Fluidic Substance Evaluation via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating fluidic substances, such as bodily fluids, in containers lack reliability, precision, and throughput, particularly in determining interferent concentrations and fluid volumes using dispense tips and image analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method involving image capture and processing to generate color parameters from images of fluidic substances, using techniques like histogram analysis and Riemann sums, to classify interferents and determine fluid volumes by correlating pixel distances with reference points in the dispense tip images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image capture and processing methods are used to evaluate fluidic substances, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual evaluation methods with an automated image capture and processing system. The image capture device records images of fluidic substances in dispense tips, and processing devices analyze these images to determine interferent concentrations and fluid volumes, substituting manual assessment with automated optical and computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that acts as a mediator between the fluidic substance and the evaluation outcome. The image capture device and processing algorithms serve as intermediaries that translate physical properties of the fluid (color, volume) into measurable data for interferent concentration and volume determination.
2Productivity
If automated image processing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual evaluation processes with automated image capture and processing systems that can rapidly analyze multiple samples. The processing device automatically performs histogram analysis, Riemann sum calculations, and interferent classification, enabling high-throughput evaluation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image capture to create optical copies of the fluidic substances in dispense tips. These digital images serve as replicas that can be processed, analyzed, and stored without handling the actual samples, enabling rapid parallel processing and increasing throughput while reducing physical manipulation.
3Measurement precision
If color parameter analysis is used to determine interferent concentrations, then measurement precision is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual colorimetric analysis with automated image processing algorithms. The processing device automatically extracts color parameters from images, performs histogram analysis, calculates Riemann sums, and determines interferent concentrations based on color characteristics, eliminating the need for manual color matching or spectrophotometric procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct chemical or manual visual assessment to optical parameter measurement through image capture. By converting interferent concentration determination into color parameter analysis (RGB values, histograms, Riemann sums), the system enables precise measurement through computational methods.
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic substance preparation and evaluation systems and methods are provided for preparing and evaluating a fluidic substance, such as e.g. a sample with bodily fluid, in a container and/or in a dispense tip. The systems and methods can detect volumes, evaluate integrities, and check particle concentrations in the container and/or the dispense tip.