Kit and portable digital imaging module

Abstract

The present invention provides a portable kit for generating a digital image of a faeces sample adapted for microscopic analysis, the kit comprising a faeces sample preparation device configured to receive a faeces sample and a faeces flotation liquid, a translucent faeces sample holder, and a portable digital imaging module, the translucent faeces sample holder being configured to receive the faeces sample and the faeces flotation liquid, a suspension comprising the faeces sample and the faeces flotation liquor is filtered to provide a filtrate. The portable digital imaging module includes a housing, a camera / microlens assembly configured to generate a digital image of the fecal sample on the sample holder, an illumination system, a base disposed between the camera / microlens assembly and the illumination system for receiving the fecal sample holder, a memory for storing the digital image, a communication system for communicating the digital image to an off-site image processing module via a communication network; and a battery operatively connected to the camera and microlens assembly, the memory, and the communication system.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application with an application date of December 11, 2019, an application number of 201980088927.6, and an invention-creation name of "On-site detection of parasitic infections in mammals". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to kits and methods for on-site detection of parasitic infections in mammals, particularly internal parasitic infections. Devices for use with such kits and methods are also contemplated. Background Art

[0003] Parasitic diseases in cattle impair their health, reproduction, growth, and productivity. In severe cases, parasitic diseases can even lead to death. These diseases are caused by internal worms (roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes) as well as external arthropods (mites, lice, ticks, and flies). Worms are transmitted by oral ingestion or direct penetration of the skin by larval parasites on pasture. Currently, internal parasitic infections are diagnosed in the laboratory by fecal analysis, using fecal egg or larval counts. This is a manual process in which a fecal sample from an animal is transported to the laboratory, prepared, and then visually analyzed under magnification to determine the egg or larval count, from which the infection can be determined qualitatively or quantitatively. Once the infection is determined, the diseased mammal can be treated with a suitable therapeutic product (such as avermectin and clorsulon for controlling worms or flukes).

[0004] Currently, many farmers prefer to medicate their entire herd rather than test their cattle for infection and only treat those that show signs of infection. This is at least partly due to the cost of testing and the delay between performing the test and obtaining the results. The practice of treating every animal in the herd has led to a significant overuse of antiparasitic drugs, resulting in problems of herd drug resistance due to treating cattle with the wrong drugs, as well as farmers' refusal to adjust livestock management measures aimed at reducing antiparasitic drug resistance.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention solves the problem of overuse of anti - parasitic drugs by providing a system, a kit, and a method for preparing a fecal sample suitable for on - site digital imaging, generating a digital image of the fecal sample suitable for microbiological analysis on - site, and transmitting the digital image to an off - site image analysis module via a wireless communication network suitable for use anywhere in the field or on the farm and receiving mammalian parasite infection characteristics in near - real - time (e.g., within minutes) on a mobile communication device. In this context, the term "on - site" refers to the place where the mammals are raised, such as a farm, and off - site refers to a location away from the farm, such as a laboratory. The kit, system, and method of the present invention allow a farmer to quickly prepare a sample and generate an image of the sample suitable for microbiological analysis, which is automatically sent via wireless communication to a remote image analysis facility. Then, the image can be analyzed by a processor to determine one or more characteristics of the fecal sample. The analysis can employ image analysis recognition software to compare the image or certain parts of the image with a reference image, thereby correlating the test image with characteristics (e.g., detection of parasite eggs, identification of parasite eggs, quantification of parasite infection). Then, the characteristics of the sample can be transmitted back to the farmer within minutes of acquiring the digital image of the fecal sample. This allows the farmer to administer medication to the tested mammal almost immediately after the test is completed.

[0007] The present invention provides a system for on - site determination of parasite infection characteristics of mammals (usually non - human mammals), the system comprising

[0008] A portable fecal sample preparation device (usually configured for on - site use to receive fecal matter and a fecal flotation fluid from the mammal, mix the fecal matter with the fecal flotation fluid to provide a suspension, and filter the suspension to provide a filtrate, where the filtrate is the fecal sample);

[0009] A fecal sample holder (which can be translucent);

[0010] A portable digital imaging module adapted to generate a digital image of the fecal sample on the sample holder and transmit the digital image via a wireless communication network;

[0011] An off - site digital image analysis module configured to receive the digital image of the fecal sample via the wireless communication network, analyze the digital image to determine the parasite infection characteristics of the sample, and transmit the parasite infection characteristics of the sample via the wireless communication network; and

[0012] Software for a mobile communication device, the software being configured to cause the mobile communication device to communicate with the off-site digital image processing module via a wireless communication network and receive the parasite infection characteristics of the sample from the off-site digital image processing module.

[0013] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module is configured to transmit the digital image to the off-site digital image analysis module via the mobile communication device.

[0014] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module includes a communication module for transmitting the digital image to the off-site digital image analysis module via the wireless communication network.

[0015] Optionally, in any embodiment, the software for the mobile communication device is configured to cause the mobile communication device to:

[0016] Receive the digital image of the fecal sample;

[0017] Transmit the digital image to the off-site digital image analysis module;

[0018] Receive the parasite infection characteristics of the sample from the off-site digital image analysis module; and

[0019] Display the parasite infection characteristics of the sample on the screen of the mobile communication device.

[0020] Optionally, in any embodiment, the software for the mobile communication device is configured to cause the mobile communication device to:

[0021] Request that identification data of the mammal be input into the mobile communication device;

[0022] Receive and store the identification data of the mammal;

[0023] Display the parasite infection characteristics of the sample and the mammal identification data on the screen of the mobile communication device.

[0024] Optionally, in any embodiment, the software for the mobile communication device is configured to cause the mobile communication device to store the parasite infection characteristics of samples of the same mammal obtained over a period of time and display the parasite infection characteristics.

[0025] Optionally, in any embodiment, the software is a downloadable mobile device software application (i.e., a mobile device "app").

[0026] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module includes:

[0027] A camera and lens assembly configured to generate a digital image of the sample on the sample holder;

[0028] A sample holder illumination system;

[0029] A base for receiving the sample holder; and

[0030] A battery operatively connected to the camera and lens assembly, the memory, and the illumination system.

[0031] Optionally, in any embodiment, the lens is a 4× to 12× lens.

[0032] Optionally, in any embodiment, the camera of the camera and lens assembly is provided by the camera of the mobile communication device, wherein the portable digital imaging module is configured to detachably engage with the mobile communication device at the sample holder imaging position.

[0033] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module is configured to snap-fit attach to the mobile communication device.

[0034] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module is adapted to provide relative movement between the sample holder and the camera and lens assembly to allow generation of multiple digital images across the sample holder.

[0035] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module includes a base adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the base relative to the camera and lens assembly upon actuation, or a camera and lens adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the camera and lens assembly relative to the base upon actuation, or both.

[0036] Optionally, in any embodiment, the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module are configured for manual adjustment.

[0037] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module includes an actuation motor operatively connected to the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module.

[0038] Optionally, in any embodiment, the lens is an ultra-wide angle lens.

[0039] Optionally, in any embodiment, the camera is configured to generate ultra-high resolution images. This allows for digital images.

[0040] Optionally, in any embodiment, the base for the sample holder is disposed between the sample holder illumination system and the camera and lens assembly.

[0041] Optionally, in any embodiment, the lighting system includes a direct light source disposed below the base for the sample holder and an indirect light source disposed at one side of the base for the sample holder.

[0042] Optionally, in any embodiment, the fecal sample holder (slide) is a McMaster slide. Other sample holders, such as slides, may be used.

[0043] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable fecal sample preparation device includes a container having an opening and a removable closure for the opening of the container, wherein the removable closure includes an openable lid and a filter disposed between the opening of the container and the closable lid.

[0044] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable fecal sample preparation device further includes a low-cost paper centrifuge device configured to centrifuge the filtrate.

