Identification of cuvettes for measuring light scattering of samples

Abstract

The present disclosure describes an apparatus, method, system, and computer program product for identifying a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one sensor configured to detect at least one geometric feature of the cuvette and an insulating block configured to maintain a temperature of the at least one sensor within an operating temperature range of the at least one sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, the method, system, and computer program product include receiving a first set of signals from a first sensor directed at the cuvette, receiving a second set of signals from a second sensor directed at the cuvette, and performing a set of logical operations to detect the geometric feature of the cuvette.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 964,907, filed October 12, 2022, and entitled "Identifying a Cuvette for Measuring Light Scattering of a Sample," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to light scattering, and more particularly to identifying a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure describes an apparatus, computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for identifying a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) at least one sensor configured to detect at least one geometric feature of the cuvette, the cuvette configured to receive a sample, the at least one sensor located a distance from a receptacle configured to receive the cuvette; and (2) an insulating block configured to maintain a temperature of the at least one sensor within an operating temperature range of the at least one sensor. In exemplary embodiments, a computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product includes: (1) receiving, by a computer system, a first set of signals from a first sensor directed at a cuvette, the cuvette configured to contain a sample; (2) receiving, by the computer system, a second set of signals from a second sensor directed at the cuvette; and (3) performing, by the computer system, a set of logical operations to detect a geometric feature of the cuvette in response to at least one of: (a) values ​​of the first set of signals exceeding a first sensor threshold of the first sensor, (b) values ​​of the second set of signals exceeding a second sensor threshold of the second sensor, and (c) values ​​of the first set of signals exceeding the first sensor threshold and values ​​of the second set of signals exceeding the second sensor threshold. In exemplary embodiments, the device includes at least one camera directed at the cuvette and configured to identify the cuvette. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a prior art device. [Figure 1B] 1 shows a prior art cuvette. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a flowchart in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4A] 1 shows an apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] 1 shows an apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates a cuvette detection scheme according to an embodiment. [Figure 5B] 1 shows a graph according to an embodiment. [Figure 5C] 1 shows data according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a computer system according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present disclosure describes an apparatus, computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for identifying a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) at least one sensor configured to detect at least one geometric feature of the cuvette, the cuvette configured to receive a sample, the at least one sensor located a distance from a receptacle configured to receive the cuvette; and (2) an insulating block configured to maintain a temperature of the at least one sensor within an operating temperature range of the at least one sensor. In an embodiment, the distance is in the range of 2 mm to 30 mm. For example, the distance may be in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm. As the distance decreases, the sensitivity of the sensor increases, but the area sensed by the sensor decreases. In an embodiment, the distance is greater than 30 mm when the sensor is aimed at the light pipe / light channel. In an embodiment, the distance is 16.5 mm. In an embodiment, the temperature range is -40°C to 120°C. For example, the temperature range may be -10°C to 120°C. In an embodiment, the temperature range is -40°C to 120°C, as long as there is no condensation adjacent to the sensor.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer program products include: (1) receiving, by a computer system, a first set of signals from a first sensor directed at a cuvette, the cuvette configured to contain a sample; (2) receiving, by the computer system, a second set of signals from a second sensor directed at the cuvette; and (3) performing, by the computer system, a set of logical operations to detect a geometric feature of the cuvette in response to at least one of: (a) values ​​of the first set of signals that exceed a first sensor threshold of the first sensor; (b) values ​​of the second set of signals that exceed a second sensor threshold of the second sensor; and (c) values ​​of the first set of signals that exceed the first sensor threshold and values ​​of the second set of signals that exceed the second sensor threshold. In embodiments, the signals of the first set of signals are a function of an angle of a surface of the cuvette relative to the first sensor, a reflectivity of the cuvette, and a distance from the first sensor to the cuvette. In an embodiment, the signal of the second set of signals is a function of the angle of the surface of the cuvette relative to the second sensor, the reflectivity of the cuvette, and the distance of the cuvette from the second sensor.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes at least one camera pointed at the cuvette and configured to identify the cuvette. For example, the camera may be a barcode reader. In an embodiment, the at least one camera is configured to identify at least one geometric feature of the cuvette. In an embodiment, the at least one camera is configured to read a barcode image associated with the cuvette.

