Detection system and method for liquid level recognition

Abstract

This application relates to a detection system and method for liquid level identification. The detection system includes: a light-emitting end, a receiving end, a clamping and driving mechanism, and a control unit. The clamping and driving mechanism is used to clamp a container containing multiple layers of media and can drive the container through the detection optical path between the light-emitting end and the receiving end. The light-emitting end emits at least one detection light, the wavelength of which has different transmittance for different media in the multiple layers. The receiving end converts the received detection light into an electrical signal and outputs it to the control unit. The control unit receives the electrical signal and, based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal, identifies the interfaces of the multiple layers of media within the container and the liquid level information at the bottom of the media. This method enables efficient and accurate non-contact identification of the interfaces of multiple layers of media.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of liquid level detection technology, and in particular to a detection system and method for liquid level identification. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of liquid level identification and detection, existing technologies mainly employ three approaches for identifying liquid levels and media interfaces in containers containing multiple layers of media: First, contact detection, where a metal probe on a sampling needle contacts the top layer of the media, using changes in resistance or capacitance to identify the position of a single top layer of liquid. Second, non-contact capacitive or ultrasonic detection, where capacitive or ultrasonic sensors are placed on the outside of the container, using changes in capacitance and differences in ultrasonic reflection time characteristics during the container's vertical movement to determine the top and bottom layers of the media. Third, image recognition detection, which involves taking pictures of the container with a camera and combining this with deep learning algorithms to identify the interfaces between the multiple layers of media within the container. This approach requires rotating the container and taking multiple photos to avoid obstructions on the outside of the container.

[0003] None of the above solutions can efficiently and accurately achieve non-contact identification of interfaces between multi-layer media. Contact detection is prone to cross-contamination of samples and can only identify a single top liquid surface. Capacitive and ultrasonic detection are difficult to distinguish interfaces between media with similar characteristics and are also easily affected by external attachments to the container. Image recognition detection relies on unobstructed shooting conditions and is significantly limited by external attachments. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method that can efficiently and accurately achieve non-contact identification of interfaces between multi-layer media. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a detection system and method for liquid level identification that can efficiently and accurately achieve non-contact identification of the interfaces of multi-layer media, addressing the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a detection system and method for liquid level identification, comprising:

[0006] Light-emitting end, receiving end, clamping drive mechanism and control unit;

[0007] The clamping and driving mechanism is used to clamp the container to be tested containing multiple layers of media, and can drive the container to be tested through the detection light path between the light-emitting end and the receiving end.

[0008] The light-emitting end is used to emit at least one detection light, the wavelength of which has different transmittance for different media in the multilayer medium;

[0009] The receiving end is used to convert the received detection light into an electrical signal and output it to the control unit;

[0010] The control unit is used to receive the electrical signal and, based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal, identify the interfaces of the multi-layered media in the container to be detected and the liquid level information at the bottom of the media.

[0011] In one embodiment, the container to be tested is a blood test tube, and the multilayer medium is a combination of at least two media formed after blood centrifugation: serum, separating gel, and blood cells.

[0012] In one embodiment, the multilayer medium includes serum and blood cells, and the detection light emitted by the light-emitting end includes near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000 nm, the near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000 nm having different transmittance for serum and blood cells.

[0013] In one embodiment, the multilayer medium includes serum, separating gel and blood cells, and the light-emitting end emits two types of detection light, including near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000 nm and short-wave infrared light with a wavelength of 1400 nm.

[0014] The short-wave infrared light with a wavelength of 1400nm has a specific characteristic in terms of transmittance to the separating gel, while the near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000nm has different transmittance to the serum and the blood cells.

[0015] In one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to determine whether the blood test tube contains a separating gel layer based on the electrical signal characteristics of the channel corresponding to the 1400nm wavelength detection light; if a separating gel layer is contained, the interface between each medium and the coordinates of the bottom of the medium are identified by the electrical signal of the channel corresponding to the 1400nm wavelength detection light; if a separating gel layer is not contained, the interface between serum and blood cells and the coordinates of the bottom of the medium are identified by the electrical signal of the channel corresponding to the 1000nm wavelength detection light.

[0016] In one embodiment, the receiving end includes at least one channel of photoelectric conversion circuit, which respectively receives at least one detection light. The at least one channel of photoelectric conversion circuit includes: at least one photoelectric conversion unit, a signal conditioning unit, and an analog-to-digital conversion unit.

[0017] The photoelectric conversion unit is used to convert the detected optical signal into an analog electrical signal;

[0018] The signal conditioning unit is used to amplify and filter analog electrical signals;

[0019] The analog-to-digital conversion unit is used to convert the signal-conditioned analog electrical signal into a digital electrical signal and output it to the control unit.

[0020] In one embodiment, the clamping drive mechanism is equipped with an encoder;

[0021] The encoder is used to send pulse signals to the control unit;

[0022] The control unit is used to obtain the real-time position of the container under test by counting the number of received pulse signals, and to read the electrical signal output by the receiver once after determining that the container under test has moved a fixed distance each time; based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal and the real-time position of the container under test, to identify the coordinates of each interface of the multi-layer medium inside the container under test and the bottom of the medium.

