Sample Analyzer Placement Part Dirt Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sample analyzers, the placement part where test strips are positioned often becomes dirty due to sample attachment, leading to measurement inaccuracies and hygiene issues, and existing methods require manual detection and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer equipped with a transport part, a controller, and an imaging part that automatically images and analyzes the placement part to detect dirt, allowing for effective and appropriate cleaning without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual detection and cleaning of dirt on placement part is performed, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases and measurement precision may be compromised due to undetected dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The placement part detection system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting dirt accumulation on the placement part using an imaging device. The system monitors its own state without requiring external manual inspection, triggering cleaning operations only when dirt is detected, thus improving productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through automated self-monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The manual visual inspection and physical cleaning process is replaced by an automated imaging-based detection system coupled with controlled cleaning mechanisms. The imaging device captures images of the placement part, and the controller automatically determines whether cleaning is needed, substituting human judgment with optical detection and automated control to enhance productivity and measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If cleaning of placement part is performed frequently, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time and productivity decrease due to frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of dirt on the placement part before it accumulates to levels that would affect measurement precision. By continuously monitoring the placement part condition and triggering cleaning operations only when dirt is detected, the system maintains analysis accuracy while minimizing unnecessary cleaning interruptions, thus reducing time loss while preserving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device provides continuous feedback on the cleanliness state of the placement part. This feedback loop allows the controller to make informed decisions about when cleaning is actually needed, preventing both excessive cleaning (which would waste time) and insufficient cleaning (which would compromise precision). The system adjusts cleaning frequency based on actual dirt accumulation patterns observed through image 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
The system enables reliable detection and cleaning of dirt on the placement part, preventing measurement errors and hygiene issues, and ensuring consistent analysis results.
Implementation Method 1
an image obtained by capturing the test strip placed on the placement part is analyzed
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a sample analyzer configured to image a test strip and analyze an image of the test strip, to analyze a sample, the sample analyzer including: a transport part having a placement part on which the test strip is placed, the transport part being configured to move the placement part to an imaging position for the test strip; a controller configured to analyze the image of the test strip obtained through imaging; and an imaging part configured to be able to image the placement part, wherein the controller analyzes an image of the placement part obtained through imaging, to detect dirt on the placement part.