Immunochromatographic Strip Interpretation Using Control-Line Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immunochromatography tests require manual visual interpretation of color changes, which can be subjective and prone to errors, and automated systems often struggle with varying positions of detection areas on test strips.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic testing-device that captures images of the test strip, identifies the sample developing detection area, and interprets the coloration states of analyte detection areas using predetermined inter-area distances and threshold values to automate the interpretation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual visual interpretation is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to subjectivity and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual interpretation mechanism with an automated image processing system. The processing part captures images of the test strip and automatically analyzes coloration states in detection areas, substituting human visual assessment with computational image analysis to eliminate subjectivity and improve measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the test strip and the interpretation result. This intermediary captures images, processes them to identify detection areas, and objectively determines test outcomes, serving as a bridge that transforms visual information into reliable digital data without direct human involvement
2Measurement precision
If automated image processing is implemented, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the test strip into distinct detection areas (first detection area, second detection area, control area) and processes each area separately. The processing part identifies specific regions of interest and analyzes coloration in each independently, breaking down the complex interpretation task into manageable segments that improve precision while organizing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The processing part automatically identifies detection areas and performs interpretation without requiring manual positioning or intervention. The system self-adjusts to varying test strip positions by automatically locating the control area and determining detection area positions based on predetermined distances, making the device autonomous and reducing operational complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system accounts for varying test strip positions, then the adaptability improves, but the processing complexity increases due to position identification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predetermined distance relationships between the control area and detection areas before actual testing. The processing part uses these pre-defined spatial relationships to automatically locate detection areas relative to the control area, eliminating the need for complex real-time position calibration and simplifying the adaptation to varying strip positions
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adapts to different test strip positions by self-locating the control area through image analysis and then calculating detection area positions based on predetermined distances. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates manual alignment requirements and enables the system to handle position variations autonomously without increasing operational complexity
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 accurate and automated interpretation of immunochromatography test results, reducing human error and ensuring precise detection even with varying strip positions.
Implementation Method 1
The labeling substance is a label of a particular color, and binds to the analyte by binding force, for example, antigen-antibody reaction when mixed with the liquid sample.
Implementation Method 2
Upon reaching the detection area, the analyte that is bound to the labeling substance is selectively bound to the immobilizing substance, and is immobilized there.
Implementation Method 3
The detection area where the analyte bound to the labeling substance is immobilized and accumulated exhibits coloration of a predetermined color by the labeling substance.
Data Source
AI summary
A technology to determine an appropriate detection region in automatic determination of an immunochromatographic assay and an immunochromatographic assay interpretation device wherein a liquid sample including a detectable substance spreads into a region for detection via a test strip, and a negative or positive determination is made from the coloration state of the detection region, wherein a measuring unit acquires coloration index data for a range including at least a portion of a sample developing detection region for indicating that a sample has reached the detection region downstream from the sample developing detection region in the test strip, and a processing unit specifies the sample developing detection region from the coloration index data, the detection region in a predetermined inter-region distance upstream from the sample developing detection region of the coloration index data, and interprets negative or positive based on the coloration state of the detection region.