Arrangement configuration for aligning a needle and a drying stick when applying an animal milk sample
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DELAVAL HLDG AB
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This specification discloses an arrangement configuration. The arrangement configuration is arranged to align a needle and a drying stick for applying an animal milk sample to the drying stick when the drying stick is positioned at a milk sample application position where the needle is aligned with the drying stick, and the drying stick is configured to indicate at least one biomarker value of the applied milk sample. The arrangement configuration is described.
Background Art
[0002] In an animal farm, it is important to keep animals healthy to increase milk / meat production. In a dairy farm, for example, in order to successfully inseminate dairy cows, it is very important to inseminate the animals at the optimal time. For efficiency reasons, it is important to find the appropriate time to inseminate each individual animal on the farm. If an animal is not successfully inseminated, milk production is affected.
[0003] Some biomarker measurements can be performed on animals, such as measuring the levels of progesterone, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), BHB (beta-hydroxybutyric acid), and urea. Thereby, important information regarding, for example, estrus detection and / or pregnancy of individual animals can be obtained (based on the measured progesterone level), and the same applies to mastitis (based on LDH) and ketosis (based on BHB). Also, the energy balance can be estimated (based on urea).
[0004] For example, during or before or after a milking session, a milk analysis device / service module can be arranged to cooperate with a milk extraction arrangement to periodically analyze milk samples of an animal. The milk analysis device / service module can extract a milk sample and provide it to a drying stick / lateral flow stick / lateral flow test strip or the like. The milk can be diluted with a diluent, which can also be used to flush tubes between test sessions. The optional diluent can be provided in a liquid container. WO 2018 / 236271 shows an example of this type of milk analysis device. Thereby, important information regarding each individual animal is provided to the farmer / operator. Biomarkers such as progesterone can be measured for all individual animals on a farm using a high degree of automation.
[0005] A new trend is to reduce the width of the lateral flow stick to save materials. This saves materials and reduces the cost of the drying stick. 5 mm is often considered the minimum recommended width of the prior art for drying sticks. If the width is reduced to be narrower, for example, 4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3 mm, 2.5 mm, 2 mm, etc., or if the lateral edge(s) / multiple lateral edges are cut inaccurately, for example, several problems may occur.
[0006] The drawback is that the narrower the width of the drying stick, the more difficult it is to align the needle with the drying stick and apply the extracted milk sample onto the drying stick, that is, to direct the needle towards the sample pad of the drying stick. If the milk sample is applied beside the drying stick, the biomarker measurement will fail.
[0007] It is desirable to find a reliable method to apply the milk sample to the drying stick even when the drying stick is very narrow compared to the conventional width of about 5 mm. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve at least some of the above problems and enable the application of an animal milk sample to a drying stick even when the drying stick is very narrow, for example, when the drying stick has a width of about 1 to 3 mm, preferably 2 to 2.5 mm.
[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by an arrangement configured to align a needle and a drying stick for applying an animal milk sample to the drying stick when the drying stick is positioned at the milk sample application position. The drying stick is configured to indicate at least one biomarker value of the applied milk sample.
[0010] A biomarker, or biological marker, generally refers to a measurable indicator of some biological state or condition of an animal. Biomarker value measurement may be related to animal pregnancy / reproduction.
[0011] The arrangement includes a carrier including at least one drying stick. The carrier has a longitudinal extension extending in the Y direction. The carrier may be embodied, for example, as a carrier tape on which one drying stick or a plurality of drying sticks are arranged. Alternatively, the carrier may be embodied as a blister package.
[0012] The arrangement also includes a tube element and a needle arranged to receive an animal milk sample. The needle is connected to the tube element and is arranged to receive an animal milk sample through the tube element and apply the milk sample to the drying stick.
[0013] In addition, the arrangement includes a first light source directed to illuminate the drying stick to create a first shadow of the drying stick on the carrier. The first light source may be embodied as a lamp or a flash.
[0014] The arrangement further comprises a camera configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the drying stick and a first shadow of a portion of the drying stick. Further, the arrangement comprises a drive unit having an interface configured to cooperate with the carrier to move the drying stick on the carrier in the Y direction to the milk sample application position.
[0015] The arrangement also comprises a controller communicatively connected to the camera and the drive unit. The controller is configured to trigger the camera to capture an image of a portion of the drying stick and a first shadow of a portion of the drying stick on the carrier, the first shadow being created by a first light source. Additionally, the controller is configured to receive the captured image from the camera. The controller is also configured to perform image analysis of the image to detect a portion of the drying stick and a first shadow of a portion of the drying stick on the carrier. Finally, the controller is configured to provide a milk application signal to the drive unit to move the carrier and the drying stick in the Y direction to the milk sample application position based on the image analysis, enabling the needle to apply the milk sample to the drying stick.
