Test method and apparatus for measuring impedance of a biological electrode

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of test method and device for measuring the impedance of biological electrode, biological electrode includes multiple pins, test device includes vacuum suction module, test module and induction module, test method includes detecting the contact state of biological electrode and test module and carries out electrical performance test to biological electrode according to detection result, electrical performance test includes at least one contact point in multiple contact points as excitation contact point, at least one contact point in multiple contact points except excitation contact point as measurement contact point, test signal is applied to biological electrode by excitation contact point, obtains the electrical signal measurement between excitation contact point and measurement contact point and calculates and generates electrical performance data, wherein electrical performance data is the function of electrical signal measurement and resistivity between multiple contact points.The present application can realize the automation of prior art biological electrode test and electrode surface is not damaged and improve the problem of not accurate enough in prior art test.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of biosensor manufacturing, and specifically to a testing method and apparatus for measuring the impedance of bioelectrodes. Background Technology

[0002] Bioelectrodes, also known as electrochemical biosensors, are a branch of biosensing that converts biochemical information into electrical signals. They have wide applications and positive effects in medical testing, clinical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and food safety. Electrochemical biosensors based on screen printing technology can achieve large-scale industrial production, are simple to prepare, provide rapid and accurate measurements, and are easy to exchange information with wireless networks, thus possessing broad development prospects.

[0003] In recent years, with the continuous development and cross-integration of biosensing and electronic technologies, the manufacturing process of bioelectrodes has become increasingly mature, constantly moving towards smaller, thinner, and more precise designs. The manufacturing process of bioelectrodes needs to meet the specific requirements of their biological performance: First, they must possess sensitive elements and ensure their stability during manufacturing. These can be bioactive enzymes or various electrodes that react with the target analyte to generate bioelectrical signals, or a combination of both. Currently, due to the relatively mature technology of bioactive enzymes, the use of bioactive enzymes to fabricate biosensors remains a popular approach. Second, since some biosensors are implanted or semi-implanted within the target body for analyte detection, it is necessary to address biocompatibility and the issue of how biocompatibility determines their high resistivity.

[0004] In screen printing, the materials required for bioelectrodes generally fall into three categories: the substrate forming the base, the printing ink used to print the electrodes, and the bioactive material constituting the biosensitive element. The substrate has an external insulating layer and electrode leads printed on it, along with three electrodes: the working electrode (WE), the reference electrode (RE), and the auxiliary electrode (AE). Each electrode is connected to its corresponding lead, forming a classic electrochemical three-electrode system. The manufacturing process of bioelectrodes requires performance testing of the printed bioelectrodes. However, due to their significant structural and functional differences compared to traditional circuit electrodes or PCBs, the testing process must ensure the stability of the ink and biosensitive element while avoiding breakdown damage to the electrodes from high-voltage measurements. Therefore, existing ICT / FCT testing equipment cannot be used for testing. Currently, a commonly used low-voltage high-resistance tester outputs a threshold value. Two dedicated leads are connected to the instrument, and the other end of the leads is manually connected to the impedance values ​​between the contacts of the bioelectrode leads under test. The measured values ​​are displayed on the instrument's screen, and the values ​​are read and recorded.

[0005] While existing technologies using this method are simple to operate, during the process, operators may apply uneven force or fail to make contact with the bioelectrode in order to reduce damage to the contact surface. This can lead to differences in the measured values ​​(the difference between the high resistivity of the bioelectrode itself when not in contact and the actual measured result), potentially damaging the printing ink and the biosensitive element and affecting its performance. In addition, manual testing can only perform one test at a time, resulting in low testing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned state of the prior art, and its purpose is to provide a testing method and apparatus for measuring the impedance of bioelectrodes, which can realize the automation of bioelectrode testing in the prior art and improve the problem that the prior art is not accurate enough due to the small, thin and fragile characteristics of bioelectrodes.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a testing method for measuring the impedance of a bioelectrode, the bioelectrode comprising a plurality of pins, the testing method comprising: configuring a preset number of the bioelectrodes; contacting the plurality of bioelectrodes with a testing module, the testing module comprising a plurality of testing units, each of the plurality of testing units contacting a single bioelectrode, each testing unit comprising a plurality of contact points respectively contacting the plurality of pins; detecting the contact state by applying a preset detection signal to the contact points, and obtaining the detection result of the contact state; and performing an electrical performance test on the bioelectrode to obtain the electrical properties of the bioelectrode. Electrical performance data; the electrical performance test includes: using at least one of a plurality of contact points as an excitation contact point, using at least one of the plurality of contact points other than the excitation contact point as a measurement contact point, applying a preset test signal to the bioelectrode through the excitation contact point, acquiring the electrical signal measurement value between the excitation contact point and the measurement contact point, and calculating and generating the electrical performance data, the electrical performance data being a function of the electrical signal measurement value between the plurality of contact points and the resistivity of the bioelectrode; processing the electrical performance data to obtain test results to determine the electrical performance of the bioelectrode.