[0045] Optionally, in any embodiment, the off-site image processing module includes a processor for analyzing the digital image by correlating the digital image or a portion of the digital image with the characteristics of the fecal sample by comparing the digital image or the portion of the digital image with one or more of a reference image or features from the reference image, preferably a database.

[0046] Optionally, in any embodiment, the processor is configured to analyze the digital image by deep learning.

[0047] Optionally, in any embodiment, the processor includes a computational model configured to:

[0048] Receive an input including the digital image or features extracted from the digital image, wherein the computational model is generated from a training set of digital images of fecal samples with known parasite infection characteristics; and

[0049] Output the characteristics of the fecal sample, the characteristics being selected from the diagnosis of parasite infection, the type of parasite infection, the degree or stage of infection.

[0050] The present invention also provides a method for on-site detection of parasite infection in mammals, the method comprising the steps of:

[0051] On-site preparation of a fecal sample for imaging, which is typically carried out by mixing the fecal sample with a fecal flotation solution and filtering the fecal flotation solution through a filter to provide a filtrate, wherein the filtrate is the fecal sample;

[0052] Placing a drop of the fecal sample on or in a translucent sample holder;

[0053] Generate a digital image of the fecal sample on the sample holder in the field using a portable digital imaging module, the portable digital imaging module including a communication system adapted to transmit the digital image to an off-site image processing module via a wireless communication network;

[0054] Transmit the digital image to an off-site digital image analysis module via the wireless communication network using the communication system;

[0055] Analyze the digital image off-site by the digital image analysis module to determine parasite infection characteristics of the sample; and

[0056] Transmit the parasite infection characteristics of the sample to a field mobile communication device via the wireless communication network, the field mobile communication device including software configured to communicate with the off-site digital image processing module via the wireless communication network and receive the parasite infection characteristics of the sample from the off-site digital image processing module.

[0057] Optionally, in any embodiment, the digital image is transmitted by the field mobile communication device to the off-site digital image analysis module.

[0058] Optionally, in any embodiment, the digital image is transmitted by a communication module forming part of the portable digital imaging module to the off-site digital image analysis module.

[0059] Optionally, in any embodiment, the method of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0060] Receive a digital image of the fecal sample by the mobile communication device;

[0061] Transmit the digital image by the mobile communication device to the off-site digital image analysis module;

[0062] Receive the parasite infection characteristics of the sample by the mobile communication device from the off-site digital image analysis module; and

[0063] Display the parasite infection characteristics of the sample on the screen of the mobile communication device by the mobile communication device.

[0064] Optionally, in any embodiment, the method of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0065] Request that identification data of the mammal be input into the mobile communication device by the mobile communication device;

[0066] Receive and store the identification data of the mammal by the mobile communication device;

[0067] The mobile communication device displays the parasite infection characteristics of the sample and the mammalian identification data.

[0068] Optionally, in any embodiment, the method of the present invention includes the steps of storing, by the mobile communication device, the parasite infection characteristics of samples of the same mammal obtained over a period of time, and displaying, by the mobile communication device, the parasite infection characteristics over time.

[0069] Optionally, in any embodiment, the digital image of the fecal sample on the sample holder is generated by a camera of the mobile communication device, wherein the portable digital imaging module is configured to detachably engage with the mobile communication device at the sample holder imaging position.

[0070] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module is adapted to provide relative movement between the sample holder and the camera and lens assembly, wherein the method includes generating a plurality of digital images while moving the sample holder relative to the camera and lens assembly to generate a plurality of digital images across the sample holder.

[0071] Optionally, in any embodiment, the method includes the steps of irradiating the bottom surface of the sample holder with direct light and irradiating one side of the sample holder with indirect light during generation of the digital image of the sample holder.

[0072] Optionally, in any embodiment, the step of off-site analyzing the digital image by the digital image analysis module to determine the parasite infection characteristics of the sample includes comparing the digital image or a portion of the digital image with one or more of a reference image or features from the reference image, desirably a database, thereby correlating the digital image or the portion of the digital image with the characteristics of the fecal sample.

[0073] Optionally, in any embodiment, the digital image is analyzed by deep learning.

[0074] Optionally, in any embodiment, the step of preparing the fecal sample on-site further includes the step of centrifuging the filtrate from the filtering step, wherein the particulate matter obtained by centrifugation is resuspended in a suitable solution (i.e., a salt / zinc solution) to provide the fecal sample.

[0075] The present invention also provides a mobile kit adapted for off-site use, the mobile kit including:

[0076] A portable fecal sample preparation device configured to be used on-site (generally to receive fecal matter and a fecal flotation solution from the mammal, mix the fecal matter with the fecal flotation solution to provide a suspension, and filter the suspension to provide a filtrate, wherein the filtrate is the fecal sample);

[0077] Fecal sample holder;

[0078] A portable digital imaging module adapted to generate a digital image of a fecal sample on the sample holder and transmit the digital image via a wireless communication network to an off-site digital image processing module, which off-site analyzes the digital image via the wireless communication network to determine parasite infection characteristics of the sample; and

[0079] Software for a mobile communication device configured to cause the mobile communication device to communicate with the off-site digital image processing module via a wireless communication network and receive the parasite infection characteristics of the sample from the off-site digital image processing module.

[0080] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module includes:

[0081] A camera and lens assembly configured to generate the digital image of the sample on the sample holder;

[0082] A sample holder illumination system;

[0083] A base for receiving the sample holder; and

[0084] A battery operatively connected to the camera and lens assembly, memory, and illumination system.

[0085] Optionally, in any embodiment, the camera of the camera and lens assembly is provided by the camera of the mobile communication device, wherein the portable digital imaging module is configured to detachably engage with the mobile communication device at a sample holder imaging position.

[0086] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module is configured to snap-fit attach to the mobile communication device.

[0087] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module is adapted to provide relative movement between the sample holder and the camera and lens assembly to allow generation of multiple digital images across the sample holder.

[0088] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module includes a base adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the base relative to the camera and lens assembly upon actuation, or a camera and lens adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the camera and lens assembly relative to the base upon actuation, or both.

[0089] Optionally, in any embodiment, the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module are configured for manual adjustment.

[0090] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module includes an actuating motor that is operatively connected to the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module.

[0091] Optionally, in any embodiment, the lens is an ultra-wide-angle lens.

[0092] Optionally, in any embodiment, the camera is configured to generate ultra-high-resolution images.

[0093] Optionally, in any embodiment, the base for the sample holder is disposed between the sample holder illumination system and the camera and lens assembly.

[0094] Optionally, in any embodiment, the illumination system includes a direct light source disposed below the base for the sample holder and an indirect light source disposed at one side of the base for the sample holder.

[0095] Optionally, in any embodiment, the fecal sample holder is a McMaster slide.

[0096] The present invention also provides a portable digital imaging module that includes a housing having:

[0097] a base for receiving a sample holder slide;

[0098] a lens for imaging a sample holder received on the base;

[0099] a sample holder slide illumination system; and

[0100] a battery operatively connected to the illumination system,

[0101] wherein the housing is configured to detachably engage with a mobile communication device to form a portable digital imaging assembly, wherein a camera of the mobile communication device and the lens of the portable digital imaging module form a camera and lens assembly that is configured to generate digital images of a sample holder slide on the base.

[0102] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module is configured to snap-fit to the mobile communication device.

[0103] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module is adapted to provide relative movement between the sample holder and the camera and lens assembly to allow generation of a plurality of digital images across the sample holder.

[0104] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module includes a base adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the base relative to the camera and lens assembly upon actuation, or a camera and lens adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the camera and lens assembly relative to the base upon actuation, or both.

[0105] Optionally, in any embodiment, the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module are configured for manual adjustment.

[0106] Optionally, in any embodiment, the portable digital imaging module includes an actuation motor operatively connected to the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module.

[0107] Optionally, in any embodiment, the lens of the portable digital imaging module is an ultra-wide-angle lens.

