Bodily Fluid Testing Equipment With Surface-Free Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bodily fluid testing equipment requires a patient to visit a medical facility for sample deposition and results, leading to contamination risks and inefficient packaging due to surface dependency and the need for reference colors.
Innovation Solution
A user-friendly, application-analysable bodily fluid testing equipment with a handling indicator and integrated testing regions, allowing direct application and image capture without surface contact, using a mobile device for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If application-analysable testing equipment is laid on a flat surface for analysis, then image capture and analysis can be carried out, but contamination of the surface from bodily fluid and contamination of sensitive testing equipment by surface contaminants occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a handling indicator as an intermediary element that mediates between the user's hand and the testing equipment. The handling indicator provides a designated holding area that physically separates the user's hand from the sensitive testing regions, preventing direct contact and contamination while still allowing the user to hold and position the equipment for image capture.
2Measurement precision
If reference colour pad is placed under the testing equipment, then colour reference is provided for analysis, but the two-part system cannot be efficiently packaged and stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference colour pad with the testing equipment into a single integrated unit. The reference colour pad is positioned on the same substrate as the testing regions, eliminating the need for a separate reference pad component. This integration maintains colour reference functionality while significantly improving packaging efficiency and storage compactness.
3Measurement precision
If reference colours are presented on the testing equipment, then colour comparison is enabled, but additional size is added to the equipment preventing efficient packaging and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing reference colours only in specific localized areas rather than covering the entire equipment surface. The reference colour pad is positioned in a compact format adjacent to the testing regions, providing necessary colour comparison functionality while minimizing the overall equipment footprint and enabling efficient packaging.
4Reliability
If patient visits medical establishment for sample deposition and results, then professional testing is performed, but waiting time of several days and travel requirement are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service testing by providing a portable testing equipment that individuals can use at home or in their own environment. The equipment allows users to deposit samples, capture images, and obtain results independently without requiring visits to medical establishments, thereby eliminating travel time and reducing waiting periods while maintaining testing reliability through image-based analysis.
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
Prevents contamination, improves hygiene, and enables efficient packaging and delivery, allowing for on-site analysis of bodily fluids without surface contact.
Implementation Method 1
the testing region may be a colour change pad testing region
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively, the testing region may be a lateral flow testing region
Implementation Method 3
from which image data is capturable and analysable by an associated application
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an indicator of a bodily condition in an image of a bodily fluid testing equipment captured by an electronic device is provided. The method comprises determining colour data of a first bodily fluid testing region (109, 209) of a bodily fluid testing equipment (100, 200) from image data of the bodily fluid testing equipment, determining colour calibration data of at least one background sub-region (543) of a background region (545) of the bodily fluid testing equipment, calibrating the colour data based upon the determined colour calibration data, determining whether an indicator of a bodily condition has interacted with the first bodily fluid testing region, and providing an output, wherein the output is based upon whether the indicator of the bodily condition has interacted with the first bodily fluid testing region.