[0016] By illuminating the drying stick from the side with the first light source to create a shadow of the drying stick on the carrier, a sharp contrast is created by the edge of the drying stick (typically white or very bright) between the edge of the drying stick and the carrier. This enables the exact location of the edge of the drying stick to be selected by image analysis.
[0017] In a first implementation of the arrangement according to the first aspect, the controller may be configured to perform image analysis of the image to detect the first edge of the drying stick by detecting the first shadow of the first edge of the drying stick on the carrier.
[0018] In a second implementation of the arrangement according to the first aspect, the needles are arranged at predetermined positions in the Y direction and in the X direction perpendicular to the Y direction. The predetermined positions of the needles are known to the controller.
[0019] The image analysis performed by the controller may include detecting a section of the first edge of the drying stick by detecting a first shadow of a part of the drying stick on the carrier. The image analysis may also include extrapolating an extension of the section of the first edge of the drying stick in the segment of the drying stick to which the milk sample is applied by the needle when the drying stick is at the milk sample application position. Additionally, the image analysis may include calculating the Y-direction distance between the extrapolated extension of the first edge in the segment of the drying stick and the predetermined position of the needle. The image analysis may also include generating a milk application signal provided to the drive unit to move the carrier and the drying stick in the Y direction to the milk sample application position based on the calculated distance, thereby aligning the predetermined position of the needle with the segment of the drying stick to which the milk sample is applied by the needle.
[0020] The controller can correct the positioning of the drying stick in the Y direction even when the camera can capture an image of only a part of the drying stick.
[0021] In a third implementation of the arrangement according to the first aspect or any of its implementations, the first light source can be directed to illuminate the drying stick at an incident angle of substantially 45 ± 15 degrees.
[0022] The clear and distinct first shadow of the first drying stick edge thus created on the carrier by the first light source makes the first edge of the drying stick easily recognizable when running the image analysis.
[0023] In a fourth, or any implementation of the first aspect's arrangement configuration, the controller may have knowledge of the width of the drying stick. The controller may also be configured to move the carrier and the drying stick in the Y direction to align the drying stick to which the milk sample is applied with a predetermined position of the needle, based on image processing and using the knowledge of the width of the drying stick.
[0024] Determining the exact location of the first drying stick edge and using the knowledge of the width of the drying stick, the controller can calculate the adjustment of the drying stick in the Y direction to bring the drying stick to the milk sample application position where the milk sample is applied through the needle at the center between the two side edges of the drying stick.
[0025] In a fifth implementation, or any implementation of the first aspect's arrangement configuration, the arrangement configuration may include a second light source. The second light source may be directed to illuminate the drying stick to create a second shadow of the second edge of the drying stick on the carrier. The controller may also be configured to switch off the light of the first light source and turn on the second light source. Additionally, the controller may be configured to trigger the camera to capture an image of the second edge of the drying stick and the second shadow of the second edge of the drying stick on the carrier. The controller may be configured to perform image analysis of the image to detect the second edge of the drying stick by detecting the second shadow of the second edge of the drying stick on the carrier from the camera.
[0026] The controller may also be configured to move the carrier and the drying stick in the Y direction to align the drying stick to which the milk sample is applied with a predetermined position of the needle, based on the detected first edge and the second edge of the drying stick, respectively.
[0027] By accurately positioning the drying stick and applying the milk sample symmetrically between the first side edge and the second side edge of the drying stick, successful application of the milk sample to the drying stick is ensured, and even when the drying stick is very narrow, for example, about 1 - 3 mm, the risk of applying the milk sample beside the drying stick is reduced.
[0028] In a sixth implementation form of the arrangement configuration according to the first aspect or any of its implementation forms, the drying stick has a thickness extending in the Z direction, and the Z direction is perpendicular to the Y direction. The first shadow on the carrier can be created by the light from the first light source and a part of the drying stick extending in the Z direction.
[0029] The image analysis of the image may include detecting that two or more drying sticks are stacked on top of each other in the Z direction on the carrier. Next, the image analysis can include the step of estimating the Y - direction extension of the first shadow of a part of the drying stick on the carrier before applying the milk sample to the drying stick. Additionally, the image analysis may include comparing the estimated shadow extension with a predicted shadow extension value, and when the estimated shadow extension exceeds the predicted shadow extension value, generating a transfer signal provided to the drive unit to transfer the carrier in the Y direction for the subsequent drying stick on the carrier.
[0030] The drying stick is quite thin, and two drying sticks may be accidentally stacked on top of each other on the carrier. The quality check provided thereby can easily and automatically detect these manufacturing errors, and the carrier can be transferred to the subsequent drying stick before the milk sample is applied.
