Independent tool type automatic calibration device and method for photon counting device

Abstract

The invention provides an independent tool type automatic calibration device and method for a photon counting device, and belongs to the technical field of photon counting detection. Comprising a control module, an adjustable light source module, a light source calibration module, a first communication interface, a second communication interface, a power interface and a movement mechanism, the control module is electrically connected with the adjustable light source module, the light source calibration module, the first communication interface, the second communication interface, the power interface and the movement mechanism. The adjustable light source module comprises an adjustable light source and a preheating module; the light source calibration module is a third-party PMT finished product; the second communication interface is used for connecting PC control software to realize real-time monitoring of the calibration process; the power interface is used for being externally connected with an AC / DC power supply and providing working current for the calibration device. Independent multiplexing of the calibration device, automatic calibration of the light source and stable temperature control are realized, the cost of a detection instrument is reduced, and the calibration precision and efficiency are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention provides an independent tooling-type automatic calibration device and method for photon counting devices, belonging to the field of photon counting and detection technology. Background Technology

[0002] Photon counting devices are widely used in scenarios such as detecting weak light signals in reagent reactions. Their detection accuracy directly affects the reliability of the final detection results, so the calibration process before leaving the factory is crucial.

[0003] Based on the above, the inventors discovered that:

[0004] In existing technologies, such as the scheme disclosed in patent CN114812801A, the design of integrating the calibration device with the testing instrument has the following drawbacks: First, the calibration device is set up as a set with the testing instrument, which significantly increases the manufacturing cost of each testing instrument and results in low resource utilization. Second, the light source in the calibration device will age and decay with the increase of working time, and the existing technology does not provide an effective light source calibration solution. Even if there is a relevant solution, the high cost of calibration at the customer's site makes it difficult to implement, which in turn leads to a decrease in the calibration accuracy of the photon counting device. Third, the light source, photometric sensor and power adjustment circuit of the calibration device are sensitive to temperature and are prone to temperature drift. The existing technology lacks a corresponding preheating mechanism, which cannot guarantee the stability of the calibration process and affects the accuracy of the calibration results.

[0005] Therefore, in view of this, we study and improve the existing structure, and propose an independent tooling-type automatic calibration device and method for photon counting devices to solve the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an independent tooling-type automatic calibration device and method for photon counting devices, enabling independent reuse of the calibration device, automatic calibration of the light source, and stable temperature control, thereby reducing the cost of testing instruments and improving calibration accuracy and efficiency.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following technical solution: an independent tooling-type automatic calibration device and method for a photon counting device, comprising a control module, an adjustable light source module, a light source calibration module, a first communication interface, a second communication interface, a power interface, and a motion mechanism;

[0008] The control module is electrically connected to the adjustable light source module, the light source calibration module, the first communication interface, the second communication interface, the power interface, and the motion mechanism, respectively, and is used to control the coordinated operation of each module.

[0009] The adjustable light source module includes an adjustable light source and a preheating module. The adjustable light source consists of an LED lamp and a power adjustment circuit, and the light intensity can be changed by adjusting several preset power levels. The preheating module consists of a heating film and a temperature sensor, and can heat the adjustable light source module and maintain it at a preset temperature.

[0010] The light source calibration module is a third-party PMT product used to calibrate the light intensity of the adjustable light source module; the first communication interface is used to connect to the photon counting device to realize photon count value reading and automatic calibration control.

[0011] The second communication interface is used to connect to PC control software to realize real-time monitoring of the calibration process; the power interface is used to connect an external AC / DC power supply to provide operating current for the calibration device.

[0012] The motion mechanism consists of a horizontal motion mechanism and a vertical motion mechanism, which are used to drive the light source calibration module and the photon counting device to move in order to complete automatic calibration.

[0013] The calibration device is a tooling structure independent of the photon counting device and the detection instrument, and can be repeatedly adapted to the calibration of multiple photon counting devices.

[0014] Furthermore, the control module consists of a low-power MCU and a control circuit.

[0015] Furthermore, the light source calibration module adopts the Japanese Hamamatsu H10682 model PMT finished product.

[0016] Furthermore, the preheating module maintains a preset temperature of 30°C.

[0017] Furthermore, the photon counting device is used to detect the intensity of the weak light signal generated during the reagent reaction process, and consists of a photon counting device body, a photometer aperture, and a connecting wire.

[0018] Furthermore, this includes the following steps:

[0019] Power on: Connect the power interface of the calibration device to an AC / DC power supply to power on the calibration device.

