Device for aligning a needle and a dry wheel when applying a milk

Abstract

A device (100) for aligning a needle (150) / stem (110) when applying an animal milk sample. The dry rod (110) is indicative of a biomarker value of the milk sample. The device (100) comprises: a carrier (115) having a dry rod (110); a tube element (155) for receiving the milk sample; a needle (150) connected to the tube element (155); a light source (160) that irradiates the stem (110); a camera (120) configured to capture an image (300) of the stem (110) and its shadow (111); a drive unit (170) for moving the carrier (115) / rod (110); and a controller (130). A controller (130) triggers the camera (120) to capture and provide an image (300). An image analysis is performed on the image (300) and a signal is provided to a drive unit (170) to move the stem (110) to a position in which the needle (150) applies the milk sample.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This document discloses a device. More specifically, a device is described, the device being arranged to align a needle and a dry stick so as to apply a milk sample of an animal to the dry stick when the dry stick is positioned in a milk sample application position in which the needle is aligned with the dry stick, wherein the dry stick is configured to indicate at least one biomarker value of the applied milk sample. Background Art

[0002] On animal farms, it is important to keep the animals healthy in order to increase milk / meat production. For example, on dairy farms, it is very important to inseminate the animals at the optimal moment in order to successfully inseminate the cows. For efficiency reasons, it is important to find the right time to inseminate each individual animal on the farm. In the event that an animal is not successfully inseminated, milk production will be affected.

[0003] Several biomarker measurements can be made on animals, such as measuring the levels of progesterone, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate) and urea. This can yield important information about, for example, estrus detection and / or pregnancy (based on measured progesterone levels) as well as mastitis (based on LDH) and ketosis (based on BHB) in individual animals. In addition, energy balance can be estimated (based on urea).

[0004] The milk analysis device / service module can be arranged to cooperate with the milk extraction device so as to analyze the milk samples of the animals regularly, for example, during the milking period or before and after the milking period. The milk analysis device / service module can extract the milk sample and provide the milk sample on a dry stick / lateral flow stick / lateral flow test strip or the like. The milk can be diluted with a diluent, which can also be used to rinse the tube between test periods. The optional diluent can be provided in a liquid container. Document WO2018236271 shows an example of this type of milk analysis device. Thus, important information about each individual animal is provided to the farmer / operator. Biomarkers, such as progesterone, can be measured in a highly automated manner for all individual animals on the farm.

[0005] An emerging trend is to reduce the width of the lateral flow stick in order to save material. This saves material and reduces the cost of the dry stick. 5 mm is generally considered to be the minimum recommended width of dry sticks in the prior art. In case the width is reduced narrower, for example to 4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3 mm, 2.5 mm, 2 mm, etc., or when the lateral edges are cut incorrectly, for example, several problems may arise.

[0006] The disadvantage is that the narrower the width of the dry stick, the greater the challenge is to align the needle with the dry stick and apply the extracted milk sample to the dry stick, i.e. to guide the needle to the sample pad of the dry stick. In case the milk sample is applied next to the dry stick, the biomarker measurement will fail.

[0007] It is desirable to find a reliable method in which a milk sample can be applied to a dry stick even when the dry stick is very narrow relative to the conventional width of about 5 mm. Summary of the invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve at least some of the above mentioned problems and to enable application of an animal's milk sample to a dry stick even when the dry stick is very narrow, such as for example a dry stick having a width of about 1 to 3 mm, preferably 2 to 2.5 mm.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a device arranged to align a needle and a dry stick for applying a milk sample of an animal to the dry stick when the dry stick is positioned in a milk sample application position. The dry stick is configured to indicate at least one biomarker value of the applied milk sample.

[0010] A biomarker (or biological marker) is a measurable indicator of a biological state or condition of an animal. Biomarker value measurements can be correlated with animal pregnancy / reproduction.

[0011] The device comprises a carrier comprising at least one dry stick. The carrier has a longitudinal extension extending in the Y direction. The carrier can for example be embodied as a carrier strip on which one or more dry sticks are arranged. Alternatively, the carrier can be embodied as a blister pack.

[0012] Furthermore, the device comprises a tube element and a needle, the tube element being arranged to receive a milk sample of an animal.The needle is connected to the tube element, wherein the needle is arranged to receive a milk sample of an animal via the tube element and to apply the milk sample to the dry stick.

[0013] Additionally, the device further comprises a first light source directed to illuminate the dry stick to form a first shadow of the dry stick on the carrier.The first light source may be implemented as a lamp or a flashlight.

[0014] The device additionally comprises a camera configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the dry stick and a first shadow of the portion of the dry stick. Furthermore, the device comprises a drive unit comprising an interface configured to cooperate with the carrier so as to move the dry stick on the carrier in the Y direction to the milk sample application position.

