Protein chip automatic quality inspection device based on machine vision

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of automatic product quality inspection, in particular to an automatic protein chip quality inspection device based on machine vision. Comprising the steps that an X-axis moving platform drives a camera to horizontally move in the X-axis direction, a Y-axis moving platform drives a bearing tray to horizontally move in the Y-axis direction, the camera is fixed to the X-axis moving platform, the bearing tray is used for bearing a protein chip, and the camera is in communication connection with a PC terminal to transmit image data; a positioning calibration module is further arranged to compensate mechanical errors, a light source module provides a detection light source, and the surface of the bearing tray is provided with an anti-skid coating and / or a positioning groove. And the PC end configures an image splicing control module to splice the local images of the blocks into a global view in combination with the position encoder. The technical effects that automatic quality inspection of the protein chip is achieved, the quality inspection efficiency and accuracy are improved, the stability of the chip during movement is ensured, and a complete chip image is obtained are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automated product quality inspection, and in particular to an automated quality inspection device for protein chips based on machine vision. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of automated biochip testing technology within the biopharmaceutical industry, the quality control of protein chips has become increasingly important due to their widespread application in biomedical research and clinical diagnosis. Accurate quality control of protein chips helps improve the accuracy and reliability of biomedical experimental results, promotes the progress of related research, ensures the effectiveness of clinical diagnosis, and provides strong support for patient health. At the quality control station of the protein chip spotting production line in a cleanroom, efficient and accurate quality control is crucial to ensuring the smooth operation of the entire production process and product quality.

[0003] Prior to this technical solution, traditional protein chip quality inspection typically relied on manual visual inspection. This involved illuminating the protein chip with a desk lamp and then visually inspecting the quality of the protein chip matrix. This method required no additional equipment development, procurement, or operating costs, and was relatively simple to operate, meeting basic testing needs to a certain extent. Many companies and laboratories had long used this method for preliminary quality inspection of protein chips, and it was the primary means of protein chip quality inspection for a considerable period.

[0004] However, traditional manual visual inspection methods have significant drawbacks. Due to individual factors affecting the inspection process—differences in the vision, experience, and subjective judgment standards of different inspectors—the random errors in the results are substantial, making it difficult to guarantee consistency and accuracy. Furthermore, this method is inefficient, requiring a considerable amount of time to inspect a single protein chip, which cannot meet the rapid quality inspection needs of large-scale production. Additionally, the inspection data is not traceable, hindering subsequent data analysis and quality traceability management. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an automated quality inspection device for protein chips based on machine vision.

[0006] The above-mentioned technical objective of this application is achieved through the following technical solution: an automated quality inspection device for protein chips based on machine vision, comprising:

[0007] X-axis moving platform, used to drive the camera to move horizontally in the X-axis direction;

[0008] The Y-axis moving platform is used to drive the load-bearing pallet to move horizontally in the Y-axis direction.

[0009] The camera is fixedly mounted on the X-axis moving platform, and the support tray is fixedly mounted on the Y-axis moving platform for carrying the protein chip;

[0010] The camera is connected to a PC and is used to transmit the collected protein chip image data to the PC.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the X-axis moving platform drives the camera to move horizontally in the X-axis direction, and the Y-axis moving platform drives the carrying tray to move horizontally in the Y-axis direction. This enables the protein chip to move horizontally relative to the camera in the X and Y axes, allowing the camera to capture images of each small chip in the protein chip and transmit the captured image data to a PC for analysis. This avoids the problems of large random errors, low efficiency, and untraceable data caused by individual factors in traditional manual visual inspection, thus improving the accuracy, efficiency, and data traceability of protein chip quality inspection.

[0012] Optionally, the X-axis moving platform includes:

[0013] The first stepper motor, the first belt, and the first horizontal slide rod;

[0014] The first stepper motor drives the camera to move horizontally along the first horizontal slide bar in the X-axis direction via the first belt.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the X-axis moving platform uses a structure of a first stepper motor, a first belt, and a first horizontal slide bar. This allows the first stepper motor to drive the camera to move horizontally along the first horizontal slide bar in the X-axis direction via the first belt, thus achieving precise driving of the camera in the X-axis direction. Combined with the Y-axis moving platform, this enables the entire protein chip to move horizontally relative to the camera in the X and Y axes, thereby enabling the camera to acquire images of each small chip in the protein chip, providing a foundation for subsequent image data analysis.

