Detection Methods

Abstract

A detection method is suitable for detecting a detection cartridge. A detection cartridge is placed in a device body and located in a detection area inside the device body. At least one image of the detection area is acquired by an image acquisition unit. A judgment unit is configured to determine whether the image acquisition unit functions normally based on the grayscale value of the image. If the image acquisition unit functions normally, the judgment unit determines the detection result based on the portion of the image corresponding to the detection cartridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection method, and in particular to a detection method for using the grayscale value of an image to determine whether the function of an image acquisition unit is normal. Background Art

[0002] Under the limitations of existing influenza detection methods, the detection device must be used to take multiple photos of the detection cartridge inside the device within 0 to 10 minutes of the detection process, and the detection results are judged by the captured images of the specimen reaction area of ​​the detection cartridge. Currently, most influenza detection devices on the market are closed machines that directly display the determined test results on the outside of the machine with simple lights. Therefore, during the detection process, it is impossible to connect an external screen or use an external device to allow medical staff to confirm in real time whether the captured images are normal. Instead, the test results are displayed with lights. However, existing machines occasionally capture abnormal images, and these abnormal images often lead to detection errors and incorrect test results. Summary of the invention

[0003] The invention provides a detection method, which can improve the detection accuracy.

[0004] The detection method of the present invention is suitable for detecting a detection cartridge. The detection method comprises the following steps. A detection cartridge is placed in a device body and located in a detection area inside the device body. At least one image of the detection area is acquired by at least one image acquisition unit. A judgment unit is used to judge whether the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal according to the grayscale value of at least one image. If the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal, the judgment unit is used to judge the detection result according to the part of at least one image corresponding to the detection cartridge.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection cartridge has an identification area and two reaction areas, and acquiring at least one image of the detection area by at least one image acquisition unit includes the following steps: acquiring images of the identification area and one reaction area by one image acquisition unit; and acquiring an image of another reaction area by another image acquisition unit.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection cartridge has an identification area and a reaction area, and acquiring at least one image of the detection area by at least one image acquisition unit includes the following steps: acquiring an image of the identification area by one image acquisition unit and acquiring an image of the reaction area by another image acquisition unit.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection method includes the following steps: Executing a component grayscale value determination step, wherein the component grayscale value determination step determines whether the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal according to the component grayscale value of a component portion of the device body corresponding to each image by a determination unit.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above detection method includes the following steps: If the grayscale value of the part of each image corresponding to the machine component is greater than the machine component grayscale value judgment threshold, then it is judged that the function of at least one image acquisition unit is abnormal. In one embodiment of the present invention, the above detection method includes the following steps: If the grayscale value of the part of each image corresponding to the machine component is less than a machine component grayscale value judgment threshold, then it is judged that the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above detection method includes the following steps: Executing a detection cassette grayscale value determination step, wherein the detection cassette grayscale value determination step determines whether the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal according to the detection cassette grayscale value of the portion of at least one image corresponding to the detection cassette by a determination unit.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above detection method includes the following steps: If the grayscale value of the portion of each image corresponding to the detection cassette is less than a minimum threshold or greater than a maximum threshold, it is determined that the function of at least one image acquisition unit is abnormal. In one embodiment of the present invention, the above detection method includes the following steps: If the grayscale value of the portion of each image corresponding to the detection cassette is greater than the minimum threshold and less than the maximum threshold, it is determined that the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned at least one image includes at least two images, the step of acquiring at least one image of the detection area through at least one image acquisition unit includes executing an image acquisition step, and the step of judging whether the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal through a judgment unit includes executing a grayscale value difference judgment step. The image acquisition step acquires at least two images at a first time point and a second time point respectively through at least one image acquisition unit, and the grayscale value difference judgment step judges whether the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal at the first time point and the second time point based on the difference between the grayscale value of the part of one image corresponding to the detection cartridge and the grayscale value of the part of another image corresponding to the detection cartridge by the judgment unit.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned detection method includes the following steps: If at least one image acquisition unit does not function properly at the first time point and the second time point, the image acquisition step and the grayscale value difference judgment step are performed again. In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned detection method includes the following steps: If at least one image acquisition unit functions properly at the first time point and the second time point, the judgment unit judges the detection result according to the portion corresponding to the detection cassette of at least one image at at least one of the first time point and the second time point.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned detection method includes the following steps. If the at least one image acquisition unit functions normally at the first time point and the second time point, a standard value is obtained according to the grayscale value of the portion of the two images corresponding to the detection cassette. At least another image acquisition step is performed, and at least another image acquisition step obtains at least another image of the detection area at at least a third time point by the at least one image acquisition unit. At least another grayscale value difference judgment step is performed, and at least another grayscale value difference judgment step is performed by the judgment unit to judge whether the at least one image acquisition unit functions normally at at least a third time point according to the difference between the grayscale value of the portion of the at least one image corresponding to the detection cassette and the standard value.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned detection method includes the following steps. If at least one image acquisition unit does not function properly at at least one third time point, at least another image acquisition step and at least another grayscale value difference determination step are performed again. If at least one image acquisition unit functions properly at at least one third time point, the detection result is determined by the determination unit based on the portion of at least one of the images corresponding to the detection cartridge.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned detection method includes the following steps: If the at least one image acquisition unit does not function properly at the first time point and the second time point, a simplified image acquisition step and a simplified judgment step are performed, wherein the simplified image acquisition step acquires at least another image of the detection area at a third time point through the at least one image acquisition unit, and the simplified judgment step determines whether the at least one image acquisition unit selected first at the first time point and the second time point and the third time point function properly based on the difference between the grayscale value of the portion corresponding to the detection cassette of the image selected first at the first time point and the second time point and the grayscale value of the portion corresponding to the detection cassette of the at least another image at the third time point.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above detection method includes the following steps: If the at least one image acquisition unit functions normally at the first time point and the second time point, the determination unit determines the detection result according to the portion of at least one image corresponding to the detection cartridge at at least one of the first time point and the second time point.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above detection method includes the following steps: If the function of the at least one image acquisition unit selected first at the first time point and the second time point and the function of the at least one image acquisition unit at the third time point is not normal, a more simplified judgment step is performed to compare the difference in grayscale values ​​of the image of the image that is not selected first at the first time point and the second time point and the image at the third time point and judge whether the function of the at least one image acquisition unit that is not selected first at the first time point and the second time point and the function of the at least one image acquisition unit at the third time point is normal.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned detection method includes the following steps. If the function of the at least one image acquisition unit selected first at the first time point and the second time point and the third time point is abnormal, the simplified image acquisition step and the simplified judgment step are performed again. If the function of the at least one image acquisition unit selected first at the first time point and the second time point and the third time point is normal, the judgment unit judges the detection result according to the portion corresponding to the detection cartridge of at least one of the at least one image selected first at the first time point and the second time point and at least another image at the third time point.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned detection cartridge has an identification area, and the step of determining whether the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal includes determining whether the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal based on the grayscale value of a portion of at least one image corresponding to at least a portion of the identification area.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned detection cartridge has at least one reaction area and at least one reference symbol adjacent to the at least one reaction area, and the step of determining whether the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal includes determining whether the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal based on the grayscale value of the portion of at least one image corresponding to the at least one reference symbol.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned detection method includes the following steps: executing a component grayscale value judgment step, in which a judgment unit determines whether the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal according to the grayscale value of a component portion of each image corresponding to the device body; and executing a detection cartridge grayscale value judgment step, in which a judgment unit determines whether the function of at least one image acquisition unit is normal according to the grayscale value of a portion of at least one image corresponding to the detection cartridge.

