Medical Self-Test Validation via Real-Time Image Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-administered medical tests lack verifiability, as users may misinterpret instructions or intentionally manipulate the process, leading to incorrect results due to lack of training and potential health risks associated with physical contact during sample collection.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that record and transmit real-time image data sequences of the test procedure to a server for processing, using image recording devices connected to input devices, where the data is stored in a secure database inaccessible to the test subject, and verified using identification data and machine learning algorithms to determine the correct execution of test steps and identity verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a self-test procedure is offered to make rapid tests more accessible and easier to carry out, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of verifiability and potential improper execution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback by recording image data sequences of the test procedure execution and transmitting them to a server for analysis. The server sends feedback signals to the control unit, which then provides instructions to the test person to correct improper actions, ensuring the test is performed correctly while maintaining self-testing accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary verification system is introduced between the test person and the test result. The system includes a control unit that coordinates with a server to analyze image data sequences and verify test execution, acting as a mediator that ensures reliability without requiring direct medical personnel involvement at the test location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If medical facilities and staff are involved to ensure proper test execution, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test system performs self-verification through automated image analysis. The control unit automatically captures image data sequences, transmits them to the server for analysis, and receives feedback instructions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for medical personnel to physically present at the test location, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical presence of medical personnel with an automated electronic verification system. Instead of requiring a doctor to visually inspect test execution, the system uses image recording devices, data transmission, and automated analysis algorithms to verify proper test performance, significantly reducing human involvement and associated complexity.

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

3Measurement precision

If physical contact is required for sample collection, then test accuracy is maintained, but harmful factors increase due to health risks for test person and staff

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest accuracyVSAvoidhealth risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the test process into distinct phases: sample collection (which may involve controlled physical contact), image recording, data transmission, and remote verification. This segmentation allows the harmful physical contact to be isolated to a minimal necessary extent while the majority of the verification process occurs remotely without physical contact, reducing overall health risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4134973A1Validation of a medical self-test
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 MEDERER 8510 FUERTH DE
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AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a system for validating the execution of a medical test procedure, wherein at least one image data sequence of at least the sample collection step of a medical test procedure performed on a test subject is acquired by an image acquisition device (10) at a first location (L1) and the acquired image data sequence is transmitted by means of a transmission device to a processing processor at a second location (L2). The image data sequence is stored in a database (25) in a format inaccessible to the test subject. The processing processor determines whether the predetermined steps of the test procedure recorded in the at least one image data sequence were carried out correctly and verifies the identity of the test subject based on identification data.The probability of validity of a result of the medical test procedure for the test subject is determined at least on the basis of the proper execution of the recorded prescribed steps of the test procedure and on the basis of the verification of identity.