[0008] In this scenario, the contact state between the contact point and the bioelectrode is determined by the detection results. This allows for the detection of whether the contact point is in contact with the bioelectrode pins before testing, thus determining whether to trigger the testing procedure. Furthermore, multiple contact points correspond to multiple pins of the bioelectrode, enabling the rapid acquisition of resistance values ​​between different pins of a single bioelectrode. These resistance values ​​are then compared to a reference standard to determine the bioelectrode's connectivity, i.e., its performance. This significantly improves testing efficiency compared to manual measurements.

[0009] According to the testing method of the present invention, optionally, the preset test signal is a DC signal, and the voltage level of the test signal is less than a first preset threshold. In this case, the test signal is applied to the bioelectrode through the excitation contact point and received through the measurement contact point, thereby forming a test path to obtain the voltage value of the bioelectrode and calculate its resistance value. Furthermore, using a power signal less than the preset threshold prevents the bioelectrode from being damaged by current or voltage breakdown.

[0010] According to the testing method of the present invention, optionally, the multiple contact points of the testing unit include a first contact point, a second contact point, and a third contact point. The first contact point contacts the first pin of the bioelectrode, the second contact point contacts the second pin of the bioelectrode, and the third contact point contacts the third pin of the bioelectrode. In this case, the first and second contact points form circuit paths with the first and second pins of the bioelectrode, the second and third contact points form circuit paths with the second and third pins of the bioelectrode, and the resistance values ​​of the bioelectrode formation layer between the first and second pins, between the second and third pins, and between the first and third pins are obtained by testing. This allows for the determination of whether the connectivity of the bioelectrode formation layer between the first and second pins, between the second and third pins, and between the first and third pins exceeds a reference standard, i.e., whether the performance is good.

[0011] According to the testing method of the present invention, optionally, the plurality of contact points are switched by a switch panel to become either excitation contact points or measurement contact points. In this case, the contact points are sequentially changed to excitation contact points or measurement contact points, thereby enabling the acquisition of resistance values ​​between different formation layers of the bioelectrode in a single test, and thus determining its performance.

[0012] According to the testing method of the present invention, optionally, when detecting the contact state of the contact points, detection signals are sequentially applied to the bioelectrode through the plurality of contact points, and the detection signals are received to generate the detection result. In this case, by sequentially applying detection signals to the contact points and receiving them through the sensing module, it is determined whether each contact point is in contact with the bioelectrode, thereby improving the accuracy of the test.

[0013] Optionally, the preset detection signal is an AC signal, according to the testing method of the present invention. In this case, by inputting an AC detection signal, an output response is obtained from the contact between the contact point and the bioelectrode, thereby determining whether the contact between the contact point and the bioelectrode is in good contact.

[0014] According to the testing method of the present invention, optionally, in the electrical performance test, at least two electrical signal measurements between the excitation contact point and the measurement contact point are obtained, and the average value is taken as the electrical signal measurement value between the excitation contact point and the test contact point. In this case, by obtaining multiple measurement values ​​through multiple tests on the same test site of the bioelectrode and determining the average of the multiple measurement values, the accuracy of the test can be improved.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention provides a testing device for measuring the impedance of a bioelectrode, the bioelectrode comprising a plurality of pins, the testing device comprising: a vacuum adsorption module, a testing module, and a sensing module; the vacuum adsorption module is used to hold and adsorb a predetermined number of the bioelectrodes; the testing module comprises a probe module, a pneumatic module, and a testing circuit, the probe module comprising probes for contacting the plurality of pins of the bioelectrode, the pneumatic module being used to connect, fix, and drive the probe module to a predetermined position, and the testing circuit forming a testing circuit when the probe module contacts the bioelectrode and performing an electrical performance test on the bioelectrode, the electrical performance test comprising, among the plurality of probes... At least one probe is used as an excitation probe, and at least one probe other than the excitation probe is used as a measurement probe. A test signal is applied to the bioelectrode through the excitation probe, and the electrical signal measurement value between the excitation probe and the measurement probe is obtained and electrical performance data is calculated. The electrical performance data is a function of the electrical signal measurement value between the multiple probes and the resistivity of the bioelectrode. The preset position is the position where the probe module and the vacuum adsorption module cooperate so that the bioelectrode and the probe module are in perfect contact. The sensing module is disposed on the surface of the vacuum adsorption module on the side supporting the bioelectrode and is used to detect the contact state between the bioelectrode and the probe module.