[0108] Optionally, in any embodiment, the camera of the portable digital imaging module is configured to generate ultra-high-resolution images.

[0109] Optionally, in any embodiment, the base for the sample holder of the portable digital imaging module is disposed between the sample holder illumination system and the camera and lens assembly.

[0110] Optionally, in any embodiment, the illumination system of the portable digital imaging module includes a direct light source disposed below the base for the sample holder and an indirect light source disposed at one side of the base for the sample holder.

[0111] Optionally, in any embodiment, the sample holder slide of the portable digital imaging module is a McMaster slide.

[0112] The present invention also provides a portable fecal sample preparation device configured to receive fecal matter and a fecal flotation solution, mix the fecal matter and the fecal flotation solution to provide a suspension, and filter the suspension to provide a filtrate, wherein the filtrate is a fecal sample. The device includes a container having an opening and a removable closure for the opening of the container, wherein the removable closure includes an openable lid and a filter disposed between the opening of the container and the closable lid. The method of using the device is as follows: Remove the removable closure from the opening of the container, place some fecal matter in the container, add some liquid reagent (i.e., flotation solution), reattach the closure, shake the device to provide a liquid suspension in the container, then open the lid at the top of the closure while the closure is attached to the container, and invert the container so that the liquid in the container passes through the filter and flows out through the open lid.

[0113] The detachable closure is configured to be screwed onto the top of the container. The lid is typically a hinged lid and is generally configured as a snap-fit closure. The filter is configured across the width of the lid. The device is typically a disposable device and is formed of a polymer.

[0114] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable kit for generating digital images of fecal samples suitable for microscopic analysis, the portable kit comprising:

[0115] A fecal sample preparation device (generally configured to receive fecal matter and a fecal flotation fluid, mix the fecal matter with the fecal flotation fluid to provide a suspension, and filter the suspension to provide a filtrate, wherein the filtrate is the fecal sample);

[0116] A translucent fecal sample holder; and

[0117] A portable digital imaging module, the portable digital imaging module comprising a communication system and being adapted to generate a digital image of the fecal sample on the sample holder and transmit the digital image to an off-site image processing module via a communication network.

[0118] In one embodiment, the digital imaging module includes a housing that houses:

[0119] A camera and a microscopic lens assembly, the camera and the microscopic lens assembly being configured to generate a digital image of the sample on the sample holder;

[0120] Optionally, an illumination system;

[0121] A base for receiving the sample holder, the base being disposed between the camera and the microscopic lens assembly and the illumination system;

[0122] A memory for storing the digital image;

[0123] A communication system for transmitting the digital image to an off-site image processing module via a communication network; and

[0124] Optionally, a battery operatively connected to the camera and the microscopic lens assembly, the memory, and the communication system.

[0125] In any embodiment, the sample preparation device includes a container having an opening and a closure for closing the opening of the container, wherein the closure includes an openable lid and a filter disposed between the opening of the container and the closable lid.

[0126] In any embodiment, the camera includes a CCD or CMOS sensor.

[0127] In any embodiment, the sample holder is a slide, optionally with a translucent coverslip.

[0128] In any embodiment, the kit includes a plurality of sample holders and a plurality of sample preparation devices.

[0129] In any embodiment, the kit includes a plurality of fecal matter sampling spoons.

[0130] In any embodiment, the fecal flotation fluid is a flotation fluid such as a saturated salt solution or a sugar / salt solution. In one embodiment, the solution has a solute concentration of 20% - 50%.

[0131] In any embodiment, the base for receiving the sample holder is horizontally adjustable between an extended position protruding from the housing and a retracted position within the housing.

[0132] In another aspect, the present invention provides a system that includes a portable kit according to the present invention and an off-site digital image analysis module configured to receive digital images of prepared samples via a communication network and analyze the digital images to determine characteristics of the samples.

[0133] In one embodiment, the off-site image processing module includes a processor that analyzes an image by correlating the image (or a portion of the image) with one or more of a reference image (or features from the reference image), desirably a database, to associate the image (or the portion of the image) with characteristics of the fecal sample. Diagnosis of intestinal parasites by artificial intelligence / deep learning techniques is described in the literature, for example, the following publications:

[0134] (https: / / www.researchgate.net / profile / Alan_Peixinho / publication / 309203871_Diagnosis_of_Human_Intestinal_Parasites_by_Deep_Learning / links / 580519be08aee314f68e2057 / Diagnosis-of-Human-Intestinal-Parasites-by-Deep-Learning.pdf?origin=publication_detail),

[0135] http: / / www.biomedres.info / biomedical-research / classification-of-parasite-egg-cells-using-gray-level-cooccurence-matrix-and-knn.html

[0136] https: / / arxiv.org / pdf / 1608.02989.pdf

[0137] In any embodiment of the kits, systems, and methods of the present invention, the processor includes a computational model that is configured to:

[0138] receive an input comprising the digital image or features extracted from the digital image, wherein the computational model is generated from a training set of digital images of fecal samples with known features (i.e., known parasite infection status); and

[0139] output the features of the fecal sample (e.g., features selected from the diagnosis of parasite infection, the type of parasite infection, the degree or stage of infection).

[0140] In any embodiment, the off-site image processing module includes a processor for analyzing the image by the following steps:

[0141] obtain the digital image;

[0142] extract spectral features from the digital image;

[0143] compare the spectral features with a plurality of images in the training set to determine the features of the sample.

[0144] In any embodiment, the processor is configured to determine the parasite infection features of the sample, the parasite infection features being selected from:

[0145] the presence of parasite infection;

[0146] the type of parasite infection; and

[0147] the severity of parasite infection.

[0148] In any embodiment, the off-site image processing module includes a communication module configured to transmit data (e.g., characteristics of the fecal sample determined (diagnosis of parasitic infection, type or degree of infection, appropriate treatment for the infection)) to a remote computing device via a communication network. The remote computing device can be a computer or a mobile device (such as a tablet or a mobile phone). The computing device can include software configured to communicate with the image processing module and receive data from the image processing module. The software can be a downloadable mobile phone application. In one embodiment, the kits and systems of the present invention include a downloadable mobile phone application software configured to communicate with the image processing module and receive data from the image processing module. The data can include information related to the presence or absence of an infection, the type of infection (i.e., trematode or roundworm), the stage of the infection, prognostic information, and information related to the appropriate treatment for the animal.

[0149] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for generating a digital image of a fecal sample suitable for microscopic analysis, the method comprising the steps of:

[0150] Preparing the fecal sample for imaging on-site, the on-site preparation being carried out by mixing the fecal sample with a fecal flotation solution and filtering the fecal flotation solution through a filter to provide a filtrate, wherein the filtrate is the fecal sample;

[0151] Placing a drop of the fecal sample on a translucent sample holder;

[0152] Generating on-site a digital image of the prepared sample on the sample holder using a portable digital imaging module, the portable digital imaging module including a communication system adapted to transmit the digital image to an off-site image processing module via a communication network; and

[0153] Transmitting the digital image to an off-site digital image analysis module using the communication system via the communication network.

[0154] In any embodiment, the method includes the step of off-site analyzing the digital image by the image processing module to determine the characteristics of the sample.

[0155] In any embodiment, the method includes the following steps:

[0156] Obtaining the digital image by the processor;

[0157] Extracting spectral features from the digital image by the processor; and

[0158] Comparing the spectral features with a plurality of images in a training set by the processor to determine the characteristics of the sample.

[0159] In any embodiment, the method includes the step of determining, by the processor, a parasite infection characteristic of the sample, the parasite infection characteristic generally being selected from:

[0160] the presence of a parasite infection;

[0161] the type of parasite infection; and

[0162] the severity of the parasite infection.

