Aerosol relative concentration test method and test system

Abstract

The application relates to an aerosol relative concentration testing method and a testing system. The aerosol relative concentration testing method comprises the following steps: sucking and releasing a to-be-tested aerosol; obtaining a to-be-tested image of the to-be-tested aerosol; determining a to-be-tested area according to the to-be-tested image, and obtaining a to-be-tested aerosol area and a to-be-tested image gray value of the to-be-tested area; and obtaining the relative concentration of the to-be-tested aerosol based on the to-be-tested aerosol area, the to-be-tested image gray value and reference parameters. Compared with a testing method depending on preset particle refractive index and shape parameters, the aerosol relative concentration testing method can effectively reduce the influence of particle property differences on the testing result, reduce the possibility of pollution caused by the direct contact between the aerosol and the precise optical detection element, and visually present the release mode and spatial distribution of the aerosol through the to-be-tested image, so that the relative concentration testing result corresponds to the aerosol image, and thus the visual detection of the aerosol relative concentration is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of atomization technology, and in particular to a method and system for testing the relative concentration of aerosols. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosols are colloidal dispersion systems formed by solid or liquid particles dispersed and suspended in a gaseous medium. Aerosols can be absorbed by the human body through the respiratory system, providing users with a novel alternative absorption method. Atomizing devices are devices that generate aerosols from stored atomizing media through heating or ultrasound. Atomizing media include liquid, gel, paste, or solid aerosol-generating matrices. Atomizing these media delivers inhalable aerosols to users, replacing conventional product forms and absorption methods.

[0003] In order to control the quality of atomizing devices, it is necessary to test the concentration of aerosols generated by the atomizing device. However, the accuracy of existing testing methods is greatly affected by the particle properties and cannot achieve real-time visualization monitoring of concentration changes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a method and system for testing the relative concentration of aerosols to address the problems of low accuracy and inability to achieve visual monitoring in aerosol concentration testing.

[0005] A method for testing the relative concentration of aerosols, the method comprising:

[0006] Absorb and release the aerosol to be tested;

[0007] Acquire the image of the aerosol to be tested;

[0008] The region to be tested is determined based on the image to be tested, and the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested in the region to be tested and the gray value of the image to be tested are obtained.

[0009] The relative concentration of the aerosol to be tested is obtained based on the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested, the gray value of the image to be tested, and reference parameters.

[0010] In one embodiment, the reference parameters include the grayscale value of a reference image and the area of ​​a reference aerosol, and the formula for calculating the relative concentration of the aerosol to be measured is: C = (G1 × S1) / (G2 × S2) × 100%;

[0011] Wherein, C is the relative concentration, G1 is the gray value of the image to be tested, S1 is the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested, G2 is the gray value of the reference image, and S2 is the area of ​​the reference aerosol.

[0012] In one embodiment, the step of acquiring the image of the aerosol to be tested includes:

[0013] Acquire an image stream when the aerosol to be tested is released; wherein the image stream includes multiple frames of images of the aerosol to be tested;

[0014] The image of the aerosol to be tested is selected from the image stream when a predetermined exhaust stroke is completed.

[0015] In one embodiment, after the steps of determining the region to be tested based on the image to be tested and obtaining the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested and the gray value of the image to be tested, the aerosol relative concentration testing method further includes:

[0016] Obtain the measured grayscale value and measured length of the calibration area of ​​the calibration component in the image under test;

[0017] Based on the measured grayscale value and the measured length, compare them with the standard grayscale value and standard length of the correction area to determine the grayscale correction relationship and the area correction relationship;

[0018] Based on the grayscale correction relationship and the area correction relationship, the grayscale value of the image to be tested and the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested are corrected respectively.

[0019] An aerosol relative concentration testing system, comprising:

[0020] curtain;

[0021] An aerosol collection device is located on one side of the curtain. The aerosol collection device has a collection chamber and an input channel and an output channel respectively connected to the collection chamber; and

[0022] An image acquisition device is located on the side of the aerosol acquisition device away from the screen, and the image acquisition device is used to acquire a test image of the test aerosol released from the output channel; and

[0023] An analysis device is communicatively connected to the image acquisition device. The analysis device is used to determine the region to be tested based on the image to be tested, and to obtain the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested in the region to be tested and the gray value of the image to be tested. The analysis device is also used to obtain the relative concentration of the aerosol to be tested based on the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested, the gray value of the image to be tested, and reference parameters.