[0022] Based on the above, the present invention determines whether the image acquisition unit functions normally based on the grayscale value of the image acquired by the image acquisition unit, so as to ensure that the judgment unit analyzes normal images, thereby avoiding errors in the analysis results caused by abnormal images acquired by the image acquisition unit. Accordingly, the detection accuracy and efficiency can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram of a detection device.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1Block diagram of the detection device.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a flow chart of a detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5A yes Figure 1 A top view of the detection cassette.

[0028] Figure 5B and Figure 5C The images captured by the image acquisition unit for the detection area are respectively shown.

[0029] Figure 5D and Figure 5E Shown separately Figure 5B and Figure 5C Part of the image.

[0030] Fig. 6A A top view of another detection cassette is shown.

[0031] Figure 6B and Figure 6C The images captured by the image acquisition unit for the detection area are respectively shown.

[0032] Fig.6D Show Figure 6C Part of the image.

[0033] Figure 7 The specific process of the detection method according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 8 The specific process of the detection method according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Fig. 9 The specific process of the detection method according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The specific process of the detection method according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Description of reference numerals:

[0038] 50, 50': Detection cassette

[0039] 50a, 50a': Identification area

[0040] 50b, 50c, 50c': reaction zone

[0041] 50b1, 50c1: Reference symbol

[0042] 50d, 50d': specimen placement area

[0043] 100: Detection device

[0044] 110: Device body

[0045] 110a: Detection area

[0046] 110b: Opening

[0047] 110c: Display interface

[0048] 112: Machine parts

[0049] 120a, 120b: image acquisition unit

[0050] 130: Judgment unit

[0051] D: Insertion direction

[0052] R1~R6: Area

[0053] T1~T4: Time point

[0054] TP: scheduled time length

[0055] S1~S4, S101~S108, S201~S210, S301~S308, S3061~S3066, S30631,

[0056] S30632: Steps DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram of a detection device. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Please refer to the block diagram of the detection device. Figures 1 to 3 , the detection device 100 of this embodiment is, for example, a nucleic acid detection device or other types of biological sample detection devices, suitable for detecting a detection cartridge 50 carrying a biological sample. The detection device 100 includes a device body 110, at least one image acquisition unit (shown as two image acquisition units 120a, 120b) and a judgment unit 130. The interior of the device body 110 has a detection area 110a, that is, an area in the device body 110 for accommodating the detection cartridge 50. The image acquisition units 120a, 120b and the judgment unit 130 are configured in the device body 110. The image acquisition units 120a, 120b are, for example, cameras and are arranged in sequence along an insertion direction D, and the judgment unit 130 is, for example, a control circuit board and is coupled to and controls the image acquisition units 120a, 120b. When the detection cartridge 50 is inserted into the device body 110 through an opening 110b of the device body 110 along the insertion direction D, Figure 1 and Figure 2When the device body 110 is inserted, the detection process can be started.

