Apparatus for evaluating the performance of a milk dispensing device and / or a lateral flow stick

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for evaluating the performance of a milk dispensing device (105) / lateral flow stick (110). The apparatus (100) comprises a lateral flow stick (110) configured to indicate biomarkers in a milk sample. The lateral flow stick (110) comprises a sample pad (210), a conjugate pad (230), a display zone (250), and a porous membrane (240). The milk sample is applied to the sample pad (210). A camera (120) is oriented to capture an image (300) of the lateral flow stick (110). A controller (130) is configured to instruct the camera (120) to capture the image (300), receive the captured image (300), define a first region (310) of the image (300) of the lateral flow stick (110) that substantially depicts a sub-section of the porous membrane (240) upstream of the display zone (250) in the flow direction, apply image processing to the first region (310), and evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device (105) based on the image processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses the apparatus according to claim 1. More specifically, an apparatus configured to evaluate the performance of a milk dispensing device and / or a lateral flow stick is disclosed.

Background Art

[0002] In animal farms, it is important to keep animals healthy in order to improve milk / meat production. Especially in dairy farms, for efficiency reasons, it is very important to inseminate animals at the optimal time to successfully fertilize them. If an animal is not successfully fertilized, milk production is affected.

[0003] For example, several biomarker measurements can be performed on animals, such as measuring the levels of progesterone, LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase), BHB (Beta-Hydroxybutyrat), and urea. Thereby, important information regarding, for example, estrus detection and / or pregnancy of individual animals (based on the measured progesterone levels) can be created, as well as mastitis (based on LDH) and ketosis (based on BHB). Also, the energy balance (based on urea) can be estimated.

[0004] A milk analysis device / service module can be configured to cooperate with a milk extraction device, for example, during or before / after a milking session, to regularly analyze milk samples of animals. The milk analysis device / service module can extract a milk sample and provide it to a lateral flow stick / lateral flow test strip / dry stick. The milk can be diluted with a diluent, which can also be used to rinse tubes between test sessions. The diluent can be provided in a separate liquid container.

[0005] The lateral flow stick can be maintained on a carrier tape within a cassette, as disclosed, for example, in WO 2018 / 236271. Thereby, the lateral flow stick can be easily managed on the farm by advancing one lateral flow stick at a time. Typically, one lateral flow stick can be used for each test sample. The cassette can contain a large number of lateral flow sticks, yet the cassette with the lateral flow sticks must be replaced with a new one when all the lateral flow sticks have been consumed.

[0006] Thereby, important information regarding each individual animal is provided to the farmer / operator. Biomarkers such as progesterone can be measured for all individual animals on the farm using a high degree of automation.

[0007] However, a possible problem is that it is impossible or at least very difficult / time-consuming for the farmer to determine whether the milk sample has been applied correctly and / or whether the lateral flow stick is functioning. Since the process is automated, there is no human monitoring during each single test session.

[0008] An example of a possible problem is that the liquid sample (which may contain extracted milk + diluent) has not been applied onto the sample pad of the lateral flow stick.

[0009] Another problem can be that the applied liquid sample does not contain milk (in sufficient quantity) and contains only / dominantly the diluent.

[0010] The reason can be, for example, that the tube is blocked, the pump is malfunctioning, there is mechanical damage to the needle supplying the liquid sample to the lateral flow stick, etc.

[0011] Furthermore, a possible problem is that at least some of the lateral flow sticks may not operate as intended.

[0012] The reason may be, for example, improper storage of the lateral flow stick. Due to high temperature or improper storage of the lateral flow stick, the antibody-treated gold particles on the conjugate pad may stick to the cellulose. In that case, insufficient gold particles will be released from the milk sample to obtain reliable measurement values. Other reasons may include damage caused by moisture / liquid of the lateral flow stick, use of low-quality lateral flow sticks made by uncertified third parties (or pirated versions), and / or the lateral flow stick being too old.

[0013] Due to these or similar problems, if the lateral flow test is invalid, it may be impossible to perform accurate biomarker measurements.

[0014] For these reasons, it would be advantageous to find a way to confirm that the lateral flow test performed with a lateral flow stick is effective and reliable, preferably without imposing additional workload on farmers to determine effectiveness.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0015]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0016] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve at least some of the above problems and evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device and / or the lateral flow stick when determining the presence of biomarkers in milk samples extracted from animals by a lateral flow test.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by an apparatus configured to evaluate the performance of a milk dispensing device and / or a lateral flow stick. The apparatus includes a lateral flow stick configured to indicate a biomarker in a liquid sample containing a milk sample extracted from an animal by lateral flow measurement. This biomarker can be, for example, progesterone.

[0018] The lateral flow stick includes a sample pad for receiving a liquid sample, a conjugate pad containing a conjugate, a display zone configured to indicate the biomarker of the liquid sample based on the conjugate, and a porous membrane for receiving the capillary flow of the liquid sample from the conjugate pad and thereby sending the conjugate dispersed in the liquid sample to the display zone.

