Specimen Dispensing Tip Image Correction for Film and Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the expelled amount of specimens during pre-processing, such as dispensing, are hindered by phenomena like films and air bubbles, leading to inaccurate determination and potential delays or errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for recording execution information that acquires images of the specimen aspirating/discharging unit after specimen expulsion, processes the images to prevent hindrance from such phenomena, and records evidence to accurately determine the expelled amount by associating pre-processing steps with image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image pickup means is used to determine expelled amount, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to films and air bubbles hindering determination
Solution Approach 1:
A determination assistance unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the image pickup means and the determination unit. This unit receives images from the tip, identifies films and air bubbles, and generates corrected images by removing these harmful elements before the determination unit processes them, thus enabling accurate measurement despite the presence of harmful factors
Solution Approach 2:
The determination assistance unit detects films and air bubbles (harmful factors) and converts them into beneficial information by using their presence as a guide for correction. By identifying these harmful elements and systematically removing them through image processing, the system transforms the problematic conditions into opportunities for improved determination accuracy
2Ease of operation
If manual pre-processing is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity worsens due to time-consuming manual tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing device performs self-service by automatically executing the pre-processing tasks that were previously manual. The determination unit automatically determines expelled amounts, and the determination assistance unit automatically corrects images, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational flexibility through automated decision-making
3Productivity
If automated dispensing device is used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens due to additional image processing components
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing function is segmented into distinct units: an image pickup unit for capturing images, a determination assistance unit for identifying and correcting films and air bubbles, and a determination unit for final measurement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, managing complexity through modular design while maintaining high productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An execution-information recording method includes: acquiring an image of a specimen aspirating/discharging unit after expelling of a specimen; performing, when a phenomenon that hinders determination has occurred in the specimen aspirating/discharging unit, processing so that the determination is prevented from being hindered by the phenomenon; and recording an evidence obtained by the acquiring of an image and an evidence after the processing in association with each other. An execution-information recording device includes: image acquiring means for acquiring an image of a specimen aspirating/discharging unit after expelling of a specimen; processing means for performing, when a phenomenon that hinders determination has occurred in the specimen aspirating/discharging unit, processing so that the determination is prevented from being hindered by the phenomenon; and recording means for recording an evidence obtained by the acquiring of an image and an evidence after the processing performed by the processing means in association with each other.