[0024] In one embodiment, the volume of the acquisition cavity is adjustable;

[0025] When the volume of the collection chamber increases, the collection chamber draws in the aerosol to be tested through the input channel; when the volume of the collection chamber decreases, the collection chamber releases the aerosol to be tested through the output channel.

[0026] In one embodiment, the aerosol collection device includes:

[0027] main housing;

[0028] A push rod, one end of which extends into the main housing and can extend and retract relative to the main housing, the end face of the push rod extending into the main housing and the inner wall of the main housing together form the acquisition cavity;

[0029] An input conduit, connected to the main housing, forms the input channel; and

[0030] An output pipe is connected to the main housing, and the output pipe forms the output channel.

[0031] In one embodiment, the aerosol collection device further includes a first on / off control unit and a second on / off control unit; the first on / off control unit is located in the input channel and is used to open or close the input channel, and the second on / off control unit is located in the output channel and is used to open or close the output channel.

[0032] In one embodiment, the aerosol collection device further includes a drive device and a controller. The drive device is drivenly connected to the push rod, and the controller is electrically connected to the drive device for controlling the drive device to drive the push rod to perform an intake stroke and an exhaust stroke.

[0033] In one embodiment, the aerosol relative concentration testing system further includes a calibration component. The analysis device is used to acquire the measured grayscale value and measured length of the calibration region of the calibration component in the image to be tested, and to compare the measured grayscale value and measured length with the standard grayscale value and standard length of the calibration region to determine the grayscale correction relationship and the area correction relationship. The analysis device is used to correct the grayscale value of the image to be tested and the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested according to the grayscale correction relationship and the area correction relationship, respectively.

[0034] The aforementioned method for testing the relative concentration of aerosols acquires the relative concentration of the aerosols being tested by acquiring images of the aerosols. This transforms the spatial distribution of aerosols during release into processable image information, providing a data foundation for the quantitative characterization of aerosol relative concentration. Compared to testing methods that rely on preset particle refractive index and shape parameters, this method effectively reduces the impact of particle property differences on the test results and minimizes the possibility of contamination caused by direct contact between aerosols and precision optical detection elements. Furthermore, the test images visually present the release morphology and spatial distribution of the aerosols, allowing the relative concentration test results to correspond with the aerosol images, thus achieving visualized detection of aerosol relative concentration. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. 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 an aerosol relative concentration testing system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows another structural view of the aerosol relative concentration testing system.

[0039] Figure 3 This is an embodiment of the aerosol relative concentration testing method of this application.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0041] 100. Aerosol relative concentration testing system; 110. Curtain; 120. Aerosol collection device; 120a. Collection chamber; 121. Main housing; 123. Push rod; 125. Input pipe; 127. Output pipe; 130. Image acquisition device; 140. Analysis device; 150. Calibration component; 152. Gray scale card; 154. Length marker; 170. Drive device; 180. Controller; 200. Atomizing device. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0044] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0045] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0046] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0047] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0048] There are two main methods for testing the concentration of aerosols generated by atomizing devices during each suction: one is the laser particle size analyzer method, and the other is the gravimetric method.

[0049] In the laser particle size analyzer method, the aerosol particles will scatter when they flow through the laser beam. The intensity and angle of the scattered light are not only related to the particle size of the aerosol particles, but also directly related to the total mass / number of particles per unit volume. Therefore, by collecting the scattered light signal by a photodetector and combining it with preset parameters such as particle refractive index and shape, the mass concentration and number concentration of the aerosol can be finally calculated.

[0050] In the gravimetric method, a certain volume of air aerosol particles are trapped on a filter membrane using a sampling device. The mass difference of the filter membrane before and after sampling can be used to obtain the mass concentration of aerosol particles per unit volume of air.

[0051] However, laser particle size analyzer testing is significantly affected by the properties of aerosol particles, and the optical lens is easily contaminated by aerosol particles, requiring regular cleaning and calibration. Furthermore, it cannot provide real-time visual monitoring of aerosol concentration changes. The gravimetric method has a long testing cycle and is cumbersome to operate, and it also cannot provide real-time continuous monitoring, thus failing to achieve real-time visual monitoring of aerosol concentration changes.