[0058] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, which may correspond to Figures 1 to 3 The detection device 100 shown. Please refer to Figure 4 , the user can first insert the detection cartridge 50 into the device body 110 and locate it in the detection area 110a inside the device body 110 (step S1). Then, the detection device 100 automatically acquires the image of the detection area 110a through the image acquisition units 120a and 120b (step S2). The detection device 100 automatically determines whether the functions of the image acquisition units 120a and 120b are normal based on the grayscale values ​​of the image through the judgment unit 130 (step S3). If the functions of the image acquisition units 120a and 120b are normal, the detection device 100 automatically determines the detection result based on the portion of the image corresponding to the detection cartridge 50 through the judgment unit 130 (step S4). Although in the above Figure 4 In step S1 , the detection cartridge 50 is inserted into the device body 110 . In other embodiments of the present invention, the detection cartridge 50 may be placed into the device body 110 in other ways instead of being inserted, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0059] As described above, the present embodiment determines whether the functions of the image acquisition units 120a and 120b are normal based on the grayscale values ​​of the images acquired by the image acquisition units 120a and 120b, so as to ensure that the determination unit 130 analyzes normal images, thereby avoiding errors in the analysis results caused by abnormal images acquired by the image acquisition units 120a and 20b. Accordingly, the detection accuracy and detection efficiency can be improved.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 1 The device body 110 of this embodiment may include a display interface 110c (such as an LCD display) for displaying the detection result of the image and / or the judgment result of the image by the judgment unit 130. In other embodiments, the detection device 100 may display the detection result and / or the judgment result of the image in other ways, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0061] Figure 5A yes Figure 1 A top view of the detection cassette. Figure 5B and Figure 5C The images captured by the image acquisition unit for the detection area are respectively shown. Figure 5D and Figure 5E Shown separately Figure 5B and Figure 5C A part of the image, where Figure 5D Corresponds to Figure 5BRegion R4, Figure 5E Corresponds to Figure 5C Specifically, the detection cartridge 50 of this embodiment is as follows Figure 5A The image acquisition unit 120a has an identification area 50a, two reaction areas 50b, 50c and a specimen placement area 50d. The identification area 50a has a QR code or other types of graphic codes, which contain information about the type of the detection cartridge 50, for example, to distinguish between different types of biological specimens (such as influenza virus or other types of viruses). Figure 5B As shown, the identification area 50a and the reaction area 50b are included, and the field of view of the image acquisition unit 120b is as follows Figure 5C The reaction area 50c is shown. After the specimen is dropped into the specimen placement area 50d, the specimen will flow to the left and right sides to the reaction areas 50b and 50c. After the specimen is left in the reaction areas 50b and 50c for a period of time, a positive or negative pattern will appear in the reaction areas 50b and 50c to represent the test results for the image acquisition units 120a and 120b to capture.

[0062] Fig. 6A A top view of another detection cassette is shown. Figure 6B and Figure 6C The images captured by the image acquisition unit for the detection area are respectively shown. Fig.6D Show Figure 6C A part of the image, where Fig.6D Corresponds to Figure 6C Area R6. Figure 5A The detection cassette 50 in the form of a long cassette shown is replaced by Fig. 6A The detection cassette 50' is in the form of a short cassette. Fig. 6A The image acquisition unit 120a has an identification area 50a', a reaction area 50c' and a specimen placement area 50d'. The identification area 50a' has a QR code or other types of codes, which contain information about the type of the detection cartridge 50', which is used to distinguish between different types of biological specimens (such as influenza virus or other types of viruses). Figure 6B As shown, the identification area 50a' is covered, and the field of view of the image acquisition unit 120b is as follows Figure 6C The reaction area 50c' is shown. After the sample is dropped into the sample placement area 50d', the sample will flow to the left to the reaction area 50c'. After the sample is left in the reaction area 50c' for a period of time, a positive or negative pattern will appear in the reaction area 50c' to represent the test result for the image acquisition unit 120b to capture.

