A fusion effect detection device for mixed post-liquid droplets based on an optical sensor

Abstract

The application relates to a post-mixing droplet fusion effect detection device based on an optical sensor and relates to the field of microfluidics. The post-mixing droplet fusion effect detection device based on the optical sensor comprises a light generating sensor, a light receiving sensor, a target driving electrode and a control assembly; a surface, which is in contact with the post-mixing droplet and the target driving electrode, is regarded as a contact plane; the control assembly controls light rays emitted by the light generating sensor to the light receiving sensor to pass through the post-mixing droplet and be perpendicular to the contact plane, acquires light intensities at different positions of the light rays, controls the light rays emitted by the light generating sensor to the light receiving sensor to pass through the post-mixing droplet and be parallel to the contact plane, acquires light intensities at different positions of the light rays, determines light transmission degrees of each part in the post-mixing droplet according to the light intensities, and further determines a fusion effect of the post-mixing droplet. The application is used to solve the problem that the post-mixing droplet cannot be moved quickly and as little as possible and the fusion effect of the post-mixing droplet cannot be accurately judged.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of microfluidics, and in particular to a fusion effect detection device for mixed droplets based on optical sensors. BACKGROUND

[0002] Digital microfluidics is a technology that can precisely manipulate the generation, movement and fusion of droplets based on the dielectric wetting effect. It has the advantages of high throughput, automation, small amount of reagent required, rapid reaction, etc., and has been widely used in DNA preparation, molecular diagnosis, immunoassay, drug analysis, chemical experiments, etc. At present, droplets as small as nanoliters can be manipulated. The dielectric wetting effect is simply to change the wettability of the droplet by applying a voltage. When no voltage is applied, the droplet is on the surface of a super-hydrophobic material, and the contact angle is very small, which will present a nearly spherical state. After applying a voltage, the contact angle of the droplet becomes larger, causing a pressure difference inside the droplet, which in turn causes the droplet to collapse, achieving the purpose of moving the droplet.

[0003] At present, most of the research focuses on how to prepare a better substrate, stronger driving ability, and achieve faster movement of the droplet. The research on the monitoring of the mixing quality of the droplets is relatively less. However, for digital microfluidics, mixing is an essential step, and the quality of the mixing directly determines its accuracy. In addition, the mixed droplets become larger and are more likely to move incorrectly. If the number of movements of the mixed droplets can be reduced, the error rate will be greatly reduced. At the same time, shorter mixing time means higher detection throughput.

[0004] At present, there are usually two methods to ensure that the mixed droplets are completely mixed: 1. The mixed droplets need to move back and forth repeatedly to ensure that the mixed droplets are as evenly mixed as possible. However, multiple back-and-forth movements greatly increase the possibility of droplet movement failure, and it is impossible to determine how long the droplets should be moved back and forth, which can only be based on experience. 2. The mixed droplets are left to stand for a long time after mixing to wait for the mixing to be completed. However, this undoubtedly greatly increases the waiting time. And there is still the problem that it is impossible to determine how long to wait, which can only be based on experience.

[0005] Therefore, there is currently a problem that it is impossible to quickly and as few as possible to move the mixed droplets and accurately determine the fusion effect of the mixed droplets. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides a fusion effect detection device for mixed droplets based on optical sensors to solve the problem that it is impossible to quickly and as few as possible to move the mixed droplets and accurately determine the fusion effect of the mixed droplets.

[0007] The embodiment of the application provides a fusion effect detection device for mixed liquid drops based on a light sensor, which comprises a light generating sensor, a light receiving sensor, a target driving electrode and a control component; a surface, which is contacted by the mixed liquid drops and the target driving electrode, is regarded as a contact plane; the light generating sensor is installed on a first mechanical arm, and the light receiving sensor is installed on a second mechanical arm;

[0008] The control component is used for controlling the light generating sensor to emit light to the light receiving sensor through the mixed liquid drops and perpendicularly to the contact plane by controlling the movement of the first mechanical arm and the movement of the second mechanical arm, acquiring first light intensity, second light intensity, third light intensity and fourth light intensity sent by the light receiving sensor when the light is respectively at a first position, a second position, a third position and a fourth position; the light generating sensor is controlled to emit light to the light receiving sensor through the mixed liquid drops and parallel to the contact plane by controlling the movement of the first mechanical arm and the movement of the second mechanical arm, acquiring fifth light intensity, sixth light intensity, seventh light intensity, eighth light intensity and ninth light intensity sent by the light receiving sensor when the light is respectively at a fifth position, a sixth position, a seventh position, an eighth position and a ninth position; the light transmittance of each part in the mixed liquid drops is determined according to the first light intensity, the second light intensity, the third light intensity, the fourth light intensity, the fifth light intensity, the sixth light intensity, the seventh light intensity, the eighth light intensity and the ninth light intensity, and the fusion effect of the mixed liquid drops is determined according to the light transmittance of each part in the mixed liquid drops.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the technical scheme provided by the embodiments of the present application has the following advantages: in the embodiments of the present application, the control component controls the light emitted by the light emitting sensor to pass through the mixed droplet perpendicularly to the contact plane and to the light receiving sensor, obtains the light intensity of the light at different positions, controls the light emitted by the light emitting sensor to pass through the mixed droplet parallel to the contact plane and to the light receiving sensor, obtains the light intensity of the light at different positions, determines the light transmission degree of each part of the mixed droplet according to each light intensity, and determines the fusion effect of the mixed droplet according to the light transmission degree of each part of the mixed droplet. Compared with the scheme in which the mixed droplet needs to move back and forth repeatedly and the scheme in which the mixed droplet needs to be static for a long time after mixing, in the present application, after the droplets are mixed, the mixed droplet does not need to be moved, and only the light emitted by the light emitting sensor to the light receiving sensor needs to pass through the mixed droplet, so that the light transmission degree of each part of the mixed droplet can be obtained, and the fusion effect of the mixed droplet can be determined, thereby reducing the number of movements of the mixed droplet and the movement time of the mixed droplet. Moreover, the mixed droplet does not need to be static for a long time after mixing to wait for the completion of mixing, thereby reducing the waiting time. In addition, the light transmission degree of the droplets is different when the density and composition of the droplets are different. Therefore, by controlling the light emitted by the light emitting sensor to pass through the mixed droplet, the light transmission degree of each part of the mixed droplet can be obtained, and the fusion effect of the mixed droplet can be accurately determined, thereby solving the problem that the mixed droplet cannot be moved quickly and as little as possible and the fusion effect of the mixed droplet cannot be accurately determined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0011] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical scheme in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced as follows. Obviously, other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0012] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a mixed droplet fusion effect detection device based on a light sensor in an embodiment of the present application;