[0016] In this configuration, a predetermined number of bioelectrodes are adsorbed using a vacuum adsorption module. A pneumatic module then drives a probe module to a predetermined position, ensuring precise contact with the pre-determined number of bioelectrodes on the vacuum adsorption module. This allows for the mass loading of bioelectrodes for subsequent testing, achieving automated testing. Furthermore, before testing, a sensing module on the vacuum adsorption module detects the contact state between the probe module and the bioelectrodes. Finally, the testing module uses this contact state to perform electrical performance tests on the bioelectrodes, thus eliminating the problem of inaccurate testing due to the small size, thinness, and fragility of the bioelectrodes.

[0017] Optionally, the testing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a control module. The control module is electrically connected to the pneumatic module and controls the pneumatic module to drive the probe module to the preset position. The control module is also electrically connected to the vacuum adsorption module and controls the vacuum state of the vacuum adsorption module. In this case, the pneumatic module and the vacuum adsorption module are controlled by the control module. After the vacuum adsorption module adsorbs the bioelectrode, the pneumatic module is activated to bring the probe module to the preset position to contact the bioelectrode, thereby enabling automated testing of the bioelectrode.

[0018] Optionally, the test circuit further includes the switch board, the data acquisition unit, and the data processing unit in the testing apparatus according to the present invention. The switch board controls the switching of multiple probes of the probe module as excitation probes or measurement probes. The data acquisition unit acquires and transmits the electrical performance data to the data processing unit for data processing. In this case, the switch board controls the probes of the probe module to switch between excitation probes and measurement probes, with the excitation probe serving as a signal input and the measurement probe serving as a signal output, thereby enabling the testing of electrical performance data of the bioelectrodes. Furthermore, the data acquisition unit acquires and transmits the electrical performance data of a preset number of bioelectrodes to the data processing unit for processing, thereby enabling the testing apparatus to output the performance data of a preset number of bioelectrodes to a human-machine interface for display, achieving large-scale operation, i.e., automatic testing.

[0019] According to the present invention, a testing method and apparatus for measuring the impedance of bioelectrodes can be provided, which can automate the bioelectrode testing in the prior art and improve the problem that the prior art is not accurate enough due to the small, thin and fragile characteristics of bioelectrodes. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the bioelectrode involved in the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a test flowchart of the test method involved in this invention;

[0022] Figure 3a This is a scene diagram of the test unit in contact with the bioelectrode in Embodiment 1 of the test method involved in this invention;

[0023] Figure 3b This is a scene diagram of the test unit in contact with the bioelectrode in Embodiment 2 of the test method involved in this invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a simulation circuit diagram of the resistance voltage divider measurement of the test method involved in this invention;

[0025] Figure 5This is an overall schematic diagram of the testing device involved in the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the probe module and vacuum adsorption module of the testing device involved in this invention testing the bioelectrode.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a top view of the vacuum adsorption module and the sensing module of the testing device involved in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or method that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or methods. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are merely schematic diagrams, and the scale of the dimensions of the parts or the shape of the parts may differ from the actual figures.

[0030] This invention provides a testing method and apparatus for measuring the impedance of bioelectrodes, which automates existing bioelectrode testing and eliminates the inaccuracies caused by the small, thin, and fragile nature of bioelectrodes. A detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the bioelectrode involved in the present invention; Figure 2 This is a test flowchart illustrating the test method involved in the present invention; Figure 3a This is a scene diagram showing the contact between the test unit 2 and the bioelectrode 1 in Embodiment 1 of the test method involved in the present invention; Figure 3b This is a scene diagram showing the test unit 2 in contact with the bioelectrode 1 in Embodiment 2 of the test method involved in the present invention.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown in Figure 3, a first aspect of the present invention provides a test method for measuring the impedance of a bioelectrode 1. In some examples, the bioelectrode 1 may include multiple pins.

[0033] See Figure 2 In some examples, the test method may include steps S100, S200, S300, S400, and S500.

[0034] In some examples, a preset number of bioelectrodes 1 can be configured in step S100.

[0035] In some examples, in step S200, multiple bioelectrodes 1 can be brought into contact with the test module. The test module (not shown) may include multiple test units 2, each of which can contact a single bioelectrode 1. Each test unit 2 may include multiple contact points that respectively contact multiple pins.