[0016] Optionally, the Y-axis moving platform includes:

[0017] Second stepper motor, second belt, and second horizontal slide rod;

[0018] The second stepper motor drives the support tray to move horizontally along the second horizontal slide bar in the Y-axis direction via the second belt.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, a Y-axis moving platform is formed by a second stepper motor, a second belt, and a second horizontal slide rod. The second stepper motor drives the carrying tray to move horizontally along the second horizontal slide rod in the Y-axis direction via the second belt. This, in conjunction with the X-axis moving platform, drives the camera to move horizontally in the X-axis direction. This achieves horizontal movement of the entire protein chip relative to the camera in the X and Y-axis directions. As a result, the camera can collect images of each small chip in the protein chip and transmit the data to a PC for analysis. This overcomes the shortcomings of traditional manual visual inspection methods, such as being affected by individual factors, having large random errors, low efficiency, and lacking data traceability.

[0020] Optionally, it also includes a positioning calibration module, which is used to compensate for the mechanical errors of the X-axis moving platform and the Y-axis moving platform; the positioning calibration module includes a position sensor and a calibration reference component disposed on the X-axis moving platform and the Y-axis moving platform.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the X-axis moving platform drives the camera to move horizontally in the X-axis direction, and the Y-axis moving platform drives the carrier tray to move horizontally in the Y-axis direction. The camera transmits the acquired protein chip image data to the PC, realizing the acquisition and transmission of protein chip images. The positioning and calibration module, through the position sensors and calibration references set on the X-axis and Y-axis moving platforms, can compensate for the mechanical errors of the X-axis and Y-axis moving platforms, improve the accuracy of the device's movement, and thus improve the accuracy of protein chip image acquisition.

[0022] Optionally, it also includes a light source module, which is disposed above and / or below the support tray to provide a detection light source; the light source module is communicatively connected to the PC to receive light source control commands from the PC.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the light source module is set above and / or below the support tray, which can provide a suitable detection light source for protein chip detection. The light source module can communicate with the PC and receive the light source control command from the PC, so as to flexibly control the light source according to the actual detection needs, adapt to the detection of different chip types, improve the system flexibility, and avoid the problem of traditional manual visual inspection being affected by light conditions.

[0024] Optionally, the light source module is a composite light source structure, including an independently operable upper light source component and a backlight light source component; the upper light source component is a ring-shaped LED light source, disposed around the lens of the camera, for providing frontal illumination; the backlight light source component is a planar light-diffusing plate, disposed below the support tray, for providing transmissive illumination.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the quality inspection device uses an X-axis moving platform to drive the camera to move horizontally in the X-axis direction and a Y-axis moving platform to drive the carrier tray to move horizontally in the Y-axis direction, so as to realize the acquisition of protein chip image data by the camera and transmit it to the PC for analysis. The light source module adopts a composite light source structure, including an upper light source component and a backlight light source component that can be turned on and off independently. The ring LED light source of the upper light source component can provide front illumination, and the planar light-diffusing plate of the backlight light source component can provide transmitted illumination. This design allows the device to adapt to the illumination requirements of different chip types, improve the quality and accuracy of the detected images, further enhance the system flexibility, and improve the quality inspection effect.

[0026] Optionally, the surface of the support tray is provided with an anti-slip coating and / or positioning grooves to fix the position of the protein chip and ensure the stability of the protein chip when it moves with the Y-axis moving platform.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, the position of the protein chip can be fixed by using the anti-slip coating and / or positioning grooves on the surface of the support tray, ensuring that the protein chip remains stable when moving with the Y-axis moving platform.

