Chromatographic Reader Device for Biodetection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological chromatographic test strips rely on subjective visual interpretation, leading to inconsistencies and potential misinterpretation of results, and lack metadata, which limits their adoption and impact in diagnostic applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of reader devices that automate the interpretation of biological chromatographic test strip results, enabling quantitative measurements and metadata collection by leveraging features of the output signals, such as colorimetric intensities, to determine analyte presence and concentration, and integrating with sensors and data storage systems for improved accuracy and consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual interpretation by eye is used to read test strip results, then the method is simple and requires no additional equipment, but the interpretation is subjective and inconsistent between different observers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an automated optical detection system using sensors (such as cameras or photodetectors) to capture and analyze test strip results. This substitution eliminates human subjectivity and inter-observer variability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated image processing algorithms that consistently interpret test line patterns, intensities, and positions.
2Measurement precision
If automated reader devices are used to interpret test strip results, then measurement consistency and quantitative analysis are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the reader device to perform multiple functions: capturing test strip images, analyzing test line characteristics, determining qualitative results, and quantifying analyte concentrations. By integrating these functions into a single platform, the device achieves high measurement precision while avoiding the need for separate specialized equipment for each function, thereby managing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors capable of detecting multiple parameters simultaneously (such as light intensity, color wavelength, and signal position) to extract comprehensive information from the test strip. By analyzing changes in these parameters, the system achieves accurate quantitative measurement of analyte concentrations while using standardized sensor technology rather than complex specialized instrumentation.
3Loss of information
If only qualitative binary results are provided by test strips, then the interpretation is straightforward, but valuable metadata and quantitative information are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the automated reader device captures detailed image data from the test strip, processes this data to extract multiple parameters (test line intensity, position, color characteristics), and uses this information to generate both qualitative and quantitative results. The system provides feedback by comparing measured parameters against reference values to determine analyte concentration, thereby retaining valuable metadata that would otherwise be lost in simple binary interpretation.
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 devices provide consistent and accurate interpretation of test results, reducing human error, enabling quantitative analyte measurement, and facilitating metadata collection, thereby enhancing the reliability and throughput of biological chromatographic assays.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging features of the biological chromatographic output signal that vary with analyte concentration, such as colorimetric intensities
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes camera hardware configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip, and processing circuitry configured to determine, based on the image data, respective intensities of a control line displayed in the output signal area of the biological chromatographic test strip, a hook line displayed in the output signal area of the biological chromatographic test strip, and a test line displayed in the output signal area of the biological chromatographic test strip. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a relative intensity between the test line and at least one of the hook line or control line using the respective intensities, and to detect, based on the relative intensity, a presence of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip.