Optical Measurement Device Calibration via Reference Factor Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical measurement devices for biological samples face errors due to complex mechanics, such as damaged cuvettes, moving or broken optical fibers, and foreign objects blocking measurement channels, leading to incorrect measurements and increased downtime and costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for calibration and error detection in optical measurement devices involves repeatedly updating reference factors between measurements by determining detection signals from multiple channels, calculating updated reference factors, and comparing them to current factors to store or keep them for use in later measurements, allowing for swift detection and correction of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated handling of biological samples is implemented to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases leading to more errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration measurements and establishes reference factors before actual sample analysis. This preliminary action creates a baseline that enables continuous monitoring and detection of deviations, allowing the complex automated system to maintain accuracy despite its complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors measurement channels and compares current readings against reference factors, providing real-time feedback when deviations are detected. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically detect and report errors in the complex automated handling process, maintaining reliability despite high productivity.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of measurement channels is implemented to detect errors, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration measurements periodically at defined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains reliability by updating reference factors at regular intervals, while minimizing time loss by avoiding constant interruption of sample analysis operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operational capability by performing calibration measurements during idle periods or between sample analyses. This ensures the useful action of sample measurement continues uninterrupted while still achieving continuous monitoring of channel stability through periodic reference factor updates.
3Measurement precision
If reference factor updates are performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the frequency and timing of reference factor updates based on operational conditions. By changing the parameter of update frequency, the system maintains measurement precision when needed while reducing time loss during stable operational periods, optimizing the balance between accuracy and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibration and/or error detection in an optical measurement device for biological samples having at least a first and a second measurement channel is described. The method comprises calculating an updated reference factor for the second measurement channel based on the first and second detection signals, comparing the updated reference factor with at least one current reference factors and depending on the result of the comparison, storing the updated reference factor as a current reference factor for use in a later measurement in the second measurement channel or keeping the current reference factors for use in a later measurement in the second measurement channel.