiment of the thirteenth aspect method, the supplied liquid comprises a dye solution. Alternatively or additionally, the volume of the supplied liquid is determined using spectrophotometry.

[00309] According to one embodiment of the thirteenth aspect method, determining the volume of the supplied liquid involves determining a mass of the supplied liquid. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 295 / 501 37 / 153

[00310] According to one version of the thirteenth aspect method, the method additionally comprises:

[00311] - to aspirate at least a portion of the fluid substance out of the container;

[00312] - to capture, using an image capture device, an image of at least a portion of the container;

[00313] - compare the image with a reference image;

[00314] - generate a correlation score based on a similarity between the image and the reference image.

[00315] According to one version of the thirteenth aspect method, the method additionally comprises:

[00316] - compare the correlation score with a threshold; and / or

[00317] - determine that the correlation score is greater than a threshold.

[00318] According to one embodiment of the thirteenth aspect method, the method further comprises determining an area of ​​interest in the image, wherein the image comparison includes comparing the area of ​​interest in the image with at least a portion of the reference image.

[00319] According to one embodiment of the thirteenth aspect method, the area of ​​interest includes a region adjacent to the bottom of the container.

[00320] According to a modality of the thirteenth aspect method, the method additionally comprises, when the correlation score is equal to and / or less than the threshold, marking an aspiration result out of the container.

[00321] According to one version of the thirteenth aspect method, the method additionally comprises:

[00322] - to arrange a plurality of containers in a plurality of container compartments of a container-carrying device;

[00323] - to capture, using an image capture device, an image of one of the plurality of container compartments in a first position of the container-carrying device;

[00324] - compare the image with a reference image; Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 296 / 501 38 / 153

[00325] - generate a correlation score based on a similarity between the image and the reference image.

[00326] According to one version of the thirteenth aspect method, the method additionally comprises:

[00327] - compare the correlation score with a threshold; and / or

[00328] - determine that the correlation score is equal to and / or greater than a threshold, where the fact that the correlation score is greater than the threshold represents the absence of the specific compartment container from the plurality of container compartments.

[00329] According to one embodiment of the thirteenth aspect method, the method further comprises, when the correlation score is less than the threshold, removing the container from the specific compartment of the plurality of container compartments.

[00330] According to one embodiment of the thirteenth aspect method, the method further comprises, after determining that the correlation score is greater than and / or equal to a threshold, moving the container-carrying device to a second position.

[00331] It should be noted that any modality of the method according to the thirteenth aspect, as described above, can be combined with one or more additional modalities of the method according to the thirteenth aspect, as described above. This can allow for the provision of particularly advantageous synergistic effects.

[00332] Additionally, it should be noted that any resources, functions, characteristics and / or elements of the system according to the ninth aspect, as described above and below, may be resources, functions, characteristics, steps and / or elements of the method according to the thirteenth aspect, as described above and below. Similarly, any resources, functions, characteristics, steps and / or elements of the method according to the thirteenth aspect, as described above and below, may be resources, functions, characteristics and / or elements of the system according to the ninth aspect, as described above and below. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 297 / 501 39 / 153

[00333] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program element is provided which, when executed on a computing device of a fluid substance evaluation system, instructs the computing device and / or the system to execute the steps of the method according to the thirteenth aspect.

[00334] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transient, computer-readable medium is provided on which a computer program element according to the fourteenth aspect is stored. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00335] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary instrument for analyzing a biological specimen.

[00336] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an example of the biological specimen analysis instrument in Figure 1.

[00337] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a computing device that can be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure.

[00338] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary method for immunological analysis.

[00339] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example of a volume sensing system from Figure 1.

[00340] Figure 6 is a flowchart that illustrates an example of how the volume detection system operates.

[00341] Figure 7 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method for performing an operation of the volume detection system in Figure 6.

[00342] Figure 8 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method of operation of a correlation data generation system to generate correlation data.

[00343] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a dispensing tip volume detection device from Figure 5. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 298 / 501 40 / 153

[00344] Figure 10 schematically illustrates an exemplary structure of a sample aspiration system in connection with the dispensing tip volume detection device.

[00345] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the sample aspiration system of Figure 10.

[00346] Figure 12A is a side view of the sample aspiration system of Figure 10.

[00347] Figure 12B is another side view of the sample aspiration system of Figure 10.

[00348] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary dispensing tip.

[00349] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end of the dispensing tip of Figure 13.

[00350] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of the dispensing tip volume detection device.

[00351] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for performing an operation of the dispensing tip volume detection device of Figure 15.

[00352] Figure 17 illustrates an example of analysis of an image captured from the dispensing tip.

[00353] Figure 18 illustrates the analysis of the image captured from Figure 17.

[00354] Figure 19 illustrates the analysis of the image captured from Figure 17.

[00355] Figure 20 is an example of a correlation curve corresponding to the tip volume correlation data.

[00356] Figure 21 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method of operation of a tip volume correlation data generation system to generate tip volume correlation data.

[00357] Figure 22 illustrates an example of a vessel volume detection device from Figure 5. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 299 / 501 41 / 153

[00358] Figure 23 illustrates an example of a container-carrying device in which the vessel volume sensing device is included.

[00359] Figure 24 is another perspective view of the container-carrying device of Figure 23, illustrating a vessel image capture unit of Figure 23.

[00360] Figure 25 is a top view of a washing carousel with the vessel volume detection device including the vessel image capture unit.

[00361] Figure 26 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of the vessel volume detection device with the washing carousel.

[00362] Figure 27 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of a reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device.

[00363] Figure 28 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for performing an operation of the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device of Figure 27.

[00364] Figure 29 illustrates an example of analysis of an image captured from a reaction vessel.

[00365] Figure 30 is an example of a correlation curve corresponding to the vessel volume correlation data.

[00366] Figure 31 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method of operation of a vessel volume correlation data generation system to generate vessel volume correlation data.

[00367] Figure 32 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of a reaction vessel residual volume detection device.

[00368] Figure 33 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for performing an operation of the reaction vessel residual volume detection device of Figure 32.

[00369] Figure 34 illustrates an example of analysis of an image captured of a vase. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 300 / 501 42 / 153

[00370] Figure 35 is a block diagram of an exemplary system in which a dispensing adjustment device of the vessel volume detection device is operated.

[00371] Figure 36 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation for the dispensing adjustment device in Figure 35.

[00372] Figure 37 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of a reaction vessel detection device of the vessel volume detection device.

[00373] Figure 38 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for performing an operation of the reaction vessel detection device of Figure 37.

[00374] Figure 39 illustrates an example of analysis of an image captured from a toilet compartment in a carousel.

[00375] Figure 40 is a block diagram of an example of an integrity assessment system from Figure 1.

[00376] Figure 41 is a block diagram of an example of a dispensing tip integrity assessment device from Figure 40.

[00377] Figure 42 illustrates an example of a sample quality detection device.

[00378] Figure 43 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation for the sample quality detection device in Figure 42.

[00379] Figure 44 is a flowchart that illustrates an example of how to operate an image evaluation device from Figure 42.

[00380] Figure 45 illustrates an example of analyzing a captured image.

[00381] Figure 46 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method for locating a region of interest in the image.

[00382] Figure 47 is a flowchart of an example method for extracting color parameters for an image.

[00383] Figure 48 illustrates an example of a histogram for the image. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 301 / 501 43 / 153

[00384] Figure 49 is a flowchart of an example method of operation of a classification data generation device from Figure 42.

[00385] Figure 50 is an example table of interferent values ​​being analyzed in classification markers.

[00386] Figure 51 is an example of a sample classification identifier set.

[00387] Figure 52 illustrates an example of a color parameter data table for three interferents.

[00388] Figure 53 shows an example of a sample classifier set from combinations of a first, a second, and a third interferer, as shown in Figure 52.

[00389] Figure 54 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the sorting device in Figure 42.

[00390] Figure 55 is an example of a sample classification results dataset and associated marking results.

[00391] Figure 56 is a block diagram of an exemplary tip alignment detection device.

[00392] Figure 57 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dispensing tip, illustrating possible tolerances in the dispensing tip.

[00393] Figure 58 schematically illustrates an example of misalignment of a dispensing tip.

[00394] Figure 59 illustrates possible types of misalignment of a dispensing tip.

[00395] Figure 60A is a cross-sectional side view of an example of a dispensing tip usable with the tip alignment detection device.

[00396] Figure 60B is an expanded view of a portion of the dispensing tip in Figure 60A.

[00397] Figure 60C is an expanded view of a portion of the dispensing tip in Figure 60A. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 302 / 501 44 / 153

[00398] Figure 61 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method for evaluating a dispensing tip alignment.

[00399] Figure 62 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for detecting a dispensing tip misalignment.

[00400] Figure 63 is a flowchart that illustrates another exemplary method for detecting a dispensing tip misalignment.

[00401] Figure 64 schematically illustrates an example image showing a lateral misalignment of the dispensing tip.

[00402] Figure 65 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method for correcting volume using the second reference line.

[00403] Figure 66 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method for correcting volume using the second reference line.

[00404] Figure 67 schematically illustrates a depth misalignment of the dispensing tip relative to a camera unit.

[00405] Figure 68 is an example of a volume detection data table before and after correction performed by the tip alignment detection device.

[00406] Figure 69 is a block diagram of a particle concentration verification system exemplifying Figure 1.

[00407] Figure 70 shows illustrative images of a reaction vessel with different particle concentrations.

[00408] Figure 71 is a block diagram of an example of a particle concentration verification system in a reaction vessel.

[00409] Figure 72 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for measuring the concentration of particles in the fluid substance contained in a reaction vessel.

[00410] Figure 73 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method for generating calibration data.

[00411] Figure 74 is a table of examples of substances used to generate the calibration data. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 303 / 501 45 / 153

[00412] Figure 75 shows examples of calibration curves plotted from calibration data.

[00413] Figure 76 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for measuring the concentration of particles in the fluid substance contained in a reaction vessel.

[00414] Figure 77 is an example of a table of exemplary concentration thresholds for different test substances.

[00415] Figure 78 is a flowchart of an exemplary diagnostic function that uses the functions of the particle concentration verification system in a reaction vessel.

[00416] Figure 79 is a flowchart of another example of the diagnostic function in Figure 78. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00417] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, where similar reference numbers represent similar parts and assemblies in all the various views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the embodiments. Additionally, the examples presented in this descriptive report are not intended to be limiting and simply present some of the many possible embodiments for the embodiments.

[00418] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary instrument 100 for analyzing a biological specimen. In some embodiments, the instrument 100 includes a substance preparation system 102, a preparation evaluation system 104, and a substance evaluation system 106. One or more containers 110 are used with the instrument systems 100 and include dispensing tips 112 and vessels 114. Also shown are one or more container carrier devices 116 that are provided with the instrument 100. Additionally, the preparation evaluation system 104 includes a volume detection system 120, a dispensing tip evaluation system 122, and a carrier detection system 126. In some embodiments, the volume detection system 120 utilizes a dispensing tip image capture unit 130 and a vessel image capture unit 132. In some embodiments, the evaluation system Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 304 / 501 The 46 / 153 dispensing tip 122 uses the dispensing tip image capture unit 130, and the particle concentration verification system 124 uses the vessel image capture unit 132. In some embodiments, the carrier detection system 126 uses a carrier image capture unit 134.

[00419] It should be noted that the fluid substance assessment systems according to the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect and / or the ninth aspect, as described in the summary section of this disclosure, may each refer to the instrument 100 for analyzing a biological specimen, and / or may each refer to one or more components and / or devices of the instrument 100. Additionally, the fluid substance assessment methods according to the first aspect, the sixth aspect, the tenth aspect and / or the thirteenth aspect, as described in the summary section of this disclosure, may each refer to a method for operating the instrument 100, and / or may each refer to a method for operating one or more components and / or devices of the instrument 100.

[00420] The biological specimen analysis instrument 100 operates to analyze a biological specimen for various purposes. In some embodiments, the biological specimen analysis instrument 100 is configured to analyze a blood sample and operates to collect, test, process, store and / or transfuse blood and its components.

[00421] The substance preparation system 102 operates to prepare one or more substances for further analysis by the substance evaluation system 106. In some embodiments, the substance preparation system 102 operates to aliquot substances 118 with containers 110, aspirate substances 118 from containers 110 and dispense substances 118 into containers 110.

[00422] The preparation assessment system 104 operates to evaluate the preparation of substances for subsequent analysis by the substance assessment system 106. In some embodiments, the preparation assessment system 104 uses one or more image capture units to determine whether substances 118 have been properly prepared for analysis. As described herein, the preparation assessment system 104 provides direct and simple measurements of the volume or integrity of a substance 118 to determine whether substance 118 is Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 305 / 501 47 / 153 properly prepared so that the substance 106 assessment system produces a reliable result with the use of substance 118.

[00423] Substance assessment system 106 operates to assess substance 118 which is prepared by substance preparation system 102. As an example, substance assessment system 106 performs an immunoassay as described with reference to Figure 2.

[00424] Containers 110 are used to prepare one or more substances 118 to be analyzed by the substance assessment system 106. Containers 110 can be of various types, such as specimen tubes (also called sample tubes in this document), pipetting tips, and vessels. In some embodiments, containers 110 include dispensing tips 112 and vessels 114.

[00425] Dispensing tips 112 are supplied to the substance preparation system 102 for aliquoting or aspirating substances 118 from other containers, such as vessels 114. For example, dispensing tips 112 are used to aliquot samples in sample tubes, or to aspirate samples or reagents in sample vessels or reagent vessels. An example of dispensing tip 112 is described and illustrated in detail with reference to Figures 13 and 14.

[00426] Vessels 114 are supplied to the substance preparation system 102 to contain substances 118 for preparation and analysis. In some embodiments, the substance preparation system 102 dispenses substances 118 into vessels 114. Examples of vessels 114 include sample vessels, diluent vessels, and reaction vessels, which will be described in detail herein.

[00427] Container-carrying devices 116 are configured to hold and carry containers 110 at various locations on the instrument 100 so that the substance preparation system 102, the preparation evaluation system 104, and the substance evaluation system 106 utilize the containers 110 in various ways. Examples of container-carrying devices 116 include vessel shelves (e.g., a sample shelf, a reagent shelf, and a diluent shelf), a sample presentation unit, vessel-carrying units (e.g., a sample carrier unit, a reaction vessel carrier unit, and a reagent carrier unit), units of Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 306 / 501 48 / 153 transfer vessels (for example, a sample transfer unit, a reagent transfer unit, an incubator transfer unit and a reaction vessel transfer unit), and support plates or vessel carousels (for example, a sample carousel, an incubator and a washing carousel), which are described and illustrated in more detail with reference to Figure 2.

[00428] Substances 118 are prepared, evaluated, and examined for various tests and analyses in instrument 100. Substances 118 include any substances that can be divided into aliquots, aspirated, and dispensed in instrument 100. In some embodiments, substances 118 have fluid characteristics and are therefore referred to in this document as fluid substances. In some embodiments, fluid substance 118 is a single fluid substance. In other embodiments, fluid substance 118 is a mixture of a plurality of substances.

[00429] The volume detection system 120 of the preparation evaluation system 104 operates to detect a volume of a fluid substance 118 in a container 110 and to determine whether the volume contained in the container 110 is adequate as intended. As described herein, the volume detection system 120 is configured to detect a volume at a dispensing tip 112 using the dispensing tip imaging unit 130, and a volume in a vessel 114 using the vessel imaging unit 132.

[00430] The dispensing tip evaluation system 122 of the preparation evaluation system 104 operates to evaluate the integrity of a fluid substance 118. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip evaluation system 122 detects any interferents that may interfere with an analytical procedure and generate incorrect results. As described herein, the dispensing tip evaluation system 122 is configured to determine the quality of a fluid substance 118 at a dispensing tip 112, using the dispensing tip imaging unit 130, and an alignment of the dispensing tip 112 relative to the dispensing tip imaging unit 130.

[00431] The 124 particle concentration verification system operates to determine the concentration of particles in the fluid substance contained in a vessel, such as a reaction vessel, a sample vessel, a dilution vessel, a Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 307 / 501 49 / 153 crucible, or any type of vessel, that is used throughout the process in instrument 100. In some embodiments, the reaction vessel particle concentration verification system 1700 uses the vessel image capture unit 132.

[00432] The dispensing tip image capture unit 130 operates to capture images of dispensing tips 112 at one or more locations. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip image capture unit 130 is fixed at a specific location on the instrument 100. In other embodiments, the dispensing tip image capture unit 130 is movably arranged on the instrument 100, which may move independently of other components of the instrument 100 or with one or more components of the instrument 100. Some embodiments of the instrument 100 include a plurality of dispensing tip image capture units 130. As described herein, the dispensing tip image capture unit 130 may include a camera unit 550 (e.g., Figure 11) and a camera unit 2550 (Figures 11 and 67).

[00433] The vessel image capture unit 132 operates to capture images of vessels 114 at one or more locations. In some embodiments, the vessel image capture unit 132 is fixed at a specific location on the instrument 100. In other embodiments, the vessel image capture unit 132 is movably arranged on the instrument 100, which may move independently of other components of the instrument 100 or with one or more components of the instrument 100. Some embodiments of the instrument 100 include a plurality of vessel image capture units 132. As described herein, the vessel image capture unit 132 includes a camera unit 730 (e.g., Figure 24).

[00434] The carrier image capture unit 134 operates to capture images of container-carrying devices 116 with or without containers 110 in one or more locations. In some embodiments, the carrier image capture unit 134 is fixed in a specific location on the instrument 100. In other embodiments, the carrier image capture unit 134 is mobilely arranged on the instrument 100, which may move independently of other components of the instrument 100 or with one or more components of the instrument 100. Some embodiments of the instrument 100 include a plurality of carrier image capture units 134. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 308 / 501 50 / 153

[00435] Still referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the instrument 100 operates to communicate with a management system 136 through a data communication network 138. For example, the instrument 100 includes a communication device (such as a communication device 246 in Figure 3) through which the instrument 100 communicates with the management system 136.

[00436] In some embodiments, the management system 136 is located remotely from the instrument 100 and is configured to perform diagnostics based on data provided by the instrument 100. In addition, the instrument 100 can evaluate its own performance and generate a report. An example of the management system 136 includes one or more computing devices running the PROSevice Remote Service Application software available from Beckman Coulter, Inc., Brea, California.

[00437] The PROService Remote Service Application can provide a secure and continuous connection between biological sample analysis instrument 100 and a remote diagnostic command center (e.g., management system 136) via a network (e.g., network 138). The biological specimen analysis instrument 100 can be connected to the remote diagnostic command center via the Internet through an Ethernet port, Wi-Fi connection, or cellular network.

[00438] Still referring to Figure 1, the data communication network 138 communicates digital data between one or more computing devices, such as between the data collection device 108 and the data processing system 136. Examples of the network 138 include a local area network and a wide area network, such as the Internet. In some embodiments, the network 138 includes a wireless communication system, a wired communication system, or a combination of wireless and wired communication systems. A wired communication system can transmit data using electrical or optical signals in several possible modes. Wireless communication systems typically transmit signals via electromagnetic waves, such as in the form of optical signals or radio frequency (RF) signals. A wireless communication system typically includes an optical or RF transmitter to transmit optical or RF signals, and an optical or RF receiver to receive optical or RF signals.Examples of wireless communication systems. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 309 / 501 51 / 153 includes Wi-Fi communication devices (such as those using wireless routers or wireless hotspots), cellular communication devices (such as those using one or more cellular base stations), and other wireless communication devices.

[00439] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an example of the biological specimen analysis instrument 100 of Figure 1. In the illustrated example, the instrument 100 is configured as an immunoassay analyzer. As described above, the instrument 100 includes the substance preparation system 102, the preparation evaluation system 104, and the substance evaluation system 106.In some embodiments, the substance preparation system 102 includes a sample supply plate 140, a sample presentation unit 142, a reaction vessel feeder 144, a reaction vessel carrier unit 146, a sample transfer unit 148, a pipetting tip feeder 150, a sample pipetting device 152, a sample carousel 158, a reagent carrier unit 160, a reagent pipetting device 162, a reagent storage device 164, a reagent loading device 166, an incubator transfer unit 170, an incubator 172, a reaction vessel transfer unit 174, a washing carousel 176, and a substrate loading device 180. In some embodiments, the substance evaluation system 106 includes a light measuring device 190 and a device Assessment processing 192.Some modalities of the substance evaluation system 106 are additionally associated with at least some operations performed by the incubator transfer unit 170, the incubator 172, the reaction vessel transfer unit 174, the washing carousel 176 and the substrate loading device 180.

[00440] Sample supply plate 140 is configured to receive a plurality of sample tubes on a plurality of shelves. In some embodiments, a user (e.g., a laboratory technician) loads one or more shelves of sample tubes onto the sample supply plate 140. The sample supply plate 140 can move the shelves to the sample presentation unit 142 for pipetting, and receives the pipetted shelves returned by the sample presentation unit 142 after pipetting.

[00441] Sample presentation unit 142 operates to transfer one or more shelves of sample tubes to designated locations. In some Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 310 / 501 In 52 / 153 embodiments, the sample supply plate 140 operates to provide a sample shelf to the sample presentation unit 142. Additionally, the sample presentation unit 142 can operate to identify the shelf and the sample ID on the shelf. The sample presentation unit 142 transfers the shelf to a sample pipetting location where sample pipettors aliquot the sample tubes arranged on the shelf. When a sample pipettor aliquots the sample into one of the sample tubes on the shelf, the sample presentation unit 142 indexes (indicates) another sample tube on the shelf for the next pipetting. After all sample tubes have been pipetted, the sample presentation unit 142 returns the shelf to the sample supply plate 140. The sample presentation unit 142 may include a sample shelf presentation unit.In other embodiments, the sample presentation unit 142 is configured to transfer a disc that holds a single tube. It is understood that the sample presentation unit 142 is also configured and used for other types of containers, such as cups or vases.

