Multi-View Specimen Quantification via Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the demarcation between various portions in a specimen, such as serum or plasma and settled blood, within a specimen container are inaccurate, leading to difficulties in volume measurement and probe fouling during automated testing, especially when barcode labels occlude the specimen.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a quality check module with multiple cameras capturing high dynamic range images from different viewpoints to accurately determine the dimensional characteristics of the specimen components, including the serum or plasma portion, settled blood portion, and gel separator, allowing for precise aspiration and minimizing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a depth sensor or capacitive probe is used to determine the liquid-air interface location, then the specimen volume can be measured, but the probe may become fouled with settled blood portion or gel separator requiring tip replacement or cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical depth sensor/probe system with an optical imaging system. Multiple cameras capture images of the specimen container, and image processing algorithms determine the liquid-air interface location and specimen volume without physical contact. This eliminates probe fouling while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the specimen interior using multiple cameras. By processing these visual copies, the system determines interface locations and volumes without needing to physically insert a probe into the specimen, thereby avoiding contamination.
2Extent of automation
If barcode labels are adhered directly to the specimen container for identification, then patient information can be tracked, but the labels occlude the specimen making visual observation of portion demarcation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the specimen container into multiple viewing zones by using cameras positioned at different angles. This allows the system to capture images of portions of the specimen not occluded by the barcode label, enabling detection of portion demarcation while maintaining automated specimen identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-viewpoint detection system to a multi-viewpoint three-dimensional imaging system. By capturing images from multiple angles and combining them, the system can see around the occluding barcode label and accurately determine specimen portion demarcation in 3D space.
3Device complexity
If a single viewpoint camera is used to capture specimen images, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accurately determine specimen dimensions and portions is compromised due to occlusion and perspective distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple two-dimensional images from different camera viewpoints into a comprehensive three-dimensional representation of the specimen. By combining these visual data sets, the system achieves accurate dimensional measurements and portion identification that would be impossible with a single camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple cameras to capture specimen images from different spatial dimensions, then processes these images to create an accurate three-dimensional model of the specimen contents. This multi-dimensional approach overcomes perspective distortion and occlusion while maintaining manageable device complexity.
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 accurate quantification of specimen components, preventing probe fouling and ensuring sufficient specimen volume for testing, while functioning on labeled containers with occluded portions without slowing down the testing process.
Implementation Method 1
capturing high dynamic range images from different viewpoints
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A model-based method for quantifying a specimen. The method includes providing a specimen, capturing images of the specimen while illuminated by multiple spectra at different nominal wavelengths, and exposures, and classifying the specimen into various class types comprising one or more of serum or plasma portion, settled blood portion, gel separator (if used), air, tube, label, or cap; and quantifying of the specimen. Quantifying includes determining one or more of: a location of a liquid-air interface, a location of a serum-blood interface, a location of a serum-gel interface, a location of a blood-gel interface, a volume and/or a depth of the serum or plasma portion, or a volume and/or a depth of the settled blood portion. Quality check modules and specimen testing apparatus adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.