Bio-laboratory intelligent sterile operation monitoring system

Abstract

The invention discloses an intelligent sterile operation monitoring system for a biological laboratory, which relates to the technical field of physical laboratories and comprises an environment monitoring module, a personnel operation monitoring module, an equipment state monitoring module, a central control module and an alarm module. The environment monitoring module monitors air quality in real time; the personnel operation monitoring module is used for monitoring operation actions and performing graded early warning through a high-definition camera in combination with algorithms such as YOLOv8 and OpenPose; the equipment state monitoring module monitors equipment operation and the surface sterile state, the central control module comprehensively analyzes data, calculates danger indexes and is linked with the alarm module, and three-level alarm is achieved. The system can comprehensively monitor the sterile state in real time, early warn the risk in time, and guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the experiment. According to the invention, through the environment monitoring module, the personnel operation monitoring module and the equipment state monitoring module, the air quality, personnel operation behaviors and equipment states of the biological laboratory operation area can be comprehensively monitored in real time, and potential pollution risks can be found in time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of physical laboratory technology, and more specifically to an intelligent aseptic operation monitoring system for biological laboratories. Background Technology

[0002] A biosafety laboratory, also known as a biosafety containment for laboratories, is a biological laboratory and animal laboratory that uses protective barriers and management measures to avoid or control the hazards of harmful biological agents being handled, thus meeting biosafety requirements. In biological laboratories, aseptic operation is crucial, as any microbial contamination may lead to inaccurate experimental results or even experimental failure.

[0003] Traditional aseptic techniques in biological laboratories rely primarily on strict adherence to aseptic procedures and the use of simple physical isolation equipment, such as laminar flow hoods. However, human error is difficult to completely avoid. For example, rapid hand movements can introduce contaminants due to airflow disturbances, improper use of sterile gloves, or contact between sterile items and non-sterile areas during procedures are common occurrences. Furthermore, current technologies for monitoring the aseptic environment are mostly reactive, such as petri dish incubation methods, which cannot provide real-time, comprehensive monitoring of the aseptic state during procedures, making it difficult to promptly detect and correct potential contamination risks.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to propose an intelligent aseptic operation monitoring system for biological laboratories to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the frequent occurrences of contaminants introduced by rapid hand movements, improper use of sterile gloves, or contact between sterile items and non-sterile areas during operation. Furthermore, existing technologies for monitoring sterile environments are mostly reactive, such as petri dish culture methods, which cannot provide real-time and comprehensive monitoring of the sterile state during operation, making it difficult to promptly detect and correct potential contamination risks. This invention provides an intelligent aseptic operation monitoring system for biological laboratories.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention specifically adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] include:

[0010] The environmental monitoring module is used to monitor the air quality in the laboratory operating area in real time, including the concentration of microbial particles, the number of dust particles, and the concentration of harmful gases in the air;

[0011] The personnel operation monitoring module uses image acquisition equipment to capture images of the operator's actions during the operation process, and uses image recognition algorithms to analyze whether the operator's operation behavior complies with aseptic operation standards.

[0012] The equipment status monitoring module is used to monitor the operating status of the experimental equipment;

[0013] The central control module is connected to the environmental monitoring module, the personnel operation monitoring module, and the equipment status monitoring module, respectively. It receives data information transmitted from each module, performs comprehensive analysis and processing of the data, and issues corresponding control commands based on the analysis results.

[0014] An alarm module is connected to the central control module. When the results analyzed by the central control module exceed the preset aseptic operation standard range, the alarm module issues an alarm signal.

[0015] Furthermore, the personnel operation monitoring module identifies and analyzes the operator's hand movement trajectory, arm swing amplitude, relative position of body to operating area, and aseptic protective equipment wearing status, specifically including:

[0016] Sterile glove wearing monitoring: The integrity of glove wearing is detected by image recognition algorithm, including the degree of finger wrapping and whether there is any damage on the glove surface. When the glove edge is curled, the fingertips are not fully fitted, or there is damage, it is judged as abnormal wearing.

[0017] Pipette operation monitoring: Track the movement trajectory of the pipette aspiration and separation, set standard parameters, and mark abnormal operation when the pipette tip touches the outer wall of the container or the aspiration speed exceeds the standard parameters.