[0013] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a top view of a mixed droplet fusion effect detection system based on a light sensor in an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of light rays at the first, second, third, and fourth positions on the xOz plane in a specific embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of light rays at the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth positions on the xOz plane in a specific embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the xOy plane in a specific embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the calibration of a light-generating sensor in a specific embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal calibration of the microfluidic substrate for the target driving electrode in a specific embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] In this embodiment of the application, a device for detecting the fusion effect of mixed droplets based on an optical sensor is provided, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a light generating sensor 100, a light receiving sensor 200, a target driving electrode 300, and a control component 400; the surface where the mixed droplet contacts the target driving electrode 300 is used as the contact plane; the light generating sensor 100 is mounted on the first robotic arm 500, and the light receiving sensor 200 is mounted on the second robotic arm 600.

[0021] The control component 400 is configured to control the light emitting sensor 100 to emit light to the light receiving sensor 200 through the mixed liquid droplet and perpendicular to the contact plane by controlling the movement of the first mechanical arm 500 and the movement of the second mechanical arm 600, and acquire the first light intensity, the second light intensity, the third light intensity and the fourth light intensity sent by the light receiving sensor 200 when the light is at the first position, the second position, the third position and the fourth position respectively; the control component 400 is configured to control the light emitting sensor 100 to emit light to the light receiving sensor 200 through the mixed liquid droplet and parallel to the contact plane by controlling the movement of the first mechanical arm 500 and the movement of the second mechanical arm 600, and acquire the fifth light intensity, the sixth light intensity, the seventh light intensity, the eighth light intensity and the ninth light intensity sent by the light receiving sensor 200 when the light is at the fifth position, the sixth position, the seventh position, the eighth position and the ninth position respectively; the control component 400 is configured to determine the light transmission degree of each part in the mixed liquid droplet according to the first light intensity, the second light intensity, the third light intensity, the fourth light intensity, the fifth light intensity, the sixth light intensity, the seventh light intensity, the eighth light intensity and the ninth light intensity, and determine the fusion effect of the mixed liquid droplet according to the light transmission degree of each part in the mixed liquid droplet.

[0022] According to the light transmission degree of each part in the mixed liquid droplet, the fusion effect of the mixed liquid droplet can be that the light transmission degrees of each part in the mixed liquid droplet are close and all are light transmission, and the fusion effect of the mixed liquid droplet is completely mixed, and the mixed liquid droplet is a solution; or the fusion effect of the mixed liquid droplet can be that each part in the mixed liquid droplet has light transmission and non-light transmission positions, and the fusion effect of the mixed liquid droplet is completely mixed, and the mixed liquid droplet is a suspension; or the fusion effect of the mixed liquid droplet can be that the bottom of the mixed liquid droplet is non-light transmission and the upper part is light transmission, and the fusion effect of the mixed liquid droplet is completely mixed, and the mixed liquid droplet has a precipitate.

[0023] In the embodiment of the present application, the control component controls the light emitting sensor to emit light to the light receiving sensor through the mixed droplet and perpendicular to the contact plane, to obtain the light intensity at different positions, controls the light emitting sensor to emit light to the light receiving sensor through the mixed droplet and parallel to the contact plane, to obtain the light intensity at different positions, determines the light transmission degree of each part in the mixed droplet according to the light intensity, and determines the fusion effect of the mixed droplet according to the light transmission degree of each part in the mixed droplet. Compared with the prior art, the mixed droplet needs to move back and forth repeatedly, and the mixed droplet needs to be static for a long time after mixing. In the present application, after the droplets are mixed, the mixed droplet does not need to be moved, only the light emitting sensor needs to be controlled to emit light to the light receiving sensor through the mixed droplet, the light transmission degree of each part in the mixed droplet can be obtained, and the fusion effect of the mixed droplet can be determined, thereby reducing the number of movements of the mixed droplet and the movement time of the mixed droplet. Moreover, the mixed droplet does not need to be static for a long time after mixing to wait for the mixing to be completed, thereby reducing the waiting time. In addition, the light transmission degree of the droplets is different when the density and composition of the droplets are different. Therefore, controlling the light emitting sensor to emit light to the light receiving sensor through the mixed droplet to obtain the light transmission degree of each part in the mixed droplet can accurately determine the fusion effect of the mixed droplet, and solve the problem that the mixed droplet cannot be moved quickly and as little as possible, and the fusion effect of the mixed droplet cannot be accurately determined.

