Liquid Level Detection Using Container Inspection Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical laboratory systems face inaccuracies in detecting liquid levels in specimen containers, leading to incorrect aspiration of liquid volumes and instrument downtime, due to faulty information about serum volume and container properties.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines container identification data from a container inspection unit with liquid level detection raw data from a liquid level detection unit, using an offset value determined by layer transition characteristics to calculate the actual available net volume, considering unusable liquids and container type information, and employing multi-angle measurements for accurate liquid level detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional liquid level detection methods are used, then the detection process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision is insufficient leading to inaccurate liquid volume determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines container inspection data (geometry, material properties) with liquid level detection data to create a comprehensive analysis system. The container inspection unit characterizes container properties while the liquid level detection unit measures liquid levels, and both data streams are integrated to calculate accurate liquid volumes, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives raw data from both container inspection and liquid level detection units, performs cross-validation and integration, and generates corrected liquid volume information. This intermediary layer reconciles the simple detection approach with the need for high precision by processing and combining multiple data sources
2Reliability
If inaccurate liquid level detection is used, then the system operation is simple, but the reliability of sample processing deteriorates causing instrument downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where liquid level detection results are cross-checked against container inspection data and expected volume ranges. When discrepancies are detected, the system flags the measurement for review or re-measurement, thereby improving reliability through continuous validation while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated decision rules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary container inspection and characterization before liquid level detection to establish expected parameters and validation criteria. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly validate subsequent measurements against pre-established standards, improving reliability without requiring complex real-time analysis
3Manufacturing precision
If inaccurate serum volume information is used, then the aliquotter operation is simple and fast, but the manufacturing precision of liquid aliquoting deteriorates leading to incorrect aspiration volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary and accurate liquid volume determination using integrated container inspection and liquid level detection before the aliquotting process. This preliminary action provides precise target volumes for aliquoting, ensuring manufacturing precision while maintaining productivity by automating the calculation and preparation of aliquot parameters in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical volume estimation with an integrated optical and computational system that uses container geometry data and liquid level measurements to calculate precise volumes. This substitution of mechanical estimation with optical-detection-based calculation improves aliquoting precision while the automated calculation maintains processing throughput
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 enhances the accuracy of liquid level detection, reduces instrument downtime, and improves the reliability of sample processing by providing a more precise determination of available sample volume, thereby minimizing errors and optimizing laboratory operations.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid level detection unit transmits radiation through the container containing the liquid. The transmitted radiation is detected and analyzed to determine liquid level and volume.
Data Source
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AI summary
Container identification data from a container inspection unit that analyzes a container containing a liquid is combined with liquid level detection raw data from a liquid level detection unit that analyzes the container containing the liquid and a liquid level detection result is generated. The liquid level detection result is cross-checked with additional data from the container inspection unit. The result can be used to plan a route for the container in the laboratory automation system.