Automatic Analyzer Pressure Waveform Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic analyzers face challenges in accurately determining dispensation accuracy due to factors like viscosity, bubble formation, and pressure differences, making it difficult to detect abnormalities such as clogging, air suction, and reduced dispensation quantity, especially when multiple factors occur simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analyzer employs a method involving pressure measurement, analysis, and judgment processes using segmentation of the syringe operation into four sections, applying approximation formulas to pressure waveforms, and storing data in a database to detect and differentiate between various abnormality factors, including clogging, bubble suction, and high viscosity samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If pressure sensor detection is used to detect clogging, then detection capability is improved, but multiple abnormality factors (viscosity, bubbles, height differences) cause false positives and reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure waveform into multiple sections (first section during suction, second section after suction completion) and analyzes each section independently with different evaluation criteria. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between pressure changes caused by clogging versus those caused by other factors like viscosity or bubble suction, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection capability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different evaluation methods to different sections of the pressure waveform. The first section (during suction) uses one evaluation criterion while the second section (after suction) uses another criterion. This local quality approach enables precise identification of abnormality factors by matching the right evaluation method to the right phase of the dispensation process, eliminating false positives from multiple simultaneous factors.
2Manufacturing precision
If the probe diameter is decreased to maintain high dispensation accuracy, then dispensation accuracy is improved, but the system becomes more sensitive to clogging and abnormalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where pressure waveform data is continuously monitored and analyzed to detect abnormalities in real-time. When an abnormality is detected (such as clogging in the narrowed probe), the system can issue warnings or adjust operations accordingly, compensating for the increased sensitivity of the narrow probe and maintaining reliable operation despite the smaller diameter.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional pressure waveform analysis is used, then clogging detection is improved, but differentiation between multiple abnormality factors becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure waveform analysis into distinct temporal sections, evaluating each section with appropriate criteria. This segmentation preserves information about when during the dispensation process abnormalities occur, enabling differentiation between factors like viscosity (affecting pressure throughout) and bubble suction (affecting pressure at specific moments), thereby preventing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic evaluation that adapts to the phase of dispensation being analyzed. Different evaluation methods are applied dynamically based on which section of the pressure waveform is being analyzed, allowing the system to capture and differentiate between various abnormality factors that manifest at different stages of the suction and dispensation process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables early detection of dispensation abnormalities, preventing subsequent measurement errors and improving analysis efficiency by accurately identifying the cause of dispensation issues, thus enhancing the reliability of the automatic analyzer.
Implementation Method 1
there is a method of detecting the pressure change in the channel with a pressure sensor and detecting an abnormality by use of the obtained pressure waveform
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2(d)
Figure 3(a)~4B
Figure 4C~5
AI summary
Provided is an automatic analyzer capable of detecting not only clogging and air suction of the dispensation probe but also a decrease in the dispensation quantity caused by a bubble film, air bubbles or a highly viscous sample. Each of a sample/reagent suction operation time and a sample/reagent discharge operation time of a probe is segmented into multiple time sections. For each of the time sections determined by the segmentation, a parameter is calculated by applying a detected pressure waveform to an approximation formula. For each of the time section, the presence/absence of a dispensation abnormality is judged by comparing the calculated parameter with a parameter in cases of normal dispensation. An automatic analyzer capable of judging the presence/absence of an abnormality specific to each time section and making abnormality judgments difficult for conventional techniques can be realized.