[0163] In any embodiment, the digital imaging module includes a housing that houses:

[0164] a camera and a microscope lens assembly configured to generate a digital image of the sample on the sample holder;

[0165] a lighting system;

[0166] a base for receiving the sample holder, the base being disposed between the camera and microscope lens assembly and the lighting system;

[0167] a memory for storing the digital image;

[0168] a communication system for transmitting the digital image to an off-site image processing module via a communication network; and

[0169] a battery operatively connected to the camera and microscope lens assembly, the memory, and the communication system.

[0170] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating a parasite infection in a mammal, the method comprising the steps of:

[0171] determining the presence of a parasite infection in the mammal using the method of the present invention; and

[0172] treating the mammal determined to have a parasite infection with a suitable drug.

[0173] In another aspect, the present invention provides a portable digital imaging module, the portable digital imaging module including a housing that houses:

[0174] a camera and a microscope lens assembly configured to generate a digital image of the sample on the sample holder;

[0175] optionally, a lighting system;

[0176] a base for receiving the sample holder (i.e., a slide), the base being disposed between the camera and microscope lens assembly and the lighting system;

[0177] A memory for storing the digital image;

[0178] A communication system for transmitting the digital image to an off-site image processing module via a communication network; and

[0179] Optionally, a battery operatively connected to the camera and the microlens assembly, the memory, and the communication system.

[0180] There is also provided a computer program comprising program instructions for causing a computer program to perform at least one step of the method of the present invention, and the program instructions may be embodied on a recording medium, a carrier signal, or a read-only memory.

[0181] In any embodiment herein, the portable fecal sample preparation device may employ other devices for separating eggs from other fecal matter, such as a portable centrifugation device that can be used on-site, which is optionally combined with a filtering device.

[0182] The kits, devices, systems, and methods of the present invention are described as being for analyzing fecal samples. However, it should be understood that they can be used for analyzing other biological samples, such as urine, blood, and blood products, and for humans and other non-human mammals.

[0183] Other aspects and preferred embodiments of the present invention are defined and described in the other claims shown below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0184] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the kit of the present invention;

[0185] Figure 2 is an image of the digital imaging module according to the present invention;

[0186] Figure 3 is Figure 5 an exploded view of the components of the digital imaging module of

[0187] Figure 4A is a perspective view of the fecal sample preparation device according to the present invention, showing the closure separated from the container;

[0188] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the fecal sample preparation device according to the present invention, showing the closure attached to the container and the lid closed;

[0189] Figure 4C is a perspective view of the fecal sample preparation device according to the present invention, showing the closure attached to the container and the lid open;

[0190] Figure 5 is an illustration of the steps of the present invention;

[0191] Figure 6 is an illustration of one of the steps of the method of the present invention;

[0192] Figure 7 is an illustration of one of the steps of the method of the present invention;

[0193] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a system for determining fecal sample characteristics according to the present invention.

[0194] Figure 9A and 9B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a digital imaging module according to the present invention.

[0195] Figure 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a digital imaging module according to the present invention. Detailed Description

[0196] All publications, patents, patent applications, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein and the full text of its content was recited.

[0197] Definitions and General Preferences

[0198] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, in addition to any broader (or narrower) meaning the term may have in the art, the following terms also have the following meanings:

[0199] Unless the context otherwise requires, the singular as used herein shall be understood to include the plural and vice versa. The term "a" or "an" used in reference to an entity shall be understood to refer to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more", and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

[0200] As used herein, the term "comprising" or variations thereof (such as "including" or "containing") shall be understood to indicate the inclusion of any recited integer (e.g., feature, element, characteristic, property, method / process step, or limitation) or group of integers (e.g., features, elements, characteristics, properties, method / process steps, or limitations), but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Thus, as used herein, the term "comprising" is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional unrecited integers or method / process steps.

[0201] As used herein, the term "disease" is used to define any abnormal condition that impairs physiological function and is associated with specific symptoms. The term is used in a broad sense and includes any disorder, disease, abnormality, pathology, affliction, condition, or syndrome in which physiological function is impaired, regardless of the nature of the causative agent (or indeed whether a causative basis for the disease has actually been established). Thus, the term includes conditions caused by infection, trauma, injury, surgery, radiofrequency ablation, poisoning, or nutritional deficiency.

[0202] As used herein, the term "treatment" refers to an intervention (e.g., administration of an agent to a subject) that cures, ameliorates, or alleviates the symptoms of a disease or eliminates the causative agent (or alleviates the effects thereof). In this context, the term is used synonymously with the term "therapy".

[0203] Additionally, the term "treatment" refers to an intervention (e.g., administration of an agent to a subject) that prevents or delays the onset or progression of a disease or reduces (or eradicates) its incidence within a treated population. In this context, the term treatment is used synonymously with the term "prevention".

[0204] As used herein, an effective amount or therapeutically effective amount of an agent is defined as an amount that can be administered to a subject without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problems or complications, commensurate with a reasonable benefit / risk ratio, but sufficient to provide the desired effect (e.g., treatment or prevention as manifested by a permanent or temporary improvement in the subject's condition). The amount varies from subject to subject and depends on the individual's age and general condition, the mode of administration, and other factors. Thus, although it is not possible to specify an exact effective amount, those skilled in the art will be able to determine the appropriate "effective" amount in any individual case using routine experimentation and general knowledge of the background. Treatment outcomes in this context include eradication or alleviation of symptoms, reduction of pain or discomfort, extension of survival, improvement in mobility, and other markers of clinical improvement. The treatment outcome need not be complete cure.

[0205] In the context of treatment and effective amounts as defined above, the term subject (which, where the context permits, is understood to include "individual", "animal", "patient", or "mammal") defines any subject in need of treatment, particularly a mammalian subject. Mammalian subjects include, but are not limited to, humans, domestic animals, farm animals, zoo animals, racing animals, pet animals (such as dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, mice, horses, cows, dairy cows), primates (such as apes, monkeys, orangutans, and chimpanzees), canines (such as dogs and wolves), felines (such as cats, lions, and tigers), equines (such as horses, donkeys, and zebras), food animals (such as cows, pigs, and sheep), ungulates (such as deer and giraffes), and rodents (such as mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs). In a preferred embodiment, the subject is a human.

[0206] As used herein, the term "on-site" refers to the place where a mammal is raised, such as a farm or a zoo, or in the wild. For domestic animals, the term will refer to a home or a kennel or a veterinary clinic. As used herein, the term "off-site" refers to a place away from the on-site, such as a laboratory or an office.

[0207] As used herein, the term "parasite infection signature" applied to a sample refers to a sample characteristic that provides information about the parasite infection status of a mammal. For example, the signature can be any one or more of the following: the presence of parasite eggs or larvae; the identification of the eggs or larvae; the quantification (absolute or relative) of the eggs or larvae; and the infection stage.

[0208] As used herein, the term "fecal sample preparation device" refers to a portable, on-site usable device that processes a fecal sample to remove coarse matter from the sample leaving microscopic matter such as parasite eggs and larvae. This can be achieved by filtration and / or centrifugation. An example of a low-cost paper centrifuge is described in Nature Biomedical Engineering (January 10, 2017).