[0023] In one embodiment, the signal characteristics of the electrical signal include at least one of waveform characteristics, amplitude variation trend, rising edge characteristics, and falling edge characteristics.

[0024] Secondly, this application also provides a liquid level detection method, applied to a control unit in the liquid level detection system described in the first aspect, comprising:

[0025] The control clamping and driving mechanism drives the container to be tested through the detection light path between the light-emitting end and the receiving end;

[0026] Receive the electrical signal sent by the receiving end;

[0027] Based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal, the interfaces of the multi-layered media in the container to be detected and the liquid level information at the bottom of the media are identified.

[0028] Thirdly, a computer device is provided, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps described in the second aspect.

[0029] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps described in the second aspect.

[0030] Fifthly, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps described in the second aspect.

[0031] The above-mentioned liquid level identification detection system and method. The liquid level identification detection system includes: a light-emitting end, a receiving end, a clamping drive mechanism, and a control unit; the clamping drive mechanism is used to clamp the container to be detected containing multiple layers of media, and can drive the container to be detected through the detection light path between the light-emitting end and the receiving end; the light-emitting end is used to emit at least one detection light, the wavelength of which has different transmittance for different media in the multiple layers of media; the receiving end is used to convert the received detection light into an electrical signal and output it to the control unit; the control unit is used to receive the electrical signal and, based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal, identify the liquid level information of each interface of the multiple layers of media in the container to be detected and the bottom of the media. This solution enables a liquid level identification detection system that relies on the cooperation of a light-emitting end, a receiving end, a clamping drive mechanism, and a control unit. It utilizes detection light that can penetrate the container being tested and exhibits different transmittance levels for different media in a multi-layered system. Combined with the movement of the container through the detection light path, the receiving end converts the optical signal into an electrical signal. The control unit then identifies the interfaces of the multi-layered media and the liquid level information at the bottom of the media based on the characteristics of the electrical signal. This achieves non-contact, accurate detection of multi-layered media levels, avoiding sample contamination problems caused by contact detection and effectively distinguishing interfaces of different media with similar characteristics. It also overcomes the limitations imposed by external container attachments, significantly improving the accuracy, versatility, and adaptability of multi-layered media level identification. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid level identification detection system in one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a detection device in a liquid level identification detection system in one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid level identification detection system including a photoelectric conversion circuit with two channels in one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the signal of a 1400nm wavelength channel in one embodiment when there is a separating gel;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the signal of a 1000nm wavelength channel in one embodiment without a separating gel;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a liquid level detection method in one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another liquid level identification detection method in one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 8 This is an internal structural diagram of a computer device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0042] Currently, it is impossible to efficiently and accurately achieve contactless identification of interfaces between multiple layers of media. Contact detection is prone to sample cross-contamination and can only identify a single top liquid surface. Capacitive and ultrasonic detection methods have difficulty distinguishing interfaces between media with similar properties and are also easily affected by external attachments to the container. Image recognition detection relies on unobstructed shooting conditions and is significantly limited by external attachments. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method that can efficiently and accurately achieve contactless identification of interfaces between multiple layers of media.

[0043] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a liquid level identification detection system that can efficiently and accurately achieve non-contact identification of interfaces in multi-layer media.

[0044] For example, Figure 1 A liquid level identification detection system is provided in one embodiment. The liquid level identification detection system includes: a light-emitting end 11, a receiving end 12, a clamping drive mechanism 13, and a control unit 14.

[0045] The clamping drive mechanism 13 is used to clamp the container to be tested containing multiple layers of media, and can drive the container to be tested through the detection light path between the light-emitting end and the receiving end 12; the light-emitting end 11 is used to emit at least one detection light, the wavelength of which has different transmittance for different media in the multiple layers of media; the receiving end 12 is used to convert the received detection light into an electrical signal and output it to the control unit 14; the control unit 14 is used to receive the electrical signal and, based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal, identify the interfaces of the multiple layers of media in the container to be tested and the liquid level information at the bottom of the media.

[0046] The aforementioned clamping and driving mechanism is the mechanical actuation part of the detection system, and is the component that enables relative movement between the container to be detected and the detection optical path. Optionally, the aforementioned clamping and driving mechanism may include, but is not limited to, a gripper, a driving component, and an encoder. The gripper is responsible for stabilizing and clamping the container, the driving component provides the motion power, and the encoder realizes accurate position detection. The three components work together to ensure that the container passes through the detection optical path along a preset trajectory.

[0047] For example, the gripper adopts an elastic or electric gripping structure adapted to test tube containers, which can adaptively adjust the gripping force according to the container diameter to avoid container displacement due to excessive looseness or container breakage due to excessive tightness; the drive component uses a stepper motor or servo motor, which drives the gripper to achieve uniform up and down movement in the vertical direction through a transmission structure such as a lead screw and guide rail, ensuring that the container passes smoothly through the detection optical path between the light-emitting end and the receiving end; the encoder is linked with the drive motor, and the encoder outputs a pulse signal for each rotation of the motor, providing accurate position feedback for the control unit to obtain the real-time position of the container.