[0031] In a seventh implementation form of the arrangement configuration according to the first aspect or any of its implementation forms, the drying stick may include a sample pad for receiving a milk sample. Further, the drying stick may include a conjugate pad containing a conjugate. Additionally, the drying stick may include a display zone having a test line and a control line arranged to indicate a biomarker of the milk sample based on the conjugate. In addition, the drying stick may also include an absorbent pad for absorbing the milk sample. The drying stick may also include a porous membrane for receiving the capillary flow of the milk sample from the sample pad through the conjugate pad and the display zone to the absorbent pad, thereby transferring the conjugate dispersed in the milk sample to the display zone.
[0032] The image captured by the camera can depict at least a portion of the absorbent pad and the shadow created by a portion of the absorbent pad on the carrier when illuminated by the light source. The controller may be configured to detect a failed flow of the milk sample applied to the absorbent pad of the drying stick through the porous membrane. Detection of the failed milk flow may be performed by estimating the extension of the shadow of the absorbent pad in the Y direction on the carrier during a predetermined period after applying the milk sample. Also, the detection may include comparing the estimated shadow extension of the shadow of the absorbent pad on the carrier with a predicted reference shadow value. Detection of the failed milk flow may also include the step of discarding the drying stick when the estimated shadow extension of the shadow of the absorbent pad on the carrier is less than the predicted reference shadow value.
[0033] Thereby, a failed lateral flow test can be detected, and one or several appropriate actions can be triggered, for example, discarding the drying stick / test, generating a warning to the farmer, transferring the carrier to the next drying stick and repeating the application of the milk sample to the new drying stick, etc.
[0034] Other advantages and further novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0035] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0036]
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
Figure 4A
Figure 4B
Figure 5
Figure 6A
Figure 6B
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0037] Embodiments of the invention described herein are defined as an arrangement configuration, which can be practiced in the embodiments described below. However, these embodiments can be exemplified and realized in many different forms and are not limited to the examples described herein. Rather, these exemplary examples of the embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be detailed and complete.
[0038] Still other objects and features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are designed only for the purpose of illustration and are not designed as a definition of the limitations of the embodiments disclosed herein, to which the appended claims will be referred. Further, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein, unless otherwise stated.
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a scenario having an arrangement configuration 100 arranged to align a needle 150 and a drying stick 110 to apply a milk sample of an animal 101 to the drying stick 110 when the milk sample application position needle 150 is aligned with the drying stick 110 and the drying stick 110 is positioned at the milk sample application position.
[0040] "Animal" can be any type of domesticated female milk-producing and / or meat-producing mammal such as cows, goats, sheep, horses, camels, Bactrian camels, dairy cows, donkeys, reindeer, yaks, etc.
[0041] The lateral flow stick 110 can be individually arranged on a carrier 115 including a plurality of lateral flow sticks 110, 110a. Each one of the lateral flow sticks 110, 110a individually arranged on the carrier 115 can be arranged separately from each other.
[0042] The drying stick 110 is configured to indicate at least one biomarker value of the applied milk sample.
[0043] The carrier 115 has a longitudinal extension extending in the Y direction and a transverse extension extending in the X direction, and the Y direction and the X direction are perpendicular to each other.
[0044] Each one of the drying sticks 110, 110a has a longitudinal extension, and the longitudinal extension of the drying stick 110 extends on the carrier 115 along the X direction with an inclination within a range of ±45 degrees with respect to the X direction, and can be arranged on the carrier 115.
[0045] The carrier 115 may be embodied as, for example, a carrier tape or a blister package. In an embodiment where the carrier 115 is embodied as a carrier tape, the carrier 115 may be included in a cassette for quick handling.
[0046] When each drying stick 110, 110a is embodied as a carrier tape, it may be individually maintained and sealed on the carrier 115. For example, it may be sealed by a foil covering the drying sticks 110, 110a and the carrier 115. The foil may be made of, for example, a transparent plastic / elastomer. In these embodiments, the foil may be peeled off before applying the milk / liquid sample to the drying sticks 110, 110a. When the carrier 115 is embodied as a blister package, the seal cover of the blister package may be perforated before applying the milk / liquid sample.
[0047] The milk of the animal 101 may be extracted and discharged by milking equipment that is part of a milking parlor through a milk line to a milk tank or a similar milk storage unit.
[0048] During milking of the animal 101, or in close relation thereto, a milk sample can be diverted from the milking equipment / milk line 105 and provided to a tube element 155 having an interface to the milking equipment / milk line 105. A pump may be configured to act on the tube element 155 to transfer the milk sample from the milking equipment / milk line 105 through a valve 140 and a mixing chamber to a needle 150.
[0049] In some embodiments, the milk sample may be mixed with a diluent within the mixing chamber, thereby forming a liquid sample comprising a mixture of milk and diluent.
[0050] The needle 150 is connected to the tube element 155, optionally via a valve 140 and a mixing chamber. The needle 150 is arranged to receive a milk sample of the animal 101 and apply the milk sample to a drying stick 110.
[0051] The needle 150 may be arranged at a predetermined position in the Y direction and the X direction.