[0008] In embodiments, an apparatus, computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product identifies cuvette type in a light scattering instrument based on a proximity-based non-contact sensor.

[0009] definition particle Particles can be components of an aliquot of a liquid sample. Such particles can be molecules, nanoparticles, virus-like particles, liposomes, emulsions, bacteria, and colloids of various types and sizes. These particles can range in size from nanometers to microns.

[0010] Analysis of polymer or particle species in solution Analysis of macromolecular or particle species in solution can be accomplished by preparing the sample in an appropriate solvent and then injecting an aliquot thereof into a separation system such as a liquid chromatography (LC) column or field flow fractionation (FFF) channel, where different particle species contained within the sample are separated into their various components. Generally, once separated based on size, mass, or column affinity, the sample can be subjected to analysis by light scattering, refractive index, ultraviolet absorbance, electrophoretic mobility, and viscosity response.

[0011] light scattering Light scattering (LS) is a non-invasive technique for characterizing macromolecules and a wide range of particles in solution. Two types of light scattering detection frequently used to characterize macromolecules are static light scattering and dynamic light scattering.

[0012] Dynamic Light Scattering Dynamic light scattering is also known as quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS) and photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS). DLS experiments use a high-speed photodetector to measure the time-dependent fluctuations of the scattered light signal. DLS measurements determine the diffusion coefficient of molecules or particles, which can then be used to calculate their hydrodynamic radius.

[0013] static light scattering Static light scattering (SLS) includes a variety of techniques, such as single-angle light scattering (SALS), dual-angle light scattering (DALS), low-angle light scattering (LALS), and multi-angle light scattering (MALS). SLS experiments generally involve measuring the absolute intensity of light scattered from a sample in solution illuminated by a narrow beam of light. Such measurements are often used to determine the size and structure of sample molecules or particles, and, when combined with knowledge of the sample concentration, to determine the weight-average molar mass for an appropriate class of particles / molecules. Additionally, the nonlinearity of the scattered light intensity as a function of sample concentration can be used to measure interparticle interactions and associations.

[0014] Multi-angle light scattering Multi-angle light scattering (MALS) is an SLS technique for measuring light scattered at multiple angles by a sample. It is used to determine both the absolute molar mass and average size of molecules in solution by detecting how the molecules scatter light. Collimated light from a laser source is most often used, in which case the technique can be referred to as multiangle laser light scattering (MALLS). The term "multiangle" refers to the detection of scattered light at different, discrete angles, measured, for example, by a single detector moved over a range that includes a selected specific angle, or by an array of detectors fixed at specific angular positions.

[0015] MALS measurements require a set of auxiliary elements. The most important of these is a collimated or focused light beam (usually from a laser source producing a parallel beam of monochromatic light) that illuminates an area of ​​the sample. The beam is generally plane polarized perpendicular to the measurement plane, although other polarizations can be used, particularly when studying anisotropic particles. Another necessary element is an optical cell to hold the sample being measured. Alternatively, cells incorporating means that allow for measurement of a flowing sample can be used. If one wishes to measure the scattering properties of single particles, one must provide a means to introduce such particles one by one through the light beam at points approximately equidistant from the surrounding detectors.

[0016] Most MALS-based measurements are performed in a plane with a set of detectors typically equidistant from the sample, located at the center through which the illumination beam passes; however, three-dimensional versions have also been developed, in which the detectors are on the surface of a sphere and the sample is controlled to pass through the center of the sphere, where it intersects the path of an incident light beam passing along the diameter of the sphere. MALS techniques generally collect multiplexed data sequentially from the outputs of a set of discrete detectors. MALS light scattering photometers generally have multiple detectors.