[0048] Among them, the above-mentioned light-emitting end is the source of detection light. Its function is to emit detection light with different transmittance to multi-layer media, which is the basis for realizing optical recognition. The wavelength of the emitted detection light needs to be matched according to the optical characteristics of the medium to be identified, and it supports single-wavelength or multi-wavelength emission modes to adapt to the detection needs of different media combinations.

[0049] For example, the light-emitting end can be a halogen lamp or a dedicated wavelength light-emitting diode (LED) lamp / laser light source. If the dual-wavelength requirement for detecting blood tubes is met, a dual-light source module of 1000nm near-infrared light and 1400nm short-wave infrared light can be integrated. Alternatively, a halogen lamp can be used in conjunction with a wavelength filter to filter out the detection light of the target wavelength. A focusing lens is set at the light source to converge the emitted detection light into a parallel beam, forming a stable and uniform detection light path, ensuring that the detection light passes perpendicularly through the container to be tested, and reducing the influence of light scattering and refraction on the detection results.

[0050] It should be noted that the 1000nm and 1400nm wavelengths mentioned in the embodiments of this application refer to the target center wavelength. In actual implementation, they are not limited to precise 1000nm and 1400nm values, but rather refer to a reasonable wavelength range with this wavelength as the core, i.e., light bands around 1000nm and 1400nm. The selection of this wavelength range is based on the ability to achieve optical identification of the corresponding medium. As long as the wavelength of the detection light is within a reasonable range near the target center wavelength and can maintain the transmittance difference characteristics of the corresponding medium, it can be applied to this liquid level identification detection system to achieve the corresponding medium interface identification function.

[0051] The aforementioned receiving end is a conversion unit that converts optical signals into electrical signals. It may include a photoelectric conversion circuit, with each detection wavelength corresponding to a photoelectric conversion channel. This enables independent reception and signal conversion of detection light of different wavelengths. Simultaneously, it conditions and performs analog-to-digital conversion on the converted electrical signals to provide a recognizable digital electrical signal for the control unit.

[0052] The control unit can be a micro controller unit (MCU) or a dedicated control chip, which can coordinate the operation of various components, receive and process various input signals, and identify liquid level information through signal feature analysis. Optionally, the control unit has a built-in preset control program and signal recognition algorithm. It drives the motor of the clamping drive mechanism to operate by outputting control commands, controlling the movement speed and trajectory of the container; at the same time, it acquires the digital electrical signals transmitted from the receiving end and the pulse signals of the encoder, calculates the real-time position of the container by counting the number of pulse signals, and reads and analyzes the electrical signals according to preset rules. The control unit can be an embedded MCU, integrating interfaces such as general purpose input output (GPIO), analog to digital (AD), and universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) to achieve hardware connection with various components. At the algorithm level, it pre-stores signal feature libraries corresponding to different media and different wavelengths to provide a basis for liquid level identification.

[0053] In some embodiments, the container to be tested may be a test tube containing multiple layers of liquid media.

[0054] In this embodiment, the liquid level identification detection system relies on the cooperation of a light-emitting end, a receiving end, a clamping drive mechanism, and a control unit. It utilizes detection light that can penetrate the container to be detected and has different transmittance for different media in a multi-layered system. Combined with the movement of the container through the detection light path, the receiving end converts the optical signal into an electrical signal. The control unit then identifies the liquid level information at each interface of the multi-layered medium and at the bottom of the medium based on the characteristics of the electrical signal. This achieves non-contact and accurate detection of the liquid level in a multi-layered medium. It avoids the sample contamination problem that is easily caused by contact detection and can effectively distinguish the interfaces of different media with similar characteristics. It also overcomes the limitation of detection by the external attachments of the container and greatly improves the accuracy, versatility, and adaptability of multi-layered medium liquid level identification.

[0055] In some embodiments, the container to be tested may be a blood test tube, and the multilayer medium is a combination of at least two media formed after blood centrifugation: serum, separating gel, and blood cells.

[0056] In some embodiments, the multilayer medium includes serum and blood cells, and the detection light emitted by the light-emitting end includes near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000 nm, wherein the near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000 nm has different transmittance for serum and blood cells.

[0057] In some embodiments, the multilayer medium includes serum, separating gel, and blood cells, and the light-emitting end emits two types of detection light, including near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000 nm and short-wave infrared light with a wavelength of 1400 nm.

[0058] The 1400nm short-wave infrared light has a specific characteristic in terms of transmittance to the separating gel, while the 1000nm near-infrared light has different transmittance to the serum and the blood cells.

[0059] It should be noted that the transmittance of the detection light wavelength differs among the different media in the multilayer medium. This is the principle behind optical recognition. Different media selectively absorb or transmit light of a specific wavelength. The difference in transmittance is converted into a characteristic difference in electrical signal. The control unit identifies this difference to determine the interface between the media.

