Optical Sample Measurement Device for Point-of-Care Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample measurement devices for point of care (PoC) testing require cumbersome user interface operations, making it difficult for non-professional users to initiate measurements, and are prone to operational errors until they become familiar with the interface.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that allows sample measurement to be initiated by loading a container shielded from light, where information for measurement is read automatically, eliminating the need for manual input through a user interface, and using a control unit to control the measurement process based on information stored in the container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user interface screen with buttons is provided for inputting measurement information, then measurement can be performed with various kinds of information, but the operation becomes cumbersome and complex for non-professional users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement information input capabilityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container automatically provides measurement information through its information storage part (barcode, RFID tag, etc.) when loaded into the device. The control unit automatically reads and processes this information without requiring user input through a complex interface, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for cumbersome manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical interaction of pressing buttons and navigating menus on a user interface screen is replaced by an automated optical or electromagnetic reading system. The control unit uses a reader to automatically capture information from the container's information storage part, substituting the mechanical user interface interaction with an automated detection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If a user interface screen is required for inputting information before measurement, then complete measurement information can be obtained, but the measurement process becomes time-consuming and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement information completenessVSAvoidmeasurement operation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement information is pre-stored in the container's information storage part before the measurement process begins. This preliminary preparation of information eliminates the need for time-consuming manual input during the measurement process, allowing the control unit to immediately read and process the pre-prepared information, thus maintaining information completeness while significantly improving operation speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If manual input operations are required on a user interface screen, then measurement information can be entered, but the risk of operational errors increases for inexperienced users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement information accuracyVSAvoidoperation error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container itself serves as the information source, automatically providing measurement information through its embedded information storage part. This eliminates human interaction with the input process entirely, removing the source of operational errors while ensuring accurate information transfer from the container to the control unit through automated reading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Simplifies the measurement process by allowing users to start the measurement with a simple operation of loading the container, reducing the risk of errors and improving user experience, especially for those inexperienced with user interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

loading the container (300) such that the container (300) is shielded from light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

optically measuring a sample housed in a container (300)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP3492924B1Optical sample measurement of sample housed in container

Publication Date: 2022.11.09 SYSMEX CORP

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AI summary

A sample measurement device and corresponding method that optically measures a sample housed in a container, comprising: a housing; a load section that enables to load the container; a reader for reading information regarding a measurement to be performed on the sample in response to the loading the container; a measurement unit for measuring the sample; a mechanical unit for moving the container loaded in the load section to be shielded from light; a detecting unit for detecting that the loaded container is shielded from light; and a control unit for controlling the reader and the measurement unit in response to detection by the detecting unit.