[0052] The arrangement configuration 100 also comprises a first light source 160 directed to illuminate the drying stick 110 in order to create a first shadow 111 of the drying stick 110 on the carrier 115.
[0053] The first light source 160 may be directed to illuminate the drying stick 110 at an incident angle of substantially 45 ± 15 degrees. The first light source 160 can comprise a lamp arranged at a predetermined incident angle and a predetermined illuminance. Illuminance is the total luminous flux incident on a surface per unit area. The first light source 160 can thereby be applied to ensure proper illumination of the drying stick 110 and create a distinct first shadow 111 of the drying stick 110 on the carrier 115.
[0054] The arrangement configuration 100 further comprises a camera 120 configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the drying stick 110 and the first shadow 111 of a portion of the drying stick 110 on the carrier 115.
[0055] Configuration 100 also includes a drive unit 170 having an interface 175 configured to cooperate with a carrier 115 to move a drying stick 110 on the carrier 115 in the Y direction to a milk sample application position.
[0056] In some embodiments, the drive unit 170 can include a motor such as a linear motor or an engine such as an electric engine.
[0057] When the carrier 115 is embodied as a carrier tape, the carrier tape may be disposed on a first spool and a second spool, and optionally on a cassette. The interface 175 may then include one or two engagement wheels arranged to rotate the first and / or second spools, thereby moving the carrier 115.
[0058] Configuration 100 also includes a controller 130 communicatively connected to the camera 120 and the drive unit 170, and optionally also to a first light source 160.
[0059] The controller 130 is configured to perform a number of operations for aligning the needle 150 with the drying stick 110. The controller 130 is configured to trigger the camera 120 to capture an image of a portion of the drying stick 110 and a first shadow 111 of a portion of the drying stick 110 on the carrier 115. The first shadow 111 is created by the light of the first light source 160. The controller 130 is also configured to receive the captured image from the camera 120. The controller 130 is also configured to perform image analysis of the image to detect a portion of the drying stick 110 and the first shadow 111 of a portion of the drying stick 110 on the carrier 115.
[0060] The first shadow 111 is created on the carrier 115, thereby creating a distinct and easily recognizable contrast and enabling recognition of a portion of the drying stick 110 to which a milk sample can be applied via the needle 150 by image analysis.
[0061] Based on the image analysis, the controller 130 is configured to provide a milk application signal to the drive unit 170 to move the carrier 115 and the drying stick 110 in the Y direction to a milk sample application position via the interface 175, where the needle 150 enables the application of the milk sample to the drying stick 110.
[0062] The needle 150 may be disposed at predetermined positions in the Y and X directions, which are known by the controller 130. Thereby, the controller 130 can align the needle 150 with the drying stick 110 and apply the milk sample to the drying stick 110 via the needle 150 when the drying stick 110 is positioned at the milk sample application position.
[0063] The drying stick 110 may respond to the presence and / or amount of one or several biomarkers, for example by changing color, shade, or the intensity of the color / shade. The camera 120 can capture an image of the drying stick 110. The captured image of the drying stick 110 can then be analyzed by the controller 130, and based on the intensity of the color, the presence and / or amount of the biomarker in the milk sample can thereby be estimated.
[0064] In different embodiments, the measured biomarker can be, for example, progesterone, glycoprotein, estrogen and / or gonadotropin releasing hormone, or any other similar biomarker associated with the reproduction of the animal 101.
[0065] FIG. 2A illustrates the drying stick 110 as seen from a side view, and FIG. 2B illustrates the drying stick 110 as seen from above.
[0066] The drying stick 110 may comprise a backplate 220 that can be made of cardboard, paper, or similar materials. The backplate 220 may form a base to which other components of the drying stick 110 can be attached.
[0067] The drying stick 110 may comprise a sample pad 210. The sample pad 210 is part of the drying stick 110 where the milk sample / liquid sample is applied by the needle 150 when the drying stick 110 is in the milk sample application position. The sample pad 210 can include a porous structure to enable capillary flow, such as cellulose fibers and / or woven mesh.
[0068] The drying stick 110 may also include a conjugate pad 230 containing a conjugate 270. The conjugate 270 can include antibody-treated gold particles that are dispersed in milk when the milk sample / liquid sample flows from the sample pad 310 through the conjugate pad 230.
[0069] The conjugate 270 reacts with the biomarker to be measured, for example, progesterone in the milk of the applied liquid sample.
[0070] Thus, the conjugate 270 can be embedded within the conjugate pad 230, which may include a glass fiber section of the drying stick 110. Alternatively, the conjugate pad 230 can include cellulose and / or surface-modified polyester.
[0071] Also, the drying stick 110 may include a display zone 250 arranged to indicate the biomarker of the milk sample / liquid sample based on the conjugate 270. The drying stick 110 can further include a porous membrane 240 that receives the capillary flow of the milk sample / liquid sample from the conjugate pad 230 and thereby transfers the conjugate 270 dispersed in the milk sample / liquid sample to the display zone 250.
