Automatic high-throughput fluorescence scanning system and method

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic high-flux fluorescence scanning system and method, and the system comprises a fluorescence scanner which is used for reading fluorescence information on a reaction plate; the stacking cage is used for stacking the reaction plates, and an electric release assembly is arranged at a port of the lower end of the stacking cage; the lower end opening of the stacking cage is located above the first transportation structure, and the first transportation structure is used for receiving the reaction plates released from the lower end opening of the stacking cage and transporting the reaction plates; the code scanner is used for scanning the identity information code on the reaction plate and is arranged on the target transportation position of the first transportation structure; the second transportation structure is used for transporting the reaction plate after successful code scanning to a reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner, so that the fluorescence scanner can read fluorescence information on the reaction plate; and a control unit. According to the device, the plates can be continuously replaced, the cache is high in capacity, multiple consumables are compatible, the reliability is high, full-automatic plate replacement is achieved, and the plate replacement efficiency in the SNP typing detection process is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fluorescence scanning technology, and in particular to an automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous improvement of PCR fluorescence detection technology in terms of sensitivity, specificity and quantitative accuracy, its application has been widely covered in clinical diagnosis, food safety, environmental monitoring and scientific research, becoming an important technical means for molecular detection.

[0003] Currently, the increasing volume of samples requires higher throughput, automation levels, and continuous unattended operation capabilities from fluorescence scanning equipment. However, existing equipment still suffers from several shortcomings, such as low efficiency of manual plate changing, limited buffering capacity of automatic plate readers, proneness to errors in plate alignment during gripper operation, lack of temporary storage space for faulty plates leading to process blockages, and low barcode recognition rates or unstable operation. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a high-throughput fluorescence scanning system with features such as continuous automatic plate changing, large storage capacity, compatibility with different consumable specifications, and high reliability to meet the growing testing demands.

[0004] Therefore, an automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system and method were developed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention proposes an automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system and method to solve the problem of plate replacement in existing fluorescence scanners.

[0006] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solutions: This invention discloses an automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system, comprising: A fluorescence scanner is used to read fluorescence information on the reaction plate; A stacking cage is used for stacking reaction plates, and the lower end port of the stacking cage is equipped with an electric release component; The first transport structure has a lower end port of the stacking cage located above it. The first transport structure is used to receive the reaction plate released from the lower end port of the stacking cage and transport the reaction plate. A barcode scanner is used to scan the identification information codes on the reaction plate and is set at the target transport position of the first transport structure. The second transport structure is used to transport the reaction plate after successful scanning to the reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner, so that the fluorescence scanner can read the fluorescence information on the reaction plate. The control unit is connected to the fluorescent scanner, the electric release assembly, the first transport structure, the barcode scanner, and the second transport structure.

[0007] Furthermore, the first transport structure includes a conveyor base, a first conveyor belt, and a first drive motor. The first conveyor belt is disposed on the conveyor base, the shaft of the first drive motor is drivenly connected to the first conveyor belt, and the first drive motor is connected to the control unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the first transport structure includes two first conveyor belts and two first drive motors. The two first conveyor belts are respectively disposed on both sides of the transport base, and the two first drive motors are respectively driven and connected to the corresponding first conveyor belts. A lifting assembly is provided in the space between the two first conveyor belts in the transport base. The top surface of the lifting assembly corresponds to the lower end port of the stacking cage, and the lifting assembly is connected to the control unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the target transport position is set on the first conveyor belt, and the barcode scanner is set on one side of the target transport position.

[0010] Furthermore, the second transport structure includes a support frame, a conveyor plate, a second conveyor belt, a second drive motor, and an electric gripper. The support frame is mounted on the target transport position, and the second conveyor belt is mounted on the conveyor plate. The starting point and ending point of the second conveyor belt are located at both ends of the conveyor plate. One end of the conveyor plate is fixed to the support frame, and the other end of the conveyor plate is located directly above the reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner. The electric gripper is suspended on the second conveyor belt below the conveyor plate. The shaft of the second drive motor is driven by the second conveyor belt. The electric gripper and the second drive motor are respectively connected to the control unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the second drive motor is mounted on one end of the conveyor plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the electric release assembly includes a mounting base, a limiting plate, a rotating structure, and a third drive motor. Mounting bases are provided on both sides of the bottom of the stacking cage. The limiting plate is installed inside the mounting slot via the rotating structure. The rotating structure includes a rotating rod and a torsion spring. Rotating rods are provided on both sides of the limiting plate, and torsion springs are provided on both rotating rods. The mounting base is provided with mounting slots for mounting the rotating rods on both sides. The output shaft of the third drive motor is connected to the upper end of the limiting plate.

