A test strip detection device

Abstract

The application discloses a test strip detection device, which comprises a light source, a bearing table, an imaging element, a filter and a camera. The bearing table is located on the light path of the light source and comprises a first limiter for placing a colloidal gold test strip and a second limiter for placing a fluorescent test strip. The imaging element is located on the light path of the colloidal gold test strip and the fluorescent test strip. The filter is located on the light path of the imaging element. The filter comprises a light transmission area and a light filtering area. The light transmission area is used for transmitting the light emitted by the colloidal gold test strip, and the light filtering area is used for transmitting the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent test strip and reflecting the excitation light reflected by the fluorescent test strip. The camera is located on the light path of the light transmitted by the filter. The application can quantitatively detect the colloidal gold test strip and the fluorescent test strip through the imaging detection method by using the same set of optical systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical testing technology, and in particular to a test strip testing device. Background Technology

[0002] Immunochromatographic test strip technology is a medical testing technology based on antigen-antibody immunological reactions and chromatographic reactions. It uses dry strip test strips to quickly and accurately develop color to detect analytes. Due to the advantages of low component cost, high cost-effectiveness, and suitability for rapid on-site testing and diagnosis, test strips are widely used.

[0003] The mainstream immunochromatographic test strip technologies include colloidal gold immunochromatography and fluorescence immunochromatography. Colloidal gold immunochromatography is an immunochromatographic detection method that uses colloidal gold nanoparticles as immunolabels. Results are typically interpreted visually based on colorimetric analysis. However, visual observation only allows for qualitative analysis; quantitative detection requires instrumental colorimetric analysis and calculations to convert the results into a quantitative assessment. Fluorescence immunochromatography utilizes the binding of fluorescently labeled antibodies or antigens to target antigens or antibodies in the sample. If the target substance is present in the sample, a fluorescent signal will appear. The intensity of the fluorescence signal can be read by an instrument for qualitative or quantitative detection.

[0004] There are two main methods for quantitative detection: scanning measurement and imaging measurement. Scanning measurement involves illuminating a point on the test strip with a light source and receiving the reflected light or fluorescence through a detector. The change in light intensity along the scanning direction is used to calculate the change in light intensity at the position of the band on the test strip, thus corresponding to the concentration. This method is simple in structure and easy to implement, and is currently the main method used in detection instruments. However, due to the limited scanning area, uneven color distribution of the band on the test strip can lead to inaccurate results. Furthermore, the presence of moving parts makes it difficult to ensure consistency in measurement positions each time, affecting the stability of the results. Moving parts also result in slower detection speeds and higher costs. Imaging measurement uses an image sensor to image the test strip, processes the image, and performs quantitative analysis. This method avoids errors caused by scanning only the middle area of ​​the band and does not require complex mechanical movements, enabling rapid detection and becoming the current trend.

[0005] However, since the light sources required for detecting colloidal gold test strips and fluorescent test strips are different, and the detection of fluorescent test strips requires the use of filters, current imaging detection devices cannot detect both colloidal gold test strips and fluorescent test strips simultaneously. To use the same detection device for detection, two optical systems need to be set up, which increases the size and cost of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a test strip detection device that can perform quantitative detection of both colloidal gold test strips and fluorescent test strips.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a test strip detection device, comprising:

[0008] light source;

[0009] A support stage is located in the light-emitting path of the light source; the support stage includes a first limiter and a second limiter, the first limiter being used to place the colloidal gold test strip, and the second limiter being used to place the fluorescent test strip; the light source emits light to the colloidal gold test strip and the fluorescent test strip, the color of the light emitted by the colloidal gold test strip is the same as the color of the light incident on the colloidal gold test strip, and the fluorescent test strip emits fluorescence and reflects the excitation light under the excitation light emitted by the light source;

[0010] An imaging element is located in the light-emitting path of the colloidal gold test strip and the fluorescent test strip;

[0011] A filter is located in the light-emitting path of the imaging element; the filter includes a light-transmitting area and a light-filtering area, the light-transmitting area is used to transmit the light emitted from the colloidal gold test strip, and the light-filtering area is used to transmit the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent test strip and reflect the excitation light reflected by the fluorescent test strip;

[0012] The camera is located in the optical path of the transmitted light from the filter.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of light-transmitting regions are embedded in the light-filtering region, and each light-transmitting region is used to transmit light reflected by a strip of the colloidal gold test strip.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the filtering region includes multiple sub-filtering regions, and different sub-filtering regions are used to transmit light of different colors.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the test strip detection device further includes an optical path deflection device located on the optical path between the imaging element and the filter.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the optical path deflection device includes a reflector with an adjustable deflection angle.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the optical path deflection device includes at least one liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate, a first electrode layer, a liquid crystal layer, a second electrode layer, and a second substrate arranged sequentially along the optical path propagation direction. The liquid crystal layer is used to deflect the light incident from the colloidal gold test strip and the fluorescent test strip in a predetermined direction under the control of electrical signals applied to the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one liquid crystal panel includes a first liquid crystal panel; the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate at a first end of the first liquid crystal panel is greater than the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate at a second end of the first liquid crystal panel, and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer gradually decreases in the direction from the first end of the first liquid crystal panel to the second end of the first liquid crystal panel.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one liquid crystal panel further includes a second liquid crystal panel, wherein the side of the second liquid crystal panel with the greatest thickness of the liquid crystal layer is orthogonal to the extending direction of the side of the first liquid crystal panel with the greatest thickness of the liquid crystal layer.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, either the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer includes a plurality of strip electrodes arranged along a first direction, the strip electrodes extending along a second direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction;

