Multi-Diagnosis Fluorescence Reader with Barcode-Guided Reaction Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescence readers for immunodiagnosis face issues with complex structures leading to inaccurate results, difficulty in maintaining optimal reaction times, and the risk of errors due to incorrect cartridge insertion, especially in multi-diagnostic devices.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence reader with a multi-diagnosis function that identifies and classifies samples using barcodes, automatically calculates reaction times, and includes error prevention mechanisms to ensure correct cartridge insertion and optimal measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fluorescence reader is designed with multiple diagnostic functions, then the versatility and diagnostic capability are improved, but the device complexity and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescence reader is designed with a universal platform that can perform multiple diagnostic functions by accommodating different types of cartridges (lateral flow, ELISA, microplate). The system uses a single optical module and control unit that can adapt to various assay types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each diagnostic method.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular components including a separate optical module, control unit, and cartridge types. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a simple core structure while adding diagnostic capabilities through interchangeable cartridges rather than integrating all functions into a single complex unit.
2Measurement precision
If the reaction time is extended to ensure complete immunoreaction, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the total measurement time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores optimal reaction times for different cartridge types and assay conditions. When a cartridge is inserted, the control unit automatically retrieves the appropriate reaction time from memory and sets the measurement timing, eliminating the need for manual timing decisions and ensuring optimal reaction completion without unnecessary delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic timing control where the control unit monitors the reaction progress and automatically initiates the measurement at the optimal time point. This feedback mechanism ensures that measurements are taken at the precise moment when the immunoreaction has reached completion, maximizing accuracy while minimizing total measurement time.
3Device complexity
If manual timing of the reaction is used, then the equipment simplicity is maintained, but the measurement accuracy varies due to user-dependent factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic timing and measurement initiation without requiring user intervention. The control unit autonomously tracks the reaction time, determines when the optimal measurement point is reached, and triggers the scan automatically. This self-service capability eliminates user-dependent variability while keeping the hardware relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical timing process is replaced with an electronic control system that automatically tracks time and triggers measurements. The control unit uses electronic timing circuits and software algorithms to precisely control the measurement timing, replacing the need for manual stopwatch timing while maintaining system simplicity.
4Reliability
If barcode identification is implemented, then the error prevention capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A barcode reader serves as an intermediary component that bridges the cartridge and the control unit. The barcode reader optically reads the barcode on the cartridge, decodes it, and transmits the information to the control unit for verification. This intermediary layer provides robust error prevention without requiring complex integration throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode identification is performed immediately upon cartridge insertion, before any measurement process begins. The control unit verifies the cartridge type and compatibility in advance, preventing errors before they can affect the measurement. This preliminary verification step ensures reliability without adding complexity to the measurement process itself.
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 reader provides accurate, efficient, and error-free immunodiagnostic results by identifying different types of diagnostic cartridges and automatically calculating reaction times, reducing user-dependent variability and preventing incorrect insertions.
Implementation Method 1
radiate light to a fluorescence measurement window... to detect fluorescence light
Implementation Method 2
to detect fluorescence light and reflected light reflected from the barcode
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an integrated immunodiagnostic fluorescence reader having a multiple diagnoses function, the reader being configured to identify and classify samples through barcodes that are allocated differently by diagnosis marker and adjust an optimum reaction time in a lateral flow method, and the present disclosure utilizes barcode information formed on a surface thereof that is the same as that of a fluorometric window of a diagnostic cartridge, so as to identify barcodes even if different kinds of diagnostic cartridges are inserted, thereby preventing errors, and, when a sample is loaded, senses a sample flowing to a development film so as to automatically calculate reaction time, and senses fluorescent information measured through the fluorometric window, thereby enabling simultaneous analysis of diagnostic markers or types of samples and the like.