[0013] Furthermore, the electric release assembly also includes a photoelectric sensor, which is located at the bottom port of the stacked cage.

[0014] Furthermore, the second transport structure is also used to transport the reaction plate read by the fluorescence scanner from the reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner back to the target transport position. The automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system also includes a waste plate temporary storage position, which is located outside the transport end of the first transport structure.

[0015] The present invention also provides a control method for the aforementioned automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system, comprising: After the electric release assembly releases a single reaction plate, it stops releasing, and the reaction plate falls onto the first transport structure. Control the first transport structure to transport the reaction plate to the target transport position; The scanner is controlled to scan the identification information code on the reaction plate and obtain the information in the identification information code, including the reaction plate number and the reaction system. The second transport structure is controlled to transport the successfully scanned reaction plate to the reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner. Control the fluorescence scanner to read the fluorescence information on the reaction plate.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes the following steps: When the barcode scanner fails to scan the reaction plate, the first transport structure will directly transport the reaction plate to the temporary waste plate storage location. After the fluorescence scanner finishes reading the fluorescence information on the reaction plate, the second transport structure is controlled to transport the reaction plate back to the target transport position, and then the first transport structure is controlled to transport the reaction plate to the waste plate temporary storage position.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The present invention proposes an automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system and method that allows for continuous plate replacement, large buffer capacity, compatibility with multiple consumables, and high reliability. It can realize fully automated PCR plate replacement and continuous PCR plate monitoring, thereby greatly improving the plate replacement efficiency in the SNP genotyping detection process. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of an automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first transport structure in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second transport structure in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the stacked cage structure in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of one side of the electrically released assembly of the stacked cage in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the other side of the electric release assembly of the stacked cage in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting component in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] In the diagram: 1-Fluorescent scanner; 2-Stacking cage; 3-Electric release assembly; 4-Bar scanner; 5-Conveyor base; 6-First conveyor belt; 7-First drive motor; 8-Lifting assembly; 9-Support frame; 10-Conveyor plate; 11-Second conveyor belt; 12-Second drive motor; 13-Electric gripper; 14-Mounting base; 15-Limiting plate; 16-Third drive motor; 17-Rotating rod; 18-Torsion spring; 19-Mounting slot; 20-Photoelectric sensor; 21-Top plate; 22-Fourth drive motor; 23-Hydraulic jack; 24-Slide rail; 25-Sealing pressure plate; 26-Temporary storage space for waste boards. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0021] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0022] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used to facilitate the description of this invention and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0024] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, an automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system includes: Fluorescence scanner 1 is used to read fluorescence information on the reaction plate; Stacking cage 2 is used for stacking reaction plates, and the lower end port of stacking cage 2 is equipped with an electric release component 3; The first transport structure has its lower end port of the stacking cage 2 located above it. The first transport structure is used to receive the reaction plate released from the lower end port of the stacking cage 2 and to transport the reaction plate. The barcode scanner 4 is used to scan the identification information code on the reaction plate and is set at the target transportation position of the first transportation structure. The second transport structure is used to transport the reaction plate after successful scanning to the reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner 1, so that the fluorescence scanner 1 can read the fluorescence information on the reaction plate. The control unit is connected to the fluorescent scanner 1, the electric release assembly 3, the first transport structure, the barcode scanner 4, and the second transport structure.

[0028] The stacking cage 2 includes a frame consisting of four slide rails 24. After the reaction plates are stacked, a sealing plate 25 is provided at the upper port of the stacking cage 2.

[0029] Each stacking cage 2 in this invention can store 40 reaction plates, such as 384-well plates or 1536-well plates. The number of stacking cages 2 and the number of reaction plates that each stacking cage 2 can store can be increased or decreased according to actual needs, thereby adjusting the total number of reaction plates stored in the whole machine.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the first transport structure includes a transport base 5, a first conveyor belt 6, and a first drive motor 7. The first conveyor belt 6 is disposed on the transport base 5, the shaft of the first drive motor 7 is drivenly connected to the first conveyor belt 6, and the first drive motor 7 is connected to the control unit.