[0015] The device also includes a controller, which is communicatively connected to the camera and the drive unit. The controller is configured to trigger the camera to capture an image of the portion of the dry stick and a first shadow of the portion of the dry stick on the carrier, the first shadow having been formed by the first light source. Additionally, the controller is configured to receive the captured image from the camera. The controller is also configured to perform image analysis of the image to detect the portion of the dry stick and the first shadow of the portion of the dry stick on the carrier. The controller is ultimately configured to provide an apply milk signal to the drive unit based on the image analysis to move the carrier and the dry stick in the Y direction into a milk sample application position, wherein the needle is able to apply the milk sample to the dry stick.

[0016] By illuminating the stick from the side with a first light source, a shadow of the stick is formed on the carrier, with a sharp contrast between the stick edge (which is usually white or very light) and the carrier. Correct positioning of the stick edge is thereby achieved by image analysis.

[0017] In a first implementation of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the controller may be configured to perform an image analysis of the image to detect the first edge of the dry stick by detecting a first shadow of the first edge of the dry stick on the carrier.

[0018] In a second specific implementation of the device according to the first aspect, the needle is arranged at a predetermined position in the Y direction and in the X direction perpendicular to the Y direction. The predetermined position of the needle is known to the controller.

[0019] The image analysis of the image performed by the controller may include detecting a segment of a first edge of the dry stick by detecting a first shadow of the portion of the dry stick on the carrier. The image analysis may also include extrapolating an extension of the segment of the first edge of the dry stick at the segment of the dry stick to which the milk sample is to be applied by the needle when the dry stick is in the milk sample application position. Additionally, the image analysis may include calculating a distance in the Y direction between the extrapolated extension of the first edge at the segment of the dry stick and the predetermined position of the needle. The image analysis may also include generating a milk application signal to be provided to the drive unit based on the calculated distance to move the carrier and the dry stick in the Y direction into the milk sample application position, thereby aligning the predetermined position of the needle with the segment of the dry stick to which the milk sample is to be applied by the needle.

[0020] Even when the camera is able to capture an image of only a portion of the dry stick, the controller is able to correct the positioning of the dry stick in the Y direction.

[0021] In the third implementation of the apparatus according to the first aspect or any implementation thereof, the first light source may be directed to illuminate the dry stick at an incident angle of substantially 45±15 degrees.

[0022] The sharp and distinct first shadow of the first dry stick edge formed in this way on the carrier by the first light source makes it possible to easily identify the first edge of the dry stick when running an image analysis.

[0023] In the fourth embodiment of the device according to the first aspect or any embodiment thereof, the controller may know the width of the dry stick. The controller may also be configured to move the carrier and the dry stick in the Y direction based on image processing and knowing the width of the dry stick so as to align the dry stick to which the milk sample is to be applied with the predetermined position of the needle.

[0024] Having determined the correct positioning of the first dry stick edge and knowing the width of the dry stick, the controller can calculate an adjustment of the dry stick in the Y direction for bringing the dry stick into the milk sample application position, in which the milk sample is applied via the needle halfway between the two lateral edges of the dry stick.

[0025] In a fifth specific implementation of the device according to the first aspect or any specific implementation thereof, the device may include a second light source. The second light source may be directed to illuminate the dry stick to form a second shadow of the second edge of the dry stick on the carrier. The controller may also be configured to turn off the light of the first light source and light up the second light source. Additionally, the controller may be configured to trigger the camera to capture an image of the second edge of the dry stick and the second shadow of the second edge of the dry stick on the carrier. The controller may be configured to receive the captured image from the camera and perform image analysis of the image to detect the second edge of the dry stick by detecting the second shadow of the second edge of the dry stick on the carrier.

[0026] The controller may be further configured to move the carrier and the dry stick in the Y direction based on the detected first edge and second edge of the dry stick, respectively, to align the dry stick to which the milk sample is to be applied with the predetermined position of the needle.

[0027] Even when the dry stick is very narrow, such as for example about 1 mm to 3 mm, successful application of the milk sample to the dry stick is ensured by correctly positioning the dry stick and applying the milk sample symmetrically between the first and second transverse edges of the dry stick, thereby reducing the risk of applying the milk sample beside the dry stick.

[0028] In a sixth implementation of the device according to the first aspect or any implementation thereof, the dry stick has a thickness extending in a Z direction, which is perpendicular to the Y direction. The first shadow on the carrier may be formed by light from the first light source and the portion of the dry stick extending in the Z direction.

[0029] The image analysis of the image may comprise detecting that two or more dry sticks have been stacked on top of each other on the carrier in the Z direction. The image analysis may then comprise the step of estimating the extension of a first shadow of the portion of the dry stick on the carrier in the Y direction before applying the milk sample to the dry stick. Additionally, the image analysis may comprise comparing the estimated shadow extension with an expected shadow extension value; and when the estimated shadow extension exceeds the expected shadow extension value, generating an advance signal which is provided to a drive unit to advance the carrier in the Y direction to the next dry stick on the carrier.

[0030] The dry sticks are rather thin and two dry sticks may sometimes be mistakenly stacked one on top of the other on the carrier. The quality check thus provided can easily and automatically detect these manufacturing errors and the carrier can be advanced to the next dry stick before applying the milk sample.