[0019] The apparatus also includes a milk dispensing device configured to obtain a milk sample from an animal and apply a liquid sample containing the milk sample to the sample pad of the lateral flow stick. In addition, the apparatus includes a camera oriented to capture an image of the lateral flow stick. The apparatus also includes a controller communicably connected to the camera.

[0020] The controller is configured to generate an instruction to the camera to capture an image of the lateral flow stick during a predetermined period after the time when the liquid sample is applied to the lateral flow stick. The controller is also configured to receive the image captured from the camera. In addition, the controller defines a first region of the image of the lateral flow stick and is configured to substantially depict a sub-section of the porous membrane upstream of the display zone in the liquid flow direction of the applied liquid sample along the longitudinal extension of the lateral flow stick. Further, the controller is configured to apply image processing to the first region of the image and evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device and / or the lateral flow stick based on the applied image processing.

[0021] The image processing of the first region will result in the detection of the success or failure of the release into the conjugate liquid sample and the functional capillary flow of the liquid sample having the conjugate through at least a part of the porous membrane.

[0022] Thereby, it can be determined within seconds at the earliest whether the milk dispensing device and / or the lateral flow stick are fully functional and the results of the lateral flow measurement are reliable.

[0023] Thereby, automatic monitoring of the functions of the milk dispensing device and / or the lateral flow stick is obtained, leading to an improvement in the reliability of the lateral flow measurement and the milk dispensing device and / or the lateral flow stick.

[0024] In a first implementation form of the device according to the first aspect, the controller may be configured to perform image processing by color or grayscale analysis of the first region.

[0025] The conjugate contained in the conjugate pad has a color tone different from white, which is the typical color of the lateral flow stick. In the case of a gold conjugate, the color is typically red. In color or grayscale analysis, it can be determined whether the conjugate of the conjugate pad has been dispersed in the liquid sample and carried through at least a part of the porous membrane.

[0026] In a second implementation form of the device according to the first aspect, or in any implementation form thereof, the controller may be configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device by performing image processing and comparing the color or grayscale color tone on the first region of the captured image with a reference color or grayscale color tone.

[0027] This reference color or grayscale color tone used for comparison is predetermined and may be stored in a memory device communicably connected to the controller.

[0028] In a third implementation form of the device according to the first aspect or any implementation form thereof, the reference color or gray-scale color tone can be obtained from the first image of the first region that is captured before applying the liquid sample to the sample pad.

[0029] The advantage of using the image of the first region captured before applying the liquid sample is that, for example, a robust and reliable reference that is not affected by color deviations of the porous membranes of different lateral flow sticks or abnormal light conditions at the position of the device is achieved. Thereby, very small deviations of the lateral flow stick over time can also be detected and determined.

[0030] In a fourth implementation form of the device according to the first aspect, or any implementation form thereof, the controller can be configured to define a second region of the image of the lateral flow stick and substantially depict a sub-section of the conjugate pad. The controller can also be configured to estimate the color or gray-scale color tone of the conjugate pad on the first region by comparing the color or gray-scale color tone of the first region with the color or gray-scale color tone of the second region. In addition, the controller can be configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device and / or the lateral flow stick based on the comparison between the color gray-scale color tone of the first region and the color or gray-scale color tone of the second region.

[0031] By the comparison performed, it can be estimated in a reliable way whether the conjugate has been released from the conjugate pad (in the second region of the image) and transported by the liquid sample to the porous membrane (in the first region of the image).

[0032] In a fifth implementation form of the device according to the first aspect, or any implementation form thereof, the predetermined period after the liquid sample is applied to the lateral flow stick is shorter than the time required for the liquid sample to propagate by capillary flow from the sample pad through the conjugate pad and the porous membrane to the display zone of the lateral flow stick, in addition to the incubation time before the result is displayed by the display zone.

[0033] The time required for the liquid sample to propagate through the porous membrane to the display zone and achieve the result of the lateral flow measurement can be at least 2 minutes, including the incubation time. The above-mentioned predetermined period can be just a few seconds, such as 5 - 10 seconds. Therefore, it can be detected that the milk dispensing device and / or the lateral flow stick are not functioning properly immediately after the application of the liquid sample. Thereby, it becomes possible to repeat the lateral flow measurement using a new milk sample from the same animal on the sample pad of a new lateral flow stick.

[0034] In a sixth implementation form of the device according to the first aspect, or any implementation form thereof, the controller can be configured to repeatedly generate commands for the camera to capture an image of the lateral flow stick. The controller can also be configured to receive the captured images from the camera together with their respective timestamps. The evaluation of image processing and the performance of the milk dispensing device and / or the lateral flow stick is based on the comparison of the captured images.

