Modular Illumination Chamber for Mobile Test Strip Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test strip analysis using handheld devices faces challenges with variability in light source luminance, glare, and artifacts, making quantitative imaging of biological samples difficult, especially in remote locations where laboratory facilities are not accessible.
Innovation Solution
A modular specimen illumination and positioning chamber system that attaches to mobile devices, utilizing the device's front-facing camera and illuminated display screen for indirect diffuse lighting, with adjustable brightness and color, and a customizable top stage for various specimen types, along with ancillary modules for monitoring environmental variables and data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If direct light from display screen is used to illuminate specimen, then illumination intensity is improved, but glare and artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diffuser as an intermediary element between the display screen light source and the specimen. This diffuser scatters the direct light into diffuse light, maintaining adequate illumination intensity while eliminating glare and reflective artifacts that directly interfere with image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful direct light component from the illumination path by using the diffuser to separate and scatter the light rays. The beneficial illumination function is retained while the harmful direct beam characteristics are removed, achieving clean diffuse lighting.
2Stability of the object's composition
If chamber structure is added to control lighting, then illumination consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the diffuser for light scattering, provides a controlled environment for specimen placement, supports the camera positioning, and creates a sealed space for consistent lighting conditions. This multi-functionality achieves illumination consistency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lighting control function with the specimen chamber structure. Rather than adding a separate lighting control mechanism, the chamber itself is designed to guide and diffuse light while containing the specimen, combining structural support with optical control functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed chamber structure is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different specimen types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber structure is segmented into modular components including removable stages, adjustable holders, and interchangeable accessories. This segmentation allows the basic precision-manufactured chamber body to remain simple while accommodating various specimen types through detachable modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic and adjustable elements within the chamber, such as movable stages, adjustable clamps, and flexible positioning mechanisms. These dynamic components allow adaptation to different specimen sizes and types while the overall chamber structure maintains manufacturing precision.
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
Enhances data acquisition and analysis of test strips by reducing glare and artifacts, providing consistent and adjustable lighting, and enabling reliable quantitative imaging and analysis of biological samples in remote settings, while addressing issues of specimen positioning and environmental fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber gathers light from the illuminated display screen to provide indirect diffuse lighting to a specimen test strip
Implementation Method 2
The inside of the base module of the chamber being reflective to increase the luminance in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described are generally directed to a test sample apparatus. The test sample apparatus generally comprises a holder base arranged that accommodates a tablet or cell phone. The apparatus has a hood that is placed over a portion of the tablets illuminating touchscreen such that the illuminating touchscreen provides light that can be collected by the hood. There is a chamber integrated with the hood adapted to accommodate a chemically activated test strip. The chemically activated test strip is illuminated when the hood collects light from the illuminating touchscreen. A lens in the hood interposed between the camera and the test strip enables the camera to focus on a portion of the chemically activated test strip when the hood is placed over the portion of the illuminating touchscreen.