Droplet position detection device and detection method

Abstract

This invention discloses a droplet position detection device and method, relating to the field of display technology. The droplet position detection device includes a driving detection substrate; the driving detection substrate includes an electrically connected MCU processing module and a droplet position detection module; the MCU processing module is used to send a detection signal to the droplet position detection module; the droplet position detection module is used to receive the detection signal, acquire the node voltage in the detection loop, and generate a corresponding target data signal based on the node voltage; the MCU processing module is also used to determine the droplet position based on multiple target data signals and a preset value. The embodiment provided by this invention sets an MCU processing module and a droplet position detection module on the driving detection substrate. The MCU processing module determines the droplet position by sending a detection signal to the droplet position detection module and acquiring and analyzing the target data signal returned by the droplet position detection module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and more specifically, to a droplet position detection device and detection method. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidic substrates are a scientific technology characterized by the manipulation of fluids in micro- and nano-scale spaces. The basic principle is as follows: when a droplet is located directly above an electrode, if a first voltage is applied to the electrode and a second voltage is applied to the adjacent electrode, and the second voltage is greater than the first voltage, and the pressure difference reaches a certain value, the droplet will move from the electrode to the adjacent electrode.

[0003] In related technologies, microfluidic substrates cannot track the position of droplets on the substrate in real time. Furthermore, they cannot perform remedial calibration when the droplet position shifts. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a droplet position detection device and detection method, which can detect the position of droplets on a microfluidic substrate.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a droplet position detection device, including a driving detection substrate;

[0006] The driving detection substrate includes an electrically connected MCU processing module and a droplet position detection module;

[0007] The MCU processing module is used to send a detection signal to the droplet position detection module;

[0008] The droplet position detection module is used to receive the detection signal, acquire the node voltage in the detection loop, and generate a corresponding target data signal based on the node voltage.

[0009] The MCU processing module is also used to determine the droplet position based on multiple target data signals and preset values.

[0010] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a droplet position detection method, wherein the droplet position detection device includes: a microfluidic substrate and a driving detection substrate;

[0011] The microfluidic substrate includes multiple driving electrodes arranged in an array;

[0012] The driving detection substrate includes an MCU processing module, a multiplexer module, a detection circuit module, a rectifier and filter module, and an ADC sampling module.

[0013] The droplet position detection method includes:

[0014] The MCU processing module sends a detection signal to the multiplexing module;

[0015] The multiplexing module receives the detection signal and forms a detection loop with any adjacent driving electrode.

[0016] The detection circuit module acquires the node voltage at the second output terminal of the multiplexing module, generates a first signal based on the node voltage, and sends the first signal to the rectification and filtering module.

[0017] The rectifier and filter module receives the first signal, converts the first signal into a second signal, and sends the second signal to the ADC sampling module.

[0018] The ADC sampling module receives the second signal, converts the second signal into a target data signal, and sends the target data signal to the MCU processing module.

[0019] The MCU processing module receives the target data signal and compares multiple target data signals with preset values ​​to determine the droplet position.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the droplet position detection device and detection method provided by the present invention achieve at least the following beneficial effects:

[0021] The embodiments provided by this invention include an MCU processing module and a droplet position detection module on the driving detection substrate. The MCU processing module determines the droplet position by sending a detection signal to the droplet position detection module and acquiring and analyzing the target data signal returned by the droplet position detection module. The embodiments provided by this invention can acquire the droplet position in real time and correct any unwanted shifts in the droplet position promptly.

[0022] Of course, any product implementing this invention does not necessarily need to achieve all of the technical effects described above at the same time.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the composition of a droplet position detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the composition of another droplet position detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a microfluidic substrate provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a top view of a microfluidic substrate provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a top view of a droplet position detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a top view of another droplet position detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 As described in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 6 Another state diagram of A;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a top view of another droplet position detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the composition of another droplet position detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the composition of another droplet position detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 11 A circuit diagram of a multiplexing module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 12 This is a circuit diagram of a detection circuit module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a circuit diagram of another detection circuit module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 14 This is a circuit diagram of a rectifier and filter module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 15 This is a signal diagram of an ADC sampling module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 16 A circuit diagram of another multiplexing module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 17 A flowchart of a droplet position detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 18 A flowchart of another droplet position detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 19 A flowchart of another droplet position detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 20 This is a flowchart of another droplet position detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0046] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or use.

[0047] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0048] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0049] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0050] In related technologies, microfluidic substrates cannot track the position of droplets on the substrate in real time. Furthermore, they cannot perform remedial calibration when the droplet position shifts.

[0051] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a droplet position detection device, referring to... Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the composition of a droplet position detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the present invention provides a droplet position detection device, including a driving detection substrate 01;

[0052] The drive detection substrate 01 includes an MCU processing module 011 and a droplet position detection module 012 that are electrically connected;

[0053] MCU processing module 011 is used to send detection signals to droplet position detection module 012;

[0054] The droplet position detection module 012 is used to receive detection signals, acquire node voltages in the detection loop, and generate corresponding target data signals based on the node voltages.