[0028] Optionally, the PC is equipped with an image stitching control module, and both the X-axis moving platform and the Y-axis moving platform are integrated with position encoders. The position encoders are communicatively connected to the PC and are used to provide real-time feedback on the coordinate positions of the camera and the support tray. Based on the coordinate positions fed back by the position encoders, the PC automatically stitches the local images of each block captured by the camera into a global view of the protein chip.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solution, the X-axis moving platform and the Y-axis moving platform drive the camera and the carrier tray to move respectively. The camera collects protein chip image data and transmits it to the PC. On this basis, the position encoders integrated into the X-axis and Y-axis moving platforms can feed back the coordinate positions of the camera and the carrier tray to the PC in real time. This allows the PC to automatically stitch together the local images of each block collected by the camera into a global view of the protein chip based on the coordinate positions, assisting in manual review and overall analysis.

[0030] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0031] 1. By driving the camera to move horizontally in the X-axis direction through the X-axis moving platform and driving the support tray to move horizontally in the Y-axis direction through the Y-axis moving platform, the camera can collect protein chip image data and transmit it to the PC for analysis. This avoids the influence of individual factors on manual detection, reduces random errors, and improves the consistency and accuracy of detection results.

[0032] 2. Automated quality inspection using machine vision greatly improves inspection efficiency and shortens inspection time compared to manual visual inspection, meeting the rapid quality inspection needs of large-scale production.

[0033] 3. The PC can receive and process image data captured by the camera, making the detection data traceable and facilitating subsequent data analysis and quality traceability management. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a machine vision-based automated quality inspection device for protein chips.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an automated quality inspection device for protein chips based on machine vision.

[0036] Figure Labels

[0037] 1. X-axis moving platform; 2. Camera; 3. Y-axis moving platform; 4. Carrying tray; 5. Positioning calibration module; 6. Light source module; 61. Upper light source assembly; 62. Backlight light source assembly; 7. Positioning groove. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] In this embodiment, refer to Figures 1-2 An automated quality inspection device for protein chips based on machine vision is disclosed, comprising an X-axis moving platform 1, a Y-axis moving platform 3, a camera 2, a support tray 4, and a PC. The camera 2 is fixedly mounted on the X-axis moving platform 1, and the support tray 4 is fixedly mounted on the Y-axis moving platform 3. The camera 2 is communicatively connected to the PC. The X-axis moving platform 1 drives the camera 2 to move horizontally in the X-axis direction, and the Y-axis moving platform 3 drives the support tray 4 to move horizontally in the Y-axis direction. This enables the camera 2 to acquire images of the protein chips in the support tray 4 and transmits the acquired image data to the PC for analysis. This structure and coordination allow for comprehensive and accurate image acquisition of the protein chips, avoiding random errors inherent in manual inspection and improving inspection efficiency and accuracy.

[0040] Specifically, the X-axis moving platform 1 includes a first stepper motor, a first belt, and a first horizontal slide rod. The first stepper motor is the power source; it typically uses a high-precision stepper motor with precise control performance, capable of rotating according to a preset number of steps and speed. Structurally, it generally consists of a stator, rotor, and control circuitry. When the stator is energized, it generates a magnetic field, driving the rotor to rotate. A servo motor is also an alternative power source; servo motors offer higher control precision and faster response times, making them more suitable for applications requiring extremely high motion accuracy. The first belt transmits power to the first stepper motor. It is typically made of high-strength, wear-resistant rubber and has a ring-shaped structure, surrounding the output shaft of the first stepper motor and the transmission components connected to the camera 2. A chain is another alternative transmission component; chain drives are more stable, have a higher load-bearing capacity, and are suitable for heavy loads. The first horizontal slide rod provides a track for the movement of the camera 2. It is typically a smooth-surfaced metal rod with good straightness and rigidity. The camera 2 slides against the first horizontal slide rod via a slider; the slider typically has an internal lubrication device to reduce friction between it and the slide rod. After the first stepper motor starts, it drives the first belt to rotate. The first belt then drives the component connected to the camera 2 to move horizontally along the first horizontal slide rod in the X-axis direction. This transmission method can convert the rotational motion of the motor into the linear motion of the camera 2, realizing the precise movement of the camera 2 in the X-axis direction.

