Reagent Pad Alignment Using Optical Edge Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for reagent card alignment in medical diagnostics face challenges in precisely locating reagent pads without contact, leading to potential misalignment and damage, especially due to manufacturing tolerances and the need for accurate sample dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact optical method using a vertical cavity surface emitting laser to detect the edges and ends of reagent pads on a card, allowing for precise alignment and positioning within 0.2 mm accuracy, enabling accurate sample dispensing and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-based alignment systems are used to locate reagent pads, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the reagent pads may be damaged and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based alignment systems with an optical detection system. An optical sensor detects the position of reagent pads by receiving light that has interacted with the pads, eliminating the need for physical contact. This substitution maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity and preventing pad damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the alignment system and the reagent pads. The optical sensor uses light to detect pad positions without direct contact, serving as a non-invasive mediator that transfers positional information from the pads to the system while avoiding mechanical interaction.
2Measurement precision
If contact-based alignment systems are used to locate reagent pads, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the reagent pads may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based alignment systems with an optical detection system. An optical sensor detects the position of reagent pads by receiving light that has interacted with the pads, eliminating the need for physical contact. This substitution maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity and preventing pad damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the alignment system and the reagent pads. The optical sensor uses light to detect pad positions without direct contact, serving as a non-invasive mediator that transfers positional information from the pads to the system while avoiding mechanical interaction.
3Device complexity
If manual testing methods are used for reagent card analysis, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and speed of obtaining results decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where the optical sensor automatically detects reagent pad positions and the system automatically adjusts the card position, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This automation increases productivity and processing speed while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of reagent pad positions using the optical sensor before sample dispensing or analysis steps. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-position the card and plan subsequent operations, thereby increasing overall productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Device complexity
If sample dispensing is performed without precise alignment, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and sample accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based alignment systems with an optical detection system. An optical sensor detects the position of reagent pads by receiving light that has interacted with the pads, eliminating the need for physical contact. This substitution maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity and preventing pad damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the alignment system and the reagent pads. The optical sensor uses light to detect pad positions without direct contact, serving as a non-invasive mediator that transfers positional information from the pads to the system while avoiding mechanical interaction.
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
The solution ensures precise alignment and positioning of reagent pads, preventing misalignment and damage, and allowing for efficient and accurate sample distribution and analysis, improving the reliability of medical diagnostic processes.
Implementation Method 1
A non-contact optical method using a vertical cavity surface emitting laser to detect the edges and ends of reagent pads on a card
Implementation Method 2
A non-contact optical method using a vertical cavity surface emitting laser to detect the edges and ends of reagent pads on a card
Data Source
AI summary
A reagent analyzer and method is described. In the method, a reagent card having a reagent pad is passed through an optical signal path between an optical signal source and an optical signal detector. A transition between a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal is detected to determine a substantially exact position of a leading end or a trailing end of the reagent pad. The first electrical signal is indicative of the substrate interfering with the optical signal. The second electrical signal is indicative of the substrate and reagent pad of the reagent card interfering with the optical signal. The reagent pad is moved to a known second location upon determining the substantially exact position of at least one of the leading end and the trailing end of the reagent pad. At the second location a sample is dispensed onto the reagent pad by a sample dispenser.