[0035] By taking several images with the camera at time intervals, the progressive propagation of the conjugate through the porous membrane can be tracked and a functional capillary flow can be confirmed.

[0036] In a seventh implementation form of the device according to the first aspect or any of its implementation forms, the controller may be configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device and / or the lateral flow stick by generating a first indicator value based on the color or grayscale analysis of the first region, and the first indicator value indicates the success of the application of the liquid sample to the sample pad, the success of the capillary flow of the liquid along the longitudinal extension of the porous membrane, and / or the release of the conjugate from the conjugate pad to the liquid sample.

[0037] The first index, or dose index, may be configured to have a value between -100 and 100. The determined first index may be compared with a threshold limit that can trigger an action. By examining the change in the first index of several lateral flow measurements over a period of time, the degradation of the first index can be detected in a timely manner, and for example, appropriate actions such as cleaning or replacing the tube of the milk dispensing device that supplies the milk sample, the hose of the dispensing module, and the needle can be triggered.

[0038] In an eighth implementation form of the device according to the first aspect, or any of its implementation forms, the device may include a light source directed to illuminate the lateral flow stick when an image is captured. The milk dispensing device may be configured to prepare a liquid sample by mixing the obtained milk sample with a diluent before applying the liquid sample containing milk mixed with the diluent to the sample pad of the lateral flow stick.

[0039] Also, when the evaluation of the performance of the milk dispensing device indicates capillary flow of the liquid through the porous membrane, the controller may be configured to define a third region of the image of the lateral flow stick, substantially depict a second sub-section of the porous membrane, apply image processing to the third region of the image, and evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device based on the applied image processing.

[0040] In a ninth implementation form of the device according to the first aspect, or any of its implementation forms, the third region of the image of the lateral flow stick may include at least one lateral edge of the lateral flow stick.

[0041] In a tenth implementation of the device according to the first aspect, or any implementation thereof, the controller may be configured to apply image processing to a third region of the image by grayscale analysis of the third region. The grayscale analysis may include comparing the grayscale intensity of the third region with a reference grayscale. The reference grayscale may be stored in a memory device communicatively connected to the controller. Further, the controller may evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device based on the grayscale analysis of the third region of the image.

[0042] Due to a technical failure during the inspection process, if the liquid sample contains very little milk, or in extreme cases only the diluent, it is not possible to obtain a reliable test result for the milk because there is no milk or very little milk in the liquid sample for a reliable test.

[0043] By estimating in grayscale the intensity corresponding to the reflection and / or absorption of light of the lateral flow stick in the third region of the image, it can be detected whether the liquid sample contains a sufficient amount of milk or whether the milk / diluent ratio exceeds a threshold limit, enabling reliable lateral flow measurements based on image processing.

[0044] The grayscale analysis may include determining the grayscale nuances or the intensity of the grayscale in the third region. The determined grayscale nuances may be compared with the reference grayscale. Based on the result of the comparison, the amount of milk in the liquid sample or the milk / diluent ratio of the liquid sample is determined. The darker the grayscale nuances in the third region of the image, the more milk is contained in the liquid sample relative to the amount of diluent.

[0045] In an eleventh implementation form of the apparatus according to the first aspect, or any of its implementation forms, the controller may be configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device by generating a second exponential value or milk index. The second exponential value / milk index may indicate the amount of milk in the mixture of milk and diluent in the liquid sample, i.e., the milk / diluent ratio of the liquid sample.

[0046] In a twelfth implementation form of the apparatus according to the first aspect or any of its implementation forms, the controller may be configured to perform actions to improve the performance of the milk dispensing device and / or the lateral flow stick based on the applied image processing.

[0047] Thereby, for example, detecting poor performance of the milk dispensing device and / or the lateral flow stick that results in a first exponential value and / or a second exponential value lower than their respective threshold limits may trigger a performance improvement action.

[0048] In a thirteenth implementation form of the apparatus according to the first aspect, or any of its implementation forms, the action to improve the performance of the milk dispensing device and / or the lateral flow stick may include any one of adjusting the length of the incubation time for lateral flow measurement, discarding the lateral flow stick, and / or cleaning or replacing at least some elements of the milk dispensing device. The elements of the milk dispensing device to be cleaned may include, for example, tubes, hoses of the dispensing module, needles of the milk dispensing device for supplying milk samples, etc. Cleaning may be performed by rinsing the elements of the milk dispensing device with a diluent or, in some cases, some other cleaning liquid.

[0049] Thereby, the performance improvement action may be performed when a decrease in the performance of the milk dispensing device and / or the lateral flow stick is detected before the performance deteriorates to the extent that lateral flow measurement becomes unusable.

[0050] For example, when the first exponential value and / or the second exponential value is lower than their respective threshold limits, a performance improvement action may be triggered.