[0024] In one specific embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, it is a top view of a mixed droplet fusion effect detection system based on a light sensor. Figure 2 In one specific embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, it is a top view of a mixed droplet fusion effect detection system based on a light sensor. Figure 2 In one specific embodiment, as an example, it is shown that the first drive electrode set includes drive electrode 11, drive electrode 12, drive electrode 13, drive electrode 14, drive electrode 15, drive electrode 16, and target drive electrode 300. Figure 2 In one specific embodiment, as an example, it is shown that the first drive electrode set includes drive electrode 11, drive electrode 12, drive electrode 13, drive electrode 14, drive electrode 15, drive electrode 16, and target drive electrode 300. Figure 2 In one specific embodiment, the number of drive electrodes in the first drive electrode set is only illustrative, and the number of drive electrodes in the first drive electrode set can also be other values according to needs. Figure 2 In one specific embodiment, as an example, it is shown that the second drive electrode set includes drive electrode 21, drive electrode 22, drive electrode 23, drive electrode 24, drive electrode 25, drive electrode 26, drive electrode 27, and target drive electrode 300. Figure 2 In one specific embodiment, the number of drive electrodes in the second drive electrode set is only illustrative, and the number of drive electrodes in the second drive electrode set can also be other values according to needs. Figure 2In the embodiment, the first row of drive electrodes and the second row of drive electrodes are perpendicular, but this is only illustrative, and the first row of drive electrodes and the second row of drive electrodes are not necessarily perpendicular, and can be intersecting but not perpendicular, as long as the first row of drive electrodes and the second row of drive electrodes have a common target drive electrode 300.

[0025] Figure 2 In the embodiment, the initial position of the droplet A is on the surface of the drive electrode 11, and the droplet movement direction of the droplet A is from the drive electrode 11 to the target drive electrode 300. The initial position of the droplet B is on the surface of the drive electrode 21, and the droplet movement direction of the droplet B is from the drive electrode 21 to the target drive electrode 300. Figure 2 The electrode spacing between the drive electrodes is also shown in the embodiment. The droplet A and the droplet B are mixed on the surface of the target drive electrode 300, and the mixed droplet is a droplet C. The droplet C is on the surface of the target drive electrode 300, and the mixed solution detection position is 55. An analysis device such as a spectrometer is arranged near the mixed solution detection position 55. The waste liquid tank is 66. The control assembly 400 determines that the fusion effect of the mixed droplet is complete fusion, and controls the droplet C to continue to move to the position 55. The droplet C is analyzed by the analysis instrument, the result is stored, and then continues to move to the position 66 which is the waste liquid tank. The whole process ends.

[0026] In one embodiment, one vertex of the contact plane is taken as the origin, two edges of the contact plane connected with the origin are taken as the x-axis and the y-axis respectively, and a line segment perpendicular to the contact plane and connected with the origin is taken as the z-axis. The direction of the z-axis from the origin to the mixed droplet is taken as the positive direction of the z-axis.

[0027] The distance between the fifth position and the contact plane is greater than the distance between the sixth position and the contact plane, the distance between the sixth position and the contact plane is greater than the distance between the seventh position and the contact plane, the distance between the seventh position and the contact plane is greater than the distance between the eighth position and the contact plane, the distance between the eighth position and the contact plane is greater than the distance between the ninth position and the contact plane, and the distance between the ninth position and the contact plane is less than the first preset distance.

[0028] The control component is further configured to: when the light emitted by the light generating sensor to the light receiving sensor passes through the mixed liquid droplet and is perpendicular to the contact plane, adjust the position of the light generating sensor to a position closest to the mixed liquid droplet, obtain a calibration position of the light generating sensor, control the light generating sensor to move a second preset distance in the negative direction of the x-axis from the calibration position, obtain a second position, control the light generating sensor to move a second preset distance in the positive direction of the x-axis from the calibration position, obtain a third position, control the light generating sensor to move a third preset distance in the negative direction of the x-axis from the calibration position, obtain a first position, control the light generating sensor to move a third preset distance in the positive direction of the x-axis from the calibration position, and obtain a fourth position, wherein the second preset distance is less than the third preset distance.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, it is a schematic diagram of the light rays in the xOz plane at the first position, the second position, the third position, and the fourth position. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1, it is a schematic diagram of the light rays in the xOz plane at the first position, the second position, the third position, and the fourth position. Figure 3 In FIG. 1, O is the origin, and the positive directions of the x-axis and the z-axis are also shown. Figure 3 In FIG. 1, the number 1 indicates the light rays at the first position, the number 2 indicates the light rays at the second position, the number 3 indicates the light rays at the third position, and the number 4 indicates the light rays at the fourth position. For example, the positive direction of the x-axis can be to the right, and the positive direction of the z-axis can be upward. Figure 2 In FIG. 1, the target driving electrode 300 points to the direction of the mixed solution detection position 55.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, it is a schematic diagram of the light rays in the xOz plane at the fifth position, the sixth position, the seventh position, the eighth position, and the ninth position. Figure 4 In FIG. 2, the number 5 indicates the light rays at the fifth position, the number 6 indicates the light rays at the sixth position, the number 7 indicates the light rays at the seventh position, the number 8 indicates the light rays at the eighth position, and the number 9 indicates the light rays at the ninth position. For example, the positive direction of the x-axis can be to the right, and the positive direction of the z-axis can be upward. Figure 4 In FIG. 2, the target driving electrode 300 points to the direction of the mixed solution detection position 55, and the light generating sensor can be placed to the left of the driving electrode 21. Figure 2 In FIG. 2, the target driving electrode 300 points to the direction of the mixed solution detection position 55, and the light generating sensor can be placed to the left of the driving electrode 21. Figure 2 In FIG. 2, the target driving electrode 300 points to the direction of the mixed solution detection position 55, and the light generating sensor can be placed to the left of the driving electrode 21. Figure 2 In FIG. 2, the target driving electrode 300 points to the direction of the mixed solution detection position 55, and the light generating sensor can be placed to the left of the driving electrode 21.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, it is a schematic diagram of the xOy plane. For example, the positive direction of the x-axis can be to the right, and the positive direction of the y-axis can be upward. Figure 5 In FIG. 3, the target driving electrode 300 points to the direction of the mixed solution detection position 55, and the positive direction of the y-axis can be upward. Figure 2 In FIG. 3, the target driving electrode 300 points to the direction of the mixed solution detection position 55, and the positive direction of the y-axis can be upward. Figure 2 In FIG. 3, the target driving electrode 300 points to the direction of the driving electrode 11.

