Optical Pipette Meniscus Detection for Sample Volume Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analysis devices face challenges in accurately determining the volume and composition of samples at high process speeds with minimal sample and reagent liquid usage, often resulting in inaccurate volume measurements and interference from lipemic or hemolytic components.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pipette that forms an optically perceptible boundary line between the sample and an adjacent fluid, using a camera with a marking to precisely determine the sample volume and composition by comparing recorded images with reference images, and utilizing a light source to analyze the sample's refractive index for composition evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a needle system with three needles is used to supply reagent liquid to wells, then the process can handle multiple fluids, but the volume determination becomes inaccurate and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical needle-based fluid delivery system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using three physical needles to deliver different fluids and mechanically track volumes, the invention uses a camera to optically detect the meniscus position and a light source to illuminate the sample, substituting mechanical measurement with optical detection to achieve more precise and simplified volume determination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of a light source and camera that acts as a mediator between the fluid in the well and the measurement system. The light source illuminates the sample and the camera captures the optical image of the meniscus, creating an intermediary optical representation that enables accurate volume measurement without direct mechanical contact or complex needle coordination
2Productivity
If high process speeds are used to produce solutions, then productivity increases, but measurement accuracy and composition determination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary optical imaging and meniscus detection before the actual fluid delivery is complete. By capturing the meniscus position and composition information in advance using the camera and light source, the system can determine volumes and compositions rapidly without waiting for slow mechanical measurements, enabling high-speed processing while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces slow mechanical volume measurement methods with rapid optical imaging. The camera can capture meniscus position and composition data instantaneously through light reflection and refraction, eliminating the time-consuming mechanical measurement processes and enabling high-speed productivity while maintaining precise volume and composition determination
3Loss of substance
If minimal quantities of sample and reagent liquid are used, then resource consumption decreases, but volume measurement accuracy and detection reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by using a targeted light source that illuminates only the specific region of interest (the meniscus area) within the well. This localized illumination, combined with the camera's focused detection, allows for highly accurate volume measurement of minimal fluid quantities by concentrating the measurement capability precisely where needed, rather than requiring large volumes for general detection
4Reliability
If lipemic or hemolytic components are present in the sample, then false-positive or false-negative results occur, but the invention ensures process safety by accurately determining sample composition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or chemical detection methods that are susceptible to interference from lipemic or hemolytic components with optical detection. The camera captures light reflection and refraction patterns from the meniscus, which are not affected by these interfering substances, thereby eliminating false positives or negatives and ensuring reliable analysis even in the presence of such harmful factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light and camera system) that mediates the detection process in a way that is immune to interference from lipemic or hemolytic components. The optical properties of light interaction with the meniscus interface provide an intermediary measurement pathway that bypasses the interfering substances, ensuring accurate volume and composition determination and process safety
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
Enables precise control of sample volume and composition, reducing false-positive or false-negative results and ensuring process safety by accurately determining the desired sample quantity and composition, thus enhancing the reliability of analysis and compliance with health standards.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a light source to analyze the sample's refractive index for composition evaluation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (120) for inspecting a volume of a sample (4), said device comprising a pipette (1) in which an interface is formed between the sample (4) and a first fluid (6) which is adjacent to the sample (4), said interface being optically perceptible outside the pipette (1) as an interface line (4a) between the sample (4) and the first fluid (6) that extends essentially horizontally. The device further comprises a camera (10) having a marking (15) which is arranged in an image field of the camera (10) such that the interface line (4a) and the marking (15) can be imaged in a recorded image (12). The device (120) finally comprises an evaluation unit (101) which allows an evaluation of whether in the recorded image the marking (15) is at the same height as the interface line (4a).