[0036] In some examples, in step S300, the contact state can be detected by applying a preset detection signal to the contact point and the detection result of the contact state can be obtained.

[0037] In some examples, in step S400, the bioelectrode 1 can be subjected to electrical performance testing, and electrical performance data of the bioelectrode 1 can be obtained. The electrical performance testing may include using at least one of a plurality of contact points as an excitation contact point, using at least one other contact point as a measurement contact point, applying a preset test signal to the bioelectrode 1 through the excitation contact point, obtaining the electrical signal measurement value between the excitation contact point and the measurement contact point, and calculating and generating electrical performance data. The electrical performance data may be a function of the electrical signal measurement value between the plurality of contact points and the resistivity of the bioelectrode 1.

[0038] In some examples, in step S500, data processing can be performed based on electrical performance data to obtain test results to determine the electrical performance of bioelectrode 1.

[0039] In this scenario, the contact state between the contact point and bioelectrode 1 is determined by the detection results. This allows for the detection of whether the contact point is in contact with the pins of bioelectrode 1 before testing, thus determining whether to trigger the test program to test bioelectrode 1. Furthermore, multiple contact points correspond to multiple pins of bioelectrode 1, enabling the rapid acquisition of the resistance values ​​between different pins of a single bioelectrode 1. These resistance values ​​are then compared to a reference standard to determine the connectivity of bioelectrode 1, i.e., whether its performance is good. This significantly improves testing efficiency compared to manual measurement.

[0040] In some examples, the pins of bioelectrode 1 can refer to the lead areas of the working electrode 11, reference electrode 12, and auxiliary electrode 13 of bioelectrode 1 (or screen-printed electrode) that connect to external circuitry (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). In other examples, the pin of bioelectrode 1 may refer to a test point or extended lead in the multilayer structure where bioelectrode 1 needs to be tested (e.g., ...). Figure 3b (As shown). This allows the contact point to be tested to be made in contact with the part of the bioelectrode 1 that needs to be tested through a test point or lead.

[0041] In some examples, the multiple contact points of the test unit 2 in step S200 can correspond one-to-one with the pins of the bioelectrode 1. In other examples, the parts of multiple bioelectrodes 1 that need to be tested can be connected in series, and at least one of the bioelectrodes 1 can be used as a representative to correspond one-to-one with the contact points of the test unit 2. In this case, by obtaining the performance data of multiple bioelectrodes 1 in a series manner and determining whether the performance of multiple bioelectrodes 1 is good, the testing efficiency can be improved.

[0042] In some examples, the contact state between the contact point and the pin of bioelectrode 1 in step S300 can be, for example, such as, if the contact point and bioelectrode 1 are not in sufficient contact, the test will not continue and an alarm will be generated to remind the operator to straighten the material or re-deliver it; in some examples, insufficient contact between the contact point and bioelectrode 1 can mean that only a single contact point is in contact with bioelectrode 1. In some examples, insufficient contact between the contact point and bioelectrode 1 can mean that multiple contact points, fewer than all contact points, are in contact with bioelectrode 1. In some examples, when the contact point is in sufficient contact with bioelectrode 1, that is, when all contact points are in contact with bioelectrode 1, the test will continue, thereby eliminating the possibility of inaccurate test results due to insufficient contact and obtaining accurate electrical performance data for all bioelectrodes 1.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a simulation circuit diagram illustrating the resistance voltage divider measurement of the test method involved in this invention.

[0044] In some examples, the electrical performance data in step S400 may include at least one or a combination of voltage, resistance, current, capacitance, or inductance. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, if the electrical performance data to be tested is the resistance of the part to be tested in bioelectrode 1, the resistance value of the test part can be obtained by using the voltage divider method, from the source voltage, the standard resistance, and the voltage value of the test part. In some examples, the formula for the resistance value of the test part can be as follows:

[0045] Rx = Vx * Rs / (Vs - Vx) or Rx = Vx * Rs / V

[0046] Where Rx is the resistance value of the part of bioelectrode 1 to be tested, Vx is the voltage value across the part of bioelectrode 1 to be tested, Rs is the standard resistance, Vs is the source voltage, and V is the voltage across the standard resistance. In other examples, the method for measuring the resistance value can also be at least one of the following: constant voltage measurement method, four-pin measurement method, insulation resistance method, AC voltage test method, and comparison resistance method.

[0047] In some examples, the test result in step S500 can be at least one or a combination of voltage, resistance, current, capacitance, or inductance of the portion of bioelectrode 1 to be tested. In other examples, the test result in step S500 can also be a judgment result of the conductivity or connectivity of bioelectrode 1, which can be defined by a custom reference standard. Thus, it is possible to determine whether bioelectrode 1 is good or qualified through multiple test results, such as resistance, capacitance, inductance, connectivity, etc.