[0017] Because different detectors within a MALS detector (i) may have slightly different quantum efficiencies and different gains, and (ii) may view different geometric scattering volumes, it may be necessary to normalize the signals captured by the photodetectors of the MALS detector at each angle. Without normalizing for these differences, the results of the MALS detector may be meaningless and improperly weighted for different detector angles.

[0018] Current Technology Current technology, such as that shown in Figures 1A and 1B of the prior art, allows a cuvette to be placed in a receptacle within an instrument such as that shown in Figure 1A. The cuvette and sample are then exposed to (a) a low-power laser beam, which allows various properties of the sample to be inferred based on scattered light measured by several detectors arranged around the cuvette receptacle, and (b) a wide temperature range (-10 °C to 120 °C). Because samples inserted into the cuvette can be prepared in corrosive solvents such as salt water or toluene, current technology has a reasonable probability of spillage occurring within the receptacle. Current technology can result in inaccurate measurements of sample properties due to the need for good positioning accuracy (approximately 10 microns) of the cuvette within the receptacle. Therefore, it is necessary to identify a cuvette for measuring the light scattering of a sample so that it satisfies the following constraints: (1) withstands the entire temperature range (-10 to 120°C), (2) can withstand accidental condensation events (if the user supplies incompatible "dry" gas during cooling), (3) does not interfere with cuvette positioning, (4) does not interfere with light scattering measurements (does not generate stray light during measurements), (5) withstands accidental spills of potentially corrosive solvents, (6) is highly reliable as the temperature limit fail-safe depends on accurate detection of the cuvette type (plastic disposable cuvettes have a lower high temperature limit), (7) is low cost, (8) is manufacturable, and (9) is practical.

[0019] Device 2, in an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) at least one sensor 210 configured to detect at least one geometric feature of a cuvette, the cuvette configured to receive a sample, the at least one sensor 210 located a distance from a receptacle 212 configured to receive the cuvette; and (2) an insulating block 214 configured to maintain a temperature of the at least one sensor 210 within an operating temperature range of the at least one sensor 210. In an embodiment, the sensor 210 is located a distance from the receptacle 212 because the receptacle 212 may reach a temperature that exceeds the operating temperature range of the sensor 210.

[0020] Sensor In embodiments, at least one sensor 210 includes an optical sensor. For example, at least one sensor 210 may be an optical sensor. In embodiments, the optical sensor does not rely on the reflectivity of the cuvette. In embodiments, the optical sensor collects a fixed amount of return signal for each type of cuvette. For example, the optical sensor may be an infrared sensor or a laser. In embodiments, the optical sensor is directed at at least one geometric feature. For example, the optical sensor may be a line-of-sight sensor (e.g., an infrared (IR) sensor, a laser). In another example, the optical sensor may be directed at a light pipe (e.g., an optical fiber), in which case the optical sensor is not a line-of-sight sensor. In embodiments, the sensor 210 is completely contactless, so the sensor 210 does not interfere with cuvette positioning. For example, if the sensor 210 is contactless and located sufficiently far from the internal core of the device, the possibility of fluid / sample spills reaching the sensor 210 can be eliminated. Also, for example, because the device has no moving mechanical parts, the sensor 210 can be very reliable. In addition, sensors with limited capabilities can be relatively inexpensive (approximately $2 each by volume).

[0021] mode In an embodiment, at least one sensor 210 is configured not to operate during light scattering (LS) measurements of the sample. For example, if the sensor 210 is an IR sensor, the IR sensor is turned off during the light scattering measurements of the sample to prevent IR radiation from the IR sensor from interfering with the LS measurements. In an embodiment, the sensor can be completely turned off during the measurements, thereby not emitting stray light in its off state during the LS measurements. For example, if each sensor 210 in the array is used as an ON / OFF sensor, small reflectance variations between cuvettes may have little effect on the final sample measurement.

[0022] Optical Channel In an embodiment, at least one sensor 210 is in a light channel 220 directed toward the at least one feature, as shown in FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor is adjacent to the light channel directed toward the at least one feature. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor is adjacent to a light pipe directed toward the at least one feature. For example, the light pipe may be an optical fiber.