[0052] For the above technical issues, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides an aerosol relative concentration testing system 100 for obtaining the relative concentration of aerosols generated by an atomizing device 200. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the aerosol relative concentration testing system 100 in this application includes a screen 110, an aerosol acquisition device 120, an image acquisition device 130, and an analysis device 140.

[0053] An aerosol acquisition device 120 is located on one side of the screen 110. The aerosol acquisition device 120 has an acquisition cavity 120a and an input channel and an output channel respectively connected to the acquisition cavity 120a. An image acquisition device 130 is located on the side of the aerosol acquisition device 120 away from the screen 110. The image acquisition device 130 is used to acquire a test image of the aerosol to be tested released from the output channel. An analysis device 140 is communicatively connected to the image acquisition device 130. The analysis device 140 is used to determine the test area based on the test image and to acquire the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested in the test area and the gray value of the test image. The analysis device 140 is also used to acquire the relative concentration of the aerosol to be tested based on the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested, the gray value of the test image, and reference parameters. The test area refers to the image area formed by the aerosol to be tested in the test image.

[0054] In some embodiments, the analysis device 140 converts the image to be tested into a grayscale image, performs threshold segmentation on the grayscale image based on the grayscale difference between the aerosol to be tested and the background of the curtain 110, and obtains the test area of ​​the aerosol to be tested; or, the analysis device 140 performs differential processing between the image to be tested and the background image when the aerosol is not released, and determines the aerosol area to be tested.

[0055] Thus, the collection chamber 120a of the aerosol collection device 120 can be connected to the atomizing device 200 through the input channel. The aerosol to be tested generated by the atomizing device 200 can flow into the collection chamber 120a through the input channel. After the aerosol to be tested in the collection chamber 120a is released through the output channel, it can be imaged in the image collection area with the screen 110 as the background. The image collection device 130 can acquire the image of the aerosol to be tested. Based on the image of the aerosol to be tested, the analysis device 140 determines the area to be tested and acquires the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested and the gray value of the image to be tested in the area to be tested. Then, based on the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested, the gray value of the image to be tested, and the reference parameters, the relative concentration of the aerosol to be tested is finally obtained.

[0056] The aforementioned aerosol relative concentration testing system 100 first uses an aerosol acquisition device 120 to collect the aerosol to be tested and releases it into a predetermined image acquisition area, allowing the aerosol to be visually captured by the image acquisition device 130. The analysis device 140 acquires the image of the aerosol to be tested and determines the aerosol region from the image, converting the spatial distribution of the aerosol during release into processable image information, thus providing a data basis for the quantitative characterization of aerosol relative concentration.

[0057] Furthermore, the area of ​​the aerosol region to be tested can characterize the distribution range of the aerosol on the imaging plane formed by the screen 110, and the gray value of the aerosol region can characterize the image intensity characteristics of the aerosol region under the corresponding image acquisition conditions. Compared with evaluation based solely on the area or gray value of the aerosol region, combining both area and gray value allows consideration of both the visible distribution range of the aerosol and the image intensity within that distribution range, thus providing a more complete characterization of the total visible aerosol content. For example, when two groups of aerosol regions have similar areas but different gray values, or similar gray values ​​but different areas, they can be distinguished by the combined changes in area and gray value, reducing the evaluation bias caused by using a single image parameter.

[0058] Based on this, the analysis device 140 determines the relative concentration of the aerosol to be tested according to the area and gray value of the aerosol region to be tested and the reference parameters. It can convert the image representation of the aerosol to be tested into a percentage result relative to the reference aerosol, so that different test samples or aerosols generated by the same nebulizer 200 at different suction stages have a unified comparison benchmark, which is beneficial to improve the comparability of test results and facilitates obtaining the trend of change of aerosol relative concentration.

[0059] Therefore, this application eliminates the need for aerosol particles to directly pass through an optical detection cavity used to detect particle size or quantity, and also eliminates the need to invert the scattering signal based on preset parameters such as particle refractive index and shape. Instead, it characterizes the relative concentration of the aerosol under test using image parameters, thereby reducing the dependence of the test results on preset particle property parameters and minimizing the possibility of contamination caused by direct contact between aerosols and precision optical detection elements. Simultaneously, the image under test can intuitively present the release pattern and spatial distribution of aerosols, allowing the relative concentration test results to correspond with the aerosol image, thus achieving visualized detection of aerosol relative concentration.

