Assay Device Wireless Data Communication via Light Modulation

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable test devices lack efficient data communication capabilities, limiting their ability to transmit assay results to external processing and display devices without increasing manufacturing costs or adding complex circuitry.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a wireless transceiver and a processor in the test device to establish a communication channel with an external processing and display device, allowing for the transmission of assay results via Bluetooth or NFC, and using a variable intensity light source to encode and display results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless communication components (transceiver, processor) are added to enable data transmission, then data communication capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is designed to perform multiple functions: conducting the optical assay and simultaneously encoding assay results through intensity modulation. This eliminates the need for separate communication components, reducing device complexity while maintaining data transmission capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing light source and detector are made to serve dual purposes: the light source conducts the assay and encodes results, while the detector performs both optical detection and receives encoded communication signals. This self-service approach avoids adding external communication hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If wireless communication components (transceiver, processor) are added to enable data transmission, then data communication capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is designed to perform multiple functions: conducting the optical assay and simultaneously encoding assay results through intensity modulation. This eliminates the need for separate communication components, reducing device complexity while maintaining data transmission capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing light source and detector are made to serve dual purposes: the light source conducts the assay and encodes results, while the detector performs both optical detection and receives encoded communication signals. This self-service approach avoids adding external communication hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If light source intensity is modulated to encode assay results, then data transmission capability is improved, but assay accuracy may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidassay accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light source intensity is modulated in periodic cycles: during the assay phase, continuous illumination conducts the optical reaction; during communication phases, the intensity is modulated to encode results. This periodic switching ensures assay accuracy is maintained while enabling data transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system completes the optical assay and obtains results before initiating light intensity modulation for communication. This sequential approach ensures the assay reaches proper development and measurement points before any modulation occurs, preserving assay accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables reliable data connectivity and result transmission to external devices, enhancing the usability of portable test devices without significant cost or size increases, allowing for stand-alone operation and backward compatibility with various testing protocols.

Implementation Method 1

a light source configured to emit light under control of the assay electronics during and as part of conducting the assay

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the assay electronics is configured to cause the light source to emit a modulated light intensity encoding assay measurement data and/or an assay result derived from the assay measurement data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight intensity modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

detecting, via a photodetector, a quantity of light emitted from a light source that is reflected from a reagent reaction region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10681516B2Electronic test device data communication

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 Z INTEGRATED DIGITAL TECH

AI summary

Electronic test devices and methods include data transfer capabilities. In one implementation, an assay device includes wireless communication capabilities to send assay result decisions and/or values to a separate processing and display device such as a smartphone. In another implementation, light sources are modulated both for performing an assay and encoding and transmitting a result of an assay.