[0060] For example, regarding the media combinations after blood centrifugation, experiments have verified the compatibility between near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000 nm and short-wave infrared light with a wavelength of 1400 nm. Near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000 nm shows a significant difference in transmittance between serum and blood cells, with serum having a higher transmittance and blood cells almost completely absorbing it. Short-wave infrared light with a wavelength of 1400 nm has specific transmittance characteristics for the separating gel, and the separating gel has specific absorption and transmission effects on it, clearly distinguishing it from serum and blood cells. By combining the two wavelengths, full coverage detection of different media combinations can be achieved.

[0061] In this embodiment, the signal characteristics of the electrical signal are the basis for the control unit to identify the liquid level. These characteristics are inherent to the electrical signal obtained after light passes through different media and is converted and conditioned by the receiving end. They mainly include waveform characteristics, amplitude variation trends, rising edge characteristics, and falling edge characteristics. Different media and media interfaces correspond to unique signal characteristics. In this embodiment, the receiving end converts the light transmittance of different media into the amplitude of the electrical signal. The higher the transmittance of the medium, the larger the amplitude of the electrical signal, and vice versa. Sudden changes in light transmittance occur at the media interface, reflected in the electrical signal as a rising edge (sudden increase in transmittance) or a falling edge (sudden decrease in transmittance). Furthermore, the slope of the edge change and the range of amplitude variation at different interfaces follow a fixed pattern. The control unit extracts the amplitude, edge change, and waveform trend characteristics of the electrical signal through a program and matches them with a pre-stored feature library to achieve accurate identification of media segments and interfaces.

[0062] In some embodiments, the control unit 14 described above is further configured to determine whether the blood test tube contains a separating gel layer based on the electrical signal characteristics of the detection light corresponding to the 1400nm wavelength channel; if a separating gel layer is contained, the interface between each medium and the coordinates of the bottom of the medium are identified by the electrical signal of the detection light corresponding to the 1400nm wavelength channel; if a separating gel layer is not contained, the interface between serum and blood cells and the coordinates of the bottom of the medium are identified by the electrical signal of the detection light corresponding to the 1000nm wavelength channel.

[0063] For example, the control unit can pre-store the specific signal characteristics of the separating gel layer in the 1400nm channel, such as a stable signal segment with an amplitude between 0 and 4V. When analyzing the electrical signal, the entire signal sequence of the 1400nm channel is scanned first. If the specific signal segment is detected, it is determined that the test tube contains a separating gel layer. If it is not detected, it is determined that there is no separating gel layer in the test tube, and a wavelength channel switching command is triggered to select the corresponding signal channel for subsequent liquid level identification.

[0064] For example, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a detection device in a liquid level identification detection system according to one embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the detection device includes the aforementioned light-emitting end 11, receiving end 12, and clamping drive mechanism 13.

[0065] Figure 2 In this embodiment, the light-emitting end 11 can use a halogen lamp or a light source of multiple wavelengths. For example, the light-emitting end 11 can emit two types of detection light, including near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000nm and short-wave infrared light with a wavelength of 1400nm.

[0066] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000nm refers to light with a wavelength of 1000nm, and short-wave infrared light with a wavelength of 1400nm refers to light with a wavelength of 1400nm.

[0067] Figure 2 In the clamping drive mechanism 13 described above, a drive component and a gripper can be provided. The gripper can be used to clamp a container containing multiple layers of media to be tested. The drive component can be used to drive the gripper to perform clamping and to drive the gripper to move the container to be tested through the detection light path between the light-emitting end and the receiving end 12.

[0068] Figure 2 In this circuit, the receiver 12 can use a photoelectric conversion circuit with at least one channel. For example, it can be a photoelectric conversion circuit with two channels; one channel receives light with a wavelength of 1400nm and the other channel receives light with a wavelength of 1000nm.

[0069] In some embodiments, the receiving end includes at least one channel of photoelectric conversion circuit, which respectively receives at least one detection light. The at least one channel of photoelectric conversion circuit includes at least one photoelectric conversion unit, a signal conditioning unit, and an analog-to-digital conversion unit.

[0070] For example, such as Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic of a liquid level recognition detection system with two-channel photoelectric conversion circuits provided in an embodiment of this application. The two-channel photoelectric conversion circuits include: a first photoelectric conversion unit 31, a second photoelectric conversion unit 32, a first signal conditioning unit 33, a second signal conditioning unit 34, and an analog-to-digital conversion unit 35.

[0071] The first photoelectric conversion unit 31 and the second photoelectric conversion unit 32 are used to convert the detection optical signal into an analog electrical signal.

[0072] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first photoelectric conversion unit 31 can be connected via... Figure 3 The first photodiode PD1 and the second photoelectric conversion unit 32 can be Figure 3 The second photodiode PD2 in the middle.

[0073] The above Figure 3 The first signal conditioning unit 33 and the second signal conditioning unit 34 are used to amplify and filter the analog electrical signal.