[0060] Please continue reading. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the volume of the collection chamber 120a is adjustable. When the volume of the collection chamber 120a increases, the air pressure inside the collection chamber 120a decreases, thereby drawing in aerosols through the input channel. When the volume of the collection chamber 120a decreases, the air pressure inside the collection chamber 120a increases, thereby releasing aerosols through the output channel. Thus, by adjusting the volume of the collection chamber 120a, the absorption and release of aerosols can be achieved.

[0061] In some embodiments, the screen 110 is a rectangular black screen with dimensions of 1.2m × 1.2m. The image acquisition device 130 uses the screen 110 as a background to acquire an image of the aerosol to be tested. It is understood that the color and size of the screen 110 are not limited to this and can be set as needed to meet different requirements. Because the color of the screen 110 has a high contrast with the white aerosol particles, the image acquisition device 130 can acquire a clearer image of the aerosol to be tested.

[0062] Please continue reading. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device 120 includes a main housing 121, a push rod 123, an input pipe 125, and an output pipe 127.

[0063] The main housing 121 has a hollow cylindrical shell structure. In the following embodiments, the direction of extension of the central axis of the main housing 121 is defined as the first direction (i.e., Figure 1 (in the X direction).

[0064] Furthermore, the main housing 121 has an opening at one end in the first direction, and one end of the push rod 123 can extend into the main housing 121 along the first direction through this opening. The end face of the push rod 123 extending into the main housing 121 slides and seals against the inner wall of the main housing 121, thereby forming a variable-volume collection chamber 120a together with the inner wall of the main housing 121. By driving the push rod 123 to reciprocate relative to the main housing 121 along the first direction, the push rod 123 can be switched between the intake stroke and the exhaust stroke, flexibly adjusting the volume and air pressure of the collection chamber 120a as needed.

[0065] One end of the input pipe 125 is connected to the side wall of the main housing 121, and the other end of the input pipe 125 is used to connect to the atomizing device 200. The input pipe 125 forms an input channel connecting the collection chamber 120a and the atomizing device 200. The output pipe 127 is connected to one end wall of the main housing 121, and the output pipe 127 forms an output channel connecting the collection chamber 120a.

[0066] Thus, the aerosol generated by the atomizing device 200 can enter the collection chamber 120a through the input channel, and the aerosol in the collection chamber 120a can be released through the output channel.

[0067] In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device 120 further includes a drive device 170 and a controller 180. The drive device 170 is driveably connected to the push rod 123, and the controller 180 is electrically connected to the drive device 170. The controller 180 is used to control the drive device 170 to drive the push rod 123 to reciprocate along a first direction to switch between an intake stroke and an exhaust stroke. When the push rod 123 moves away from the end connected to the output pipe 127 of the main housing 121, the volume of the collection chamber 120a increases, and the air pressure in the collection chamber 120a decreases. At this time, the push rod 123 performs an intake stroke to collect the aerosol to be tested. When the push rod 123 moves towards the end connected to the output pipe 127 of the main housing 121, the volume of the collection chamber 120a decreases, and the air pressure in the collection chamber 120a increases. At this time, the push rod 123 performs an exhaust stroke to release the aerosol to be tested.

[0068] Thus, by controlling the operating state of the drive device 170 through the controller 180, the intake and exhaust strokes of the push rod 123 can be precisely controlled. By ensuring the uniformity of each intake and exhaust stroke, the changing trend and gradient of the relative concentration of the aerosol to be tested can be continuously and uniformly detected.

[0069] In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device 120 further includes a first on / off control unit and a second on / off control unit (not shown). The first on / off control unit is located in the input channel of the input pipe 125 and is used to open or close the input channel. The second on / off control unit is located in the output channel of the output pipe 127 and is used to open or close the output channel. Specifically, in one embodiment, both the first on / off control unit and the second on / off control unit are one-way valves, thus allowing only unidirectional flow of aerosols and preventing backflow of aerosols.

[0070] Thus, when the push rod 123 is in the inhalation stroke, the first on / off control unit is in the on state, the second on / off control unit is in the off state, and the aerosol generated by the atomizing device 200 flows into the collection chamber 120a through the input channel.