[0018] Petri dish operation monitoring: Identifies the opening angle, opening time, and placement position of the petri dish. When an abnormal signal is triggered, such as when the opening angle is too large, the lid is not closed within the specified time, or the edge of the petri dish touches the outside of the workbench.

[0019] Sample transfer monitoring: Record the transfer path of sample containers between sterile and non-sterile areas. During the transfer process, the container opening must always face downward (tilt angle ≥15°), and both doors must be closed when passing through the transfer window. If the opening is detected to be facing upward or both doors of the transfer window are opened at the same time, it is judged as a high-risk operation.

[0020] Furthermore, the environmental monitoring module includes an air sampler positioned above the operating area, the air sampler being connected to a rapid microbial detector and a dust particle counter, as well as a gas sensor for detecting harmful gases;

[0021] The personnel operation monitoring module includes at least two high-definition cameras set at different angles in the operation area. The high-definition cameras are connected to an image analysis and processing unit, which has a pre-stored aseptic operation standard action model.

[0022] The equipment status monitoring module consists of sensors installed in key parts of the experimental equipment to monitor the equipment's operating parameters.

[0023] The central control module includes a data processing unit, a storage unit, and a control command generation unit. The storage unit stores the normal operating data range and sterile environment standard data.

[0024] The alarm module includes an audible and visual alarm and a wireless communication module, which can send alarm information to the mobile terminal of laboratory management personnel.

[0025] Furthermore, the data processing unit of the central control module uses big data analysis and machine learning algorithms to compare and analyze historical operation data and current real-time monitoring data, continuously optimize the aseptic operation standard range and abnormal operation judgment model, and improve the accuracy and reliability of system monitoring.

[0026] Furthermore, it also includes a display module connected to the central control module, which displays environmental parameters, personnel operation status, equipment operating status, and system alarm information in the laboratory operating area in real time; the display module adopts a touch screen, and operators can query historical data and set system parameters through touch operation.

[0027] Furthermore, the audible and visual alarm of the alarm module is placed in a prominent location in the laboratory, with an alarm sound intensity of no less than 80 decibels and a light flashing frequency of 2-3 times per second, so that operators and laboratory managers can detect it in a timely manner.

[0028] Furthermore, the environmental monitoring module, personnel operation monitoring module, and equipment status monitoring module are connected to the central control module via wired or wireless communication methods, wherein the wireless communication methods adopt Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZigBee communication protocols.

[0029] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0030] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0031] 1. This invention, through an environmental monitoring module, a personnel operation monitoring module, and an equipment status monitoring module, can monitor the air quality, personnel operation behavior, and equipment status in the biological laboratory operation area in real time and comprehensively, and promptly detect potential pollution risks.

[0032] 2. In this invention, the central control module comprehensively analyzes and processes the data transmitted by each monitoring module. When the detected data exceeds the preset aseptic operation standard range, the alarm module is immediately controlled to issue an alarm signal, reminding operators and laboratory managers to take appropriate measures to avoid contamination affecting the experiment. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. 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 of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] include:

[0035] The environmental monitoring module is equipped with an air sampler installed 1 meter above the clean bench. The rapid microbial detector and dust particle counter are connected to the air sampler, and the connection pipes are sealed well. Gas sensors are installed in the four corners of the laboratory and near the experimental equipment. The data transmission lines of each sensor are connected to the central control module via wired connection to calibrate the rapid microbial detector and dust particle counter to ensure that the detection data is accurate and reliable.

[0036] The personnel operation monitoring module is equipped with high-definition cameras installed in front of and above the side of the clean bench. The camera angles are adjusted to ensure that the operation actions of the operators inside the clean bench can be fully captured. The high-definition cameras are connected to the image analysis and processing unit to train and optimize the aseptic operation standard action model in the image analysis and processing unit so that it can accurately identify the operator's actions.

[0037] The equipment status monitoring module installs sensors on key parts such as motors and transmission components of experimental equipment such as centrifuges and microscopes to monitor the operating parameters of the equipment, such as speed and temperature.

[0038] The central control module is connected to the environmental monitoring module, personnel operation monitoring module, and equipment status monitoring module respectively. It receives data information transmitted from each module, performs comprehensive analysis and processing of the data, and issues corresponding control commands based on the analysis results. The central control module is placed in the control room of the laboratory. The data processing unit, storage unit, and control command generation unit of the central control module are initialized and set, and the normal operation data range and sterile environment standard data are input.