[00442] The reaction vessel feeder 144 provides a plurality of reaction vessels to the reaction vessel carrier unit 146. A user can load a large number of new and empty reaction vessels into the reaction vessel feeder 144. In some embodiments, the reaction vessel feeder 144 operates to guide the reaction vessels while supplying the reaction vessels to the reaction vessel carrier unit 146.

[00443] The reaction vessel carrier unit 146 operates to transfer reaction vessels from the reaction vessel feeder 144 to the sample transfer unit 148. In some embodiments, the reaction vessel carrier unit 146 picks up one or more reaction vessels from the reaction vessel feeder 144 and transfers them to the sample transfer unit 148.

[00444] Sample transfer unit 148 operates to transfer empty reaction vessels from reaction vessel carrier unit 146 to sample carousel 158 and reagent carrier unit 160. Additionally, sample transfer unit 148 operates to transfer sample vessels divided into aliquots to reagent carrier unit 160, and to transfer sample vessels from reagent carrier unit 160 back to sample carousel 158. A Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 311 / 501 The 53 / 153 sample transfer unit 148 can also operate to dispose of sample vessels and diluent vessels that have been used for predetermined processes.

[00445] The pipetting tip feeder 150 supplies pipetting tips to the sample pipetting device 152. In this document, pipetting tips are examples of dispensing tips 112 and therefore may also be referred to here as dispensing tips 112. In some embodiments, a plurality of pipetting tips on shelves is loaded into a die in the pipetting tip feeder 150. The pipetting tips are transferred and engaged to the sample pipetting device 152 for pipetting. Once used, the pipetting tips are disengaged from the sample pipetting device 152 for disposal, and the sample pipetting device 152 can be returned to the pipetting tip feeder 150. The user can dispose of solid waste, including the used pipetting tips.

[00446] The sample pipetting device 152 performs various pipetting operations. The sample pipetting device 152 receives a pipetting tip from the pipetting tip feeder 150 and engages the pipetting tip with the sample pipetting device 152. In some embodiments, the sample pipetting device 152 engages with a pipetting tip by pressing a pipetting mandrel into the pipetting tip and lifting the pipetting mandrel which engages the pipetting tip. As described herein, some embodiments of the pipetting tips are disposable after a single use or multiple uses.

[00447] In some embodiments, the sample pipetting device 152 includes a sample aliquot pipetting unit (sample aliquot platform) 152A and a precision sample pipetting unit (sample precision platform) 152B.

[00448] The sample aliquot pipetting unit 152A operates to pipette a sample aliquot from a sample tube located in the sample presentation unit 142, and dispense the sample aliquot into a sample vessel in the sample carousel 158. The sample aliquot pipetting unit can discard the used pipetting tip when pipetting is complete. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 312 / 501 54 / 153 completed for each sample. As described herein, the sample aliquot pipetting unit 152A may include a camera unit 550, which is described in detail in this document with reference, for example, to Figures 11, 12A and 12B.

[00449] The precise sample pipetting unit 152B operates to pipette the sample from a sample vessel located in the reagent carrier unit 160. Then, the precise sample pipetting unit can dispense the sample into a reaction vessel. In some embodiments, the sample may first be dispensed into a dilution vessel to create a sample dilution (e.g., with a washing buffer provided by the reagent pipetting device 162) before being dispensed into a reaction vessel. The precise sample pipetting unit can discard the used pipetting tip when a predetermined test is complete. As described herein, the precise sample pipetting unit 152B may include a camera unit 2550, which is described in detail with reference to Figures 11, 12A, 12B, and 67.

[00450] The sample carousel 158 stores within itself the samples divided into aliquots in the sample vessels. In some embodiments, the sample carousel 158 operates to maintain the samples at a lower temperature, for example, from about 4 to 10 °C, to reduce the analyte concentration altered by evaporation. The sample vessels can be transferred back to the sample carousel 158 after reagent pipetting, if further tests are required.

[00451] The reagent carrier unit 160 is configured to support a plurality of vessels and transfer the vessels to different locations. In some embodiments, the reagent carrier unit 160 is configured to hold a plurality of four vessels (e.g., three or four vessels), which can be used simultaneously for each reagent pipette of the reagent pipetting device 162. In some embodiments, the reagent carrier unit 160 is thermally controlled at a temperature of about 30 °C to 40 °C. In other embodiments, the reagent carrier unit 160 is maintained at a temperature of about 37 °C to ensure a consistent enzymatic kinetic reaction, for example. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 313 / 501 55 / 153

[00452] In some embodiments, the reagent carrier unit 160 is configured to hold a reaction vessel, a dilution vessel, and a sample vessel, and to transport the vessels for sample pipetting and reagent pipetting. In some embodiments, the reagent carrier unit 160 includes a reciprocating (back and forth) element that is movable along a predetermined path. For example, the reagent carrier unit 160 is moved close to the sample transfer unit 148 to accept the reaction vessel, the dilution vessel, and the sample vessel from the sample transfer unit 148. Additionally, the reagent carrier unit 160 may move to the reagent pipetting device 162 to pipette reagents, and to the precise sample pipetting unit 152B to pipette the sample.In some embodiments, the reagent carrier unit 160 is moved to the sample transfer unit 148 to remove the dilution vessel and the sample vessel, and to the incubator transfer unit 170 to remove the reaction vessel.

[00453] The reagent pipetting device 162 operates to pipette reagents from the reagent storage device 164 to the reaction vessels in the reagent carrier unit 160. In some embodiments, the reagent pipetting device 162 includes a plurality of pipettors that can perform pipetting simultaneously in different tests to support processing capacity. In some embodiments, the reagent pipetting device 162 is thermally controlled at a temperature of about 30 °C to 40 °C. In other embodiments, the reagent pipetting device 162 is maintained at a temperature of about 37 °C to ensure consistent binding kinetics of the enzymatic reaction, for example.

[00454] Reagent storage device 164 stores reagents. The reagent storage device includes a reagent transfer unit configured to transfer reagent packages to predetermined locations. In some embodiments, reagent storage device 164 can transfer reagent packages from reagent loading device 166 to reagent storage device 164, from reagent storage device 164 to the pipetting location for pipetting by reagent pipetting device 162, from the pipetting location to reagent storage device 164, from the pipetting location to a disposal location. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 314 / 501 56 / 153 if the reagents are consumed, from the reagent storage device 164 to the disposal location if the reagents expire, and from the reagent storage device 164 to the reagent loading device 166 for unloading the reagent packages. In some embodiments, the reagent storage device 164 is thermally controlled at a temperature of about 2 °C to 15 °C. In other embodiments, the storage device 164 is maintained at a temperature of about 4 °C to 10 °C.

[00455] The reagent loading device 166 operates to load one or more reagent packets. A user can load reagent packets into the reagent loading device 166.

[00456] The incubator transfer unit 170 transfers reaction vessels to and from the incubator 172. In some embodiments, the incubator transfer unit 170 transfers one or more of the pipetted reaction vessels from the reagent carrier unit 160 to the incubator 172. Additionally, the incubator transfer unit 170 may transfer one or more reaction vessels from the incubator 172 to the reagent carrier unit 160. The incubator transfer unit 170 may also remove reaction vessels 172 that have been read or completed from the incubator.

[00457] The 172 incubator is thermally controlled to maintain a predetermined temperature. In some embodiments, the 172 incubator is maintained at a temperature of approximately 30°C to 40°C. In other embodiments, the 172 incubator is maintained at a temperature of approximately 37°C to ensure an immunological reaction and an enzymatic reaction, for example. As an example, the 172 incubator performs assay incubation.

[00458] The reaction vessel transfer unit 174 transfers reaction vessels to and from the incubator 172. In some embodiments, the reaction vessel transfer unit 174 transfers incubated reaction vessels from the incubator 172 to the washing carousel 176, transfers assay reaction vessels from the washing carousel 176 to the incubator 172, transfers reaction vessels containing substrate from the washing carousel 176 to the incubator 172 for the purpose of substrate incubation or enzymatic reaction, transfers washed reaction vessels from the incubator 172 to the light measuring device 190 after substrate incubation, and transfers Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 315 / 501 57 / 153 from the light measuring device 190 to the incubator 172 the reaction vessels that have been read or completed. Used reaction vessels can be sent to a disposal site.

[00459] The washing carousel 176 receives and supports reaction vessels within itself, so that various aspects of the diagnostic process are carried out with the substance evaluation system 106. An example of the washing carousel 176 is described and illustrated in detail with reference to Figures 23 to 25. In some embodiments, the washing carousel 176 is a thermally controlled device for separating free or bound analytes from particles after incubation. In some embodiments, the washing carousel 176 is maintained at a temperature of about 30 °C to 40 °C. In other embodiments, the washing carousel 176 is maintained at a temperature of about 37 °C to ensure the enzymatic reaction, for example.

[00460] The substrate pipetting device 178 operates to dispense a substrate into a washed reaction vessel. An example of a substrate is a chemiluminescent substrate for enzyme immunoassay reactions, such as Lumi-Phos 530, which can produce light to provide detection corresponding to the amount of analytes captured on the magnetic particles.

[00461] The substrate loading device 180 operates to load one or more substrates to be supplied. In some embodiments, the substrate loading device 180 includes a set of two vials, one of which is in use and the other is disposed of for unloading and reloading. The substrate pipetting device 178 can operate to extract the substrate from the vial in use.

[00462] The light measuring device 190 operates to detect and measure the light (e.g., the L light in Figure 4) resulting from immunological analysis. In some embodiments, the light measuring device 190, which may also be called a luminometer, includes a light-proof housing containing a photomultiplier tube (PMT) to read a magnitude of chemiluminescence light emanating from the reaction vessel containing the substrate. The reaction vessel can be transferred to and removed from the light measuring device 190 by the reaction vessel transfer unit 174. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 316 / 501 58 / 153

[00463] The evaluation processing device 192 operates to receive information about the amount of light detected by the light measuring device 190 and evaluate the analysis based on the information.

[00464] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a computing device that can be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including the biological specimen analysis instrument 100 or various instrument systems 100, such as the substance preparation system 102, the preparation evaluation system 104, and the substance evaluation system 106. Additionally, one or more devices or units included in the instrument systems 100 can also be implemented with at least some components of the computing device, as illustrated in Figure 3. Such a computing device is designated in the present invention as reference number 200. The computing device 200 is used to run the operating system, application programs, and software modules (including the software engines) described herein.

[00465] The computing device 200 includes, in some embodiments, at least one processing device 202, such as a central processing unit (CPU). A variety of processing devices are available from a variety of manufacturers, for example, Intel or Advanced Micro Devices. In this example, the computing device 200 also includes a system memory 204 and a system bus 206 that connects various system components, including the system memory 204, to the processing device 202. The system bus 206 is one of any number of bus structure types, including a memory bus, or memory controller; a peripheral bus; and a local bus that utilizes a variety of bus architectures.

[00466] Examples of computing devices suitable for computing device 200 include a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile device (such as a smartphone, an iPod® mobile digital device, or other mobile devices), or other devices configured to process digital instructions. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 317 / 501 59 / 153

[00467] The system memory 204 includes a read-only memory 208 and a random access memory 210. A basic input / output system 212 containing the basic routines that act to transfer information within the computing device 200, such as during initialization, is typically stored in the read-only memory 208.

[00468] In some embodiments, the computing device 200 also includes a secondary storage device 214, such as a hard disk drive, for storing digital data. The secondary storage device 214 is connected to the system bus 206 by a secondary storage interface 216. The secondary storage devices and their associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage of computer-readable instructions (including application programs and program modules), data structures, and other data for the computing device 200.

[00469] Although the exemplary environment described here employs a hard disk drive as a secondary storage device, other types of computer-readable storage media are used in other embodiments. Examples of these other types of computer-readable storage media include magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video discs, Bernoulli cartridges, compact disc read-only memories, digital versatile disc (DVD) read-only memories, random access memories, or read-only memories. Some embodiments include non-transient media.

[00470] Various program modules may be stored in the secondary storage device 214 or in memory 204, including an operating system 218, one or more application programs 220, other program modules 222 and program data 224.

[00471] In some embodiments, the computing device 200 includes input devices to allow a user to provide input to the computing device 200. Examples of input devices 226 include a keyboard 228, pointing input device 230, microphone 232, and touch screen 240. Other embodiments include other input devices 226. The input devices are often connected to the processing device 202 via an input / output interface 238 that is coupled to the bus of Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 318 / 501 60 / 153 system 206. These input devices 226 can be connected via any number of input / output interfaces, such as a parallel port, serial port, game port, or a universal serial bus. Wireless communication between input devices and the interface 238 is also possible and includes infrared, BLUETOOTH® wireless technology, Wi-Fi technology (802.11a / b / g / n protocols, etc.), cellular, or other radio frequency communication systems in some possible modes.

[00472] In this exemplary embodiment, a touch-screen device 240 is also connected to the system bus 206 via an interface, such as a video adapter 242. The touch-screen device 240 includes touch sensors to receive user input when the user touches the screen. Such sensors may be capacitive sensors, pressure sensors, or other touch sensors. The sensors not only detect contact with the screen but also the location of the contact and the movement of the contact over time. For example, a user may move a finger or stylus on the screen to enter written input. The written input is evaluated and, in some embodiments, converted into text input.

[00473] In addition to the display device 240, the computing device 200 may include several other peripheral devices (not shown), such as speakers or a printer.

[00474] The computing device 200 additionally includes a communication device 246 configured to establish communication over the network. In some embodiments, when used in a local area network environment or in a wide area network environment (such as the Internet), the computing device 200 is typically connected to the network via a network interface, such as a wireless network interface 248. Other possible embodiments use other wired and / or wireless communication devices. For example, some embodiments of the computing device 200 include an Ethernet network interface, or a modem for communication over the network. In still other embodiments, the communication device 246 has short-range wireless communication capability. Short-range wireless communication is a form of unidirectional or bidirectional short- to medium-range wireless communication.Short-range wireless communication can be established using various technologies and protocols. Examples of short-range wireless communication include identification by... Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 319 / 501 61 / 153 radio frequency (RFID), near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth technology and Wi-Fi technology.

[00475] The computing device 200 typically includes at least some form of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media includes any available media that can be accessed by the computing device 200. By way of example, computer-readable media include computer-readable storage media and computer-readable communication media.

[00476] Computer-readable storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media, implemented in any device configured to store information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, random access memory, read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory for read-only use, flash memory or other memory technology, portable compact disk read-only memory, digital versatile disks (DVDs) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by the computing device 200.

[00477] The computer-readable communication media mentioned here typically incorporates computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data into a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any means of delivering information. The term modulated data signal refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics defined or altered so as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, computer-readable communication media includes wired media, such as a wired network or direct wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 320 / 501 62 / 153

[00478] Blood samples are whole blood, serum, plasma, and other blood components or fractions. In some embodiments, the biological specimen analysis instrument 100 is configured to analyze one or more types of body fluid samples. Body fluids include blood, urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, feces, mucus, cell or tissue extracts, and nucleic acid extracts. Specimens, also called samples, are collected from donor centers, physicians' offices, phlebotomists' offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. The collected body fluid and its components are then frequently processed, tested, and distributed to or through clinical laboratories, hospitals, blood banks, physicians' offices, or other healthcare settings.In the present disclosure, instrument 100 is described primarily for performing immunoassays, which measure the presence or concentration of a macromolecule in a solution through the use of an antibody or immunoglobulin. Such a macromolecule is also referred to in this document as an analyte. In other embodiments, however, instrument 100 includes a biological specimen analyzer of any type. For example, instrument 100 may be a clinical chemistry analyzer, a blood typing analyzer, a nucleic acid analyzer, a microbiology analyzer, or any other type of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) analyzer.

[00479] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary method 300 for immunological analysis. In some embodiments, method 300 includes operations 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314. In some embodiments, at least some of the operations in method 300 are performed by the substance preparation system 102, the preparation evaluation system 104, and / or the substance evaluation system 106 of instrument 100.

[00480] In operation 302, a crucible 320 (e.g., a reaction vessel) is transported to a predetermined position, and a first reagent including magnetic particles 322 is dispensed into the crucible 320. In some embodiments, the crucible 320 is a reaction vessel and is transported to the washing carousel 176. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 321 / 501 63 / 153

[00481] In operation 304, a sample or specimen 324 is dispensed into crucible 320. In some embodiments, the sample pipetting device 152, to which a pipetting tip supplied by the pipetting tip feeder 150 is attached, aspirates the sample 324 from a sample vessel that has been transported to a predetermined position. After the sample is dispensed into crucible 320, the crucible 320 may be subjected to mixing, if necessary, in order to produce magnetic particle carriers, each formed of the antigen and the magnetic particle in the sample 324 bound to each other.

[00482] In operation 306, the crucible 320 is subjected to a first cleaning process in which the magnetic particle carriers are magnetically collected by a magnetic collection unit 326, and a bonded / free separation is performed by a bonded / free cleaning aspiration nozzle 328. As a result, an unreacted substance 330 in the crucible 320 is removed.

[00483] In operation 308, a second reagent 332, as a labeling reagent including a labeled antibody, is dispensed into crucible 320. As a result, immune complexes 334 are produced, each formed from the magnetic particle carrier and the labeled antibody 332 bound to each other.

[00484] In operation 310, a second bonded / free cleaning process is performed to magnetically collect the magnetic particle carriers by a magnetic collection structure 336. Additionally, a bonded / free separation is performed by a bonded / free cleaning aspiration nozzle 338. As a result, the labeled antibody 332 that is not bound with the magnetic particle carrier is removed from the crucible 320.

[00485] In operation 312, a substrate that includes an enzyme 340 is dispensed into crucible 320, which is then mixed. After a certain reaction time required for the enzymatic reaction passages, crucible 320 is transported to a photometric system, such as the light measuring device 190.

[00486] In operation 314, enzyme 340 and immune complex 334 are linked to each other through reactions of substrate 340 with the enzyme in the labeled antibody 332, and light L is emitted by the immune complex 334 and measured by a photometric system, such as the light measuring device 190. The light measuring device 190 operates Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 322 / 501 64 / 153 to calculate the amount of antigen included in the sample, based on the amount of light measured.

[00487] With reference to Figures 5 to 39, an example of the volume 120 detection system is described.

[00488] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example of the volume sensing system 120 in Figure 1. In some embodiments, the volume sensing system 120 includes a dispensing tip volume sensing device 400 and a vessel volume sensing device 402. The volume sensing system 120 additionally includes a correlation data generation system 404 that generates correlation data 406.

[00489] The dispensing tip volume detection device 400 operates to detect the volume of a fluid substance 118 aspirated into a dispensing tip 112.

[00490] Fluid substance 118 may be of any type suitable for dispensing into a container and submitted for further analysis. In various embodiments, fluid substance 118 may be a sample to be submitted for analysis, sample preparation components, diluents, buffers, reagents, or any combination thereof. In cases where fluid substance 118 involves blood or its components, examples of fluid substance 118 include whole blood, blood plasma, serum, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, diluents, reagents, or any combination thereof. Fluid substance 118 may be other types of body fluids such as saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, amniotic fluid, feces, mucus, cell or tissue extracts, nucleic acids, or any other type of body fluid, tissue, or material suspected of containing an analyte of interest.In cases where fluid substance 118 is a reagent, the reagent may be of various types known for use in the analysis of biological specimens. Some examples of reagents include liquid reagents containing specific labeled binding reagents, for example, antibody or nucleic acid probes, liquid reagents containing reactive and / or non-reactive substances, erythrocyte suspensions, and particle suspensions. In other embodiments, the reagent may be a chemiluminescent substrate. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 323 / 501 65 / 153

[00491] As described herein, the dispensing tip 112 can be of various types and used for different processes. An example of the dispensing tip 112 is a pipetting tip that can be used with the sample pipetting device 152. The dispensing tip volume sensing device 400 can utilize the dispensing tip image capture unit 130. An example of the dispensing tip volume sensing device 400 is illustrated and described in detail with reference to Figures 9 to 21.

[00492] The vessel volume detection device 402 operates to detect the volume of a fluid substance 118 contained in a vessel 114. As described herein, the vessel 114 can be of various types and used for different processes. Examples of vessel 114 include a reaction vessel, a sample vessel, and a dilution vessel, which are used throughout the process in the instrument 100. The vessel volume detection device 402 can utilize the vessel image capture unit 132. An example of the vessel volume detection device 402 is illustrated and described in detail with reference to Figures 22 to 39.

[00493] The correlation data generation system 404 generates correlation data 406. The correlation data 406 provides information used by the volume detection system 120 to determine a volume of the fluid substance 118 received in the container 110. In some embodiments, the correlation data generation system 404 is an apparatus independent of the volume detection system 120. In other embodiments, the correlation data generation system 404 is configured to use at least some features of the volume detection system 120.

[00494] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 410 for operating the volume detection system 120. In some embodiments, at least some of the operations in method 410 are performed by the substance preparation system 102, the preparation evaluation system 104, and / or the substance evaluation system 106 of the instrument 100. In other embodiments, other components, units, and devices of the instrument 100 are used to perform at least one of the operations of method 410.

[00495] In operation 412, a fluid substance 118 is dispensed into a container 110. In some embodiments, the substance preparation system 102 may Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 324 / 501 66 / 153 perform operation 412. In other embodiments, container 110 is pre-loaded with fluid substance 118 before container 110 is loaded into instrument 100 and used by the same.

[00496] In operation 414, the container 110 including the fluid substance 118 is transported to an image capture unit, such as the dispensing tip image capture unit 130 and the vessel image capture unit 132.

[00497] In operation 416, the image capture unit captures an image of container 110. In some embodiments, the image of container 110 is a digital image of predetermined resolution.

[00498] In operation 418, the preparation evaluation system 104 (e.g., the volume detection system 120) analyzes the image to determine a volume of the fluid substance 118 within the container 110. An example of operation 416 is described in detail with reference to Figure 7.