[0055] The MCU processing module 011 is also used to determine the droplet position based on multiple target data signals and preset values.

[0056] It is understood that the droplet position detection device includes a driving detection substrate 01, which includes an electrically connected MCU processing module 011 and a droplet position detection module 012. The MCU processing module 011 is used to issue various command signals and process various data; the MCU processing module 011 is equivalent to the brain of the driving detection substrate 01. Specifically, the MCU processing module 011 can send detection signals to the electrically connected droplet position detection module 012. Further, after receiving the detection signal from the MCU processing module 011, the droplet position detection module 012 forms a detection loop and acquires the node voltages in the detection loop. The droplet position detection module 012 processes the node voltages acquired from the detection loop, generates corresponding target data signals, and sends them to the MCU processing module 011. The target data signals are used to characterize the inter-plate capacitance Cx between the driving electrodes 021 in the detection loop. It should be noted that since detecting the droplet position requires traversing all positions, there are multiple target data signals. The MCU processing module 011 receives multiple target data signals and determines the position of the droplet based on the relationship between the multiple target data signals and the relationship between the multiple target data signals and the preset value.

[0057] The embodiments provided by this invention include an MCU processing module 011 and a droplet position detection module 012 on the driving detection substrate 01. The MCU processing module 011 determines the droplet position by sending a detection signal to the droplet position detection module 012 and acquiring and analyzing the target data signal returned by the droplet position detection module 012. The embodiments provided by this invention can acquire the droplet position in real time and correct it promptly when an unwanted shift occurs in the droplet position.

[0058] In one optional embodiment provided by the present invention, refer to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the composition of another droplet position detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a microfluidic substrate provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of a microfluidic substrate provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The droplet position detection device further includes a microfluidic substrate 02. The microfluidic substrate 02 is electrically connected to the driving detection substrate 01;

[0059] The microfluidic substrate 02 is provided with multiple arrayed driving electrodes 021, and any adjacent driving electrodes 021 and droplet position detection module 012 form a detection circuit.

[0060] It is understandable that the microfluidic substrate 02 has an array of driving electrodes 021. (Refer to...) Figure 3 As shown, there is a certain distance between the driving electrodes 021 arranged in the array. Figure 4 Taking the example shown, the microfluidic substrate 02 can be divided into 4*4 positions, totaling 16 positions, based on the distribution of the driving electrodes 021. The inter-plate capacitance between any driving electrode 021 and its adjacent driving electrodes 021 is Cx. When a voltage is applied to any adjacent driving electrodes 021, if the driving electrode 021 corresponding to the position of the droplet 00 is subject to a first voltage, and the driving electrode 021 corresponding to the adjacent position is subject to a second voltage, and the second voltage is greater than the first voltage, and the voltage difference is not less than a first preset voltage, the droplet 00 will move from its current position to the adjacent position. For example, refer to... Figure 4 As shown, if the current droplet 00 is located at position A11, a +5V voltage is applied to the driving electrode 021 corresponding to position A11, while a +25V voltage is applied to the driving electrode 021 corresponding to position B12. The droplet 00 will then move from position A11 to position B12. It should be noted that the value of the first preset voltage is affected by various factors such as the size of the droplet 00, the material and thickness of the hydrophobic layer, etc. Therefore, this invention does not specifically limit the value of the first preset voltage, and it can be determined according to the actual application scenario.

[0061] On the other hand, an interplate capacitance Cx exists between any two adjacent driving electrodes 021. The presence of a droplet 00 between adjacent driving electrodes 021 affects the value of the interplate capacitance Cx. When a droplet 00 exists between adjacent driving electrodes 021, the interplate capacitance Cx increases. When the value of the interplate capacitance Cx is greater than a preset value, it can be determined that a droplet 00 exists between the adjacent driving electrodes 021. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention obtains the node voltage of the detection loop formed by any two adjacent driving electrodes 021, and generates target data for indicating the interplate capacitance Cx based on the corresponding relationship. Furthermore, the position of the droplet 00 is determined by determining the relationship between multiple target data and preset values.

[0062] Specifically, any adjacent driving electrode 021 on the microfluidic substrate 02 can form a detection circuit with the droplet position detection module 012 of the driving detection substrate 01. For example, as shown... Figure 4As shown, the droplet position detection module 012, the driving electrode 021 corresponding to position A1, and the driving electrode 021 corresponding to position A5 can form a first detection loop; the droplet position detection module 012, the driving electrode 021 corresponding to position A1, and the driving electrode 021 corresponding to position B2 can form a second detection loop; the droplet position detection module 012, the driving electrode 021 corresponding to position B2, and the driving electrode 021 corresponding to position B6 can form a third detection loop, which will not be described in detail here. Any adjacent driving electrode 021 and the droplet position detection module 012 form a detection loop. The droplet position detection module 012 can acquire the node voltage in the detection loop and generate a target data signal. Since there are multiple detection loops, there are also multiple corresponding target data signals, namely a first target data signal, a second target data signal, a third target data signal, etc. The first target data signal, the second target data signal, the third target data signal, etc., generated by the droplet position detection module 021 are all sent to the MCU processing module 011. The MCU processing module 011 determines the position of droplet 00 by comparing multiple target data signals and preset values. For example, when droplet 00 is at position A1, the droplet position detection module 012, along with the driving electrode 021 corresponding to position A1 and position A5, forms a first detection loop, generating a first target data signal. The droplet position detection module 012, along with the driving electrode 021 corresponding to position A1 and position B2, forms a second detection loop, generating a second target data signal. The droplet position detection module 012, along with the driving electrode 021 corresponding to position B2 and position B6, can form a third detection loop, generating a third target data signal. The first target data signal is greater than a preset value, the second target data signal is greater than a preset value, and the third target data signal is less than a preset value. Therefore, the first target data signal can determine that droplet 00 is located at position A1 or position A5, and the second target data signal can determine that droplet 00 is located at position A1 or position B2. By taking the intersection of the possible positions obtained by multiple detection loops, it can be determined that droplet 00 is located at position A1.