[0039] The alarm module is connected to the central control module. When the results analyzed by the central control module exceed the preset aseptic operation standard range, the alarm module will issue an alarm signal. The audible and visual alarm is installed on the wall at the entrance of the laboratory to ensure that the alarm signal can be clearly seen and heard from any location in the laboratory. The alarm module is also equipped with a wireless communication module to enable it to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal of the laboratory management personnel.

[0040] The personnel operation monitoring module identifies and analyzes the operator's hand movement trajectory, arm swing amplitude, relative position of body to operating area, and aseptic protective equipment wearing status, specifically including:

[0041] Sterile glove wearing monitoring: The integrity of glove wearing is detected by image recognition algorithm, including the degree of finger wrapping and whether there is any damage on the glove surface. When the glove edge is curled, the fingertips are not fully fitted, or there is damage, it is judged as abnormal wearing.

[0042] Pipette operation monitoring: Track the movement trajectory of the pipette aspiration and separation, set standard parameters, and mark abnormal operation when the pipette tip touches the outer wall of the container or the aspiration speed exceeds the standard parameters.

[0043] Petri dish operation monitoring: Identifies the opening angle, opening time, and placement position of the petri dish. When an abnormal signal is triggered, such as when the opening angle is too large, the lid is not closed within the specified time, or the edge of the petri dish touches the outside of the workbench.

[0044] Sample transfer monitoring: Record the transfer path of sample containers between sterile and non-sterile areas. During the transfer process, the container opening must always face downward (tilt angle ≥15°), and both doors must be closed when passing through the transfer window. If the opening is detected to be facing upward or both doors of the transfer window are opened at the same time, it is judged as a high-risk operation.

[0045] The object detection algorithm first locates key targets such as hands and experimental instruments in the video stream. An optimized loss function ensures sub-pixel-level localization accuracy even under high-speed detection conditions. The pose estimation algorithm then performs keypoint analysis on the detected hand region, predicts node positions using heatmaps, and establishes anatomical relationships between nodes using PAF vectors, overcoming the limitations of traditional 2D detection in modeling spatial pose. The action recognition algorithm further extracts spatiotemporal features from action sequences in consecutive frames, simultaneously processing spatial morphological changes and temporal dynamic evolution through 3D convolutional kernels to accurately identify the complete process of complex actions such as pipetting. Finally, the anomaly detection algorithm calculates the Euclidean distance between the real-time extracted action feature vectors and a standard model, dynamically determining operational anomalies based on preset thresholds. For example, a lower threshold is set for opening petri dishes to improve monitoring sensitivity.

[0046] By integrating multi-level algorithms, a complete technical chain from target localization and posture analysis to behavior recognition was constructed, enabling three-dimensional monitoring of the entire aseptic operation process. It can accurately capture hand operation trajectories, instrument usage standards, and action sequence characteristics, effectively identifying violations such as glove damage, pipette touching the outer wall, and prolonged opening of petri dish lids, avoiding the risk of microbial contamination due to human error. Through the collaborative work of multiple algorithms, intelligent judgment of the standardization of aseptic operations was achieved, significantly improving the real-time performance and accuracy of biological laboratory operation monitoring.

[0047] The environmental monitoring module includes an air sampler positioned above the operating area, which is connected to a rapid microbial detector and a dust particle counter, as well as a gas sensor for detecting harmful gases.

[0048] The personnel operation monitoring module includes at least two high-definition cameras set at different angles in the operation area. The high-definition cameras are connected to the image analysis and processing unit, which has a pre-stored model of aseptic operation procedures.

[0049] The equipment status monitoring module consists of sensors installed in key parts of the experimental equipment to monitor the equipment's operating parameters;

[0050] The central control module includes a data processing unit, a storage unit, and a control command generation unit. The storage unit stores the normal operating data range and sterile environment standard data.

[0051] The alarm module includes an audible and visual alarm and a wireless communication module, which can send alarm information to the mobile terminal of laboratory management personnel.

[0052] The data processing unit of the central control module uses big data analysis and machine learning algorithms to compare and analyze historical operation data and current real-time monitoring data, continuously optimizing the aseptic operation standard range and abnormal operation judgment model, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of system monitoring.

[0053] It also includes a display module, which is connected to the central control module to display environmental parameters, personnel operation status, equipment operation status and system alarm information in the laboratory operation area in real time; the display module adopts a touch screen, and operators can query historical data and set system parameters through touch operation.