[0048] In some examples, preferably, the preset test signal can be a DC signal, and the voltage level of the test signal can be less than a first preset threshold. In this case, the test signal is applied to the bioelectrode 1 through the excitation contact point and received through the measurement contact point, thereby forming a test path to obtain the voltage value of the bioelectrode 1 and calculate its resistance value. In addition, using a power signal less than the preset threshold can prevent the bioelectrode 1 from being damaged by current and voltage breakdown.

[0049] In other examples, the preset test signal can also be an AC signal. This allows the output response of the part of bioelectrode 1 to be tested to be obtained through AC signal input, and more accurate test results can be obtained through calculation.

[0050] In some examples, the first preset threshold can be any voltage value within ±5V. This prevents the bioelectrode 1 from being damaged by voltage breakdown.

[0051] like Figure 3aAs shown, in Embodiment 1, optionally, the multiple contact points of the test unit 2 may include a first contact point 21, a second contact point 22, and a third contact point 23. The first contact point 21 may contact the first pin of the bioelectrode 1 (e.g., the working electrode 11 of the bioelectrode 1), the second contact point 22 may contact the second pin of the bioelectrode 1 (e.g., the reference electrode 12 of the bioelectrode 1), and the third contact point 23 may contact the third pin of the bioelectrode 1 (the auxiliary electrode 13 of the bioelectrode 1). In this configuration, the first contact point 21 and the second contact point 22 form circuit paths with the first and second pins of the bioelectrode 1, respectively. Similarly, the second contact point 22 and the third contact point 23 form circuit paths with the second and third pins of the bioelectrode 1. By testing the resistance values ​​of the formed layer of the bioelectrode 1 between the first and second pins, between the second and third pins, and between the first and third pins, it is possible to determine whether the connectivity of the formed layer of the bioelectrode 1 between the first and second pins, between the second and third pins, and between the first and third pins exceeds the reference standard, indicating whether its performance is good. For example, if the reference standard specifies that the resistance between the first and second pins should be between 100MΩ and 1000MΩ, and the measured resistance is 100KΩ, it indicates that the conductivity of the formed layer between the first and second pins is high, potentially indicating areas where the printed electrode was missed, resulting in a defective product.

[0052] like Figure 3b As shown, in Embodiment 2, the multiple contact points of the test unit 2 may further include a fourth contact point (not shown in the figure), a fifth contact point (not shown in the figure), a sixth contact point (not shown in the figure), and more. This allows for adaptation to variations in the number of test portions required for the bioelectrode 1, meeting the requirements of production testing.

[0053] In some examples, optionally, multiple contact points can be switched between excitation contact points and measurement contact points by a switchboard (not shown). In this case, the contact points are sequentially switched between excitation contact points and measurement contact points, thereby enabling the acquisition of resistance values ​​between different formation layers of the bioelectrode 1 in a single test, thus determining its performance.

[0054] In some examples, a switchboard, also referred to as a switcher or device, is used for switching signals or channels. This allows contacts to be sequentially transformed into excitation contacts or measurement contacts for testing.

[0055] In some examples, preferably, when detecting the contact state of the contact points, detection signals can be sequentially applied to the bioelectrode 1 through multiple contact points, and the detection signals are received to generate a detection result. In this case, by sequentially applying detection signals to the contact points and receiving them through the sensing module 33 (described later), it can be determined whether each contact point is in contact with the bioelectrode 1, thereby improving the accuracy of the test.

[0056] In other examples, when detecting the contact state of the contact points, detection signals can be applied to bioelectrode 1 simultaneously through multiple contact points, and detection signals can be received simultaneously to generate detection results. In this case, by simultaneously applying and receiving detection signals to generate detection results, detection results can be obtained more quickly, thus improving detection efficiency.

[0057] In some examples, preferably, the preset detection signal can be an AC signal. In this case, by inputting an AC detection signal, an output response is obtained from the contact point with the bioelectrode 1, thereby determining whether the contact point and the bioelectrode 1 are in good contact.

[0058] In other examples, the preset detection signal can also be a DC signal. In this case, by inputting a DC detection signal, the contact state between the contact point and the bioelectrode 1 can be directly obtained.