[0021] Each of the strip electrodes is connected to a capacitor, and the distance between the two plates of the capacitors connected to each of the strip electrodes arranged sequentially along the first direction gradually increases.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention, the light source includes multiple light-emitting device groups, each of the light-emitting device groups includes multiple light-emitting devices, and the light emitted by different light-emitting devices in the same light-emitting device group is of different colors.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, the light source further includes a bracket, and the plurality of light-emitting device groups are fixedly connected to the bracket;

[0024] The bracket includes a hollow area, and the plurality of light-emitting device groups are arranged around the hollow area, with the light-emitting devices in the plurality of light-emitting device groups that emit light of the same color being equally spaced along the circumference of the hollow area.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, the test strip detection device further includes a curved reflector located in the optical path between the light source and the support stage.

[0026] Secondly, the present invention also provides another test strip detection device, comprising:

[0027] light source;

[0028] A support stage is located in the light output path of the light source; the support stage includes a limiter for placing a colloidal gold test strip or a fluorescent test strip; the light source emits light onto the colloidal gold test strip or the fluorescent test strip, the color of the light emitted from the colloidal gold test strip is different from the color of the light incident on the colloidal gold test strip, and the fluorescent test strip emits fluorescence and reflects the excitation light under the excitation light emitted from the light source;

[0029] An imaging element is located in the light-emitting path of the colloidal gold test strip and the fluorescent test strip;

[0030] A filter is located in the light-emitting path of the imaging element; the filtering area is used to transmit light within a set wavelength range and reflect other light.

[0031] A first polarizer, a liquid crystal waveplate, a second polarizer, and a first reflector are sequentially arranged along the optical path propagation direction of the reflected light from the filter; the first polarizer is used to transmit first polarized light, and the second polarizer is used to transmit second polarized light, wherein the polarization directions of the first polarized light and the second polarized light are perpendicular to each other;

[0032] A second reflecting mirror, a third polarizer, and a beam combiner are sequentially arranged along the light path propagation direction of the transmitted light from the filter; the beam combiner is used to combine the light rays emitted from the first reflecting mirror and the third polarizer.

[0033] The camera is located on the light output path of the light combining device.

[0034] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0035] The test strip detection device provided by the present invention includes: a light source; a support stage located in the light-emitting path of the light source; the support stage includes a first limiter and a second limiter, the first limiter being used to place a colloidal gold test strip, and the second limiter being used to place a fluorescent test strip; the light source emits light to the colloidal gold test strip and the fluorescent test strip, the color of the light emitted by the colloidal gold test strip is different from the color of the light incident on the colloidal gold test strip, and the fluorescent test strip emits fluorescence and reflects the excitation light under the excitation light emitted by the light source; an imaging element located in the light-emitting path of the colloidal gold test strip and the fluorescent test strip; a filter located in the light-emitting path of the imaging element; the filter includes a light-transmitting area and a light-filtering area, the light-transmitting area being used to transmit the light emitted by the colloidal gold test strip, and the light-filtering area being used to transmit the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent test strip and reflect the excitation light reflected by the fluorescent test strip; and a camera located in the light-transmitting path of the filter. This invention utilizes the same optical system to quantitatively detect both colloidal gold test strips and fluorescent test strips using imaging detection. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a test strip detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a test strip product provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another type of filter provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another type of filter provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another test strip detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another test strip detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid crystal panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of another liquid crystal panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an electrode layer structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another test strip detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a light source provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the light source in the test strip detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another test strip detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0051] 1-Light source, 110-Light-emitting device group, 11-Light-emitting device, 12-Support, 13-Hollowed-out area, 2-Support platform, 21-First limiter, 22-Second limiter, A-Colloidal gold test strip, B-Fluorescent test strip, H-Card holder, D-Strip, 3-Imaging element, 4-Filter, 41-Transmitting area, 42-Filtering area, 420-Sub-filtering area, 5-Camera, 6-Optical path deflection device, 61-Reflector, 62-LCD panel 621-First substrate, 622-First electrode layer, 623-Liquid crystal layer, 624-Second electrode layer, 625-Second substrate, 6201-Strip electrode, 6202-Capacitor, 631-First polarizer, 632-Liquid crystal waveplate, 633-Second polarizer, 634-First reflector, 635-Second reflector, 636-Third polarizer, 637-Light combining device, 7-Curved reflector, X-First direction, Y-Second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0052] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present invention more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the figures denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. Terms describing position and direction in the present invention are illustrative based on the accompanying drawings, but changes can be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of the present invention. The accompanying drawings of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual proportions.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a test strip detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the test strip detection device includes: a light source 1, a stage 2, an imaging element 3, a filter 4, and a camera 5. The stage 2 is located in the light output path of the light source 1, the imaging element 3 is located in the light output path of the colloidal gold test strip A and the fluorescent test strip B, the filter 4 is located in the light output path of the imaging element 3, and the camera 5 is located in the light transmission path of the filter 4.