[0032] In one specific embodiment, the control component is specifically configured to: acquire a target distance between the current position of the mixed droplet and the light-generating sensor when the light emitted by the light-generating sensor to the light-receiving sensor passes through the mixed droplet and is perpendicular to the contact plane; control the light-generating sensor to move at a preset interval on a plane parallel to the contact plane, with the current position of the light-generating sensor as the center; and reacquire the target distance between the positions of the mixed droplet and the light-generating sensor after the movement; and, using the position of the light-generating sensor corresponding to the minimum target distance as the center, reduce the preset interval according to a preset rule, and then return to execute the step of controlling the light-generating sensor to move at a preset interval on a plane parallel to the contact plane, until the number of executions equals the preset number of times, and then use the position of the light-generating sensor as the calibration position of the light-generating sensor.

[0033] like Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the calibration of the light-generating sensor. The dashed rectangle represents the movement range for the light-generating sensor calibration. Adjusting the position of the light-generating sensor on a plane parallel to the contact plane is to find the position where the light-generating sensor is closest to the mixed droplet, which serves as the calibration position. Based on this calibration position, the first, second, third, and fourth positions can be accurately determined, improving test accuracy.

[0034] For example: After mixing, the droplet is placed on the surface of the target driving electrode. First, the position of the light-generating sensor is adjusted to be near the mixed droplet. Using the current position of the light-generating sensor as the center, the first robotic arm moves the light-generating sensor to 3*3 points on the plane. The distance between each point is relatively large to ensure that the entire droplet is covered, and each point is tested. The point with the smallest measured distance is the closest point to the light-generating sensor. Continuing with this point as the center, the spacing is halved to define 8 points around it. This 3*3 matrix is ​​tested again, and the point with the smallest distance is taken as the new center. The spacing is then halved again, and a new center is obtained in the same way. Through this gradual approximation method, after 4-5 approximations, the position of the light-generating sensor is calibrated. Figure 6 The solid line with arrows is shown between the light-generating sensor and the mixed droplets.

[0035] In one specific embodiment, the control component is further configured to control the light generating sensor and the light receiving sensor to be at the same height before the light emitted by the light generating sensor to the light receiving sensor passes through the mixed droplet and is parallel to the contact plane, detect whether the light receiving sensor receives the light emitted by the light generating sensor, control the light generating sensor to continue emitting light when the light receiving sensor does not receive the light emitted by the light generating sensor, control the light receiving sensor to move along the positive direction of the z-axis, control the target driving electrode to rotate counterclockwise if the light receiving sensor receives the light emitted by the light generating sensor, control the light receiving sensor to move along the negative direction of the z-axis if the light receiving sensor receives the light emitted by the light generating sensor, and control the target driving electrode to rotate clockwise if the light receiving sensor does not receive the light emitted by the light generating sensor.

[0036] Since it is necessary to control the light emitted by the light-generating sensor to pass through the mixed droplets and be parallel to the contact plane, it is necessary to calibrate whether the microfluidic substrate of the target driving electrode is parallel to the light before testing.

[0037] like Figure 7 The diagram shown illustrates the horizontal calibration of the microfluidic substrate for the target driving electrode. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the light-generating sensor and the light-receiving sensor are controlled to be at the same height. The system detects whether the light-receiving sensor receives the light emitted by the light-generating sensor. If the microfluidic substrate of the target driving electrode is horizontal, the light-receiving sensor can receive the light emitted by the light-generating sensor. If the microfluidic substrate of the target driving electrode is not horizontal, the light is deflected after refraction, and the light-receiving sensor cannot receive the light emitted by the light-generating sensor. The direction of substrate deflection affects the position where the light hits the light-receiving sensor. Figure 7 As shown in (b), when the light receiving sensor does not receive light emitted by the light generating sensor, the light generating sensor is controlled to continuously emit light, and the light receiving sensor is controlled to move along the positive direction of the z-axis. If the light receiving sensor receives light emitted by the light generating sensor, the target driving electrode is controlled to rotate counterclockwise. Figure 7 As shown in (c), if the light receiving sensor does not receive the light emitted by the light generating sensor, it controls the light receiving sensor to move along the negative direction of the z-axis; if the light receiving sensor receives the light emitted by the light generating sensor, it controls the target driving electrode to rotate clockwise. The adjustment range can also be estimated based on the distance the light receiving sensor moves.