[0063] In one optional embodiment provided by the present invention, refer to Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a top view of a droplet position detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The driving detection substrate 01 is an IC chip 03;

[0064] IC chip 03 is bonded to bonding area 022 of microfluidic substrate 02.

[0065] It is understood that a bonding area 022 is provided on one side of the microfluidic substrate 02. The array of driving electrodes 021 arranged on the microfluidic substrate 02 is connected to the bonding area 022 via metal traces. When the driving detection substrate 01 is an IC chip 03, it can be directly bonded to the bonding area 022 of the microfluidic substrate 02. The IC chip 03 includes an electrically connected MCU processing module 011 and a droplet position detection module 012. The droplet position detection module 012 is connected to the bonding area 022 of the microfluidic substrate 02 and is electrically connected to any adjacent driving electrode 021 via metal traces, forming a detection loop. In the embodiments provided by this invention, the IC chip 03 is directly bonded to the bonding area 022 of the microfluidic substrate 02, which can increase the reliability of component connections, reduce processes, and save costs.

[0066] In one optional embodiment provided by the present invention, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, Figure 6 This is a top view schematic diagram of another droplet position detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 As described in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 6 Another state diagram of A. The driving detection substrate 01 is PCB substrate 04;

[0067] The microfluidic substrate 02 has multiple probes 023 at one end, and the PCB substrate 04 has multiple pads 041 corresponding to the probes 023 at one end near the microfluidic substrate 02. The probes 023 and the pads 041 are electrically connected.

[0068] It is understood that a plurality of probes 023 are provided on one side of the microfluidic substrate 02. The number of probes 023 is not less than the number of driving electrodes 021. The driving electrodes 021 arranged in an array on the microfluidic substrate 02 are connected to the probes 023 through metal traces, and each driving electrode 021 is connected to one probe 023. When the driving detection substrate 01 is a PCB substrate 04, a plurality of pads 041 are provided on the side of the PCB substrate 04 near the microfluidic substrate 02. The number of pads 041 is not less than the number of probes 023, and each probe 023 electrically connected to the driving electrode 021 corresponds to one pad 041. Furthermore, the probes 023 can be soldered to the pads 041 to achieve electrical connection. The PCB substrate 04 includes an electrically connected MCU processing module 011 and a droplet position detection module 012. The droplet position detection module 012 is connected to the pads 041 of the PCB substrate 04 and is electrically connected to any adjacent driving electrode 021 through probes 023 and metal traces to form a detection loop. In the embodiments provided by the present invention, the PCB substrate 04 and the microfluidic substrate 02 are connected by pads 041 and probes 023, which can increase the reliability of component connection, reduce processes, and save costs.

[0069] In one optional embodiment provided by the present invention, refer to Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a top view schematic diagram of another droplet position detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The droplet position monitoring device also includes a flexible circuit board 05;

[0070] The flexible circuit board 05 is bonded to the bonding area 022 of the microfluidic substrate 02, and the PCB substrate 04 is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 05.

[0071] It is understood that in the embodiments provided by this invention, a flexible circuit board 05 is provided between the PCB substrate 04 and the microfluidic substrate 02. A bonding area 022 is provided on one side of the microfluidic substrate 02. The driving electrodes 021 arranged in an array on the microfluidic substrate 02 are connected to the bonding area 022 through metal traces. The flexible circuit board 05 is bonded to the bonding area 022 of the microfluidic substrate 02. The PCB substrate 04 is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 05, and then electrically connected to the driving electrodes 021 through the bonding area 022 of the microfluidic substrate 02. Since the flexible circuit board 05 has the characteristics of being soft and flexible, providing the flexible circuit board 05 between the PCB substrate 04 and the microfluidic substrate 02 can bend the PCB substrate 04 to the back of the microfluidic substrate 02, realizing a narrow bezel design and thus improving the screen ratio.

[0072] In one optional embodiment provided by the present invention, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, where, Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the composition of another droplet position detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The driving detection substrate 01 further includes a droplet driving module 013;

[0073] The input terminal of the droplet driving module 013 is electrically connected to the first output terminal of the MCU processing module 011, and the output terminal of the droplet driving module 013 is electrically connected to the microfluidic substrate 02.