[0031] In the seventh specific implementation of the device according to the first aspect or any specific implementation thereof, the dry stick may include a sample pad for receiving a milk sample. In addition, the dry stick may include a conjugate pad containing a conjugate. The dry stick may additionally include an indicator area having a test line and a control line, the indicator area being arranged to indicate the biomarker of the milk sample based on the conjugate. Additionally, the dry stick may also include an absorbent pad for absorbing the milk sample. The dry stick may also include a porous membrane for receiving the capillary flow of the milk sample from the sample pad via the conjugate pad and the indicator area to the absorbent pad, thereby advancing the conjugate dispersed in the milk sample to the indicator area.

[0032] The image captured by the camera may depict at least a portion of the absorbent pad and a shadow formed by the portion of the absorbent pad on the carrier when illuminated by the light source. The controller may be configured to detect an unsuccessful flow of the applied milk sample through the porous membrane to the absorbent pad of the dry stick. The detection of unsuccessful milk flow may be performed by estimating the extension of the shadow of the absorbent pad on the carrier in the Y direction for a certain period of time after the milk sample has been applied. In addition, the detection may include comparing the estimated shadow extension of the shadow of the absorbent pad on the carrier with an expected reference shadow value. The detection of unsuccessful milk flow may also include a step of discarding the dry stick when the estimated shadow extension of the shadow of the absorbent pad on the carrier is less than the expected reference shadow value.

[0033] A failed lateral flow test may thereby be detected and one or several appropriate actions may be triggered, such as discarding the dry stick / test; generating an alert to the farmer; advancing the carrier to the next dry stick for repeated application of the milk sample to a new dry stick etc.

[0034] Other advantages and additional novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 An example of an apparatus for measuring biomarker values ​​of a milk sample of an animal by aligning a needle and a dry stick for applying the milk sample of the animal to the dry stick is illustrated.

[0037] Figure 2A An example of a dry stick viewed in side view according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0038] Figure 2B An example of a dry stick viewed from above according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0039] Figure 3A Illustrated are various components comprised in a device for aligning a needle and a dry stick so as to apply an animal's milk sample to the dry stick with the aid of the shadow of the dry stick on a carrier.

[0040] Figure 3B An image of a dry stick captured by a camera of a device according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0041] Figure 4A A carrier including a dry stick according to an embodiment and a shadow on the carrier formed by light from a light source are illustrated.

[0042] Figure 4B An image of a portion of a dry stick and its shadow captured by a camera of a device according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0043] Figure 5 An image of a dry stick arranged on a carrier and a shadow on the carrier formed by light from a light source according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0044] Fig. 6A An image of a dry stick arranged on a carrier and a shadow on the carrier formed by light from a light source according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0045] Figure 6B An image of a dry stick arranged on a carrier and a shadow on the carrier formed by light from a light source according to an embodiment is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The embodiments of the present invention described herein are defined as devices that can be implemented in the embodiments described below. However, these embodiments can be illustrated and implemented in many different forms and are not limited to the examples set forth herein; on the contrary, these illustrative examples of embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete.

[0047] Still other objects and features may become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for illustration only and are not intended to define the limitations of the embodiments disclosed herein, for which reference may be made to the appended claims. Further, unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are intended only to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

[0048] Figure 1 A scenario is illustrated wherein the device 100 is arranged to align the needle 150 and the dry stick 110 for applying a milk sample of an animal 101 to the dry stick 110 when the dry stick 110 is positioned in a milk sample application position in which the needle 150 is aligned with the dry stick 110 .

[0049] "Animal" may be any type of domesticated female milk- and / or meat-producing mammal, such as cows, goats, sheep, horses, camels, dromedaries, dairy buffalo, donkeys, reindeer, yaks, and the like.

[0050] The lateral flow bars 110 may be individually arranged on a carrier 115 including a plurality of lateral flow bars 110, 110a. Each of the individually arranged lateral flow bars 110, 110a on the carrier 115 may be arranged separately from each other.

[0051] The dry stick 110 is configured to indicate at least one biomarker value of an applied milk sample.

[0052] The carrier 115 has a longitudinal extension extending in a Y direction and a lateral extension extending in an X direction, wherein the Y direction and the X direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0053] Each of the dry sticks 110, 110a has a longitudinal extension and may be arranged on the carrier 115 such that the longitudinal extension of the dry stick 110 extends on the carrier 115 in the X direction with an inclination in the range of ±45 degrees relative to the X direction.

[0054] The carrier 115 may be embodied as, for example, a carrier tape or a blister pack. In embodiments where the carrier 115 is implemented as a carrier tape, the carrier 115 may be included in a box for rapid processing.

[0055] When the carrier 115 is implemented as a carrier tape, each dry stick 110, 110a can be individually maintained and sealed on the carrier, for example by a foil seal covering the dry stick 110, 110a and the carrier 115. For example, the foil can be made of a transparent plastic / elastomer. In these embodiments, the foil can be peeled off before the milk / liquid sample is applied to the dry stick 110, 110a. In the case where the carrier 115 is implemented as a blister pack, the sealing cover of the blister pack can be pierced before applying the milk / liquid sample.

[0056] Milk from the animal 101 may be extracted and discharged by milking equipment as part of a milking parlor via a milk line to a milk tank or similar milk storage.