[0038] In one specific embodiment, the control component is further configured to, when there is no droplet on the surface of the target driving electrode, control the first mechanical arm to move and control the second mechanical arm to move, control the light emitting sensor to emit light to the light receiving sensor through the target driving electrode and perpendicular to the contact plane, and when the light is at the first position, the second position, the third position and the fourth position respectively, acquire the first background noise light intensity, the second background noise light intensity, the third background noise light intensity and the fourth background noise light intensity sent by the light receiving sensor; subtract the first background noise light intensity from the first light intensity to obtain the first target light intensity, subtract the second background noise light intensity from the second light intensity to obtain the second target light intensity, subtract the third background noise light intensity from the third light intensity to obtain the third target light intensity, and subtract the fourth background noise light intensity from the fourth light intensity to obtain the fourth target light intensity; and determine the light transmission degree of each part in the mixed droplet according to the first target light intensity, the second target light intensity, the third target light intensity, the fourth target light intensity, the fifth light intensity, the sixth light intensity, the seventh light intensity, the eighth light intensity and the ninth light intensity.

[0039] Since the target driving electrode is essentially a microfluidic chip, the microfluidic chip is composed of a glass substrate, a super-hydrophobic layer, a medium layer and a conductive layer, and the light transmission rate can reach more than 95%. During detection, the light emitting sensor and the light receiving sensor need to move around the mixed droplet to detect each part of the mixed droplet. When infrared light hits the microfluidic chip, there will be reflection, and the degree of reflection is different when the light hits the chip at different angles. Therefore, the corresponding background noise light intensity of each position needs to be obtained before the droplet moves to the target driving electrode. The background noise light intensity is removed during subsequent real detection, so that more accurate results can be obtained. Positions 1, 2, 3 and 4 are because the light will pass through the microfluidic chip, so there is background noise light intensity. Positions 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, the light will not pass through the microfluidic chip, so there is no background noise light intensity.

[0040] To detect the fusion effect of the mixed droplet, there are three detection modes: solution detection mode, suspension liquid detection mode and precipitation detection mode. There are two implementation ways: (1) the user manually selects which detection mode to use; (2) without user selection, all three detection modes are tested.

[0041] The basic principle is that the infrared light emitted by the light-emitting sensor is reflected on the mixed droplet and is absorbed by the mixed droplet. The density of the mixed droplet is different, the composition is different, and the light absorption capacity is also different. A light-emitting sensor is arranged in front of and behind the mixed droplet, and a light-receiving sensor is arranged. The light-emitting sensor emits infrared light of a fixed intensity, which is transmitted through the mixed droplet and is received by the light-receiving sensor on the opposite side, and the light intensity is judged. The diameter of the infrared light is very small, and it hits multiple points on the mixed droplet. According to the light intensity transmitted by multiple points, the transmitted light intensity can be used to judge the density of each part of the mixed droplet.

[0042] For a solution, no precipitate is produced after the reaction, the density and composition of each part of the droplet are the same, the degree of light absorption is the same, and the transmitted light intensity should be close. For a suspension, a flocculent precipitate with a smaller density is produced after the reaction, which is distributed in the entire droplet. The density and composition of each part of the droplet are different, the degree of light absorption is different, and each part of the droplet has a light-transmitting and non-light-transmitting position. For a precipitate, a precipitate with a larger density is produced after the reaction, which sinks to the bottom of the droplet. The density and composition of the lower half and the upper half of the droplet are different, the degree of light absorption is different, the transmitted light intensity of the bottom should be greatly reduced, and the transmitted light intensity of the upper part of the droplet should be close.

[0043] The user of the liquid participating in the reaction is clear about its composition, and the light transmittance before and after the reaction can be simulated by comsol finite element simulation. The theoretical value can be used for comparison with the detection value.

[0044] In one specific embodiment, the control component is specifically configured to obtain the difference between any two values of the first target light intensity, the second target light intensity, the third target light intensity, the fourth target light intensity, the fifth light intensity, the seventh light intensity and the ninth light intensity, obtain the average value of the first target light intensity, the second target light intensity, the third target light intensity, the fourth target light intensity, the fifth light intensity, the seventh light intensity and the ninth light intensity, if the difference between any two values is less than the first preset value, and the average value is greater than the second preset value, it is determined that the light transmission degree of each part of the mixed droplet is close, and each part is light-transmitting, it is determined that the fusion effect of the mixed droplet is complete mixing, and the mixed droplet is a solution, wherein the second preset value represents the minimum intensity value of light transmission.

