Optical Imaging Liquid Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid level sensing methods for in vitro diagnostics are complex, expensive, and unreliable, especially when detecting small volumes without sample destruction or physical contact, and are prone to errors due to interference from foam, dust, or foreign objects.
Innovation Solution
A system that captures images of the sample as a two-dimensional array of light intensities, processes them using a differential filter to extract the liquid level, applies a mask to account for noise, and analyzes peaks to determine the liquid level and presence of foam or other objects, allowing for non-contact measurement and accurate volume calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional liquid level sensing methods are used, then liquid level detection is achieved, but the methods are complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems (electro-capacitive probes, pressure sensors, ultrasonic devices) with a simple optical imaging system using a camera to capture images of the liquid level in the well, fundamentally simplifying the device architecture while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy (image) of the liquid level in the well and processes this image data to determine the liquid level position, avoiding the need for direct physical measurement and enabling simplified analysis through image processing algorithms
2Measurement precision
If electro-capacitive method with probe contact is used, then liquid level detection is achieved, but sample destruction and cross-contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes contact-based mechanical probes with non-contact optical imaging, eliminating sample destruction and cross-contamination while maintaining measurement precision through digital image analysis of the liquid meniscus
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer information about the liquid level from the sample to the camera sensor, allowing measurement without direct contact and preventing sample contamination while achieving precise measurement through optical interaction
3Reliability
If pressure sensors are used, then liquid level detection is achieved, but cross-contamination and sample destruction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pressure-based mechanical sensing with optical imaging, eliminating the need for physical contact that causes cross-contamination and sample destruction, while maintaining detection reliability through non-invasive image capture and analysis
4Ease of operation
If ultrasound method is used, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but resolution is low and implementation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes ultrasonic acoustic measurement with optical imaging, achieving non-contact measurement while dramatically improving resolution through the high spatial resolution capability of digital camera sensors to capture fine details of the liquid meniscus
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes optical properties including light reflection, refraction, and absorption patterns at the liquid-air interface to detect liquid level, leveraging optical phenomena that provide high-resolution measurement without contact
5Ease of operation
If conventional visual method is used, then liquid level observation is achieved, but accuracy is low and it is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy (image) of the liquid level and processes it through automated image processing algorithms, maintaining the simplicity of visual observation while dramatically improving accuracy through computational analysis of the captured image data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual observation with automated optical imaging and digital image processing, eliminating human error and time-consuming manual measurement while maintaining operational simplicity through automated analysis
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 method provides accurate and reliable non-contact liquid level detection, reducing errors and sample destruction, while effectively handling small volumes and interferences, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of liquid volume measurement.
Implementation Method 1
capturing an image of the sample as a two-dimensional array of light intensities
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatus for determining a level of a sample are provided. An image of a sample housed in a container is captured, wherein the image is represented as a two dimensional array of intensities of light. An area of interest is extracted from the image. A filter is applied to the area of interest. The filtered area is collapsed into a one dimensional array. The one dimensional array is masked. The level of the sample in the container is determined based on the masked one dimensional array. Numerous other aspects are provided.