[0063] by Figure 5AFor the detection cartridge 50 shown in FIG. 1 , in the above step S2, the image acquisition unit 120a can acquire images of the identification area 50a and the reaction area 50b, and the image acquisition unit 120b can acquire images of the reaction area 50c. Fig. 6A For the detection cartridge 50' shown, in the above step S2, the image of the identification area 50a' can be acquired by the image acquisition unit 120a, and the image of the reaction area 50c' can be acquired by the image acquisition unit 120b. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inside of the device body 110 is dark before the image acquisition units 120a and 120b acquire images, and light is provided by a flash or other lighting when the image acquisition units 120a and 120b acquire images.

[0064] Figure 7 The specific process of the detection method of one embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is a specific description of the detection steps of the image acquisition unit 120a on the detection cassette 50. The specific steps of the image acquisition unit 120b on the detection cassette 50, the image acquisition unit 120a on the detection cassette 50', and the image acquisition unit 120b on the detection cassette 50' are the same or similar, and will not be repeated one by one. Please refer to Figure 7 , the user may first insert the detection cartridge 50 (step S101, corresponding to Figure 4 Next, an image of the identification area 50a is acquired (step S102). An image acquisition step is performed, in which the image acquisition unit 120a acquires two images at a first time point T1 and a second time point T2 respectively and calculates their grayscale values ​​(steps S103 and S104, corresponding to Figure 4 105, S106, corresponding to the step S106 of FIG. 107 . The time difference T2-T1 between the first time point T1 and the second time point T2 may be 1 second according to one embodiment of the present invention, 0.5 seconds according to another embodiment of the present invention, or 2 seconds according to another embodiment of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention may be set to other values ​​according to actual needs, such as setting the time difference according to the characteristics of the image acquisition units 120a and 120b. A grayscale value difference judgment step is performed, in which the judgment unit 130 judges whether the image acquisition unit 120a functions normally at the first time point and the second time point according to the difference between the grayscale value of a portion of an image corresponding to the detection cartridge 50 and the grayscale value of a portion of another image corresponding to the detection cartridge 50 (steps S105 and S106, corresponding to FIG. 105 ). Figure 4If the difference is greater than the predetermined value, it means that the image acquisition unit 120a is not functioning properly at one of the first time point and the second time point, and the process returns to step S103 and executes the image acquisition steps (steps S103 and S104) and the grayscale value difference judgment steps (steps S105 and S106) again. If the difference is not greater than the predetermined value, it means that the image acquisition unit 120a is functioning properly at the first time point and the second time point, and the judgment unit 130 judges the detection result according to the portion of the image corresponding to the detection cartridge 50 at at least one of the first time point and the second time point (step S107, corresponding to Figure 4 The detection result is output (step S108).

[0065] In the above step S105, the grayscale value of the region in the detection area 110a that does not have a significant change in grayscale value over time can be selected for grayscale value calculation. Figure 5B The difference in grayscale values ​​of the region R1 shown in FIG. 1 is used to determine whether the image acquisition unit 120a functions normally, and / or the portion of the two acquired images corresponding to the reference symbol 50b1 adjacent to the reaction region 50b (such as Figure 5B In addition, for the image acquisition of the detection cartridge 50 by the image acquisition unit 120b, for example, the grayscale value difference between the two acquired images corresponding to the reference symbol 50c1 of the adjacent reaction area 50c is used to determine whether the image acquisition unit 120a functions normally. Figure 5BThe difference in grayscale values ​​of the region R3 shown in the figure is used to determine whether the function of the image acquisition unit 120b is normal. The image acquisition performed by the image acquisition units 120a and 120b on the detection cassette 50' is the same or similar to this, and will not be described one by one. The above-mentioned method of using the grayscale value difference judgment step of the image at time points T1 and T2 in the detection area 110a of the cassette 50 that will not have a huge change in grayscale value due to time to determine whether the function of the image acquisition unit 120a is normal is mainly because generally speaking, the function of the image acquisition unit 120a is normal and the image acquisition result for each specific unchanged object in a specific unchanged environment should be the same with only a small error. Therefore, the grayscale values ​​of the images at different time points T1 and T2 should not differ much and be less than the predetermined value. Therefore, when the grayscale value difference between the two exceeds the predetermined value, it can be determined that the function of the image acquisition unit 120a is abnormal. However, since the probability of abnormal images being acquired when the image acquisition unit 120a is malfunctioning is not high, the probability of abnormal images being acquired twice in a row and the grayscale values ​​of the two acquired images having only a slight error when the abnormalities occur is very low. Therefore, the present invention determines whether the image acquisition unit 120a is functioning normally by the difference in grayscale values, which can greatly reduce the subsequent misjudgment of detection results caused by the abnormal function of the image acquisition unit 120a.

[0066] Compared to the above detection mode, in another detection mode, multiple image acquisitions are continuously performed at fixed intervals of seconds until the predetermined total time length is reached and the detection result is not determined or the detection result is determined, and the detection is considered to be completed. The process of this detection mode is described in detail below. According to various embodiments of the present invention, the total time length can be about 10 minutes, about 7 minutes, about 15 minutes, etc., depending on the characteristics of the test, such as different types of tests, different test reagents, etc.