[0209] As used herein, the term "flotation fluid" refers to a liquid used to separate parasite eggs and oocysts from fecal matter and to float the eggs / oocysts to the top of the liquid. The liquid is configured to be denser than the parasite eggs / oocysts and thus typically contains a concentrated salt or sugar solution. The liquid is usually mixed with the fecal matter and then filtered to provide a filtrate that will contain the eggs and oocysts if an infection is present. Flotation fluids for parasite diagnosis are described at:

[0210] https: / / www.rvc.ac.uk / review / parasitology / Flotation / Flotation_fluids / General.htm

[0211] https: / / vetlabsupplies.co.uk / products / laboratory-consumables / flotation-solutions /

[0212] http: / / www.brunelmicroscopes.co.uk / flotation-fluid.html

[0213] As used herein, the term "digital image analysis module" refers to a computing system that is configured to receive a digital image of a prepared sample via a communication network and analyze the digital image with a computing device including a processor to determine characteristics of the sample. In one embodiment, the processor analyzes the image by correlating the image (or the portion of the image) with characteristics of the fecal sample by comparing the image (or the portion of the image) with one or more of a reference image (or features from the reference image), desirably a database. Diagnosis of intestinal parasites by artificial intelligence / deep learning techniques is described in the literature, such as the following publications:

[0214] (https: / / www.researchgate.net / profile / Alan_Peixinho / publication / 309203871_Diagnosis_of_Human_Intestinal_Parasites_by_Deep_Learning / links / 580519be08aee314f68e2057 / Diagnosis-of-Human-Intestinal-Parasites-by-Deep-Learning.pdf?origin=publication_detail),

[0215] http: / / www.biomedres.info / biomedical-research / classification-of-parasite-egg-cells-using-gray-level-cooccurence-matrix-and-knn.html

[0216] https: / / arxiv.org / pdf / 1608.02989.pdf

[0217] In one embodiment, the processor includes a computational model that is configured to:

[0218] receive an input including the digital image or features extracted from the digital image, where the computational model is generated from a training set of digital images of fecal samples with known characteristics (i.e., known parasite infection status); and

[0219] output characteristics of the fecal sample (e.g., characteristics selected from diagnosis of parasite infection, type of parasite infection, degree or stage of infection).

[0220] Embodiments of the invention described with reference to the accompanying drawings include computer equipment and / or processes executed in computer equipment. However, the invention also includes a computer program, in particular a computer program stored on or in a carrier suitable for implementing the invention. The program may be in the form of source code, object code or code intermediate between source code and object code, such as a partially compiled form or any other form suitable for implementing the method according to the invention. The carrier may include a storage medium (such as a ROM (e.g., CD ROM)) or a magnetic recording medium (such as a floppy disk or hard disk). The carrier may be an electrical or optical signal which may be transmitted via a cable or optical fiber or by radio or other means.

[0221] Examples

[0222] The invention will now be described with reference to specific embodiments. These are merely exemplary and for illustrative purposes only: they are not intended to limit in any way the scope of the claimed patent rights or the scope of the described invention. These embodiments constitute the best mode currently contemplated for practicing the invention.

[0223] Referring to the accompanying drawings, first reference is made to Figures 1 to 3 , which shows a portable kit for generating digital images of fecal samples suitable for microscopic analysis, and the kit is generally designated by the reference numeral 1. The kit includes a fecal sample preparation device 2, a translucent sample holder, and a digital imaging module 4. The fecal sample preparation device is configured to receive a fecal sample and a fecal flotation fluid, filter a suspension containing the fecal sample and the fecal flotation fluid to provide a filtrate. The translucent sample holder is a glass slide 3 in this embodiment. The digital imaging module is configured to generate a digital image of the fecal sample and transmit the digital image to an off-site image analysis module. The kit also includes a spoon 5, a dropper 6, a filter 7, gloves 8, a fecal flotation fluid 9, and an instruction manual 10. All components of the kit are housed in a suitcase 11.

[0224] More specifically, referring to Figures 4A to 4A , the fecal sample preparation device 2 includes a container 13 and a closure 14 configured to be screwed onto the mouth of the container. The closure includes a first end 14A adapted to engage the mouth of the container in a screw-threaded manner, a second end 14B having an openable hinged lid 15, and a filter 16 disposed between the first end and the second end. The filter is adapted to filter a suspension containing fecal matter and the fecal flotation fluid 9 to provide a filtrate containing microscopic matter such as parasite eggs or larvae.

[0225] More specifically, referring to Figure 2 and 3, the portable digital imaging module 4 includes a housing 20 that houses a CCD camera 21A and a microscopic lens assembly 21B configured to generate digital images of a sample on a sample holder, an illumination system, and a base 23 for receiving a slide 3 disposed between the camera and the microscopic lens assembly and the illumination system. In this embodiment, the base for the slide includes a frame for supporting the slide along the periphery of the slide to allow light from the illumination system below the base to illuminate the bottom surface of the slide 3. The base 23 is configured to move horizontally from an extended position in front of the housing for allowing the slide to be positioned on the base to a retracted imaging position within the housing. The module 4 further includes a memory for storing digital images, a communication system for transmitting the digital images to an off-site image processing module via a communication network, and a battery operatively connected to the camera and the microscopic lens assembly, the memory, and the communication system.

[0226] In use, refer to Figures 5 to 7 :

[0227] (A) Open the case 10 and remove the components of the kit for use.

[0228] (B) Then add a certain volume of flotation liquid 9 to the container 13

[0229] (C) Add a sample of fecal matter 30 (in this case, fecal matter from a cow) to the container. Generally, 3 g - 5 g of fecal matter is added to 50 mL of flotation liquid.

[0230] (D) Then screw the closure 14 onto the mouth of the closed container.

[0231] (E) Then manually shake the container to thoroughly mix the fecal matter with the fecal flotation liquid and provide a suspension ( Figure 6 ).

[0232] (F) Then open the lid 15, invert the container to filter the suspension through the filter, and the filtrate enters the collection container 25.

[0233] (G) Then pipette some of the filtrate from the collection container, place a drop of the filtrate on the slide 3, and place a coverslip over it.

[0234] (H) Then place the slide into the digital imaging module ( Figure 7 ).

[0235] In another embodiment, the fecal sample preparation uses the above steps to produce a filtrate, and then a low-cost portable paper centrifuge is used to centrifuge the filtrate. The following steps can be adopted:

[0236] (I) Pipette some of the filtrate into a microcentrifuge tube;

[0237] (J) Radially attach the microcentrifuge tube to the paper disk of the paper centrifuge and centrifuge for three minutes;

[0238] (K) Remove the supernatant from the microcentrifuge tube and resuspend the particulate matter in the salt / zinc solution by mixing;

[0239] (L) Pipette an aliquot of the resulting suspension into the slots of a McMaster slide.

[0240] Figure 8 A block diagram of a system for generating a digital image of a fecal sample and determining characteristics of the fecal sample according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system may include a fecal sample preparation device 2 for preparing a fecal sample from an animal 40 and a digital imaging module 4. The digital imaging module 4 may include a CCD camera 21A and a lens assembly 21B, a memory 42, and a communication device 43 for transmitting digital image data to a remote site via a communication network 44. The CCD camera may collect the information incident on the camera as a set of images, and the set of images may be combined together to provide a three-dimensional data cube for processing and analysis. The communication network 44 may be the Internet, an intranet, or any wired or wireless communication network. For example, the communication network 44 may include a mobile communication (GSM) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (GPP), an Internet Protocol (IP) network, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) network, a WiFi network, or an IEEE 802.11 standard network, as well as their various communications. Other conventional and / or later-developed wired and wireless networks may also be used. The digital imaging module may include a processor for performing the processing of the digital images captured by the device or for synchronizing the operations of the digital imaging module, which operations include the acquisition, storage, and communication of digital images.

[0241] Although not shown, it should be understood that the digital imaging module 4 may be configured to be electronically coupled to a mobile communication device (i.e., a mobile phone) via wired or wireless communication, and the digital images generated by the imaging module may be transmitted off-site by the mobile communication device.

[0242] The system may include an off-site digital image analysis module 50, which is configured to receive digital images of a prepared sample via a communication network 44 and analyze the digital images to determine characteristics of the sample. Module 50 may include an image processing application 53, which processes and analyzes each digital image captured by an imaging device 4. Module 50 may include a database 54 that can store data and images and / or communicate with the database. In one example, database 64 may store information such as a data training set that may include multiple images of fecal samples. The multiple images may be synthetically generated by the module and / or obtained from another source. Additionally, the multiple images may be captured by imaging module 4 and included as part of the data training set. Additionally, the database may store characteristics of objects in each of the multiple images. These characteristics may include labels or names of the objects and other information such as measurements of the objects. These measurements may be manually assigned by a user of module 50 during image analysis and / or automatically determined by module 50. Additionally, image processing application 53 may communicate with other computing devices via communication network 44.