[0055] Since the colors of the excitation light required for colloidal gold particles and fluorescent particles are usually different due to their characteristics, the light source 1 can include multiple light-emitting devices 11. Each light-emitting device 11 emits light within a different wavelength range to excite either colloidal gold test strip A or fluorescent test strip B. For example, green light (wavelength 525nm±30nm) or white light can be used to irradiate colloidal gold test strip A to excite the colloidal gold particles, while ultraviolet light (wavelength 10nm-~400nm) or blue light can be used to irradiate fluorescent test strip B to excite the fluorescent particles.

[0056] The support platform 2 includes a first limiter 21 and a second limiter 22. The first limiter 21 is used to place the colloidal gold test strip A, and the second limiter 22 is used to place the fluorescent test strip B. In this embodiment of the invention, the first limiter 21 and the second limiter 22 can be arranged side by side. The colloidal gold test strip A can be placed only in the first limiter 21, or the fluorescent test strip B can be placed only in the second limiter 22, or both can be placed simultaneously. In practical applications, the positions of the first limiter 21 and the second limiter 22 on the support platform 2 can be designed according to requirements so that the corresponding test strip bands are imaged at the desired positions. The relative positional relationship between the first limiter 21 and the second limiter 22 is not limited here.

[0057] When light emitted from light source 1 (taking green light as an example) shines on colloidal gold test strip A, the colloidal gold particles absorb part of the incident light and scatter the light that is not absorbed. That is, the color of the light emitted from colloidal gold test strip A is the same as the color of the light incident on colloidal gold test strip A. The only difference between the two is in brightness. Therefore, there is no need to filter the light emitted from colloidal gold test strip A. In this embodiment of the invention, a light-transmitting area 41 is provided in the filter 4 for colloidal gold test strip A to transmit the light emitted from colloidal gold test strip A.

[0058] When light emitted from light source 1 (taking ultraviolet light as an example) shines onto fluorescent test strip B, the fluorescent particles absorb the energy of the ultraviolet light, causing electrons to transition from the ground state to an excited state. Since the excited electrons are unstable, they release energy and return to the ground state. During this process, the fluorescent particles emit excitation light with a longer wavelength than the ultraviolet light, i.e., fluorescence. The color of the fluorescence varies depending on the fluorescent material, and may be green, red, or yellow. While generating excitation light, the fluorescent particles may also reflect or scatter the excitation light, interfering with detection. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, a filter region 42 is provided in the filter 4 for fluorescent test strip B to selectively transmit the fluorescence emitted from fluorescent test strip B while reflecting the excitation light and other stray light, thereby improving the purity and signal-to-noise ratio of the fluorescence signal and thus improving the accuracy of quantitative detection.

[0059] The embodiments of the present invention, by dividing the filter 4 into zones, can meet the requirements for the purity of excitation light when quantitatively detecting the analyte. The same optical system can be used to quantitatively detect colloidal gold test strip A and fluorescent test strip B, which has the advantages of low cost, small size and more diversified functions.

[0060] In practical applications, a filter film layer can be set in a certain area of ​​the filter 4. The area with the filter film layer is called the filter area 42, and the area without the filter film layer is called the light transmission area 41. Only a filter film layer for transmitting one color of light can be set, or filter film layers for transmitting different colors of light can be set in different areas to adapt to more diverse needs.

[0061] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a test strip product provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] The arrangement of bands D in colloidal gold test strip A and fluorescent test strip B is usually the same. For example, the length and width of band D and the spacing between adjacent bands D are usually the same. The only difference is the material used. The test strip can usually include two or three bands D. Here, we will take the case of a test strip including three bands D as an example for explanation.

[0063] like Figure 2As shown, the test strip includes three bands D, specifically the control line (C line), reference line (R line), and test line (T line). In actual production, the test strip product includes the test strip and a cartridge. The test strip is fixed in the cartridge H, which has an opening to expose each band D. For ease of description, the cartridge H used to fix the colloidal gold test strip A will be referred to as the first cartridge, and the cartridge used to fix the fluorescent test strip B will be referred to as the second cartridge.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another type of filter provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, multiple light-transmitting areas 41 are embedded within a light-filtering area 42, and each light-transmitting area 41 is used to transmit light reflected from a strip D of the colloidal gold test strip A. For example, corresponding to... Figure 2 The test strip shown can have three light-transmitting areas 41 in the filter area 42. Each light-transmitting area 41 corresponds to a strip D. The size of the light-transmitting area 41 can be the same as the size of its corresponding strip D, or it can be slightly larger than the size of the strip D. Alternatively, it can be adaptively designed according to the size of the image formed by the imaging element 3 of the strip D to avoid occlusion of the strip D. In this embodiment of the invention, the size and number of light-transmitting areas 41 are not limited.