[0074] MCU processing module 011 is used to send drive signals to droplet driving module 013;

[0075] The droplet driving module 013 is used to receive driving signals and apply driving voltage to the driving electrode 021.

[0076] It is understood that the driving detection substrate 01 detects the droplet position through the MCU processing module 011 and the droplet position detection module 012. Simultaneously, the driving detection substrate 01 also includes a droplet driving module 013. The driving detection substrate 01 drives the droplet through the MCU processing module 011 and the droplet driving module 013. Generally, the driving of the droplet by the droplet driving module 013 is completed before the droplet position detection module 012 detects the droplet position.

[0077] Specifically, the input terminal of the droplet driving module 013 is electrically connected to the first output terminal of the MCU processing module 011, and the output terminal of the droplet driving module 013 is electrically connected to the microfluidic substrate 02. Further, the droplet driving module 013 is electrically connected to the array of driving electrodes 021 on the microfluidic substrate 02. In the embodiments provided by this invention, the type of driving detection substrate 01 is not limited, nor is the connection method between the driving detection substrate 01 and the microfluidic substrate 02 limited. Any embodiment that enables the electrical connection between the driving detection substrate 01 and the microfluidic substrate 02 in the above embodiments can be applied to this embodiment. However, it should be noted that the droplet driving module 013 is connected to multiple driving electrodes 021.

[0078] The MCU processing module 011 sends a drive signal to the droplet driving module 013; after receiving the drive signal, the droplet driving module 013 applies a drive voltage to the driving electrode 021 electrically connected to it, thereby driving the droplet to move. For example, refer to... Figure 4 As shown, if droplet 00 is currently located at position A11, while applying a +5V voltage to the driving electrode 021 corresponding to position A11, a +25V voltage is simultaneously applied to the driving electrode 021 corresponding to position B12. Droplet 00 will then move from position A11 to position B12.

[0079] It should be noted that the droplet driving module 013 and the droplet position detection module 012 are not simultaneously connected to the microfluidic substrate 02. In other words, at any given moment, the droplet driving module 013 cannot simultaneously drive the droplet to move while the droplet position detection module 012 simultaneously detects the droplet's position. The driving of the droplet by the droplet driving module 013 and the detection of the droplet position by the droplet position detection module 012 can both occur at any time and can be performed multiple times, as long as the driving of the droplet by the droplet driving module 013 and the detection of the droplet position by the droplet position detection module 012 do not occur simultaneously.

[0080] Furthermore, if the droplet position does not meet expectations, the MCU processing module 011 can send a new driving signal to the droplet driving module 013 based on the droplet position determined by the droplet position detection module 012 and the MCU processing module 011 to correct the droplet position.

[0081] In one optional embodiment provided by the present invention, refer to Figures 4 to 15 As shown, where, Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the composition of another droplet position detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 A circuit diagram of a multiplexing module provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a circuit diagram of a detection circuit module provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13This is a circuit diagram of another detection circuit module provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a circuit diagram of a rectifier and filter module provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 This is a signal diagram of an ADC sampling module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The droplet position detection module 012 includes a multiplexer module 0121, a detection circuit module 0122, a rectifier and filter module 0123, and an ADC sampling module 0124;

[0082] The input terminal of the multiplexing module 0121 is electrically connected to the second output terminal of the MCU processing module 011, the first output terminal of the multiplexing module 0121 is electrically connected to the microfluidic substrate 02, and the second output terminal of the multiplexing module 0121 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the detection circuit module 0122.

[0083] The output terminal of the detection circuit module 0122 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the rectifier and filter module 0123;

[0084] The output terminal of the rectifier filter module 0123 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the ADC sampling module 0124;

[0085] The output of the ADC sampling module 0124 is electrically connected to the input of the MCU processing module 011;

[0086] The multiplexing module 0121 is used to form a detection loop with any adjacent driving electrode 021 based on the detection signal sent by the MCU processing module 011.

[0087] The detection circuit module 0122 is used to acquire the node voltage at the second output terminal of the multiplexing module 0121 and generate a first signal V1 based on the node voltage.

[0088] The rectifier and filter module 0123 is used to convert the first signal V1 into the second signal V2.

[0089] The ADC sampling module 0124 is used to convert the second signal V2 into the target data signal Ct.

