Automated Optical Sensor Module for Lateral Flow Test Strip Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug testing systems, such as roadside and workplace tests, face challenges due to the need for visual analysis of test strips, which can lead to incorrect interpretations and invalid results, especially in varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable substance testing system featuring a sensor module with a light source, a stainless steel filter with elongate apertures, and a sensor to automatically read lateral flow test strips, eliminating the need for human interpretation and providing consistent results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual analysis of test strips is used, then simplicity and low cost are maintained, but reliability and measurement precision deteriorate due to incorrect interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection mechanism with an automated optical sensing system. A sensor module with light source, filter, and detector automatically reads the test strip results, eliminating human interpretation errors while maintaining portability. This substitution of mechanical/manual operation with automated sensing resolves the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system performs self-analysis through automated optical detection. The sensor module independently reads and interprets the test strip results without requiring external human analysis, enabling the device to serve itself in obtaining accurate measurements while remaining simple and portable.
2Measurement precision
If manual visual testing is performed, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incorrect interpretation of test strip output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual interpretation with automated optical sensing. The sensor module objectively measures the test strip output, eliminating subjective human interpretation errors and significantly improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module provides immediate automated feedback by reading and processing the test strip results electronically. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual interpretation while maintaining simple operation, as the system automatically processes and reports the findings.
3Reliability
If test strips are analyzed in varying conditions, then adaptability is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to invalid results from incorrect testing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual analysis with automated optical sensing that objectively reads test strip results. This substitution eliminates the variability introduced by human interpretation under different conditions, ensuring consistent and reliable results while maintaining the ability to operate in various environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module uses controlled optical parameters (light source wavelength, filter characteristics, detection sensitivity) to standardize the measurement process. By controlling these physical parameters, the system maintains reliability across varying environmental conditions while preserving operational flexibility.
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
The system ensures consistent and reliable substance testing by automatically interpreting test results, reducing interference and noise, and is simple, inexpensive, and robust, making it suitable for handheld use.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, configured to illuminate a lateral flow test strip of the portable substance testing system
Implementation Method 2
the light to be filtered is reflected from a surface of the test strip
Implementation Method 3
a filter, comprising a plurality of apertures, configured to filter out light from the lateral flow test strip
Implementation Method 4
a sensor, for sensing the filtered light, and providing one or more signals indicative of an output of the test strip
Data Source
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AI summary
A substance testing method, a substance testing system, and a sensor module for a portable substance testing system is disclosed. The sensor module includes: a light source, configured to illuminate a lateral flow test strip of the portable substance testing system; a filter, comprising a plurality of apertures, configured to filter out light from the lateral flow test strip; and a sensor, for sensing the filtered light, and providing one or more signals indicative of an output of the test strip.