[0074] For example, Figure 3 The first signal conditioning unit 33 and the second signal conditioning unit 34 may include capacitors, resistors, and operational amplifiers. The first signal conditioning unit 33 includes a first capacitor C1, a first resistor R1, and a first operational amplifier Y1. The second signal conditioning unit 34 includes a second capacitor C2, a second resistor R2, and a second operational amplifier Y2.

[0075] The operational amplifier (op-amp) is an integrated operational amplifier chip, a high-gain voltage amplification device that can accurately amplify and filter the weak analog electrical signal after photoelectric conversion. By combining capacitors, resistors, and the op-amp to form a signal conditioning unit, the weak photocurrent signal output from the photodiode can be converted into a stable voltage signal, amplified, and filtered to remove noise interference from the circuit and the environment, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and stability, and providing a precise and reliable analog electrical signal for subsequent analog-to-digital conversion.

[0076] The above Figure 3 The analog-to-digital converter unit 35 shown is used to perform analog-to-digital conversion on the signal-conditioned analog electrical signal to obtain a digital electrical signal, and output it to a device such as... Figure 1 The control unit 14 shown.

[0077] in, Figure 3 The first photodiode PD1, corresponding to the 1400nm channel, has a spectral response peak that matches the 1400nm short-wave infrared band. It exhibits the highest photoelectric conversion sensitivity for light at the 1400nm wavelength, efficiently converting subtle changes in light intensity after the detection light of this wavelength passes through the blood medium (especially the separating gel) into a recognizable electrical signal. Its responsivity to other wavelengths is significantly reduced, minimizing stray light interference. The second photodiode PD2, corresponding to the 1000nm channel, has a spectral response peak that matches the 1000nm near-infrared band. It has the optimal conversion efficiency for light at the 1000nm wavelength, clearly capturing the abrupt change in light transmittance at the serum-blood cell interface and converting it into a characteristic electrical signal. Its low responsivity to the 1400nm wavelength ensures the signal independence of the two channels and avoids crosstalk.

[0078] In some embodiments, the above Figure 1 The clamping drive mechanism 13 shown is equipped with an encoder 131, as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the encoder 131 is used to send pulse signals to the control unit 14. Correspondingly, the control unit 14 is used to obtain the real-time position of the container under test by counting the number of received pulse signals, and to read the position once after determining that the container under test has moved a fixed distance. Figure 1 The electrical signal output by the receiver 12 shown (that is, the digital electrical signal obtained by the analog-to-digital conversion unit 34); based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal and the real-time position of the container to be tested, the coordinates of each interface of the multi-layer medium in the container to be tested and the bottom of the medium are identified.

[0079] In some embodiments, the signal characteristics of the electrical signal involved in the above embodiments may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: waveform characteristics, amplitude variation trend, rising edge characteristics, and falling edge characteristics.

[0080] For example, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the signal of a 1400nm wavelength channel in one embodiment with a separating gel. The container to be tested can be a blood tube, and the multilayer medium includes serum, a separating gel, and blood cells. The detection light emitted by the light-emitting end includes short-wave infrared light with a wavelength of 1400nm. The transmittance of this 1400nm short-wave infrared light to the separating gel has specific characteristics. When a separating gel is present, the signals at each interface corresponding to the 1400nm wavelength channel have distinct rising and falling edges, allowing for good signal differentiation. Even when passing through three layers of paper, the signals at each interface corresponding to the 1400nm wavelength channel still exhibit distinct rising and falling edges when a blood tube rises through the detection light. During the process of the blood tube rising through the detection light, if the signal in the 1400nm wavelength channel is at full scale, it is determined that the light channel is facing the air. Figure 4 When the voltage signal drops from full scale to 0V and then rises back to full scale, the number 1 corresponds to the cap of the blood test tube. Figure 4 The number 2 in the middle indicates the segment where the voltage signal changes from full scale to 0, which is the air segment above the serum. Figure 4 The number 3 in the middle indicates the segment from when the voltage signal is close to 0V to when the signal begins to rise; this segment is the serum segment. Figure 4 The number 4 in the middle indicates a voltage signal that is slightly higher than 0V but does not exceed 4V; this segment is the separation adhesive segment. Figure 4 The number 5 in the middle indicates the segment from when the voltage signal drops to 0 until it rises again; this segment represents the blood cell segment.

[0081] For example, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the signal from the 1000nm wavelength channel in one embodiment without a separating gel. The container to be tested can be a blood test tube, and the multilayer medium includes serum and blood cells. The detection light emitted by the light-emitting end includes near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000nm. The transmittance of the 1000nm wavelength near-infrared light differs between serum and blood cells. When there is no separating gel in the blood sample, if only the signal from this 1400nm wavelength channel is used, the interface between serum and blood cells will be indistinguishable. In this case, we can distinguish the interface between serum and blood cells using the signal from this 1000nm wavelength channel. The signal waveform is as follows. Figure 5 As shown. Figure 5 The segment corresponding to the number 1 in the middle represents the cap; Figure 5 The segment corresponding to the number 2 in the text is the voltage signal at full scale and during the process of dropping from full scale to 0V. This segment is the air segment above the serum. Figure 5 The voltage signal corresponding to the number 3 in the sequence rises from a relatively small value (close to 0V) to no more than 4V, and then drops back to 0V. This sequence is the serum segment. Figure 5 The number 4 in the sequence corresponds to a segment where the voltage signal drops to 0V and remains at 0V until the value begins to rise; this segment represents the blood cell segment.