[0071] When push rod 123 is in the exhaust stroke, the first on / off control unit is in the off state, the second on / off control unit is in the on state, and the aerosol in the collection chamber 120a is released through the output channel.

[0072] In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device 120 further includes a housing fixing member, which is installed on a support surface such as a desktop, and the main housing 121 is limited to the housing fixing member, thereby being fixed relative to the support surface by the housing fixing member.

[0073] The image acquisition device 130 includes a camera, and the aerosol relative concentration testing system 100 also includes a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can be supported on a support surface such as the ground. The camera is detachably mounted on the mounting bracket. The height of the mounting bracket and the installation angle of the camera are adjustable, so that the camera is aimed at the aerosol acquisition device 120 to obtain a complete image of the aerosol to be tested.

[0074] The analysis device 140 can be a computer, and the analysis device 140 is communicatively connected to the image acquisition device 130 to automatically calculate the relative concentration of the aerosol to be tested based on the image of the aerosol to be tested.

[0075] In some embodiments, the aerosol relative concentration testing system 100 further includes a calibration element 150 located between the screen 110 and the image acquisition device 130.

[0076] Specifically, in some embodiments, the calibration component 150 includes a grayscale card 152 and a length marker 154, the length marker 154 being mountable on the grayscale card 152. The grayscale card 152 is a rectangular card with a preset grayscale, and the length marker 154 is a strip-shaped structure with a preset length, the length direction of the length marker 154 extending along a first direction. In some embodiments, the length marker 154 is provided with graduations arranged along the first direction, and the length marker 154 can measure dimensions greater than 20 cm to meet the measurement requirements of aerosols.

[0077] Thus, the analysis device 140 can obtain the measured gray value and measured length of the correction area of ​​the calibration component 150 in the image to be tested, and compare the measured gray value and measured length with the standard gray value and standard length of the correction area to determine the gray value correction relationship and the area correction relationship. Then, based on the gray value correction relationship and the area correction relationship, the gray value of the image to be tested and the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested are corrected respectively to eliminate the influence of ambient light differences and shooting distance differences on the gray value of the image to be tested and the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested.

[0078] Please combine Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this application also provides a method for testing the relative concentration of aerosols, applied to the aforementioned aerosol relative concentration testing system 100. The aerosol relative concentration testing method includes:

[0079] Step S100: Absorb and release the aerosol to be tested.

[0080] In one specific embodiment, under the control of the controller 180, the drive device 170 drives the push rod 123 to the suction stroke. The push rod 123 moves away from the end connected to the output pipe 127 of the main housing 121, the volume of the collection chamber 120a increases, and the air pressure in the collection chamber 120a decreases. At this time, the first on / off control unit is in the on state, and the second on / off control unit is in the off state. The aerosol to be tested generated by the atomizing device 200 flows into the collection chamber 120a through the input channel.

[0081] Then, under the control of the controller 180, the drive device 170 drives the push rod 123 to switch to the exhaust stroke. When the push rod 123 moves towards the end of the main housing 121 connected to the output pipe 127, the volume of the collection chamber 120a decreases and the air pressure in the collection chamber 120a increases. At this time, the first on / off control unit is in the closed state and the second on / off control unit is in the open state. The aerosol to be tested in the collection chamber 120a is released through the output channel.

[0082] Step S200: Obtain the image of the aerosol to be tested.

[0083] In one specific embodiment, after the aerosol to be tested is released through the output channel of the output pipe 127, the image acquisition device 130 acquires the image of the aerosol to be tested.

[0084] In some embodiments, step S200 includes:

[0085] Step S210: Acquire an image stream when the aerosol to be tested is released; wherein the image stream includes multiple frames of images of the aerosol to be tested.

[0086] In one specific embodiment, as the aerosol to be tested is gradually released through the output channel of the output pipe 127, the image acquisition device 130 continuously captures images to obtain an image stream of the aerosol to be tested.

[0087] Step S220: Select the image of the aerosol to be tested from the image stream when a predetermined exhaust stroke is completed as the image to be tested.

[0088] Specifically, in one embodiment, "one predetermined exhaust stroke" refers to the entire process in which the push rod 123 moves unidirectionally from the furthest point relative to the output channel toward the output channel until one end face of the push rod 123 contacts the end wall of the main housing 121 that connects to the output channel. When one predetermined exhaust stroke is completed, the aerosol in the main housing 121 is just completely pushed out of the collection chamber 120a.