[0243] Image analysis module 50 includes at least one processor 51 for processing data and a memory 52 for storing data. Processor 51 may process communications, establish communications, retrieve data from memory 52 and store data to memory 52. Processor 51 and memory 52 are hardware. Memory 52 may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as a computer-readable storage medium (such as a cache, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory or other memory), to store data and / or computer-readable executable instructions, such as a part or component of image processing application 53. Additionally, module 50 further includes at least one communication interface to transmit and receive communications, messages and / or signals.

[0244] Module 50 may display a graphical user interface (or GUI) on a display to generate the graphical user interface on the display. The graphical user interface may be provided by image processing application 112. The graphical user interface enables a user of the module to interact with image processing application 53. The GUI may be a part or component of an application and / or service executable by module 50. For example, image processing application 53 may be a single unit of deployable executable code or multiple units of deployable executable code.

[0245] The image processing application 53 can be a web application, a native application, and / or a mobile application (e.g., an app) downloaded from a digital distribution application platform that allows users to browse and download applications developed using a software development kit (SDK), including App Store and GOOGLE PLAY®. The image processing application 53 or at least a portion thereof can reside in and be executed by at least one computing device that can have an operating system such as WINDOWS®, a Linux-based operating system, OS X®, an iOS operating system, or an ANDROID™ operating system.

[0246] The processor 51 of the image analysis module 50 can include a communication device that is configured to transmit data received from the image processing application 53 or the memory 52 to a remote computing device 60 via a communication network 44. The remote computing device 60 can be a mobile phone that includes software (i.e., downloadable software in the form of a mobile phone application (“app”)) that is configured to communicate with the image processing module 50, receive data from the image processing module, and display the data. The data can be information about a sample, such as a diagnosis of a parasitic infection, the type of infection, the stage of infection, the prognosis of the animal, and information about appropriate treatment. The app can also cause the device to request ID information of the mammal from which the digital image was collected, associate the mammal ID with the sample data received from the image analysis module, and display the sample data with the mammal ID.

[0247] Reference Figure 9A and Figure 9B, showing an alternative embodiment of a portable digital imaging module, where like reference numerals are assigned to identified parts with reference to the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, the portable digital imaging module 60 does not have a camera or a communication module, but includes a housing 20 that houses a microscopic lens 21B, a base 23 for receiving a McMaster slide 3 containing a fecal sample disposed below the lens 21B, a first illumination system 61 disposed below the base 23, a diffraction filter 62 disposed between the base 23 and the first illumination system 61, and a second illumination system 63 disposed on the side of the base 23. In this embodiment, the housing 20 includes an incision 65 that is sized to receive one end of a mobile phone 66 having a camera 67 and positions the camera to face the base 23 and the lens 21B in a position to generate a digital image of the slide. In this embodiment, the base 23 is a slot that extends through the housing, and the housing may include means for moving the slide through the slot when acquiring a digital image of the slide. This allows for the generation of a digital image that covers the entire slide. In this embodiment, the digital image of the sample on the slide is wirelessly transmitted by the mobile phone to an off-site digital image analysis module, and data from the analysis module is received by the mobile phone and displayed on the screen. Module 4 also includes a battery operatively connected to the illumination system.

[0248] Figure 9A and Figure 9B The embodiment allows for a simpler kit and system that can be used with the user's own mobile phone or mobile device. In this and other embodiments, the kits and systems of the present invention may employ downloadable software for a mobile phone (i.e., a mobile device "app") that can be configured to perform the methods of the present invention. For example, when run on the operating system of a mobile phone, the app may cause the mobile phone to (a) request ID information of a mammal, (b) acquire one or a series of digital images of a sample on a slide, (c) wirelessly transmit the digital images to an off-site image analysis module, (d) communicate with the off-site image analysis module and receive data therefrom (i.e., the parasite infection characteristics of the sample), and (d) display the parasite infection characteristics (optionally, with the ID data of the mammal) on the screen of the device. The phone software may also cause the phone to establish communication with the digital imaging module and activate the illumination system when the phone acquires a digital image. The phone software may also cause the phone to store the parasite infection characteristics of a mammal obtained over a period of time and display the parasite infection characteristics on the phone.

[0249] Reference Figure 10A and Figure 10B, showing an alternative embodiment of a portable digital imaging module, where the same reference numerals are assigned to the identified parts as in the previous embodiment. The digital imaging module 70 has a housing 20 that houses a camera 21A, a microscopic lens 21B, a slotted base 23 disposed below the lens 21B for receiving a McMaster slide 3 (containing a fecal sample), a first illumination system 61 disposed below the base 23, a diffraction filter 62, a second illumination system 63 located on the side of the base 23, and a communication module 71 configured to wirelessly transmit digital images to a mobile device 66 (not shown). In this embodiment, the module 70 includes a servo motor 72 and a rotary actuator 73 that is positioned adjacent to one side of the slide 3 in the slotted base and, when actuated, causes the slide to move laterally along the slotted base. A second servo motor 74 and a rotary actuator 75 are provided to move the camera 21A and the lens 21B laterally. The movement of the camera / lens and / or the slide allows for the acquisition of multiple digital images of the slide, thus ensuring the generation of an image that covers the entire slide.

[0250] Some embodiments of this application also provide the following examples.

[0251] Example 1. A system for on-site determination of parasite infection characteristics of non-human mammals, the system comprising

[0252] A portable fecal sample preparation device configured for on-site use to receive fecal matter and a fecal flotation solution from the mammal, mix the fecal matter with the fecal flotation solution to provide a suspension, and filter the suspension to provide a filtrate, wherein the filtrate is the fecal sample;

[0253] A semi-transparent fecal sample holder;

[0254] A portable digital imaging module adapted to generate digital images of a fecal sample on the sample holder and transmit the digital images via a wireless communication network;

[0255] An off-site digital image analysis module configured to receive the digital images of the fecal sample via the wireless communication network, analyze the digital images to determine the parasite infection characteristics of the sample, and transmit the parasite infection characteristics of the sample via the wireless communication network; and

[0256] Software for a mobile communication device configured to cause the mobile communication device to communicate with the off-site digital image processing module via the wireless communication network and receive the parasite infection characteristics of the sample from the off-site digital image processing module.

[0257] Example 2. The system according to Example 1, wherein the portable digital imaging module is configured to transmit the digital image to the off-site digital image analysis module via the mobile communication device.

[0258] Example 3. The system according to Example 1, wherein the portable digital imaging module includes a communication module for transmitting the digital image to the off-site digital image analysis module via the wireless communication network.

[0259] Example 4. The system according to Example 3, wherein the software for the mobile communication device is configured to cause the mobile communication device to:

[0260] Receive the digital image of the fecal sample;

[0261] Transmit the digital image to the off-site digital image analysis module;

[0262] Receive the parasite infection characteristics of the sample from the off-site digital image analysis module; and

[0263] Display the parasite infection characteristics of the sample on the screen of the mobile communication device.

[0264] Example 5. The system according to Example 4, wherein the software for the mobile communication device is configured to cause the mobile communication device to:

[0265] Request that identification data of the mammal be input into the mobile communication device;

[0266] Receive and store the identification data of the mammal;

[0267] Display the parasite infection characteristics of the sample and the mammal identification data on the screen of the mobile communication device.

[0268] Example 6. The system according to Example 5, wherein the software for the mobile communication device is configured to cause the mobile communication device to store the parasite infection characteristics of samples of the same mammal obtained over a period of time and display the parasite infection characteristics.

[0269] Example 7. The system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the software is a downloadable mobile device software application.

[0270] Example 8. The system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the portable digital imaging module includes:

[0271] A camera and lens assembly configured to generate the digital image of the sample on the sample holder;

[0272] Sample holder illumination system;

[0273] A base configured to receive the sample holder; and

[0274] A battery operably connected to the camera and lens assembly, the memory, and the illumination system.