[0031] like Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, the first transport structure includes two first conveyor belts 6 and two first drive motors 7. The two first conveyor belts 6 are respectively disposed on both sides of the transport base 5, and the two first drive motors 7 are respectively driven connected to the corresponding first conveyor belts 6. A lifting assembly 8 is provided in the space between the two first conveyor belts 6 in the transport base 5. The top surface of the lifting assembly 8 corresponds to the lower end port position of the stacking cage 2, and the lifting assembly 8 is connected to the control unit. Figure 7 As shown, the lifting assembly 8 includes a top plate 21 and two hydraulic jacks 23 located at the bottom of the top plate 21. Both hydraulic jacks 23 are driven by a fourth drive motor 22.

[0032] The first transport structure delivers the plate from below the lower end port of the stacking cage to the scanning area. After scanning, the reaction plate is sent into the fluorescence scanner 1.

[0033] In one embodiment, the target transport position is located on the first conveyor belt 6, and the barcode scanner 4 is located on one side of the target transport position.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the second transport structure includes a support frame 9, a conveyor plate 10, a second conveyor belt 11, a second drive motor 12, and an electric gripper 13. The support frame 9 is mounted on the target transport position, and the second conveyor belt 11 is mounted on the conveyor plate 10. The starting point and ending point of the second conveyor belt 11 are located at both ends of the conveyor plate 10. One end of the conveyor plate 10 is fixed to the support frame 9, and the other end of the conveyor plate 10 is located directly above the reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner 1. The electric gripper 13 is suspended on the second conveyor belt 11 below the conveyor plate 10. The shaft of the second drive motor 12 is driven by the second conveyor belt 11. The electric gripper 13 and the second drive motor 12 are respectively connected to the control unit.

[0035] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the electric release assembly 3 includes a mounting base 14, a limiting plate 15, a rotating structure, and a third drive motor 16. The bottom sides of the stacking cage 2 are respectively provided with mounting bases 14. The limiting plate 15 is installed inside the mounting groove 19 through the rotating structure. The rotating structure includes a rotating rod 17 and a torsion spring 18. The two sides of the limiting plate 15 are respectively provided with rotating rods 17, and both rotating rods 17 are provided with torsion springs 18. The mounting base 14 is provided with mounting grooves 19 for mounting the rotating rods 17 on both sides. The output shaft of the third drive motor 16 is connected to the upper end of the limiting plate 15.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the electric release assembly 3 further includes a photoelectric sensor 20, which is disposed at the bottom port of the stacked dragon.

[0037] In one embodiment, the second transport structure is also used to transport the reaction plate read by the fluorescence scanner 1 from the reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner 1 back to the target transport position. The automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system also includes a waste plate temporary storage position 21, which is located outside the transport end of the first transport structure.

[0038] The present invention also provides a control method for the aforementioned automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system, comprising: After the electric release component 3 releases a single reaction plate, it stops releasing and the reaction plate falls onto the first transport structure. Control the first transport structure to transport the reaction plate to the target transport position; Control the barcode scanner 4 to scan the identification information code on the reaction plate and obtain the information in the identification information code, such as the reaction plate number; The second transport structure is controlled to transport the successfully scanned reaction plate to the reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner 1; Control the fluorescence scanner 1 to read the fluorescence information on the reaction plate.

[0039] In one embodiment, the following steps are also included: When the barcode scanner 4 fails to scan the reaction plate, the first transport structure is controlled to transport the reaction plate to the waste plate temporary storage position 21. After the fluorescence scanner 1 finishes reading the fluorescence information on the reaction plate, the second transport structure is controlled to transport the reaction plate from the reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner 1 back to the target transport position. Then, the first transport structure is controlled to transport the reaction plate to the stacking cage 2, which is used to receive and store the reaction plate that has completed the fluorescence scanning.