[0072] The porous membrane 240 can include, for example, a nitrocellulose membrane, cellulose, glass fiber, polyester, rayon, polymer, glass fiber, woven fiber, non-woven fiber, chromatography gel membrane, diatomaceous earth, silica gel, silicon oxide, diatomaceous earth, or other filtration membranes in different embodiments. The porous membrane 240 can be designed to increase the capillary pumping rate of the liquid passing through the dry stick 110. The display zone 250 of the porous membrane 240 can include a test line 251 and a control line 252.
[0073] The test line 251 is treated with a biomarker standard such as progesterone reference that binds to the antibody-treated gold particles of the milk sample / liquid sample when exposed to milk containing a progesterone level lower than the threshold limit, thereby changing the color of the test line 251. Thus, when there is no or low progesterone level in the milk, the test line 251 can change color to red / pinkish red. When the animal 101 is in heat / at such a time, the progesterone level in the milk sample is almost zero. Next, this color change can be detected by the camera 120, reported to the farmer, and / or stored in a database associated with the identity and / or time reference of the animal 101. This can also trigger, for example, the scheduling of insemination of the animal 101 (when the biomarker is progesterone), or the scheduling of veterinary examinations (in the case of another biomarker).
[0074] The control line 252 within the display zone 250 of the porous membrane 240 can be treated with an antibody reference that binds to the antibody-reference-treated gold particles of the milk sample / liquid sample regardless of the progesterone level in the milk, thereby changing the color of the control line 252 when exposed to milk containing the antibody-reference-treated gold particles and ensuring a successful capillary flow of the milk / liquid through the porous membrane 240.
[0075] The dry stick 110 may include an absorbent pad 260. The absorbent pad 260 can include an absorbent configured to absorb excess milk / liquid from the porous membrane 240.
[0076] FIG. 3A schematically illustrates some of the elements included in the arrangement configuration 100, such as a first light source 160 that illuminates the camera 120, the controller 130, and the drying stick 110.
[0077] The drying stick 110 has a thickness extending in the Z direction. The Z direction is perpendicular to the Y direction and / or the X direction. A first shadow 111 of a portion of the drying stick 110 on the carrier 115 is created by the light from the first light source 160 and a first edge 310 of a portion of the drying stick 110 extending in the Z direction.
[0078] The controller 130 may be configured to perform image analysis of an image by several operations.
[0079] The controller 130 may be configured to detect a section of the first edge 310 of the drying stick 110 by detecting a first shadow 111 of the first edge 310 of the drying stick 110 extending in the Z direction on the carrier 115.
[0080] In some embodiments, the arrangement configuration 100 may include a second light source 162 directed to illuminate the drying stick 110 such that a second edge 330 of the drying stick 110 creates a second shadow 112 of the drying stick 110 on the carrier 115 while the first light source 160 is turned off. The second light source 162 can then illuminate the drying stick 110 from the opposite side of the drying stick 110 with respect to the first light source 160.
[0081] Thereby, the controller 130 can detect both side edges 310, 330 of the drying stick 110, such that when the controller 130 does not know the width of the drying stick 110, or when different drying sticks 110 have different widths, a milk sample can be applied via the needle 150 to the segment 320 of the drying stick 110 where the milk sample is applied between the first and second side edges 310, 330 of the drying stick 110.
[0082] The second light source 162 may be directed to irradiate the drying stick 110 at a substantially 45 ± 15 degree angle of incidence, similar to the first light source 160, but from the opposite side surface of the drying stick 110.
[0083] FIG. 3B illustrates an image 300 of the drying stick 110 and the first shadow 111 of the first edge 310 captured by the camera 120.
[0084] The distinct and distinguishable first shadow 111 created by the first edge 310 of the drying stick 110 on the carrier 115 facilitates the controller 130 to determine the position of the edge 310, which enables the accuracy when aligning the needle 150 with the segment 320 of the drying stick 110 where the milk sample is applied by the needle 150 when the drying stick 110 is in the milk sample application position and when the drying stick 110 is at a very narrow interval, such as between about 1 - 3 mm, preferably 2 - 2.5 mm.
[0085] The controller 130 may have knowledge of the width of the drying stick 110, for example, 2 mm. The width of the drying stick 110 may be manually input by an operator or estimated by image analysis of the image 300 captured by the camera 120. By determining the exact location of the drying stick edge 310 and using the knowledge of the width of the drying stick 110, the controller 130 can move the carrier 115 and the drying stick 110 in the Y direction to align the segment 320 of the drying stick 110 to which the milk sample is applied with a predetermined position of the needle 150 based on image processing and using the knowledge of the width of the drying stick 110. Thereafter, the controller 130 can apply the milk sample through the needle 150 at a distance corresponding to half of the width of the drying stick 110 from the first drying stick edge 310.