[00499] In operation 420, the preparation evaluation system 104 (e.g., the volume detection system 120) determines whether the determined volume is within a tolerance range. When the determined volume is outside a tolerance range, the supply of the fluid substance 118 into the container 110 is considered inadequate. In some embodiments, such a tolerance range is determined based on an admissible deviation from a target volume of the fluid substance 118 that must be dispensed into the container 110. When it is determined that the detected volume is within the tolerance range (YES in operation 420), method 410 proceeds to perform a next predetermined step. Otherwise (NO in operation 420), method 410 proceeds to operation 422.

[00500] In operation 422, the preparation evaluation system 104 (e.g., the volume detection system 120) marks the container 110 to indicate that the volume of the fluid substance 118 within the container 110 is not suitable for subsequent processes. Alternatively, the preparation evaluation system 104 operates to interrupt an associated test or analytical process on the instrument 100. In other embodiments, the evaluation result may be used to automatically adjust a test result that may be erroneous due to volume. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 325 / 501 67 / 153 Inadequate fluid substance. In still other embodiments, as described herein, the result of the assessment can be used to automatically adjust the volume of the fluid substance in response to the volume determination.

[00501] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 430 for performing operation 418 in Figure 6. In particular, method 430 provides processes for analyzing the captured image of a container 110 to determine a volume of the fluid substance 118 contained in the container 110.

[00502] In operation 432, the preparation evaluation system 104 (e.g., the volume detection system 120) detects a reference point in the image. The reference point is associated with the container 110. In some embodiments, the reference point includes a location or portion of a detectable structure formed in the container 110. In other embodiments, the reference point is configured as a portion of the container 110. Other examples of the reference point are also possible. Various image processing methods can be used to detect the surface level of the fluid substance 118 in the image.

[00503] In operation 434, the preparation evaluation system 104 (e.g., the volume detection system 120) detects a surface level of the fluid substance 118 within the container 110 in the image. Various image processing methods can be used to detect the surface level of the fluid substance 118 in the image.

[00504] In operation 436, the preparation evaluation system 104 (e.g., the volume detection system 120) measures a distance between the reference point and the surface level. In some embodiments, the distance is measured by a pixel distance between the reference point and the surface level in the image. In some embodiments, the pixel distance is calculated based on a Euclidean distance between two pixel points.

[00505] In operation 438, the preparation evaluation system 104 (e.g., the volume detection system 120) converts distance into volume based on correlation data 406. Correlation data 406 includes information about a correlation between volumes within the container 110 and distances from the reference point to a plurality of different surface levels within the container. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 326 / 501 68 / 153 110. An illustrative method for generating the correlation data is described with reference to Figure 8.

[00506] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 450 for operating the correlation data generation system 404 to generate correlation data 406. In some embodiments, at least part of the instrument 100 is used as the correlation data generation system 404. In other embodiments, the correlation data generation system 404 generates the correlation data independently of the instrument 100.

[00507] In operation 452, the correlation data generation system 404 supplies a liquid to a container. The container used in method 450 is the same container 110 that is subjected to a volume detection process of the present invention. The liquid used in method 450 need not be identical to the fluid substance 118 used in instrument 100.

[00508] In operation 454, the correlation data generation system 404 captures an image of the container with the liquid.

[00509] In operation 456, the correlation data generation system 404 extracts a distance between a reference point (i.e., the reference point as described in operation 432) and a fluid surface in the image captured in operation 454. In some embodiments, the distance can be determined similarly to at least some of the operations in method 430, such as operations 432, 434, and 436.

[00510] In operation 458, the correlation data generation system 404 measures a volume of liquid dispensed into the container. Several methods can be used to determine the volume of liquid inside the container. Some of these methods are described in this document.

[00511] In operation 460, the correlation data generation system 404 correlates the distance calculated in operation 456 and the volume measured in operation 458.

[00512] In operation 462, the correlation data generation system 404 determines whether a sufficient number of correlations have been performed to generate correlation data 406. If so (YES in operation 470), method 450 proceeds. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 327 / 501 69 / 153 for operation 464. Otherwise (NOT in operation 470), method 450 returns to operation 452, in which liquid is supplied to the container, and subsequent operations are performed to determine additional correlations between the distance and volume of liquid inside the container. To obtain a sufficient range of correlation data, the amount of liquid supplied to the container may change in different cycles of the correlation process. Furthermore, the amount of liquid supplied to the container may remain approximately the same for some of the correlation cycles to obtain reliable results for certain volumes or volume ranges.

[00513] In operation 464, the correlation data generation system 404 creates correlation data 408 based on a plurality of correlations made in operation 460. In some embodiments, correlation data 408 can be extrapolated to infer the relationship between distance and volume. For example, a correlation curve, a lookup table, or a mathematical formula can be created from correlation data 408 to fit the data and estimate the relationship between distance and volume inside the container.

[00514] With reference to Figures 9 to 21, an example of the dispensing tip volume detection device 400 of Figure 5 is described.

[00515] Figure 9 illustrates an example of the dispensing tip volume detection device 400 of Figure 5. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip volume detection device 400 includes a sample aspiration volume detection device 500. Additionally, the dispensing tip volume detection device 400 uses tip volume correlation data 506 generated by a tip volume correlation data generation system 504.

[00516] The sample aspiration volume detection device 500 operates to determine the volume of sample aspirated into a sample pipetting tip of the sample pipetting device 152. An example of the structure and operation of the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 is described below.

[00517] The 504 tip volume correlation data generation system generates the 506 tip volume correlation data. The 506 tip volume correlation data provides information used by the volume detection device. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 328 / 501 70 / 153 of dispensing tip 400 to determine the volume of a fluid substance received at a dispensing tip (e.g., a sample pipetting tip). In some embodiments, the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 is a device independent of the dispensing tip volume detection device 400. In other embodiments, the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 is configured to use at least some features of the dispensing tip volume detection device 400. The tip volume correlation data generation system 504 and the tip volume correlation data 506 are included in, or examples of, the correlation data generation system 404 and the correlation data 406, as illustrated in Figure 5.

[00518] A reliable clinical diagnosis requires accurate and precise aspiration and dispensing of a substance to be analyzed. For example, in an automated analyzer analyzing a sample such as blood or any other bodily fluid, fluctuation in the dispensed quantity of a sample and other substances such as a reagent in a reaction vessel relative to a specified quantity can affect an analysis result and degrade the reliability of inspection and analysis. Therefore, it is beneficial to establish a technology to measure an aspirated or dispensed quantity with high precision and select only those aspirated or dispensed samples whose quantity is within an appropriate range. One way to measure a liquid volume is to detect the level of a liquid surface by determining the height of the liquid inside the vessel using resonance frequency.In other cases, air pressure is used to determine the viscosity of a liquid (e.g., sample) drawn up by a dispensing tip. In still other cases, a flow sensor is used to determine the flow rate of a drawn-up or dispensed liquid.

[00519] However, these approaches have several disadvantages. For example, detecting a liquid surface level using resonance frequency and detecting fluid viscosity using air pressure can determine a volume of liquid in a container, but cannot quantify a volume of liquid that is aspirated or dispensed. Flow sensors can quantify a volume of liquid passing through the piping in which the flow sensors are arranged, but cannot reliably measure a volume of liquid that is aspirated. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 329 / 501 71 / 153 or dispensed. These methods do not have processes to identify inaccurate sample aspirations in case of erroneous results.

[00520] As described in detail herein, the 400 dispensing tip volume detection device employs an image processing method to quantify the volume of an aspirated fluid substance (e.g., sample). The volume of a fluid substance is aspirated into a transparent or translucent container, such as a conical dispensing tip. The container is imaged, and a reference point is detected in the image. The dispensing tip volume detection device measures a distance from the meniscus of the fluid substance to the reference point and correlates the distance to a volume using a volume calibration curve. If the volume aspirated into the container is not within specifications for aspiration accuracy or precision, the aspiration or the entire test will be flagged. A user or operator can receive information about the aspiration result.

[00521] Figure 10 schematically illustrates an exemplary structure of a sample aspiration system 510 in connection with the sample aspiration volume detection device 500. In the illustrated example, the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 is described and illustrated basically as an example of the dispensing tip volume detection device 400. It is understood, however, that any type of dispensing tip volume detection device 400 can be used in the same or similar manner to the sample aspiration volume detection device 500.

[00522] In some embodiments, the sample aspiration system 510 includes a sample pipetting module 512 that is movable between different positions along a sample transfer guide 514. The sample pipetting module 512 can move to a tip supply position 516, a sample dispensing position 518, a tip disposal position 520, and a sample aspiration position 522. In some embodiments, the sample pipetting module 512 includes a base 524 and a mandrel 526 supported on the base 524. The sample pipetting module 512 includes a vertical transfer unit 528 configured to move the base 524 vertically, including the mandrel 526, relative to a sample container 530. The mandrel 526 is configured to mount a dispensing tip 112, which is also referred to herein as a tip or probe. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 330 / 501 72 / 153 pipetting, an aspiration tip or probe, or a disposable tip or probe 112.

[00523] In instrument 100, samples are aspirated by dispensing tips to avoid contamination risks. The sample pipetting module 512 can move to the tip supply position 516 and vertically lower the base 524 of the module 512 to insert the mandrel 526 into a dispensing tip 112 that is supplied by a dispensing tip supply unit 534. Then, the sample pipetting module 512 moves to the sample aspiration position 522, in which the sample pipetting module 512 operates to aspirate a predetermined sample volume 540 from the sample container 530. After the sample is aspirated, the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 detects the volume of sample aspirated at the dispensing tip 112.In some embodiments, the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 includes the dispensing tip image capture unit 130 to capture an image of the dispensing tip 112 as part of the volume detection process. After that, the sample pipetting module 512 moves to the sample dispensing position 518 to dispense the aspirated sample volume into a reaction vessel 536, and then moves to the tip disposal position 520 to dispose of the dispensing tip 112 into a dispensing tip disposal unit 538.

[00524] In some embodiments, the sample aspiration system 510 is implemented with at least some components of the instrument 100, as illustrated in Figure 2. For example, the sample pipetting module 512 corresponds to the sample pipetting device 152 (including the sample aliquot pipetting unit 152A and the precise sample pipetting unit 152B) of the instrument 100. The sample container 530 may correspond to a sample tube. The dispensing tip supply unit 534 may correspond to the pipetting tip feeder 150. The reaction vessel 536 may correspond to a sample vessel, a reaction vessel, or any other vessel.

[00525] Figures 11, 12A, and 12B illustrate the sample aspiration system 510 of Figure 10. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the sample aspiration system of Figure 10, Figure 12A is a side view of the sample aspiration system 510, and Figure 12B is another side view of the sample aspiration system. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 331 / 501 73 / 153 510, showing that the sample pipetting module 512 is in the sample aspiration position 522 for volume detection using the sample aspiration volume detection device 500.

[00526] As illustrated, the dispensing tip image capture unit 130 includes a first camera unit 550 and its associated components, which are mounted on the sample aliquot pipetting unit 152A. In some embodiments, the first camera unit 550 and these other components are configured to move with the corresponding mandrel and dispensing tip of the sample aliquot pipetting unit 152A.

[00527] In some embodiments, the camera unit 550 includes a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor to obtain a color digital image. In other embodiments, the camera unit 550 includes a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor to obtain a color digital image. As shown in Figure 12, the camera unit 550 is located on one side of the dispensing tip 112. In other embodiments, the camera unit 550 is configured to obtain black and white or grayscale images. An example of the camera unit 550 includes a model called ADVANTAGE 102, which is available from Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA, USA) as AE3-IS Machine Vision Color Camera + I / O board (e.g., part number AE3C-IS-CQBCKFS1-B).

[00528] The dispensing tip image capture unit 130 may additionally include a light source 552 for the camera 550. The light source 552 is used to illuminate the dispensing tip 112 and its surroundings for photographing as desired. The light source 552 may be arranged in various locations. In the illustrated example, the light source 552 is positioned at the rear of the dispensing tip 112, opposite the camera unit 550, and thus used as a backlight. Other locations for the light source 552 are also possible. An example of the light source 552 includes the MDBL Series available from Moritex Corporation (Japan).

[00529] In other embodiments, the camera unit 550 includes a light source 551, such as an LED light, which is operable to emit light towards the dispensing tip 112. In this configuration, the light source 552 can be replaced by Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, p. 332 / 501 74 / 153 a screen 553 which is arranged to be opposite the camera unit 550 so that the dispensing tip 112 is positioned between the camera unit 550 and the screen 553. The screen 553 is used to throw light back in the direction of the camera unit's field of view (COV) by reflecting the light towards the camera aperture. The screen 553 is produced from one or more of several materials that can provide different intensities of reflection. For example, the screen 553 includes a retroreflective lamination, an example of which includes 3M™ Scotchlite™ Sheeting 7610, available from 3M Company (Maplewood, MN, USA). In another embodiment, the light source 552 can be used with the light source 551 from the camera unit 550 and the screen 553.

[00530] In some embodiments, the camera unit 550 and the light source 552 (or the screen 553) are fixed to the sample pipetting module 512 and configured to move horizontally with the sample pipetting module 512 so that an image of the dispensing tip 112 is captured at any position of the sample pipetting module 512. For example, an image of the dispensing tip 112 containing the aspirated sample can be obtained at any position after the sample is aspirated (i.e., the sample aspiration position 522) and before the sample is dispensed (i.e., the sample dispensing position 518). In other embodiments, the camera unit 550 is fixed to the sample pipetting module 512 and the light source 552 (or the screen 553) is not fixed to the sample pipetting module 512.In still other embodiments, the camera unit 550 is not attached to the sample pipetting module 512 and the light source 552 (or the screen 553) is attached to the sample pipetting module 512. In still other embodiments, neither the camera unit 550 nor the light source 552 (or the screen 553) are attached to the sample pipetting module 512.

[00531] In addition, the state-of-the-art dispensing image capture unit 130 may include a second camera unit 2550 and its associated components, which are mounted on the precise sample pipetting unit 152B. The second camera unit 2550 and its associated components may be configured similarly to the first camera unit 550 and its associated components.

[00532] In some embodiments, the second 2550 camera unit and these other components are configured to move with the chuck and tip. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, page 333 / 501 75 / 153 corresponding dispenser of the sample aliquot pipetting unit 152A.

[00533] The second 2550 camera unit can be configured similarly to the first 550 camera unit. An example of the 2550 camera unit includes a model called ADVANTAGE 102, which is available from Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA, USA) as AE3-IS Machine Vision Color Camera + I / O board (e.g., part number AE3-IS-CQBCKFP2-B).

[00534] The dispensing tip image capture unit 130 may additionally include a light source 2552 for the camera 2550. The light source 2552 is used to illuminate the dispensing tip 112 and its surroundings for photographing as desired. The light source 2552 may be arranged in various locations. In the illustrated example, the light source 2552 is positioned at the rear of the dispensing tip 112, opposite the camera unit 2550, and thus used as backlighting. Other locations for the light source 2552 are also possible. An example of the light source 2552 includes the MDBL Series, available from Moritex Corporation (Japan).

[00535] In other embodiments, the camera unit 550 includes a light source 2551, such as an LED light, which is operable to emit light towards the dispensing tip 112. In this configuration, the light source 2552 can be replaced by a screen 2553 which is arranged to be opposite the camera unit 550 so that the dispensing tip 112 is positioned between the camera unit 2550 and the screen 2553. The screen 2553 is used to throw light back towards the field of view (FV) of the camera unit by reflecting the light towards the camera aperture. The screen 2553 is produced from one or more of several materials that can provide different intensities of reflection. For example, screen 2553 includes a retroreflective lamination, an example of which includes 3M™ Scotchlite™ Sheeting 7610, available from the 3M Company (Maplewood, MN, USA). In another embodiment, light source 2552 can be used with light source 2551 from camera unit 2550 and screen 2553.

[00536] In some embodiments, the camera unit 2550 and the light source 2552 (or the screen 2553) are configured to be stationary and independent of Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 334 / 501 76 / 153 movement of the sample pipetting module 512. Other configurations are also possible in other modes.

[00537] As described herein, the 2550 camera unit and its associated components can be used for edge alignment detection, as further illustrated in Figure 67.

[00538] With reference to Figures 13 and 14, an example of dispensing tip 112 is described. In particular, Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of an example of dispensing tip 112, and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end of dispensing tip 112.

[00539] The dispensing tip 112 extends from a proximal end 560 to a distal end 562. The dispensing tip 112 includes a base portion 564 at the proximal end 560, which is configured to secure the dispensing tip 112 to the mandrel 526 of the sample pipetting module 512. The dispensing tip 112 further includes an elongated body portion 566 extending from the base portion 564. The dispensing tip 112, including the base portion 564 and the body portion 566, defines a pipetting passage (or channel) 572 for aspirating, containing, and dispensing a fluid substance. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip 112 (including the dispensing tip 112) is disposable. In other embodiments, the dispensing tip 112 (including the dispensing tip 112) is either not disposable or is usable multiple times before being discarded.

[00540] In some embodiments, the dispensing tip 112 includes a reference line 570 that is detectable by the dispensing tip imaging unit 130. The reference line 570 can be formed at various locations on the dispensing tip 112. In some embodiments, the reference line 570 is formed on the body portion 566 of the dispensing tip 112. In other embodiments, the reference line 570 is formed on the base portion 564 of the dispensing tip 112. In some examples, the reference line 570 is situated so that a surface level or meniscus of the aspirated fluid substance at the dispensing tip 112 is located between the reference line 570 and the distal end 562 of the dispensing tip 112. In other embodiments, the reference line 570 is situated so that the meniscus of the aspirated fluid substance is located above the line of Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 335 / 501 77 / 153 reference 570 in relation to the distal end 562 (i.e., between the reference line 570 and the proximal end 560).

[00541] Reference line 570 is provided on dispensing tip 112 in various ways. In some embodiments, reference line 570 is a detectable structure, such as a projection, ridge, indentation, notch, or any other visible element formed on dispensing tip 112. In other embodiments, reference line 570 is a marker or indicator that is painted on or affixed to dispensing tip 112. Reference line 570 may be integrally formed or molded onto dispensing tip 112. Alternatively, reference line 570 is produced separately and then affixed to dispensing tip 112.

[00542] Reference line 570 is used as a reference point when an image of the dispensing tip 112 is analyzed to determine if the sample was properly aspirated for analytical testing. As described herein, the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 measures the volume of the sample aspirated at the dispensing tip 112 by measuring a distance between reference line 570 and the sample meniscus. Because reference line 570 is formed at the dispensing tip 112, reference line 570 provides a consistent reference point for volume measurement, compared to any reference points provided by structures other than the dispensing tip 112.For example, when a portion or point of the mandrel 526 is used as a reference point, the position of the mandrel 526 relative to the dispensing tip 112 may vary depending on the insertion depth of the dispensing tip 112 in the mandrel 526, thus resulting in an inaccurate volume measurement. In contrast, the reference line 570 is stationary relative to the dispensing tip 112 and, in this way, can provide accurate measurements.

[00543] As illustrated in Figure 14, the pipetting passage 572 includes a tapered section 574 in which an internal diameter becomes smaller from the proximal end 560 to the distal end 562. The pipetting passage 572 additionally includes a straight section 576 which has a constant internal diameter at, or adjacent to, the distal end 562. The straight section 576 can improve the accuracy and precision of aspirating a small volume, such as about 2 to 5 pl, while at the same time providing the dispensing tip 112 with the ability to aspirate a large volume, such as 250 pl, for aliquot separation. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 336 / 501 78 / 153

[00544] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 600 of operation of the dispensing tip volume detection device 400. In the example illustrated, method 600 is described primarily in relation to the sample aspiration volume detection device 500. However, method 600 is also similarly applicable to other types of the dispensing tip volume detection device 400. In some embodiments, method 600 is performed by the sample aspiration system 510 and the sample aspiration volume detection device 500.

[00545] In general, method 600 performs the analysis of an aspirated volume at a dispensing tip using a measurement algorithm and marks the aspiration results or the test results if the calculated aspiration volume is outside a tolerance range.

[00546] In operation 602, the sample aspiration system 510 operates to aspirate a fluid substance, such as a sample 540 (Figure 10), into a dispensing tip 112, as programmed.

[00547] In operation 604, the sample aspiration system 510 transports the dispensing tip 112 containing the aspirated sample 540 to the dispensing tip image capture unit 130. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip image capture unit 130 is arranged to capture an image of the dispensing tip 112 after aspiration without transport.

[00548] In operation 606, the dispensing tip image capture unit 130 of the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 captures an image of the dispensing tip 112. In some embodiments, the image of the dispensing tip 112 is a digital image of predetermined resolution.

[00549] In operation 608, the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 analyzes the image to determine a sample volume 540 within the dispensing tip 112. An example of operation 608 is described in detail with reference to Figures 16 to 19.

[00550] In operation 610, the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 determines whether the measured volume is within a tolerance range. When the measured volume is outside a tolerance range, the Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 337 / 501 79 / 153 Aspiration of sample 540 into the dispensing tip 112 is considered inadequate. In some embodiments, this tolerance range is determined based on an admissible deviation from a target aspiration volume of sample 540 that must be aspirated into the dispensing tip 112. The tolerance range may vary depending on the target aspiration volume. An example of the tolerance range is as follows: Table 1 Target aspiration volume (V) Tolerance range 2 μI < V < 10 μI 100 ± 30% 10 μI < V < 50 μI 100 ± 15% 50 μI < V < 110 μI 100 ± 10%

[00551] When it is determined that the detected volume is within the tolerance range (YES in operation 610), method 600 proceeds to execute a next predetermined step. Otherwise (NO in operation 610), method 600 proceeds to operation 612.

[00552] In operation 612, the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 marks the aspiration to indicate that the volume of sample aspirated at the dispensing tip 112 is not suitable for subsequent processes. In other embodiments, the entire test result in which the aspirated sample was used may be marked to indicate or suggest that the test result may be inadequate. Alternatively, the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 operates to interrupt an associated test or analytical process in the instrument 100. In other embodiments, the evaluation result may be used to automatically adjust a test result that may be erroneous due to inadequate fluid volume. In still other embodiments, as described herein, the evaluation result may be used to automatically adjust the fluid volume in response to the volume determination.

