Lab Automation Camera Calibration via Sample Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory automation systems face challenges in achieving reliable and cost-effective geometry and color calibration for sample containers, which is crucial for accurate processing and handling of laboratory samples.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory automation system equipped with a digital grey scale or color camera and an image processing device that uses a calibration element with known geometrical or color properties to determine the geometrical properties of sample containers and samples through digital image analysis, eliminating the need for prior calibration and reference data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional geometry and color calibration methods are used for sample containers, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring prior calibration procedures and reference data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by using the sample container itself as the calibration reference. The image processing device automatically determines geometrical properties and color characteristics of the container from captured images, eliminating the need for external calibration standards or manual calibration procedures. The container's own features (geometry, color, transparency) serve as the reference for calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration function is extracted from the traditional separate calibration process and integrated directly into the image capture and processing workflow. The system separates the calibration reference (the sample container itself) from external calibration standards, allowing calibration to occur automatically during normal operation without requiring separate calibration steps.
2Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods with external reference data are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases due to prior calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration actions preliminarily by capturing images that contain both the sample container and calibration information simultaneously. The calibration data is extracted and processed in advance during the normal imaging operation, so that when measurement is needed, the calibration is already complete and integrated into the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process and measurement process are merged into a single integrated operation. The same image capture device and processing system used for measurement also perform calibration automatically, combining what were previously separate time-consuming steps into one simultaneous operation.
3Reliability
If multiple separate calibration procedures are performed for geometry and color, then comprehensive calibration is achieved, but cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing device performs multiple calibration functions simultaneously using a single integrated process. It extracts both geometrical properties (dimensions, shape, position) and color characteristics (hue, saturation, brightness) from the same image data, eliminating the need for separate geometry calibration and color calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Geometry calibration and color calibration are merged into a single unified calibration process. The system captures one image containing the sample container and automatically performs both geometrical analysis and color analysis together, reducing the number of operational steps while maintaining comprehensive calibration reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Laboratory automation system (100) for processing sample containers (145) containing laboratory samples (146) and/or for processing the samples (146), comprising: - a digital camera (160) being adapted to take an image of the sample container (145) together with a calibration element (170), wherein the image comprises image data related to the sample container (145) and image data related to the calibration element (170), and - an image processing device (155) being adapted to determine geometrical properties of the sample container (145) depending on the image data related to the sample container (145) and the image data related to the calibration element (170).