[0051] Thereby, agricultural workers can be warned to replace the lateral flow stick before it deteriorates to the extent that it affects the results of the lateral flow test. The agricultural workers are relieved of the stress of continuously checking the effectiveness of the lateral flow stick.

[0052] In a fourteenth implementation of the device according to the first aspect, or any implementation thereof, the action may include discarding the results of the liquid sample. The action may also include applying a new liquid sample that is derived from the same animal as the discarded liquid sample and that includes milk applied to a new lateral flow stick.

[0053] Thereby, it is possible to apply a new milk sample from the same animal to a new lateral flow stick, ensuring a continuous biomarker display of the milk sample from the animal, for example, even when there is a temporary interruption in the lateral flow measurement process due to a single malfunctioning lateral flow stick.

[0054] Thanks to the described aspects, by determining the validity of the results of the lateral flow test, the manual intervention, maintenance, concerns, and intensity of work of agricultural workers are minimized or at least reduced.

[0055] Other advantages and further novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0056] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3

Figure 4

[0057] Embodiments of the invention described herein are defined as apparatuses that can be practiced in the embodiments described below. However, these embodiments can be exemplified and realized in many different forms, and are not limited to the examples described herein. Rather, these illustrative examples of the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be detailed and complete.

[0058] Still other objects and features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are designed only for illustrative purposes and are not designed as a definition of the limitations of the embodiments disclosed herein, to which the appended claims will be referred. Further, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and, unless otherwise stated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

[0059] FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 is configured to evaluate the performance of a milk dispensing device 105 and / or a lateral flow stick 110 in relation to the extraction of a milk sample from an animal 101.

[0060] The animal 101 can be included in a herd of dairy animals on a dairy farm.

[0061] The lateral flow stick 110 is configured to indicate biomarkers in a liquid sample containing a milk sample extracted from the animal 101 by lateral flow measurement.

[0062] "Animal" can be any kind of domesticated female milk-producing mammal such as cows, goats, sheep, horses, camels, dairy cows, donkeys, yaks, etc.

[0063] The milk of animal 101 can be extracted and discharged through the milk ducts into a milk tank or similar milk storage unit by a milking device that is part of the milking parlor.

[0064] During or in close relation to the milking of animal 101, a milk sample is diverted from the milking device / milk ducts and provided to the milk dispensing device 105. The milk dispensing device 105 can comprise, for example, a tube element for attachment to an interface to the milking device / milk ducts and a pump adapted to act on the tube element to send the milk sample. The milk dispensing device 105 can also comprise a valve 140, a mixing chamber 155, and a needle 150 for receiving the milk sample through the tube element.

[0065] In some embodiments, the milk sample can be mixed with a diluent within the mixing chamber 155, thereby forming a liquid sample containing a mixture of milk and diluent. The needle 150 of the milk dispensing device 105 can then be aligned with the lateral flow stick 110, after which the milk sample / liquid sample is applied to the lateral flow stick 110 for lateral flow measurement.

[0066] The control of the milk dispensing device 105, the alignment of the needle 150 with the lateral flow stick 110, and the application of the milk sample / liquid sample to the lateral flow stick 110 can be performed by the controller 130 with the assistance from visual input by the camera 120. The camera 120 is directed to capture an image of the lateral flow stick 110. Optionally, a light source 160 can be applied to ensure proper illumination of the lateral flow stick 110, at least while the camera 120 is taking an image.

[0067] The advantage of applying the dedicated light source 160 included in the present apparatus 100 is that when the camera 120 is taking an image of the lateral flow stick 110, it is ensured that there is sufficient light to enable color or grayscale analysis of the image.

[0068] The lateral flow stick 110 may be included on a carrier 115 that includes a plurality of lateral flow sticks 110a, 110b, 110c. The carrier 115 may be embodied, for example, as a carrier tape or a blister package. In an embodiment where the carrier 115 is embodied as a carrier tape, the carrier 115 may be included in a cassette.

[0069] The controller 130 is communicably connected to the camera 120 and is configured to generate commands for the camera 120 to capture an image of the lateral flow stick 110 at a predetermined period after the time when the milk sample / liquid sample is applied to the lateral flow stick 110.

[0070] FIG. 2A illustrates the lateral flow stick 110 as viewed from a side view, and FIG. 2B illustrates the lateral flow stick 110 as viewed from above.

[0071] The lateral flow stick 110 may include a backplate 220 that may be made of cardboard, paper, or a similar material. The backplate 220 may form a base on which other components of the lateral flow stick 110 may be mounted.

[0072] The lateral flow stick 110 includes a sample pad 210. The sample pad 210 is a part of the lateral flow stick 110 to which the milk sample / liquid sample is applied by the needle 150. The sample pad 210 may include a porous structure that enables capillary flow, such as cellulose fibers and / or woven mesh.