[0023] Leakage Channel 4A and 4B, in an embodiment, the receptacle includes at least one leakage channel 410 configured to collect leaked fluid and direct the leaked fluid to waste. For example, the leaked fluid may be fluid that has leaked from the device. In an embodiment, the leakage channel 410 may help divert spilled contents away from the sensor 210.

[0024] printed circuit board 2 , in an embodiment, at least one sensor 210 is mounted on a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). For example, the sensor 210 is a surface-mount sensor that can be mounted on the printed circuit board assembly 230. In an embodiment, the printed circuit board assembly 230 includes a conformal coating to prevent moisture from damaging the electronics within the at least one sensor 210. For example, the conformal coating can be an environmental moisture barrier that prevents a humid environment from condensing within the cuvette and damaging the electronics within the sensor 210.

[0025] In an embodiment, the printed circuit board assembly 230 further includes a relative humidity (RH) sensor for detecting humidity levels above a threshold. For example, the RH sensor can protect the device and / or equipment containing the device from condensation.

[0026] In an embodiment, printed circuit board assembly 230 is connected to insulating block 214. For example, printed circuit board assembly 230 can be removed from the optical bench, including receptacle 212, without disturbing the optical alignment of the optical bench. Because sensor 210 is a non-contact sensor, insulating block 214 can be removed without disturbing the optical alignment of the optical bench.

[0027] In an embodiment, the sensor array 210 on the printed circuit board assembly 230 is mounted to the receptacle 212 using a thermal insulator 214, thereby allowing the device to withstand the entire temperature range (-10°C to 120°C). Using a sufficiently thick insulating block and air gap, the temperature of the proximity sensor 210 can be kept within its operating temperature limits. Furthermore, because cuvette detection is only needed when a cuvette is installed / removed (at room temperature), the sensor 210 can also be turned off during heating / cooling of the instrument.

[0028] In an embodiment, the printed circuit board assembly 230 is protected from condensation by a conformal coating. Additionally, the printed circuit board assembly 230 may also include an RH sensor that can provide further protection against the occurrence of a condensation event by detecting an incompatible "dry" gas supply before cooling begins. Furthermore, for example, the printed circuit board assembly 230 can be easily removed from the internal chamber of the device without affecting the optical alignment of the device, thereby avoiding the need to spend time fixing the optical alignment of the device.

[0029] Methods, systems, and computer program products In exemplary embodiments, the computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product are configured to perform operation 310 of receiving, by a computer system, a first set of signals from a first sensor directed to a cuvette configured to contain a sample, operation 312 of receiving, by the computer system, a second set of signals from a second sensor directed to the cuvette, and operation 314 of performing, by the computer system, a set of logical operations to detect a geometric characteristic of the cuvette in response to at least one of: (a) values ​​of the first set of signals that exceed a first sensor threshold of the first sensor, (b) values ​​of the second set of signals that exceed a second sensor threshold of the second sensor, and (c) values ​​of the first set of signals that exceed the first sensor threshold and values ​​of the second set of signals that exceed the second sensor threshold (e.g., COTS (1 unit)). In an embodiment, the set of signals is a binary reading / number.

[0030] In exemplary embodiments, the computer system is a standalone computer system such as computer system 600 shown in FIG. 6 , a network of distributed computers in which at least some of the computers are computer systems such as computer system 600 shown in FIG. 6 , or a cloud computing node server such as computer system 600 shown in FIG. 6 . In an embodiment, the computer system is computer system 600 as shown in FIG. 6 that executes a script to identify a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample, or a computer software application that performs at least the operations of method 300. In an embodiment, the computer system is computer system / server 612 as shown in FIG. 6 that executes a script to identify a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample, or a computer software application that performs at least the operations of method 300. In an embodiment, the computer system is processing unit 616 as shown in FIG. 6 that executes a script to identify a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample, or a computer software application that performs at least the operations of method 300. In an embodiment, the computer system is machine learning computer software / program / algorithm that executes a script to identify a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample, or a computer software application that performs at least the operations of method 300.

