Immunochromatographic Assay Apparatus Area Profile Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Immunochromatographic assays often result in erroneous positive determinations due to non-specific adsorption of labeling substances, which compromises the reliability of the assay results.
Innovation Solution
An immunochromatographic assay apparatus that includes a processor for analyzing images of the assay region, dividing the image into areas, calculating average or center values, and applying condition determination processing to differentiate between positive and negative samples based on specific threshold criteria, thereby reducing false positives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical detection is used to determine sample positivity, then assay speed is improved, but erroneous determination due to non-specific adsorption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the assay region image into multiple areas (first area, second area, third area) along the row direction. By segmenting the image and analyzing each area separately to generate area profiles, the system can distinguish between specific antigen-antibody binding patterns and non-specific adsorption patterns, thereby maintaining fast optical detection while improving determination accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from analyzing single pixel values to generating area profiles that represent brightness distribution across multiple areas. This dimensional transformation from point-based to region-based analysis enables the system to detect the spatial distribution characteristics of color development, allowing differentiation between specific and non-specific binding while maintaining rapid optical detection
2Device complexity
If simple brightness threshold determination is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by dividing the image into multiple areas and generating area profiles before making the final determination. This pre-processing step organizes the brightness data into structured area profiles that capture spatial distribution characteristics, enabling more precise determination without requiring complex hardware or processing algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a multi-area analysis approach that goes beyond simple single-region thresholding. By analyzing brightness distribution across multiple areas and evaluating whether the area profile satisfies predetermined conditions, the system achieves higher measurement precision through moderately increased processing steps while maintaining practical device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus enhances the reliability of assay results by accurately distinguishing between positive and negative samples, reducing errors caused by non-specific adsorption and carrier deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor that captures an observation region including the assay region and outputs an observation image including the observation region
Data Source
AI summary
An immunochromatographic assay apparatus includes a loading part into which a cartridge is loaded, the cartridge including a carrier having a spotting region and an assay region; and a processor that performs a main determination, which is a determination of whether the sample is positive or negative, based on an assay region image, in which the processor divides the assay region image into a plurality of areas extending in the row direction, derives an average value or a center value in each column in the areas using at least a part of the plurality of pixels included in each of the columns, and generates an area profile in the row direction for each of the areas using the derived average value or center value, and executes, in the main determination, condition determination processing using the area profile generated for each of the areas.