[0054] An air sampler is a device used to collect air samples. It delivers these samples to a rapid microbial detector and a particle counter for real-time analysis. The rapid microbial detector uses laser-induced fluorescence detection technology, enabling the identification and counting of microbial particles within minutes. The particle counter uses light scattering principles to monitor the concentration of particulate matter across different particle sizes in real time. Gas sensors are used to detect specific harmful gas components, employing electrochemical or semiconductor sensors to continuously monitor changes in the concentration of harmful gases such as formaldehyde and ozone.

[0055] The air sampler continuously collects air samples from the operating area and delivers them to a rapid microbial detector, a dust particle counter, and a gas sensor for simultaneous detection, forming a real-time monitoring data stream of environmental parameters. High-definition cameras positioned on both sides of the operating area capture the details of the operator's movements from different angles, transmitting the video data to the image analysis and processing unit. The unit performs frame-by-frame comparison and analysis of the operating postures using a pre-stored aseptic operation standard action model. Sensors installed on key parts of the experimental equipment, such as bearings and seals, continuously collect parameters such as vibration frequency and temperature changes during equipment operation, forming equipment status monitoring data. The data processing unit receives three types of data from environmental monitoring, personnel operation, and equipment status, and performs comparative analysis using standard parameters stored in the storage unit. When microbial concentration exceeds the standard, operating actions deviate from the standard model, or equipment parameters are abnormal, the control command generation unit immediately triggers the alarm mechanism. Upon receiving the command, the audible and visual alarm activates an audible and visual warning, and the wireless communication module packages and sends the alarm type, location, and real-time data to the administrator's mobile phone or tablet.

[0056] The alarm module's audible and visual alarm is placed in a prominent location in the laboratory. The alarm sound intensity is no less than 80 decibels, and the light flashes 2-3 times per second, so that operators and laboratory managers can detect it in time.

[0057] The environmental monitoring module, personnel operation monitoring module, and equipment status monitoring module are connected to the central control module via wired or wireless communication methods. The wireless communication methods adopt Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZigBee communication protocols.

[0058] At the same time, a risk level early warning mechanism will be established, as follows:

[0059] ① Early warning mechanism for the degree of danger of personnel actions:

[0060] The central control module classifies personnel actions into three warning levels based on the risk level of abnormal operations:

[0061] Level 1 Warning (Low Risk): This includes operations such as slight curling of gloves or slightly faster pipetting speed, which have minimal impact on the aseptic environment. The warning method is that a yellow prompt box pops up on the display module, and a buzzer sound (60 decibels) is emitted once per second, prompting the operator to correct the error immediately.

[0062] Level 2 Warning (Medium Risk): Covers operations that may introduce small amounts of microorganisms, such as opening the petri dish at an excessive angle or the pipette tip touching the outer wall of the container. When a warning is issued, the display module flashes an orange warning light, accompanied by an audible and visual alarm every 3 seconds (70 decibels), and the correct operation trajectory is marked on the screen. Level 3 Warning (High Risk): Involves high-risk contamination behaviors such as damaged gloves or passing sample containers with the opening facing upwards. The system immediately activates a red strobe light (5 times / second), issues a continuous 90-decibel alarm, and the wireless communication module sends a warning message containing a screenshot of the operation to the administrator.

[0063] ② Laboratory overall hazard level alarm mechanism

[0064] The central control module integrates environmental monitoring, personnel operation, and equipment status data, and uses a weighted algorithm (40% environmental parameters, 35% personnel operation, and 25% equipment status) to calculate the overall laboratory hazard index (0-100 points), corresponding to three alarm levels.

[0065] Green and safe (0-30 points): All module data are within the safe range, the display module refreshes normal data in real time, and there are no alarm signals.

[0066] Yellow Alert (31-60 points): 1-2 Level II alerts or 3 or more Level I alerts occur, or the concentration of microorganisms in the environment reaches 10-30 CFU / m³. The alarm will be triggered by a flashing yellow light at the laboratory entrance, the display module will generate a risk report (including anomalies and recommended measures), and a notification will be sent to management personnel.

[0067] Red Emergency (61-100 points): Triggering any level 3 warning, or if the microbial concentration is >30 CFU / m³, the system will immediately start cutting off the power to the clean bench, the audible and visual alarm will sound at 110 decibels and call the management personnel.

