TWI480534B - Optical apparatus and operating method thereof - Google Patents

Description

Optical device and its operation method

The invention relates to an optical device, in particular to an optical device for performing non-destructive and non-contact measurement of a sample piece by optical interference technology, and a method for operating the same, which can save the traditional test The cumbersome and time consuming process of slicing and thinning, and the ability to provide controllable functions during operation.

Traditionally, the process of observing tissue sections typically involves the following steps: (1) sample sampling; (2) solidification; and (3) observation of test pieces. In the process of observing the tissue section, since most of the tissue structures are light-transmitting materials, it is usually necessary to cooperate with dyeing and developing procedures to obtain a better observation effect for the subsequent analysis procedure.

In addition, due to the limitation of the optical depth of field (focus position), the above-mentioned tissue sections are mostly of a thin design. First, the specimen is solidified and cut into thin slices, each of which has a thickness of about 10 μm, and the thickness of the bearing glass is limited to not more than 0.1 mm. Then, each individual carrier slide is placed on the detection instrument for detection, and then all the detection results are superimposed and recombined to reproduce the original detection result of the whole sample.

Although many manufacturers have introduced fully automatic or semi-automatic detection platforms for the above technologies to shorten the entire inspection process, the actual production process of the test strips is quite complicated and costly. In addition, the results of the superposition and recombination obtained by different sample slicing processes may be different from the original test results. For example, is the position of the specimen slice just destroyed? The diseased tissue in the specimen may have a completely different superimposed recombination result, which seriously affects the accuracy of the detection results.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an optical device and method of operating the same to solve the above problems.

An embodiment of the invention is an optical device. In this embodiment, the optical device includes a test strip module, an optical detection module, an auxiliary module, and a data processing module. The test strip module is used to carry a test piece, and the test piece includes a sample. The optical detection module is used for performing a deep tissue inspection analysis on the sample in the test piece. The auxiliary module is used to provide an auxiliary function for the operation of the test strip module and the optical detection module. The data processing module is coupled to the optical detection module and the auxiliary module for analyzing and processing a signal transmitted by the optical detection module to generate a detection result of the sample, or a message transmitted according to the auxiliary module. A corresponding one of the control commands is generated to the optical detection module or the auxiliary module.

In practical applications, the auxiliary modules are designed independently or attached to the test strip module. The auxiliary functions provided by the auxiliary module are the test piece identification auxiliary function, the test piece alignment auxiliary function, the detection condition adjustment auxiliary function or the sample storage state monitoring auxiliary function. The test piece module is designed to be in the form of a cover or an open form, and the movement of the sample is restricted by physical curing or mechanical fixing.

The auxiliary module may have a design of a symbol, a color, a pattern, a text, a number, a code, a stereoscopic recognition area or a stereo alignment area to provide a test strip recognition auxiliary function and a test strip alignment assist function. The auxiliary module can have a single layer or multiple layers of transparent interlayer design, and the introduction has different penetration, absorption and anti-inversion. A characteristic fluid is provided to provide a wavelength or energy that changes the incident light incident on the sample. The auxiliary module can be designed with concentrating and astigmatism to provide focus adjustment.

A second embodiment of the invention is a method of operating an optical device. In this embodiment, the optical device includes a test strip module, an optical detection module, an auxiliary module, and a data processing module. The method comprises the following steps: (a) the test strip module carries a test piece containing a sample; (b) the optical detection module performs a deep tissue inspection analysis on the sample in the test piece; (c) the auxiliary module Providing an auxiliary function for the operation of the test strip module and the optical detection module; (d) the data processing module analyzes and processes one of the signals transmitted by the optical detection module to generate a detection result for the sample, or according to the auxiliary mode One of the messages transmitted by the group generates a corresponding one of the control commands to the optical detection module or the auxiliary module.

Compared with the prior art, the optical device and the method for operating the same according to the present invention perform non-destructive and non-contact measurement on the test piece by optical interference technology, so that the test piece with a large thickness can be directly tested. Optical inspection of the film not only eliminates the complicated and time-consuming process of cutting the sample piece and dyeing the sample, but also effectively avoids the conventional folding and recombination of the test results of all the sample test pieces. Possible errors to improve the accuracy and reliability of the optical device for inspection. In addition, the sample test piece used in the optical device and the operation method thereof according to the present invention can also be provided with a controllable function in the operation process in combination with the special design of the auxiliary unit, so that the user can operate more conveniently.