[0057] During milking of the animal 101, or in close association therewith, a milk sample may be transferred from the milking equipment / milk line 105 and provided to a tube element 155 having an interface to the milking equipment / milk line 105. A pump may be configured to act on the tube element 155 to advance the milk sample from the milking equipment / milk line 105 via the valve 140 and the mixing chamber to the needle 150.

[0058] In some embodiments, a milk sample may be mixed with a diluent in a mixing chamber, thereby forming a liquid sample comprising a mixture of milk and the diluent.

[0059] The needle 150 is connected to the tube element 155, possibly via the valve 140 and the mixing chamber. The needle 150 is arranged to receive a milk sample of the animal 101 and to apply the milk sample to the dry stick 110.

[0060] The needles 150 may be arranged at predetermined positions in the Y direction and in the X direction.

[0061] The device 100 further comprises a first light source 160 which is directed to illuminate the dry stick 110 to form a first shadow 111 of the dry stick 110 on the carrier 115 .

[0062] The first light source 160 may be directed to illuminate the dry stick 110 at an incident angle of substantially 45±15 degrees. The first light source 160 may include a lamp arranged at a predetermined incident angle and a predetermined illumination. Illuminance is the total luminous flux incident on a surface per unit area. Thus, the first light source 160 may be applied to ensure proper illumination of the dry stick 110 and to form a distinct first shadow 111 of the dry stick 110 on the carrier 115.

[0063] The device 100 additionally comprises a camera 120 configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the dry stick 110 and a first shadow 111 of the portion of the dry stick 110 on the carrier 115 .

[0064] The device 100 further comprises a drive unit 170 comprising an interface 175 configured to cooperate with the carrier 115 in order to move the dry stick 110 on the carrier 115 in the Y direction to a milk sample application position.

[0065] In some embodiments, drive unit 170 may include a motor (such as a linear motor) or an engine (such as an electric engine).

[0066] In the case where the carrier 115 is implemented as a carrier tape, the carrier tape may be arranged on a first reel and a second reel, possibly arranged on a box. Then, the interface 175 may include one or two engagement wheels, which are arranged to rotate the first reel and / or the second reel, thereby moving the carrier 115.

[0067] The apparatus 100 further includes a controller 130 that is communicatively connected to the camera 120 and the drive unit 170 , and possibly to the first light source 160 .

[0068] The controller 130 is configured to perform a plurality of actions for aligning the needle 150 and the dry stick 110. The controller 130 is configured to trigger the camera 120 to capture an image of the portion of the dry stick 110 and a first shadow 111 of the portion of the dry stick 110 on the carrier 115. The first shadow 111 is formed by light from the first light source 160. The controller 130 is further configured to receive the captured image from the camera 120. The controller 130 is further configured to perform image analysis of the image to detect the portion of the dry stick 110 and the first shadow 111 of the portion of the dry stick 110 on the carrier 115.

[0069] A first shadow 111 is formed on the carrier 115 , thereby creating a clear and easily recognizable contrast, making it possible to identify by image analysis the portion of the dry stick 110 to which the milk sample can be applied via the needle 150 .

[0070] Based on the image analysis, the controller 130 is configured to provide an apply milk signal to the drive unit 170 to move the carrier 115 and the dry stick 110 in the Y direction via the interface 175 to a milk sample application position, wherein the needle 150 can apply the milk sample to the dry stick 110 .

[0071] The needle 150 may be arranged at a predetermined position in the Y direction and in the X direction, which predetermined position is known to the controller 130. This enables the controller 130 to align the needle 150 and the dry stick 110 and apply the milk sample to the dry stick 110 via the needle 150 when the dry stick 110 is positioned in the milk sample application position.

[0072] The dry stick 110 may react to the presence and / or amount of one or more biomarkers, such as by changing color, hue, or intensity of color / hue. The camera 120 may capture an image of the dry stick 110. The captured image of the dry stick 110 may then be analyzed by the controller 130, and the presence and / or amount of the biomarker in the milk sample may be estimated based on the intensity of the color.

[0073] In various embodiments, the biomarker measured can be, for example, progesterone, glycoprotein, estrogen, and / or gonadotropin-releasing hormone or any other similar biomarker related to reproduction of animal 101 .

[0074] Figure 2A The dry stick 110 is illustrated as viewed from the side. Figure 2B The dry stick 110 is illustrated as viewed from above.

[0075] The dry stick 110 may include a back panel 220, which may be made of cardboard, paper or similar material. The back panel 220 may form a base to which other components of the dry stick 110 may be mounted.

[0076] The dry stick 110 may include a sample pad 210. The sample pad 210 is a portion of the dry stick 110 to which the milk sample / liquid sample is applied through the needle 150 when the dry stick 110 is placed in the milk sample application position. The sample pad 210 may include a porous structure for achieving capillary flow, such as cellulose fibers and / or a woven mesh.

[0077] The dry stick 110 may further include a conjugate pad 230 containing a conjugate 270. The conjugate 270 may include antibody-treated gold particles that are dispersed into the milk when the milk sample / liquid sample flows from the sample pad 310 through the conjugate pad 230.

