Drug Test Imaging Mount with Notch Holder and Vision Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capturing images of objects with freely oriented image capture devices and detecting regions of interest in captured images pose challenges, particularly in variable lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base, a mount with a backplate, a bottom platform, and a notch holder, which secures a drug test device, along with image processing methods using landmarks like bar codes and QR codes to accurately read and display results on drug test strips, employing techniques such as contour detection, image thresholding, and Sobel Operator subtraction to enhance image capture and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an image capture device is allowed to be freely oriented during image capture, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision and reliability of capturing the drug test strip result deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching the image capture device to the device stand at a predetermined orientation and position before the imaging process begins. This ensures the camera is properly positioned to capture the drug test strip result without requiring manual adjustment during operation, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The device stand acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the user's need for easy operation and the requirement for precise image capture. By providing a fixed mounting structure with predetermined orientation, the stand ensures consistent camera positioning while allowing simple placement of the drug testing device
2Measurement precision
If image processing techniques are applied to detect regions of interest in captured images, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing system performs self-service by automatically detecting landmarks (barcodes, QR codes), determining the orientation of the drug test strip, and identifying the region of interest without requiring manual intervention. This automation improves measurement precision while keeping the operational interface simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning and visual inspection with automated image processing algorithms. Instead of requiring users to manually position or identify features in the image, computer vision techniques automatically detect and analyze the drug test strip result, improving precision without significantly increasing user-facing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a base; a mount attached to the base, the mount including a backplate, a bottom platform formed perpendicular to the backplate along a bottom of the backplate, the bottom platform including a retention wall formed as part of the bottom platform distant from the portion of the bottom platform attached to the backplate, the retention wall being perpendicular to the bottom platform, and a first side arm formed as part of the backplate along a side of the backplate and extending outwards from the backplate, and a notch holder formed as part of the base, the notch holder configured to secure a drug test device to the base.