[0020] Motion mechanism reset: After power-on, the vertical motion mechanism and the horizontal motion mechanism move to the zero position in sequence;

[0021] Preheating: The preheating module inside the adjustable light source module is activated, heating the adjustable light source module and maintaining it at the preset temperature;

[0022] Connect the photon counting device: Fix the photon counting device to the calibration position of the calibration device's motion mechanism, and connect the photon counting device's connecting cable to the calibration device's first communication interface;

[0023] Connect to PC control software: Connect the second communication interface of the calibration device to the PC control software to monitor the calibration process through the PC control software;

[0024] Initiating calibration: A calibration command is sent via PC control software. The calibration device switches the adjustable light source module to the target light intensity level. The motion mechanism first drives the light source calibration module to measure the light intensity calibration value I1 at that level, and then drives the photon counting device to measure the photon count value I2 at that level, obtaining a set of mapping relationships (I1, I2). Following the above process, all light intensity levels of the adjustable light source module are switched sequentially, the mapping relationship data corresponding to each level is collected, and curve fitting is performed to generate the calibration function of the photon counting device.

[0025] Save calibration parameters: Store the relevant parameters of the calibration function into the photon counting device to complete the calibration.

[0026] Furthermore, the curve fitting is based on the mapping relationship data between multiple sets of light intensity calibration values ​​and photon count values ​​to generate a calibration function for light intensity value conversion.

[0027] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the independent tooling-type automatic calibration device and method for photon counting devices of the present invention are as follows:

[0028] 1. The calibration device in this invention adopts an independent tooling design, which is set up separately from the testing instrument. It can be batch adapted to calibrate multiple photon counting devices in the production workshop, which greatly reduces the manufacturing cost of the testing instrument and improves resource utilization.

[0029] 2. This invention adds a light source calibration module, which automatically calibrates the light intensity of the adjustable light source before each calibration, effectively offsetting the error caused by the aging and decay of the light source and ensuring the accuracy of the calibration benchmark.

[0030] 3. The adjustable light source module in this invention is equipped with a preheating module to maintain a constant operating temperature, avoid the impact of temperature drift on optical performance, and improve the stability of the calibration process.

[0031] 4. The calibration process of this invention is highly automated. It achieves full monitoring and data processing through PC control software, reducing manual intervention and improving calibration efficiency and consistency. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the photon counting device in the independent tooling-type automatic calibration device and method of the photon counting device of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the calibration device in the independent tooling-type automatic calibration device and method for a photon counting device according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a calibration flowchart of an independent tooling-type automatic calibration device and method for a photon counting device according to the present invention.

[0036] In the picture:

[0037] 1. Control module; 2. Adjustable light source module; 3. Light source calibration module; 4. Power interface; 5. Horizontal motion mechanism; 6. Vertical motion mechanism; 7. Photon counting device; 8. Photon counting device body; 9. Metering aperture; 10. Connecting cable. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. 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.

[0039] This invention provides an independent tooling-type automatic calibration device and method for a photon counting device: including a control module 1, an adjustable light source module 2, a light source calibration module 3, a first communication interface, a second communication interface, a power interface 4, and a motion mechanism;

[0040] The control module 1 is electrically connected to the adjustable light source module 2, the light source calibration module 3, the first communication interface, the second communication interface, the power interface 4, and the motion mechanism, respectively, and is used to control the coordinated operation of each module.

[0041] The adjustable light source module 2 includes an adjustable light source and a preheating module. The adjustable light source consists of an LED lamp and a power adjustment circuit, and the light intensity can be changed by adjusting several preset power levels. The preheating module consists of a heating film and a temperature sensor, and can heat the adjustable light source module 2 and maintain it at a preset temperature.

[0042] The light source calibration module 3 is a third-party PMT product used to calibrate the light intensity of the adjustable light source module 2; the first communication interface is used to connect to the photon counting device 7 to realize photon count value reading and automatic calibration control.

[0043] The second communication interface is used to connect to PC control software to realize real-time monitoring of the calibration process; the power interface 4 is used to connect an external AC / DC power supply to provide operating current for the calibration device.

[0044] The motion mechanism consists of a horizontal motion mechanism 5 and a vertical motion mechanism 6, which are used to drive the light source calibration module 3 and the photon counting device 7 to move in order to complete automatic calibration.

[0045] The calibration device is a tooling structure independent of the photon counting device 7 and the detection instrument, and can be repeatedly adapted to the calibration of multiple photon counting devices 7.