[00553] With reference to Figures 16 to 19, an example of operation 608 of Figure 15 is described, in which a captured image is analyzed to determine a sample volume at the dispensing tip. In particular, Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 630 for performing operation 608 of Figure 15. Method 630 is also described with reference to Figures 17 to 19. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 338 / 501 80 / 153 which illustrate an example of the analysis of an image captured 620 from the dispensing tip.

[00554] In operation 632, the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 detects the reference line 570 of the dispensing tip 112 in the captured image 620. Several image processing methods can be used to detect the reference line 570 in the image 620. In some modalities, the reference line 570 is detected by a pattern correlation function, which searches for a representative pattern of the reference line based on a pre-trained reference image. For example, such a pattern correlation function performs a pattern search that scans the captured image looking for a pattern that has been stored in the system and recognized as the reference line. A correlation value, or correlation ratio (e.g., percentage correlation), is adjustable. Other methods are also possible in other modalities.An example of such image processing methods can be implemented by Cognex's In-Sight Vision software, available from Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA, USA), which offers several tools such as edge detection, pattern matching, and histogram analysis.

[00555] In operation 634, the sample suction volume detection device 500 detects a central point 650 of the reference line 570. As illustrated in Figure 17, once the reference line 570 is detected, the central point 650 can be calculated as the midpoint of the reference line 570.

[00556] In operation 636, the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 detects a surface level 652 (Figure 18) of the sample volume aspirated at the dispensing tip 112. Various image processing methods can be used to detect the surface level 652 in the image. In some modalities, similarly to operation 632, the surface level 652 is detected by a pattern correlation function based on a pre-trained reference image. Other methods are also possible in other modalities.

[00557] In operation 638, the sample suction volume detection device 500 detects a central point 654 of the surface level 652. As Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 339 / 501 81 / 153 illustrated in Figure 18, once surface level 652 is detected, the central point 654 can be calculated as the midpoint of the surface level line 652.

[00558] In operation 640, the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 measures a distance L1 (Figure 19) between the central point 650 of the reference line 570 and the central point 654 of the surface level 652. In some embodiments, the distance L1 is measured by a pixel distance between the central points 650 and 654 in the image 620. In some embodiments, the pixel distance is calculated based on a Euclidean distance between two pixel points.

[00559] In operation 642, the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 converts the distance L1 into a volume based on the tip volume correlation data 506. The correlation data 506 includes information about a correlation between the volumes within the dispensing tip 112 and the distances L1 between the center point 650 of the reference line 570 and the center points 654 of a plurality of different surface levels 652 on the dispensing tip 112. In some embodiments, the correlation data 506 can be plotted on a correlation curve 660, as illustrated in Figure 20. An exemplary method for generating the correlation data 506 is described with reference to Figure 21.

[00560] Figure 20 is an example of a correlation curve 660 corresponding to correlation data 506. In some embodiments, the correlation curve 660 shows a relationship between the distance L1 (e.g., pixel distance) between the center points 650 and 654 and the volume V1 of the sample aspirated at the dispensing tip 112. The correlation curve 660 can be obtained by plotting a plurality of distinct data points included in the correlation data 506, as described with reference to Figure 21. As illustrated in Figure 20, the correlation curve indicates that the aspirated volume V1 generally decreases as the distance L1 increases. Since the reference line 570 is formed on the dispensing tip 112 to be positioned above the surface level 652, the distance L1 generally correlates inversely with the volume V1. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 340 / 501 82 / 153

[00561] Figure 21 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method 670 of operation of the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 to generate the tip volume correlation data 506.

[00562] In some embodiments, correlation data 506 are created using spectroscopic techniques. For example, the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 uses a dye solution to show a correlation between extracted pixel distance information and fluid volume information at a dispensing tip. A spectrophotometer can be used to measure the dye absorbance at a specific wavelength. In some embodiments, the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 selects a plurality of points within a range of target volumes (e.g., 5, 10, 50, 100, and 110 pl), aspirates these volume quantities through the dispensing tips, and captures images of the dispensing tips for pixel distance calculation.Therefore, the 504-point volume correlation data generation system plots a calibration curve between pixel distances calculated from the images and volumes calculated by a spectrophotometer.

[00563] In operation 672, the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 aspirates a dye solution into a dispensing tip 112.

[00564] In operation 674, the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 captures an image of the dispensing tip 112 containing the dye solution.

[00565] In operation 676, the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 extracts a distance between the reference line 570 and a surface line of the dye solution in the image captured in operation 674. In some embodiments, the distance is measured by a pixel distance. In some embodiments, the distance is determined similarly to at least some of the operations of method 630, such as operations 632, 634, 636, 638, and 640. Other methods are also possible in other embodiments.

[00566] During operations 678, 680, and 682, the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 measures a volume of the dye solution aspirated at the dispensing tip 112. Several methods can be used to determine the Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 341 / 501 83 / 153 volume of the dye solution. In the illustrated example, spectroscopic approaches are used as described below.

[00567] In operation 678, the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 dispenses the dye solution into a secondary container containing a known volume of diluent.

[00568] In operation 680, the 504 tip volume correlation data generation system measures the optical density of the diluted dye solution dispensed into the secondary container. In some embodiments, a spectrophotometer is used to measure the optical density of the dye solution. A spectrophotometer measures the amount of light of a specific wavelength that passes through the diluted dye solution in the secondary container.

[00569] In operation 682, the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 converts the optical density into a volume of dye solution at the dispensing tip.

[00570] In operation 684, the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 correlates the distance calculated in operation 676 to the volume obtained in operation 682.

[00571] In operation 686, the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 determines whether a sufficient number of correlations have been performed to generate tip volume correlation data 506. If so (YES in operation 686), method 670 proceeds to operation 688. Otherwise (NO in operation 686), method 670 returns to operation 672, in which the dye solution is aspirated into the dispensing tip 112, and subsequent operations are performed to determine additional correlations between the distance and volume of the dye solution within the dispensing tip. To obtain a sufficient range of correlation data, different amounts of dye solution are aspirated into the dispensing tip 112 in different correlation cycles.Furthermore, the amount of dye solution drawn into the dispensing tip can remain generally the same for some of the correlation cycles in order to obtain reliable results for specific volumes or volume ranges.

[00572] In operation 688, the 504 tip volume correlation data generation system creates the 506 tip volume correlation data based on a Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 342 / 501 84 / 153 plurality of correlations made in operation 684. In some embodiments, the correlation data are illustrated as a correlation curve (e.g., correlation curve 660 in Figure 20) plotting the pixel distance of each image with the corresponding aspirated volume measured by the spectrophotometer. The correlation curve is used to estimate the relationship between distance and volume at the dispensing tip 112.

[00573] The dispensing tip volume sensing device 400, as described with reference to Figures 9 to 21, can be modified to be suitable for various applications. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip volume sensing device 400 is used for any fluid substance other than a patient sample. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip imaging unit of the dispensing tip volume sensing device 400 does not use a backlight configuration. Additionally, the dispensing tip imaging unit can be operated with a fixed camera and backlight configuration, as opposed to the camera and backlight assembly that moves with the sample pipetting module and other associated devices. The reference line of a dispensing tip can be anything other than a line formed on the dispensing tip.In some embodiments, the mandrel for a dispensing tip is used as a reference point. In some embodiments, the pattern correlation function in connection with the dispensing tip volume detection device 400 employs various algorithms, such as line or segment location. In some embodiments, the volume measurement range can be greater than 110 pl. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip volume detection device 400 is used for any container in various shapes (e.g., cylindrical, conical, rectangular, and square) in addition to the sample pipetting tip, as illustrated in the present invention. In other embodiments, the tip volume correlation data generation system 504 employs any liquid other than a dye solution and uses techniques other than spectroscopy. For example, a JIG tip with multiple reference lines corresponding to known volumes can be used.

[00574] An example of the image processing methods used above can be implemented by Cognex's In-Sight Vision software, available from Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 343 / 501 85 / 153 Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA, USA), which offers various tools such as edge detection, pattern matching, and histogram analysis.

[00575] In some embodiments, measured volumes of aspirated sample can be used to adjust the relative light units (RLUs) of test results. Because sample volumes (as well as substrate / reagent volumes, etc.) correlate with RLUs for immunoassay, this correlation can be measured and used as the basis for adjustment. Furthermore, measured volumes can be used as feedback to adjust reagent volumes to improve correlation ratios and assay performance.

[00576] Now with reference to Figures 22 to 39, an example of the vessel volume detection device 402 of Figure 5 is described.

[00577] Figure 22 illustrates an example of the vessel volume detection device 402 in Figure 5. In some embodiments, the vessel volume detection device 402 includes a reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700, a reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702, a dispensing adjustment device 704, and a reaction vessel detection device 706. The reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 uses vessel volume correlation data 712 generated by a vessel volume correlation data generation system 710.

[00578] The reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 operates to determine the volume of a fluid substance 118 dispensed into a vessel 114, such as a reaction vessel. An example of the structure and operation of the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 is described and illustrated with reference to Figures 27 to 31.

[00579] The reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 operates to determine the volume of a fluid substance 118 that remains in a vessel 114, such as a reaction vessel. An example of the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 is described and illustrated with reference to Figures 32 to 34.

[00580] The 704 dispensing adjustment device operates to adjust the operations of substance dispensing devices, such as pipetting and other devices. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 344 / 501 86 / 153 pump, based on measurements of the volumes of fluid substance dispensed into vessels 114, such as reaction vessels. An example of the dispensing adjustment device 704 is described and illustrated with reference to Figures 35 and 36.

[00581] The reaction vessel detection device 706 operates to detect the presence or absence of vessels 114, such as reaction vessels. An example of the reaction vessel detection device 706 is described and illustrated with reference to Figures 37 to 39.

[00582] The vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 generates vessel volume correlation data 712. The vessel volume correlation data 712 provides information used by the vessel volume detection device 402 to determine the volume of a fluid substance dispensed into a vessel (e.g., a reaction vessel). In some embodiments, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 is a device independent of the vessel volume detection device 402. In other embodiments, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 is configured to use at least some features of the vessel volume detection device 402. The vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 and the vessel volume correlation data 712 are included in, or examples of, the correlation data generation system 404 and the correlation data 406, as illustrated in Figure 5.

[00583] Before returning to Figures 23 to 26, it should be noted that a reliable clinical diagnosis requires accurate and precise aspiration and dispensing of a substance to be analyzed. For example, in an automated analyzer analyzing a sample such as blood or any other type of body fluid, fluctuation in the amount dispensed or aspirated of a sample and other substances, such as a reagent, into a container (e.g., pipetting tips or reaction vessels) relative to a specified quantity can affect an analysis result and degrade the reliability of inspection and analysis. Additionally, in the clinical diagnostics sector, it is difficult to accurately and precisely control and correlate the volumes of fluids dispensed from different pump units.Therefore, it is beneficial to establish a technology to measure an aspirated or dispensed quantity with high precision and select only those aspirated or dispensed samples whose quantity falls within an appropriate range. One way to measure a volume. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 345 / 501 87 / 153 of liquid is used to monitor hydrostatic pressure in fluid lines and correlate fluid pressure with dispensed volume. In other cases, a flow sensor is used to determine the flow rate of an aspirated or dispensed liquid. In still other cases, chemiluminescent signals from a controlled dispensing of AI reagents are used to detect the presence of excessive residual volume in a vessel after aspiration out of the vessel. In still other cases, chemiluminescent signals from a controlled dispensing of AI reagents are used to determine the volume dispensing characteristics of multiple pump devices.

[00584] However, these approaches have several disadvantages. For example, pressure sensors can determine fluid viscosity but cannot quantify dispensed volumes. Flow sensors can quantify a volume of liquid passing through the piping in which the flow sensors are arranged, but cannot reliably measure a volume of liquid that is aspirated or dispensed. Additionally, it is difficult to correlate a low-volume in-line measurement to an exact reaction vessel due to location shift. Furthermore, chemiluminescent signals cannot detect small amounts of residual fluid volume after aspiration. Chemiluminescent signals do not provide accurate and direct estimates of volume correlation characteristics between different pump devices. Chemiluminescent signals confound reagent characteristics and batch variations with system variables of interest, such as dispensed volume or residual volume.

[00585] As described herein in detail, the vessel volume detection device 402 employs an image processing method to quantify the volume of a fluid substance dispensed and aspirated into a vessel (e.g., reaction vessel). The volume of a fluid substance is dispensed or aspirated into a transparent or translucent container, such as a transparent cylindrical vessel. The vessel is imaged, and a reference point is detected in the image. In some embodiments, the bottom feature of the vessel is used as the reference point in the image. The vessel volume detection device measures a distance from the meniscus of the fluid substance to the reference point and correlates the distance to a volume using a volume calibration curve. If the volume dispensed within the container is not within the specifications for accuracy of Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 346 / 501 88 / 153 dispensing, the dispensing or the entire test will be marked. A user or operator can receive information about the dispensing result.

[00586] In addition, the measured volumes of the fluid substance dispensed into the vessels are recorded in relation to different combinations of pumps and pipettes in the system, and used to calibrate the combinations of pumps and pipettes to improve the accuracy in controlling different pumps and pipettes in the system.

[00587] Additionally, the vessel volume detection device 402 can detect the presence of very small amounts of residual fluid remaining in a vessel after aspiration. In some embodiments, pattern recognition algorithms are used for this residual volume detection.

[00588] With reference to Figures 23 to 26, an example of the structure and operation of a container carrier device 720 in which the vessel volume detection device 402 is included.

[00589] Figure 23 illustrates an example of a container carrier device 720 in which the vessel volume sensing device 402 is included. In the illustrated example, the container carrier device 720 is implemented as a washing carousel, like the washing carousel 176 (Figure 2), in instrument 100. Thus, the container carrier device 720 is also referred to in this document as a washing carousel 720. In embodiments, other types of container carrier devices 720 are used with the vessel volume sensing device 402.

[00590] As illustrated, the container-carrying device or washing carousel 720 is configured to perform various aspects of a diagnostic process. In some embodiments, the washing carousel 720 includes a cabinet unit 722 and a turntable 724 relative to the cabinet unit 722. The washing carousel 720 includes a plurality of container seats 726 formed on the turntable 724 and configured to receive and support the containers 728. In the case of the container-carrying device 720 being configured as a washing carousel, the containers 728 include reaction vessels. Thus, the containers 728 are also referred to in this document as reaction vessels 728.

[00591] In some embodiments, the vessel volume detection device 402 is mounted on the washing carousel 720. As described above, the vessel volume detection device 402 includes the vessel image capture unit 132. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 347 / 501 89 / 153 An example of the structure of the image capture unit for vessel 132 is described in detail with reference to Figures 24 and 25.

[00592] With reference to Figures 24 and 25, an exemplary structure of the vessel volume detection device 402 including the vessel image capture unit 132 is described. In particular, Figure 24 is another perspective view of the vessel carrier device 720 of Figure 23, illustrating the vessel image capture unit 132, and Figure 25 is a top view of the washing carousel 720 with the vessel volume detection device 402 including the vessel image capture unit 132.

[00593] The vessel image capture unit 132 includes a camera unit 730 and a light source 732. In some embodiments, the camera unit 730 includes a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor to obtain a color digital image. In other embodiments, the camera unit 730 includes a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor to obtain a color digital image. In other embodiments, the camera unit 730 is configured to obtain black and white or grayscale images. The light source 732 is used to illuminate a vessel 728, a compartment 736, and / or the surroundings of the vessel 728 and / or compartment 736, which are to be photographed as desired. The light source 732 can be fixed in various locations. In the illustrated example, light source 732 is positioned at the rear of vessel 728, facing camera unit 730, and thus used as backlighting.Other locations for the 732 light source are also possible. An example of a 732 light source includes the MDBL Series, available from Moritex Corporation (Japan).

[00594] In other embodiments, the camera unit 730 includes a light source 731, such as an LED light, which is operable to emit light toward the vessel 728. In this configuration, the light source 732 may be replaced by a screen 733 which is arranged to be opposite the camera unit 730 so that the vessel 728 is positioned between the camera unit 730 and the screen 733. The screen 733 is used to throw light back toward the field of view (FV) of the camera unit by reflecting the light toward the camera aperture. The screen 733 is produced from one or more of several materials that can provide different intensities of reflection. For example, the screen 733 includes a retroreflective lamination, an example of which includes 3M™ Scotchlite™ Sheeting 7610, available from 3M Company. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 348 / 501 90 / 153 (Maplewood, MN, USA). In another embodiment, light source 732 can be used with light source 731 from camera unit 730 and screen 733. An example of camera unit 730 includes a model called ADVANTAGE 102, which is available from Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA, USA).

[00595] In some embodiments, the camera unit 730 and the light source 732 (or the screen 733) are fixed to the cabinet unit 722 of the washing carousel 720. The camera unit 730 and the light source 732 (or the screen 733) are arranged so that the reaction vessels 728 supported by the turntable 724 are positioned between the camera unit 730 and the light source 732 (or the screen 733) as the turntable 724 rotates relative to the cabinet unit 722.

[00596] In some embodiments, the housing unit 722 defines a compartment 736 that exposes one of the reaction vessels 728 between the camera unit 730 and the light source 732 (or the screen 733). When a reaction vessel 728 is aligned with the camera unit 730 and the light source 732 (or the screen 733) through the compartment 736 of the housing unit 722, an image of the reaction vessel 728 can be captured by the camera unit 730. In other embodiments, where the housing unit 722 is produced from an opaque material, the housing unit 722 includes a transparent or translucent region that replaces the compartment 736. The transparent or translucent region allows the camera unit 730 to capture an image through this region.

[00597] An example of the 730 camera unit is the ADV102 Machine Vision camera, part number ADV102-CQBCKFW1-B, available from Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA, USA).

[00598] As described above, patient samples contained in reaction vessels are transported between various modules, units, or devices in the instrument 100. Several aspects of the diagnostic process in the instrument 100 are performed on the wash carousel 720. The wash carousel 720 carries multiple reaction vessels 728 around it. The reaction vessels 728 in the wash carousel 720 can correspond to a plurality of test results. In this configuration, the camera unit 730 and the light source 732 (or the screen 733) are attached to the wash carousel 720. The camera unit 730 faces the interior of the wash carousel 720 where the light source 732 (or the screen 733) is located. A Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 349 / 501 91 / 153 camera unit 730 captures an image of the reaction vessel 728 moving through the field of view (FV) of camera unit 730 between camera unit 730 and light source 732 (or screen 733). In some embodiments, the reaction vessel 728 becomes stationary when the image of the reaction vessel 728 is captured by camera unit 730. In other embodiments, camera unit 730 captures the image of the reaction vessel 728 while the reaction vessel 728 is moving. The reaction vessel image can be captured for each reaction vessel 728. The camera unit 730 obtains images in multiple stages during diagnostic processes as the turntable 724 rotates relative to the cabinet unit 722. In some embodiments, it is possible to place a reaction vessel in a location between the camera unit 730 and the light source 732 (or the screen 733) (for example, a container seat 726 located in compartment 736) when diagnostic processes are not in progress.

[00599] The 720 washing carousel is operable in different operating modes. In some modes, the 720 washing carousel is operated in a test processing mode or in a diagnostic routine mode. In other modes, the 720 washing carousel is operable in a test preparation mode, such as priming. In test processing mode, the 720 washing carousel supports one or more vessels on the turntable 724 and rotates the vessels for predetermined analytical tests. In diagnostic routine mode, which is also referred to in this document as automated system diagnostics (ASD), the instrument 100 is in an idle state and does not perform tests.In some embodiments, in routine diagnostic mode, the washing carousel 720 is operated to perform at least one of the operations of the preparation evaluation system 104, such as vessel dispensing volume detection (e.g., by the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 700), vessel residual volume detection (e.g., by the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702), dispensing adjustment (e.g., by the dispensing adjustment device 704), and vessel detection (e.g., by the reaction vessel detection device 706). In other embodiments, the operations of the preparation evaluation system 104 may be performed in test processing mode. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 350 / 501 92 / 153

[00600] In some embodiments, the 720 washing carousel is operated with a plurality of dispensing tips that may have different profiles and precision based on their hydraulic characteristics. In test processing mode, two or more of the plurality of dispensing tips may dispense substances into vessels in the 720 washing carousel. In routine diagnostic mode, the dispensing tips may be operated independently, and thus the operating condition of each dispensing tip may be monitored and evaluated, such as in the dispensing adjustment performed, for example, by the dispensing adjustment device 704.

[00601] Figure 26 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 750 of operating the vessel volume detection device 402 with the washing carousel 720. In some embodiments, at least some of the operations in method 750 are performed by the substance preparation system 102, the preparation evaluation system 104, and / or the substance evaluation system 106 of the instrument 100. In other embodiments, other components, units, and devices of the instrument 100 are used to perform at least one of the operations of method 750. In some embodiments, method 750 includes operations 752, 754, 756, 758, and 760.

[00602] In operation 752, the substance preparation system 102 operates to aspirate an excess volume of fluid substance from a reaction vessel 738 into the washing carousel 720. In some embodiments, the excess volume of fluid substance remains within the reaction vessel 738 after one or more predetermined analytical procedures in the washing carousel 720. Such excess volume of substance in a reaction vessel needs to be removed from the reaction vessel 738 for subsequent processes, such as before a substrate is dispensed into the reaction vessel, as illustrated in Figure 4.

[00603] In operation 754, substance preparation system 102 transports reaction vessel 738 to vessel image capture unit 132 on washing carousel 720.

[00604] In operation 746, the vessel volume detection device 402 performs a residual volume detection in the reaction vessel 738. In some embodiments, Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 351 / 501 The 93 / 153 reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 operates to perform residual volume detection.