[0041] Specifically, the Y-axis moving platform 3 includes a second stepper motor, a second belt, and a second horizontal slide bar. The second stepper motor also serves as a power source, with a similar structure and working principle to the first stepper motor. It also offers high control precision, accurately controlling the movement of the support tray 4. An alternative power source could be a hydraulic motor, which has a large torque output and is suitable for driving the heavier support tray 4. The second belt transmits power to the second stepper motor, and its material and structure are similar to the first belt. A synchronous belt could also be used, as it offers advantages such as zero slippage and high transmission efficiency. The second horizontal slide bar provides a track for the movement of the support tray 4, and its material and performance requirements are similar to those of the first horizontal slide bar. The support tray 4 slides along the second horizontal slide bar via a slider, enabling it to move horizontally in the Y-axis direction. After the second stepper motor starts, it drives the support tray 4 to move horizontally along the second horizontal slide bar in the Y-axis direction via the second belt, thus achieving precise movement of the support tray 4 in the Y-axis direction.

[0042] The support tray 4 is used to support the protein chip, and its surface is provided with an anti-slip coating and / or positioning grooves 7. The anti-slip coating is generally a high-friction material, such as a rubber coating, which can increase the friction between the protein chip and the surface of the support tray 4, preventing the protein chip from sliding during movement. The positioning grooves 7 are designed according to the size and shape of the protein chip, which can accurately fix the position of the protein chip and ensure the stability of the protein chip when it moves with the Y-axis moving platform 3.

[0043] Camera 2 is fixedly mounted on the X-axis moving platform 1. It is a CMOS camera, characterized by high resolution and low power consumption. The CMOS camera 2 captures images of the protein chip through its lens, which has good optical performance and can clearly capture the details of the protein chip. Camera 2 communicates with the PC via a USB cable, transmitting the captured protein chip image data to the PC in real time.

[0044] The PC terminal serves as the control and analysis center for the entire quality inspection device, equipped with an image stitching control module. Both the X-axis moving platform 1 and the Y-axis moving platform 3 integrate position encoders, which provide real-time feedback on the coordinate positions of the camera 2 and the support tray 4. These encoders typically employ photoelectric encoders, converting position information into electrical signals through photoelectric conversion. Upon receiving the coordinate feedback from the encoders, the PC terminal automatically stitches together the local images of each block captured by the camera 2 into a global view of the protein chip. This process utilizes image processing and intelligent stitching technologies, integrating image enhancement algorithms such as normalization and equalization, resulting in a clearer and more accurate stitched global view, aiding in manual review and overall analysis.

[0045] In addition, the quality inspection device also includes a positioning calibration module 5 and a light source module 6. The positioning calibration module 5 is used to compensate for mechanical errors of the X-axis moving platform 1 and the Y-axis moving platform 3. It includes position sensors and calibration reference components mounted on the X-axis moving platform 1 and the Y-axis moving platform 3. The position sensors are generally laser displacement sensors, capable of accurately measuring the positional deviation of the platforms. The calibration reference component is a reference part with precise position and dimensions. Through the cooperation of the position sensors and the calibration reference component, mechanical errors of the platforms can be detected and compensated in a timely manner, improving the accuracy of the inspection.

[0046] The light source module 6 is positioned above and / or below the support tray 4 to provide a detection light source. The light source module 6 communicates with the PC to receive light source control commands from the PC. Specifically, the light source module 6 is a composite light source structure, including an independently operable upper light source assembly 61 and a backlight light source assembly 62. The upper light source assembly 61 is a ring-shaped LED light source, positioned around the lens of the camera 2, to provide frontal illumination. The ring-shaped LED light source consists of multiple LED beads forming a ring structure, which can uniformly illuminate the surface of the protein chip, facilitating the camera 2 to capture clear images. The backlight light source assembly 62 is a planar light-diffusing plate, positioned below the support tray 4, to provide transmitted illumination. The planar light-diffusing plate can uniformly transmit light through the protein chip, highlighting the internal structural features of the protein chip and helping to detect potential defects.