[0059] In some examples, optionally, during electrical performance testing, at least two electrical signal measurements between the excitation contact point and the measurement contact point can be obtained, and the average value can be taken as the electrical signal measurement between the excitation contact point and the test contact point. In this case, by obtaining multiple measurements through multiple tests on the same test site of the bioelectrode 1 and determining the average of the multiple measurements, the accuracy of the test can be improved.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall test device 3 involved in the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the probe module and vacuum adsorption module 31 of the testing device 3 involved in the present invention working together to test the bioelectrode 1; Figure 7 This is a top view showing the vacuum adsorption module 31 and the sensing module 33 of the testing device 3 involved in the present invention.

[0061] like Figure 5-7As shown, a second aspect of the present invention provides a testing device 3 for measuring the impedance of a bioelectrode 1. In some examples, the bioelectrode 1 may include multiple pins, and the testing device 3 may include: a vacuum adsorption module 31, a testing module (not shown), and a sensing module 33; the vacuum adsorption module 31 may be used to hold and adsorb a preset number of bioelectrodes 1; the testing module may include a probe module 320, a pneumatic module 321, and a testing circuit (not shown), the probe module 320 may include probes for contacting the multiple pins of the bioelectrode 1, the pneumatic module 321 may be used to connect, fix, and drive the probe module 320, and the testing circuit (as shown) when the probe module 320 contacts the bioelectrode 1 (e.g., when...). Figure 6 (As shown) A test circuit can be formed to perform electrical performance testing on the bioelectrode 1. The electrical performance testing may include using at least one of a plurality of probes as an excitation probe, using at least one of the plurality of probes other than the excitation probe as a measurement probe, applying a test signal to the bioelectrode 1 through the excitation probe, acquiring the electrical signal measurement value between the excitation probe and the measurement probe, and calculating and generating electrical performance data. The electrical performance data may be a function of the electrical signal measurement value between the plurality of probes and the resistivity of the bioelectrode 1. The preset position may be the position where the probe module 320 and the vacuum adsorption module 31 cooperate so that the bioelectrode 1 and the probe module 320 are in contact. The sensing module 33 may be disposed on the surface of the vacuum adsorption module 31 on the side supporting the bioelectrode 1 and used to detect the contact state between the bioelectrode 1 and the probe module 320 (e.g., Figure 7 Show).

[0062] In this configuration, a predetermined number of bioelectrodes 1 are adsorbed by the vacuum adsorption module 31, and then the probe module 320 is driven by the pneumatic module 321 to a predetermined position and make precise contact with the predetermined number of bioelectrodes 1 on the vacuum adsorption module 31. This allows for the loading of bioelectrodes 1 in large quantities for subsequent testing, achieving automated testing. Furthermore, before testing, the contact state between the probe module 320 and the bioelectrodes 1 is detected by the sensing module 33 located on the vacuum adsorption module 31. Finally, the testing module performs electrical performance testing on the bioelectrodes 1 based on this contact state to obtain their electrical properties. This eliminates the problem of inaccurate testing due to the small size, thinness, and fragility of the bioelectrodes 1.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, in some examples, the testing device 3 may also include an external computer 34, a display screen 35, an external operating device 36, etc. In this case, with the cooperation of the external computer 34, the display screen 35, the external operating device 36, etc., the operator can conveniently and intuitively view the test data and operate the testing device 3, thereby improving testing efficiency.

[0064] In some examples, the vacuum adsorption module 31 may include a portion connected to the testing device 3 and a detachable material-carrying portion (not shown in the figure). In this case, the vacuum adsorption module 31 is connected to and controlled by the vacuum source of the testing device 3 through the portion connected to the testing device 3, and the detachable material-carrying portion of the vacuum adsorption module 31 is used for loading material, thereby facilitating the operation of the operator.

[0065] In other examples, the detachable material-carrying part can also be called a carrier tray or material-carrying fixture. It can also enter the test device 3 using a guide rail and automatically reach the part where the vacuum adsorption module 31 is connected to the test device 3 to complete the feeding.

[0066] In other examples, the portion connecting the vacuum adsorption module 31 to the testing device 3 may also be equipped with multiple operation buttons (not shown in the figure). In this case, the operator can perform corresponding operations on the device using the buttons, such as the start button, test button, end test button, reset button, and emergency stop button, thereby facilitating operation.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, in some examples, the sensing module 33 can be in the form of a sheet and disposed on the surface of the detachable material-carrying portion of the vacuum adsorption module 31 on the side carrying the bioelectrode 1. In this case, the sensing module 33 and the detachable portion of the vacuum adsorption module 31 can be detached together for the loading step of the bioelectrode 1 test, thereby reducing the assembly of the sensing module 33 and facilitating loading.