The advantages and spirit of the present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of the invention.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is an optical device. Please refer to FIG. 1A. FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram of the optical device of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1A, the optical device 1 includes a test strip module 10, an optical detection module 12, an auxiliary module 14, and a data processing module 16. The test module 10 is configured to carry the test piece 100 including the sample SA; the data processing module 16 is coupled to the optical detection module 12 and the auxiliary module 14 respectively. It should be noted that the auxiliary module 14 can be separated from the test strip module 10 as shown in FIG. 1A, and the auxiliary module 14 can also be attached to the test strip module 10 as shown in FIG. 1B. Specific restrictions.

Next, each module included in the optical device 1 and its functions will be described in detail.

In this embodiment, the optical detecting module 12 is configured to perform deep tissue inspection and analysis on the sample SA on the test strip 100 carried by the test strip module 10. More specifically, the optical detecting module 12 performs deep tissue inspection analysis on the sample SA on the test strip 100 by optical interference technique. Please refer to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the optical detection module 12 performing detection by using optical interference technology. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical detection module 12 implements an optical interference technique through its optical splitting/coupling unit 120 to output optically interfered optical signals _Sout . Wherein, L _in is a light source, L _r is a reference light, and L _d is a detection light. It should be noted that the optical interference technology may be a time domain design or a frequency domain design, and is not particularly limited.

As for the test strip module 10 in this embodiment, in addition to carrying the test strip 100 including the sample SA, so that the optical detecting module 12 performs the optical detection function on the sample SA on the test strip 100, the test strip module 10 Can also be used as shown in Figure 1B The design in combination with the auxiliary module 14 provides special auxiliary functions in the operating or storage state. For example, the auxiliary function may be a test piece identification auxiliary function, a test piece alignment auxiliary function, a detection condition adjustment auxiliary function, or a sample storage state monitoring auxiliary function, but is not limited thereto.

In this embodiment, since the optical detecting module 12 can directly perform deep tissue inspection (about 2-3 mm deep) on the sample SA on the test strip 100 carried by the test strip module 10, the traditional test strip manufacturing process can be omitted. In the steps of curing, slicing, dyeing and developing, the waste time and cost of the test piece can be greatly reduced. In addition, the appearance of the test strip module 10 can be designed in the form of a lid or an open form. If the test strip module 10 is designed in the form of a cover, only the upper cover is made of a light-transmissive material (acrylic, glass, plastic sheet...).

However, in practical applications, it is considered that the sample SA on the test strip 100 carried by the test strip module 10 may be shaken by external factors, or the test strip 100 needs to be rotated to perform different angles on the specimen SA. Therefore, the present invention can also fix the sample SA by physical curing, mechanical fixing, or the like so as not to cause sway.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, if physical curing is employed, the fixation of the sample SA may be performed by means of glue (or wax oil) G. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3B, if the mechanical fixing method is adopted, the upper and lower structures UD and the side structures RL of the test strip module 10 can be designed to be adjustable in size to limit the movement of the specimen SA. Moreover, the above physical curing and mechanical fixing can be carried out in combination to obtain a better fixing effect without particular limitation.

In addition, if the fixing of the sample SA is performed by mechanical fixing, It may further include a pressurization design, such as a design that is directly pressurized by the upper and lower structures UD (as shown in FIG. 4A) or a design that applies air pressure PU (as shown in FIG. 4B, the vent hole and the external pressure may be additionally provided). Valve), after flattening the sample SA, facilitates subsequent observation and detection.

Next, the design of the combination of the test strip module 10 and the auxiliary module 14 will be described. In the actual detection process, it may be necessary to perform procedures such as test piece identification, test piece position alignment, detection area selection, wavelength conversion, focal length adjustment, etc., therefore, if the test strip module 10 and the auxiliary module 14 are combined Designed to provide special accessibility during operation or storage. In addition to being used for the auxiliary operation of the sample, if it is specially designed, it can provide the effect of monitoring the storage conditions of the sample and monitoring the storage status. The following describes each function.

As shown in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D, the auxiliary module 14 is used to provide the functions of identity recognition and position alignment. In fact, the auxiliary module 14 can have different designs such as symbols, colors, patterns, characters, numbers, barcodes, stereoscopic recognition areas or stereo alignment areas to provide the test piece identification auxiliary function and the test piece alignment auxiliary function.