[0082] For example, if a separating gel layer is determined to be present, the control unit preferentially uses the electrical signal of the 1400nm channel for analysis. This channel can clearly identify all interfaces between air and serum, serum and separating gel, separating gel and blood cells, and blood cells and the bottom. If a separating gel layer is determined to be absent, the control unit switches to the electrical signal of the 1000nm channel for analysis. By utilizing the difference in permeability between serum and blood cells through this channel, the interfaces between air and serum, serum and blood cells, and blood cells and the bottom can be clearly identified, avoiding the problem that the 1400nm channel cannot distinguish between serum and blood cells when there is no separating gel.

[0083] If the signal from the 1400nm wavelength channel indicates that no gel segment has been separated, then the signal from the 1400nm wavelength channel cannot distinguish between serum and blood cell segments. In this case, the signal from the 1000nm wavelength channel should be used for the determination.

[0084] By using both 1000nm and 1400nm wavelengths of detection light for comprehensive judgment, the vertical coordinates of each liquid surface can be obtained, which is beneficial for subsequent accurate sampling and precise reagent matching.

[0085] For example, such as Figure 6 The illustration shows a liquid level detection method provided in one embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the control unit in the aforementioned liquid level detection systems. The method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps 601 to 603:

[0086] 601. Control the clamping and driving mechanism to drive the container to be tested through the detection optical path between the light-emitting end and the receiving end.

[0087] The control unit can use commands to enable relative movement between the container to be tested and the detection optical path, allowing the detection light to pass through different media segments and interfaces within the container in sequence, providing a basis for the acquisition of optical signals. The movement process must be uniform and stable to avoid deviations that could cause the detection light to be irradiated at different positions.

[0088] For example, the control unit sends pulse drive commands to the drive motor of the clamping drive mechanism, sets the motor speed and direction, and drives the gripper to clamp the container to be tested and move vertically up and down at a constant speed, so that the container passes through the detection light path from one side to the other. The movement speed is set according to the detection accuracy. The slower the speed, the denser the signal acquisition points and the higher the detection accuracy. It can be set to low-speed uniform movement to ensure that each medium segment and interface can be completely scanned by the detection light.

[0089] 602. Receive electrical signals sent by the receiving end.

[0090] The control unit can receive the converted and conditioned electrical signals transmitted from the receiver in real time. These electrical signals are a direct reflection of the detection light passing through the medium inside the container and are the raw data for subsequent liquid level identification. The signal reception needs to be synchronized with the movement of the container to ensure the continuity of the data.

[0091] For example, after the analog-to-digital conversion unit at the receiving end converts the conditioned analog electrical signal into a digital electrical signal, it transmits it to the control unit in real time through a high-speed communication interface. The control unit activates the corresponding signal receiving interrupt, receives and temporarily stores the digital electrical signal in real time, forming a continuous electrical signal data sequence. While temporarily storing the data, it performs a preliminary validity judgment on the data, filters out obvious interference data, and ensures the accuracy of the original data.

[0092] 603. Based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal, identify the interfaces of the multi-layered media in the container to be tested and the liquid level information at the bottom of the media.

[0093] The control unit can extract and analyze the features of the collected electrical signals through a preset algorithm, and match the electrical signal features with feature libraries of different media and interfaces to determine the location of each interface and the bottom of the media in the multi-layered media in the container to be detected, thereby achieving accurate identification of liquid level information.

[0094] For example, the control unit extracts features such as amplitude changes, rising / falling edge positions, and waveform trends of electrical signals through algorithms. For instance, when the electrical signal is at full scale, it is determined that the detection light is passing through the air; when the electrical signal drops sharply from full scale to 0 and then quickly rebounds, it is determined that the tube cap section is present; for blood test tubes, if a dedicated medium amplitude segment is detected in the 1400nm channel, it is determined that the separation gel layer is present. Then, the signal features of serum and blood cells are matched sequentially to determine the position of each interface, and finally, the liquid level coordinates of each interface and the bottom of the medium are output.