[0066] When using the filter 4 in the embodiments of the present invention, the band D of the fluorescent test strip B and the band D of the colloidal gold test strip A can be staggered in the direction of the arrangement of the band D (the position of the band D of the fluorescent test strip B is indicated by a dashed box in the figure), thereby reducing the area of ​​the filter 4 and thus reducing the size of the camera target surface used to receive the image of the band D.

[0067] In this embodiment of the invention, the filter 4 needs to be used in conjunction with the test strips. This can be achieved by differentiating the positions of the colloidal gold test strip A in the first cartridge and the fluorescent test strip B in the second cartridge during the production of the test strips. This allows light emitted from the strip D of the colloidal gold test strip A to pass through the light-transmitting area 41, while allowing light emitted from the strip D of the fluorescent test strip B to pass through the filter area 42. In this case, only a single limiter needs to be provided on the support platform 2. This limiter can serve as either the first limiter 21 or the second limiter 22. Alternatively, the positions of the first limiter 21 and the second limiter 22 on the support platform 2 can be designed to allow light emitted from the strip D of the colloidal gold test strip A to pass through the light-transmitting area 41, while allowing light emitted from the strip D of the fluorescent test strip B to pass through the filter area 42.

[0068] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another type of filter provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown in this embodiment of the invention, the filtering region 42 of the filter 4 includes multiple sub-filtering regions 420, each of which transmits light of different colors. Using this filter 4, the test strip detection device can detect multiple fluorescent test strips B, each of which emits a different fluorescent color when excited by the excitation light emitted from the light source 1. Correspondingly, multiple second limiters 22 can be provided in the support stage 2 to simultaneously detect multiple fluorescent test strips B, thereby improving detection efficiency.

[0070] In this invention, the test strip detection device may further include an optical path deflection device, which is located on the optical path between the imaging element 3 and the filter 4. The structures of several optical path deflection devices are described below.

[0071] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another test strip detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] like Figure 5 As shown, the optical path deflection device 6 may include a reflector 61 with an adjustable deflection angle. In the test strip detection device, the relative positions of the light source 1, the support stage 2, and the imaging element 3 are fixed. For example, the light source 1, the support stage 2, and the imaging element 3 are arranged sequentially along a set direction, and the relative positions of the filter 4 and the camera 5 are fixed. By using the reflector 61 to reflect the light emitted from the imaging element 3 towards the filter 4, the length of the test strip detection device in the arrangement direction of the light source 1, the support stage 2, and the imaging element 3 can be reduced, which to some extent helps to reduce the size of the test strip detection device.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the support platform 2 may be equipped with only a single limiter, which can serve as both a first limiter 21 and a second limiter 22. When detecting colloidal gold test strip A, the reflector 61 can be deflected to a set angle so that the light emitted from colloidal gold test strip A can pass through the light-transmitting area 41 of the filter 4 and be imaged at a set position of the camera 5. When detecting fluorescent test strip B, the reflector 61 can be deflected to another angle so that the light emitted from fluorescent test strip B can pass through the filtering area 42 of the filter 4 and be imaged at another position of the camera 5. In this way, the position of the test strip on the support platform 2 is fixed, so that the test strip detection device can detect both colloidal gold test strip A and fluorescent test strip B, while reducing the difficulty of positioning the test strip.

[0074] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another test strip detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the optical path deflection device 6 includes a liquid crystal panel 62.

[0075] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid crystal panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, the liquid crystal panel 62 includes a first substrate 621, a first electrode layer 622, a liquid crystal layer 623, a second electrode layer 624, and a second substrate 625 sequentially disposed along the light path propagation direction. The distance between the first substrate 621 and the second substrate 625 at the first end of the liquid crystal panel is greater than the distance between the first substrate 621 and the second substrate 625 at the second end of the liquid crystal panel. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 623 gradually decreases in the direction from the first end to the second end of the liquid crystal panel.

[0076] The voltage across the liquid crystal layer 623 can be controlled by the electrical signals applied to the first electrode layer 622 and the second electrode layer 624, thereby controlling the deflection direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 623 and thus regulating the direction of the incident light. Based on the birefringence effect of liquid crystals, the optical path difference between ordinary light (o-ray) and extraordinary light (e-ray) at different positions of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 623 is different, and the phase retardation of the light at different positions of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 623 is also different. When the same voltage is applied to different positions of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 623, the optical path difference and phase difference generated by the light at these different positions will vary. The greater the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 623, the greater the optical path difference and phase difference, and the larger the deflection angle of the light.