[0067] Figure 8 The specific process of the detection method of one embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is a specific description of the detection steps of the image acquisition unit 120a on the detection cassette 50. The specific steps of the image acquisition unit 120b on the detection cassette 50, the image acquisition unit 120a on the detection cassette 50', and the image acquisition unit 120b on the detection cassette 50' are the same or similar, and will not be repeated one by one. Please refer to Figure 8 , the user may first insert the detection cartridge 50 (step S201, corresponding to Figure 4Next, an image of the identification area 50a is acquired (step S202). An image acquisition step is performed, in which the image acquisition unit 120a acquires two images at a first time point and a second time point respectively and calculates their grayscale values ​​(steps S203 and S204, corresponding to Figure 4 A grayscale value difference determination step is performed, in which the determination unit 130 determines whether the image acquisition unit 120a functions normally at the first time point and the second time point according to the difference between the grayscale value of the portion of the one image corresponding to the detection cartridge 50 and the grayscale value of the portion of the other image corresponding to the detection cartridge 50 (steps S205 and S206, corresponding to Figure 4 Step S3 shown). Wherein, if the grayscale value difference is greater than the predetermined value, it means that at least one of the functions of the image acquisition unit 120a at the first time point and the second time point is abnormal, and at this time, return to step S203 to perform the above-mentioned image acquisition step and the above-mentioned grayscale value difference judgment step again. If the grayscale value difference is not greater than the predetermined value, it means that the functions of the image acquisition unit 120a at the first time point and the second time point are normal. At this time, in step S206, a standard value is obtained based on the grayscale values ​​of the parts of the two images corresponding to the detection cartridge. This standard value can be the grayscale value of the image at the first time point, the grayscale value of the image at the second time point, or their average value. Then, at least another image acquisition step (step S207, corresponding to Figure 4 In step S2), the image acquisition unit 120a acquires another image of the detection area 110a at a third time point T3 and calculates its grayscale value. Another grayscale value difference determination step (step S208, corresponding to Figure 4The step S3) is to judge whether the image acquisition unit 120a functions normally at the third time point according to the difference between the grayscale value of the portion of the other image corresponding to the detection cartridge 50 and the standard value by the judgment unit 130. If the grayscale value difference is greater than the predetermined value, it means that the image acquisition unit 120a functions abnormally at the third time point, and then the process returns to step S207 to perform the above-mentioned another image acquisition step and the above-mentioned another grayscale value difference judgment step again at another time point (for example, time point T4). If the difference is not greater than the predetermined value, it means that the image acquisition unit 120a functions normally at the third time point. The above-mentioned another image acquisition step (S207) and the above-mentioned another grayscale value difference judgment step (S208) are, for example, performed multiple times at intervals of a fixed predetermined time length TP. According to various embodiments of the present invention, the predetermined time length TP may be about 1 minute, about 2 minutes, about 0.5 minutes, etc., depending on the characteristics of the test, such as different types of tests, different test reagents, etc. Finally, when the grayscale value difference is not greater than the predetermined value, the determination unit 130 determines the detection result according to the portion of the image corresponding to the detection cartridge 50 acquired in the above steps (step S209, corresponding to Figure 4 The detection result is output (step S210).

[0068] In the above step S205 and other similar image comparison steps, the grayscale value of the area in the detection area 110a that will not have a significant change in grayscale value over time can be selected for grayscale value calculation. Figure 5B The area R1 shown, Figure 5B The area R2 shown, Figure 5C The region R3 shown is explained and will not be described in detail here.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the determination unit 130 calculates the grayscale value as, for example, grayscale value (Gray Value) GV = (0.3×GVred) + (0.59×GVgreen) + (0.11×GVblue), wherein GVred, GVgreen, GVblue are respectively the red value, green value, and blue value of the image, and the ranges of GVred, GVgreen, GVblue, and the grayscale value GV are all 0x00 to 0xFF. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 130 calculates the grayscale value as, GV = (NR×GVred) + (NG×GVgreen) + (NB×GVblue), wherein NR, NG, and NB are respectively the percentage of the red value, the percentage of the green value, and the percentage of the blue value, and NR+NG+NB=100%. In addition to performing grayscale value comparison on images acquired at different time points as described above, the grayscale value of a single image itself may also be subjected to a detection cartridge grayscale value determination step, for example, in Figure 5B The regions R1 and R2 shown are Figure 5C In the region R3 shown, if the grayscale value is less than a certain minimum threshold, such as 0x0F, the image is determined to be too dark, and if the grayscale value is greater than a certain maximum threshold, such as 0xF5, the image is determined to be too bright. Too dark and too bright images represent that the image acquisition device is not functioning properly, and vice versa, they represent that the image acquisition device is functioning properly. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the grayscale value minimum threshold may also be other values, such as 0x08, 0x10, 0x1F, or other values, which may be adjusted according to actual conditions. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the grayscale value maximum threshold may also be other values, such as 0xF0, 0xE9, 0xE5, or other values, which may be adjusted according to actual conditions. This step of determining the grayscale value of the detection cartridge can further enhance the technical effect of the present invention in reducing the misjudgment of subsequent detection results caused by the abnormal function of the image acquisition unit 120a, as described below. When both acquired images are too dark, subsequent detection cannot be performed normally because both images are pitch black (the grayscale value is very low), but the grayscale value difference judgment step may determine that they are less than the predetermined value, and the image acquisition unit 120a is misjudged to be functioning normally. If this situation is not eliminated, it may lead to misjudgment of the detection result. Similarly, when both acquired images are too bright, subsequent detection cannot be performed normally because both images are bright white (the grayscale value is very high), but the grayscale value difference judgment step may determine that they are less than the predetermined value, and the image acquisition unit 120a is misjudged to be functioning normally. If this situation is not eliminated, it may lead to misjudgment of the detection result. At this time, the introduction of the grayscale value judgment step of the detection cartridge can eliminate these situations.

