CCD Matrix Evaluation for Test Strip Intensity Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing evaluation devices for quantitative lateral flow assays suffer from imprecision in determining antibody concentration due to non-homogeneous test strip reactions, susceptibility to environmental influences, and lack of reproducibility across devices and over time, as well as limited upgradeability and automatic test recognition.
Innovation Solution
A CCD matrix-based evaluation method that records the entire test strip image without movement, using direct pixel value evaluation, controllable lighting, and intelligent algorithms for self-calibration and error correction, with reference fields for scaling and compensation of lighting fluctuations, enabling precise and reproducible measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard CCD cameras with commercial image recognition are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to imprecise color intensity evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the test strip image into distinct evaluation zones (test line area, control line area, reference area) and processes each zone separately with specific evaluation algorithms. This segmentation allows precise measurement of color intensity in each region while using standard CCD cameras, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the continuous color intensity data from CCD pixels into discrete evaluation results by comparing against reference values and applying threshold criteria. This parameter transformation enables precise quantitative assessment using standard camera systems, overcoming the limitation of imprecise color evaluation while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Device complexity
If commercial image evaluation systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to environmental influences and lack of reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where reference fields on the test strip provide baseline color intensity values that are used to normalize and correct measurements from test and control lines. This internal reference system compensates for environmental variations and ensures reproducible results across different devices and conditions, maintaining low device complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation system performs self-calibration by automatically comparing test line and control line intensities against reference fields captured in the same image. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external calibration equipment and ensures consistent, reliable measurements without increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the entire image is recorded without movement using CCD matrix, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to direct pixel value evaluation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a stationary CCD matrix that captures the entire test strip image at once. This substitution eliminates mechanical movement and associated errors while maintaining measurement precision through direct digital pixel evaluation, effectively managing device complexity through software-based image processing.
4Measurement precision
If reference fields are used for scaling and compensation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates reference fields directly onto the test strip during manufacturing, preparing the calibration data in advance. This preliminary action allows the evaluation system to perform simple comparative measurements without requiring complex external calibration equipment or procedures, improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through pre-prepared reference data.
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
This approach enhances measurement accuracy and reproducibility, ensures consistent results across devices, and allows for automatic test recognition and device upgrades, providing reliable and reproducible quantitative results.
Implementation Method 1
A CCD matrix is used as a receiving element with which an image of the test strip is recorded
Implementation Method 2
The color value levels are optimized by controllable lighting
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for quantitative determination of test results from diagnosis methods with the aid of an optoelectronic evaluation appliance, and to the evaluation appliance itself, characterized in that the digital pixel information per colour level or grey level is represented in its intensity in the microprocessor as one column per pixel, wherein the column height corresponds to the intensity, and these columns are displayed alongside one another on one plane, such that the intensity distribution is displayed over the test area as a surface contour or surface profile, the height profile at which corresponds to the intensity profile of the colour intensity received by the CCD. Fields of application for the invention are test methods in biochemical laboratories, such as medical diagnosis, forensic medicine, foodstuff diagnosis, molecular biology, biochemistry, gene technology and all other related fields, as well as patient monitoring for home users or in pharmacies.