[0073] The lateral flow stick 110 comprises a conjugate pad 230 containing a conjugate 270. The conjugate 270 may contain antibody-treated gold particles that are dispersed in milk when the milk sample / liquid sample flows from the sample pad 210 through the conjugate pad 230.

[0074] The conjugate 270 will react with the biomarker to be measured, for example, progesterone in the milk of the applied liquid sample.

[0075] Therefore, the conjugate 270 can be embedded within the conjugate pad 230 which may comprise the glass fiber portion of the lateral flow stick 110. Alternatively, the conjugate pad 230 may comprise cellulose and / or surface-modified polyester.

[0076] Also, the lateral flow stick 110 may include a display zone 250 configured to indicate the biomarker of the milk sample / liquid sample based on the conjugate 270. The lateral flow stick 110 may further comprise a porous membrane 240 for receiving the capillary flow of the milk sample / liquid sample from the conjugate pad 230, thereby sending the conjugate 270 dispersed in the milk sample / liquid sample to the display zone 250.

[0077] The porous membrane 240 may include, in different embodiments, for example, a nitrocellulose membrane, cellulose, glass fiber, polyester, rayon, polymer, glass fiber, woven fiber, non-woven fiber, chromatography gel membrane, diatomaceous earth, silica gel, silicon oxide, kieselguhr, or other filtration membranes. The porous membrane 240 may be designed to increase the capillary pumping rate of the liquid through the lateral flow stick 110. The display zone 250 of the porous membrane 240 may comprise a test line 251 and a control line 252.

[0078] The test line 251 can be treated with a biomarker standard such as a progesterone standard that binds to the antibody-treated gold particles of the milk sample, thereby changing the color of the test line 251 when exposed to milk containing a progesterone level lower than the threshold limit. Thus, the test line 251 can change color to red / reddish when there is no or low progesterone level in the milk. When the animal 101 is in heat, the progesterone level in the milk sample is almost zero. This color change can then be detected by the camera 120, reported to the farmer, and / or stored in a database and associated with the identity and / or time reference of the animal 101. This can also trigger, for example, the scheduling of insemination of the animal 101 (when the biomarker is progesterone), or the scheduling of veterinary examinations (in the case of another biomarker).

[0079] The control line 252 of the display zone 250 of the porous membrane 240 can be treated with an antibody standard that binds to the antibody-standard-treated gold particles regardless of the progesterone level in the milk, thereby changing the color of the control line 252 when exposed to milk containing the antibody-standard-treated gold particles.

[0080] Thus, when the control line 252 has changed color but the test line 251 has not, typically the milk sample / liquid sample has been applied correctly and the conjugate 270 is dispersed in the milk sample / liquid sample, but since the animal 101 is not in heat, the progesterone level in the milk of the animal 101 is lower than the threshold limit, whereby it is interpreted that the test line 251 does not change color.

[0081] However, when the control line 252 does not change color when the milk sample / liquid sample is applied after the incubation time, the reason can be a malfunction of either the lateral flow stick 110 or the milk dispensing device 105. The incubation time can be, for example, about 2 - 5 minutes.

[0082] The lateral flow stick 110 may include an absorption pad 260. The absorption pad 260 may include an absorbent configured to absorb excess milk / liquid from the porous membrane 240.

[0083] FIG. 3 illustrates an image 300 of the lateral flow stick 110 captured by the camera 120.

[0084] The controller 130 is configured to generate commands for the camera 120 to capture the image 300 at a predetermined period after the time when the liquid sample is applied to the lateral flow stick 110 via the needle 150.

[0085] The predetermined period after the time when the liquid sample is applied to the lateral flow stick 110 may be shorter than the time required for the liquid sample to be propagated by capillary flow from the sample pad 210 through the conjugate pad 230 and the porous membrane 240 to the display zone 250 of the lateral flow stick 110. The predetermined period may be, for example, 1 to 30 seconds, such as 6 seconds. Then, the controller 130 receives the captured image 300 from the camera 120.

[0086] The time required for the liquid sample to be propagated by capillary flow from the sample pad 210 through the conjugate pad 230 and the porous membrane 240 to the display zone 250 of the lateral flow stick 110 may be quite long, for example, 2 to 5 minutes, including the incubation time necessary to ensure that the inspection line 251 and / or the control line 252 in the display zone 250 have sufficient time to change color due to the influence of the conjugate 270 dispersed in the milk sample / liquid sample.

[0087] Controller 130 is configured to define a first region 310 of the image 300 of the lateral flow stick 110. The first region 310 substantially depicts a sub-section of the porous membrane 240 upstream of the display zone 250. Upstream in this context means the liquid flow direction of the applied liquid sample along the longitudinal extension of the lateral flow stick 110. Next, image processing is applied to the first region 310 of the image 300. Controller 130 is also configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device 105 or the lateral flow stick 110 based on the applied image processing.