[0077] Based on this, when detecting the light emitted from colloidal gold test strip A and fluorescent test strip B, applying different voltages to the liquid crystal layer 623 can deflect the light emitted from colloidal gold test strip A and fluorescent test strip B at different angles. Specifically, the light emitted from colloidal gold test strip A can be deflected towards the direction of the light-transmitting area 41 of the filter 4, and the light emitted from fluorescent test strip B can be deflected towards the direction of the filtering area 42 of the filter 4. In this embodiment of the invention, the liquid crystal layer 623 is fixedly disposed, which reduces the difficulty of assembly and alignment, and improves the reliability of the device.

[0078] The test strip detection device can be equipped with only one such device. Figure 7 The LCD panel 62 shown is called the first LCD panel, but two such panels can also be provided. Figure 7 The liquid crystal panel 62 shown is referred to as the first liquid crystal panel and the second liquid crystal panel. The side with the thickest liquid crystal layer 623 in the second liquid crystal panel 62 is orthogonal to the extension direction of the side with the thickest liquid crystal layer 623 in the first liquid crystal panel 62. This allows for a wider range of adjustment of the light emission angle of the liquid crystal panel, providing greater flexibility and adaptability to a wider range of needs.

[0079] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another liquid crystal panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] like Figure 8 As shown, the liquid crystal panel 62 includes a first substrate 621, a first electrode layer 622, a liquid crystal layer 623, a second electrode layer 624, and a second substrate 625 arranged sequentially along the light path propagation direction. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 623 is uniform at each position.

[0081] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an electrode layer provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 9 As shown Figure 8 The structure of the first electrode layer 622 or the second electrode layer 624 in the liquid crystal panel 62 shown is as follows: Figure 9 As shown, either the first electrode layer 622 or the second electrode layer 624 includes a plurality of strip electrodes 6201 arranged along a first direction X. The strip electrodes 6201 extend along a second direction Y, which is orthogonal to the first direction X. Each strip electrode 6201 is connected to a capacitor 6202, and the distance between the two plates of the capacitor 6202 connected to each strip electrode 6201 arranged sequentially along the first direction gradually increases. The other electrode layer in either the first electrode layer 622 or the second electrode layer 624 can be a planar electrode.

[0083] Based on this structure, when different capacitors 6202 are energized for the same duration, the amount of charge accumulated on the different capacitors 6202 is different. Consequently, the deflection directions of the liquid crystal molecules controlled by the different strip electrodes 6201 are different. The optical path difference varies as light passes through the liquid crystal molecules controlled by the different strip electrodes 6201. The greater the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 623, the greater the optical path difference and the larger the deflection angle of the light. Therefore, when detecting the light emitted from colloidal gold test strip A and fluorescent test strip B, applying different voltages to the liquid crystal layer 623 can deflect the light emitted from colloidal gold test strip A and fluorescent test strip B at different angles.

[0084] In some embodiments of the present invention, the distance between the two plates of the capacitors 6202 connected to each strip electrode 6201 can also be the same. By applying current to different capacitors 6202 for different durations, the amount of charge accumulated on the different capacitors 6202 can be different, thereby causing the deflection directions of the liquid crystal molecules controlled by the different strip electrodes 6201 to be different. The optical path difference is different when light passes through the liquid crystal molecules controlled by the different strip electrodes 6201. The greater the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 623, the greater the optical path difference and the greater the deflection angle of the light. Based on this, when detecting the light emitted from colloidal gold test strip A and fluorescent test strip B, applying different voltages to the liquid crystal layer 623 can cause the light emitted from colloidal gold test strip A and fluorescent test strip B to be deflected at different angles.

[0085] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the first electrode layer 622 and the second electrode layer 624 can be pixelated. By applying different voltages to different pixel electrodes for different times and applying different voltages to different positions of the liquid crystal layer 623, the angle of light can be adjusted in more dimensions.

[0086] In summary, the liquid crystal layer 623 in the liquid crystal panel 62 can be used to deflect the incident light from the colloidal gold test strip A and the fluorescent test strip B in different directions under the control of the electrical signals applied by the first electrode layer 622 and the second electrode layer 624. This allows the light emitted from the colloidal gold test strip A to pass through the liquid crystal panel 62 and then enter the light-transmitting area 41 of the filter 4, while the light emitted from the fluorescent test strip B passes through the liquid crystal panel 62 and then enters the light-filtering area 42 of the filter 4. When the liquid crystal panel 62 is provided in the test strip detection device, the colloidal gold test strip A and the fluorescent test strip B can share the same limiter, reducing the difficulty of positioning the test strips.

[0087] The above embodiment describes a partitioned design for the filter 4 to enable the test strip detection device to detect both colloidal gold test strip A and fluorescent test strip B. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another test strip detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] like Figure 10 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the test strip detection device includes: a light source 1, a support stage 2, an imaging element 3, a filter 4, a first polarizer 631, a liquid crystal waveplate 632, a second polarizer 633, a first reflector 634, a second reflector 635, a third polarizer 636, a light combining device 637, and a camera 5.