[0089] Because aerosols are dynamically released into the air, their form and concentration are constantly changing. Therefore, by continuously capturing images with the image acquisition device 130 to obtain an image stream, and by extracting fixed frames from the image stream to obtain the image of the aerosol to be tested just as it is completely released from the output channel, the comparability of each measurement can be guaranteed.

[0090] After step S200, step S300 is also included: determining the area to be tested based on the image to be tested, and obtaining the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested in the area to be tested and the gray value of the image to be tested.

[0091] In one specific embodiment, the aerosol to be tested in the acquisition cavity 120a is released through the output channel and imaged within an image acquisition area with the screen 110 as the background. The analysis device 140 can determine the area to be tested where the aerosol image is located from the image to be tested, and then obtain the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested in the area to be tested and the gray value of the image to be tested. The gray value of the image to be tested is the average gray value of each pixel within the area to be tested.

[0092] The process after step S300 also includes:

[0093] Step S410: Obtain the measured grayscale value and measured length of the calibration area of ​​the calibration component in the image to be tested.

[0094] In one specific embodiment, the image to be tested also includes a correction area formed by the correction element 150. The analysis device 140 can determine the correction area where the correction element 150 is located from the image to be tested, and then obtain the measured gray value and measured length of the correction area.

[0095] Step S420: Based on the measured grayscale value and measured length, compare them with the standard grayscale value and standard length of the correction area to determine the grayscale correction relationship and the area correction relationship.

[0096] Step S430: Correct the gray value of the image to be tested and the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested according to the gray value correction relationship and the area correction relationship respectively.

[0097] In one specific embodiment, the analysis device 140 can compare the measured grayscale value and the measured length of the correction region in the image to be tested with the standard grayscale value and standard length of the correction region to determine the grayscale correction relationship and the area correction relationship. Then, based on the grayscale correction relationship and the area correction relationship, the grayscale value of the image to be tested and the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested in the area to be tested are corrected to obtain accurate grayscale values ​​of the image to be tested and areas of the aerosol to be tested, effectively eliminating interference from other factors.

[0098] Taking a single calibration process as an example: If the standard grayscale value of the calibration region is F, and the measured grayscale value of the calibration region in the image to be tested is D, then the ratio of the grayscale values ​​before and after calibration is k1 = F / D. If the grayscale value of the image to be tested before calibration is J, then the grayscale value G of the image to be tested after calibration can be calculated as G = J × k1.

[0099] If the standard length of the correction region is L, and the measured length of the correction region in the image to be measured is P, then the ratio of the lengths before and after correction is k2 = L / P. If the area of ​​the aerosol to be measured before correction is N, then the area of ​​the aerosol to be measured after correction, S, can be calculated as S = N × k2. 2 .

[0100] In this way, by correcting the grayscale value of the image to be tested and the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested, the influence of ambient light differences and shooting distance differences on subsequent analysis can be eliminated, thereby improving the accuracy of the test results.

[0101] The above-described proportional correction method is merely one example of the grayscale and area correction relationship. In other embodiments, linear or nonlinear mapping relationships between measured grayscale values ​​and standard grayscale values, and between measured lengths and standard lengths, can be fitted based on multiple correction regions with different standard grayscale values ​​or different standard lengths, and grayscale and area corrections can be performed accordingly.

[0102] In some embodiments, the analysis device 140 may use image analysis software to perform grayscale correction on the grayscale value of the image under test and size correction on the area of ​​the aerosol under test. During this process, a correction log may be recorded and the images under test before and after correction may be saved to ensure the traceability of the test and the reliability of the results.

[0103] After step S430, step S500 is also included: obtaining the relative concentration of the aerosol to be tested based on the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested, the gray value of the image to be tested, and the reference parameters.

[0104] In one specific embodiment, the formula for calculating the relative concentration is: C = (G1 × S1) / (G2 × S2) × 100%; where C is the relative concentration, G1 is the gray value of the image to be measured, S1 is the area of ​​the aerosol to be measured, G2 is the gray value of the reference image, and S2 is the area of ​​the reference aerosol.