[0078] The conjugate 270 will react with the biomarker to be measured (eg, progesterone in the milk of the applied liquid sample).

[0079] Thus, the conjugate 270 may be embedded in a conjugate pad 230, which may include a glass fiber section of the dry stick 110. Alternatively, the conjugate pad 230 may include cellulose and / or a surface-modified polyester.

[0080] In addition, the dry stick 110 may include an indication zone 250 arranged to indicate the biomarker of the milk sample / liquid sample based on the conjugate 270. In addition, the dry stick 110 may include a porous membrane 240 for receiving the capillary flow of the milk sample / liquid sample from the conjugate pad 230, thereby advancing the conjugate 270 dispersed in the milk sample / liquid sample to the indication zone 250.

[0081] In various embodiments, the porous membrane 240 may include, for example, nitrocellulose membrane, cellulose, glass fiber, polyester, rayon, polymer, glass fiber, woven fiber, nonwoven fiber, chromatographic gel membrane, diatomaceous earth, silica gel, silicon oxide, diatomaceous earth or other filter membranes. The porous membrane 240 may be designed to increase the capillary pumping speed of the liquid through the dry stick 110. The indicator area 250 of the porous membrane 240 may include a test line 251 and a control line 252.

[0082] The test line 251 may be treated with a biomarker reference (such as, for example, a progesterone reference) that is bound to the antibody-treated gold particles of the milk sample / liquid sample, thereby causing the test line 251 to change color tone when exposed to milk including progesterone levels below a threshold limit. Thus, when the milk does not have progesterone levels or has low progesterone levels, the test line 251 may change color tone to red / reddish. If / when the animal 101 is in estrus, the progesterone level in the milk sample is close to zero. This color change may then be detected by the camera 120 and may be reported to the farmer and / or stored in a database associated with the identity and / or timestamp of the animal 101. This may also trigger the scheduling of an insemination of the animal 101 (in the case where the biomarker is progesterone), or the scheduling of, for example, a veterinary examination (in the case of another biomarker).

[0083] The control line 252 in the indicator area 250 of the porous membrane 240 can be treated with an antibody reference that binds to the antibody reference-treated gold particles of the milk sample / liquid sample regardless of the progesterone level in the milk, thereby causing the control line 252 to change color when exposed to milk including the antibody reference-treated gold particles, thereby ensuring successful capillary flow of the milk / liquid through the porous membrane 240.

[0084] The dry stick 110 may include an absorbent pad 260. The absorbent pad 260 may include an absorbent configured to absorb excess milk / liquid from the porous membrane 240.

[0085] Figure 3A Some elements included in the apparatus 100 , such as a camera 120 , a controller 130 , and a first light source 160 illuminating the dry stick 110 , are schematically illustrated.

[0086] The dry stick 110 has a thickness extending in the Z direction. The Z direction is perpendicular to the Y direction and / or the X direction. A first shadow 111 of the portion of the dry stick 110 on the carrier 115 is formed by the light from the first light source 160 and a first edge 310 of the portion of the dry stick 110 extending in the Z direction.

[0087] The controller 130 may be configured to perform image analysis on an image through a plurality of actions.

[0088] The controller 130 may be configured to detect a section of the first edge 310 of the dry stick 110 by detecting a first shadow 111 of the first edge 310 of the dry stick 110 extending in the Z-direction on the carrier 115 .

[0089] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include a second light source 162 directed to illuminate the dry stick 110 such that a second edge 330 of the dry stick 110 forms a second shadow 112 of the dry stick 110 on the carrier 115, while the first light source 160 is turned off. The second light source 162 may then illuminate the dry stick 110 from an opposite side of the dry stick 110 relative to the first light source 160.

[0090] The controller 130 is thereby able to detect the two transverse edges 310, 330 of the dry stick 110 and thereby also be able to apply the milk sample via the needle 150 to the section 320 of the dry stick 110 where the milk sample will be applied between the first transverse edge 310 and the second transverse edge 330 of the dry stick 110, even when the controller 130 is unaware of the width of the dry stick 110 or when different dry sticks 110 have different widths.

[0091] Similar to the first light source 160 , the second light source 162 may be directed to illuminate the dry stick 110 at an incident angle of substantially 45±15 degrees, but from an opposite lateral side of the dry stick 110 .

[0092] Figure 3B An image 300 of a dry stick 110 and a first shadow 111 of a first edge 310 captured by a camera 120 is illustrated.

[0093] The clear and distinct first shadow 111 formed by the first edge 310 of the dry stick 110 on the carrier 115 enables the controller 130 to easily determine the position of the edge 310, which in turn enables precision to be achieved when aligning the needle 150 with the section 320 of the dry stick 110 to which the milk sample is to be applied by the needle 150, even when the dry stick 110 is very narrow, such as within a spacing of about 1 mm to 3 mm, preferably around 2 mm to 2.5 mm, when the dry stick 110 is in the milk sample application position.