[0086] However, the controller 130 can also apply the methodology described herein to a drying stick 110 having a width of at least 5 mm. This achieves an improved success rate regarding the application of the milk sample to the drying stick 110.
[0087] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of the carrier 115 as viewed from above. The drying sticks 110, 110a on the carrier 115 are arranged with an inclination α within a range of ±45 degrees with respect to the X direction (non-limiting example).
[0088] FIG. 4B illustrates an example of the image 300 captured by the camera 120.
[0089] In this example, only a part of the drying stick 110 is captured in the image 300.
[0090] The controller 130 may be configured to detect a section of the first edge 310 of the drying stick 110 in the image 300 by detecting a first shadow 111 on the carrier 115 of a part of the drying stick 110 extending in the Z direction.
[0091] When the drying stick 110 is in the milk sample application position, the controller 130 may be configured to extrapolate an extension 410 of the first edge 310 of a section of the drying stick 110 where the milk sample is applied by the needle 150 in the segment 320 of the drying stick 110.
[0092] Next, the controller 130 can calculate the Y-direction distance d between the extrapolated extension 410 of the first edge 310 and a predetermined position 420 of the needle 150 in the Y and X directions.
[0093] The controller 130 may also be configured to generate a milk application signal provided to the drive unit 170 to move the carrier 115 and the drying stick 110 in the Y direction to the milk sample application position. The milk application signal and the magnitude of the movement in the Y direction may be based on the calculated distance d. Thereby, the predetermined position 420 of the needle 150 in the Y and X directions is aligned with the segment 320 of the drying stick 110 where the milk sample is applied by the needle 150.
[0094] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an image 300 captured by the camera 120 depicting the drying stick 110.
[0095] The first edge 310 of the drying stick 110 creates a first shadow 111 on the carrier 115. The first shadow 111 enables very accurate positioning of the first edge 310 by the controller 130. The first shadow 111 created by the drying stick 110 has an extension w in the Y direction.
[0096] Image analysis may, in some embodiments, include detecting that two or more drying sticks 110 are accidentally stacked on top of each other in the Z direction on the carrier 115. The controller 130 may be configured to estimate the Y-direction extension w of the shadow 111 on a part of the carrier 115 of the drying stick 110 before the milk sample is applied to the drying stick 110.
[0097] The controller 130 may also be configured to compare an estimated shadow extension w on the carrier 115 with a predicted shadow extension value. The predicted shadow extension value typically corresponds to the shadow extension w of the shadow 111 of a single drying stick 110 on the carrier 115. If the estimated shadow extension w exceeds the predicted shadow extension value, it can be at least implicitly concluded that two or more drying sticks 110 are stacked on top of each other, or, in some cases, that some other undesirable object has been accidentally placed on top of / below the drying stick 110. In any case, it is inappropriate to use the drying stick 110 to perform tests such as a lateral flow test.
[0098] The controller 130 may also be configured to generate a transfer signal provided to the drive unit 170 to transfer the carrier 115 in the Y direction for a subsequent drying stick 110a on the carrier 115.
[0099] FIG. 6A illustrates an image 300 depicting a drying stick 110 comprising a sample pad 210 for receiving a milk sample via a needle 150 prior to application of the milk sample. The illustrated drying stick 110 also includes an absorbent pad 260 for absorbing the milk sample.
[0100] The drying stick 110 may include, for example, a lateral flow stick as illustrated in FIGS. 2A - 2B and described in the corresponding section of this specification.
[0101] FIG. 6B illustrates an image 300 depicting the drying stick 110 and the shadow 111 of the drying stick 110 on the carrier 115 after application of the milk sample to the sample pad 210 and after the milk sample has propagated from the sample pad 210 to the absorbent pad 260 of the drying stick 110 via the conjugate pad 230 and the display zone 250 by capillary action.
[0102] In some embodiments, the controller 130 may be configured to detect a failed flow of the milk sample applied to the absorbent pad 260 of the drying stick 110 through the porous membrane 240.
[0103] Detecting the failed flow may include estimating an extension w of the shadow 111 on the carrier 115 of the absorbent pad 260 in the Y direction during a predetermined period after applying the milk sample.
[0104] The determined period may correspond to the estimated propagation of the milk flowing through the drying stick 110 to the absorbent pad 260 after applying the milk sample to the sample pad 210.
[0105] Also, the controller 130 may be configured to compare the estimated shadow extension w of the shadow 111 on the carrier 115 of the absorbent pad 260 with a predicted reference shadow value.
[0106] The reference shadow value may approximately correspond to the shadow extension of the shadow 111 of the absorbent pad 260 when the milk / liquid is absorbed by the absorbent pad 260 after the determined period.
