Optical Test Element Validation for High-Throughput Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device-based measurement systems for bodily fluid analysis in high-throughput testing scenarios, such as in Covid-19 test centers, are prone to errors and reduce overall throughput due to the need for strict organizational assignment of tests and executing staff.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing two mobile devices with cameras and processors to capture images of optical test elements before and after sample application, verifying unique identifiers and ensuring a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, allowing for robust and user-friendly analysis of bodily fluid samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single mobile device is used for capturing images and processing test results, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to potential errors and lack of validation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into two independent mobile devices: a first mobile device for capturing the initial image and a second mobile device for capturing the final image and processing results. This segmentation allows each device to perform its specific function independently, reducing the risk of errors from a single device while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional division.
2Measurement precision
If strict organizational assignment of tests and executing staff is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to reduced flexibility and increased administrative overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the first mobile device captures an image, stores the unique identifier and timestamp, then the second mobile device captures the final image and automatically verifies the waiting time against the stored timestamp. This automated feedback loop ensures measurement validity without requiring strict organizational assignment, as the system itself validates the measurement process, thereby maintaining both precision and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-validation through automated timestamp verification and unique identifier matching between the two mobile devices. The system automatically checks whether the predetermined waiting time has elapsed and validates the test process without requiring external administrative oversight, enabling high-throughput testing while maintaining measurement precision through self-service validation.
3Reliability
If automated verification of unique identifiers and waiting time is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The first mobile device performs preliminary actions by capturing the initial image, extracting the unique identifier, and storing the timestamp before the measurement process begins. This preliminary action prepares the validation data in advance, so that when the second mobile device captures the final image, the verification of unique identifier matching and waiting time calculation can be performed automatically with minimal additional processing 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
Enables safe, high-throughput testing with a low error rate by automating the measurement process and ensuring valid environmental conditions, facilitating efficient mass-testing scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
capturing a first image by using a camera of the first mobile device... capturing a second image by using a camera of the second mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a property of a body fluid sample using a database and first and second mobile devices each having a camera and a processor is disclosed. The method uses an optical test element having a reagent test region and a unique identifier associated with the optical test element. In the inventive method, a first image is captured of the test element using the first mobile device before the sample is applied and a second image is captured of the test element after the sample is applied. The first and second images both capture a unique identifier. It is verified whether the unique identifiers in the first and second images are identical and whether a minimum waiting time has elapsed. Depending upon the results of the verification, further evaluation can be aborted or the property of the sample can be determined using the second image.