[0070] In addition, in order to avoid the situation in which both images at two time points in the above detection process are abnormal and a comparison result with reference value cannot be obtained, a preliminary judgment on whether the grayscale value of each image is normal or not can be made in advance. The specific description is as follows. The field of view of the image acquisition units 120a and 120b of this embodiment is as follows: FIG. 5B to FIG. 5E and FIG. 6B to FIG. 6D The device 110 includes a device 112 inside the device body 110. Figure 7 Before steps S105 and S106), in the image acquisition step (such as Figure 7 In the steps S103 and S104, a grayscale value determination step of a device may be performed, wherein the determination unit 130 determines the grayscale value of the device according to the portion of each image corresponding to the device 112 (such as Figure 5D , Figure 5E and Fig.6DThe grayscale value of the local image (R4 area, R5 area, R6 area) of the mechanism 112 shown in the figure is used to judge whether the functions of the image acquisition units 120a and 120b at the first time point and the second time point are normal. For example, in the R4 area, the R5 area, and the R6 area, if the grayscale value is less than a mechanism grayscale value judgment threshold, such as 0x0A, then the image is judged to be normal, that is, the function of the image acquisition device 120a (or the image acquisition unit 120b) is normal, otherwise it means that the function of the image acquisition device 120a (or the image acquisition unit 120b) is abnormal. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism 112 can be a housing, a base, a part or a structure, or a structure set in the device body 110 specifically for the mechanism grayscale value judgment. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism grayscale value judgment threshold can be 0x08, 0x18, 0x1A, etc., or other values, which can be adjusted according to actual conditions. If the grayscale value determination step determines that the image acquisition unit 120a (or the image acquisition unit 120b) is not functioning properly at the first time point and the second time point, the grayscale value determination step is performed again until the image acquisition unit 120a (or the image acquisition unit 120b) is functioning properly. If the grayscale value determination step determines that the image acquisition unit 120a (or the image acquisition unit 120b) is functioning properly at the first time point and the second time point, the subsequent grayscale value calculation and grayscale value difference determination steps (such as Figure 7 The step of determining the grayscale value of the mechanical part can further improve the technical effect of the present invention in reducing the subsequent misjudgment of the detection result caused by the abnormal function of the image acquisition unit 120a, as described below. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of determining the grayscale value of the mechanical part is to find an area with a known grayscale value near the detection area 110a inside the device body 110, and the image acquired during shooting includes the known grayscale value area, and the grayscale value of the image of the known grayscale value area is calculated and compared with the known value. If the difference is not within a reasonable range, it means that the function of the image acquisition unit 120a is abnormal. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the grayscale value of the known grayscale value area is very low (that is, the known grayscale value area is very black), and the grayscale value of the image should be less than the mechanical part grayscale value determination threshold; however, if the grayscale value of the image is not less than the mechanical part grayscale value determination threshold, it means that the function of the image acquisition unit 120a is abnormal, and if this situation is not eliminated, it may lead to misjudgment of the detection result. At this time, the introduction of the component grayscale value judgment step can eliminate these situations.

[0071] exist Figure 7In the detection process shown, if it is determined in step S106 that the image acquisition unit is not functioning properly, the process will directly return to step S103 to perform the image acquisition step and the grayscale value difference determination step again. In order to further save detection time, this part of the process can be simplified. The specific description is as follows.