[0090] It is understood that the droplet position detection module 012 forms a detection loop with any adjacent driving electrode 021. Specifically, the droplet position detection module 012 includes a multiplexer module 0121, a detection circuit module 0122, a rectification and filtering module 0123, and an ADC sampling module 0124. The input terminal of the multiplexer module 0121 is electrically connected to the second output terminal of the MCU processing module 011, and the first output terminal of the multiplexer module 0121 is electrically connected to the microfluidic substrate 02. The first output terminal of the multiplexer module 0121 has multiple ports, each electrically connected to a driving electrode 021 arrayed on the microfluidic substrate 02. When the multiplexer module 0121 receives a detection signal from the MCU processing module 011, it connects any adjacent driving electrode 021 to form a detection loop. The second output terminal of the multiplexer module 0121 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the detection circuit module 0122. The detection circuit module 0122 acquires the node voltage of the second output terminal of the multiplexer module 0121 in any detection loop. The node voltage includes a first node voltage Va and a second node voltage Vb. A first signal V1 is generated based on either the first node voltage Va or the second node voltage Vb, and this first signal V1 is sent to the rectification and filtering module 0123. After receiving the first signal V1, the rectification and filtering module 0123 converts it into a second signal V2 and sends it to the ADC sampling module 0124. After receiving the second signal V2, the ADC sampling module 0124 converts it into a target data signal Ct and sends it to the MCU processing module 011. The first signal V1 output by the detection circuit module 0122 can be used to indicate the inter-plate capacitance Cx between adjacent driving electrodes 021. The rectification and filtering module 0123 filters out high-frequency harmonics in the first signal V1 and generates the second signal V2. The ADC sampling module 0124 converts the second signal V2 into the target data signal Ct, where the second signal V2 is an analog signal and the target data signal Ct is a digital signal. The droplet position detection module 012 generates target data signals Ct to indicate the inter-plate capacitance Cx between adjacent driving electrodes 021 through the electrical connection selection module 0121, detection circuit module 0122, rectification and filtering module 0123, and ADC sampling module 0124, and sends multiple target data signals Ct to the MCU processing module 011. The MCU processing module 011 receives the multiple target data signals Ct and determines the droplet position based on the relationships between the multiple target data signals Ct and the relationships between the multiple target data signals Ct and preset values.

[0091] In one optional embodiment provided by the present invention, reference continues to... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the detection circuit module 0122 includes a waveform generation module WFG and an amplification module WA that are electrically connected.

[0092] The input terminal of the waveform generation module WFG is electrically connected to the second output terminal of the multiplexer module 0121, and the output terminal of the waveform generation module WFG is electrically connected to the input terminal of the amplifier module WA.

[0093] The output terminal of the amplifier module WA is electrically connected to the input terminal of the rectifier and filter module 0123;

[0094] The waveform generation module WFG is used to acquire the node voltage at the second output terminal of the multiplexer module 0121 and generate a third signal V3 based on the node voltage.

[0095] The amplifier module WA is used to convert the third signal V3 into the first signal V1.

[0096] It is understood that the detection circuit module 0122 includes a waveform generation module WFG and an amplification module WA electrically connected. The input terminal of the waveform generation module WFG is electrically connected to the second output terminal of the multiplexing module 0121. The waveform generation module WFG includes a waveform generator and a bridge structure. The waveform generator is used to generate a sine wave signal of approximately 1MHz with an adjustable frequency, and can use a DDS chip such as AD9833. The waveform generation module WFG obtains the node voltage of the second output terminal of the multiplexing module 0121 and generates a third signal V3 based on the node voltage. The amplification module WA includes a first amplifier U1, the positive input terminal of the first amplifier U1 is connected to the output terminal of the waveform generation module WFG, and the negative input terminal of the first amplifier U1 is connected to the input terminal of the waveform generation module WFG. For example, refer to Figure 12 As shown, when the third signal V3 is the node voltage between resistor R2 and capacitor C0, the negative input terminal of the first amplifier U1 is connected to the first node voltage Va in the input terminal of the waveform generation module WFG; refer to Figure 13 As shown, when the third signal V3 is the node voltage between resistor R4 and capacitor C0, the negative input terminal of the first amplifier U1 is connected to the second node voltage Vb in the input terminal of the waveform generation module WFG. The output terminal of the first amplifier U1 outputs the first signal V1.

[0097] In one optional embodiment provided by the present invention, reference continues to... Figure 4 and Figure 11 As shown, the number of channels in the multiplexing module 0121 is equal to the number of driving electrodes 021. Each channel of the multiplexing module 0121 is electrically connected to one driving electrode 021, and the same driving electrode 021 is electrically connected to one channel of the multiplexing module 0121.

[0098] It is understood that, in the embodiments provided by this invention, the number of channels in the multiplexing module 0121 is equal to the number of driving electrodes 021. For example, Figure 4 The microfluidic substrate 02 includes 16 positions, each position corresponding to a driving electrode 021, that is, the microfluidic substrate 02 includes 16 driving electrodes 021; Figure 11 The multiplexer module 0121 generates 16 channels via a first-stage multiplexer and a second-stage multiplexer. Each channel of the multiplexer module 0121 is electrically connected to a driving electrode 021, and the same driving electrode 021 is electrically connected to one channel of the multiplexer module 0121. In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the multiplexer module 0121 and the driving electrode 021. The droplet position detection module 012 can form a detection loop with any adjacent driving electrode 021. Each time the droplet position detection module 012 detects the droplet position, it needs to traverse all detection loops. This improves the accuracy of droplet position detection.

[0099] In one optional embodiment provided by the present invention, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 16 As shown, where, Figure 16 This is a circuit diagram of another multiplexing module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The number of channels in the multiplexing module 0121 is less than the number of driving electrodes 021, and each channel of the multiplexing module 0121 is electrically connected to one driving electrode 021, and the same driving electrode 021 is electrically connected to one channel of the multiplexing module 0121.