[0068] In some examples, the probe module 320 may consist of a retractable probe unit. In this case, the retractable probe retracts when it contacts the test surface of the bioelectrode 1, thereby reducing the force acting on the bioelectrode 1 to protect the surface of the bioelectrode 1 and reduce damage.

[0069] In some examples, the probe units can be entirely disposed on the probe module 320. In other examples, the probes of the probe units can be partially disposed on the probe module 320 and partially disposed on the vacuum adsorption module 31. In this case, multiple probe placement schemes can adapt to different testing requirements of the bioelectrode 1.

[0070] In some examples, the pneumatic module 321 can be configured to have a preset stroke. In this case, the probe module 320, driven by the pneumatic module 321, contacts the bioelectrode 1 with a preset stroke, thereby improving the accuracy of contact.

[0071] In some examples, the probe module 320 may also be equipped with a detection probe that matches the sensing module 33, for receiving the detection signal from the sensing module 33. In this case, the detection probe cooperates with the sensing module 33 to form a circuit path and detect the contact state between the bioelectrode 1 and the probe of the probe module 320. This allows for the elimination of abnormal data measured when the probe of the probe module 320 is not in contact with the bioelectrode 1 before testing, thereby improving the accuracy of the test.

[0072] like Figure 5 As shown, in some examples, the testing device 3 may optionally include a control module (not shown in the figure). The control module is connected to the pneumatic module 321 via a circuit and can control the pneumatic module 321 to drive the probe module 320 to a preset position. The control module is also connected to the vacuum adsorption module 31 via a circuit and controls the vacuum state of the vacuum adsorption module 31. In this case, the pneumatic module 321 and the vacuum adsorption module 31 are controlled by the control module. After the vacuum adsorption module 31 adsorbs the bioelectrode 1, the pneumatic module 321 is activated to bring the probe module 320 to the preset position to contact the bioelectrode 1, thereby enabling automated testing of the bioelectrode 1.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, in some examples, the external computer 34, display screen 35, external operating device 36, etc., may be part of the control module. In this case, the external computer, display screen, external operating device, etc., work together to enable operators to easily and intuitively view test data and operate the test device 3, thereby improving test efficiency.

[0074] In some examples, the test circuit (not shown) may optionally include a switch board, a data acquisition unit, and a data processing unit. The switch board can control multiple probes of the probe module 320 to switch between excitation probes and measurement probes. The data acquisition unit can acquire and transmit electrical performance data to the data processing unit for data processing. In this case, the switch board controls the probes of the probe module 320 to switch between excitation probes and measurement probes, with the excitation probe serving as a signal input and the measurement probe serving as a signal output, thereby enabling the acquisition of electrical performance data of the bioelectrode 1. Furthermore, the data acquisition unit acquires a preset number of electrical performance data of the bioelectrode 1 and transmits them to the data processing unit for processing, thereby enabling the test device 3 to output the performance data of a preset number of bioelectrodes 1 to a human-machine interface for display, achieving large-scale operation, i.e., automatic testing.

[0075] In some examples, the test circuit may also include power supplies, buses, signal sources, and input / output boards.

[0076] In some examples, the data acquisition unit may include a multiplexer, an amplifier, an AC / DC converter, etc.

[0077] In some examples, the data processing unit may include a CPU, encoder, decoder, and memory.

[0078] According to the present invention, a testing method and apparatus for measuring the impedance of bioelectrodes can be provided, which can automate the bioelectrode testing in the prior art and improve the problem that the prior art is not accurate enough due to the small, thin and fragile characteristics of bioelectrodes.