[00605] In operation 748, the substance preparation system 102 operates to dispense a fluid substance (e.g., a substrate, as illustrated in Figure 4) into the reaction vessel 738.

[00606] In operation 760, the vessel volume detection device 402 performs a dispensing volume detection in the reaction vessel 738. In some embodiments, the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 operates to perform dispensing volume detection.

[00607] Figure 27 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 800 of operation of the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700. Although method 800 is described primarily in relation to the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700, method 600 is also similarly applicable to other types of vessel volume detection device 402. In some embodiments, method 800 is performed by the vessel carrier device 720 (e.g., washing carousel) and the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700.

[00608] In general, method 800 performs the analysis of the volume of a fluid substance dispensed or aspirated into a vessel and marks the dispensing or aspiration results, or the test results if the calculated volume is outside a tolerance range.

[00609] In operation 802, a fluid substance is dispensed into a reaction vessel 728 supported, for example, on the container-carrying device 720, as programmed. Examples of the fluid substance include a sample, diluent, reagent, substrate, or any combination thereof, as described herein. For example, diluents or reagents are used during a diagnostic mode for the washing carousel.

[00610] In operation 804, the container-carrying device 720 transports the reaction vessel 738 containing the dispensed substance to the vessel imaging unit 132. In some embodiments, the vessel imaging unit 132 is arranged to capture an image of the reaction vessel 738 after dispensing without transport. In other embodiments, dispensing in operation Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 352 / 501 94 / 153 802 occurs in a location where the vessel image capture unit 132 is positioned and captures an image of the reaction vessel 738 without moving the reaction vessel 738 after dispensing.

[00611] In operation 806, the image capture unit of the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 captures an image of the reaction vessel 738. In some embodiments, the image of the reaction vessel 738 is a digital image of predetermined resolution.

[00612] In operation 808, the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 analyzes the image to determine a volume of fluid substance within the reaction vessel 738. An example of operation 808 is described in detail with reference to Figures 28 and 29.

[00613] In operation 810, the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 determines whether the measured volume is within a tolerance range. When the measured volume is outside a tolerance range, dispensing the fluid substance into the reaction vessel 738 is considered inadequate. In some embodiments, this tolerance range is determined based on an acceptable deviation from a target dispensing volume of the fluid substance that should be dispensed into the reaction vessel 738. The tolerance range may vary depending on the target aspiration volume and other factors. For example, a target dispensing volume (V) of 200 μL is considered acceptable if 194 μL < V < 206 μL. In other examples, the volume is considered acceptable if the standard deviation (V(n)) is equal to or less than ± 1 pl.

[00614] When it is determined that the detected volume is within the tolerance range (YES in operation 810), method 800 proceeds to execute a next predetermined step. Otherwise (NO in operation 810), method 800 proceeds to operation 812.

[00615] In operation 812, the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 marks the dispensing to indicate that the volume dispensed into the reaction vessel 738 is not suitable for subsequent processes. In other embodiments, the entire test result in which the dispensed fluid substance was used may be marked to indicate or suggest that the test result may be inadequate. Alternatively, the volume detection device of Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 353 / 501 95 / 153 reaction vessel dispensing 700 operates to interrupt an associated test or analytical process in instrument 100. In other embodiments, the evaluation result can be used to automatically adjust a test result that may be erroneous due to inadequate fluid volume (for example, within a certain volume range, URLs are proportional to the substrate volume, and at a certain point, they exceed the luminometer aperture range, and then become constant and decrease due to the dilution factor). In still other embodiments, the evaluation result can be used to automatically adjust the fluid volume in response to the volume determination.

[00616] With reference to Figures 28 and 29, an example of operation 808 of Figure 27 is described, in which a captured image is analyzed to determine the volume dispensed into the reaction vessel. In particular, Figure 28 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 830 for performing operation 608 of Figure 27. The method 830 is also described with reference to Figure 29, which illustrates an example of analyzing a captured image 780 of the reaction vessel.

[00617] In operation 832, the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 detects a reference portion 784 of the reaction vessel 738 in the captured image 780. In some embodiments, the reference portion 784 includes a lower portion of the reaction vessel 738. Other portions of the reaction vessel 738 may be used as a reference portion 784.

[00618] Several image processing methods can be used to detect the lower 784 portion in the 780 image. In some modalities, the lower 784 portion is detected by a pattern correlation function, which searches for a representative pattern of the lower portion based on a pre-trained reference image. For example, such a pattern correlation function performs a pattern search that scans the captured image for a pattern that has been stored in the system and recognized as the lower portion. A correlation value, or correlation ratio (e.g., correlation percentage), is adjustable. Other methods are also possible in other modalities. An example of such image processing methods can be implemented by Cognex's In-Sight Vision Software, available from Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA, USA), which offers several tools such as edge detection, Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 354 / 501 96 / 153 Pattern Matching and Histogram Analysis.

[00619] In operation 834, the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 detects a central point 786 of the lower portion 784. As illustrated in Figure 29, once the lower portion 784 is detected, the central point 786 can be calculated as the midpoint of the lower portion 784.

[00620] In operation 836, the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 detects a surface level 788 (Figure 29) of the volume dispensed in the reaction vessel 738. Several image processing methods can be used to detect the surface level 788 in the image 780. In some modalities, similarly to operation 832, the surface level 788 is detected by a pattern correlation function based on a pre-trained reference image. Other methods are also possible in other modalities.

[00621] In operation 838, the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 detects a central point 790 of the surface level 788. As illustrated in Figure 29, once the surface level 788 is detected, the central point 790 can be calculated as the midpoint of the surface level line 788.

[00622] In operation 840, the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 measures a distance L2 (Figure 29) between the central point 786 of the lower portion 784 and the central point 790 of the surface level 788. In some embodiments, the distance L2 is measured by a pixel distance between the central points 786 and 790 in the image 780. In some embodiments, the pixel distance is calculated based on a Euclidean distance between two pixel points.

[00623] In operation 842, the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 converts the distance L2 into a volume based on the vessel volume correlation data 712 (Figure 22). The correlation data 712 includes information about a correlation between the volumes within the reaction vessel 738 and the distances L2 between the central point 786 of the lower portion 784 and the central points 790 of a plurality of different surface levels 788 in the reaction vessel 738. In some embodiments, the correlation data 712 can be plotted on a Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 355 / 501 97 / 153 correlation curve 860, as illustrated in Figure 30. An exemplary method for generating the correlation data 712 is described with reference to Figure 31.

[00624] Figure 30 is an example of correlation curve 860 corresponding to correlation data 712. In some embodiments, correlation curve 860 shows a relationship between the distance L2 (e.g., pixel distance) between the center points 786 and 790 and the volume V2 of fluid substance dispensed 782 into the reaction vessel 738. In the illustrated example, correlation curve 860 indicates a relationship between the mass of fluid substance dispensed into the reaction vessel 738 and the pixel height of the fluid substance in the reaction vessel 738. The mass can be converted to a volume based on the density of the fluid substance. The pixel height of the fluid substance in the reaction vessel corresponds to the distance D2.

[00625] The correlation curve 860 can be obtained by plotting a plurality of distinct data points included in the data correlation 712, as described with reference to Figure 31. As illustrated in Figure 30, the correlation curve indicates that the dispensing volume V2 (or mass M2) generally increases as the distance L2 increases. Since the lower portion 784 of the reaction vessel 738 is chosen as a reference point, the distance L2 is generally linearly correlated with the volume V2 (or mass M2). For example, the distance L2 and the volume V2 are generally linearly correlated for volumes above 10 pl.

[00626] Figure 31 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method 870 of operation of the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 to generate the vessel volume correlation data 712.

[00627] In some embodiments, correlation data 712 are created using gravimetric analysis. For example, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 uses different fluid volumes to show a correlation between extracted pixel distance information and fluid volume information within a vessel. In some embodiments, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 selects a plurality of points within a range of target volumes (e.g., 190, 195, 200, 205, and 210 pl), dispenses these volume quantities into the vessel interior, and captures images of the vessel to calculate pixel distances. Then, the generation system Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 356 / 501 98 / 153 of vessel volume correlation data 710 plots a calibration curve between pixel distances calculated from the images and masses measured by gravimetric analysis. The mass is then converted to a volume using the fluid density.

[00628] In operation 872, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 measures the mass of an empty container, such as a reaction vessel 738.

[00629] In operation 874, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 dispenses a fluid inside the vessel.

[00630] In operation 876, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 captures an image of the vessel containing the fluid.

[00631] In operation 878, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 extracts a distance between the reference portion of the vessel, such as the lower portion 784 of the reaction vessel 738, and a fluid surface line in the image captured in operation 876. In some embodiments, the distance is measured by a pixel distance. In some embodiments, the distance is determined similarly to at least some of the operations of method 830, such as operations 832, 834, 836, 838, and 840. Other methods are also possible in other embodiments.

[00632] During operations 880, 882, and 884, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 measures a volume of fluid dispensed into the vessel. Several methods can be used to determine the fluid volume. In the illustrated example, gravimetric approaches are used as described below.

[00633] In operation 880, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 measures the mass of the vessel containing the dispensed fluid.

[00634] In operation 882, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 calculates the mass of fluid contained in the vessel. In some embodiments, the mass of fluid in the vessel can be calculated by subtracting the mass of the empty vessel (which is obtained in operation 872) from the total mass of the vessel containing the fluid (which is obtained in operation 880). Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 357 / 501 99 / 153

[00635] In operation 884, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 converts fluid mass into a volume based on fluid density.

[00636] In operation 886, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 correlates the distance calculated in operation 878 to the volume obtained in operation 884.

[00637] In operation 888, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 determines whether a sufficient number of correlations have been performed to generate vessel volume correlation data 712. If so (YES in operation 888), method 870 proceeds to operation 890. Otherwise (NO in operation 888), method 870 returns to operation 874, in which another fluid is dispensed into the vessel, and subsequent operations are performed to determine additional correlations between distance and fluid volume within the vessel. To obtain a sufficient range of correlation data, different quantities of fluid are dispensed into the vessel in different correlation cycles. Furthermore, the quantity of fluid dispensed to the vessel may remain generically the same for some of the correlation cycles to obtain reliable correlation results.

[00638] In operation 890, the vessel volume correlation data generation system 710 creates vessel volume correlation data 712 based on a plurality of correlations made in operation 886. In some embodiments, the correlation data 712 is illustrated as a correlation curve (e.g., correlation curve 860 in Figure 30) by plotting the pixel distance of each image with the corresponding dispensed volume. The correlation curve is used to estimate the relationship between distance and volume in the vessel.

[00639] With reference to Figures 32 to 34, an example of the operation of the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 is described.

[00640] Figure 32 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 900 of operation of the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702. In some embodiments, method 900 includes operations 902, 904, 906, 908, 910 and 912. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 358 / 501 100 / 153

[00641] In general, method 900 performs the analysis of a vessel to determine if the vessel contains a residual volume after being aspirated. If the vessel contains a volume that is outside a tolerance range, the aspiration result or the test result is marked.

[00642] In operation 902, the residual volume detection device of reaction vessel 702 aspirates the substance from a vessel, such as a reaction vessel 738.

[00643] In operation 904, the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 transports the vessel to the vessel imaging unit 132. In some embodiments, the vessel imaging unit 132 is positioned to capture an image of the vessel after aspiration without transport. In other embodiments, aspiration in operation 902 occurs at a location where the vessel imaging unit 132 is positioned and captures an image of the vessel without moving the vessel after aspiration.

[00644] In operation 906, the vessel image capture unit 132 captures an image of the vessel. In some embodiments, the vessel image is a digital image of predetermined resolution.

[00645] In operation 908, the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 analyzes the image to determine the presence of the substance within the vessel. An example of operation 908 is described in detail with reference to Figures 33 and 34.

[00646] In operation 910, the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 determines whether the presence of residual volume is within a tolerance range. When the presence of residual volume is outside a tolerance range, aspiration of the substance from the vessel is considered inappropriate. The tolerance range represents a range of residual volume in the reaction vessel that is tolerable for an acceptable test result. For example, the reaction vessel does not need to be aspirated to be completely empty for acceptable test results. In some embodiments, such a tolerance range is determined in terms of a pattern correlation score between the captured image and a pre-trained image, as described in detail with reference to Figure 33. By way of example, when a residual volume of 4 pl or less in a reaction vessel is considered acceptable, a pattern correlation score that Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 359 / 501 101 / 153 can be interpreted as similar to an image of a reaction vessel containing a volume of 4 μl, which will be used as a tolerance threshold.

[00647] When it is determined that the presence of residual volume is within the tolerance range (YES in operation 910), method 900 proceeds to execute a next predetermined step. Otherwise (NO in operation 910), method 900 proceeds to operation 812.

[00648] In operation 912, the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 marks the aspiration result to indicate that aspiration from the vessel is not suitable for subsequent processes. In other embodiments, the entire test result in which the aspirated vessel was used may be marked to indicate or suggest that the test result may be inadequate. Alternatively, the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 operates to interrupt an associated test or analytical process in the instrument 100. In other embodiments, the evaluation result may be used to automatically adjust a test result that may be erroneous due to inadequate fluid volume.

[00649] With reference to Figures 33 and 34, an example of operation 908 of Figure 32 is described, in which a captured image is analyzed to determine the residual volume 952 within the vessel. In particular, Figure 33 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 930 for performing operation 908 of Figure 32. The method 930 is also described with reference to Figure 34, which illustrates an example of analyzing a captured image 942 of the vessel.

[00650] In operation 932, the residual volume detection device of reaction vessel 702 detects an area of ​​interest 946 in the captured image 942. In some embodiments, the area of ​​interest 946 includes a lower portion of a vessel 944. In some embodiments, the vessel 944 in the image represents the reaction vessel 738 discussed above. Other portions of the reaction vessel 738 may be used as a reference portion 784.

[00651] Several image processing methods can be used to detect the lower 946 portion in the 942 image. In some modalities, the lower 946 portion is detected by a pattern correlation function, which searches for a representative pattern of the lower portion based on an image of Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 360 / 501 102 / 153 pre-trained reference. For example, such a pattern correlation function performs a pattern search that scans the captured image looking for a pattern that has been stored in the system and recognized as the bottom portion. A correlation value, or correlation ratio (e.g., percentage correlation), is adjustable. Other methods are also possible in other modalities. An example of such image processing methods can be implemented by Cognex's In-Sight Vision software, available from Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA, USA), which offers various tools such as edge detection, pattern matching, and histogram analysis.

[00652] In operation 934, the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 compares the area of ​​interest 946 with a reference image 948. In some embodiments, the reference image 948 includes a portion 950 corresponding to the area of ​​interest 946. In other embodiments, the reference image 948 is only the portion 950 that corresponds to the area of ​​interest 946 of the captured image 942.

[00653] In some modalities, reference image 948 represents an image of the same vessel 944 that is empty. Since ideal suction leaves no residual fluid in the lower portion of vessel 944, a pre-trained image of the empty vessel 944 is used as reference image 948. In other modalities, other images may be used as reference image 948.

[00654] In operation 936, the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 generates a correlation score between the captured image 942 and the reference image 948. The correlation score represents how closely the captured image 942 matches the reference image 948. The correlation score is used as a metric to determine a cutoff value for the presence of excess residual fluid in the vessel.

[00655] In operation 938, the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 determines whether the correlation score equals a threshold. If the correlation score equals the threshold (YES in operation 938), it is considered that there is no tolerable residual fluid in the vessel, and method 930 proceeds to the next predetermined step. Otherwise (NO in operation 938), method 930 Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 361 / 501 103 / 153 continues in operation 940. For example, if the correlation score is less than a predetermined threshold or cutoff value, it will be considered that there is excess residual fluid present in the vessel, and method 930 proceeds to operation 940.

[00656] In operation 940, the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 marks the aspiration result to indicate that aspiration from the vessel is not adequate for subsequent processes. In other embodiments, the entire test result in which the aspirated vessel was used may be marked to indicate or suggest that the test result may be inadequate. Alternatively, the reaction vessel residual volume detection device 702 operates to interrupt an associated test or analytical process in the instrument 100. In other embodiments, the evaluation result may be used to automatically adjust a test result that may be erroneous due to inadequate fluid volume.

[00657] Alternatively, method 930 uses other approaches to perform image comparison and assign cutoff values. Examples of such approaches utilize common classification tools such as logistic regression, support vector machines, neural networks, convolutional neural networks, and classification trees.

[00658] With reference to Figures 35 and 36, an example of the operation of the dispensing adjustment device 704 is described.

[00659] Figure 35 is a block diagram of an exemplary system 960 in which the dispensing adjustment device 704 is operated.

[00660] In general, the dispensing adjustment device 704 can use the volume measurement capabilities of the vessel imaging unit 132 to perform on-board adjustments of pipettes and pumps, thereby improving pipetting accuracy and overall system precision. In the illustrated example, single or multi-volume dispensings are made into a vessel, which is then transferred to the washing carousel for measurement. The volume measurement results are obtained, which can be performed by the reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 as described above, and the dispensing adjustment device 704 determines the accuracy for each combination of pumps and pipettes. In some embodiments, the volumes Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 362 / 501 104 / 153 measurements associated with pumps are used to adjust the operating parameters for the pump and pipette combinations. For example, the step resolution for each pump can be adjusted, or offsets are added to the software instructions for each pump. After adjustment, the 704 dispensing adjustment device can recheck the accuracy of the pumps and readjust them as needed. In some embodiments, the 704 dispensing adjustment device performs these adjustment operations while the instrument is idle for clinical trials. In other embodiments, the 704 dispensing adjustment device performs the adjustment operations during instrument initialization.In some embodiments, the 704 dispensing adjustment device performs adjustment operations periodically to monitor pump performance trends so that a user or service department can remotely monitor the status and make maintenance decisions, such as when to send a service engineer for maintenance or parts replacement.

[00661] As illustrated in Figure 35, the substance preparation system 102 dispenses fluid substances 118 into one or more vessels 114 (e.g., reaction vessels 728 in the washing carousel). The reaction vessel dispensing volume detection device 700 then performs volume measurements in the vessels 114, as described herein, and provides the result of the volume measurements 962 to the dispensing adjustment device 704. In some embodiments, the dispensing adjustment device 704 analyzes the result of the volume measurements 962 and generates calibration information 964, which can then be used to calibrate the substance preparation system 102 to improve dispensing accuracy.

[00662] Figure 36 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 970 of operating the dispensing adjustment device 704. In some embodiments, method 970 includes operations 972, 974, 976, 978, 980, and 982.

[00663] In operation 972, the dispensing adjustment device 704 receives one or more operating parameters from the substance preparation system 102. As described above, the substance preparation system 102 includes one or more substance dispensing devices, such as the sample pipetting device 152, the reagent pipetting device, and the substrate pipetting device 178, which operate to dispense fluid substances 118 into vessels 114. The operating parameters include various information about the settings, Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 363 / 501 105 / 153 Definitions and operational status of substance dispensing devices. In some embodiments, these substance dispensing devices include pump devices that operate dispensing units (e.g., pipettes). Some exemplary pump devices are operated by motors of various types, such as stepper motors. In cases where stepper motors are used, the operating parameters may include step resolutions, which are controlled to adjust a dispensing quantity through the pipettes.

[00664] In operation 974, the dispensing adjustment device 704 receives target dispensing volumes of fluid substances 118. The target dispensing volumes represent volumes of fluid substance 118 that should be dispensed to vessels 114 based on the operating parameters of the substance dispensing devices.

[00665] In operation 976, dispensing adjustment device 704 receives the detected volumes that were dispensed to vessels 114.

[00666] In operation 978, dispensing adjustment device 704 compares detected volumes with target volumes. As an example, a first substance dispensing device, which includes a first pump device using a first pipette, is configured to dispense a target volume of 100 pl into a vessel. After dispensing, the volume dispensed into the vessel is detected as 99.9 pl. Then, dispensing adjustment device 704 compares the target volume of 100 pl and the detected volume of 99.9 pl and determines that there is a discrepancy of 0.1 pl between the target and detected volumes in the first substance dispensing device.

[00667] In some embodiments, a plurality of dispensing instances from a single substance dispensing device is considered as a group. By way of example, a given substance dispensing device performs a first dispensing, a second dispensing, and a third dispensing using a pump device and a vessel (or three vessels), with a target volume of 100 pl. After three dispensing instances, the volumes dispensed into the vessel are detected as being 100.5 pl in the first dispensing instance, 99.5 pl in the second dispensing instance, and 100 pl in the third. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 364 / 501 106 / 153 dispensing instance. In some embodiments, all detected volumes can be used together to calibrate the substance dispensing device. For example, a standard deviation of the three detected volumes (e.g., 0.5 pl in this example) can be used to calibrate the substance dispensing device by, for example, adjusting the step resolution of the device's stepper motor. In this example, calibration information 964 is generated and used to decrease the standard deviation. In other embodiments, as described above, each of the detected volumes can be used to calibrate the substance dispensing device for each dispensing instance.

[00668] In other embodiments, a plurality of dispensing events from a plurality of substance dispensing devices is considered as a group. For example, a first substance dispensing device performs a first dispensing, a second substance dispensing device performs a second dispensing, and a third substance dispensing device performs a third dispensing, with a target volume of 100 pl. After dispensing, the volume dispensed by the first substance dispensing device is detected as 100.5 pl, the volume dispensed by the second substance dispensing device is detected as 99.5 pl, and the volume dispensed by the third substance dispensing device is detected as 100 pl. In some embodiments, all detected volumes can be used together to calibrate the substance dispensing devices.For example, a standard deviation of the three detected volumes (e.g., 0.5 pl in this example) can be used to calibrate the substance dispensing devices by, for example, adjusting the step resolutions of the device's stepper motors. In this example, calibration information 964 is generated and used to reduce the standard deviation. In other embodiments, as described above, the detected volumes can be used to calibrate the respective substance dispensing devices.