[0275] Example 9. The system according to Example 8, wherein the camera of the camera and lens assembly is provided by the camera of the mobile communication device, and wherein the portable digital imaging module is configured to removably engage with the mobile communication device at the sample holder imaging position.

[0276] Example 10. The system according to Example 9, wherein the portable digital imaging module is configured to snap-fit to the mobile communication device.

[0277] Example 11. The system according to any one of Examples 8 to 10, wherein the portable digital imaging module is adapted to provide relative movement between the sample holder and the camera and lens assembly to allow generation of a plurality of digital images across the sample holder.

[0278] Example 12. The system according to Example 11, wherein the portable digital imaging module includes a base adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the base relative to the camera and lens assembly upon actuation, or a camera and lens adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the camera and lens assembly relative to the base upon actuation, or both.

[0279] Example 13. The system according to Example 12, wherein the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module are configured for manual adjustment.

[0280] Example 14. The system according to Example 12, the system including an actuation motor operably connected to the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module.

[0281] Example 15. The system according to any one of Examples 8 to 14, wherein the lens is an ultra-wide angle lens.

[0282] Example 16. The system according to any one of Examples 8 to 15, wherein the camera is configured to generate an ultra-high resolution image of a portion of the sample slide.

[0283] Example 17. The system according to any one of Examples 8 to 16, wherein the base for the sample holder is disposed between the sample holder illumination system and the camera and lens assembly.

[0284] Example 18. The system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the illumination system includes a direct light source disposed below the base for the sample holder and an indirect light source disposed at one side of the base for the sample holder.

[0285] Example 19. The system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the fecal sample holder is a McMaster slide.

[0286] Example 20. The system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the off-site image processing module includes a processor configured to analyze the digital image by correlating the digital image or a portion of the digital image with one or more of a reference image or features from the reference image, desirably a database, to associate the digital image or the portion of the digital image with the characteristics of the fecal sample.

[0287] Example 21. The system according to Example 20, wherein the processor is configured to analyze the digital image by deep learning.

[0288] Example 22. The system according to Example 20 or 21, wherein the processor includes a computational model configured to:

[0289] receive an input including the digital image or features extracted from the digital image, wherein the computational model is generated from a training set of digital images of fecal samples with known parasite infection characteristics; and

[0290] output the characteristics of the fecal sample, the characteristics being selected from diagnosis of parasite infection, type of parasite infection, degree or stage of infection.

[0291] Example 23. A method for on-site detection of parasite infection in mammals, the method comprising the steps of:

[0292] on-site preparation of a fecal sample for imaging, the on-site preparation being carried out by mixing the fecal sample with a fecal flotation fluid and filtering the fecal flotation fluid through a filter to provide a filtrate, wherein the filtrate is the fecal sample;

[0293] placing a drop of the fecal sample on a translucent sample holder;

[0294] using a portable digital imaging module to on-site generate a digital image of the fecal sample on the sample holder, the portable digital imaging module including a communication system adapted to transmit the digital image to an off-site image processing module via a wireless communication network;

[0295] Transmit the digital image to an off-site digital image analysis module via the wireless communication network using the communication system;

[0296] Analyze the digital image off-site by the digital image analysis module to determine the parasite infection characteristics of the sample; and

[0297] Transmit the parasite infection characteristics of the sample to the on-site mobile communication device via the wireless communication network, the on-site mobile communication device including software configured to communicate with the off-site digital image processing module via the wireless communication network and receive the parasite infection characteristics of the sample from the off-site digital image processing module.

[0298] Example 24. The method according to Example 23, wherein the digital image is transmitted by the on-site mobile communication device to the off-site digital image analysis module.

[0299] Example 25. The method according to Example 23, wherein the digital image is transmitted by a communication module forming part of the portable digital imaging module to the off-site digital image analysis module.

[0300] Example 26. The method according to Example 23 or 24, comprising the steps of

[0301] Receiving, by the mobile communication device, a digital image of the fecal sample;

[0302] Transmitting, by the mobile communication device, the digital image to the off-site digital image analysis module;

[0303] Receiving, by the mobile communication device, the parasite infection characteristics of the sample from the off-site digital image analysis module; and

[0304] Displaying, by the mobile communication device, the parasite infection characteristics of the sample on a screen of the mobile communication device.

[0305] Example 27. The method according to Example 26, the method comprising the steps of:

[0306] Requesting, by the mobile communication device, input of identification data of the mammal into the mobile communication device;

[0307] Receiving and storing, by the mobile communication device, the identification data of the mammal;

[0308] Displaying, by the mobile communication device, the parasite infection characteristics of the sample and the mammal identification data.

[0309] Example 28. The method according to Example 27, the method comprising the steps of storing, by the mobile communication device, parasite infection characteristics of the samples of the same mammal obtained over a period of time, and displaying, by the mobile communication device, the parasite infection characteristics over time.

[0310] Example 29. The method according to any one of Examples 23 to 28, wherein the digital image of the fecal sample on the sample holder is generated by a camera of the mobile communication device, wherein the portable digital imaging module is configured to detachably engage with the mobile communication device at the sample holder imaging position.

[0311] Example 30. The method according to any one of Examples 31 to 29, wherein the portable digital imaging module is adapted to provide relative movement between the sample holder and the camera and lens assembly, wherein the method comprises generating a plurality of digital images while moving the sample holder relative to the camera and lens assembly to generate a plurality of digital images across the sample holder.

[0312] Example 31. The method according to any one of Examples 23 to 30, the method comprising the steps of irradiating a bottom surface of the sample holder with direct light and irradiating a side of the sample holder with indirect light during generation of the digital image of the sample holder.

[0313] Example 32. The method according to any one of Examples 23 to 30, wherein the step of off-site analyzing the digital image by the digital image analysis module to determine parasite infection characteristics of the sample comprises comparing the digital image or a portion of the digital image with one or more of a reference image or features from the reference image, desirably a database, thereby correlating the digital image or the portion of the digital image with the characteristics of the fecal sample.

[0314] Example 33. The method according to Example 32, wherein the digital image is analyzed by deep learning.

[0315] Example 34. A kit, the kit comprising:

[0316] A portable fecal sample preparation device configured for on-site use to receive fecal matter and a fecal flotation solution from the mammal, mix the fecal matter with the fecal flotation solution to provide a suspension, and filter the suspension to provide a filtrate, wherein the filtrate is the fecal sample;

[0317] A translucent fecal sample holder;

[0318] A portable digital imaging module, the portable digital imaging module being adapted to generate a digital image of a fecal sample on the sample holder and transmit the digital image to an off-site digital image processing module via a wireless communication network, the off-site digital image processing module off-site analyzing the digital image via the wireless communication network to determine parasite infection characteristics of the sample; and

[0319] Software for a mobile communication device, the software being configured to cause the mobile communication device to communicate with the off-site digital image processing module via the wireless communication network and receive the parasite infection characteristics of the sample from the off-site digital image processing module.

[0320] Example 35. The kit according to Example 34, wherein the portable digital imaging module comprises:

[0321] A camera and lens assembly configured to generate the digital image of the sample on the sample holder;

[0322] A sample holder illumination system;

[0323] A base for receiving the sample holder; and

[0324] A battery operatively connected to the camera and lens assembly, memory, and illumination system.

[0325] Example 36. The kit according to Example 35, wherein the camera of the camera and lens assembly is provided by the camera of the mobile communication device, and wherein the portable digital imaging module is configured to detachably engage with the mobile communication device at a sample holder imaging position.

[0326] Example 37. The kit according to Example 36, wherein the portable digital imaging module is configured to snap-fit attach to the mobile communication device.

[0327] Example 38. The kit according to any one of Examples 35 to 37, wherein the portable digital imaging module is adapted to provide relative movement between the sample holder and the camera and lens assembly to allow generation of a plurality of digital images across the sample holder.