For example, the auxiliary module 14 can be designed as simple symbols (positive and negative), color (red adult, green child), pattern (animal pattern, plant pattern), Arabic numerals, characters (M male, F female), Geometry (triangle or circle, etc.), identified as the source of the test piece. For example, the auxiliary modules 14 in FIGS. 5A and 5B are respectively designed as a double arrow type geometric pattern and an M shape for identification. If the auxiliary module 14 is equipped with an additional barcode reader, it can be directly marked on the test strip by bar code. In addition, the above-mentioned identity recognition means can be combined with the position alignment function, for example, the M-shaped auxiliary module 14 in FIG. 5B can be performed up and down. Or the left and right movements are aligned with the corresponding recesses, and the barcode-shaped auxiliary modules 14 in FIGS. 5C and 5D are movable to be inserted into the corresponding gaps to complete the alignment procedure, but not limited thereto.

In addition, the identification and alignment mechanism of the present invention is not limited to the above-described planar design, and the stereoscopic alignment area H can be formed directly in the fabrication process of the test strip 100 to be aligned with the corresponding alignment area J, such as As shown in FIG. 6, the stereoscopic recognition alignment area H may be a protrusion on the surface of the test strip 100, and can be moved up and down or left and right through the test strip 100 so that the convex stereoscopic alignment area H can be inserted into the auxiliary mode. The alignment area J on the group 14 has a corresponding accommodation space to complete the alignment procedure. In addition, the stereoscopic alignment area H can be compared with the external sensing component K for digital comparison analysis. As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, a plurality of external sensing components K can be respectively disposed on the auxiliary module 14. Different positions beside the accommodation space, it is assumed that the convex stereoscopic alignment area H on the test strip 100 may have the first length in FIG. 7A or the second length in FIG. 7B, and define the first length representative bit " 0" and the second length represents the bit "1". When the protruding stereoscopic alignment area H on the test strip 100 is inserted into the accommodating space on the auxiliary module 14, the plurality of external sensing elements K The length of the stereoscopic recognition alignment area H can be determined by the optical or other type of sensing method as the first length or the second length, thereby obtaining the bit "0" or "1" to complete the digitization ratio. For analysis.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the auxiliary module 14 is used to provide a function of wavelength energy conversion. At this time, the auxiliary module 14 can adopt the design (single layer or multi-layer) of the light-transmissive interlayer TL, and by introducing fluids (gas, liquid) with different penetrating, absorbing, and reflecting characteristics, the actual incident can be detected. The effect of the wavelength or energy of the body SA. In addition, the above conversion wavelength energy The design of the quantity can also be different designs such as arraying, modularizing or stacking to form a more diverse use flexibility, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the auxiliary module 14 is used to provide a function of focus adjustment. At this time, the auxiliary module 14 may adopt a design having an optical condensing characteristic (the protruding portion 14A as shown in FIG. 10A) or an optical astigmatism characteristic (the depressed portion 14B as shown in FIG. 10B), or the auxiliary mode described above. Group 14 is designed as a modular, replaceable version to adjust for different optical effects. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, the auxiliary module 14 and the optical detection module 12 may be further combined to form a linkage mechanism to facilitate detection of the sample. In more detail, the auxiliary module 14 having the protruding portion 14A and the optical detecting module 12 can be fixed to each other. Even if the optical detecting module 12 moves relative to the test strip module 10, the auxiliary module 14 will follow The optical detecting module 12 is moved in the same manner, so that the position of the protruding portion 14A on the auxiliary module 14 still corresponds to the optical detecting module 12, so that the detecting light L _d emitted by the optical detecting module 12 can be convex first. The concentrating portion 14A is condensed before being incident on the test strip module 10.

It should be noted that the above linkage mechanism can further provide transmission of electronic messages. In this case, the microelectrode driving mechanism (or array) formed by the transparent electrodes can be used to provide a liquid driving mechanism, such as electrophoresis, electrowetting, electrocapillary, etc. Adjust the focal length change effect and the focal length action area, but not limited to this.

In practical applications, the auxiliary module 14 can also be used to provide a storage state control function. At this time, the auxiliary module 14 can be coupled with the optical detection module 12 or a storage device (not shown) to provide the following functions:

(1) Vacuuming: At this time, the auxiliary module 14 can directly take the above FIG. 4B The air pressure control method shown is reversely operated to extract the gas in the test piece 100 to prevent the microorganisms or moisture in the air from coming into contact with the sample SA to improve the shelf life of the sample SA.