[00669] In operation 980, dispensing adjustment device 704 generates calibration information 964 for the substance dispensing devices. Calibration information 964 includes information to control the substance dispensing devices so that the volumes dispensed by Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 365 / 501 107 / 153 Dispensing devices approach target volumes. If the dispensing devices include stepper motors, calibration information 964 will include an adjustment of the motor step resolutions to match the volumes dispensed by the stepper motors.

[00670] In operation 982, dispensing adjustment device 704 adjusts the operating parameters of the substance dispensing devices based on calibration information 964. The substance dispensing devices can operate to dispense equal or different volumes based on the modified operating parameters. In the example above where three dispensing instances are considered as a group, the volumes dispensed to the vessel after calibration are detected again.

[00671] With reference to Figures 37 to 39, an example of the operation of the reaction vessel detection device 706 is described.

[00672] Figure 37 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1000 of operating the reaction vessel detection device 706. In some embodiments, method 1000 includes operations 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010 and 1012.

[00673] Generally, during system initialization or restart, vessels in the washing carousel need to be removed. The reaction vessel detection device 706 can use the vessel image capture unit 132 to determine whether all or only some vessels were removed during the initialization sequence. In some embodiments, the washing carousel operates to index each position so that each vessel location is checked by the image capture unit. At each indexed position of the washing carousel, the reaction vessel detection device 706 can perform image processing, such as a pattern correlation algorithm, to verify the presence of a vessel by comparing the captured image with a reference image (e.g., the image of the washing carousel without the vessel).The 706 reaction vessel detection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides reliable results, unlike other approaches that observe, or use, the volumes in the vessels. This is because the 706 reaction vessel detection device searches for a close correlation. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 366 / 501 108 / 153 of the vase geometry, a large deviation from the reference image would indicate the presence of the vase, and a small deviation would indicate the absence of the vase. If presence is determined, the system can remove the vase and check again to confirm that the vase was successfully removed. Once it is determined that no vase is present at the given carousel location, the carousel can index the next position and repeat the process.

[00674] In the illustrative example, the reaction vessel detection device 706 is described primarily in relation to the washing carousel 720. In other embodiments, however, the reaction vessel detection device 706 is used with other types of vessel carrier devices.

[00675] In operation 1002, the reaction vessel detection device 706 captures an image of a vessel compartment 1044 (Figure 39) (e.g., compartment 736) in the washing carousel 720, using the vessel image capture unit 132.

[00676] In operation 1004, the reaction vessel detection device 706 analyzes the image to determine the presence or absence of a vessel 1042 (Figure 39) (e.g., a reaction vessel 738) in the washing carousel 720. An example of operation 1004 is described in detail with reference to Figures 38 and 39.

[00677] In operation 1006, the reaction vessel detection device 706 determines if the vessel is present in the vessel compartment. If so (YES in operation 1006), method 1000 continues to operation 1008. Otherwise (NO in operation 1006), method 1000 proceeds to operation 1010.

[00678] In operation 1008, the reaction vessel detection device 706 removes the vessel from the vessel compartment of the washing carousel 720. In other embodiments, other devices (such as transfer or carrier devices, as illustrated in Figure 2) in the instrument 100 operate to remove the vessel from the washing carousel 720. In still other embodiments, the vessel is manually removed from the washing carousel 720.

[00679] In operation 1010, the reaction vessel detection device 706 determines whether all positions of the washing carousel 720 have been analyzed through the previous operations (e.g., operations 1002, 1004, 1006, and 1008). If so (YES in operation 1010), method 1000 proceeds to Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 367 / 501 109 / 153 a predetermined next step. Otherwise (NOT in operation 1010), method 1000 proceeds to operation 1012.

[00680] In operation 1012, the reaction vessel detection device 706 moves the washing carousel 720 to the next position and repeats operation 1002 and subsequent operations.

[00681] With reference to Figures 38 and 39, an example of operation 1004 of Figure 37 is described, in which a captured image is analyzed to determine the presence of a vessel in a washing carousel. In particular, Figure 38 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1020 for performing operation 1004 of Figure 37. The method 1020 is also described with reference to Figure 39, which illustrates an example of analyzing a captured image 1040 of a vessel compartment 1044 in the washing carousel.

[00682] In operation 1022, the reaction vessel detection device 706 detects an area of ​​interest 1046 in the captured image 1040. In some embodiments, the area of ​​interest 1046 includes at least a portion of the vessel compartment 1044 (e.g., compartment 736) of the washing carousel 720. In some embodiments, the area of ​​interest 1046 includes a lower portion of the vessel, or a portion in the image that corresponds to a location in the lower portion of the vessel. An example of a method for detecting the area of ​​interest can be implemented by Cognex's In-Sight Vision Software, available from Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA, USA), which offers various tools such as edge detection, pattern matching, and histogram analysis.

[00683] In operation 1024, the reaction vessel detection device 706 compares the area of ​​interest 1046 with a reference image 1048. In some embodiments, the reference image 1048 includes a portion corresponding to the area of ​​interest 1046. In other embodiments, the reference image 1048 itself corresponds to the area of ​​interest 1046 of the captured image 1040.

[00684] In some embodiments, reference image 1048 represents an image of vessel compartment 1044 without a vessel 1042 in the compartment (Figure 39). In other embodiments, other images may be used as the Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 368 / 501 110 / 153 reference image 948. For example, the reference image is an image of the vase compartment containing a vase.

[00685] In operation 1026, the reaction vessel detection device 706 generates a correlation score between the captured image 1040 and the reference image 1048. The correlation score represents how closely the captured image 1040 matches the reference image 1048. The correlation score is used as a metric to determine a cutoff value for the presence of a vessel 1042 in compartment 1044 of the washing carousel 720.

[00686] In operation 1028, the reaction vessel detection device 706 determines whether the correlation score equals a threshold. If the correlation score equals the threshold (YES in operation 1028), it is considered that there is no vessel present in the washing carousel compartment, and method 1020 proceeds to operation 1030. Otherwise (NO in operation 1028), it is considered that there is a vessel present in the washing carousel compartment, and method 1020 continues to operation 1032. For example, if the correlation score is less than a predetermined threshold or cutoff value, it is considered that there is a vessel present in the washing carousel compartment, and method 1020 proceeds to operation 1032.

[00687] In operation 1030, the reaction vessel detection device 706 confirms the absence of a vessel 1042 in compartment 1044 of the washing carousel 720.

[00688] In operation 1032, the reaction vessel detection device 706 confirms the presence of a vessel 1042 in compartment 1044 of the washing carousel 720.

[00689] As described with reference to Figures 22 to 39, the vessel volume detection device 402 can be modified to be suitable for various applications. For example, the vessel volume detection device 402 can be applied to any analyzer that prepares and / or uses fluid substances to detect an analyte of interest, such as in vitro diagnostic (IVD) analyzers. In some embodiments, the vessel volume detection device 402 and methods thereof can be applied to any devices or units other than the washing carousel. Some embodiments of the vessel volume detection device Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 369 / 501 111 / 153 of vessel 402 can be applied for verification of total reaction volume. In some embodiments, the calibration curves used in the vessel 402 volume detection device are established between pixel distances and colorimetric volume results obtained using a spectrophotometer. In other embodiments, the calibration curves used in the vessel 402 volume detection device are established between pixel distances and alkaline phosphatase reaction results obtained using a photon counting module. In still other embodiments, the calibration curves used in the vessel 402 volume detection device are established using a reaction vessel JIG with lines at a known volume height on the outer wall.For residual volume detection (e.g., for a volume greater than 10 pl) in the 402 vessel volume detection device, line location or grayscale matching may be applicable.

[00690] The vessel volume detection device 402 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be used in several other applications. In some embodiments, the vessel volume detection device 402 is used to detect dispensing tip misalignment. For example, the vessel imaging unit 132 is used to determine if a dispensing tip is off-center when the dispensing tip enters the field of view. In other embodiments, the vessel volume detection device 402 is used to detect the integrity of the carousel positioning. For example, the vessel imaging unit 132 is used to determine if the washing carousel is tilted or mispositioned. In still other embodiments, the vessel volume detection device 402 is used to detect any abnormal condition such as splashing, foaming, or unsatisfactory magnetization.In still other embodiments, the 402 vessel volume detection device is used to detect the integrity of the reaction vessel, such as scratches, discoloration, and translucency. In still other embodiments, the 402 vessel volume detection device is used to detect the integrity of the tip alignment.

[00691] The light source used in the vessel volume of the 402 vessel detection device does not need to be located behind a reaction vessel. Other locations for the backlight device are also possible. Alternatively, the light source can be incorporated into the camera unit and configured to illuminate from the Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 370 / 501 112 / 153 camera unit. Such a light source incorporated in the camera unit can be used with a screen that is situated behind a reaction vessel, as illustrated in the present invention. In some embodiments, the camera unit used in the vessel volume detection device 402 is configured to monitor the temperature of a vessel and / or a washing carousel using an IR spectrum.

[00692] As described above, the reaction vessel detection device 706 of the vessel volume detection device 402 can be applied to any vessel-carrying devices other than the washing carousel. As described above, the dispensing adjustment device 704 of the vessel volume detection device 402 can operate to measure substrate volume levels and use the measured levels to adjust test result URLs, adjust calibration, and improve accuracy.

[00693] Instrument 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure employs various program solutions to implement image evaluation operations as described herein, such as pattern correlation. In some embodiments, such program solutions are developed using off-the-shelf software solutions. An example of a program solution is the In-Sight Explorer Software (herein also referred to as In-Sight Vision Software), available from Cognex Corporation, Natick, MA, USA.

[00694] Now with reference to Figure 40 and subsequent figures, an example of the dispensing tip evaluation system 122 is described.

[00695] Figure 40 is a block diagram of an example of the dispensing tip evaluation system 122 of Figure 1. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip evaluation system 122 includes a dispensing tip integrity evaluation device 1100.

[00696] The dispensing tip integrity assessment device 1100 operates to assess the quality of a fluid substance 118 aspirated into a dispensing tip 112 and the alignment of the dispensing tip 112. As described herein, the dispensing tip 112 can be of various types and used for different processes. An example of a dispensing tip 112 is a pipetting tip that can be used with the sample pipetting device 152. The dispensing tip integrity assessment device 1100 can utilize the Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 371 / 501 113 / 153 dispensing tip image capture unit 130. An example of the dispensing tip integrity assessment device 1100 is illustrated and described in detail with reference to Figure 41.

[00697] Figure 41 is a block diagram of an example of the dispensing tip integrity assessment device 1100 of Figure 40. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip integrity assessment device 1100 includes a sample quality detection device 1112 and a tip alignment detection device 1114.

[00698] In some embodiments, the dispensing tip integrity assessment device 1100 is implemented with the sample aspiration system 510 of Figure 10. In other embodiments, the dispensing tip integrity assessment device 1100 can be used in other types of operable systems to aspirate or dispense a fluid substance with a container.

[00699] The sample quality detection device 1112 operates to determine the quality of the sample aspirated into a sample pipetting tip of the sample pipetting device 152. An example of the structure and operation of the sample quality detection device 1112 is described with reference to Figures 42 to 55.

[00700] In addition to detecting the quality of a sample at the dispensing tip, the sample quality detection device 1112 can also be used to detect the quality of a fluid substance 118 contained in a vessel 114. As described herein, the vessel 114 can be of various types and used for different processes. Examples of the vessel 114 include a reaction vessel, a sample vessel, and a dilution vessel, which are used throughout the process in the instrument 100. In some embodiments, the sample quality detection device 1112 can utilize the vessel imaging unit 132.

[00701] The tip alignment detection device 1114 operates to detect tolerance and misalignment of a dispensing tip 112 relative to the sample pipetting module 512 and / or the dispensing tip image capture unit 130. Permissible tolerance of the dispensing tip 112 and / or misalignment of the dispensing tip 112 may reduce the accuracy in detecting the volume of sample aspirated into the dispensing tip 112, as performed, by Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 372 / 501 114 / 153 example, by the dispensing tip volume detection device 400 of the present invention. The tip alignment detection device 1114 further operates to adjust or correct a detected volume of liquid aspirated at the dispensing tip 112 based on the detection of tolerance and misalignment. An example of the structure and operation of the tip alignment detection device 1114 is described with reference to Figures 56 to 68.

[00702] With reference to Figures 42 to 55, an example of the sample quality detection device 1112 is described.

[00703] Figure 42 illustrates an example of the sample quality detection device 1112. In some embodiments, the sample quality detection device 1112 includes an image capture device 1120, an image evaluation device 1122, a classification data generation device 1124, and a classification device 1126. Also shown are an aspirated sample 1130, an image 1132, one or more color parameters 1134, classification data 1136, and a sample classification result 1138.

[00704] The 1112 sample quality detection device operates to assess the quality of an aspirated sample with a dispensing tip and determine if the sample has sufficient quality for subsequent analysis. If it is determined that the sample quality is compromised, the instrument can inform the user about the sample quality and / or interrupt the test.

[00705] In some embodiments, a sample (e.g., sample 324 in Figure 4) supplied in a sample tube contains several interfering substances, or interferents, that can compromise the integrity of the sample and affect laboratory tests. Such a sample containing interferents above a tolerable level can cause erroneous, but credible, results that cannot be easily detected. For chemistry and immunoassay systems, examples of interferents include hemoglobin, bilirubin (also referred to in this document as jaundice, which is a medical condition caused by bilirubin), and lipid (also referred to in this document as lipemia, which is a medical condition caused by lipid). Depending on the assay, the concentrations of hemoglobin, jaundice, and lipemia must be limited to predetermined levels to ensure that no interference occurs that causes a deviation in the result. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 373 / 501 115 / 153

[00706] Several methods have been used to assess sample quality. Some examples of such methods include chemical analyzers using spectrophotometers. The use of a spectrophotometer to determine sample quality is an event independent of a chemical analysis of a sample and, as such, may require an additional sample to determine sample integrity, depending on the manufacturer. Because the spectrophotometer uses specific wavelengths for measurement, the system requires LED or collimated light sources and uses complex mathematical processing due to the spectral overlap of interferents with the end products of some assays. Furthermore, highly lipemic samples often exhibit volume shifts that can affect the sample volume in a test. Therefore, sample quality assessment methods have required a separate test, resulting in additional costs.As a result, a basic sample test is delayed because it can only be performed after quality verification. Alternatively, in cases where the basic sample test and the sample quality test are performed simultaneously, the compromised sample can only be marked during or after the basic sample test. In this case, it is necessary to extract a new sample, which also causes a delay in the test results.

[00707] In contrast, the sample integrity detection device 1112 is incorporated into instrument 100 and uses several components of instrument 100 that are configured for sample analysis. Therefore, this single instrument can both assess the quality of a sample and perform the sample analysis, without causing the delay and additional cost.

[00708] As described above, in some embodiments, the sample integrity detection device 1112 is used with the sample aspiration system 510 of Figure 10. In other embodiments, the sample integrity detection device 1112 can be used in other types of operable systems to aspirate a fluid substance with a container.

[00709] In the illustrated example, the sample integrity detection device 1112 is described primarily in the context of an immunoassay analyzer, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4. For example, the sample integrity detection device 1112 operates to detect the concentration of interferents, Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 374 / 501 116 / 153 such as hemoglobin, jaundice, and lipemia, in a sample aspirated into a dispensing tip. In other embodiments, however, the sample integrity detection device 1112 is used to assess the quality of a sample in other types of instruments.

[00710] In general, the 1112 sample integrity detection device captures an image of a transparent, cone-shaped container with a fluid inside. The 1112 sample integrity detection device then extracts information about respective pixels within a region of interest in the image. The pixel information is used to classify the fluid. The 1112 sample integrity detection device includes a classifier model that employs classifiers used to group fluids into categories. If the color of the fluid aspirated into the container is not within predetermined specifications, the aspiration or test is flagged. In some embodiments, an instrument operator receives information about the fluid aspiration when it is determined that the fluid integrity is outside the specifications for the fluid in question.

[00711] Still referring to Figure 42, the image capture device 1120 operates to capture an image 1132 of a sample 1130 aspirated with a dispensing tip 1180 (Figure 45). In some embodiments, the sample 1130 is an instance of sample 540, and the dispensing tip 1180 is an instance of dispensing tip 112, as shown in Figure 10. In some embodiments, the image capture device 1120 operates to capture more than one image of a sample 1130 aspirated with a dispensing tip 1180 at different time intervals. For example, the image capture device 1120 operates to sequentially capture two images of the sample 1130 aspirated with a dispensing tip 1180 with a difference of approximately thirty (30) milliseconds, or any other time interval.In some embodiments, the image capture device 1120 uses the dispensing edge image capture unit 130, which includes the camera unit 550 and the light source 552. In some embodiments, the light source 552 of the image capture device 1120 generates a white backlight. In other embodiments, the light source 552 provides one or more colored backlights, which may be fixed or variable during image capture. In some embodiments, the light source 552 may generate backlight with different exposure times. For example, the light source 552 may... Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 375 / 501 117 / 153 generate backlight with an exposure time of approximately six (6) milliseconds, and the image capture device 1120 operates to capture a first image immediately after the exposure time of approximately six (6) milliseconds, and a second image at approximately thirty (30) seconds. In one embodiment, the first image is obtained approximately 0.2 seconds after the reagent is dispensed into the container. In one embodiment, the second image is obtained after approximately 6.5 seconds of mixing. In another embodiment, the first image is obtained approximately 0.2 seconds after the reagent is dispensed into the container, and the second image is obtained after approximately 6.5 seconds of mixing. Different exposure times can improve the evaluation of the captured image in terms of color parameters.For example, if a sample has a high concentration, then a longer exposure time would likely result in a brighter image, allowing the 1122 image evaluation device to effectively assess for different color parameters.

[00712] The image evaluation device 1122 operates to process and evaluate the captured image 1132 and generate one or more color parameters 1134. The color parameters 1134 are used to determine the concentration levels of interferents contained in the sample 1130. An example of the image evaluation device 1122 is illustrated and described in detail with reference to Figures 44 to 48.

[00713] The classification data generation device 1124 operates to generate classification data 1136. As described below, the classification data 1136 includes a list of classification markers for different amounts of interferents, which are used by the classification device 1126 to generate a sample classification result 1138. An example of the classification data generation device 1124 is illustrated and described in detail with reference to Figures 49 to 53.

[00714] The classification device 1126 operates to generate a sample classification result 1138 based on the color parameters 1134 and the classification data 1136. The sample classification result 1138 includes information indicative of the quality of the sample 1130. For example, the sample classification result 1138 includes representative information on the concentration levels of interferents, such as hemoglobin, jaundice, and lipemia, in the aspirated sample 1130, and Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 376 / 501 118 / 153 indicates that the concentration levels of the interferents, individually or in combination, are acceptable. Therefore, the sample classification result 1138 is used to determine if sample 1130 has sufficient quality for laboratory analysis in instrument 100. An example of the classification device 1126 is illustrated and described in detail with reference to Figures 54 and 55.

[00715] Figure 43 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1150 of operating the sample integrity detection device 1112. In some embodiments, the method 600 is performed by the sample aspiration system 510 (Figure 10) and the sample integrity detection device 1112.

[00716] In general, method 1150 performs the quality analysis of a sample at a dispensing tip in terms of the concentration of interferents, such as hemoglobin, jaundice (bilirubin), and lipemia, and marks the test results if the assessed quality is classified as being outside an acceptable range.

[00717] In operation 1152, the sample aspiration system 510 operates to aspirate a fluid substance, such as a sample 1130, into a dispensing tip 1180 (Figure 45) (which is an example of the dispensing tip 112 shown in Figure 10) as programmed.

[00718] In operation 1154, the sample aspiration system 510 transports the dispensing tip 1180 containing the aspirated sample 1130 to the image capture device 1120 (which includes the dispensing tip image capture unit 130). In some embodiments, the dispensing tip image capture unit 130 of the image capture device 1120 is arranged to capture an image of the dispensing tip 1180 after aspiration without transport.

[00719] In operation 1156, the dispensing tip image capture unit 130 captures an image 1132 of the dispensing tip 1180. In some embodiments, the image 1132 of the dispensing tip 1180 is a digital image of predetermined resolution. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip image capture unit 132 can capture more than one image of the dispensing tip 1180 at different time intervals. For example, the dispensing tip image capture unit 132 can capture two images of the dispensing tip 1180 with a difference of approximately thirty (30) Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 377 / 501 119 / 153 milliseconds, or any other time interval. In operation 1158, the sample integrity detection device 1112 analyzes the image 1132 to determine the level of interferents in the sample 1130 within the dispensing tip 1180. An example of operation 1158 is described in detail with reference to Figures 44 and 55.

[00720] In operation 1160, the sample integrity detection device 1112 determines whether the level of interferents is within a tolerance range. When the determined level is outside a tolerance range, the aspiration of sample 1130 at the dispensing tip 112 is considered inadequate. The tolerance range may vary depending on the sample type and / or the types of interferents contained therein. In some embodiments, the determination of whether the determined interferent level is (or is not) within the tolerance range may be made using identifiers or classification devices, as described below.

[00721] When it is determined that the level of interferents is within the tolerance range (YES in operation 1160), method 1150 proceeds to execute a next predetermined step. Otherwise (NO in operation 1160), method 1150 proceeds to operation 1162.

[00722] In operation 1162, the sample integrity detection device 1112 marks the aspiration to indicate that the aspirated sample 1130 at the dispensing tip 1180 is not suitable for subsequent processes. In other embodiments, the entire test result in which the aspirated sample was used may be marked to indicate or suggest that the test result may be inadequate. Alternatively, the sample integrity detection device 1112 operates to interrupt an associated test or analytical process in the instrument 100. In other embodiments, the evaluation result may be used to automatically adjust a test result that may be erroneous due to compromised sample quality.

[00723] With reference to Figures 44 and 55, an example of operation 1158 of Figure 43 is described, in which a captured image 1132 is analyzed and the quality of the sample aspirated at the dispensing tip is determined. In some embodiments, operation 1158 is performed by the image evaluation device 1122, by Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 378 / 501 120 / 153 classification data generation device 1124 and by the classification device 1126 of the sample integrity detection device 1112.