[0100] It is understood that, in the embodiments provided by this invention, the number of channels in the multiplexing module 0121 is less than the number of driving electrodes 021. For example, Figure 4 The microfluidic substrate 02 includes 16 positions, each position corresponding to a driving electrode 021, that is, the microfluidic substrate 02 includes 16 driving electrodes 021; Figure 15 The multiplexing module 0121 generates eight channels via a first-stage multiplexer. Each channel of the multiplexing module 0121 is electrically connected to a driving electrode 021, and the same driving electrode 021 is electrically connected to one channel of the multiplexing module 0121. That is, not every driving electrode 021 has a corresponding channel. In this case, multiple ports of the first output terminal of the multiplexing module 0121 can be connected to the driving electrodes 021 corresponding to key locations in the microfluidic substrate 02. Specifically, key locations refer to locations in the microfluidic substrate 02 where droplets are most likely to exist. For example, refer to... Figure 4As shown, positions B6, B10, A7, and A11 can be identified as critical positions, and the corresponding drive electrodes 021 are electrically connected to the multiplexing module 0121. Each time the droplet position detection module 012 detects the droplet position, it only needs to form a detection loop between the drive electrodes 021 corresponding to the critical positions and the droplet position detection module 012, thus improving the efficiency of droplet position detection.

[0101] In one optional embodiment provided by the present invention, refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the voltage value of the third signal V3 is V3=k1×Cx+Va;

[0102] Where k1 represents the first coefficient of the waveform generation module WFG; Cx represents the inter-plate capacitance between any two adjacent driving electrodes; Va represents the first node voltage.

[0103] Alternatively, the voltage value of the third signal is V3 = k2 × Cx + Vb;

[0104] Where k2 represents the second coefficient of the waveform generation module WFG; Cx represents the inter-plate capacitance between any two adjacent driving electrodes; and Vb represents the second node voltage.

[0105] Understandably, referring to Figure 12 As shown, in the waveform generation module WFG, when the third signal V3 is the node voltage between resistor R2 and capacitor C0, V3 = k1 × Cx + Va. That is, Cx = (V3 - Va) / k1, where k1 represents the first coefficient of the waveform generation module; Cx represents the inter-plate capacitance between any adjacent driving electrodes; and Va represents the first node voltage.

[0106] Reference Figure 13 As shown, in the waveform generation module WFG, when the third signal V3 is the node voltage between resistor R4 and capacitor C0, V3 = k2 × Cx + Vb. k2 represents the second coefficient of the waveform generation module; Cx represents the inter-plate capacitance between any adjacent driving electrodes; and Vb represents the second node voltage.

[0107] It should be noted that k1 and k2 are both used to represent the coefficients of the waveform generation module, but the corresponding third signal V3 is different, and the values ​​of k1 and k2 are also different.

[0108] In the embodiments provided by the present invention, the relationship between the inter-plate capacitance Cx between adjacent driving electrodes and the third signal V3 can be established by formula V3=k1×Cx+Va or formula V3=k2×Cx+Vb.

[0109] In one optional embodiment provided by the present invention, refer to Figure 12 As shown, when the voltage value of the third signal is V3=k1×Cx+Va, the voltage value of the first signal is V1=(1+h / Rd)×(V3-Va); where h is used to represent the coefficient of the amplification module; and Rd is used to represent the reference resistance of the amplification module.

[0110] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the third signal V3 is the node voltage between resistor R2 and capacitor C0.

[0111] It is understood that the voltage value of the first signal V1 is V1 = (1 + h / Rd) × (V3 - Va). That is, the embodiment provided by this invention obtains the first signal V1 output from the output terminal of the first amplifier U1 by inputting the third signal V3 at the positive input terminal of the first amplifier U1 and the first node voltage Va at the negative input terminal of the first amplifier U1. The formula V1 = (1 + h / Rd) × (V3 - Va), combined with the formula V3 = k × Cx + Va, can be used to obtain... The relationship between the interplate capacitance Cx between adjacent driving electrodes and the first signal V1 was established.

[0112] Reference Figure 13 As shown, when the voltage value of the third signal is V3=k2×Cx+Vb, the voltage value of the first signal is V1=(1+h / Rd)×(V3-Vb); where h is used to represent the coefficient of the amplification module; and Rd is used to represent the reference resistance of the amplification module.

[0113] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the third signal V3 is the node voltage between resistor R4 and capacitor C0. Its principle is the same as in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0114] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 14 As shown, the rectifier and filter module 0123 includes a second amplifier U2 and a third amplifier U3 that are electrically connected.

[0115] It is understandable that the positive input terminal of the second amplifier U2 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first amplifier U1, and the negative input terminal of the second amplifier U2 is electrically connected to its output terminal. The second amplifier U2 generates a fourth signal V4 from the first signal V1 input at its positive input terminal and outputs it through its output terminal. The positive input terminal of the third amplifier U3 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the second amplifier U2, and the negative input terminal of the third amplifier U3 is electrically connected to its output terminal. The third amplifier U3 generates a second signal V2 from the fourth signal V4 input at its positive input terminal and outputs it. The second amplifier U2 is used for first-order filtering, and the third amplifier U3 is used for second-order filtering, both to reduce interference from high-frequency harmonics in the first signal V1, thus making position detection more accurate.

