Inline Urinalysis System for Continuous Kidney Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for urine analysis in intensive care settings are labor-intensive, time-sensitive, and time-consuming, limiting their effectiveness in detecting acute kidney injury and other health indicators in real-time.
Innovation Solution
An inline urine analysis system comprising an image capture unit with an optical assembly and a control unit, capable of continuous monitoring of urine flow and constituents, including the use of dispensers for additives and illumination devices to aid in analysis, and software algorithms for image analysis to determine medical conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional offline urinalysis methods are used, then comprehensive urine analysis can be performed, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (centrifugation, manual microscopy, chemical testing) with an automated digital imaging system that captures, processes, and analyzes urine images computationally, eliminating labor-intensive steps while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-analysis through automated image capture and processing, where the digital imaging apparatus independently captures urine images, processes them through algorithms, and generates diagnostic results without requiring manual intervention for each analysis step
2Loss of information
If traditional urinalysis procedures are followed, then diagnostic information can be obtained, but the response time is too slow for acute kidney injury detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous real-time monitoring of urine parameters through persistent image capture and analysis, allowing ongoing assessment of kidney function without interruption or delay between samples
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated analysis of urine images immediately upon capture, identifying key diagnostic features and generating preliminary results before clinical review, accelerating the overall diagnostic timeline
3Measurement precision
If manual centrifugation and microscopic examination are used, then sediment analysis can be performed, but the process requires significant labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual centrifugation and microscopy with automated digital imaging that captures urine sediment in the flow stream, using computational algorithms to identify and characterize particles, cells, and crystals without manual manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The digital imaging system performs multiple functions simultaneously - capturing images, processing them through various analysis algorithms, identifying different urine constituents, and generating comprehensive results, replacing multiple separate manual procedures with a single integrated system
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, comprehensive analysis of urine, allowing for early detection of kidney failure and other health issues, reducing the need for offline centrifugation and improving patient care by providing timely and accurate diagnostic information.
Implementation Method 1
focusses light reflected from or transmitted through a continuous urine stream
Implementation Method 2
focusses light reflected from or transmitted through a continuous urine stream
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4A
AI summary
Described is an apparatus for inline urine analysis comprising a control unit and at least one image capture unit comprising an image sensor and an optical assembly. The apparatus is configured to be coupled with an indwelling urinary catheter or conduit leading from the catheter. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise a dispenser configured to dispense inert or reactive matter into the urine stream to aid in the analysis of properties of the urine and an illumination device configured to illuminate the urine stream. Also described is a system comprising at least one of these apparatuses and at least one image analyzer unit operatively connected to it. The image analyzer unit comprises a processor and software adapted to analyze the captured images to derive information therefrom relating to identification of properties of the urine and/or objects of interest in the urine stream. Embodiments of the system may comprise other peripheral devices.