[0094] The controller 130 may know the width of the dry stick 110, for example 2 mm. The width of the dry stick 110 may be manually input by an operator or estimated by image analysis of the image 300 captured by the camera 120. In the case of determining the correct positioning of the dry stick edge 310 and knowing the width of the dry stick 110, the controller 130 may move the carrier 115 and the dry stick 110 in the Y direction based on image processing and knowing the width of the dry stick 110, so as to align the section 320 of the dry stick 110 to which the milk sample is to be applied with the predetermined position of the needle 150. Thereafter, the controller 130 may apply the milk sample via the needle 150 at a distance from the first dry stick edge 310 corresponding to the width of the dry stick 110 divided by 2.

[0095] However, the controller 130 may also apply the method described herein to dry sticks 110 having a width of at least 5 mm. Hereby, an improved success rate with respect to applying the milk sample to the dry stick 110 is achieved.

[0096] Figure 4A An example of a carrier 115 viewed from above is illustrated. The dry rods 110, 110a on the carrier 115 are arranged with an inclination α in the range of ±45 degrees with respect to the X direction (non-limiting example).

[0097] Figure 4B An example of an image 300 captured by the camera 120 is illustrated.

[0098] In this example, only a portion of the dry stick 110 is captured in the image 300 .

[0099] The controller 130 may be configured to detect a section of the first edge 310 of the dry stick 110 in the image 300 by detecting a first shadow 111 of the portion of the dry stick 110 extending in the Z direction on the carrier 115 .

[0100] The controller 130 may be configured to extrapolate the extension 410 of the section of the first edge 310 of the dry stick 110 at the segment 320 of the dry stick 110 to which the milk sample is to be applied by the needle 150 when the dry stick 110 is in the milk sample application position.

[0101] Then, the controller 130 may calculate a distance d in the Y direction between the extrapolated extension 410 of the first edge 310 and the predetermined position 420 of the needle 150 in the Y direction and the X direction.

[0102] The controller 130 may also be configured to generate a milk application signal to be provided to the drive unit 170 to move the carrier 115 and the dry stick 110 in the Y direction into the milk sample application position. The magnitude of the milk application signal and the movement in the Y direction may be based on the calculated distance d. Thereby, the predetermined position 420 of the needle 150 in the Y direction and the X direction is aligned with the section 320 of the dry stick 110 to which the milk sample is to be applied by the needle 150.

[0103] Figure 5 An example of an image 300 captured by the camera 120 , depicting the dry stick 110 , is illustrated.

[0104] The first edge 310 of the dry stick 110 forms a first shadow 111 on the carrier 115. The first shadow 111 enables very accurate positioning of the first edge 310 by the controller 130. The first shadow 111 formed by the dry stick 110 has an extension w in the Y direction.

[0105] In some embodiments, the image analysis may include detecting that two or more dry sticks 110 are incorrectly stacked on top of each other in the z-direction on the carrier 115. The controller 130 may be configured to estimate the extension w of the shadow 111 of the portion of the dry stick 110 on the carrier 115 in the y-direction before applying the milk sample to the dry stick 110.

[0106] The controller 130 may also be configured to compare the estimated shadow extension w on the carrier 115 with an expected shadow extension value. The expected shadow extension value typically corresponds to the shadow extension w of the shadow 111 of a single dry stick 110 on the carrier 115. When the estimated shadow extension w exceeds the expected shadow extension value, it may be at least implicitly inferred that two or more dry sticks 110 have been stacked on each other; or that perhaps some other undesired object has been accidentally placed on / under the dry stick 110. In any case, it is not appropriate to use the dry stick 110 for a test such as a lateral flow test.

[0107] The controller 130 may also be configured to generate an advance signal that is provided to the drive unit 170 to advance the carrier 115 in the Y direction to the next dry stick 110 a on the carrier 115 .

[0108] Fig. 6A An image 300 is illustrated which depicts a dry stick 110 comprising a sample pad 210 for receiving a milk sample prior to application of the milk sample via a needle 150. The illustrated dry stick 110 further comprises an absorbent pad 260 for absorbing the milk sample.

[0109] The dry stick 110 may for example comprise FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B A lateral flow rod as illustrated and discussed in the corresponding part of the specification.

[0110] Figure 6B An image 300 is illustrated depicting the dry stick 110 and its shadow 111 on the carrier 115 after a milk sample is applied to the sample pad 210 and after the milk sample propagates by capillary flow from the sample pad 210 via the conjugate pad 230 and the indicator zone 250 to the absorbent pad 260 of the dry stick 110 .

[0111] In some embodiments, the controller 130 may be configured to detect unsuccessful flow of the applied milk sample through the porous membrane 240 to the absorbent pad 260 of the dry stick 110 .

[0112] The detection of an unsuccessful flow may comprise evaluating the extension w of the shadow 111 of the absorbent pad 260 on the carrier 115 in the Y direction a determined period of time after the milk sample has been applied.

[0113] The determined time period may correspond to an estimated propagation of milk through the dry stick 110 to the absorbent pad 260 after the milk sample has been applied to the sample pad 210 .

[0114] Furthermore, the controller 130 may be configured to compare the estimated shadow extension w of the shadow 111 of the absorbent pad 260 on the carrier 115 with an expected reference shadow value.