[0116] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a method for detecting the position of a droplet, referring to... Figure 17 As shown, Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a droplet position detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The droplet position detection device includes: a microfluidic substrate and a driving detection substrate;

[0117] The microfluidic substrate includes multiple driving electrodes arranged in an array;

[0118] The driving detection substrate includes an MCU processing module, a multiplexer module, a detection circuit module, a rectifier and filter module, and an ADC sampling module;

[0119] Droplet position detection methods include:

[0120] S01, The MCU processing module sends a detection signal to the multiplexer module;

[0121] S02, Multiplexing module, receives detection signals and forms a detection loop with any adjacent driving electrode;

[0122] S03, the detection circuit module, obtains the node voltage of the second output terminal of the multiplexer module, generates a first signal based on the node voltage, and sends the first signal to the rectifier and filter module;

[0123] S04, Rectifier and Filter Module, receives the first signal, converts the first signal into a second signal, and sends the second signal to the ADC sampling module;

[0124] S05, ADC sampling module, receives the second signal, converts the second signal into a target data signal, and sends the target data signal to the MCU processing module;

[0125] S06, MCU processing module, receives target data signals and compares multiple target data signals with preset values ​​to determine the droplet position.

[0126] Understandably, after the MCU processing module sends a detection signal to the multiplexing module, the multiplexing module sequentially connects to adjacent driving electrodes to form multiple detection loops. The detection circuit module acquires the node voltage output by the multiplexing module each time and generates a first signal based on the node voltage, which is then sent to the rectification and filtering module. The rectification and filtering module filters out high-frequency harmonics from the first signal to obtain a second signal, which is then sent to the ADC sampling module. The ADC sampling module converts the second signal into a target data signal, which is a digital signal, and sends it to the MCU processing module. The MCU processing module compares the multiple target data signals with preset values ​​to determine the droplet position.

[0127] In one optional embodiment provided by the present invention, refer to Figure 18 As shown, Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating another droplet position detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The driving detection substrate further includes a droplet driving module;

[0128] Droplet position detection methods also include:

[0129] S10, the MCU processing module, sends a drive signal to the droplet driving module;

[0130] S11, the droplet driving module, receives the driving signal and applies a driving voltage to the driving electrode.

[0131] Understandably, the MCU processing module sends a drive signal to the droplet driving module, and the droplet driving module applies a drive voltage to the driving electrode according to the drive signal, thereby driving the droplet to move.

[0132] In one optional embodiment provided by the present invention, refer to Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, where, Figure 19 This is a flowchart of another droplet position detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 A flowchart illustrating another droplet position detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The droplet position detection method further includes:

[0133] When the MCU processing module sends a drive signal to the droplet driving module

[0134] S13, The MCU processing module sends a disconnect signal to the multiplexer module;

[0135] When the MCU processing module sends a detection signal to the multiplexer module

[0136] S07, the MCU processing module sends a high-impedance signal to the droplet driving module.

[0137] Understandably, if after S11 is executed, the MCU processing module sends a disconnect signal to the multiplexing module, meaning that during S12, the multiplexing module is disconnected from the microfluidic substrate, and droplet position detection is not possible. If after S01 is executed, the MCU processing module sends a high-impedance signal to the droplet driving module, meaning that during S02, the droplet driving module is disconnected from the microfluidic substrate, and droplet driving is not possible.

[0138] In summary, the droplet position detection device and method provided by this invention achieve at least the following beneficial effects:

[0139] The embodiments provided by this invention include an MCU processing module and a droplet position detection module on the driving detection substrate. The MCU processing module determines the droplet position by sending a detection signal to the droplet position detection module and acquiring and analyzing the target data signal returned by the droplet position detection module. The embodiments provided by this invention can acquire the droplet position in real time and correct any unwanted shifts in the droplet position promptly.

[0140] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A droplet position detection device, characterized in that, Including the driving detection substrate; The driving detection substrate includes an electrically connected MCU processing module and a droplet position detection module; The MCU processing module is used to send a detection signal to the droplet position detection module; The droplet position detection module is used to receive the detection signal, acquire the node voltage in the detection loop, and generate a corresponding target data signal based on the node voltage. The MCU processing module is also used to determine the droplet position based on multiple target data signals and preset values; It also includes microfluidic substrates; The microfluidic substrate is electrically connected to the driving and detection substrate; The microfluidic substrate is provided with a plurality of driving electrodes arranged in an array, and any adjacent driving electrodes and the droplet position detection module constitute the detection circuit; The driving detection substrate also includes a droplet driving module; The MCU processing module is used to send a drive signal to the droplet driving module; The droplet driving module is electrically connected to the driving electrode of the microfluidic substrate, and is used to receive the driving signal and apply a driving voltage to the driving electrode.

2. The droplet position detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving detection substrate is an IC chip; The IC chip is bonded to the bonding area of ​​the microfluidic substrate.