[0031] In an embodiment, the computer system is computer system 600 as shown in Figure 6 that executes a script to identify a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample, or a computer software application that performs at least operations 310, 312, and 314. In an embodiment, the computer system is computer system / server 612 as shown in Figure 6 that executes a script to identify a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample, or a computer software application that performs at least operations 310, 312, and 314. In an embodiment, the computer system is processing unit 616 as shown in Figure 6 that executes a script to identify a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample, or a computer software application that performs at least operations 310, 312, and 314. [Example]

[0032] For example, as shown in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C, (a) a first set of signal 520 values ​​exceeding a first sensor threshold 510 of a first sensor of 450 electron counts may indicate the detection of a disposable cuvette or a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cuvette. Also, as shown in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C, a second set of signal 522 values ​​exceeding a second sensor threshold 512 of a second sensor of 310 electron counts may indicate the detection of a COTS cuvette or a quartz cuvette. Additionally, with reference to Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C, a first set of signal 520 value exceeding a first sensor threshold 510 of 450 electron counts and a second set of signal 522 value exceeding a second sensor threshold 512 of 310 electron counts may indicate the detection of a COTS cuvette. For example, using n sensors, n In embodiments, the apparatus, computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product use an array of proximity sensors 210 that selectively trigger based on features on the cuvette they detect (based on shape), as shown in FIG.

[0033] Computer Systems In an exemplary embodiment, the computer system is computer system 600 as shown in Figure 6. Computer system 600 is merely one example of a computer system and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the present invention. In any event, computer system 600 is implemented and / or capable of performing any of the functions / operations of the present invention.

[0034] Computer system 600 includes a computer system / server 612 that is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that may be suitable for use with computer system / server 612 include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices.

[0035] The computer system / server 612 may be described in the general context of computer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, and / or data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The computer system / server 612 may be practiced in a distributed cloud computing environment where tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communications network. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer system storage media, including memory storage devices.

[0036] 6, computer system / server 612 in computer system 600 is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. Components of computer system / server 612 may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 616, a system memory 628, and a bus 618 that couples various system components including the system memory 628 to the processor 616.

[0037] Bus 618 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a high-speed graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example and not limitation, such architectures include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0038] Computer system / server 612 typically includes a variety of computer system-readable media. Such media can be any available media that is accessible by computer system / server 612 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media.

[0039] The system memory 628 may include computer system-readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 630 and / or cache memory 632. The computer system / server 612 may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, the storage system 634 may be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic medium (not shown, typically referred to as a "hard drive"). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive may be provided for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a "floppy disk"), and an optical disk drive may be provided for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk, such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical medium. In such cases, each may be connected to the bus 618 by one or more data media interfaces. As further depicted and described below, the memory 628 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions / operations of embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] A program / utility 640 having a set (at least one) of program modules 642 may be stored in memory 628, by way of example and not limitation. Exemplary program modules 642 may include an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, or any combination thereof, may comprise an implementation of a network environment. The program modules 642 generally perform the functions and / or methods of embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] The computer system / server 612 may also communicate with one or more external devices 614, such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 624, one or more devices that allow a user to interact with the computer system / server 612, and / or any device (e.g., a network card, a modem, etc.) that allows the computer system / server 612 to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication may occur via an input / output (I / O) interface 622. Additionally, the computer system / server 612 may communicate with one or more networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet), via a network adapter 620. As depicted, the network adapter 620 communicates with other components of the computer system / server 612 via a bus 618. It should be understood that other hardware and / or software components, not shown, may be used with the computer system / server 612. Examples include, but are not limited to, microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems.

[0042] computer program products The present invention may be a system, a method, and / or a computer program product, which may include one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-readable program instructions that cause a processor to perform aspects of the present invention.

[0043] A computer-readable storage medium may be a tangible device capable of holding and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanically encoded devices such as punch cards or ridge structures in grooves with instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer-readable storage medium, as used herein, should not be construed as being a transitory signal per se, such as an electric wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., a light pulse passing through a fiber optic cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through an electrical wire.