[0046] The control module 1 consists of a low-power MCU and a control circuit.

[0047] The light source calibration module 3 is a finished product of the Japanese Hamamatsu H10682 PMT.

[0048] The preheating module maintains a preset temperature of 30°C.

[0049] The photon counting device 7 is used to detect the intensity of the weak light signal generated during the reagent reaction process, and consists of the main body of the photon counting device 7, the light measuring hole 9, and the connecting wire.

[0050] Includes the following steps:

[0051] Power on: Connect the power interface 4 of the calibration device to an AC / DC power supply to power on the calibration device.

[0052] Motion mechanism reset: After power-on, the vertical motion mechanism 6 and the horizontal motion mechanism 5 sequentially move to the zero position;

[0053] Preheating: The preheating module inside the adjustable light source module 2 is activated, heating the adjustable light source module 2 and maintaining it at the preset temperature;

[0054] Connecting the photon counting device 7: Fix the photon counting device 7 to the calibration position of the calibration device's motion mechanism, and connect the connecting wire of the photon counting device 7 to the first communication interface of the calibration device.

[0055] Connect to PC control software: Connect the second communication interface of the calibration device to the PC control software to monitor the calibration process through the PC control software;

[0056] Initiating calibration: A calibration command is sent via PC control software. The calibration device switches the adjustable light source module 2 to the target light intensity level. The motion mechanism first drives the light source calibration module 3 to measure the light intensity calibration value I1 at this level, and then drives the photon counting device 7 to measure the photon count value I2 at this level, obtaining a set of mapping relationships I1, I2. Following the above process, all light intensity levels of the adjustable light source module 2 are switched sequentially, the mapping relationship data corresponding to each level is collected and curve fitting is performed to generate the calibration function of the photon counting device 7.

[0057] Save calibration parameters: Store the relevant parameters of the calibration function into the photon counting device 7 to complete the calibration.

[0058] The curve fitting is based on the mapping relationship data between multiple sets of light intensity calibration values ​​and photon count values, generating a calibration function for light intensity value conversion.

[0059] The operating principle is as follows:

[0060] 1. Hardware configuration of the calibration device

[0061] Control module: It adopts STM32 series low-power MCU, with customized control circuit, to realize the timing control and data processing of each module.

[0062] Adjustable light source module: The LED lamp is a high-stability model with wavelength adapted to the detection range of the photon counting device, and the power adjustment circuit supports 8 preset power adjustments; the heating film of the preheating module is made of flexible material, the temperature sensor accuracy is ±0.1℃, and the preset constant temperature value is 30℃.

[0063] Light source calibration module: The Japanese Hamamatsu H10682 PMT is used to ensure the accuracy and stability of light intensity calibration.

[0064] Communication interfaces: The first communication interface adopts an RS485 interface, and the second communication interface adopts a USB-Type-C interface, both of which support high-speed data transmission.

[0065] Power interface: Compatible with AC220V to DC12V power adapters, with an output current of 5A to meet the power consumption requirements of each module.

[0066] Motion mechanism: Both the X and Y axes are driven by stepper motors, with a positioning accuracy of ±0.01mm, ensuring the accuracy of the measurement position.

[0067] 2. Calibration process implementation

[0068] Follow these steps to calibrate the photon counting device:

[0069] Connect the power interface of the calibration device to the AC220V to DC12V power adapter. After turning on the power, the calibration device will power on and initialize.

[0070] The X and Y axes of the motion mechanism are reset to the zero position in sequence, and an acknowledgment signal is sent to the control module after the reset is completed.

[0071] The preheating module starts, the heating film begins to heat up, and the temperature sensor provides real-time temperature data. When the internal temperature of the module reaches 30°C, the heating film switches to heat preservation mode to maintain a stable temperature.

[0072] The photon counting device to be calibrated is fixed in the calibration position of the motion mechanism. The photon counting device is connected to the first communication interface of the calibration device via an RS485 connection cable. After the control module detects that the connection is successful, it sends a ready signal.

[0073] Connect the second communication interface of the calibration device to the PC via a USB-Type-C data cable, start the PC control software, and the software will automatically identify the calibration device and display its current status (temperature, connection status, etc.).

