Cloud-Based Portable Urinalysis System Using Quantum Cascade Laser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urinalysis systems are not capable of performing real-time analysis, which can be critical in situations like intensive care units, and are typically not portable or non-invasive, limiting their application and timeliness.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based portable miniaturized system using a Quantum Cascade Laser or miniaturized near-infrared spectrometer to emit and detect optical radiation through a urine sample, converting the data into digital form and transmitting it to the cloud for processing, allowing for real-time non-invasive urinalysis of various biomarkers and substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional urinalysis systems are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but portability and real-time capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the urinalysis function into separate modular components: optical source module, detection module, data processing module, and communication module. This segmentation enables the system to be miniaturized and portable while maintaining measurement precision through specialized function allocation to each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical urinalysis methods with optical detection using quantum cascade lasers and photodetectors. This substitution enables real-time, non-invasive measurement while reducing system size and complexity, achieving both precision and portability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional urinalysis systems are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but real-time analysis capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous optical detection of urine samples using quantum cascade lasers that continuously emit radiation through the sample. The photodetector continuously converts transmitted light to electrical signals, enabling real-time, continuous monitoring of multiple urinary parameters without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional batch chemical analysis is replaced with continuous optical detection using laser-based spectroscopy. This substitution enables real-time analysis while maintaining measurement accuracy through the physical principle of light absorption by urinary substances.
3Ease of operation
If portable miniaturized components are used, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single quantum cascade laser source that can detect multiple urinary parameters (glucose, ketones, bilirubin, etc.) by tuning to different wavelengths. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microcontroller unit and cloud communication module as intermediaries that manage data processing and transmission. These intermediaries coordinate the complex interactions between optical components, sensors, and external systems, making the overall system more manageable despite the advanced technology used.
4Productivity
If cloud-based data processing is implemented, then real-time processing capability is improved, but data transmission dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data processing and analysis locally using an onboard microcontroller unit before transmitting to the cloud. This preliminary action ensures that critical urinalysis results can be processed and acted upon immediately even if cloud connectivity is interrupted, maintaining reliability while enabling real-time processing.
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
Enables real-time, non-invasive urinalysis of key parameters and substances in urine samples, including biomarkers, drugs, and bacteria, improving timeliness and portability, and extending applications beyond traditional laboratory settings.
Implementation Method 1
receiving the emitted optical transmissions at a photodetector; converting the received optical transmissions to digital data
Implementation Method 2
using a Quantum Cascade Laser or miniaturized near-infrared spectrometer to emit and detect optical radiation
Implementation Method 3
using an optical source to emit optical radiations at certain wavelengths through fluid in a fluid sampling medium; receiving the emitted optical transmissions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for implementing a cloud-based portable miniaturized system for performing non-invasive urinalysis in real time, the method comprising using an optical source to emit optical radiations at certain wavelengths through fluid in a fluid sampling medium; receiving the emitted optical transmissions at a photodetector; converting the received optical transmissions to digital data; accumulating the digital data for a first time period; and periodically transmitting the accumulated digital data to a cloud service for further processing.