[00724] Figure 44 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1170 of operating the image evaluation device 1122 of Figure 42. In some embodiments, method 1170 includes operations 1172, 1174 and 1176. Method 1170 is also described with reference to Figure 45, which illustrates an example of analyzing a captured image 1132.

[00725] In operation 1172, the image evaluation device 1122 locates a dispensing tip 1180 in image 1132. Several image processing methods can be used to detect the location of the dispensing tip 1180 in image 1132. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip 1180 is located by a pattern correlation function, which searches for a representative pattern of the dispensing tip based on a pretrained reference image. Such image processing methods can be implemented in various programming languages, such as Python (e.g., a contour location function thereof). An example of such image processing methods can be implemented by Cognex's In-Sight Vision Software, available from Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA, USA), which offers several tools such as edge detection, pattern matching, and histogram analysis.

[00726] In operation 1174, the image evaluation device 1122 detects a predetermined region of interest 1182. The region of interest 1182 is a region of the image 1132 that is evaluated to determine the quality of the sample 1130 at the dispensing tip 1180. The region of interest 1182 is predefined as a region that is repeatedly detectable as including samples 1130 in different images 1132. Several methods can be used to detect the region of interest 1182. An example of such methods is described with reference to Figure 46. In some embodiments, there may be more than one predetermined region of interest, and thus the image evaluation device 1122 detects more than one predetermined region of interest.For example, there may be three predetermined regions of interest: a first region of interest above region 1182, a second region of interest like region 1182, and a third region of interest below region 1182. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 379 / 501 121 / 153

[00727] In operation 1176, the image evaluation device 1122 extracts color parameters 1134 (Figure 42) for the captured image 1132. In some modes, the region of interest 1182 in the image 1132 is analyzed to generate the color parameters 1134. An example of color parameter extraction is described with reference to Figures 47 and 48.

[00728] Figure 46 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1190 for locating the region of interest 1182 in image 1132. In some embodiments, method 1190 includes operations 1192 and 1194. Method 1190 is also described with reference to Figure 45.

[00729] In general, once the location of the dispensing tip 1180 is determined, the image evaluation device 1122 uses a set of displacement factors to determine the region of interest 1182. In some embodiments, the region of interest 1182 is optimized to include a subsection of the dispensing tip image that is approximately central to the vertical and horizontal axes of the sample 1130 in the dispensing tip 1180, so that the region of interest 1182 is generically at the center of the aspirated sample 1130. In other embodiments, other locations are possible for the region of interest 1182. In other embodiments, there may be more than one region of interest, as previously mentioned.

[00730] In operation 1192, the image evaluation device 1122 locates a reference line associated with the dispensing tip 1180. In some embodiments, the reference line is a longitudinal edge 1184 of the dispensing tip 1180 in the image 1132. Other lines of the dispensing tip 1180 may be used as the reference line.

[00731] In operation 1194, the image evaluation device 1122 locates a region that is separated from the reference line 1184 by a predetermined offset 1186. In some embodiments, the predetermined offset 1186 determines a horizontal position of the region of interest 1182, while a vertical position of the region of interest 1182 is predefined as a predetermined height 1188 from the bottom of the image 1132. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the region of interest remains generically identical between different images, since the image capture unit is repeatedly positioned at a sample height relative to the dispensing tips. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 380 / 501 122 / 153

[00732] An example of the image processing methods used above can be implemented by Cognex's In-Sight Vision software, available from Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA, USA), which offers several tools such as edge detection, pattern matching, and histogram analysis.

[00733] ​​Figure 47 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 1210 for extracting color parameters for image 1132. Method 1210 is also described with reference to Figure 48, which illustrates an example of a histogram 1220 for image 1132. In some embodiments, method 1210 includes operations 1212 and 1214.

[00734] In operation 1212, the image evaluation device 1122 generates a histogram 1220 for the image 1132. In some modalities, the histogram 1220 is generated from data for the region of interest 1182 in the image 1132. In some modalities, there is more than one region of interest and therefore the image evaluation device 1122 generates a histogram 1120 for each region of interest in the image 1132. For example, if there are three regions of interest in the image 1132, then the image evaluation device 1122 generates three respective histograms.

[00735] As illustrated in Figure 48, histogram 1220 represents the distribution of different colors in image 1132 (for example, the region of interest 1182 of the same). In some embodiments, histogram 1220 shows the number of pixels that have colors in each band of a fixed list of color bands (also called receptacles in this document). Histogram 1220 can be constructed for any type of color space. In the illustrated example, the RGB color model is used. In other embodiments, the CMYK color model and any other color models can be used.

[00736] The histogram 1220 can be produced first by discretizing the colors (i.e., red, green, and blue in the RGB model) in the image 1132 (for example, the region of interest 1182 thereof) into several receptacles, and counting the number of pixels in each receptacle. For example, in cases where the image 1132 is an 8-bit image, the values ​​from zero to 255 for each color are grouped into a plurality of receptacles so that each receptacle includes a range of ten values. As an example, a first receptacle includes values ​​equal to and Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 381 / 501 123 / 153 greater than zero and less than 10, a second receptacle includes values ​​equal to and greater than 10 and less than 20, a third receptacle includes values ​​equal to and greater than 20 and less than 30, etc. As illustrated in Figure 48, a first color channel 1222, a second color channel 1224, and a third color channel 1226, which respectively represent the red, green, and blue components in the RGB model, are represented in histogram 1220. In other modalities, different color components in the RGB model, the CMYK color model, or any other color models may be used. In other modalities, the image may have different bit counts, such as 15 bits of color, 16 bits of color, 24 bits of color, 30 bits of color, 36 bits of color, 48 bits of color, or any other bit count.

[00737] In operation 1214, the image evaluation device 1122 obtains a plurality of color parameters 1134 from the histogram 1220. In some modes, the image evaluation device 1122 creates six color parameters. For example, a first color parameter 1232 is the average of the first color channel 1222, a second color parameter 1234 is the average of the second color channel 1224, and a third color parameter 1236 is the average of the third color channel 1226. Additionally, a fourth color parameter 1242 is the Riemann sum of the first color channel 1222, a fifth color parameter 1244 is the Riemann sum of the second color channel 1224, and a sixth color parameter 1246 is the Riemann sum of the third color channel 1226. The Riemann sums of the first, second, and third color channels 1222, 1224, and 1226 represent the areas under the curves for the first, second, and third color channels 1222, 1224, and 1226, respectively.

[00738] In other modalities, other color parameters are generated from the 1220 histogram. For example, the color parameters may include a maximum of the first color channel 1222, a maximum of the second color channel 1224, a maximum of the third color channel 1226, a minimum of the first color channel 1222, a minimum of the second color channel 1224, a minimum of the third color channel 1226, a mode of the first color channel 1222, a mode of the second color channel 1224, a mode of the third color channel 1226, a histogram head of the first color channel 1222, a histogram head of the second color channel 1224, a histogram head of the third color channel 1226, a histogram tail of the first color channel 1222, a histogram tail of the second color channel 1224, a tail of Histogram of the third color channel 1226, a percentage of the histogram head. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 382 / 501 124 / 153 of the first color channel 1222, a histogram head percentage of the second color channel 1224, a histogram head percentage of the third color channel 1226, a histogram tail percentage of the first color channel 1222, a histogram tail percentage of the second color channel 1224, and a histogram tail percentage of the third color channel 1226. A histogram head specifies the smallest grayscale value of the histogram. For example, a histogram head of the first color channel 1222 specifies the smallest grayscale value of the first color channel 1226 in the histogram. A histogram tail specifies the largest grayscale value of the histogram. For example, a histogram tail of the first color channel 1222 specifies the largest grayscale value of the first color channel 1226 in the histogram.A histogram head percentage indicates the percentage of the total pixels in the histogram that exist within a specific range of grayscale values ​​that have the lowest grayscale values. For example, a histogram head percentage of the first color channel 1222 specifies the percentage of the total pixels of the first color channel 1222 in the histogram that exist within a range of the lowest grayscale values ​​of the first color channel 1222. A histogram tail percentage specifies the percentage of the total pixels represented in the histogram that exist within a specific range of grayscale values ​​that have the highest grayscale values.For example, a histogram tail percentage of the first color channel 1222 specifies the percentage of the total pixels of the first color channel 1222 in the histogram that exist within a range of the largest grayscale values ​​of the first color channel 1222.

[00739] In other embodiments, color parameters include the averages of the color channels (e.g., of the first, second, and third color channels), the peaks of the color channels (e.g., of the first, second, and third color channels), and / or the standard deviations of the color channels (e.g., of the first, second, and third color channels). In still other embodiments, other types of color parameters are used.

[00740] Figure 49 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 1270 of operating the classification data generation device 1124 of Figure 42. The Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 383 / 501 125 / 153 method 1270 is described with reference to Figures 50 and 51. Figure 50 is an example table 1278 illustrating which interferent values ​​are analyzed in classification markers, and Figure 51 is an example of a sample classification identifier set 1310 that can serve as outputs of the classification device 1126 of Figure 42.

[00741] In some embodiments, as described below, the different levels of sample quality are classified into a plurality of target variables, which are also referred to in this document as sample classification identifiers. Specifically, classification device 1126 determines the quality of a sample as one of the sample classification identifiers. Classification data generation device 1124 operates to generate the sample classification identifiers for a specific interferent or a specific set of interferents. In some embodiments, the sample classification identifiers are constructed by first analyzing the interferent values ​​for a specific sample in a set of markers based on the concentration values ​​of individual interferents.The sets of markers for the interferents are then combined into a single set of markers (i.e., sample classification identifiers) that classifies the ranges of all interferents in the sample.

[00742] Still referring to Figure 49, in operation 1272, the classification data generation device 1124 defines concentration values ​​for each interferent. As an example, as illustrated in Figure 50, three interferents, namely a first interferent 1280, a second interferent 1282, and a third interferent 1284, are evaluated for a sample 1130 aspirated at a dispensing tip. The concentration values ​​1290, 1292, and 1294 are defined for the interferents 1280, 1282, and 1284, respectively. In some embodiments, the concentration values ​​are defined as one or more distinct concentration values. In other embodiments, the concentration values ​​are defined as a range of concentration values.

[00743] For example, three concentration values ​​1290 (e.g., Value(s) 11, Value(s) 1-2 and Value(s) 1-3) are defined for the first interferent 1280, three concentration values ​​1292 (e.g., Value(s) 2-1, Value(s) 2-2 and Value(s) 2-3) are defined for the second interferent 1282, and three concentration values Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 384 / 501 126 / 153 1294 (for example, Value(s) 3-1, Value(s) 3-2 and Value(s) 3-3) are defined for the third interferent 1284. In other embodiments, other concentration value numbers are defined for the same or different interferents.

[00744] In operation 1274, the classification data generation device 1124 assigns classification markers 1300, 1302, and 1304 to concentration values ​​1290, 1292, and 1294. In the same example, concentration values ​​1290 for the first interferent 1280 are assigned three classification markers 1300, such as ZERO, MEDIUM, and HIGH. Concentration values ​​1292 for the second interferent 1282 are assigned two classification markers 1302, such as ABSENT and PRESENT. Concentration values ​​1294 for the third interferent 1284 are assigned three classification markers 1304, such as ZERO, MEDIUM, and HIGH. Other classification marker modalities are also possible. For example, in other modalities, concentration values ​​of 1292 for the second interferent 1282 can be assigned three classification markers such as ZERO, MEDIUM, and HIGH, similar to the three classification markers 1300 and 1304.In other modalities, concentration values ​​of 1290 and 1294 may be assigned classification markers, such as ABSENT and PRESENT, similar to the two classification markers 1302.

[00745] In operation 1276, the classification data generation device 1124 generates a list of sample classification identifiers 1310 based on different combinations of interferent concentration values. The sample classification identifiers 1310 are used to generically represent the level, or concentration, of a combination of all the interferents in question. As described below, the sample classification identifiers 1310 serve as target variables for the classification device 1126 or as outputs of the classification device 1126.

[00746] As illustrated in Figure 51, the list of sample classification identifiers 1310 includes all possible combinations of classification markers 1300, 1302, and 1304. An example of sample classification identifier notation 1310 is a combination of a classification marker 1300 for the first interferent 1280, a classification marker 1302 for the second interferent 1282, and a classification marker 1304 for the third interferent 1284 in that order. In the illustrated example, since there are three markers of Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 385 / 501 127 / 153 classification (e.g., ZERO, MEDIUM, and HIGH) for the first interferent 1280, two classification markers (e.g., ABSENT and PRESENT) for the second interferent 1282, and three classification markers (e.g., ZERO, MEDIUM, and HIGH) for the third interferent 1284, there may be 18 (= 3 χ² χ³) sample classification identifiers 1310. Sample classification identifiers are also referred to in this document as sample classifiers. Other sample classification identifiers are also possible. For example, the second interferent 1282 may have three classification markers (e.g., ZERO, MEDIUM, and HIGH) instead of two classification markers (e.g., ABSENT and PRESENT).

[00747] Figure 50 illustrates an example of a color parameter data table 1320 for a mixture of three interferents, each interferent having five values. In the example illustrated, the first interferent 1280 is hemoglobin, the second interferent 1282 is jaundice (bilirubin), and the third interferent 1284 is lipemia (lipid), and the instrument 100 is an immunoassay analyzer. As an example, the first interferent 1280 is divided into three segments with five values, such as 0 mg / dl for Value(s) 1-1 with a classification marker 1300 of ZERO, 250 and 500 mg / dl for Value(s) 1-2 with a classification marker 1300 of MEDIUM, and 750 and 1000 mg / dl for Value(s) 1-3 with a classification marker 1300 of HIGH.The second interferent 1282 is divided into three segments with five values, such as 0 mg / dl for Value(s) 2-1 with a classification marker 1302 of ABSENT, 10 and 20 mg / dl for Value(s) 2-2 with a classification marker 1302 of PRESENT, and 30 and 40 mg / dl for Value(s) 2-3 with a classification marker 1302 of PRESENT. In other embodiments, the second interferent 1282 may be divided into three segments with five values, such as 0 mg / dl for Value(s) 2-1 with a classification marker 1302 of ZERO, 10 and 20 mg / dl for Value(s) 2-2 with a classification marker 1302 of MEDIUM, and 30 and 40 mg / dl for Value(s) 2-3 with a classification marker 1302 of HIGH. The third interferent 1284 is divided into three segments with five values, such as 0 mg / dl for Value(s) 3-1 with a classification marker 1304 of ZERO, 125 and 250 mg / dl for Value(s) 3-2 with a classification marker 1304 of MEDIUM, and 375 and 500 mg / dl for Value(s) 3-3 with a classification marker 1304 of HIGH. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 386 / 501 128 / 153

[00748] Figure 53 shows an example of a set of sample classifiers 1310 that should be produced from combinations of the first, second, and third interferents, as shown in Figure 52. The classifiers 1310 in Figure 53 illustrate only some of the possible outputs based on the first, second, and third interferents, as shown in Figure 52. The notation of the sample classifiers 1310 is created as described with reference to Figure 51. For example, in the case where there is 0 mg / dl of lipid in a sample (ZERO in table 1320), 10 mg / dl of jaundice are included in the sample (PRESENT in table 1320), and 375 mg / dl of hemoglobin are included in the sample (HIGH in table 1320), the sample classifier 1310 is designated as ZeroPresentHigh. Other sample classifiers 1310 are also possible.For example, in the case where there is 0 mg / dl of lipid in a sample (ZERO as the classification marker), where 10 mg / dl of jaundice are included in the sample, it may have a classification marker of MEDIUM instead of PRESENT, and 375 mg / dl of hemoglobin are included in the sample (HIGH as the classification marker), the sample classifier 1320 would be designated as ZeroMediumHigh. As a further example, in the case where there is 0 mg / dl of lipid in a sample (ZERO as the classification marker), where 10 mg / dl of jaundice are included in the sample, it may have a classification marker of ZERO instead of ABSENT, and 375 mg / dl of hemoglobin are included in the sample (HIGH as the classification marker), the sample classifier 1320 would be designated as ZeroZeroHigh. Figure 54 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the 1126 sorting device from Figure 42.As described above, the classification device 1126 operates to receive one or more of the color parameters 1134 and generate a sample classification result 1138. The classification device 1126 additionally receives classification data 1136 to generate the sample classification result 1138. In some embodiments, the classification device 1126 generates feedback data 1330. As described herein, the classification device 1126 is incorporated into the instrument 100 so that no separate device is required to assess sample quality.

[00749] In some embodiments, the color parameters 1134 include at least one of the color parameters 1232, 1234, 1236, 1242, 1244, and 1246, as described above. In other embodiments, the classification device 1126 uses all of the Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 387 / 501 129 / 153 color parameters 1232, 1234, 1236, 1242, 1244 and 1246. In still other modes, the 1126 classification device uses other types of color parameters.

[00750] In some embodiments, the classification device 1126 operates to process the color parameters 1134 and select one from the list of sample classification identifiers 1310 as the sample classification result 1138. The sample classification result 1138 includes one of the sample classification identifiers 1310, which generally indicates the quality or integrity of the sample. Thus, the output of the sample quality detection device 1112 is not a quantifiable number of the quantity or concentration of interferents contained in a sample. Instead, the sample quality detection device 1112 provides a classifier (i.e., a classification identifier), which is a simple indication of the sample quality.

[00751] When a sample contains a plurality of the interferents in question, such interferents may cause spectral overlap such that one interferent affects the detection of the others. For example, in cases where hemoglobin (red or similar), bilirubin (yellow or similar), and lipid (white or similar) are interferents in a sample, the absorptions relative to hemoglobin, bilirubin, and lipid at least partially overlap, thus making it difficult to distinguish between the interferents. Consequently, it is desirable to simplify the sample quality result by using a sample classifier, rather than producing specific quantities or concentrations of interferents.

[00752] In some embodiments, the classification device 1126 uses the adapted feedback data 1330 to improve the operation of the classification device 1126. The feedback data 1330 may include information about the correlation between the entered color parameters 1134 and the sample classification result produced 1138. The feedback data 1330 is fed back and used to improve future operations through further training of the classification device 1126.

[00753] In some embodiments, the 126 classification device employs a machine learning model. For example, the 126 classification device Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 388 / 501 130 / 153 uses a support vector machine (SVM) model, which is a supervised learning model with one or more associated learning algorithms that analyze the data used for classification. Other models are also possibly used in other modalities, such as logistic regression, neural networks, convolutional neural networks, and classification trees.

[00754] As illustrated in Figure 54, some embodiments of the classification device 1126 perform a training operation 1340 and a normal operation 1342. In the training operation 1340, the classification device 1126 employing an SVM training algorithm constructs a model from a set of training example samples, each labeled to belong to one of the sample classifications. The model assigns new examples to one classification or the other, making it a non-probabilistic binary linear classifier. An SVM model is a representation of the examples as points in space, mapped so that the examples of the separate classifications are divided by a well-defined interval that is as wide as possible. New examples are then mapped onto the same space and predicted as belonging to a classification based on which side of the interval they are on.Alternatively to linear classification, the SVM model can perform non-linear classification using kernel methods (e.g., radial basis function), mapping its inputs into high-dimensional spaces. For example, an SVM model constructs a hyperplane or a set of hyperplanes in a high-dimensional or infinite space, which can be used for classification. Good separation is achieved by the hyperplane that has the greatest distance to the nearest training data points of any class, since, in general, the larger the margin, the smaller the generalization error of the classifier.

[00755] In the example illustrated here, the dimensional space for the SVM is constructed from the RGB profile described above, resulting in a six-dimensional predictor space that corresponds to the six color parameters. As described above, the target variable for classification is constructed by analyzing the measured interferent values ​​(e.g., hemoglobin, jaundice, and lipemia, which are collectively referred to in this document as HIL) for each sample into a set of markers based on the concentration range for the individual HIL data. The sample markers for each interferent are combined into Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 389 / 501 131 / 153 is a single marker that classifies the ranges of all three HIL components. It is this global sample classification marker that serves as the target variable for the SVM classifier.

[00756] In some modalities, the SVM classifier is tuned with a hyperparameter known as nu, which regularizes the number of support vectors and training errors. The classifier is implemented in, for example, Python using the Sci-Kit Learn module, which has built-in support for SVM classifiers regularized by the Nu hyperparameter (such as sklearn.svm.NuSvc).

[00757] Once the SVM model is established in training operation 1340, the classification device 1126 is ready for normal operation 1342, in which the quality of a patient sample is assessed for laboratory analysis on instrument 100 on-site. In some embodiments, the classification device 1126 is pre-trained before instrument 100 is installed at a customer site. In other embodiments, the classification device 1126 continues to be updated with feedback data 1330 in normal operation 1342. In still other embodiments, the classification device 1126 is configurable by a customer.

[00758] Figure 55 is an example of dataset 1350 of sample classification results 1138 and associated marking results 1352. As described with reference to Figure 43, the sample integrity detection device 1112 generates a marking result to indicate whether the aspirated sample 1130 has adequate quality for subsequent processes (operation 1162 of Figure 43). As illustrated in Figure 55, one or more of the sample classification results 1138 are considered to indicate that the associated samples do not have sufficient quality for laboratory analysis in the instrument 100. Samples associated with such sample classification results 1138 can be marked to indicate the compromised quality of the samples. By way of example, dataset 1350 illustrates which sample classification result represents a sample that needs to be marked.

[00759] As described in Figures 42 to 55, the sample quality detection device 1112 operates to transform a space of complex variables (associated with a plurality of color parameters) into an output. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 390 / 501 132 / 153 simple (including a sample classifier) ​​representative of sample quality. The sample classification result provided 1138 is used to inform a user whether the sample has been properly prepared to have adequate quality or integrity for laboratory analysis.

