An automatic inspection and control method for a biological reagent production system with image processing techniques

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an automatic inspection and control method for a reagent rapid test strip production system, with image processing techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Fluorescence, color arrangement and combination matching with the database were used to identify the responses of biochemicals. The position accuracy and insufflation consistency between the control line and test line on a reagent rapid test strip will be analyzed from the image after series processing.

Findings

The system can identify failed products and regulate production conditions to insure that the quality standard is maintained. The idea edges of the control line and test line are the boundary at which a significant change occurs in the surface reflectance and illumination of the viewer. But the change of the real boundary of the test line may be insufficient for identification.

Research limitations/implications

As the illumination of biological reagent images cannot be measured precisely in the production process, and the intensity of the background light source is difficult to control, there are always significant errors in the production process. If the environment at sampling could be precisely controlled, the accuracy of the system could be enhanced.

Originality/value

This study developed software architecture for a biological reagent production and inspection system. Future studies will focus on the implementation of testing, and improvement of the system, so that it can be applied to medical systems for the benefit of all patients.

Citation

Lin, C., Su, Y., Shei, H., Tien, C. and Lu, A. (2011), "An automatic inspection and control method for a biological reagent production system with image processing techniques", Sensor Review, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 166-172. https://doi.org/10.1108/02602281111110022