[0095] The liquid level identification and detection method in the above embodiments controls the clamping and driving mechanism to drive the container to be detected to pass through the detection light path at a uniform speed, providing a stable foundation for the detection light to completely scan different media segments and interfaces within the container. This effectively avoids the displacement of the detection light irradiation position caused by motion deviation, ensuring the stability of the detection from the source. At the same time, the control unit synchronously receives the converted and conditioned electrical signal transmitted from the receiving end in real time, and performs preliminary validity judgment and filters out interference data, ensuring the accuracy of the original liquid level identification data. Finally, the electrical signal features are extracted by a preset algorithm and matched with the media and interface feature library, which can accurately identify the interface of each multi-layered medium and the liquid level information at the bottom of the medium. It is especially suitable for scenarios with clear media layering characteristics, such as blood test tubes, realizing the accuracy and efficiency of liquid level identification. Automatic detection can be completed without manual intervention, which greatly improves the efficiency and reliability of liquid level detection and reduces the error and labor cost of manual detection.

[0096] For example, such as Figure 7 The illustration shows another liquid level detection method provided in one embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the control unit in the aforementioned liquid level detection systems. The method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps 701 to 703:

[0097] 701. Control the clamping and driving mechanism to drive the container to be tested through the detection optical path between the light-emitting end and the receiving end.

[0098] 702. Receive the pulse signal sent by the encoder of the clamping drive mechanism.

[0099] The encoder is a position feedback element. The pulse signal it sends has a linear relationship with the movement distance of the clamping drive mechanism. The control unit receives the pulse signal, which is a prerequisite for realizing the real-time position calculation of the container to be detected and ensuring the accurate correspondence between the liquid level information and the actual physical position.

[0100] For example, the encoder is coaxially connected to the drive motor. For each step angle rotation of the motor, the encoder sends one or more pulse signals to the control unit. The control unit receives the pulse signals through the GPIO interface, enables the pulse counting function, and performs real-time statistics on the received pulse signals. The counting result directly reflects the rotation angle of the motor, and is then converted into the movement distance of the container.

[0101] 703. Obtain the real-time position of the container to be detected based on the number of pulse signals received each time.

[0102] The control unit converts the pulse count into the actual physical position of the container to be detected by combining the pulse count results with the parameters of the motor and transmission structure. This establishes a one-to-one correspondence between the electrical signal and the physical position of the container, allowing the identified medium interface to correspond to specific spatial coordinates and achieving precise quantification of the liquid level.

[0103] For example, the control unit pre-stores pulse equivalent parameters (i.e., the container movement distance corresponding to each pulse), which are calculated from transmission structure parameters such as motor step angle and lead screw. The program multiplies the number of pulse signals by the pulse equivalent to obtain the movement distance of the container relative to the initial position, and then calculates the real-time physical position of the container. The real-time position is then bound to the corresponding electrical signal to form two-dimensional data of position and signal.

[0104] 704. After each time the container to be tested moves a fixed distance, read the electrical signal output by the receiver.

[0105] By using a fixed-distance sampling method, the sampling density of electrical signals is controlled to avoid data redundancy and increased computation caused by excessively dense sampling, and to avoid missing signal characteristics of the medium interface caused by excessively sparse sampling. This ensures that the sampled data can meet the recognition accuracy requirements while improving the analysis efficiency of the control unit.

[0106] For example, the control unit can calculate the corresponding pulse count threshold based on the preset sampling interval (i.e., fixed moving distance) and the pulse equivalent. When the number of pulse signals counted reaches the threshold, it is determined that the container has moved a fixed distance. At this time, the control unit triggers an electrical signal reading command to read the current signal value from the temporarily stored electrical signal data and binds and stores the signal value with the current real-time position of the container to complete one sampling. This process is repeated until the container completes the passage of the entire detection optical path.

[0107] 705. Based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal and the real-time position of the container under test, identify the interfaces of the multi-layer media in the container under test and the liquid level information at the bottom of the media.

[0108] Based on basic liquid level recognition, and combined with the real-time location of the bound container, the identified signal feature points at the interface and bottom of the medium are converted into specific physical coordinates, realizing the quantitative output of liquid level information and providing specific location data for subsequent operations such as accurate sampling and reagent matching.

[0109] For example, the control unit first performs feature analysis on the two-dimensional data of position and signal using an algorithm to identify the signal feature points corresponding to each medium interface and the bottom of the medium; then it extracts the real-time position data bound to these feature points, which are the physical coordinates of each interface and the bottom of the medium; for example, if the real-time position of the signal feature point corresponding to the interface between serum and separating gel is 20cm, then the liquid level coordinate of this interface is 20cm. After the control unit organizes all the liquid level coordinates, it outputs them to the subsequent execution device through the communication interface.

[0110] In the above embodiments, by receiving the pulse signal sent by the encoder of the clamping drive mechanism and combining it with the parameters of the motor and transmission structure, the number of pulses is converted into the real-time physical position of the container, establishing a one-to-one correspondence between the electrical signal and the physical position of the container. This solves the problem that liquid level information cannot accurately correspond to the actual physical coordinates in traditional detection, and realizes the quantitative output of liquid level information, providing specific and reliable position data support for subsequent operations such as accurate sampling and reagent matching. At the same time, the fixed-distance sampling method is used to control the density of electrical signal acquisition, which avoids data redundancy and increased computation caused by excessive sampling, and also prevents the omission of medium interface signal features caused by sparse sampling. Under the premise of ensuring detection accuracy, the data analysis efficiency of the control unit is effectively improved. The entire process realizes closed-loop control of container movement, position feedback, signal acquisition, and liquid level recognition, further improving the automation and accuracy of liquid level detection, adapting to more scenarios with high requirements for liquid level quantification, and making it more practical and applicable.

