Chromatographic Reader Imaging for Quantitative Test Strip Analysis
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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 the test strips, incorporating sensors and computing systems to determine analyte presence and concentration, and enable metadata collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
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 system of human eye interpretation with an automated optical detection system using a camera and image processing algorithms. The camera captures images of the test strip, and processing circuitry analyzes the captured images to determine analyte presence and concentration, eliminating subjective human interpretation while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If automated reader devices with sensors and image analysis are used, then measurement precision and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to create an optical copy (image) of the test strip results. This captured image is then processed by circuitry to extract measurement data. By working with a copy rather than requiring direct complex sensor contact with the test strip, the system achieves automated precision reading while keeping the physical device relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If subjective visual interpretation is used, then no metadata can be collected, but the method remains simple and requires no data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The automated reader device captures not only the test result but also metadata such as image quality metrics, timing information, and environmental conditions. This feedback loop allows the system to store comprehensive data for future reference and quality control, while the processing is automated enough to maintain operational simplicity.
4Measurement precision
If quantitative measurements are implemented, then analytical capability is improved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements quantitative measurement by analyzing parameters such as the intensity, area, or colorimetric properties of the test line in the captured image. By changing from qualitative presence/absence detection to quantitative parameter analysis, the system provides concentration estimates while using standard image processing techniques that don't require complex additional hardware.
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 reduce human error and variability, enhance test strip throughput, and facilitate data integration, improving diagnostic workflows by ensuring accurate and quantitative results.
Implementation Method 1
a camera board configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip
Data Source
AI summary
A reader device includes a camera board, processing circuitry in communication with the camera board, and an interface in communication with the processing circuitry. The camera board is configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, based on the image data captured by the camera board, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip. The interface is configured to output data indicative of the concentration of the target analyte determined by the processing circuitry.