[0072] Fig. 9 The specific process of the detection method according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fig. 9 In the detection process shown, most of the processes from step S301 to step S308 are similar to Figure 7 Steps S101 to S108 are not described in detail here. Fig. 9 The embodiment shown and Figure 7 The embodiment shown differs in that Fig. 9In the detection process of , if it is determined in step S306 that the image acquisition unit 120a does not function normally at the first time point and the second time point, the process does not return to step S303, but executes a simplified image acquisition step and a simplified judgment step. The simplified image acquisition step acquires another image of the detection area at a third time point through the image acquisition unit 120a and calculates its grayscale value (step S3601), and the simplified judgment step determines whether the image acquisition unit 120a functions normally at the first time point and the third time point based on the difference between the grayscale value of the portion of the image corresponding to the detection cassette 50 at the first time point and the grayscale value of the portion of the other image corresponding to the detection cassette 50 at the third time point (steps S3062, S3063). If the difference is greater than a predetermined value, it is inferred that the image acquisition unit 120a does not function normally at the first time point and functions normally at the third time point, and at this time, the simplified image acquisition step and the simplified judgment step are performed again. The simplified image acquisition step acquires another image of the detection area at a fourth time point through the image acquisition unit 120a and calculates its grayscale value (step S3604), and the simplified judgment step determines whether the image acquisition unit 120a functions normally at the third time point and the fourth time point according to the difference between the grayscale value of the portion of the image corresponding to the detection cassette 50 at the third time point and the grayscale value of the portion of the other image corresponding to the detection cassette 50 at the fourth time point (steps S3065, S3066). If the difference is greater than a predetermined value, it is inferred that the image acquisition unit 120a functions abnormally at the third time point and functions normally at the fourth time point. At this time, a simplified image acquisition step and a simplified judgment step are performed again, and another image of the detection area is acquired at a fifth time point and its grayscale value is calculated and compared with the grayscale value of the image at the fourth time point, and so on, until the difference is less than the predetermined value. If it is determined in step S3063 (or step S3066) that the difference is less than the predetermined value, it is inferred that the image acquisition unit 120a functions normally at the third time point (or the fourth time point), and the determination unit 130 determines the detection result according to the portion of the image at the third time point (or the fourth time point) corresponding to the detection cartridge 50 (step S307) and outputs the detection result (step S308). Fig. 9 Although steps S3062 and S3063 select the first time point to compare with the third time point, according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also feasible to change steps S3062 and S3063 to steps S3062' and S3063', and select the second time point to compare with the third time point in step S3062' and determine in step S3063' that the difference is less than the predetermined value.

[0073] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The specific process of the detection method according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B In the detection process shown, most of the processes from step S301 to step S308 are similar to Fig. 9 Steps S101 to S108 are not described in detail here. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The embodiment shown and Fig. 9 The embodiment shown differs in that Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B In the detection process, if it is determined in step S3063 that the image acquisition unit 120a does not function properly at the first time point and the second time point, a more simplified judgment step S30361 and S30632 are then executed, and in step S30361, the difference in the grayscale values ​​of the image at the second time point and the third time point is directly compared without taking an image again. If it is determined in step S30632 that the difference is less than a predetermined value, it is inferred that the image acquisition unit 120a functions normally at the third time point (or the second time point), and the judgment unit 130 judges the detection result according to the portion of the image at the third time point (or the second time point) corresponding to the detection cartridge 50 (step S307) and outputs the detection result (step S308). If it is determined in step S30362 that the functions at the third time point and the second time point are not functioning properly, another image of the detection area is acquired by the image acquisition unit 120a at a fourth time point and its grayscale value is calculated (step S3604), which will not be described in detail.

Claims

1. A detection method, suitable for detecting a detection cartridge using a detection device, the detection device comprising a device body, at least one image acquisition unit and a judgment unit, the detection method comprising: Placing a detection cartridge into the device body and located in a detection area inside the device body; Acquire at least one image of the detection area by the at least one image acquisition unit; and Determining whether the at least one image acquisition unit functions normally according to a grayscale value of an area of ​​the at least one image by the determination unit, the area including a portion of the detection cartridge; as well as If the at least one image acquisition unit functions normally, the determination unit determines the detection result according to the portion of the at least one image corresponding to the detection cartridge. The at least one image includes at least two images, the step of acquiring the at least one image of the detection area by the at least one image acquisition unit includes executing an image acquisition step, and the step of determining whether the function of the at least one image acquisition unit is normal by the determination unit includes executing a grayscale value difference determination step. The image acquisition step acquires the at least two images at a first time point and a second time point respectively by the at least one image acquisition unit. The grayscale value difference judgment step judges whether the at least one image acquisition unit functions normally at the first time point and the second time point based on the difference between the grayscale value of a portion of the image corresponding to the detection cartridge and the grayscale value of another portion of the image corresponding to the detection cartridge by the judgment unit.

2. The detection method according to claim 1, wherein the detection cartridge has an identification area and two reaction areas, and the step of acquiring the at least one image of the detection area by the at least one image acquisition unit comprises: Acquire images of the identification area and the reaction area through an image acquisition unit; and An image of another reaction area is acquired by another image acquisition unit.

3. The detection method according to claim 1, wherein the detection cartridge has an identification area and a reaction area, and the step of acquiring the at least one image of the detection area by the at least one image acquisition unit comprises: Acquire the image of the identification area by an image acquisition unit; and The image of the reaction area is acquired by another image acquisition unit.

4. The detection method according to claim 1, comprising: A component grayscale value determination step is executed. The component grayscale value determination step determines whether the function of the at least one image acquisition unit is normal according to the grayscale value of a component portion of each image corresponding to the device body by the determination unit.