[0045] For example, the first light intensity is D1, the second light intensity is D2, the third light intensity is D3, the fourth light intensity is D4, the fifth light intensity is D5, the sixth light intensity is D6, the seventh light intensity is D7, the eighth light intensity is D8, the ninth light intensity is D9, the first background noise light intensity is d1, the second background noise light intensity is d2, the third background noise light intensity is d3, the fourth background noise light intensity is d4, the first target light intensity is (D1-d1), the second target light intensity is (D2-d2), the third target light intensity is (D3-d3), and the fourth target light intensity is (D4-d4). The difference between any two of the seven values (D1-d1), (D2-d2), (D3-d3), (D4-d4), D5, D7, and D9 is less than a first preset value, indicating that the light transmission degrees of the various parts in the mixed droplet are close, wherein the first preset value can be set to a relatively small value, for example, the first preset value is D5*10%, and of course, the first preset value can also be set to other numerical values. The average value of the seven values (D1-d1), (D2-d2), (D3-d3), (D4-d4), D5, D7, and D9 is greater than a second preset value, and the second preset value is used to represent the minimum light intensity value of light transmission, and the second preset value is a relatively large value, indicating that the various parts in the mixed droplet are all light-transmissive, thereby determining that the fusion effect of the mixed droplet is complete mixing, and the mixed droplet is a solution.

[0046] In one specific embodiment, the control component is specifically used for determining that if at least one of the first target light intensity, the second target light intensity, the third target light intensity, and the fourth target light intensity is a negative number, the difference between the absolute value of the negative number and the background noise light intensity corresponding to the negative number is less than a third preset value, at least one of the first target light intensity, the second target light intensity, the third target light intensity, and the fourth target light intensity is greater than the second preset value, at least one of the fifth light intensity, the sixth light intensity, the seventh light intensity, and the ninth light intensity is greater than the second preset value, and at least one of the fifth light intensity, the sixth light intensity, the seventh light intensity, and the ninth light intensity is less than the second preset value, it is determined that the various parts in the mixed droplet have both light-transmissive and non-light-transmissive positions, and the fusion effect of the mixed droplet is complete mixing, and the mixed droplet is a suspension.

[0047] The suspension is generally flocculation, floating in the liquid. The light transmittance of the suspension is less than that of the solution but greater than that of the precipitate. For example, at least one of (D1-d1), (D2-d2), (D3-d3), (D4-d4) is negative, and the difference between the absolute value of the negative number and the background noise light intensity corresponding to the negative number is less than a third preset value, indicating that at least one of D1, D2, D3, and D4 is close to 0, indicating that at least one of the first position, the second position, the third position, and the fourth position is not transparent. At least one of (D1-d1), (D2-d2), (D3-d3), (D4-d4) is greater than the second preset value, indicating that at least one of the first position, the second position, the third position, and the fourth position is transparent. At least one of D5, D6, D7, and D9 is greater than the second preset value, indicating that at least one of the fifth position, the sixth position, the seventh position, and the ninth position is transparent. At least one of D5, D6, D7, and D9 is less than the second preset value, indicating that at least one of the fifth position, the sixth position, the seventh position, and the ninth position is not transparent. If these conditions are met, it is determined that each part of the mixed droplet has a transparent and non-transparent position, and the fusion effect of the mixed droplet is completely mixed, and the mixed droplet is a suspension.

[0048] In one specific embodiment, the control component is further configured to, if at least one of the fifth light intensity, the sixth light intensity, the seventh light intensity, and the ninth light intensity is less than the second preset value, obtain a target position corresponding to the value less than the second preset value, control the light emitting sensor and the light receiving sensor to move a step along the positive direction of the z-axis from the target position, obtain the tenth light intensity sent by the light receiving sensor, wherein the step is the minimum distance that the first mechanical arm and the second mechanical arm can move, control the light emitting sensor and the light receiving sensor to move a step along the negative direction of the z-axis from the target position, obtain the eleventh light intensity sent by the light receiving sensor, and if the tenth light intensity is less than the second preset value and the eleventh light intensity is less than the second preset value, it indicates that the non-transparent part of the mixed droplet has a thickness, and the mixed droplet is further determined to be a suspension.

[0049] The suspension has a certain volume, so the non-transparent part of the mixed droplet has a thickness, and by proving that the non-transparent target position is not transparent when moving up a step and is not transparent when moving down a step, it can be proved that the non-transparent part of the mixed droplet has a thickness, and the mixed droplet is further determined to be a suspension.

[0050] In one specific embodiment, the control component is specifically configured to control the light to move along the y-axis at the ninth position for a preset number of times of movement, to obtain a preset number of ninth light intensities corresponding to the ninth position, to control the first mechanical arm to move, and to control the second mechanical arm to move, if the first target light intensity is negative, a difference between the absolute value of the first target light intensity and the first background noise light intensity is less than a third preset value, the third target light intensity is negative, a difference between the absolute value of the third target light intensity and the third background noise light intensity is less than the third preset value, the fifth light intensity is greater than a second preset value, the sixth light intensity is greater than the second preset value, and at least one value of the preset number of ninth light intensities is less than the second preset value, to determine that the bottom of the mixed droplet is not transparent to light, the upper part of the mixed droplet is transparent to light, to determine that the fusion effect of the mixed droplet is complete mixing, and the mixed droplet has a precipitate.

