Chromatographic Strip Reader With Image-Based Analyte Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological chromatographic test strips rely on subjective human interpretation for result determination, leading to misinterpretation and limited adoption due to qualitative nature and lack of metadata, which hinders their wider use in diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
Reader devices automate the reading process, providing consistent interpretation and quantitative analysis of test results by leveraging signal intensities from control, hook, and test lines, and integrating metadata collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated reader devices are implemented, then measurement precision and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of human visual interpretation with an automated image processing system using cameras and algorithms. The camera captures images of test lines, and software automatically analyzes signal intensities to determine analyte presence and concentration, eliminating subjective human interpretation while maintaining simplicity through standardized digital processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that acts as a mediator between the test strip output and the final interpretation. The system uses control lines as reference mediators to normalize signal intensities, and employs algorithmic intermediaries to convert raw pixel data into quantitative analyte concentrations, improving precision without requiring complex direct measurement apparatus.
2Loss of information
If quantitative analysis is implemented, then information completeness is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where control lines provide reference signals that feed back into the quantification algorithm. The system uses the control line intensity as a feedback reference to normalize test line measurements, automatically adjusting for variations in sample application, reagent concentration, and environmental conditions. This feedback loop enables robust quantitative analysis without requiring ultra-precise absolute intensity measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from absolute intensity measurement to relative intensity ratios. Instead of measuring absolute signal intensities which require high precision, the system calculates ratios between test lines and control lines, or between different wavelength signals, which are more tolerant of measurement variations and enable quantitative analysis with relaxed precision requirements.
3Productivity
If multiple sensors are used for automation, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using a single camera system that can capture multiple types of information simultaneously - control line positions, test line intensities, and temporal dynamics. The same imaging hardware performs multiple functions including quality control verification, analyte detection, and concentration quantification, increasing productivity without proportionally increasing sensor complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a unified imaging-based system. Instead of using separate sensors for different measurements, the system combines control line detection, test line quantification, and quality verification into a single camera-based platform with integrated software analysis, streamlining the device while maintaining high throughput capability.
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 devices reduce human error, enable accurate quantification of analyte concentration, and facilitate metadata integration, enhancing diagnostic efficiency and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
determine, based on the image data captured by the camera hardware, (i) an intensity of a control dot displayed in the output signal area of the biological chromatographic test strip
Implementation Method 2
The signal-generating tag typically outputs an indication, visible to the unaided eye, of whether the test's target analyte is present
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a mobile computing device (902) physically coupled to a lightbox (904). The apparatus includes camera hardware configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip (410) inserted into a receiving slot of the lightbox. The apparatus further includes processing circuitry in communication with the camera hardware, the processing circuitry being configured to determine, based on the image data captured by the camera hardware, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip. The apparatus further includes an interface in communication with the processing circuitry, the interface being configured to output data indicative of the concentration of the target analyte determined by the processing circuitry.