[00760] The sample quality detection device 1112 can be modified to be suitable for various applications. For example, the sample quality detection device 1112 is applicable to any in vitro diagnostic analyzer, to any sample tube or reaction vessel, and to any container shape. In some embodiments, the image evaluation device 1122 of the sample quality detection device 1112 does not need to use a predefined region of interest for image processing. The camera unit of the image capture device 1120 can be of any type or quality. The sample quality detection device 1112 according to an exemplary embodiment can use a consumer camera unit, such as cameras fitted to mobile devices. The light source used in the image capture device 1120 can be arranged in any position.In some embodiments, the 1126 classification device can be trained on-site at the client. In still other embodiments, the 1126 classification device can be adapted by a learning algorithm for performance tuning, based on the client's unique population of patient samples and interfering values ​​(e.g., HIL).

[00761] With reference to Figures 56 to 68, an example of the 1114 tip alignment detection device is described.

[00762] Figure 56 is a block diagram of an example of the tip alignment detection device 1114. The tip alignment detection device 1114 operates to detect a misalignment of a dispensing tip 112 and correct a detected volume of liquid substance contained in the dispensing tip 112.

[00763] In some embodiments, an image-based volume detection device 1500 operates to capture an image of the dispensing tip 112 that has aspirated a liquid substance, such as a sample, and calculate a volume of the liquid substance based on the image of the dispensing tip 112. An example of Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 391 / 501 The 133 / 153 image-based volume detection device 1500 includes the dispensing tip volume detection device 400 described herein. For example, as described herein, the sample pipetting device 152 is used to aspirate a sample into the dispensing tip 112, and the dispensing tip volume detection device 400 captures an image of the dispensing tip using the dispensing tip image capture unit 130 and calculates the volume of the aspirated sample by analyzing the captured image.

[00764] In some embodiments, the detected volume of the liquid substance (e.g., sample) at the dispensing tip 112 is not always accurate due to various sources of tolerance and misalignment, as described in Figures 57 and 58. Consequently, the volume 1502 is detected with some errors.

[00765] The tip alignment detection device 1114 operates to detect at least one misalignment of the dispensing tip 112 relative to the sample pipetting module 512 and / or the dispensing tip image capture unit 130. Misalignment of the dispensing tip 112 causes errors in the detection of the volume of sample aspirated at the dispensing tip 112. The tip alignment detection device 1114 operates to correct the volume of substance detected by the image-based volume detection device 1500 (e.g., the dispensing tip volume detection device 400) and provide a corrected volume of the aspirated substance 1504.

[00766] As described herein, the 1114 tip alignment detection device and the 1500 image-based volume detection device may be part of the instrument 100 and are therefore operated in conjunction with the systems, devices, components, motors and other parts of the instrument 100 described herein.

[00767] Figure 57 is a cross-sectional view of an example of the dispensing tip 112, illustrating possible tolerances in the configuration of the dispensing tip 112. The dispensing tip 112 is designed with permissible tolerances in one or more dimensions. Some of these dimensions include lengths L10, L11, and L12, and widths or diameters D10, D11, and D12. The permissible tolerances for the dispensing tip 112 may affect the volume of a substance contained in the dispensing tip 112. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 392 / 501 134 / 153

[00768] Figure 58 schematically illustrates an example of misalignment of a dispensing tip 112. As illustrated, when a dispensing tip 112 (also referred to herein only as reference number 112) is engaged with the sample pipetting module 512, such as the mandrel 528 thereof, the dispensing tip 112 is not always positioned as desired. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to position the dispensing tip 112 vertically, or to be aligned with the mandrel 526. However, the dispensing tip 112 may be inclined relative to the mandrel 526, and the volume of substance 540 may be viewed differently from the perspective of the dispensing tip imaging unit 130. Therefore, misalignment of the dispensing tip 112 may affect the accuracy of detecting the volume of substance 540 aspirated at the dispensing tip 112.

[00769] Figure 59 illustrates possible types of misalignment of a dispensing tip 112. Diagram 1 shows a position of the dispensing tip 112 relative to a camera unit of the dispensing tip image capture unit 130. While the geometric axis Z is defined as an axis along which the dispensing tip 112 generally extends, the geometric axis X is defined as a direction along which the dispensing tip 112 can be tilted from left to right or from right to left relative to the camera unit of the dispensing tip image capture unit 130, as shown in diagram 2. When the dispensing tip 112 is tilted in the direction of the geometric axis X, the misalignment can be represented by a lateral misalignment angle C, as shown in diagram 2 (lateral misalignment).The geometric Y-axis is defined as a direction along which the dispensing tip 112 can be tilted in the opposite direction or in the direction of the camera unit, as shown in diagram 3. When the dispensing tip 112 is tilted in the direction of the geometric Y-axis, the misalignment can be represented by a depth misalignment angle D, as shown in diagram 3 (depth misalignment). This depth misalignment is not identifiable from a two-dimensional image captured by the tip image capture unit 130.

[00770] Figure 60A is a cross-sectional side view of an example of the 1510 dispensing tip configured for use with the detection device. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 393 / 501 135 / 153 tip alignment 1114. The dispensing tip 1510 in this example is configured similarly to the dispensing tip 112 described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Therefore, the description of the dispensing tip 1510 is mainly limited to the differences from the dispensing tip 112, and other descriptions are omitted for the sake of brevity.

[00771] In the present example, the dispensing tip 1510 includes a first reference line 1512 and a second reference line 1514, as best illustrated in Figures 60B and 60C (which are expanded views of portions of the dispensing tip in Figure 60A). In some embodiments, the first and second reference lines 1512 and 1514 are used to detect lateral misalignment of the dispensing tip, as described with reference to Figure 62. In addition, at least one of the first and second reference lines 1512 and 1514 is used to detect depth misalignment of the dispensing tip, as described in Figure 62.

[00772] In some embodiments, reference lines 1512 and 1514 are configured to be detectable by the dispensing tip image capture unit 130. Reference lines 1512 and 1514 may be formed at various locations on the dispensing tip 1510. In some embodiments, the first reference line 1512 is situated so that a surface level or meniscus of an aspirated substance is disposed below the first reference line 1512 (i.e., between the first reference line 1512 and the distal end 562 of the dispensing tip 1510). In other embodiments, the first reference line 1512 is situated so that the meniscus of the aspirated substance is disposed above the first reference line 1512 relative to the distal end 562 (i.e., between the reference line 570 and the proximal end 560). In some embodiments, the first reference line 1512 corresponds to the reference line 570, as shown in Figure 13.

[00773] The second reference line 1514 may be positioned near the distal end 562 of the dispensing tip 1510, relative to the first reference line 1512. For example, the first reference line 1512 is positioned so that a surface line of aspirated substance with 100 pl is positioned below the first reference line 1512 (i.e., between the first reference line 1512 and the distal end 562 of the dispensing tip 1510), while the Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 394 / 501 136 / 153 second reference line 1514 is situated so that a surface line of aspirated substance with 2 μl is positioned above the first reference line 1512 (that is, between the first reference line 1512 and the second reference line 1514).

[00774] The first and second reference lines 1512 and 1514 are provided on the dispensing tip 1510 in various ways. In some embodiments, the reference lines are detectable structures, such as projections, ridges, recesses, notches, or any other visible elements formed on the dispensing tip. In other embodiments, the reference lines are markers or indicators that are painted on or affixed to the dispensing tip. The reference lines may be integrally formed or molded onto the dispensing tip. Alternatively, the reference lines are produced separately and then affixed to the dispensing tip.

[00775] Figure 61 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1550 for evaluating a dispensing tip alignment. In some embodiments, method 1550 is performed by the tip alignment detection device 1114. In other embodiments, another part of the instrument 100 may perform method 1550 with, or instead of, the tip alignment detection device 1114.

[00776] In operation 1552, instrument 100, such as sample aspiration system 510, aspirates a fluid substance, such as a sample, into a dispensing tip 1510 as programmed.

[00777] In operation 1554, instrument 100, such as sample aspiration system 510, transports the dispensing tip 1510 containing the aspirated sample to the dispensing tip imaging unit 130. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip imaging unit 130 is arranged to capture an image of the dispensing tip after aspiration without transport. Then, the dispensing tip imaging unit 130 captures an image of the dispensing tip 1510. In some embodiments, the image of the dispensing tip 1510 is a digital image of predetermined resolution.

[00778] In operation 1556, instrument 100, such as the image-based volume detection device 1500 (e.g., volume detection device) Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 395 / 501 137 / 153 dispensing tip 400 or sample aspiration volume detection device 500, as shown in Figure 9), detects a volume of the substance at the dispensing tip 1510 by analyzing the captured image. An example of operation 1556 has been described with reference, for example, to Figures 16 to 19.

[00779] In operation 1558, instrument 100, like the tip alignment detection device 1114, detects a misalignment of the dispensing tip 1510 using the captured image. An example of operation 1558 is described with reference to Figures 62 to 68.

[00780] In operation 1560, instrument 100, like the tip alignment detection device 1114, operates to correct the detected volume (detected in operation 1556) based on the misalignment detection (detected in operation 1558).

[00781] Figure 62 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1570 for detecting a dispensing tip misalignment. In this method, the tip alignment detection device 1114 can detect a lateral misalignment, as represented in diagram 2 of Figure 59 (in operation 1572), and a depth misalignment, as represented in diagram 3 of Figure 59 (in operation 1574).

[00782] Figure 63 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method 1600 for detecting a dispensing tip misalignment. Method 1600 is also described with reference to Figure 64, which schematically illustrates an exemplary image showing a lateral misalignment of the dispensing tip.

[00783] In this method, lateral misalignment can be detected with operations 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608, 1610, 1612, and 1614. Depth misalignment can be detected with operations 1602, 1622, 1624, and 1626. In some embodiments, lateral misalignment can be detected as part of the volume detection process, which is, for example, performed by the dispensing tip volume detection device 400 or the sample suction volume detection device 500 described herein. For example, operations 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608, and 1616 are identical or similar to some of the operations performed by the dispensing tip volume detection device 400 or the sample suction volume detection device 500, and therefore, Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 396 / 501 138 / 153 can be replaced by such operations of the dispensing tip volume detection device 400 or the sample suction volume detection device 500.

[00784] In operation 1602, the tip alignment detection device 1114 obtains an image of the dispensing tip 1510. The image of the dispensing tip 1510 can be captured by the dispensing tip image capture unit 130.

[00785] In operation 1604, the tip alignment detection device 1114 detects a predetermined point 1640 of the first reference line 1512 of the dispensing tip 1510. In some embodiments, the predetermined point 1640 is the center of the first reference line 1512. Other points of the first reference line 1512 may be used in other embodiments.

[00786] In operation 1606, the tip alignment detection device 1114 detects a predetermined point 1642 of the meniscus 1632 of the fluid substance 1630 contained in the dispensing tip 1510. In some embodiments, the predetermined point 1642 is the center of the meniscus of the substance in the dispensing tip. Other points of the meniscus may be used in other embodiments.

[00787] In other embodiments, instead of the fluid substance meniscus, the second reference line 1514 is used. In this application, the tip alignment detection device 1114 detects a predetermined point (e.g., the center) of the second reference line of the dispensing tip.

[00788] In operation 1608, the tip alignment detection device 1114 connects points 1640 and 1642 to define a line 1634 between points 1640 and 1642.

[00789] In operation 1620, the tip alignment detection device 1114 determines an angle C of line 1634 relative to a reference line 1636. In some embodiments, the reference line 1636 is parallel to a vertical line in the image captured by the dispensing tip image capture unit 130. Other lines may be used as the reference line 1636 in other embodiments. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pages 397 / 501 139 / 153

[00790] Although the first reference line 1512 and the meniscus 1632 of the aspirated substance 1630 are used to determine line 1634, other lines or reference points may be used to define line 1634. For example, any combination of the first reference line 1512, second reference line 1514, meniscus 1632 of the aspirated substance, other portions of the dispensing tip 1510, and any portion of the sample pipetting module 512 that engages the dispensing tip 1510 may be used.

[00791] In operation 1612, the tip alignment detection device 1114 determines whether angle C is less than a limit value. The limit value represents a maximum acceptable angle at which the dispensing tip can be tilted. When the dispensing tip is tilted at an angle greater than the limit angle value, the detected volume of the substance is considered unacceptable for a reliable result. In some embodiments, the limit angle value is in the range of about 0.5 to about 5 degrees. In other embodiments, the limit angle value is in the range of about 1 to about 3 degrees. In still other embodiments, the limit angle value is about 2 degrees.

[00792] If it is determined that angle C of line 1634 is less than the limit angle value (YES in this operation), method 1600 continues to operation 1616. Otherwise (NO in this operation), method 1600 proceeds to operation 1614, in which the tip alignment detection device 1114 marks the aspiration to indicate that the volume aspirated at the dispensing tip is not suitable for subsequent processes. In operation 1614, another aspiration can be performed using another dispensing tip to repeat operation 1602 and subsequent operations.

[00793] In operation 1616, a volume of the substance at the dispensing tip is obtained using the captured image. In some embodiments, the dispensing tip volume detection device 400 or the sample aspiration volume detection device 500 can perform this operation as described herein.

[00794] In operation 1618, the tip alignment detection device 1114 determines if the detected volume is greater than a limit volume value. The limit volume value represents a maximum volume that can be dispensed at the tip. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 398 / 501 140 / 153 affected (or significantly affected) by lateral misalignment and / or depth misalignment. When the volume of the substance contained in the dispensing tip is greater than this limit value, lateral and depth misalignments are considered not to significantly affect the detection of the volume in the dispensing tip, and the calculation of such volume in the dispensing tip is acceptable regardless of these misalignments. When the volume of the substance contained in the dispensing tip is equal to or less than this limit value, lateral or depth misalignment is considered to significantly affect the detection of the volume based on the captured image, and the calculation of this volume would be unacceptable.

[00795] In some modalities, the limit volume value is in the range of approximately 3 to approximately 30 pl. In other modalities, the limit volume value is in the range of approximately 5 to approximately 20 pl. In still other modalities, the limit volume value is approximately 10 pl.

[00796] If it is determined that the detected volume is greater than the limit volume value (YES in this operation), method 1600 continues to operation 1620, in which the calculated volume is reported. Otherwise (NO in this operation), method 1600 proceeds to operation 1622 and subsequent operations.

[00797] In operation 1622, the tip alignment detection device 1114 operates to correct the detected volume using the second reference line 1514. An example of a method for correcting the volume using the second reference line is described with reference to Figures 65 and 66.

[00798] In the illustrated example, it is basically described that if the angle is not equal to the limit angle value, the suction that was performed for the dispensing tip will be marked. Alternatively, method 1600 can be performed before aspirating a given substance, such as a reagent, a sample, or a substrate, into a dispensing tip. In this configuration, if the angle is not equal to the limit angle value, the tip alignment detection device 1114 can operate to prevent an intended substance from being aspirated into the dispensing tip, or operate to generate a notification that aspiration of such an intended substance should not be performed or should be performed with caution. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 399 / 501 141 / 153

[00799] Figure 65 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1650 for correcting volume using the second reference line. Metho...

Claims

1. A system for evaluating a fluid substance, characterized in that it comprises: a container-carrying device configured to support one or more containers; a sample pipetting device configured to dispense a fluid substance into at least one of the containers in the container-carrying device; an image capture device configured to capture an image of at least one of the containers in the container-carrying device; and at least one processing device; wherein the system is configured to: dispense, using the sample pipetting device, at least one fluid substance into a container; capture, using the image capture device, an image of the container in the container-carrying device; analyze, using at least one processing device, the image of the container to determine a volume of at least one fluid substance dispensed into the container;and analyze, using at least one processing device, the image of the container to determine the particle concentration of a total volume of fluid substances in the container.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the total volume of fluid substances comprises at least one body fluid and / or at least one reagent.

3. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the system is further configured to: capture, using the image capture device, a first image of the container after dispensing a reagent to at least one fluid substance contained in a container, wherein the at least one fluid substance comprises at least one body fluid; capture, using the image capture device, a second image of the container after adding and / or mixing a reagent with at least one fluid substance in the container; analyze, using at least one processing device, the first image of the container to determine the volume of reagent dispensed into the container; and analyze, using at least one processing device, the second image of the container to determine a particle concentration of the total volume of fluid substances in the container.

4. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the particle concentration comprises a concentration of paramagnetic particles.

5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one reagent comprises a chemiluminescent substrate.

6. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first image is captured approximately 0.2 seconds after the reagent is dispensed into the container and the second image is captured after approximately 6.5 seconds of mixing.

7. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the image capture device is mounted on the container's transport device and the image capture device is configured and / or arranged to capture the image of the container from one side of the container.

8. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises a light source, wherein the light source and the image capture device are mounted on the container-carrying device such that the light source is positioned opposite the image capture device. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 414 / 501 3 / 8 9. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the container-carrying device is a washing carousel comprising a turntable, wherein the turntable is configured to rotate the container to the image capture device.

10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the system is further configured to detect, using at least one processing device, whether the container is present in the container-carrying device.

11. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one processing device is configured to: determine a reference point in the image, wherein the reference point is associated with the container; determine a surface level of at least one fluid substance within the container in the image; determine a distance between the reference point and the surface level; and convert the distance to a volume of at least one dispensed fluid substance and / or reagent based on correlation data, the correlation data including information about a correlation between volumes within the container and distances from the reference point to a plurality of surface levels within the container.

12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the determination of a reference point includes the determination of a lower part of the container.

13. System, according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the distance is measured by a pixel distance.

14. System, according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the processing device is configured to determine the reference point based on pattern matching and / or segmentation of the captured image.

15. System according to claim 11 or 14, characterized in that the processing device is configured to search for a representative pattern of the reference point in the captured image.

16. System, according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the processing device is configured to compare at least a portion of the captured image with a reference image.

17. System according to claim 16, characterized in that the processing device is configured to determine a matching rate and / or a correlation value of the captured image portion and the reference image.

18. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the sample pipetting device is configured to aspirate a liquid into another container; wherein the system is configured to determine a volume of the aspirated liquid; wherein the image capture unit is configured to capture an additional image of the additional container; wherein the processing device is configured to determine a pixel distance between a reference point in the image associated with the additional container and is configured to correlate the determined volume with the determined pixel distance.

19. System according to claim 18, characterized in that the processing device is configured to generate correlation data based on the determined volume and the determined pixel distance.

20. System according to claim 19, characterized in that the correlation data are generated based on a plurality of correlations between a plurality of determined pixel distances and a plurality of determined volumes of liquid aspirated into the additional container. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, pp. 416 / 501 5 / 8 21. System according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the aspirated liquid comprises a dye solution; and / or the system is configured to determine the volume of the aspirated liquid based on spectrophotometry.

22. System according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the system is configured to determine a mass of the aspirated liquid and to determine the volume of the aspirated liquid based on the determined mass of the aspirated liquid.

23. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that at least one processing device is further configured to: obtain and / or determine a brightness of the total volume of fluid substances from the image of the container; determine a particle concentration of the total volume of fluid substances based on the brightness of the fluid substance and calibration data; compare the determined particle concentration with a limit value; and in response to the determination that the determined particle concentration is below the limit value, signal the container containing the total volume of fluid substances.

24. System according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the system is further configured to: aspirate, using the sample pipetting device, at least one portion of the fluid substance from the container; capture, using the image capture device, a third image of at least one portion of the container; compare, using at least one processing device, the third image with a reference image; determine, using at least one processing device, a correlation score based on a similarity between the third image and the reference image; and compare the generated correlation score with a threshold.

25. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the system is further configured to: determine, using at least one processing device, an area of ​​interest in the third image, wherein comparing the third image includes comparing the area of ​​interest in the third image with at least a portion of the reference image.

26. System according to claim 25, characterized in that the area of ​​interest comprises a region adjacent to the bottom of the container.

27. System, according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the system is further configured to: when the correlation score is equal to and / or below the threshold, signal a result of aspirating the container.

28. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the container-bearing device comprises a plurality of container compartments, wherein each container compartment is configured to support a container, and wherein the system is further configured to: capture, using the image capture device, a fourth image of one of the plurality of container compartments at a first position of the container-bearing device; compare, using at least one processing device, the fourth image with a reference image; generate, using at least one processing device, a correlation score based on a similarity between the fourth image and the reference image; and compare the correlation score with a threshold.

29. System, according to claim 28, characterized in that the correlation score exceeding and / or reaching the threshold represents the absence of the container in one of the plurality of container compartments.

30. A system according to any one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the system is configured to remove the container from one of the plurality of container compartments when the correlation score is below the threshold.

31. System, according to any one of claims 24 to 30, characterized in that the system is configured to move the container-carrying device to a second position after determining that the correlation score exceeds and / or reaches a threshold.

32. A method for evaluating a fluid substance in a container, characterized in that it comprises: dispensing, using a sample pipetting device, at least one fluid substance into a container; capturing, using an image capture device, an image of at least a portion of the container disposed in a container-carrying device, which container-carrying device is configured to support one or more containers; analyzing, using at least one computing device, the image of the container to determine a volume of at least one fluid substance dispensed into the container; and analyzing, using at least one computing device, the image of the container to determine a particle concentration of a total volume of fluid substances in the container.

33. Method according to claim 32, characterized in that capturing the image of the container includes: capturing, using the image capture device, a first image of the container after dispensing a reagent for at least one substance. Petition 870260066621, dated 06 / 07 / 2026, p.419 / 501 8 / 8 fluid contained in a container, wherein at least one fluid substance includes at least one body fluid; capturing, using the image capture device, a second image of the container after mixing the added reagent with at least one fluid substance in the container; wherein analyzing the image of the container to determine the volume of at least one dispensed fluid substance includes analyzing the first image of the container to determine the volume of the dispensed reagent contained in the container; and wherein analyzing the image of the container to determine the particle concentration of the total volume of fluid substances includes analyzing the second image of the container to determine a particle concentration of the total volume of fluid substances in the container.

34. Non-transient computer-readable medium characterized in that it stores a method that, when executed on a computing device of a system for evaluating a fluid substance, instructs the computing device to perform the steps of the method as defined in claim 32 or 33.

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