[0051] The precipitate has a large density and will sink to the bottom. The precipitate can be a layer of flat precipitate or a patchy precipitate. The precipitate has the smallest light transmittance. For example, (D1-d1) is negative, and a difference between the absolute value of the first target light intensity and the first background noise light intensity is less than a third preset value, indicating that the first position is not transparent to light. (D3-d3) is negative, and a difference between the absolute value of the third target light intensity and the third background noise light intensity is less than the third preset value, indicating that the third position is not transparent to light. The fifth light intensity is greater than a second preset value, and the sixth light intensity is greater than the second preset value, indicating that the fifth position and the sixth position are transparent to light. Therefore, it is determined that the upper part of the mixed droplet is transparent to light. At least one value of the preset number of ninth light intensities is less than the second preset value, indicating that at least one of the ninth positions is not transparent to light. Moreover, because the first position is not transparent to light and the third position is not transparent to light, it is determined that the bottom of the mixed droplet is not transparent to light. Whether the precipitate is flat or patchy, at least one of the ninth positions is not transparent to light. The bottom of the mixed droplet is not transparent to light, and the upper part of the mixed droplet is transparent to light. Therefore, it is determined that the fusion effect of the mixed droplet is complete mixing, and the mixed droplet has a precipitate.

[0052] In one specific embodiment, the control component is further configured to determine that the mixed droplet has a precipitate and the precipitate is flat if the preset number of ninth light intensities are all less than the second preset value, and to determine that the mixed droplet has a precipitate and the precipitate is patchy if at least one value of the preset number of ninth light intensities is less than the second preset value and at least one value of the preset number of ninth light intensities is greater than the second preset value.

[0053] For example, the preset number of times of movement is 100, and the 100 ninth light intensities are all less than the second preset value, indicating that the 100 ninth positions are all not transparent to light. Therefore, it is determined that the mixed droplet has a precipitate and the precipitate is flat. If 49 ninth light intensities are less than the second preset value and 51 ninth light intensities are greater than the second preset value, it is determined that the mixed droplet has a precipitate and the precipitate is patchy.

[0054] It has to be noted that, in the present document, relational terms are intended only to convey a possible relationship between elements or