[0089] The support platform 2 may be equipped with a single limiter, which is used to place colloidal gold test strip A or fluorescent test strip B. The test strip detection device is used to detect one type of test strip at a time. The filter 4 has a film layer for filtering light, which can transmit light within a set wavelength range and reflect other light. A first polarizer 631, a liquid crystal waveplate 632, a second polarizer 633, and a first reflector 634 are arranged sequentially along the light path propagation direction of the reflected light of the filter 4. The first polarizer 631 is used to transmit first polarized light, and the second polarizer 633 is used to transmit second polarized light. The polarization directions of the first polarized light and the second polarized light are perpendicular to each other. A second reflector 635, a third polarizer 636, and a light combiner 637 are arranged sequentially along the light path propagation direction of the transmitted light of the filter 4. The third polarizer 636 can be used to transmit both first polarized light and second polarized light. The light combiner 637 is used to combine the light emitted from the first reflector 634 and the third polarizer 636. For example, the light combiner 637 can be a partially transmissive and partially reflective mirror, but it is not limited to this. For example, a prism can also be used.

[0090] Based on the above structure, by controlling the liquid crystal waveplate 632 to be used as different types of waveplates, the on / off state of the reflected light path of the filter 4 can be controlled. The light transmitted by the filter 4 can be reflected by the second mirror 635 to the third polarizer 636, and then incident on the light combining device 637 through the third polarizer 636.

[0091] Specifically, when the test strip detection device is used to detect colloidal gold test strip A, the light incident on the first polarizer 631 is converted into first polarized light and emitted to the liquid crystal waveplate 632. When the liquid crystal waveplate 632 is energized and used as a half-waveplate, the polarization direction of the first polarized light is deflected by 90° after passing through it. The light emitted from the liquid crystal waveplate 632 can then pass through the second polarizer 633. Thus, the portion of the light emitted from colloidal gold test strip A reflected by the filter 4 and the portion transmitted through the filter 4 can be combined by the light combiner 637 before being emitted to the camera 5. A third polarizer 636 is placed in the transmission path of the filter 4 to maintain the consistency of light intensity between the transmitted and reflected light paths, ensuring that the color of the beam after combining by the light combiner 637 is consistent with the color of the beam incident on the filter 4, avoiding color deviation that could affect the accuracy of the detection results.

[0092] When the test strip detection device is used to detect fluorescent test strip B, the liquid crystal wave plate 632 can be de-energized and used as a full-wave plate. In this case, the polarization direction of the first polarized light remains unchanged after passing through the liquid crystal wave plate 632, and the light emitted from the liquid crystal wave plate 632 cannot pass through the second polarizer 633. As a result, only the transmitted light from the filter 4 will be incident on the camera 5.

[0093] As can be seen, the embodiments of the present invention control the on / off state of the reflected light path of the filter 4 by setting the liquid crystal wave plate 632 and cooperating with the polarizer, and the detection of colloidal gold test strip A and fluorescent test strip B can be realized using the same optical path system.

[0094] To make the test strip detection device applicable to a wider variety of test strips, the light source 1 can be equipped with a sufficient number of light-emitting devices 11 of different colors to meet the requirements of different colloidal gold materials and fluorescent materials for the color of the excitation light. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a light source provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] like Figure 11 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the light source 1 includes multiple light-emitting device groups 110, and each light-emitting device group 110 includes multiple light-emitting devices 11. Within the same light-emitting device group 110, different light-emitting devices 11 emit light of different colors. The number of light-emitting device groups 110 in the light source 1, the number of light-emitting devices 11 in each light-emitting device group 110, and the color of the light emitted by each light-emitting device 11 can be set according to product requirements. This light source 1 can be applied to applications such as... Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 10 In any of the test strip detection devices shown, when it is necessary to test a certain type of test strip, the light-emitting device 11 for emitting light of the desired color is turned on. For example, the light-emitting device 11 can be an LED device.

[0096] During use, you can choose to turn on all light-emitting device groups 110, or only some of them. Usually, it is only necessary to turn on the light-emitting devices 11 in each light-emitting device group 110 that emit light of the same color, but this is not the only option. Due to the limitations of the camera 5's performance, high light intensity may cause fluorescence saturation, resulting in overexposure of the image captured by the camera 5. In this case, you can appropriately reduce the number of light-emitting device groups 110 that are turned on until a clear image can be formed.

[0097] The light source 1 also includes a bracket 12, and multiple light-emitting device groups 110 are fixedly connected to the bracket 12, as shown in the figure. Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 10 To save space, the light source 1 is located between the support platform 2 and the imaging element 3 in this invention. To avoid blocking the light, the support 12 includes a hollow area 13, and multiple light-emitting device groups 110 are arranged around the hollow area 13. The light emitted from the light source 1 illuminates the test strip, exciting the colloidal gold particles or fluorescent particles on the test strip to emit light. The light emitted from the test strip passes through the hollow area 13 and is incident on the imaging element 3.

[0098] In the multiple light-emitting device groups 110, the light-emitting devices 11 that emit light of the same color are distributed at equal intervals along the circumference of the hollow area 13. That is, the light-emitting devices 11 that emit light of the same color are centrally symmetrical about the center of the hollow area 13. This can provide more uniform illumination for the test strip and help improve the reliability of the test results.