[0115] After a determined period of time, when the milk / liquid has been absorbed by the absorbent pad 260 , the reference shade value may approximately correspond to a shade extension of the shade 111 of the absorbent pad 260 .

[0116] The controller 130 may be configured to discard the dry stick 110 when the estimated shadow extension w of the shadow 111 of the absorbent pad 260 on the carrier 115 is smaller than the expected reference shadow value.

[0117] The controller 130 may be implemented as a processing circuit system configured to perform various calculations for carrying out various computer programs, such as communicating with the camera 120 and / or the drive unit 170 and / or performing image analysis, respectively.

[0118] The processing circuit system may include one or more instances of processing circuitry, i.e., a central processing unit (CPU), a processing unit, a processing circuit, a processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, or other processing logic that can interpret and execute instructions. Thus, the expression "processing circuit system" as used herein may refer to a plurality of interconnected and cooperating processing circuits, such as any, some, or all of the processing circuit systems listed above.

[0119] In addition, in some embodiments, the controller 130 may include a memory. The optional memory may include a physical device for storing data or programs, i.e., instruction sequences, on a temporary or permanent basis. According to some embodiments, the memory may include an integrated circuit including silicon-based transistors. The memory may include, for example, a memory card, a flash memory, a USB memory, a hard disk, or another similar volatile or non-volatile storage unit for storing data, such as, for example, a ROM (read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), an EPROM (erasable PROM), an EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), etc. in different embodiments.

[0120] Additionally, the controller 130 may include a signal transmitter. The signal transmitter may be configured to transmit signals to the camera 120, the drive unit 170, and / or the needle 150 (possibly via a transceiver) via a wired or wireless communication interface; and / or to a database.

[0121] Furthermore, a computer program may be executed in the controller 130 , the computer program comprising instructions for performing an image analysis of the image 300 captured by the camera 120 .

[0122] The computer program mentioned above may be provided, for example, in the form of a computer readable medium, i.e., a data carrier carrying computer program code for executing at least some of the computer program steps according to some embodiments when loaded into one or more processing circuit systems of the controller 130. The data carrier may be, for example, a hard disk, a CD ROM disk, a memory stick, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any other suitable medium, such as a disk or tape that can store machine-readable data in a non-transitory manner. The computer program may additionally be provided as computer program code on a server and downloaded remotely to the controller 130, for example via an Internet or intranet connection.

[0123] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5 , Fig. 6A and / or Figure 6B The embodiments illustrated in or parts thereof may be advantageously combined with each other to achieve further benefits.

[0124] The terminology used in the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the described apparatus 100. Various changes, substitutions and / or alterations may be made without departing from the embodiments of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0125] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the term "or" should be interpreted as a mathematical OR, that is, as an inclusive disjunction; not as a mathematical exclusive OR (XOR), unless otherwise expressly stated. Additionally, the singular forms "one", "a", and "the" should be interpreted as "at least one", and therefore may also include multiple entities of the same kind, unless otherwise expressly stated. It will be further understood that the terms "include", "comprise" specify the presence of stated features, actions, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, actions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof. For example, a single unit of a processor can implement the functions of several items recited in a claim. The fact that certain measures or features are described in mutually different dependent claims, shown in different drawings, or discussed in conjunction with different embodiments does not mean that a combination of these measures or features cannot be used to advantage. The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium provided together with or as a part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems.

Claims

1. A device (100) arranged to align a needle (150) and a dry stick (110) for applying a milk sample of an animal (101) to the dry stick (110) when the dry stick (110) is positioned in a milk sample application position in which the needle (150) is aligned with the dry stick (110), wherein the dry stick (110) is configured to indicate at least one biomarker value of the applied milk sample; and wherein the device (100) comprises: A carrier (115), the carrier comprising at least one dry stick (110); wherein the carrier (115) has a longitudinal extension extending in the Y direction; a tube element (155) arranged to receive the milk sample of the animal (101); a needle (150) connected to the tube element (155), wherein the needle (150) is arranged to receive the milk sample of the animal (101) via the tube element (155) and to apply the milk sample to the dry stick (110); a first light source (160) directed to illuminate the dry stick (110) to form a first shadow (111) of the dry stick (110) on the carrier (115); a camera (120) configured to capture an image (300) of at least a portion of the dry stick (110) and of the first shadow (111) of the portion of the dry stick (110) on the carrier (115); a drive unit (170), the drive unit comprising an interface (175), the interface being configured to cooperate with the carrier (115) so as to move the dry stick (110) on the carrier (115) in the Y direction to the milk sample application position; A controller (130) is communicatively connected to the camera (120) and the drive unit (170), wherein the controller (130) is configured to triggering the camera (120) to capture the image (300) of the portion of the dry stick (110) and the first shadow (111) of the portion of the dry stick (110) on the carrier (115); Receiving a captured image (300) from the camera (120); performing an image analysis of the image (300) to detect the portion of the dry stick (110) and the first shadow (111) of the portion of the dry stick (110) on the carrier (115); Based on the image analysis, an apply milk signal is provided to the drive unit (170) to move the carrier (115) and the dry stick (110) in the Y direction into the milk sample application position, wherein the needle (150) is able to apply the milk sample to the dry stick (110).