5. The detection method according to claim 4, comprising: If the grayscale value of the portion of each of the images corresponding to the device is greater than the device grayscale value determination threshold, it is determined that the function of the at least one image acquisition unit is abnormal.

6. The detection method according to claim 1, comprising: A detection cartridge grayscale value determination step is executed, wherein the determination unit determines whether the function of the at least one image acquisition unit is normal according to the grayscale value of the portion of the at least one image corresponding to the detection cartridge.

7. The detection method according to claim 6, comprising: If the grayscale value of the portion of each image corresponding to the detection cartridge is less than a minimum threshold or greater than a maximum threshold, it is determined that the function of the at least one image acquisition unit is abnormal.

8. The detection method according to claim 1, comprising: If the at least one image acquisition unit does not function normally at the first time point and the second time point, the image acquisition step and the grayscale value difference determination step are performed again.

9. The detection method according to claim 8, comprising: If the at least one image acquisition unit functions normally at the first time point and the second time point, the determination unit determines the detection result according to the portion of the at least one image corresponding to the detection cartridge at at least one of the first time point and the second time point.

10. The detection method according to claim 1, comprising: If the at least one image acquisition unit functions normally at the first time point and the second time point, obtaining a standard value according to the grayscale values ​​of the portions of the two images corresponding to the detection cartridge; executing at least another image acquisition step, wherein the at least another image acquisition step acquires at least another image of the detection area at at least a third time point by the at least one image acquisition unit; and Execute at least another grayscale value difference judgment step, and the at least another grayscale value difference judgment step judges whether the at least one image acquisition unit functions normally at the at least one third time point according to the difference between the grayscale value of the portion of the at least another image corresponding to the detection cartridge and the standard value by the judgment unit.

11. The detection method according to claim 10, comprising: If the at least one image acquisition unit does not function normally at the at least one third time point, executing the at least another image acquisition step and the at least another grayscale value difference determination step again; as well as If the at least one image acquisition unit functions normally at the at least one third time point, the determination unit determines the detection result according to the portion of at least one of the images corresponding to the detection cartridge.

12. The detection method according to claim 1, comprising: If the at least one image acquisition unit does not function normally at the first time point and the second time point, a simplified image acquisition step and a simplified judgment step are performed. The simplified image acquisition step acquires at least another image of the detection area at a third time point through the at least one image acquisition unit. The simplified judgment step judges whether the at least one image acquisition unit functions normally at the first time point and the second time point and the third time point based on the difference between the grayscale value of the portion of the image corresponding to the detection cartridge selected first between the first time point and the second time point and the grayscale value of the portion of the at least another image corresponding to the detection cartridge at the third time point.

13. The detection method according to claim 12, comprising: If the at least one image acquisition unit functions normally at the first time point and the second time point, the determination unit determines the detection result according to the portion of the at least one image corresponding to the detection cartridge at at least one of the first time point and the second time point.

14. The detection method according to claim 12, comprising: If the functions of the at least one image acquisition unit that is first selected between the first time point and the second time point and the third time point are abnormal, a simpler judgment step is performed to compare the difference in grayscale values ​​between the image of the image that is not first selected between the first time point and the second time point and the image at the third time point, and to determine whether the functions of the at least one image acquisition unit that is not first selected between the first time point and the second time point and the third time point are normal.

15. The detection method according to claim 12, comprising: If the at least one image acquisition unit does not function properly at the first selected one of the first time point and the second time point and at the third time point, executing the simplified image acquisition step and the simplified determination step again; as well as If the functions of the at least one image acquisition unit at the first time point and the second time point, whichever is selected first, and the third time point, are normal, the judgment unit judges the detection result based on the portion corresponding to the detection cartridge of at least one of the at least one image of the first time point and the second time point and the at least another image of the third time point.

16. The detection method as described in claim 1, wherein the detection cartridge has an identification area, and the step of determining whether the function of the at least one image acquisition unit is normal comprises determining whether the function of the at least one image acquisition unit is normal based on the grayscale value of the portion of the at least one image corresponding to at least a portion of the identification area.

17. The detection method as described in claim 1, wherein the detection cartridge has at least one reaction area and at least one reference symbol adjacent to the at least one reaction area, and the step of determining whether the function of the at least one image acquisition unit is normal comprises determining whether the function of the at least one image acquisition unit is normal based on the grayscale value of the portion of the at least one image corresponding to the at least one reference symbol.

18. The detection method according to claim 1, comprising: Executing a component grayscale value determination step, wherein the component grayscale value determination step determines whether the function of the at least one image acquisition unit is normal according to the grayscale value of a component portion of each image corresponding to the device body by the determination unit; and A detection cartridge grayscale value determination step is executed, wherein the determination unit determines whether the function of the at least one image acquisition unit is normal according to the grayscale value of the portion of the at least one image corresponding to the detection cartridge.

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