[0079] While the invention has been specifically described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples, it is to be understood that the above description does not limit the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art can make modifications and variations to the invention as needed without departing from its essential spirit and scope, and all such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A test method for measuring the impedance of screen-printed bioelectrodes, characterized in that, The bioelectrode includes multiple pins, which refer to test points or extended leads in the multilayer structure of the bioelectrode that need to be tested. The test method is used to test the impedance between any two of the plurality of pins; The testing method includes: A preset number of bioelectrodes are configured, and the bioelectrodes are adsorbed by a vacuum adsorption module. Multiple bioelectrodes are brought into contact with a testing module, which includes multiple testing units. Each testing unit contacts a single bioelectrode, and each testing unit includes multiple contact points that respectively contact the multiple pins. The testing module includes a probe module, a pneumatic module, and a testing circuit. The probe module includes probes for contacting the pins. The pneumatic module is configured to connect to, fix, and drive the probe module. The testing circuit is configured to form a test circuit and perform electrical performance testing on the bioelectrode when the probe module contacts the bioelectrode. The pneumatic module drives the probe module to a preset position to bring it into contact with the bioelectrode. The contact state between the probe module and the bioelectrode is detected by a sensing module installed on the vacuum adsorption module: a preset detection signal is applied to the contact point to detect the contact state, and the detection result is obtained. If the contact point and the bioelectrode are not in sufficient contact, the test will not continue and an alarm will be generated to remind the operator to straighten the material or re-deliver it; when the contact point and the bioelectrode are in sufficient contact, the electrical performance of the bioelectrode is tested to obtain the electrical performance data of the bioelectrode; wherein, sufficient contact means that all contact points are in contact with the bioelectrode. The electrical performance test includes using at least one of a plurality of contact points as an excitation contact point, and at least one of the plurality of contact points other than the excitation contact point as a measurement contact point. A preset test signal is applied to the bioelectrode through the excitation contact point. The electrical signal measurement value between the excitation contact point and the measurement contact point is obtained, and the electrical performance data is calculated and generated. The electrical performance data is a function of the electrical signal measurement value between the plurality of contact points and the resistivity of the bioelectrode. The voltage level of the test signal is less than a first preset threshold, which is any voltage value within ±5V. The plurality of contact points are switched to the excitation contact point or the measurement contact point by a switch board to obtain the impedance between different layers in the multilayer structure of the bioelectrode. Data processing is performed based on the electrical performance data to obtain test results for determining the electrical performance of the bioelectrode.

2. The test method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset test signal is a DC signal.

3. The test method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test unit has multiple contact points, including a first contact point, a second contact point, and a third contact point. The first contact point contacts the first pin of the bioelectrode, the second contact point contacts the second pin of the bioelectrode, and the third contact point contacts the third pin of the bioelectrode.

4. The test method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When detecting the contact state of the contact points, detection signals are sequentially applied to the bioelectrode through the multiple contact points, and the detection signals are received to generate the detection result.

5. The test method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The preset detection signal is an AC signal.

6. The test method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the electrical performance test, at least two electrical signal measurements between the excitation contact point and the measurement contact point are obtained, and the average value is taken as the electrical signal measurement between the excitation contact point and the measurement contact point.

7. A testing device for measuring the impedance of screen-printed bioelectrodes, characterized in that, The bioelectrode includes multiple pins, which refer to test points or extended leads in the multilayer structure of the bioelectrode that need to be tested. The testing device is used to test the impedance between any two of the plurality of pins; The testing device includes: Vacuum adsorption module, testing module, and sensing module; The vacuum adsorption module is used to carry and adsorb a predetermined number of the bioelectrodes; The testing module includes a probe module, a pneumatic module, and a testing circuit. The probe module includes probes for contacting the plurality of pins of the bioelectrode. The pneumatic module is used to connect, fix, and drive the probe module to a preset position. The testing circuit forms a test circuit when the probe module contacts the bioelectrode and performs electrical performance testing on the bioelectrode. The electrical performance testing includes using at least one probe from the plurality of probes as an excitation probe, using at least one probe from the plurality of probes other than the excitation probe as a measurement probe, applying a test signal to the bioelectrode through the excitation probe, acquiring the electrical signal measurement value between the excitation probe and the measurement probe, and calculating and generating electrical performance data. The electrical performance data is a function of the electrical signal measurement value between the plurality of probes and the resistivity of the bioelectrode. The voltage level of the test signal is less than a first preset threshold, which is any voltage value within ±5V. The preset position is the position where the probe module and the vacuum adsorption module cooperate so that the bioelectrode and the probe module are in just contact; The sensing module is disposed on the surface of the vacuum adsorption module on the side supporting the bioelectrode and is used to detect the contact state between the bioelectrode and the probe module. The testing device is configured to stop the test and generate an alarm to remind the operator to straighten the material or re-feed it if the probe and the bioelectrode do not make sufficient contact; the testing device is configured to perform electrical performance testing on the bioelectrode and obtain electrical performance data of the bioelectrode when the probe and the bioelectrode make sufficient contact; sufficient contact means that all probes are in contact with the bioelectrode. The test circuit also includes a switch board, which is used to control the multiple probes of the probe module to switch between excitation probes or measurement probes.

8. The testing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a control module, which is connected to the pneumatic module via a circuit and controls the pneumatic module to drive the probe module to the preset position. The control module is also connected to the vacuum adsorption module via a circuit and controls the vacuum state of the vacuum adsorption module.

9. The testing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The test circuit also includes a data acquisition unit and a data processing unit. The data acquisition unit acquires and transmits the electrical performance data to the data processing unit for data processing.

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