[0105] It should be noted that by acquiring a reference image of a reference aerosol, the grayscale value and area of ​​the reference aerosol can be identified. The reference aerosol and the aerosol under test are tested under the same aerosol acquisition volume, exhaust stroke, exhaust speed, image acquisition position, camera parameters and lighting conditions, and the same image frame selection, region determination, grayscale statistics and area conversion rules are used to obtain the corresponding parameters.

[0106] Under the corresponding image acquisition conditions, the gray value G1 of the image to be tested can characterize the image intensity characteristics of the corresponding area of ​​the aerosol to be tested. This image intensity characteristic is related to the distribution state of the aerosol to be tested in the imaging direction. In this embodiment, the gray value G1 of the image to be tested reflects the density of the aerosol to be tested in the direction perpendicular to the screen 110, and the area S1 of the aerosol to be tested reflects the spatial distribution range of the aerosol. Therefore, the product of the gray value G1 of the image to be tested and the area S1 of the aerosol to be tested can form an image parameter used to characterize the visible total amount of the aerosol to be tested. Then, by comparing it with the reference parameter, a relative concentration value with a unified comparison benchmark can be obtained.

[0107] In some embodiments, the grayscale value G2 of the reference image and the area S2 of the reference aerosol are obtained as follows:

[0108] First, the atomizing device 200 filled with the aerosol generating matrix is ​​left to stand for a period of time. Then, the atomizing device 200 is turned on to heat and atomize the aerosol generating matrix to generate a reference aerosol.

[0109] Then, after a preset time after the atomizing device 200 is activated, the drive device 170 controls the push rod 123 to perform the first complete inhalation and exhaust strokes, thereby releasing the reference aerosol.

[0110] Subsequently, the image acquisition device 130 acquires an image of the reference aerosol as a reference image, and the analysis device 140 then obtains the grayscale value of the reference image and the area of ​​the reference aerosol based on the reference image. The product of the grayscale value of the reference image and the area of ​​the reference aerosol reflects the total amount of the reference aerosol, and the concentration of the reference aerosol is set to 100%.

[0111] Understandably, subsequent testing phases will utilize the same equipment and environment to obtain a highly accurate relative concentration value by comparing it with a reference value. Repeating the testing steps allows for the detection of the relative concentration of aerosols generated by the atomizing device 200 each time, thus revealing the trend of relative concentration changes in the atomizing device 200 during the suction process.

[0112] The aforementioned method for testing relative aerosol concentration first involves aspirating the aerosol to be tested and releasing it into a predetermined image acquisition area, allowing the aerosol to be captured in a visible image. By acquiring the image of the aerosol and determining the aerosol region from the image, the spatial distribution of the aerosol during release can be transformed into processable image information, providing a data foundation for the quantitative characterization of aerosol relative concentration.

[0113] Furthermore, the area of ​​the aerosol region under test can characterize the distribution range of the aerosol on the imaging plane, while the grayscale value of the aerosol region can characterize the image intensity characteristics of the aerosol region under the corresponding image acquisition conditions. Compared to evaluating solely based on the area or grayscale value of the aerosol region, combining both area and grayscale value allows consideration of both the visible distribution range of the aerosol and the image intensity within that distribution range, thus providing a more complete characterization of the total visible aerosol content. For example, when two groups of aerosols have similar area but different grayscale values, or similar grayscale values ​​but different area, they can be distinguished by the combined changes in area and grayscale value, reducing evaluation bias caused by using a single image parameter.

[0114] Based on this, the relative concentration of the aerosol to be tested is determined according to the area and gray value of the aerosol region to be tested and the reference parameters. This can convert the image representation of the aerosol to be tested into a percentage result relative to the reference aerosol, so that the aerosols generated by different test samples or the same nebulizer at different suction stages have a unified comparison benchmark, which is conducive to improving the comparability of test results and making it easier to obtain the trend of the relative concentration of aerosols.

[0115] Therefore, this application eliminates the need for aerosol particles to directly pass through an optical detection cavity used to detect particle size or quantity, and also eliminates the need to invert the scattering signal based on preset parameters such as particle refractive index and shape. Instead, it characterizes the relative concentration of the aerosol under test using image parameters, thereby reducing the dependence of the test results on preset particle property parameters and minimizing the possibility of contamination caused by direct contact between aerosols and precision optical detection elements. Simultaneously, the image under test can intuitively present the release pattern and spatial distribution of aerosols, allowing the relative concentration test results to correspond with the aerosol image, thus achieving visualized detection of aerosol relative concentration.