3. The droplet position detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving detection substrate is a PCB substrate; The microfluidic substrate has multiple probes at one end, and the PCB substrate has multiple pads corresponding to the probes at the end near the microfluidic substrate. The probes and the pads are electrically connected.

4. The droplet position detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes flexible circuit boards; The flexible circuit board is bonded to the bonding area of ​​the microfluidic substrate, and the PCB substrate is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board.

5. The droplet position detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input terminal of the droplet driving module is electrically connected to the first output terminal of the MCU processing module, and the output terminal of the droplet driving module is electrically connected to the driving electrode of the microfluidic substrate.

6. The droplet position detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The droplet position detection module includes a multiplexer module, a detection circuit module, a rectifier filter module, and an ADC sampling module. The input terminal of the multiplexing module is electrically connected to the second output terminal of the MCU processing module, the first output terminal of the multiplexing module is electrically connected to the microfluidic substrate, and the second output terminal of the multiplexing module is electrically connected to the input terminal of the detection circuit module. The output terminal of the detection circuit module is electrically connected to the input terminal of the rectifier and filter module; The output terminal of the rectifier filter module is electrically connected to the input terminal of the ADC sampling module; The output terminal of the ADC sampling module is electrically connected to the input terminal of the MCU processing module; The multiplexing module is used to form the detection loop with any adjacent driving electrode according to the detection signal sent by the MCU processing module; The detection circuit module is used to acquire the node voltage at the second output terminal of the multiplexing module and generate a first signal based on the node voltage. The rectifier and filter module is used to convert the first signal into a second signal; An ADC sampling module is used to convert the second signal into the target data signal.

7. The droplet position detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The detection circuit module includes a waveform generation module and an amplification module that are electrically connected. The input terminal of the waveform generation module is electrically connected to the second output terminal of the multiplexing module, and the output terminal of the waveform generation module is electrically connected to the input terminal of the amplification module. The output terminal of the amplification module is electrically connected to the input terminal of the rectifier and filter module; The waveform generation module is used to acquire the node voltage at the second output terminal of the multiplexing module and generate a third signal based on the node voltage. The amplification module is used to convert the third signal into a first signal.

8. The droplet position detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of channels in the multiplexing module is equal to the number of driving electrodes. Each channel of the multiplexing module is electrically connected to one driving electrode, and the same driving electrode is electrically connected to one channel of the multiplexing module.

9. The droplet position detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of channels in the multiplexing module is less than the number of driving electrodes, and each channel of the multiplexing module is electrically connected to one driving electrode, and the same driving electrode is electrically connected to one channel of the multiplexing module.

10. The droplet position detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The voltage value of the third signal is V3 = k1 × Cx + Va; Where k1 represents the first coefficient of the waveform generation module; Cx represents the inter-plate capacitance between any two adjacent driving electrodes; Va represents the first node voltage. Alternatively, the voltage value of the third signal is V3 = k2 × Cx + Vb; Wherein, k2 represents the second coefficient of the waveform generation module; Cx represents the inter-plate capacitance between any two adjacent driving electrodes; and Vb represents the second node voltage.

11. The droplet position detection device according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the voltage value of the third signal is V3 = k1 × Cx + Va, the voltage value of the first signal is V1 = (1 + h / Rd) × (V3 - Va); When the voltage value of the third signal is V3=k2×Cx+Vb, the voltage value of the first signal is V1=(1+h / Rd)×(V3-Vb); Where h represents the coefficient of the amplification module; Rd represents the reference resistance of the amplification module.

12. A method for detecting the position of a droplet, characterized in that, The droplet position detection device includes: a microfluidic substrate and a driving detection substrate; The microfluidic substrate includes multiple driving electrodes arranged in an array; The driving detection substrate includes an MCU processing module, a multiplexer module, a detection circuit module, a rectifier and filter module, and an ADC sampling module; the driving detection substrate also includes a droplet driving module; The droplet position detection method includes: The MCU processing module sends a detection signal to the multiplexing module; The multiplexing module receives the detection signal and forms a detection loop with any adjacent driving electrode. The detection circuit module acquires the node voltage at the second output terminal of the multiplexing module, generates a first signal based on the node voltage, and sends the first signal to the rectification and filtering module. The rectifier and filter module receives the first signal, converts the first signal into a second signal, and sends the second signal to the ADC sampling module. The ADC sampling module receives the second signal, converts the second signal into a target data signal, and sends the target data signal to the MCU processing module. The MCU processing module receives the target data signal and compares multiple target data signals with preset values ​​to determine the droplet position; The droplet position detection method further includes: The MCU processing module sends a drive signal to the droplet driving module; The droplet driving module is electrically connected to the driving electrode of the microfluidic substrate, receives the driving signal, and applies a driving voltage to the driving electrode.

13. The droplet position detection method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: When the MCU processing module sends a drive signal to the droplet driving module, the MCU processing module sends a disconnect signal to the multiplexer module. When the MCU processing module sends a detection signal to the multiplexing module, the MCU processing module sends a high-impedance state signal to the droplet driving module.

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