Lateral Flow Test Quantification Under Variable Ambient Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral flow tests provide only qualitative or semi-quantitative results due to inconsistencies in determining the intensity of the test band, which are exacerbated by varying ambient light conditions, and specialized reading devices are expensive and inconvenient for home users.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a lateral flow device with markings and a computer-implemented approach to correct for shadows and visual anomalies, allowing for reliable and reproducible quantitative results using a user's smart device, which includes a light control region and color control region to compensate for ambient light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized reading devices are used to read the test band, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a smartphone camera to create a digital copy (image) of the test band instead of requiring specialized optical reading devices. The camera captures the visual characteristics of the test band, and image processing algorithms analyze the copied image data to determine analyte concentration, thereby achieving precise measurements without specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical reading system with a digital imaging system. Instead of using specialized optical sensors and detectors, the invention uses a standard smartphone camera to capture images and processes them through computational algorithms, substituting physical measurement mechanisms with digital processing.
2Ease of operation
If visual intensity is used to determine concentration, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ambient light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light control region as an intermediary reference element. This region provides a known reference for light intensity and characteristics that can be used to normalize and correct measurements from the test band, thereby compensating for the effects of varying ambient light conditions while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image processing algorithms that analyze the relationship between the test band intensity and the light control region intensity. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust and correct measurements based on the actual lighting conditions, improving precision without requiring the user to manually control ambient light.
3Measurement precision
If quantitative results are provided, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inconsistencies in intensity determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the test region into multiple segments including the test band area and the light control region. By analyzing different segments separately and comparing their characteristics, the system can isolate the signal from the test band from the effects of ambient lighting, thereby improving both precision and reliability of quantitative results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for measurement by analyzing multiple characteristics of the test band image (such as color, intensity, shape) and comparing them against the light control region. This multi-parameter analysis approach reduces the impact of any single variable (like ambient light) and improves the reliability of quantitative determinations.
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 consistent quantitative analysis of target analytes in samples using a user's smart device, eliminating the need for specialized equipment and improving reliability under varying light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The test strip is configured to cause a fluid biological sample of the user (e.g. urine, saliva, blood, plasma) applied thereto to move along the test strip by capillary action.
Implementation Method 2
obtaining test data of a test region of a lateral flow device to which the sample has been applied, the test data of the test region comprising test data values of at least one light parameter of light reflected from the test region
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a target analyte level comprising: obtaining test data of a test region of a lateral flow device, test data comprising test data values of a light parameter of light reflected from test region; dividing test data into test data sub-groups; obtaining light control data of a light control region, light control data comprising light data values of the light parameter from the light control region; dividing light control data into light control data sub-groups, each light control data sub-group having a corresponding test data sub-group; for at least some of the test data sub-groups, comparing test data values of a given test data sub-group with light data values of the corresponding light control data sub-group, and correcting, if any variations are determined, test data values; and comparing corrected test data with predetermined correlation data correlating light data values with different target analyte levels.