[0088] Controller 130 may be configured to perform image processing by color or grayscale analysis of the first region 310, and the camera 120 may be capable of capturing either a color image or a grayscale image.

[0089] Controller 130 may also be configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device 105 by performing image processing and comparing the color or grayscale coloration on the first region 310 of the captured image 300 with a reference color or grayscale coloration.

[0090] The reference color or grayscale coloration may be obtained from a first image of the first region 310 captured before applying the liquid sample to the sample pad 210, i.e., a previously captured image. In other embodiments, the reference color or grayscale coloration may be obtained from a database or memory.

[0091] Controller 130 may also be configured to define a second region 320 of the image 300 of the lateral flow stick 110 and substantially depict a sub-section of the conjugate pad 230.

[0092] The controller 130 may be configured to estimate the color or grayscale shade of the conjugate pad 230 on the first region 310 by comparing the color or grayscale shade of the first region 310 with the color or grayscale shade of the second region 320. Further, the controller 130 may be configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device 105 and / or the lateral flow stick 110 based on the comparison between the color or grayscale shade of the first region 310 and the color or grayscale shade of the second region 320.

[0093] The second region 320 of the image 300 substantially covers a sub-section of the region of the lateral flow stick 110 covering the conjugate pad 230 containing the conjugate 270, while the first region 310 of the image 300 substantially covers the region of a sub-section of the porous membrane 240 upstream of the display zone 250 in the liquid flow direction.

[0094] By comparing the color or grayscale shade of the second region 320 with the color or grayscale shade of the first region 310, the release of the conjugate 270 by the milk sample, or the failure of the release of the conjugate 270 by the milk sample, is respectively detected by the image processing of the controller 130.

[0095] In some embodiments, the controller 130 may be configured to repeatedly generate commands for the camera 120 to capture an image 300 of the lateral flow stick 110, for example, at regular time intervals. The controller 130 may then receive the captured image 300 from the camera 120 together with their respective timestamps. For example, four images 300 may be captured, such as a first image 1 second before (t - 1) applying the liquid sample (t), a second image 6 seconds after (t + 6) applying the liquid sample, a third image 12 seconds after (t + 12) applying the liquid sample, and a fourth image 18 seconds after (t + 18) applying the liquid sample.

[0096] Next, the evaluation of the performance of the milk dispensing device 105 and / or the lateral flow stick 110 by the image processing and the controller 130 can be obtained based on the comparison of the captured images 300.

[0097] A number of images 300 enable the detection of the conjugate 270 flowing through the lateral flow stick 110 by comparing the changes in color or grayscale color in different images 300 taken at different instants.

[0098] The controller 130 may also be configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device 105 and / or the lateral flow stick 110 by generating a first index value based on the color or grayscale analysis of the first region 310 and / or the second region 320.

[0099] The first index value or dosage index may indicate the success of the application of the liquid sample to the sample pad 210, the success of the capillary flow of the liquid along the longitudinal extension of the porous membrane 240, and / or the release of the conjugate 270 from the conjugate pad 230 to the liquid sample. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first index value may be scaled, for example, between -100 and 100.

[0100] The controller 130 may also be configured to define a third region 330 of the image 300 of the lateral flow stick 110 and substantially depict a second sub-section of the porous membrane 240. In some embodiments, the third region 330 may at least partially overlap with the first region 310 and / or the second region 320. The third region 330 may also be larger than the first region 310 and / or the second region 320. Preferably, the third region 330 may include at least one lateral edge of the lateral flow stick 110.

[0101] By applying image analysis for determining intensity in grayscale close to the lateral edge of the lateral flow stick 110, it can be determined that the milk sample / liquid sample has propagated up to the lateral edge of the lateral flow stick 110, thereby ensuring a rich flow.

[0102] The controller 130 may define a third region 330 of the image 300 when the performance evaluation of the milk dispensing device 105 and / or the lateral flow stick 110 indicates capillary flow of milk / liquid through the porous membrane 240 and when the diluent is mixed with the milk to form a liquid sample.

[0103] FIG. 4 illustrates some details of the apparatus 100 such as the controller 130, the camera 120, and the light source 160.

[0104] The light source 160, which may be communicably connected to the controller 130, may be directed to illuminate the lateral flow stick 110 when the image 300 is captured.

[0105] Next, the controller 130 may apply image processing to the third region 330 of the image 300 when the third region 330 of the image 300 of the lateral flow stick 110 is defined.

[0106] The image processing performed by the controller 130 on the third region 330 may include an estimation of the reflection and / or absorption of light from the light source 160 made by a portion of the surface of the lateral flow stick 110 within the third region 330 of the image 300.