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (130) is configured to perform the image analysis of the image (300) to detect the first edge (310) of the drying stick (110) by detecting the first shadow (111) of the first edge (310) of the drying stick (110) on the carrier (115).

3. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the needle (150) is arranged at a predetermined position (420) in the Y direction and in an X direction perpendicular to the Y direction, wherein the predetermined position (420) is known to the controller (130); and wherein the image analysis of the image (300) performed by the controller (130) comprises: detecting a section of a first edge (310) of the dry stick (110) by detecting the first shadow (111) of the portion of the dry stick (110) on the carrier (115); When the dry stick (110) is in the milk sample application position, extrapolating an extension (410) of the section of the first edge (310) of the dry stick (110) at the section (320) of the dry stick (110) to which the milk sample is to be applied by the needle (150); as well as calculating the distance (d) in the Y direction between the extrapolated extension (410) of the first edge (310) at the section (320) of the dry stick (110) and the predetermined position (420) of the needle (150); and Based on the calculated distance (d), a milk applying signal is generated to be provided to the drive unit (170) to move the carrier (115) and the dry stick (110) in the Y direction into the milk sample applying position, thereby aligning the predetermined position (420) of the needle (150) with the section (320) of the dry stick (110) to which the milk sample is to be applied by the needle (150).

4. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first light source (160) is directed to illuminate the dry stick (110) at an incident angle of substantially 45±15 degrees.

5. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller (130) is aware of the width of the dry stick (110) and is configured to move the carrier (115) and the dry stick (110) in the Y direction based on image processing and knowing the width of the dry stick (110) so as to align the dry stick (110) to which the milk sample is to be applied with the predetermined position (420) of the needle (150).

6. The device (100) according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising a second light source (162) directed to illuminate the dry stick (110) to form a second shadow (112) of a second edge (330) of the dry stick (110) on the carrier (115); and wherein the controller (130) is configured to Turning off the light of the first light source (160); Lighting up the second light source (162); triggering the camera (120) to capture the image (300) of the second edge (330) of the dry stick (110) and the second shadow (112) of the second edge (330) of the dry stick (110) on the carrier (115); receiving a captured image (300) from the camera (120); and performing said image analysis of said image (300) to detect said second edge (330) of said dry stick (110) by detecting said second shadow (112) of said second edge (330) of said dry stick (110) on said carrier (115); and wherein the controller (130) is configured to move the carrier (115) and the dry stick (110) in the Y direction based on the detected first edge (310) of the dry stick (110) and the second edge (330) of the dry stick (110), respectively, so as to align the dry stick (110) to which the milk sample is to be applied with the predetermined position (420) of the needle (150).

7. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the dry stick (110) has a thickness extending in a Z direction, the Z direction being perpendicular to the Y direction; and wherein the first shadow (111) on the carrier (115) is formed by light from the first light source (160) and a portion of the dry stick (110) extending in the Z direction; and wherein the image analysis of the image (300) comprises detecting that two or more dry sticks (110) have been stacked on top of each other in the Z direction on the carrier (115) by: Before applying the milk sample to the dry stick (110), estimating the extension (w) of the first shadow (111) of the portion of the dry stick (110) on the carrier (115) in the Y direction; comparing the estimated shadow extension (w) to an expected shadow extension value; and when the estimated shadow extension (w) exceeds the expected shadow extension value, An advance signal is generated, which is provided to the drive unit (170) to advance the carrier (115) in the Y direction to the next dry stick (110) on the carrier (115).

8. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the dry stick (110) comprises: A sample pad (210), the sample pad being used to receive the milk sample; a conjugate pad (230), the conjugate pad comprising a conjugate (270); an indicator area (250), the indicator area having a test line (251) and a control line (252), the indicator area being arranged to indicate the biomarker of the milk sample based on the binding substance (270); an absorption pad (260), the absorption pad being used to absorb the milk sample; as well as a porous membrane (240) for receiving capillary flow of the milk sample from the sample pad (210) via the conjugate pad (230) and the indicator zone (250) to the absorbent pad (260), thereby allowing the conjugate (270) dispersed in the milk sample to advance to the indicator zone (250); and wherein The image (300) captured by the camera (120) depicts at least a portion of the absorbent pad (260) and the first shadow (111) of the portion of the absorbent pad (260) on the carrier (115); The controller (130) is configured to detect unsuccessful flow of the applied milk sample through the porous membrane (240) to the absorbent pad (260) of the dry stick (110) by: estimating an extension (w) of the first shadow (111) of the absorbent pad (260) on the carrier (115) in the Y direction at a determined time period after the milk sample has been applied; comparing an estimated shadow extension (w) of the first shadow (111) of the absorbent pad (260) on the carrier (115) with an expected reference shadow value; and The dry stick (110) is discarded when the estimated shadow extension (w) of the first shadow (111) of the absorbent pad (260) on the carrier (115) is less than an expected reference shadow value.

Images