[0068] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0069] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A biological laboratory intelligent aseptic operation monitoring system, characterized in that: include: The environmental monitoring module is used to monitor the air quality in the laboratory operating area in real time, including the concentration of microbial particles, the number of dust particles, and the concentration of harmful gases in the air; The personnel operation monitoring module uses image acquisition equipment to capture images of the operator's actions during the operation process, and uses image recognition algorithms to analyze whether the operator's operation behavior complies with aseptic operation standards. The equipment status monitoring module is used to monitor the operating status of experimental equipment and the sterility of the equipment surface; The central control module is connected to the environmental monitoring module, the personnel operation monitoring module, and the equipment status monitoring module, respectively. It receives data information transmitted from each module, performs comprehensive analysis and processing of the data, and issues corresponding control commands based on the analysis results. An alarm module is connected to the central control module. When the results analyzed by the central control module exceed the preset aseptic operation standard range, the alarm module issues an alarm signal.

2. The intelligent aseptic operation monitoring system for a biological laboratory according to claim 1, characterized in that: The personnel operation monitoring module identifies and analyzes the operator's hand movement trajectory, arm swing amplitude, relative position of body to operation area, and aseptic protective equipment wearing status, specifically including: Sterile glove wearing monitoring: The integrity of glove wearing is detected by image recognition algorithm, including the degree of finger wrapping and whether there is any damage on the glove surface. When the glove edge is curled, the fingertips are not fully fitted, or there is damage, it is judged as abnormal wearing. Pipette operation monitoring: Track the movement trajectory of the pipette aspiration and separation, set standard parameters, and mark abnormal operation when the pipette tip touches the outer wall of the container or the aspiration speed exceeds the standard parameters. Petri dish operation monitoring: Identifies the opening angle, opening time, and placement position of the petri dish. When an abnormal signal is triggered, such as when the opening angle is too large, the lid is not closed within the specified time, or the edge of the petri dish touches the outside of the workbench. Sample transfer monitoring: Record the transfer path of sample containers between sterile and non-sterile areas. During the transfer process, the container opening must always face downward (tilt angle ≥15°), and both doors must be closed when passing through the transfer window. If the opening is detected to be facing upward or both doors of the transfer window are opened at the same time, it is judged as a high-risk operation.

3. The intelligent aseptic operation monitoring system for a biological laboratory according to claim 1, characterized in that: The environmental monitoring module includes an air sampler installed above the operating area, which is connected to a rapid microbial detector and a dust particle counter, as well as a gas sensor for detecting harmful gases. The personnel operation monitoring module includes at least two high-definition cameras set at different angles in the operation area. The high-definition cameras are connected to an image analysis and processing unit, which has a pre-stored aseptic operation standard action model. The equipment status monitoring module consists of sensors installed in key parts of the experimental equipment to monitor the equipment's operating parameters. The central control module includes a data processing unit, a storage unit, and a control command generation unit. The storage unit stores the normal operating data range and sterile environment standard data. The alarm module includes an audible and visual alarm and a wireless communication module, which can send alarm information to the mobile terminal of laboratory management personnel.

4. The intelligent aseptic operation monitoring system for a biological laboratory according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data processing unit of the central control module uses big data analysis and machine learning algorithms to compare and analyze historical operation data and current real-time monitoring data, continuously optimize the aseptic operation standard range and abnormal operation judgment model, and improve the accuracy and reliability of system monitoring.

5. The intelligent aseptic operation monitoring system for a biological laboratory according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a display module, which is connected to the central control module, to display environmental parameters, personnel operation status, equipment operation status and system alarm information in the laboratory operation area in real time; the display module adopts a touch screen, and operators can query historical data and set system parameters through touch operation.

6. The intelligent aseptic operation monitoring system for a biological laboratory according to claim 1, characterized in that: The alarm module's audible and visual alarm is placed in a prominent location in the laboratory, with an alarm sound intensity of no less than 80 decibels and a light flashing frequency of 2-3 times per second, so that operators and laboratory managers can detect it in a timely manner.

7. The intelligent aseptic operation monitoring system for a biological laboratory according to claim 1, characterized in that: The environmental monitoring module, personnel operation monitoring module, and equipment status monitoring module are connected to the central control module via wired and wireless communication methods, using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee communication protocols.