[0040] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are as follows: This invention stores several reaction plates to be scanned in a stacking cage. A transport structure automatically places the reaction plates from the stacking cage onto a tray pushed out by a fluorescence scanner. The fluorescence scanner tray moves to the fluorescence scanning position to collect fluorescence from the reaction plates. After collection, the tray is pushed out, and the transport structure places the reaction plates on the tray into a stacking cage for receiving and storing reaction plates that have undergone fluorescence scanning. The automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system and method proposed in this invention features continuous automatic plate changing, large storage capacity, compatibility with different specifications of consumables, and high reliability. It achieves fully automated fluorescence scanning without human intervention, greatly improving fluorescence detection efficiency and reducing the workload of operators.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system, characterized in that, include: A fluorescence scanner is used to read fluorescence information on the reaction plate; A stacking cage is used for stacking reaction plates, and the lower end port of the stacking cage is equipped with an electric release component; The first transport structure has a lower end port of the stacking cage located above it. The first transport structure is used to receive the reaction plate released from the lower end port of the stacking cage and transport the reaction plate. A barcode scanner is used to scan the identification information codes on the reaction plate and is set at the target transport position of the first transport structure. The second transport structure is used to transport the reaction plate after successful scanning to the reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner, so that the fluorescence scanner can read the fluorescence information on the reaction plate. The control unit is connected to the fluorescent scanner, the electric release assembly, the first transport structure, the barcode scanner, and the second transport structure.

2. The automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transport structure includes a transport base, a first conveyor belt, and a first drive motor. The first conveyor belt is disposed on the transport base, the shaft of the first drive motor is drivenly connected to the first conveyor belt, and the first drive motor is connected to the control unit.

3. The automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first transport structure includes two first conveyor belts and two first drive motors. The two first conveyor belts are respectively arranged on both sides of the transport base, and the two first drive motors are respectively connected to the corresponding first conveyor belts. A lifting component is provided in the space between the two first conveyor belts in the transport base. The top surface of the lifting component corresponds to the lower end port of the stacking cage, and the lifting component is connected to the control unit.

4. The automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The target transport position is set on the first conveyor belt, and the barcode scanner is set on one side of the target transport position.

5. The automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second transport structure includes a support frame, a conveyor plate, a second conveyor belt, a second drive motor, and an electric gripper. The support frame is mounted on the target transport position, and the second conveyor belt is mounted on the conveyor plate. The starting point and ending point of the second conveyor belt are located at both ends of the conveyor plate. One end of the conveyor plate is fixed to the support frame, and the other end of the conveyor plate is located directly above the reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner. The electric gripper is suspended on the second conveyor belt below the conveyor plate. The shaft of the second drive motor is driven by the second conveyor belt. The electric gripper and the second drive motor are respectively connected to the control unit.

6. The automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric release assembly includes a mounting base, a limiting plate, a rotating structure, and a third drive motor. Mounting bases are provided on both sides of the bottom of the stacking cage. The limiting plate is installed inside the mounting slot via the rotating structure. The rotating structure includes a rotating rod and a torsion spring. Rotating rods are provided on both sides of the limiting plate, and torsion springs are provided on both rotating rods. The mounting base is provided with mounting slots for mounting the rotating rods on both sides. The output shaft of the third drive motor is connected to the upper end of the limiting plate.

7. The automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The electric release assembly also includes a photoelectric sensor, which is located at the bottom port of the stacked dragon.

8. The automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second transport structure is also used to transport the reaction plate read by the fluorescence scanner from the reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner back to the target transport position. The automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system also includes a waste plate temporary storage position, which is located outside the transport end of the first transport structure.

9. A method for use in an automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: After the electric release assembly releases a single reaction plate, it stops releasing, and the reaction plate falls onto the first transport structure. Control the first transport structure to transport the reaction plate to the target transport position; The scanner is controlled to scan the identification information code on the reaction plate and obtain the information in the identification information code, including the reaction plate number and the reaction system. The second transport structure is controlled to transport the successfully scanned reaction plate to the reaction plate placement position of the fluorescence scanner. Control the fluorescence scanner to read the fluorescence information on the reaction plate.

10. The method of an automated high-throughput fluorescence scanning system according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: When the barcode scanner fails to scan the reaction plate, the first transport structure will directly transport the reaction plate to the temporary waste plate storage location. After the fluorescence scanner finishes reading the fluorescence information on the reaction plate, the second transport structure is controlled to transport the reaction plate back to the target transport position, and then the first transport structure is controlled to transport the reaction plate to the waste plate temporary storage position.

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