Mobile Chemosensory Testing App for Early Disorder Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current screening processes for illnesses like the flu and coronavirus are inadequate for early detection, as they rely on temperature checks and questionnaires, which may not identify infections before symptoms appear, and there is a need for a more effective method to detect loss of smell, a potential early indicator of diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for chemosensory disorder testing using a mobile application that receives a scanning signal from a scanner, identifies a predetermined scent, and generates multiple-choice displays on a mobile device for users to identify, allowing for self-testing and staged testing to detect loss of smell, which can indicate infection or medical issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature checks and questionnaires are used for screening, then the screening process is simple and non-invasive, but the detection capability is insufficient for early illness detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical screening methods (temperature checks) with a sensory-based detection method using scent identification. The system uses volatile compounds emitted by individuals as biological markers, and employs electronic nose technology or visual scent identification to detect these compounds, enabling earlier disease detection before physical symptoms appear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces volatile chemical compounds as intermediaries between the individual and the detection system. These compounds serve as biomarkers that can be detected remotely, allowing for non-contact screening while providing early detection capability. The compounds mediate the interaction between the screening system and the individual being tested.
2Reliability
If traditional screening methods are used, then the process is rapid and non-invasive, but it cannot detect losses of smell or early neurological issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional screening system that can detect multiple types of conditions simultaneously. The same scent identification mechanism can detect viral infections, neurological disorders (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Lewy body dementia), and chemosensory disorders. This universal approach allows one system to serve multiple diagnostic purposes, improving early detection accuracy across different disease categories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from physical measurements (temperature) to chemical/sensory measurements (scent identification). By measuring the ability to detect and identify volatile compounds, the system can assess chemosensory function and detect neurological conditions that affect smell perception, thereby improving detection accuracy for a broader range of conditions.
3Reliability
If scent identification testing is implemented, then early detection of chemosensory disorders is enabled, but the testing system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual representations or digital models of scents as substitutes for direct olfactory testing. Instead of requiring actual scent delivery and subjective reporting, the system can use visual cues, digital scent profiles, or simulated olfactory stimuli that replicate the detection task. This copying approach simplifies the physical testing infrastructure while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables individuals to perform self-testing by providing them with testing materials and instructions that they can complete independently. The system includes self-contained testing kits with predefined scent samples and response mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex professional administration while maintaining accurate chemosensory assessment capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for performing chemosensory disorder testing includes an application for installation on a mobile computing device. The application includes a set of instructions to receive a scanning signal from a scanner communicating with the mobile computing device, the scanning signal including a unique identifier. The application next identifies a predetermined scent responsive to the scanning signal. The application generates multiple choice display for display on a display screen associated with the mobile computing device, the multiple-choice display includes an indication associated with the identified predetermined scent and at least one indication associated with another scent. The application receives a test response input from the display screen responsive to an input from a test subject attempting to detect the predetermined scent.