Optical Measurement Device Reaction Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement apparatuses for POCT require manual sample application and timing measurement, which is burdensome, especially in high-volume testing scenarios, and can lead to erroneous results due to varying reaction completion periods and sample aging.
Innovation Solution
An optical measurement apparatus with a reader and controller that automatically determines color development completion by setting a reaction completion period based on the test item, preventing tests from proceeding if color development is detected before this period and utilizing the first reading after mounting to assess completion, allowing for efficient and accurate testing across multiple instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sample application and timing measurement are required, then the apparatus can perform basic optical measurement, but the workload increases and error risk increases in high-volume testing
Solution Approach 1:
The test instrument automatically performs sample application and timing measurement without requiring manual intervention. The automatic sample applicator applies the sample at precisely timed intervals, and the controller automatically measures the reaction time, eliminating the need for operators to manually time each reaction and reducing both workload and error risk
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple test instruments with different reaction completion periods before testing begins. The controller is programmed with the specific reaction times for each test item in advance, so when high-volume testing is required, the system can automatically manage multiple instruments with different timing requirements without increasing operator workload
2Measurement precision
If reaction completion period varies by test item, then accurate measurement is possible, but manual timing becomes more complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically tracks the reaction completion period for each test item and uses this information to control the measurement timing. The system receives feedback about which test item is being measured and automatically adjusts the measurement timing according to the pre-stored reaction completion period for that specific test item, eliminating manual timing complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to universally manage multiple test instruments with different reaction completion periods through a single automated system. The controller can store and manage timing parameters for multiple different test items and automatically apply the correct timing to each instrument, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from managing multiple manual timing processes
3Productivity
If immediate mounting of test instruments is allowed, then productivity increases, but erroneous results may occur from improper sample handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures each test instrument with its specific reaction completion period before testing begins. This preliminary setup allows operators to immediately mount test instruments without waiting for timing verification, while the controller ensures that measurements are taken at the correct time based on the pre-stored parameters, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the reaction progress and uses feedback from the optical measurement to determine when the reaction is complete. The system compares the measured optical signal against expected values and only proceeds with analysis when the reaction has properly completed, preventing erroneous results while allowing immediate mounting and processing of test instruments
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 efficient and accurate testing by allowing immediate mounting of test instruments, preventing erroneous results from improper sample handling and automatically managing reaction completion periods, enhancing user efficiency and reducing workload in high-volume testing.
Implementation Method 1
optical measurement apparatus for performing a test by reading color development of a reagent by optical measurement
Data Source
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AI summary
An object is to provide an optical measurement apparatus for performing an efficient test by optical measurement without incurring incorrect measurements. To this end, the measurement apparatus utilizes a test instrument mounted thereto and including a carrier with a reagent retaining portion for application of a sample. The measurement apparatus includes a reader for color development at the reagent retaining portion, and a controller for driving control of the reader and for required determination. The controller performs the determination by utilizing the data obtained by reading the color development of the reagent after a reaction completion period Tr1-Tr6 depending on the reagent and starting from the mounting of the test instrument. When detecting that the color development at the reagent retaining portion is completed before the lapse of the reaction completion period Tr1-Tr6 after the mounting of the test instrument, the controller stops the test for the test instrument.