[0099] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the light source in the test strip detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] like Figure 12 As shown, the position of the light source 1 in the test strip detection device and the position of the light-emitting device 11 in the light source 1 should satisfy the following relationship:

[0101]

[0102] Where h represents the distance between the light source 1 and the test strip S; l represents the length of the test strip S. Although the test strip S is usually rectangular, in order to allow light to pass smoothly through the hollow area 13, the test strip S is not necessarily set on the central axis of the hollow area 13. Therefore, for ease of calculation, the test strip S can be equivalent to a square, and the side length of the equivalent square is the same as the length of the long side of the test strip S; s represents the distance between the light-emitting device 11 and the central axis of the hollow area 13; a represents the light-emitting angle of the light-emitting device 11, which is determined by the model of the light-emitting device 11.

[0103] In the actual assembly of the test strip detection device, it is necessary to first determine the positions of the support stage 2, imaging element 3 and camera 5 to ensure clear imaging. The light source 1 is located between the imaging element 3 and the support stage 2, and can be coplanar with the imaging element 3 or have a small gap with the imaging element 3, so that the light beam emitted by the light-emitting device 11 can be diffused to cover all the strips of the test strip. Thus, the value of h can be determined. Combined with the test strip S and the model of the light-emitting device 11, the values ​​of l and a can be determined. Then, the range of values ​​of s can be determined by the above formula, and the position of the light-emitting device 11 in the light source 1 can be selected.

[0104] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another test strip detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] like Figure 13As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the test strip detection device may further include a curved reflector 7. The curved reflector 7 is located in the optical path between the light source 1 and the support stage 2. The light source 1 emits light away from the test strip and, after being reflected by the curved reflector 7, it is incident on the test strip on the support stage 2. Thus, at a shorter physical distance, the light emitted by the light source 1 can achieve a longer optical path, so that the light beam emitted by the light-emitting device 11 can be sufficiently diffused to cover all the strips of the test strip, which is beneficial to further reduce the size of the device.

[0106] In practical applications, the uniformity of the light beam can be improved by setting a reflective layer on the surface of the curved mirror 7 facing the light source 1, or by applying a diffuse reflection treatment to the surface of the curved mirror 7 facing the light source 1. The curved mirror 7 should have an opening to avoid blocking the light reflected by the test strip. The curved mirror 7 can be positioned at... Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 10 In any of the test strip detection devices shown.

[0107] The test strip detection device provided by this invention can be used to capture images of colloidal gold test strip A and fluorescent test strip B. After obtaining the image, it is necessary to process and analyze it to obtain the correspondence with the concentration of the analyte. The image processing method is described below.

[0108] The flow of an image processing method provided by an embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0109] Step S11: Obtain the image.

[0110] Step S12: Image denoising and correction. For example, this step may include angle correction and distortion correction of the image.

[0111] Step S13: Locating the bands. Taking the case where the test strip includes C-line, R-line, and T-line as an example, since A and B are imaged at different positions on the camera, the position of the test strip on the image can determine whether the detected object is colloidal gold particles or fluorescent particles. Then, for easily distinguishable bands, they can be directly located using thresholding. For lighter-colored bands, the clearly defined C-line can be located first using thresholding, and then the R-line and T-line regions can be located using the spacing between the C-line, R-line, and T-line (which is related to the test strip model and is usually fixed).

[0112] Step S14: Image background removal. For example, a gradient background removal method can be used, where the background values ​​at the upper and lower edges of the strip are used as the upper and lower limits, and the middle area is interpolated according to the gradient of the upper and lower limits as the background of the strip area. The strip reading value is then subtracted from the background value to achieve background removal.

[0113] Step S15: Calculate the grayscale value. This embodiment of the invention calculates the grayscale value by summing the grayscale peak value and area with a weight of 50% for each. This effectively avoids the impact of uneven sample concentration on the detection results and improves the accuracy of the detection.

[0114] Step S16: Obtain the test results.

[0115] The table below compares the results of quantitative detection of the same sample using existing test strip detection devices and the test strip detection device provided in this embodiment of the invention.

[0116] Sample number Existing equipment This device 1 47 199 2 53 183 3 47 192 4 58 203 5 45 205

[0117] In the table above, the concentration of the test reagents used in each group of samples is the same. Using the existing detection device and image processing method, the coefficient of variation of the detection results is 0.096. Using the detection device and image processing method provided in this embodiment of the invention, the coefficient of variation of the detection results is 0.041. The smaller the coefficient of variation, the smaller the dispersion of the data. It can be seen that the fluctuation of the detection results of the existing detection device is greater than the fluctuation of the detection results of the detection device provided in this embodiment of the invention. The detection results obtained by the detection device and image processing method provided in this embodiment of the invention have higher accuracy and stability.

[0118] The flow of another image processing method provided by this embodiment of the invention is as follows:

[0119] Step S21: Acquire the image.

[0120] Step S22: Image denoising and correction.

[0121] Step S23: Positioning strip.

