Automatic Analyzer Nozzle Calibration Using Relative-Height Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic analyzing apparatuses face challenges in accurately adjusting the position of a dispensing nozzle relative to a dispensation target object due to the limitations of lightweight image-capturing apparatuses, which make it difficult to determine depth direction distances, leading to potential misalignment and reduced analysis precision.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzing apparatus that includes a dispensing apparatus with a dispensing nozzle, an image-capturing section, and a control section, which calculates the relative height between the nozzle tip and the target object using a pre-given relation between the relative height and the number of calibration pixels, allowing precise alignment of the nozzle position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a lightweight image-capturing apparatus (e.g., monocular camera) is used to capture images of the dispensing nozzle tip, then the degree of freedom of installation location and cost are improved, but the ability to accurately acquire distances in the depth direction is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference object with known dimensions into the imaging field. This reference object serves as an intermediary that enables the calculation of real-world distances from image pixel measurements. By comparing the size of the reference object in the image to its actual known size, the system can determine the scale factor and calculate accurate distances in the depth direction, thus resolving the limitation of lightweight cameras without requiring complex hardware modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for complex mechanical depth measurement systems (such as stereo cameras or structured light systems) with a computational approach using a single camera and reference object. Instead of relying on mechanical or optical complexity to achieve depth measurement, the system uses image processing and geometric calculations based on the reference object to derive depth information, thereby maintaining system simplicity while achieving accurate measurement
2Device complexity
If operators perform visual adjustment of the dispensing nozzle position during maintenance, then the adjustment can be performed with simple equipment, but the adjustment time increases and variations in adjustment position occur depending on operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-adjustment of the dispensing nozzle position. The image-capturing apparatus captures images of the nozzle tip and reference object, the control section calculates the positional deviation automatically, and the system drives the dispensing apparatus to correct the position without operator intervention. This automated self-service approach eliminates manual visual adjustment, reducing both time and human variability while keeping the overall system relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control loop for nozzle position adjustment. The image-capturing apparatus continuously monitors the nozzle tip position relative to the reference object, the control section processes this visual feedback to determine positional deviations, and the dispensing apparatus is automatically driven to correct the position. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate and consistent adjustment without relying on operator skill or time-consuming manual procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an automatic analyzing apparatus that can precisely adjust the position of a dispensing nozzle relative to a dispensation target object in a short period of time. An automatic analyzing apparatus (10) according to the present invention includes a dispensing apparatus (11) including a dispensing nozzle (113) that suctions and discharges liquid, a dispensation target object (200) which is a container that contains the liquid suctioned and discharged by the dispensing nozzle (113), an image-capturing section (122) that captures an image of the dispensing nozzle (113) and the dispensation target object (200), and a control section (111) that controls the dispensing apparatus (11) and the image-capturing section (122). It is assumed that a distance in an up-down direction between a tip (113a) of the dispensing nozzle (113) and an upper end of the dispensation target object (200) is a relative height (L2) of the dispensing nozzle (113) and the dispensation target object (200). The control section (111) acquires the relative height (L2), and, by using a pre-given relation between the relative height (L2) and the number of calibration pixels, calibrates a target position (202) of the tip (113a) of the dispensing nozzle (113) on the dispensation target object (200) or calibrates a position of the tip (113a) of the dispensing nozzle (113) in the image (201) captured by the image-capturing section (122).