[0116] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0117] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for testing the relative concentration of aerosols, characterized in that, The method for testing the relative concentration of aerosols includes: Absorb and release the aerosol to be tested; Acquire the image of the aerosol to be tested; The region to be tested is determined based on the image to be tested, and the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested in the region to be tested and the gray value of the image to be tested are obtained. The relative concentration of the aerosol to be tested is obtained based on the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested, the gray value of the image to be tested, and reference parameters.

2. The method for testing the relative concentration of aerosols according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reference parameters include the grayscale value of the reference image and the area of ​​the reference aerosol. The formula for calculating the relative concentration of the aerosol to be tested is: C = (G1 × S1) / (G2 × S2) × 100%; Wherein, C is the relative concentration, G1 is the gray value of the image to be tested, S1 is the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested, G2 is the gray value of the reference image, and S2 is the area of ​​the reference aerosol.

3. The method for testing the relative concentration of aerosols according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of acquiring the image of the aerosol to be tested includes: Acquire an image stream when the aerosol to be tested is released; wherein the image stream includes multiple frames of images of the aerosol to be tested; The image of the aerosol to be tested is selected from the image stream when a predetermined exhaust stroke is completed.

4. The method for testing the relative concentration of aerosols according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the steps of determining the test area based on the test image and obtaining the test aerosol area and the grayscale value of the test image, the aerosol relative concentration testing method further includes: Obtain the measured grayscale value and measured length of the calibration area of ​​the calibration component in the image under test; Based on the measured grayscale value and the measured length, compare them with the standard grayscale value and standard length of the correction area to determine the grayscale correction relationship and the area correction relationship; Based on the grayscale correction relationship and the area correction relationship, the grayscale value of the image to be tested and the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested are corrected respectively.

5. An aerosol relative concentration testing system, characterized in that, include: curtain; An aerosol collection device is located on one side of the curtain. The aerosol collection device has a collection chamber and an input channel and an output channel respectively connected to the collection chamber. as well as An image acquisition device is located on the side of the aerosol acquisition device away from the screen. The image acquisition device is used to acquire a test image of the aerosol to be tested released by the output channel. as well as An analysis device is communicatively connected to the image acquisition device. The analysis device is used to determine the region to be tested based on the image to be tested, and to obtain the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested in the region to be tested and the gray value of the image to be tested. The analysis device is also used to obtain the relative concentration of the aerosol to be tested based on the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested, the gray value of the image to be tested, and reference parameters.

6. The aerosol relative concentration testing system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The volume of the acquisition cavity is adjustable; When the volume of the acquisition cavity increases, the acquisition cavity draws in the aerosol to be tested through the input channel; When the volume of the acquisition chamber decreases, the acquisition chamber releases the aerosol to be tested through the output channel.

7. The aerosol relative concentration testing system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The aerosol collection device includes: main housing; A push rod, one end of which extends into the main housing and can extend and retract relative to the main housing, the end face of the push rod extending into the main housing and the inner wall of the main housing together form the acquisition cavity; An input conduit, connected to the main housing, forms the input channel; and An output pipe is connected to the main housing, and the output pipe forms the output channel.

8. The aerosol relative concentration testing system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aerosol collection device further includes a first on / off control unit and a second on / off control unit; the first on / off control unit is located in the input channel and is used to open or close the input channel, and the second on / off control unit is located in the output channel and is used to open or close the output channel.

9. The aerosol relative concentration testing system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aerosol collection device also includes a drive device and a controller. The drive device is connected to the push rod via a transmission, and the controller is electrically connected to the drive device to control the drive device to drive the push rod to perform the intake stroke and the exhaust stroke.

10. The aerosol relative concentration testing system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The aerosol relative concentration testing system also includes a calibration component. The analysis device is used to acquire the measured grayscale value and measured length of the calibration area of ​​the calibration component in the image to be tested, and to compare the measured grayscale value and measured length with the standard grayscale value and standard length of the calibration area to determine the grayscale correction relationship and the area correction relationship. The analysis device is used to correct the grayscale value of the image to be tested and the area of ​​the aerosol to be tested according to the grayscale correction relationship and the area correction relationship.

Images