(2) Temperature regulation: At this time, the auxiliary module 14 may include a temperature control element such as a thermoelectric element or a heating element. When the test strip 100 is taken out by the storage device, the temperature control component of the auxiliary module 14 can assist in shortening the temperature recovery process to accelerate the thawing of the sample SA, and can avoid fogging during the observation operation. If the temperature control element is a thermoelectric element, an independent local temperature reduction effect of each test piece 100 can be provided in a stored state.

(3) Sample state monitoring: At this time, the auxiliary module 14 may include a chemical detecting element such as an acid-base detecting element. When the sample SA is in a poor storage state and is not suitable for subsequent detection, the color indicator can be used to indicate the appropriate timing for the user to change the sample SA.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is a method of operating an optical device. In this embodiment, the optical device includes a test strip module, an optical detection module, an auxiliary module, and a data processing module. Please refer to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the operation method of the optical device of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, first, in step S10, the test strip module carries a test piece including a sample. Next, in step S12, the optical detection module performs a deep tissue detection analysis on the sample in the test piece. Then, in step S14, the auxiliary module provides an auxiliary function for the operation of the test strip module and the optical detection module. After that, the method will perform step S16, and the data processing module determines that it receives the signal transmitted by the optical detection module or the message transmitted by the auxiliary module. If the result of the determination in step S16 is that the data processing module receives the signal transmitted by the optical detection module, the method will perform the steps. S18A, the data processing module analyzes and processes the signal transmitted by the optical detection module to generate a detection result of the sample; if the judgment result in step S16 is that the data processing module receives the message transmitted by the auxiliary module, The method will execute step S18B, and the data processing module generates a corresponding one of the control commands to the optical detection module or the auxiliary module according to the message transmitted by the auxiliary module.

In an actual application, in step S14, the auxiliary module may be independently designed or attached to the test strip module, and the auxiliary functions provided by the auxiliary module may be the test strip recognition auxiliary function, the test strip alignment auxiliary function, and the detection. Conditional control auxiliary function or sample storage status monitoring auxiliary function, but not limited to this. In step S12, the optical detection module performs deep tissue detection analysis on the sample by using an optical interference technique, and the optical interference technique may be a time domain design or a frequency domain design.

Compared with the prior art, the optical device and the method for operating the same according to the present invention perform non-destructive and non-contact measurement on the test piece by optical interference technology, so that the test piece with a large thickness can be directly tested. Optical inspection of the film not only eliminates the complicated and time-consuming process of cutting the sample piece and dyeing the sample, but also effectively avoids the conventional folding and recombination of the test results of all the sample test pieces. Possible errors to improve the accuracy and reliability of the optical device for inspection. In addition, the sample test piece used in the optical device and the operation method thereof according to the present invention can also be provided with a controllable function in the operation process in combination with the special design of the auxiliary unit, so that the user can operate more conveniently.

The features and spirit of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. On the contrary, the purpose is to cover various changes and equal arrangements in the present invention. Within the scope of the patent scope.

S10~S18B‧‧‧ Process steps

1‧‧‧Optical device

10‧‧‧Test film module

12‧‧‧ Optical Inspection Module

14‧‧‧Auxiliary module

16‧‧‧Data Processing Module

100‧‧‧ test strips

SA‧‧‧ specimen

120‧‧‧Splitting/coupling unit

G‧‧‧ glue (or wax oil)

UD‧‧‧ upper and lower structure

RL‧‧‧ side structure

PU‧‧‧ air pressure

H‧‧‧3D identification alignment area

K‧‧‧External sensing components

TL‧‧‧Transmissive interlayer

J‧‧‧ corresponding alignment area

1A is a functional block diagram of an optical device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates the design of the auxiliary module of FIG. 1A attached to the test strip module.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the optical detection module using optical interference technology for detection.

FIG. 3A is a schematic view showing the fixation of the sample by physical curing.

FIG. 3B is a schematic view showing the fixation of the specimen by mechanical fixation.

Figure 4A is a schematic view showing the flattening of the specimen using a direct pressurization design.

Fig. 4B is a schematic view showing the flattening of the specimen by the design of the applied air pressure.

5A to 5D are schematic diagrams showing the auxiliary module providing identity recognition and position alignment functions.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the formation of a stereoscopic recognition and alignment area directly in the process of producing a test strip.

7A and FIG. 7B are schematic diagrams showing the digital recognition alignment area and the external sensing element for digital comparison analysis.

8A and 8B are schematic diagrams showing that the auxiliary module uses a design of a light-transmissive interlayer to provide a wavelength energy conversion function.

9A and 9B are schematic diagrams showing different types of converted wavelength energy designs.