[0107] The controller 130 may be configured to discard the drying stick 110 when the estimated shadow extension w of the shadow 111 on the carrier 115 of the absorbent pad 260 is smaller than the predicted reference shadow value.
[0108] The controller 130 may be embodied as a processing circuit configured to perform various calculations for performing various computer programs, for example, to communicate with the camera 120 and / or the drive unit 170 respectively, and / or to perform image analysis.
[0109] The processing circuit may include one or more instances of a processing circuit, i.e., a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a processing device, a processing circuit, a processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, or other processing logic capable of interpreting and executing instructions. Thus, the expression "processing circuit" as used herein can represent, for example, any, some, or all of those listed above, a plurality of processing circuits interconnected and cooperating with each other.
[0110] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the controller 130 may include a memory. The optional memory may include a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store data or a program, i.e., a sequence of instructions. According to some embodiments, the memory may include an integrated circuit comprising silicon-based transistors. The memory may, in different embodiments, include, for example, a memory card, a flash memory, a USB memory, a hard disk, or another similar volatile or non-volatile storage unit for storing data, such as, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable PROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM).
[0111] Furthermore, the controller 130 may include a signal transmitter. The signal transmitter may be configured to transmit signals to the camera 120, the drive unit 170, and / or the needle 150 via a wired or wireless communication interface, optionally via a transceiver, and / or to a database.
[0112] Furthermore, a computer program including instructions for performing image analysis of the image 300 captured by the camera 120 may be executed in the controller 130.
[0113] The computer program described above can be provided, for example, in the form of a computer-readable medium, i.e., a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing at least some of the computer program steps according to some embodiments when loaded into one or more processing circuits of the controller 130. The data carrier may be, for example, a hard disk, a CD-ROM disk, a memory stick, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any other suitable medium such as a disk or a tape that can non-temporarily hold machine-readable data. The computer program may also be provided as computer program code on a server and downloaded remotely to the controller 130, for example, via an Internet or intranet connection.
[0114] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5, 6A and / or 6B, at least some embodiments or portions thereof can advantageously be combined with each other to achieve further benefits.
[0115] The terms used in the description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the arrangement 100 being described. Various changes, substitutions and / or modifications can be made without departing from the embodiments of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.
[0116] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term "or" as used herein must be construed as a mathematical OR, i.e., an inclusive disjunction, and not as a mathematical exclusive OR (XOR), unless otherwise specified. In addition, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" should be construed as "at least one" unless otherwise specified, and thus may, in some cases, also include a plurality of entities of the same kind. The terms "includes", "comprises", "including", and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the stated features, actions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but it is further understood that they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, actions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. For example, a single unit, such as a processor, may perform the functions of several items recited in the claims. The fact that certain measures or features are recited in mutually different dependent claims, illustrated in different figures, or considered in connection with different embodiments does not by itself indicate that these measures or features cannot be used advantageously in combination. A computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid state medium, supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems.
Claims
1. Arrangement configuration (100), wherein the arrangement configuration (100) is arranged to align the needle (150) and the drying stick (110) in order to apply an animal (101) milk sample to the drying stick (110) when the drying stick (110) is positioned at a milk sample application position where the needle (150) is aligned with the drying stick (110), the drying stick (110) is configured to show at least one biomarker value of the applied milk sample, and the arrangement configuration (100) is, A carrier (115) comprising at least one drying stick (110), wherein the carrier (115) has a longitudinal extension extending in the Y direction, A tube element (155) positioned to receive the milk sample from the animal (101), A needle (150) connected to the tube element (155), the needle (150) being arranged to receive the milk sample of the animal (101) via the tube element (155) and to apply the milk sample to the drying stick (110), A first light source (160) directed to illuminate the drying stick (110) is provided to create a first shadow (111) of the drying stick (110) on the carrier (115), A camera (120) configured to capture an image (300) of at least a portion of the drying stick (110) and the first shadow (111) of the portion of the drying stick (110) on the carrier (115), A drive unit (170) having an interface (175) configured to cooperate with the carrier (115) to move the drying stick (110) on the carrier (115) to the milk sample application position in the Y direction, The system includes a controller (130) that is communicatively connected to the camera (120) and the drive unit (170), and the controller (130) The camera (120) is triggered to capture an image (300) of the part of the drying stick (110) and the first shadow (111) of the part of the drying stick (110) on the carrier (115), The captured image (300) is received from the camera (120). In order to detect the portion of the drying stick (110) and the first shadow (111) of the portion of the drying stick (110) on the carrier (115), image analysis of the image (300) is performed. Based on the image analysis, the drive unit (170) is provided with a milk application signal to move the carrier (115) and the drying stick (110) in the Y direction to the milk sample application position, and the arrangement configuration (100) allows the needle (150) to apply the milk sample to the drying stick (110).
