Dual Camera Biological Specimen Testing Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing biological specimens, such as semen analysis, require expensive microscope equipment and are not feasible for frequent or home-based testing due to high costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A portable testing equipment with a magnifying function that includes a sample carrier, detachable cover with a magnifying component, and integration with intelligent communication devices for image capture and analysis, allowing for cost-effective and user-friendly testing of sperm count, motility, and morphology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional microscope equipment is used for biological specimen testing, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecimen observation accuracyVSAvoidequipment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a camera to capture optical images of the specimen, creating a digital copy that can be analyzed without requiring complex mechanical microscope systems. The camera records the specimen state, and image processing algorithms analyze the captured data, replacing the need for expensive optical microscopy equipment while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical microscope systems with an optical-capture-and-digital-analysis system. Instead of using complex mechanical lenses, mirrors, and adjustment mechanisms, the invention uses a camera to capture images and software algorithms to perform the analysis that would traditionally require sophisticated optical instrumentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If professional testing equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring specialized training

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automated image analysis using computer algorithms that automatically process the captured images to identify and characterize sperm cells. The device serves itself by automatically counting, categorizing, and analyzing sperm morphology without requiring the user to manually adjust focus, calculate concentrations, or interpret microscopic images - tasks that traditionally required specialized training.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual microscopic analysis with automated digital image processing. Instead of requiring users to skillfully operate microscopes and manually count cells, the system uses software algorithms to automatically analyze the captured images, making the process as simple as taking a photograph and receiving automated results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional testing methods are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases due to frequent trips to testing authorities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidtesting time consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential testing function from centralized laboratory settings and places it in a portable device that can be used at home. By taking out the core capabilities of specimen capture and analysis from the laboratory environment, the system enables users to perform tests locally without needing to travel to testing authorities, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining accuracy through validated algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Measurement precision

If expensive microscope equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases making the device unaffordable for individuals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecimen analysis accuracyVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a camera and software-based analysis system that is significantly cheaper to manufacture than conventional microscope equipment. By using off-the-shelf camera components and software algorithms instead of expensive optical instruments, the device achieves acceptable measurement precision at a fraction of the cost, making it economically viable for individual use and home testing applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 instant and affordable testing of biological specimens at home, reducing the need for professional equipment and labor, while providing accurate results for fertility assessments and other applications.

Implementation Method 1

The detachable cover includes a magnifying component configured to align with the specimen holding area. The focal length of the magnifying component is from 0.1 mm to 8.5 mm. The magnifying component has a linear magnification ratio of at least 1.0.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnification: Lens

Implementation Method 2

a camera component for capturing the image of the specimen holding area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection and transmission: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3244250B1Testing equipment with dual cameras
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 BONRAYBIO
  • EP3244250B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3244250B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3244250B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

Embodiments disclose a device for testing biological specimen. The device includes a sample carrier and a detachable cover. The sample carrier includes a specimen holding area. The detachable cover is placed on top of the specimen holding area. The detachable cover includes a magnifying component configured to align with the specimen holding area. The focal length of the magnifying component is from 0.1 mm to 8.5 mm. The magnifying component has a linear magnification ratio of at least 1. Some embodiments further include a multi-camera configuration. These embodiments include a first camera module and a second camera module arranged to capture one or more images of the first holding area and the second holding area, respectively. The processor may perform different analytic processes on the captured images of different holding areas to determine an outcome with regard to the biological specimen.