Sample Preprocessor Filtration Layout for Accurate Liquid Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample preprocessors face challenges in maintaining accurate liquid levels and positional consistency during filtration, leading to measurement deviations and contamination risks, particularly in ATP and microorganism detection.

Innovation Solution

A sample preprocessor with a connection mechanism that ensures consistent positioning of the cartridge relative to the suction terminal, featuring a detachable design for sterilization, multiple suction terminals for concurrent operations, and a liquid surface sensor for precise level detection, along with a filtrate detection system to prevent leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If comprehensive video analysis is performed to detect all objects and activities, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The video stream is segmented into multiple frames that are processed in parallel using a multi-threaded architecture. Each thread handles specific detection tasks for different frames simultaneously, dividing the comprehensive analysis workload into manageable segments that can be executed concurrently, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Motion detection is performed as a preliminary action before object recognition and classification. By first identifying regions with motion using efficient algorithms, the system pre-screens video content to determine which frames require more intensive analysis, reducing the amount of data that needs comprehensive processing and thereby decreasing processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple detection algorithms are run simultaneously, then detection accuracy is improved, but system resource usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem resource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the execution of detection algorithms based on real-time conditions. The multi-threaded architecture allows algorithms to be activated or deactivated depending on scene complexity, motion detection results, and available computational resources. This dynamic resource management enables multiple algorithms to run simultaneously when needed while conserving resources during less demanding periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous detection operations through overlapping processing windows and buffered frame queues. Multiple detection algorithms operate continuously on different frames in the buffer, ensuring that useful detection action is always occurring without idle processing time, while the parallel architecture distributes computational load to optimize resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If all video frames are processed, then detection completeness is improved, but processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection completenessVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The video processing task is segmented into independent frame processing units that can be handled by multiple worker threads. Each thread processes a subset of frames concurrently, allowing the system to maintain complete detection coverage across all frames while achieving parallel processing speedups that overcome the sequential processing bottleneck.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A frame queue and thread synchronization mechanism act as intermediaries between the video input stream and the parallel processing threads. This intermediary structure coordinates frame distribution to multiple threads, ensures each frame is processed exactly once, and maintains detection completeness while enabling efficient parallel execution to preserve processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3845884B1Sample preprocessor and analysis system
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 HORIBA ADVANCED TECHNO CO LTD
  • EP3845884B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3845884B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3845884B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a sample preprocessor (100) that can make the amount of a sample liquid after filtering accurate and raise the accuracy of subsequent measurement or the like, the sample preprocessor (100), where a sample liquid is filtered to capture a predetermined component on a filter (F), includes a connection mechanism (2) that connects a sample container (S) and a suction source. The sample container (S) includes a bottle (S1) that stores a sample liquid and a cartridge (S2) that has a tubular shape, has a proximal end side attached to the bottle (S1) and, has the filter (F) provided therein. The connection mechanism (2) includes a suction terminal (22) that connects a distal end side of the cartridge (S2) and the suction source and sucks the sample liquid in the sample container (S), and an attachment surface (26) that the bottle (S1) is attached to and arranges the cartridge (S2) in a predetermined position relative to the suction terminal (22).