[0111] In one exemplary embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a device configured with the above-described control unit, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows. Figure 8 As shown, the computer device includes a processor, memory, input / output (I / O) interfaces, and a communication interface. The processor, memory, and I / O interfaces are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface is also connected to the system bus via the I / O interfaces. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system, computer programs, and a database. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The database stores data. The I / O interfaces are used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for communicating with external terminals via a network connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the liquid level identification detection method described in the above method embodiment.

[0112] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 8 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0113] In one exemplary embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the liquid level identification detection method involved in the above method embodiments.

[0114] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the liquid level identification detection method involved in the above method embodiments.

[0115] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the liquid level identification detection method involved in the above method embodiments.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the embodiments described above. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0117] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0118] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid level identification detection system, characterized in that, include: Light-emitting end, receiving end, clamping drive mechanism and control unit; The clamping and driving mechanism is used to clamp the container to be tested containing multiple layers of media, and can drive the container to be tested through the detection light path between the light-emitting end and the receiving end. The light-emitting end is used to emit at least one detection light, the wavelength of which has different transmittance for different media in the multilayer medium; The receiving end is used to convert the received detection light into an electrical signal and output it to the control unit; The control unit is used to receive the electrical signal and, based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal, identify the interfaces of the multi-layered media in the container to be detected and the liquid level information at the bottom of the media.

2. The liquid level identification detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container to be tested is a blood test tube, and the multilayer medium is a combination of at least two media formed after blood centrifugation: serum, separating gel, and blood cells.

3. The liquid level identification detection system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The multilayer medium includes serum and blood cells, and the detection light emitted by the light-emitting end includes near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000 nm. The near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000 nm has different transmittance for serum and blood cells.

4. The liquid level identification detection system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The multilayer medium includes serum, separating gel and blood cells. The light-emitting end emits two types of detection light, including near-infrared light with a wavelength of 1000nm and short-wave infrared light with a wavelength of 1400nm. The 1400nm short-wave infrared light has a specific characteristic in terms of transmittance to the separating gel, while the 1000nm near-infrared light has different transmittance to the serum and the blood cells.

5. The liquid level identification detection system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit is further configured to determine whether the blood test tube contains a separating gel layer based on the electrical signal characteristics of the corresponding channel of the 1400nm wavelength detection light; if a separating gel layer is contained, the interface between each medium and the coordinates of the bottom of the medium are identified by the electrical signal of the corresponding channel of the 1400nm wavelength detection light; if a separating gel layer is not contained, the interface between serum and blood cells and the coordinates of the bottom of the medium are identified by the electrical signal of the corresponding channel of the 1000nm wavelength detection light.

6. The detection system for liquid level identification according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The receiving end includes at least one channel of photoelectric conversion circuit, which respectively receives at least one detection light. The at least one channel of photoelectric conversion circuit includes: at least one photoelectric conversion unit, at least one signal conditioning unit and analog-to-digital conversion unit. The photoelectric conversion unit is used to convert the detected optical signal into an analog electrical signal; The signal conditioning unit is used to amplify and filter analog electrical signals; The analog-to-digital conversion unit is used to convert the signal-conditioned analog electrical signal into a digital electrical signal and output it to the control unit.

7. The liquid level identification detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The clamping drive mechanism is equipped with an encoder; The encoder is used to send pulse signals to the control unit; The control unit is used to obtain the real-time position of the container under test by counting the number of received pulse signals, and to read the electrical signal output by the receiver once after determining that the container under test has moved a fixed distance each time; based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal and the real-time position of the container under test, to identify the coordinates of each interface of the multi-layer medium inside the container under test and the bottom of the medium.

8. The liquid level identification detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The signal characteristics of the electrical signal include at least one of the following: waveform characteristics, amplitude variation trend, rising edge characteristics, and falling edge characteristics.

9. A method for detecting liquid level identification, applied to a control unit in the liquid level identification detection system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: The control clamping and driving mechanism drives the container to be tested through the detection light path between the light-emitting end and the receiving end; Receive the electrical signal sent by the receiving end; Based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal, the interfaces of the multi-layered media in the container to be tested and the liquid level information at the bottom of the media are identified.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The device receives pulse signals sent by the encoder of the clamping drive mechanism, obtains the real-time position of the container to be detected based on the number of pulse signals received each time, and reads the electrical signal output by the receiver once after determining that the container to be detected has moved a fixed distance each time. The step of identifying the interfaces of the multi-layered media within the container to be detected and the liquid level information at the bottom of the media based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal includes: Based on the signal characteristics of the electrical signal and the real-time position of the container to be tested, the interfaces of the multi-layered media inside the container to be tested and the liquid level information at the bottom of the media are identified.

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