Biological Sample Calibration for Accurate Liquid Height Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biological sample measurement devices face challenges in maintaining accuracy due to device deviation and lens aberration when measuring samples with multiple component regions, leading to difficulties in downsizing and precise liquid height measurement.

Innovation Solution

A biological sample measurement device that acquires a distortion coefficient and liquid height conversion coefficient from a captured image of a calibrator with a pattern shape, correcting for image distortion and converting pixel measurements to accurate liquid height using a calibration process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If an area camera is used to eliminate scanning mechanisms, then device downsizing is achieved, but measurement accuracy decreases due to lens aberration and device deviation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidliquid height measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration before actual measurement. A calibrator with known pattern dimensions is imaged first to capture lens distortion characteristics and calculate distortion coefficients. These coefficients are stored and applied during subsequent sample measurements to correct for lens aberration and device deviation, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring scanning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If a calibration process is implemented to correct distortion, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid height measurement accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses copying by creating a digital model of the optical distortion through calibration. Instead of physically correcting lens aberration, the system captures a distorted image of a calibrator with known dimensions, calculates distortion coefficients that represent the optical imperfections, and applies these coefficients as correction factors. This digital copy of the distortion characteristics allows accurate measurement without adding complex physical correction mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 device ensures accurate liquid height measurement by correcting for device deviation and lens aberration, improving analysis precision and enabling device miniaturization.

Implementation Method 1

acquiring a transmission image of near-infrared light transmitted through the biological sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4715343A1Biological sample measurement device and calibration method
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • EP4715343A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4715343A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4715343A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An object of the present disclosure is to avoid a decrease in liquid height measurement accuracy due to deviation of a measurement device and lens aberration when measuring a biological sample having one or more component regions. A biological sample measurement device according to the present disclosure acquires a distortion coefficient and a liquid height conversion coefficient from a captured image of a calibrator having a pattern shape on a surface thereof, and corrects a liquid height of a sample based on the distortion coefficient and the liquid height conversion coefficient (see Fig. 1).