[0047] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: A machine vision-based automated quality inspection device for protein chips uses the coordinated movement of the X-axis moving platform 1 and the Y-axis moving platform 3 to drive the relative movement of the camera 2 and the support tray 4, achieving comprehensive image acquisition of the protein chip. Precise motion control technology ensures the accuracy and integrity of the acquired images. Based on an automated image analysis algorithm integrated on a PC, it can quickly identify the protein chip matrix and classify defects, automatically determine chip qualification, and generate defect reports, greatly improving inspection efficiency. The positioning calibration module 5 compensates for mechanical errors, improving inspection accuracy. The light source module 6 provides multiple illumination methods to adapt to different chip types, enhancing system flexibility. Image processing and intelligent stitching technology automatically stitches local scanned images into a global view, facilitating manual review and overall analysis. Compared with traditional manual visual inspection methods, this device is not affected by individual factors, the inspection results are accurate and reliable, efficiency is greatly improved, and the inspection data is traceable, meeting the rapid quality inspection needs of large-scale production and providing an effective solution for protein chip quality inspection in the biopharmaceutical industry.

[0048] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

[0049] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A machine vision-based automatic quality inspection device for protein chips, characterized in that, include: X-axis moving platform (1) is used to drive camera (2) to move horizontally in the X-axis direction; Y-axis moving platform (3) is used to drive the carrying pallet (4) to move horizontally in the Y-axis direction; The camera (2) is fixedly installed on the X-axis moving platform (1), and the carrying tray (4) is fixedly installed on the Y-axis moving platform (3) for carrying the protein chip; The camera (2) is connected to the PC and is used to transmit the collected protein chip image data to the PC.

2. The machine vision-based automatic protein chip quality inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The X-axis moving platform (1) includes: The first stepper motor, the first belt, and the first horizontal slide rod; The first stepper motor drives the camera (2) to move horizontally along the first horizontal slide bar in the X-axis direction via the first belt.

3. The machine vision-based automatic protein chip quality inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The Y-axis moving platform (3) includes: Second stepper motor, second belt, and second horizontal slide rod; The second stepper motor drives the carrier tray (4) to move horizontally along the second horizontal slide bar in the Y-axis direction via the second belt.

4. The machine vision-based automatic protein chip quality inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a positioning calibration module (5), which is used to compensate for the mechanical errors of the X-axis moving platform (1) and the Y-axis moving platform (3); the positioning calibration module (5) includes a position sensor and a calibration reference component disposed on the X-axis moving platform (1) and the Y-axis moving platform (3).

5. The machine vision-based automatic protein chip quality inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a light source module (6), which is disposed above and / or below the support tray (4) to provide a detection light source; the light source module (6) is communicatively connected to the PC to receive light source control commands from the PC.

6. The machine vision-based automatic protein chip quality inspection device according to claim 5, wherein, The light source module (6) is a composite light source structure, including an upper light source component (61) and a backlight light source component (62) that can be turned on and off independently; the upper light source component (61) is a ring LED light source, which is set around the lens of the camera (2) to provide frontal illumination; the backlight light source component (62) is a planar light-diffusing plate, which is set below the support tray (4) to provide transmissive illumination.

7. The machine vision-based automatic protein chip quality inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The surface of the support tray (4) is provided with an anti-slip coating and / or positioning grooves (7) to fix the position of the protein chip and ensure the stability of the protein chip when it moves with the Y-axis moving platform (3).

8. The machine vision-based automatic protein chip quality inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The PC is equipped with an image stitching control module. The X-axis moving platform (1) and the Y-axis moving platform (3) are both integrated with position encoders. The position encoders are connected to the PC and are used to provide real-time feedback on the coordinate positions of the camera (2) and the carrier tray (4). Based on the coordinate positions fed back by the position encoders, the PC automatically stitches the local images of each block collected by the camera (2) into a global view of the protein chip.

Images