[0044] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to each computing / processing device or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network may include copper transmission cables, optical fiber transmissions, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium in the respective computing / processing device.

[0045] The computer-readable program instructions for carrying out the operations of the present invention may be either assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or source or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or a connection may be made to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, a programmable logic circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) may execute computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer-readable program instructions to customize the electronic circuitry to perform aspects of the present invention.

[0046] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0047] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for performing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored on a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other device to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium on which the instructions are stored comprises a product containing instructions that implement aspects of the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0048] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to generate a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executing on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device perform the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0049] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, including one or more executable instructions for implementing specified logical functions. In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or operations or executes a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0050] The description of various embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used herein have been selected to explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications or technical improvements to technology found in the market, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one sensor configured to detect at least one shape characteristic of the cuvette, the cuvette is configured to contain a sample; the at least one sensor located a distance from a receptacle configured to receive the cuvette; an insulating block configured to maintain a temperature of the at least one sensor within an operating temperature range of the at least one sensor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises an optical sensor.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the optical sensor is aimed at the at least one feature.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the distance is in the range of 2 mm to 30 mm.

5. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the distance is 16.5 mm.

6. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the temperature range is from -40°C to 120°C.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is in an optical channel directed toward the at least one feature.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is adjacent to an optical channel directed toward the at least one feature.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is adjacent to a light pipe directed toward the at least one feature.

10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the receptacle is configured to collect leaked fluid and comprises at least one leak channel configured to direct the leaked fluid to waste.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is configured to be inoperative during light scattering measurements of the sample.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is mounted on a printed circuit board assembly.

13. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the printed circuit board assembly comprises a conformal coating to prevent moisture from damaging electronics within the at least one sensor.

14. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the printed circuit board assembly further comprises a relative humidity sensor for detecting an out-of-bounds humidity level.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the printed circuit board assembly is connected to the insulating block.

16. 1. A method comprising: receiving, by the computer system, a first set of signals from a first sensor directed at the cuvette; the cuvette is configured to receive a sample; receiving, by the computer system, a second set of signals from a second sensor directed toward the cuvette; The computer system values ​​of the first set of signals that exceed a first sensor threshold of the first sensor; values ​​of the second set of signals that exceed a second sensor threshold of the second sensor; and and performing a set of logical operations to detect a shape characteristic of the cuvette in response to at least one of values ​​of the first set of signals exceeding the first sensor threshold and values ​​of the second set of signals exceeding the second sensor threshold.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the signal in the first set of signals is a function of an angle of the surface of the cuvette relative to the first sensor, a reflectivity of the cuvette, and a distance of the first sensor relative to the cuvette.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the signal in the second set of signals is a function of an angle of the surface of the cuvette relative to the second sensor, a reflectivity of the cuvette, and a distance of the second sensor relative to the cuvette.

19. 1. A system comprising: Memory and a processor in communication with the memory, the processor comprising: receiving a first set of signals from a first sensor directed at the cuvette; the cuvette is configured to receive a sample; receiving a second set of signals from a second sensor directed toward the cuvette; values ​​of the first set of signals that exceed a first sensor threshold of the first sensor; values ​​of the second set of signals that exceed a second sensor threshold of the second sensor; and and performing a set of logical operations to detect a shape characteristic of the cuvette in response to at least one of values ​​of the first set of signals exceeding the first sensor threshold and values ​​of the second set of signals exceeding the second sensor threshold.

20. 1. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium having program instructions embodied thereon, the program instructions being executable by a processor to cause the processor to: receiving a first set of signals from a first sensor directed at the cuvette; the cuvette is configured to receive a sample; receiving a second set of signals from a second sensor directed toward the cuvette; values ​​of the first set of signals that exceed a first sensor threshold of the first sensor; values ​​of the second set of signals that exceed a second sensor threshold of the second sensor; and and performing a set of logical operations to detect a shape characteristic of the cuvette in response to at least one of values ​​of the first set of signals exceeding the first sensor threshold and values ​​of the second set of signals exceeding the second sensor threshold.

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