Modular Illumination Chamber for Mobile Test Strip Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test strip analysis using handheld devices faces challenges in providing consistent and reliable data acquisition due to variability in light sources, improper specimen positioning, and environmental fluctuations, leading to errors in biological sampling and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A modular specimen illumination and positioning chamber system is developed, which attaches to mobile devices, utilizing the device's display screen for indirect diffuse lighting and adjustable opacity, allowing for robust imaging and analysis of test specimens under various orientations and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If direct light from the display screen is used to illuminate the specimen, then illumination intensity is improved, but glare and artifacts increase reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser element is introduced as an intermediary between the display screen light source and the specimen. This diffuser scatters the direct light into diffuse illumination, reducing glare and artifacts while maintaining adequate illumination intensity for accurate test strip analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system provides non-uniform local illumination by positioning the light source and diffuser to create optimal lighting conditions specifically at the specimen location, while other regions of the chamber remain darker to reduce stray light and improve contrast for measurement precision.
2Reliability
If the chamber covers a portion of the display screen to gather light, then illumination reliability is improved, but the usable screen area for user interaction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is designed with a movable or adjustable positioning system that allows it to be dynamically positioned over different portions of the display screen. This enables the chamber to gather light from optimal screen regions while minimizing obstruction of the usable screen area for user interaction, adapting to different device sizes and orientations.
3Strength
If the chamber is made robust to physical disruption from dropping, then device durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber incorporates shock-absorbing materials and cushioning elements positioned at strategic locations to protect against dropping and physical disruption. These protective features are integrated into the chamber structure beforehand, providing durability without requiring complex active protection systems.
4Measurement precision
If the top stage module is made adjustable for X, Y and Z spatial positioning, then specimen positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into three independent adjustment mechanisms corresponding to X, Y, and Z spatial dimensions. Each dimension can be adjusted separately, allowing precise specimen positioning while maintaining modular simplicity that avoids excessive overall device complexity.
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
This solution enhances data acquisition by reducing glare and artifacts, improving the reliability of biological sampling and analysis, and enabling accurate quantification of test results through programmable lighting and adjustable specimen positioning, even in remote locations.
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.