[0074] Click "Start Calibration" on the PC control software, and the software sends a calibration command to the calibration device. The calibration device switches the adjustable light source module to the first power level, and the motion mechanism drives the light source calibration module to move directly in front of the light source outlet, measuring and recording the light intensity calibration value I1. Subsequently, the motion mechanism drives the photon counting device to move directly in front of the same outlet, measuring and recording the photon count value I2. Repeat the above operation to complete the acquisition of I1 and I2 for 8 light intensity levels in sequence. After receiving all the mapping relationship data, the PC control software performs curve fitting through the built-in algorithm to generate a calibration function in the form of a quadratic function.

[0075] After the calibration function is generated, the function parameters (coefficients, constants, etc.) are written into the storage unit of the photon counting device through the first communication interface. After the writing is completed, the PC control software displays "calibration successful" and the calibration process ends.

[0076] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above. This description is not restrictive. In short, if a person skilled in the art is inspired by this description and designs a similar structure and embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such design should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-contained, tool-less, automatic calibration device and method for a photon counting device, characterized by, It includes a control module (1), an adjustable light source module (2), a light source calibration module (3), a first communication interface, a second communication interface, a power interface (4), and a motion mechanism; The control module (1) is electrically connected to the adjustable light source module (2), the light source calibration module (3), the first communication interface, the second communication interface, the power interface (4), and the motion mechanism, respectively, and is used to control the coordinated operation of each module. The adjustable light source module (2) includes an adjustable light source and a preheating module. The adjustable light source consists of an LED lamp and a power adjustment circuit. The light intensity can be changed by adjusting several preset power levels. The preheating module consists of a heating film and a temperature sensor. It can heat the adjustable light source module (2) and maintain it at a preset temperature. The light source calibration module (3) is a third-party PMT product used to calibrate the light intensity of the adjustable light source module (2); the first communication interface is used to connect to the photon counting device (7) to realize photon count value reading and automatic calibration control. The second communication interface is used to connect to PC control software to realize real-time monitoring of the calibration process; the power interface (4) is used to connect an external AC / DC power supply to provide working current for the calibration device. The motion mechanism consists of a horizontal motion mechanism (5) and a vertical motion mechanism (6), which are used to drive the light source calibration module (3) and the photon counting device (7) to move to complete automatic calibration; The calibration device is a tooling structure independent of the photon counting device (7) and the detection instrument, and can be repeatedly adapted to the calibration of multiple photon counting devices (7).

2. A self-contained, automated calibration device and method for a photon counting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module (1) consists of a low-power MCU and a control circuit.

3. The stand-alone, automated calibration device and method for a photon counting device of claim 1, wherein: The light source calibration module (3) is a finished product of the Japanese Hamamatsu H10682 PMT.

4. The independent tooling-type automatic calibration device and method for a photon counting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preheating module maintains a preset temperature of 30°C.

5. The independent tooling-type automatic calibration device and method for a photon counting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photon counting device (7) is used to detect the intensity of the weak light signal generated during the reagent reaction process, and consists of the main body of the photon counting device (7), the light measuring hole (9), and the connecting line.

6. The independent tooling-type automatic calibration device and method for a photon counting device according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: Power on: Connect the power interface (4) of the calibration device to the AC / DC power supply to power on the calibration device; Reset of motion mechanism: After power-on, the vertical motion mechanism (6) and the horizontal motion mechanism (5) move to the zero position in sequence; Preheating: The preheating module inside the adjustable light source module (2) is activated to heat the adjustable light source module (2) and maintain it at the preset temperature; Connect the photon counting device (7): Fix the photon counting device (7) to the calibration position of the calibration device motion mechanism, and connect the connecting line of the photon counting device (7) to the first communication interface of the calibration device. Connect to PC control software: Connect the second communication interface of the calibration device to the PC control software to monitor the calibration process through the PC control software; Start calibration: Send calibration command through PC control software, the calibration device switches the adjustable light source module (2) to the target light intensity level, the motion mechanism first drives the light source calibration module (3) to measure the light intensity calibration value I1 under the level, and then drives the photon counting device (7) to measure the photon count value I2 under the level, and obtain a set of mapping relationship (I1, I2); switch all light intensity levels of the adjustable light source module (2) in sequence according to the above process, collect the mapping relationship data corresponding to each level and perform curve fitting to generate the calibration function of the photon counting device (7); Save calibration parameters: Store the relevant parameters of the calibration function into the photon counting device (7) to complete the calibration.

7. The independent tooling-type automatic calibration device and method for a photon counting device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The curve fitting is based on the mapping relationship data between multiple sets of light intensity calibration values ​​and photon count values, generating a calibration function for light intensity value conversion.

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