[0328] Example 39. The kit according to Example 38, wherein the portable digital imaging module comprises a base adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the base relative to the camera and lens assembly upon actuation, or a camera and lens adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the camera and lens assembly relative to the base upon actuation, or both.

[0329] Example 40. The kit according to Example 39, wherein the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module are configured for manual adjustment.

[0330] Example 41. The kit according to Example 39, the system comprising an actuating motor operatively connected to the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module.

[0331] Example 42. The kit according to any one of Examples 35 to 41, wherein the lens is an ultra-wide-angle lens.

[0332] Example 43. The kit according to any one of Examples 35 to 42, wherein the camera is configured to generate ultra-high-resolution images.

[0333] Example 44. The kit according to any one of Examples 35 to 43, wherein the base for the sample holder is disposed between the sample holder illumination system and the camera and lens assembly.

[0334] Example 45. The kit according to any one of Examples 35 to 44, wherein the illumination system includes a direct light source disposed below the base for the sample holder and an indirect light source disposed at one side of the base for the sample holder.

[0335] Example 46. The kit according to any one of Examples 35 to 45, wherein the fecal sample holder is a McMaster slide.

[0336] Example 47. A portable digital imaging module, the portable digital imaging module including a housing having:

[0337] A base for receiving a sample holder slide;

[0338] A lens for imaging a sample holder received on the base;

[0339] A sample holder slide illumination system; and

[0340] A battery operatively connected to the illumination system,

[0341] wherein the housing is configured to removably engage with a mobile communication device to form a portable digital imaging assembly, wherein a camera of the mobile communication device and the lens of the portable digital imaging module form a camera and lens assembly configured to generate digital images of a sample holder slide on the base.

[0342] Example 48. The portable digital imaging module according to Example 47, wherein the portable digital imaging module is configured to be snap - fitted to the mobile communication device.

[0343] Example 49. The portable digital imaging module according to Example 47 or 48, wherein the portable digital imaging module is adapted to provide relative movement between the sample holder and the camera and lens assembly to allow generation of a plurality of digital images across the sample holder.

[0344] Example 50. The portable digital imaging module according to Example 49, wherein the portable digital imaging module includes a base adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the base relative to the camera and lens assembly upon actuation, or a camera and lens adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the camera and lens assembly relative to the base upon actuation, or both.

[0345] Example 51. The portable digital imaging module according to Example 50, wherein the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module are configured for manual adjustment.

[0346] Example 52. The portable digital imaging module according to Example 50, the system includes an actuating motor operatively connected to the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module.

[0347] Example 53. The portable digital imaging module according to any one of Examples 47 to 52, wherein the lens is an ultra - wide - angle lens.

[0348] Example 54. The portable digital imaging module according to any one of Examples 47 to 53, wherein the camera is configured to generate ultra - high - resolution images.

[0349] 55. The portable digital imaging module according to any one of Examples 47 to 54, wherein the base for the sample holder is disposed between the sample holder illumination system and the camera and lens assembly.

[0350] Example 56. The portable digital imaging module according to any one of Examples 47 to 55, wherein the illumination system includes a direct light source disposed below the base for the sample holder and an indirect light source disposed at one side of the base for the sample holder.

[0351] Example 57. The portable digital imaging module according to any one of Examples 47 to 56, wherein the sample holder slide is a McMaster slide.

[0352] It should be understood that the processes described in this disclosure can be implemented in various ways. For example, some of the processes described in this disclosure can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processing unit or processor can be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof.

[0353] Doctrine of Equivalents

[0354] The foregoing description details the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. It is expected that those skilled in the art, upon consideration of these descriptions, may make many modifications and variations in practice. These modifications and variations are all encompassed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A kit, the kit comprises: a portable fecal sample preparation device configured for on-site use to receive fecal matter and a fecal flotation solution from a mammal, mix the fecal matter with the fecal flotation solution to provide a suspension, and filter the suspension to provide a filtrate, wherein the filtrate is the fecal sample; a translucent fecal sample holder; a portable digital imaging module including a base for receiving the translucent fecal sample holder and a sample holder illumination system, the portable digital imaging module being configured to detachably engage with a mobile communication device at a sample holder imaging position; and software for the mobile communication device, the software being configured to cause the mobile communication device to: request ID information of the mammal; acquire one or a series of digital images of the fecal sample on the sample holder; communicate one or a series of the digital images via a wireless communication network to an off-site image analysis module for off-site analysis of the digital images to determine parasite infection characteristics of the fecal sample; communicate via the wireless communication network with the off-site image analysis module and receive the parasite infection characteristics of the fecal sample from the off-site image analysis module; associate the ID of the mammal with the parasite infection characteristics received from the image analysis module; display on a screen of the mobile communication device the parasite infection characteristics with the ID of the mammal.

2. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the portable digital imaging module is configured to be snap-fitted to the mobile communication device.

3. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable digital imaging module is adapted to provide relative movement between the sample holder and a camera of the mobile communication device to allow generation of multiple digital images across the sample holder.

4. The kit according to claim 3, wherein the portable digital imaging module includes a base adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the base relative to the camera of the mobile communication device upon actuation.

5. The kit according to claim 4, wherein the base adjustment module is configured for manual adjustment.

6. The kit according to claim 4, the system comprising an actuation motor operatively connected to the base adjustment module.

7. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base for the sample holder is disposed between the sample holder illumination system and the camera of the mobile communication device.

8. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the illumination system includes a direct light source disposed below the base for the sample holder and an indirect light source disposed at one side of the base for the sample holder.

9. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fecal sample holder is a McMaster slide.

10. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the software is further configured to cause the mobile communication device to store the parasite infection characteristics of samples of the same mammal obtained over a period of time and to display the parasite infection characteristics over time.

11. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the software is a downloadable mobile phone application.

12. The kit according to claim 11, wherein the software is configured to cause the mobile communication device to establish communication with the digital imaging module and to activate the lighting system when the mobile communication device captures a digital image.

13. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable digital imaging module further comprises a battery, the battery being operatively connected to the lighting system.

14. A portable digital imaging module, the portable digital imaging module comprising a housing having: a base for receiving a sample holder slide; a lens for imaging a sample holder received on the base; a sample holder slide lighting system; and a battery, the battery being operatively connected to the lighting system, wherein the housing is configured to removably engage with a mobile communication device to form a portable digital imaging assembly, wherein a camera of the mobile communication device and the lens of the portable digital imaging module form a camera and lens assembly, the camera and lens assembly being configured to generate digital images of a sample holder slide on the base.

15. The portable digital imaging module according to claim 14, wherein the portable digital imaging module is configured to be snap-fitted to the mobile communication device.

16. The portable digital imaging module according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the portable digital imaging module is adapted to provide relative movement between the sample holder and the camera and lens assembly to allow multiple digital images to be generated across the sample holder.

17. The portable digital imaging module according to claim 16, wherein the portable digital imaging module comprises a base adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the base relative to the camera and lens assembly upon actuation, or a camera and lens adjustment module configured to laterally adjust the camera and lens assembly relative to the base upon actuation, or both.

18. The portable digital imaging module according to claim 17, wherein the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module are configured to be manually adjusted.

19. The portable digital imaging module according to claim 17, the system comprising an actuation motor, the actuation motor being operatively connected to the base adjustment module and / or the camera and lens adjustment module.

20. The portable digital imaging module according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the lens is an ultra-wide-angle lens.

21. The portable digital imaging module according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the camera is configured to generate ultra-high resolution images.

22. The portable digital imaging module according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the base for the sample holder is disposed between the sample holder illumination system and the camera and lens assembly.

23. The portable digital imaging module according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the illumination system includes a direct light source disposed below the base for the sample holder and an indirect light source disposed at one side of the base for the sample holder.

24. The portable digital imaging module according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the sample holder slide is a McMaster slide.

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