10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing the design of the auxiliary module using optical concentrating characteristics and optical astigmatism characteristics.

11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing the combination of an auxiliary module and an optical detection module to form a linkage mechanism.

12 is a flow chart showing a method of operating an optical device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

1‧‧‧Optical device

10‧‧‧Test film module

12‧‧‧ Optical Inspection Module

14‧‧‧Auxiliary module

16‧‧‧Data Processing Module

100‧‧‧ test strips

SA‧‧‧ specimen

Claims (10)

An optical device includes: a test strip module for carrying a test piece, and the test piece includes a sample; an optical detecting module for performing a deep structure on the sample in the test piece An auxiliary module for providing an auxiliary function for the operation of the test strip module and the optical detection module; and a data processing module coupled to the optical detection module and the auxiliary module Equivalently processing a signal transmitted by the optical detection module to generate a detection result of the sample, or generating a corresponding one of the control instructions to the optical detection module according to the message transmitted by the auxiliary module or the The auxiliary module has a protruding portion, and the auxiliary module and the optical detecting module are fixed to each other, even if the optical detecting module moves relative to the test strip module, the auxiliary The module also moves along with the optical detecting module, so that the position of the protruding portion on the auxiliary module still corresponds to the position of the optical detecting module, and a detecting light emitted by the optical detecting module is first After the supplement The converging portion of the projection on the module to the test strip after exit module. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the test piece module is pressed with a vent hole and an external pressure valve to apply pressure to flatten the sample to facilitate subsequent observation and detection. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the optical detecting module performs the deep tissue detection analysis on the sample by an optical interference technique, and the optical interference technology is a time domain design. Frequency domain (frequency domain) design. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the test strip module is designed to have a cover form or an open form, and the movement of the sample is restricted by physical curing or mechanical fixing. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary module has a design of a symbol, a color, a pattern, a character, a number, a code, a stereoscopic recognition area or a stereo alignment area. To provide test strip recognition auxiliary function and test strip alignment auxiliary function. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary module has a single layer or a plurality of layers of light transmissive interlayers, and introduces fluids having different penetrating, absorbing, and reflecting properties to provide a transformed incident object. The wavelength or energy of the incident light. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary module has an accommodating space, and the plurality of external sensing elements are respectively disposed at different positions beside the accommodating space, and the test piece has a convex one. a stereoscopic recognition alignment area having a first length or a second length, and the first length and the second length respectively correspond to the bits 0 and 1, respectively, when the stereo recognition on the test strip When the alignment area is inserted into the accommodating space of the auxiliary module, the plurality of external sensing elements determine, by optical sensing, the length of the stereoscopic alignment area is the first length or the second length, and further The stereoscopic alignment area on the test strip is represented by bit 0 or 1. A method of operating an optical device, the optical device comprising a test strip module, An optical detecting module, an auxiliary module and a data processing module, the method comprising the following steps: (a) the test chip module carries a test piece including a sample; (b) the optical detection module pair The test piece in the test piece performs a deep tissue inspection analysis; (c) the auxiliary module provides an auxiliary function for the operation of the test piece module and the optical detection module; and (d) the data processing module Analysing a signal transmitted by the optical detection module to generate a detection result of the sample, or generating a corresponding control instruction to the optical detection module or the auxiliary according to a message transmitted by the auxiliary module The auxiliary module has a protruding portion, and the auxiliary module and the optical detecting module are fixed to each other, even if the optical detecting module moves relative to the test strip module, the auxiliary mold The group also moves with the optical detecting module, so that the position of the protruding portion on the auxiliary module still corresponds to the position of the optical detecting module, and a detecting light emitted by the optical detecting module passes through The convex on the auxiliary module The converging portion to the test strip after exit module. The method of claim 8, wherein the test piece module is pressed with a vent hole and an external pressure valve to apply pressure to flatten the sample to facilitate subsequent observation and detection. The method of claim 8, wherein the auxiliary module has an accommodating space, and the plurality of external sensing elements are respectively disposed at different positions beside the accommodating space, and the test piece has a convex one-dimensional shape Identifying an alignment area having a first length or a second length And the first length and the second length respectively correspond to the bits 0 and 1. When the stereoscopic alignment area on the test strip is inserted into the accommodating space of the auxiliary module, the plurality of external portions The sensing component determines whether the length of the stereoscopic alignment area is the first length or the second length by optical sensing, and further obtains the stereoscopic alignment area on the test piece to represent the bit 0 or 1.