[0107] The reflection and / or absorption of light can be estimated by grayscale analysis of the third region 330, and the intensity in the grayscale of the third region 330 can be compared with a reference grayscale. Different nuances of the reference grayscale can be associated with different levels of light reflection and / or absorption, and / or a second index value or milk index. The intensity in the grayscale of the image 300 can be compared with the reference grayscale, and different grayscale shades are associated with different grayscales. Generally, the darker the grayscale shade of the third region 330, the more milk is contained in the liquid sample relative to the diluent.

[0108] In addition, the controller 130 can be configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device 105 and / or the lateral flow stick 110 based on the estimated reflection and / or absorption of light of the lateral flow stick 110 in the third region 330 of the image 300.

[0109] The purpose of estimating the reflection and / or absorption of light of the lateral flow stick 110 is to evaluate whether the liquid sample contains a sufficient amount of milk to perform a reliable lateral flow test. Since milk is an emulsion or colloid of milk fat globules in an aqueous fluid, the reflection of light on the surface of the lateral flow stick 110 will be different when the liquid sample contains only the diluent or too little milk. In this context, too little milk means that the mixing ratio of the milk liquid sample and the diluent has a milk content that is less than a threshold level.

[0110] The controller 130 can generate a second index value, i.e., a milk index, indicating the amount of milk in the mixture of milk and diluent in the liquid sample. The second index value can have a value, for example, between 0 and 100, where 0 means no milk in the liquid sample and 100 means no diluent in the liquid sample (i.e., only milk). Thereby, the performance of the milk dispensing device 105 and / or the lateral flow stick 110 can be performed by the controller 130 based on the second index value.

[0111] The controller 130 may also be configured to perform actions to improve the performance of the milk dispensing device 105 and / or the lateral flow stick 110 based on the applied image processing. When the first index value and / or the second index value is generated, the action may be triggered when the first index value and / or the second index value is lower than a predetermined trigger value.

[0112] Actions to be performed may include, for example, adjusting the length of the incubation time for lateral flow measurement, discarding the lateral flow stick, and / or cleaning at least some elements of the milk dispensing device 105 such as hoses and / or pumps, and / or flushing the needle 150.

[0113] If the evaluated performance of the lateral flow stick 110 leads to the conclusion that the milk dispensing device 105 and / or the lateral flow stick 110 is malfunctioning based on the applied image processing, the lateral flow stick may be discarded. In some cases, the farmer may also be warned via a warning device.

[0114] If the evaluated performance of the lateral flow stick 110 leads to the conclusion that the milk dispensing device 105 did not provide a liquid sample to the lateral flow stick 110 based on the applied image processing, a cleaning action may be triggered. The cleaning action may include cleaning at least some elements of the milk dispensing device 105 such as hoses and / or pumps, and / or flushing the needle 150.

[0115] In some further embodiments, the action may include discarding the results of the liquid sample. The action may also include applying a new liquid sample containing milk from the same animal 101 as the discarded liquid sample and applied to a new lateral flow stick 110.

[0116] Therefore, the new lateral flow measurement can be performed using milk from the same animal 101 as early as within a few seconds, for example, within 5 - 10 seconds, after applying the first / previous liquid sample.

[0117] At least one embodiment, or a portion thereof, illustrated in FIG. 1, FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3, and / or FIG. 4 can advantageously be combined with each other to achieve further benefits.

[0118] The terms used in the description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the apparatus 100 being described. Various changes, substitutions, and / or modifications can be made without departing from the embodiments of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0119] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term "or" as used herein, unless otherwise specified, shall be construed as a mathematical OR, i.e., an inclusive disjunction, and shall not be construed as a mathematical exclusive OR (XOR). In addition, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" shall be construed as "at least one" unless otherwise specified, and thus may in some cases include a plurality of entities of the same kind. The terms "includes", "comprises", "including", and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the stated features, actions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but it is further understood that they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, actions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. For example, a single unit, such as a processor, may perform the functions of several items recited in the claims. The fact that certain measures or features are recited in mutually different dependent claims, illustrated in different figures, or considered in connection with different embodiments does not by itself indicate that a combination of these measures or features cannot be used advantageously. A computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium, supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems.

Claims

1. The apparatus (100) is configured to evaluate the performance of a milk dispensing device (105) and / or a lateral flow stick (110), and the apparatus (100) is The lateral flow stick (110) is configured to indicate a biomarker in a liquid sample containing a milk sample extracted from an animal (101) by lateral flow measurement, and the lateral flow stick (110) is configured A sample pad (210) for receiving the liquid sample, A conjugate pad (230) including a conjugate (270), Based on the conjugate (270), a display zone (250) is configured to show the biomarker of the liquid sample, The lateral flow stick (110) comprises a porous membrane (240) for receiving the capillary flow of the liquid sample from the conjugate pad (230) and thereby delivering the conjugate (270) dispersed in the liquid sample to the display zone (250), The milk dispensing device (105) is as follows: Obtaining a milk sample from the aforementioned animal (101), The milk dispensing device (105) is configured to apply the liquid sample containing the milk sample to the sample pad (210) of the lateral flow stick (110), A camera (120) oriented to capture an image (300) of the lateral flow stick (110), A controller (130) is connected to the camera (120) in a communicative manner, and the controller (130) is A command is generated to the camera (120) to capture an image (300) of the lateral flow stick (110) during a predetermined period after the liquid sample is applied to the lateral flow stick (110), Receiving the image (300) captured from the camera (120), To define a first region (310) of the image (300) of the lateral flow stick (110), and to substantially depict a subsection of the porous membrane (240) upstream of the display zone (250) in the liquid flow direction of the applied liquid sample along the longitudinal extension of the lateral flow stick, Applying image processing to the first region (310) of the image (300), An apparatus (100) comprising a controller (130) configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device (105) or the lateral flow stick (110) based on the applied image processing.