[0122] Step S24: Deep learning feature extraction and prediction model.

[0123] Step S25: Comparative Learning. The object of comparative learning is the characteristics of the standard color card or the concentration of the quality control sample.

[0124] Step S26: Obtain the test results.

[0125] The above method uses deep learning to judge the detection results, which can more accurately determine the concentration level of the analyte on the band, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of the detection results.

[0126] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including both the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

[0127] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A test strip detection device, characterized in that, include: light source; A support stage is located in the light-emitting path of the light source; the support stage includes a first limiter and a second limiter, the first limiter being used to place the colloidal gold test strip, and the second limiter being used to place the fluorescent test strip; the light source emits light to the colloidal gold test strip and the fluorescent test strip, the color of the light emitted by the colloidal gold test strip is the same as the color of the light incident on the colloidal gold test strip, and the fluorescent test strip emits fluorescence and reflects the excitation light under the excitation light emitted by the light source; An imaging element is located in the light-emitting path of the colloidal gold test strip and the fluorescent test strip; A filter is located in the light-emitting path of the imaging element; the filter includes a light-transmitting area and a light-filtering area, the light-transmitting area is used to transmit the light emitted from the colloidal gold test strip, and the light-filtering area is used to transmit the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent test strip and reflect the excitation light reflected by the fluorescent test strip; The camera is located in the optical path of the transmitted light from the filter.

2. The test strip detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple light-transmitting regions are embedded in the light-filtering region, and each light-transmitting region is used to transmit light reflected from one strip of the colloidal gold test strip.

3. The test strip detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The filtering area includes multiple sub-filtering areas, and different sub-filtering areas are used to transmit light of different colors.

4. The test strip detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The test strip detection device also includes an optical path deflection device, which is located on the optical path between the imaging element and the filter.

5. The test strip detection device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The optical path deflection device includes a reflector with an adjustable deflection angle.

6. The test strip detection device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The optical path deflection device includes at least one liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate, a first electrode layer, a liquid crystal layer, a second electrode layer, and a second substrate arranged sequentially along the optical path propagation direction. The liquid crystal layer is used to deflect the light incident from the colloidal gold test strip and the fluorescent test strip in a set direction under the control of the electrical signals applied by the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

7. The test strip detection device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The at least one liquid crystal panel includes a first liquid crystal panel; the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate at a first end of the first liquid crystal panel is greater than the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate at a second end of the first liquid crystal panel, and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer gradually decreases in the direction from the first end of the first liquid crystal panel to the second end of the first liquid crystal panel.

8. The test strip detection device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one liquid crystal panel further includes a second liquid crystal panel, wherein the side of the liquid crystal layer with the greatest thickness in the second liquid crystal panel is orthogonal to the extension direction of the side of the liquid crystal layer with the greatest thickness in the first liquid crystal panel.

9. The test strip detection device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Either the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer includes a plurality of strip electrodes arranged along a first direction, the strip electrodes extending along a second direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction; Each of the strip electrodes is connected to a capacitor, and the distance between the two plates of the capacitors connected to each of the strip electrodes arranged sequentially along the first direction gradually increases.

10. The test strip detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The light source includes multiple light-emitting device groups, each of which includes multiple light-emitting devices. Within the same light-emitting device group, different light-emitting devices emit light of different colors.

11. The test strip detection device as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The light source also includes a bracket, and the plurality of light-emitting device groups are fixedly connected to the bracket; The bracket includes a hollow area, and the plurality of light-emitting device groups are arranged around the hollow area, with the light-emitting devices in the plurality of light-emitting device groups that emit light of the same color being equally spaced along the circumference of the hollow area.

12. The test strip detection device as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The test strip detection device also includes a curved reflector, which is located in the optical path between the light source and the support stage.

13. A test strip detection device, characterized in that, include: light source; A support stage is located in the light output path of the light source; the support stage includes a limiter for placing colloidal gold test strips or fluorescent test strips; The light source emits light onto the colloidal gold test strip or the fluorescent test strip. The color of the light emitted from the colloidal gold test strip is different from the color of the light incident on the colloidal gold test strip. The fluorescent test strip emits fluorescence and reflects the excitation light under the excitation of the excitation light emitted from the light source. An imaging element is located in the light-emitting path of the colloidal gold test strip and the fluorescent test strip; A filter is located in the light-emitting path of the imaging element; the filtering area is used to transmit light within a set wavelength range and reflect other light. A first polarizer, a liquid crystal waveplate, a second polarizer, and a first reflector are sequentially arranged along the optical path propagation direction of the reflected light from the filter; the first polarizer is used to transmit first polarized light, and the second polarizer is used to transmit second polarized light, wherein the polarization directions of the first polarized light and the second polarized light are perpendicular to each other; A second reflecting mirror, a third polarizer, and a beam combiner are sequentially arranged along the light path propagation direction of the transmitted light from the filter; the beam combiner is used to combine the light rays emitted from the first reflecting mirror and the third polarizer. The camera is located on the light output path of the light combining device.

Images