[0055] The above description is merely that of the specific embodiments of the application and as such is not to be taken in a limiting sense. Various modifications and co nti n uations will be evident to those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments presented, therefore, are not to be considered in a limiting sense, but are presented for purposes of illustration only in conformance with the above-stated description. It is not the intention to limit the application to the described embodiments but rather the intention is to cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for detecting a fusion effect of mixed post-droplets based on an optical sensor, characterized by, The application relates to a liquid droplet fusion effect detection device, which comprises a light generating sensor, a light receiving sensor, a target driving electrode and a control component; a surface, which contacts the mixed liquid droplet and the target driving electrode, is regarded as a contact plane; the light generating sensor is installed on a first mechanical arm, and the light receiving sensor is installed on a second mechanical arm; The control component is used for controlling the light generating sensor to emit light to the light receiving sensor through the mixed liquid droplet and perpendicularly to the contact plane by controlling the movement of the first mechanical arm and the movement of the second mechanical arm; when the light is respectively at a first position, a second position, a third position and a fourth position, the first light intensity, the second light intensity, the third light intensity and the fourth light intensity sent by the light receiving sensor are acquired; the light generating sensor is controlled to emit light to the light receiving sensor through the mixed liquid droplet and parallel to the contact plane by controlling the movement of the first mechanical arm and the movement of the second mechanical arm; when the light is respectively at a fifth position, a sixth position, a seventh position, an eighth position and a ninth position, the fifth light intensity, the sixth light intensity, the seventh light intensity, the eighth light intensity and the ninth light intensity sent by the light receiving sensor are acquired; the light transmittance of each part in the mixed liquid droplet is determined according to the first light intensity, the second light intensity, the third light intensity, the fourth light intensity, the fifth light intensity, the sixth light intensity, the seventh light intensity, the eighth light intensity and the ninth light intensity, and the fusion effect of the mixed liquid droplet is determined according to the light transmittance of each part in the mixed liquid droplet; One vertex of the contact plane is regarded as an origin, two edges in the contact plane connected with the origin are regarded as an x-axis and a y-axis respectively, a line segment perpendicular to the contact plane and connected with the origin is regarded as a z-axis, and a direction of the origin on the z-axis and pointing to the mixed liquid droplet is regarded as a positive direction of the z-axis; The distance between the fifth position and the contact plane is greater than the distance between the sixth position and the contact plane, the distance between the sixth position and the contact plane is greater than the distance between the seventh position and the contact plane, the distance between the seventh position and the contact plane is greater than the distance between the eighth position and the contact plane, the distance between the eighth position and the contact plane is greater than the distance between the ninth position and the contact plane, and the distance between the ninth position and the contact plane is less than a first preset distance. The control component is further configured to, when controlling the light emitting sensor to emit light to the light receiving sensor through the mixed liquid droplet and perpendicular to the contact plane, adjust the position of the light emitting sensor to a position closest to the mixed liquid droplet, obtain a calibration position of the light emitting sensor, control the light emitting sensor to move from the calibration position along a negative direction of the x-axis by a second preset distance, obtain the second position, control the light emitting sensor to move from the calibration position along a positive direction of the x-axis by the second preset distance, obtain the third position, control the light emitting sensor to move from the calibration position along the negative direction of the x-axis by a third preset distance, obtain the first position, control the light emitting sensor to move from the calibration position along the positive direction of the x-axis by the third preset distance, and obtain the fourth position, wherein the second preset distance is smaller than the third preset distance.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control component is particularly configured to, when controlling the light emitting sensor to emit light to the light receiving sensor through the mixed liquid droplet and perpendicular to the contact plane, collect a target distance between the mixed liquid droplet and a current position of the light emitting sensor; control the light emitting sensor to move at a preset interval on a plane parallel to the contact plane with the current position of the light emitting sensor as a center; and after the movement, re-collect the target distance between the mixed liquid droplet and the position of the light emitting sensor; take the position of the light emitting sensor corresponding to the minimum target distance as a center, reduce the preset interval according to a preset rule, and return to execute the step of controlling the light emitting sensor to move at a preset interval on a plane parallel to the contact plane until the execution times equal a preset number, and take the position of the light emitting sensor as a calibration position of the light emitting sensor.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control component is further configured to, before controlling the light emitting sensor to emit light to the light receiving sensor through the mixed liquid droplet and parallel to the contact plane, control the light emitting sensor and the light receiving sensor to be at the same height, detect whether the light receiving sensor receives the light emitted by the light emitting sensor, when the light receiving sensor does not receive the light emitted by the light emitting sensor, control the light emitting sensor to continuously emit light, control the light receiving sensor to move along a positive direction of the z-axis, if the light receiving sensor receives the light emitted by the light emitting sensor, control the target driving electrode to rotate counterclockwise, if the light receiving sensor cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting sensor, control the light receiving sensor to move along a negative direction of the z-axis, and if the light receiving sensor receives the light emitted by the light emitting sensor, control the target driving electrode to rotate clockwise.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control component is further configured to, when there is no liquid drop on the surface of the target driving electrode, control the light emitting sensor to emit light to the light receiving sensor through the target driving electrode and perpendicular to the contact plane by controlling the movement of the first mechanical arm and the movement of the second mechanical arm, and acquire first, second, third and fourth background noise light intensities sent by the light receiving sensor when the light is at first, second, third and fourth positions respectively. The first target light intensity is obtained by subtracting the first background noise light intensity from the first light intensity, the second target light intensity is obtained by subtracting the second background noise light intensity from the second light intensity, the third target light intensity is obtained by subtracting the third background noise light intensity from the third light intensity, and the fourth target light intensity is obtained by subtracting the fourth background noise light intensity from the fourth light intensity; and the light transmission degrees of the parts in the mixed liquid drop are determined according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and ninth light intensities.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The control component is specifically configured to acquire a difference between any two values in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, seventh and ninth light intensities, acquire an average value of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, seventh and ninth light intensities, and determine that the light transmission degrees of the parts in the mixed liquid drop are close to each other and all are light transmission if the difference between the any two values is less than a first preset value and the average value is greater than a second preset value, determine that the fusion effect of the mixed liquid drop is complete mixing and the mixed liquid drop is a solution, and the second preset value represents a minimum light intensity value of light transmission.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The control component is specifically configured to determine that there are positions of light transmission and non-light transmission in the mixed liquid drop, determine that the fusion effect of the mixed liquid drop is complete mixing and the mixed liquid drop is a suspension if at least one value in the first, second, third and fourth target light intensities is negative, a difference between an absolute value of the negative number and a background noise light intensity corresponding to the negative number is less than a third preset value, at least one value in the first, second, third and fourth target light intensities is greater than the second preset value, at least one value in the fifth, sixth, seventh and ninth light intensities is greater than the second preset value, and at least one value in the fifth, sixth, seventh and ninth light intensities is less than the second preset value.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The control component is further configured to: if at least one of the fifth light intensity, the sixth light intensity, the seventh light intensity, and the ninth light intensity is less than the second preset value, acquire a target position corresponding to a value less than the second preset value, control the light generating sensor and the light receiving sensor to move a step along a positive direction of the z-axis from the target position, acquire a tenth light intensity sent by the light receiving sensor, wherein the step is a minimum distance that the first mechanical arm and the second mechanical arm can move, control the light generating sensor and the light receiving sensor to move a step along a negative direction of the z-axis from the target position, acquire an eleventh light intensity sent by the light receiving sensor, and if the tenth light intensity is less than the second preset value and the eleventh light intensity is less than the second preset value, it is indicated that the light-opaque part in the mixed droplet has a thickness, and it is further determined that the mixed droplet is a suspension.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein The control component is specifically configured to control the light to move a preset number of times along the y-axis at the ninth position by controlling the first mechanical arm to move and controlling the second mechanical arm to move, acquire the ninth light intensity corresponding to the ninth position in the preset number of times, and if the first target light intensity is negative, a difference between the absolute value of the first target light intensity and the first baseline noise light intensity is less than a third preset value, the third target light intensity is negative, a difference between the absolute value of the third target light intensity and the third baseline noise light intensity is less than a third preset value, the fifth light intensity is greater than the second preset value, the sixth light intensity is greater than the second preset value, and at least one value in the preset number of times of the ninth light intensity is less than the second preset value, it is determined that the bottom of the mixed droplet is light-opaque and the upper part of the mixed droplet is light-transparent, it is determined that the fusion effect of the mixed droplet is complete mixing, and the mixed droplet has a precipitate.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The control component is further configured to: if the preset number of times of the ninth light intensity are all less than the second preset value, it is determined that the mixed droplet has a precipitate, and the precipitate is flat. If at least one value in the preset number of times of the ninth light intensity is less than the second preset value and at least one value in the preset number of times of the ninth light intensity is greater than the second preset value, it is determined that the mixed droplet has a precipitate, and the precipitate is a plaque.

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