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (130) is configured to perform the image processing by color or grayscale analysis of the first region (310).

3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller (130) is configured to perform the image processing and evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device (105) by comparing the color or grayscale hue on the first region (310) of the acquired image (300) with a reference color or grayscale hue.

4. The apparatus (100) according to claim 3, wherein the reference color or grayscale hue is obtained from a first image of the first region (310) captured before the liquid sample is applied to the sample pad (210).

5. The controller (130) is To define a second region (320) of the image (300) of the lateral flow stick (110) and to substantially depict a subsection of the conjugate pad (230), The color or grayscale hue of the conjugate pad (230) on the first region (310) is estimated by comparing the color or grayscale hue of the first region (310) with the color or grayscale hue of the second region (320), The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device (105) and / or the lateral flow stick (110) based on a comparison between the color or grayscale hue of the first region (310) and the color or grayscale hue of the second region (320).

6. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined period after the time at which the liquid sample is applied to the lateral flow stick (110) is shorter than the time required for the liquid sample to propagate by capillary flow from the sample pad (210) through the conjugate pad (230) and the porous membrane (240) to the display zone (250) of the lateral flow stick (110), in addition to the incubation time before the results are displayed by the display zone (250).

7. The controller (130) is To generate a command to the camera (120) to capture the image (300) of the lateral flow stick (110), The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, configured to repeatedly receive the captured images (300) from the camera (120) along with their respective timestamps, wherein the image processing and the evaluation of the performance of the milk dispensing device (105) and / or the lateral flow stick (110) are based on the comparison of the captured images (300).

8. The apparatus (100) according to claim 2, wherein the controller (130) is configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispenser (105) and / or the lateral flow stick (110) by generating a first index value based on the color or grayscale analysis of the first region (310), the first index value indicating the success of the application of the liquid sample to the sample pad (210), the success of the capillary flow of the liquid along the longitudinal extension of the porous membrane (240), and / or the release of the conjugate (270) from the conjugate pad (230) to the liquid sample.

9. The milk dispensing device (105) is configured to prepare the liquid sample by mixing the acquired milk sample with a diluent before applying the liquid sample to the sample pad (210) of the lateral flow stick (110), with the light source (160) directed to illuminate the lateral flow stick (110) when the image (300) is captured. The controller (130) when the evaluation of the performance of the milk dispensing device (105) indicates capillary flow of the liquid through the porous membrane (240), To define the third region (330) of the image (300) of the lateral flow stick (110) and to substantially depict the second subsection of the porous membrane (240), Applying image processing to the third region (330) of the image (300), The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing apparatus (105) based on the applied image processing.

10. The apparatus (100) according to claim 9, wherein the third region (330) of the image (300) of the lateral flow stick (110) includes at least one lateral edge of the lateral flow stick (110).

11. The controller (130) is The grayscale analysis of the third region (330) involves applying image processing to the third region (330) of the image (300) and comparing the intensity of the grayscale in the third region (330) with a reference grayscale. The apparatus (100) according to claim 9, configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device (105) based on the grayscale analysis of the third region (330) of the image (300).

12. The apparatus (100) according to claim 9, wherein the controller (130) is configured to evaluate the performance of the milk dispensing device (105) by generating a second index value indicating the amount of milk in the mixture of milk and diluent in the liquid sample.

13. The controller (130) is The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, configured to perform actions to improve the performance of the milk dispensing device (105) and / or the lateral flow stick (110) based on the applied image processing.

14. The apparatus (100) according to claim 13, wherein the action includes one of adjusting the length of incubation time for lateral flow measurement, discarding the lateral flow stick (110), and / or cleaning at least some elements of the milk dispensing device (105), such as a hose and / or pump, and / or rinsing the needle (150) with a diluent.

15. The aforementioned Action is, Discard the results of the aforementioned liquid sample, The apparatus (100) according to claim 13, comprising applying a new liquid sample containing milk, which is derived from the same animal (101) as the discarded liquid sample, and which is applied to a new lateral flow stick (110).

Images