2. The arrangement configuration (100) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (130) is configured to perform the image analysis of the image (300) in order to detect the first edge (310) of the drying stick (110) by detecting the first shadow (111) of the first edge (310) of the drying stick (110) on the carrier (115).
3. The needle (150) is positioned at a predetermined position (420) in the Y direction and the X direction perpendicular to the Y direction, the predetermined position (420) is known by the controller (130), and the image analysis of the image (300) performed by the controller (130) is By detecting the first shadow (111) of a portion of the drying stick (110) on the carrier (115), the section of the first edge (310) of the drying stick (110) is detected. When the drying stick (110) is in the position to apply the milk sample, the extension (410) of the section of the first edge (310) of the drying stick (110) is extrapolated to the segment (320) of the drying stick (110) to which the milk sample is applied by the needle (150), To calculate the distance (d) in the Y direction between the extrapolated extension (410) of the first edge (310) of the segment (320) of the drying stick (110) and the predetermined position (420) of the needle (150), The arrangement configuration (100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising generating the milk application signal provided to the drive unit (170) to move the carrier (115) and the drying stick (110) in the Y direction to the milk sample application position based on the calculated distance (d), thereby aligning the predetermined position (420) of the needle (150) with the segment (320) of the drying stick (110) to which the milk sample is applied by the needle (150).
4. The arrangement configuration (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first light source (160) is directed to illuminate the drying stick (110) at an incident angle of substantially 45 ± 15 degrees.
5. The arrangement configuration (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller (130) has knowledge of the width of the drying stick (110) and is configured to move the carrier (115) and the drying stick (110) in the Y direction based on image processing and using the knowledge of the width of the drying stick (110), in order to align the drying stick (110) to which the milk sample is applied with the predetermined position (420) of the needle (150).
6. The carrier (115) is equipped with a second light source (162) directed to illuminate the drying stick (110) in order to create a second shadow (112) of the second edge (330) of the drying stick (110), and the controller (130) controls Switch the light from the first light source (160) to the off side. The second light source (162) is turned on, The camera (120) is triggered to capture the image (300) of the second edge (330) of the drying stick (110) and the second shadow (112) of the second edge (330) of the drying stick (110) on the carrier (115), The captured image (300) is received from the camera (120). The system is configured to perform image analysis of the image (300) in order to detect the second edge (330) of the drying stick (110) by detecting the second shadow (112) of the second edge (330) of the drying stick (110) on the carrier (115), The arrangement configuration (100) according to claim 2, wherein the controller (130) is configured to move the carrier (115) and the drying stick (110) in the Y direction in order to align the drying stick (110) to which the milk sample is applied with the predetermined position (420) of the needle (150), based on the detected first edge (310) and the second edge (330) of the drying stick (110), respectively.
7. The drying stick (110) has a thickness that extends in the Z direction, the Z direction is perpendicular to the Y direction, the first shadow (111) on the carrier (115) is created by light from the first light source (160) and the portion of the drying stick (110) that extends in the Z direction, and the image analysis of the image (300) indicates that two or more drying sticks (110) are stacked on the carrier (115) in the Z direction. Before the milk sample is applied to the drying stick (110), estimate the extension (w) of the first shadow (111) of the portion of the drying stick (110) on the carrier (115) in the Y direction, The estimated shadow extension (w) is compared with the predicted shadow extension value, and if the estimated shadow extension (w) exceeds the predicted shadow extension value, The arrangement configuration (100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising generating a transfer signal provided to the drive unit (170) to transfer the carrier (115) in the Y direction to a subsequent drying stick (110) on the carrier (115), and detecting by:
8. The drying stick (110) A sample pad (210) for receiving the milk sample, A conjugate pad (230) including a conjugate (270), Based on the conjugate (270), a display zone (250) having a test line (251) and a control line (252) is provided, which is arranged to show the biomarker of the milk sample. An absorbent pad (260) for absorbing the milk sample, The system includes a porous membrane (240) for receiving the capillary flow of the milk sample from the sample pad (210) to the absorbent pad (260) via the conjugate pad (230) and the display zone (250), thereby transferring the conjugate (270) dispersed in the milk sample to the display zone (250), The image (300) captured by the camera (120) depicts at least a portion of the absorbent pad (260) and the first shadow (111) of the portion of the absorbent pad (260) on the carrier (115), The controller (130) detects the failed flow of the applied milk sample from the drying stick (110) to the absorbent pad (260) through the porous membrane (240). During a predetermined period after applying the milk sample, estimate the extension (w) of the first shadow (111) of the absorbent pad (260) on the carrier (115) in the Y direction, The estimated shadow extension (w) of the first shadow (111) of the absorbent pad (260) on the carrier (115) is compared with the predicted reference shadow value, The arrangement configuration (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein detection is performed by discarding the drying stick (110) when the estimated shadow extension (w) of the first shadow (111) of the absorbent pad (260) on the carrier (115) is smaller than the expected reference shadow value.